I’ve always wondered why it is that I love watching football over any other sport. I struggle to explain it correctly when in an argument, especially when I have someone telling me why baseball is still America’s game and how there are still hero’s in sports such as tennis, baseball, and soccer.
They are correct.
As I said, I never could explain it the way I wanted to in an argument or debate, so here is my response as to why football is my game of choice.
I’m 5’4", 110 pounds. I get tackled by anyone wearing a college and/or pro jersey, chances are, I am either paralyzed or dead. Bottom line: I know I can’t play in the National Football League. I will never experience the thrill of winning a Super Bowl or being inducted into the Hall of Fame as the best running back ever. I am okay with that.
I was born a competitor. I played every sport imaginable as a child and always had to be the best. I would compete with my two older brothers over who got to be QB for our game of pick up football. Not flag football either.
I loved to win. I hated to lose.
I thrive on those movies that are based on true stories (Remember the Titans) and cry at the games that hold so much emotion you can actually FEEL it (Boise State and Oklahoma)
I also know other sports are just as important as football.
Baseball is great. I think if I had to give a sport an award for having such an amazing history and out of the world athletes, it would go to baseball. But I have to face the truth here.
I can’t watch a full nine innings of baseball to save my life. I find myself turning the channels endlessly to Deal or no Deal or trying to see if there is any news to a glimpse of the upcoming year on the NFL/College season.
Not to say I don’t enjoy a good baseball game. I am just simply pointing out, it is not on my agenda to watch one of the 300 games they play in a season. (I know I know. It’s not exactly 300)
Basketball is so not my thing. I wish it was, just so I could say I am not bias to only one or two sports. I have really tried to get into this but sadly cannot. There is nothing exciting watching a ball dribbled around while a guy gets touched by a pinky and it’s ruled a foul. Really?
Ironically enough, it was one of my favorite sports to play as a kid.
- B/R Ticket Guide
I know there are athletes like Shaq and Kobe. I know about the legends of Bird and Jordan. They are adored by many basketball/sports fans out there, as well as they should be. Though I respect them, it’s hard to keep my attention span focused on their stats and how well they played.
Then there is hockey. I love hockey. I think it is a tough sport with amazing competitors. The Stanley Cup playoffs are as exciting any playoff game I have ever seen. Then again, I was also an Avalanche fan and was privileged enough to witness two Stanley Cups won.
Did I mention I also got to watch athletes such as Ray Bourque, Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, Chris Drury, Adam Foote, Patrick Roy, Robby Blake, Mike Ricci, Alex Tanguay, Milan Hedjuk, Adam Deadmarsh, and Teemu Selanne all play? If I could ever use a word like surreal, this would be where I would use it.
I sat four rows behind the glass when Ray Bourque held up that Stanley Cup for the first time in his career.
Hockey was my second favorite sport. That night, it was my first. As a sports fan, it is still so hard to beat those emotions I was feeling at that moment.
Tennis, soccer, golf, bull riding, NASCAR, bowling, Scrabble, anything else I am forgetting—well those sports are great, too. I am just not passionate about them.
To write, you must have passion.
To write well, anyway.
My passion is with football. My passion is with the competition and the nail biting that football endures.
My passion lies within the heroes of football. The class acts. The players that play for the love of the game.
Players such as Walter Payton and Barry Sanders, who ran in more touchdowns than most. They never had to do a “dance” or take a Sharpie out of their sock to sign a football. They simply handed the ball back to the ref after scoring a TD and ran to the sidelines.
Defensive players such as Reggie White, who, after tackling his opponent, would also be the first hand reaching out to them, helping them up.
Quarterbacks such as Joe Montana, John Elway, Peyton Manning, and Kurt Warner. All of which hold their head up high and play with such dignity and class, it makes you want to know them. It made you want to root for them.
Drew Bledsoe, who is one of the classiest QB’s, never complained once, though he had many reasons to do so. Those of you that watched Bledsoe and his career, know what I am talking about.
Wide receivers such as Marvin Harrison and Jerry Rice, who both have so much talent they used that towards football and football alone. No ego. No whining. Just doing what they did best. Play football.
Selfless players, such as the late Pat Tillman, who not only gave up his life fighting for this country, but in the football world, chose to give up signing a huge contract to stay with his team, the Arizona Cardinals.
Yes, he chose to stay with a team that more than likely wouldn’t even make the playoffs than to go play for the reigning Super Bowl Champions, the St Louis Rams. It wasn’t about money or wins to him.
It was about loyalty.
Something a lot of athletes could use more of.
I guess you can say that is why I love football so much. There is so much intensity, emotion, passion, & loyalty that goes into this sport, it’s pretty damn amazing.
I never thought that, as a female, I would be writing so much about this sport. I never thought I would be able to write about something I never was able to experience.
However, this sport has brought out thousands of emotions in me. Fights, tears of sadness, tears of happiness, phone calls to an ex-boyfriend I swore I would never talk to again to tell him my team beat his, and the biggest hug from my Dad when he saw me wearing his old Michigan State sweatshirt. I had never seen him so proud of me before. (I didn’t have the heart to tell him it was the only thing I could find in my closet.)
This sport has brought me closer to people. I know those of you that have the same passion for this game understand what I am talking about. When your team wins that game or spoils the undefeated team’s record, you want to call everyone you love, like and dislike to talk about about your teams victory.
You LOVE everyone on those days. Absolutely everyone.
Listen, I know there are unsung heroes and passion in all sports. So, please here is your opportunity to give a shout out to those that you feel deserve it. There are plenty of honorable mentions that I wanted to include, but I had to keep this as short as I could, and some athletes I was never able to see play.
Which is why I would like to hear from people that did see Thorpe play or hear their opinion as to who else is a class act in another sport.
In conclusion, here is a quote I found highly appropriate. This goes for all the athletes that couldn’t keep who they really were hidden. Good and Bad.
“Sports do not build character. They reveal it”- Hayword Hale Broun
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about 1 month ago
very nice! you hit everything on the nail! amazing words doll :) I'm still waiting on that email... aglenn@miwd.com haha!
from about 1 month ago
Well thanks Aaron....much appreciated
about 1 month ago
I feel like the Favre police, but....
In an article titled "For The Love Of The Game"
I feel it is unacceptable to not mention his name ONCE. Kurt Warner got in? But no Favre?
Favre Foul!
Another stellar article. I can feel your love for football through your syntax.
Sports really do bring together the whole world.
Great work!
from about 1 month ago
Now David,
Rest assured if there is anyone that loves Favre, it is me. I am not kidding when I tell you the restraining order is probably on it's way ;)
I have written about Brett a lot and wanted to add in others that I felt deserved it. Not saying Brett isn't a class act--though i think this year hurt him a bit. But as far as Playing for the love of the game? You bet Brett is right on top of my list there.
Thanks so much for your comment and input....I love your passion with Favre--it's awesome
about 1 month ago
Good article. That must have been awsome to see Ray Bourque lift the Cup!
from about 1 month ago
It was pretty awesome. Avs were down 3 - 1 in the series and came back to win it in 7. So amazing
about 1 month ago
nice job...again. you never disappoint. you're like every guys dream. haha
about 1 month ago
Baby Tate was mentioning in his article just the other day about some of the greats and specifically Billy Simms and Earl Campbell. If you never saw either of them play you truly missed something. While I have seen many of the all time greats, these two were perhaps the most amazing of a position that produces greatness.
For those who know of the great 49er teams, did you know that they made it through the playoffs one year by hitting a last second field goal as time expired to be a Lions team that had absolutely no one, except for Billy Simms that is.
For those who never saw Early Campbell play, the Tyler Rose was one of the gutsiest to ever show up on a field. He ran through, over , and by defenders but never ran from them, he was known for dragging them down the field.
For those what also never saw them,the 1972 Miami Dolphins was a team in the truest sense of the word. While Larry Csonka, Jim Kiick, Paul Warfield and Bob Griese became stars, they certainly didn't act like them. It was no wonder they won every game that year and they weren't blow outs either, the were hard fought battles won through effort and determination. You could hardly compare last year's Patriot team to those 72 Shula coached Dolphins.
Thanks for the read and the chance to talk about Pro-Football, something I rarely do these days.
from about 1 month ago
Wow--thanks Miami---great info and glad you shared :) This is exactly what I was looking for
from about 1 month ago
Mitch, you are so right. Remember the commercial that Earl was in "Skoal brutha!" Could he run? So could Billy S. and how about Gale Sayers? Please!!
about 1 month ago
Hey Kristin. Great article...great words...and your passion is certainly shared. Baseball is my true passion and I know some games are definitely hard to watch, I however can watch all 9 innings of any Dodgers game. But I also love football so I share your feelings in that too. I do love college football more than NFL though because I love the passion and will to win and the NFL, as you mentioned, you can only count 5-10 players now a days who play the right way. I wish sometimes players would remember who they used to be when they were kids...standing in their backyard playing keep away with their brothers/sisters... or kids screwing around in their drive way shooting hoops and announcing their own games- "jonny's got the ball, 3-2-1, 'swish" with one second left Jonny has won the championship for the Lakers". haha... anyway's college sports to me is when you see the true passion come about...speaking of passion, march madness is my favorite month of the year for TV other than october when you have playoff baseball, college football, and the NFL. I love all sports and having passion in general like you obviously do should be cherished....great article and true, true words :-)
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Jonny--
I loved baseball growing up too---had my collection of baseball cards--and when I got the Bo Jackson one--it was seriously one of the best moments of my life... boys in the neighborhood would try and get me to trade that card--but no can do.
Appreciate the comment and your thoughts! I am beginning to become fond of March madness. not there yet, but everyone around me loves it, so it's only a matter of time before I am hooked
about 1 month ago
Another masterpiece. ;)
I grew up playing and watching baseball and nothing could pull me away, but as I grew older my allegiance changed and I found myself enjoying football so much more. Even now, I'll hardly watch an inning of baseball, but on Saturdays and Sundays you can't pull me away from the games on TV. Doesn't even matter who's playing.
One guy I'd like to mention is former fullback for the Falcons, Bob Christian. Talk about class. The most humble guy I've ever met. He didn't get the fame that others got in the NFL, but in the years leading up to his retirement he was regarded as one of the top fullbacks in the league. In the offseason he spent most of his time hanging out with teenagers and being a positive role model for young guys in suburban Atlanta. That and he drove a purple Mustang. lol Always thought that was funny.
from about 1 month ago
lol Aww trhanks Michael..
Thanks for the shout out to Bob. You had me at purple mustang ;)
about 1 month ago
great article kristin , the steelers with terry bradshaw and lynn swann were unbelievable to watch when i was growing up, my stepdad is from pittsburgh! have you read instant repaly? by jerry kramer. that s a running stpry of the 1st super bowl season when green bay beat dallas in the ice bowl. great running commentary of a season by the great right guard jerry kramer. lots of stuff about vince lombardi in that book. just one of the greatest sports book ever written. get a copy of that if you havn t read it. That book hooked me on football for life. the jets were very cool in 69 also. there is a very good book about that season as well in the eyes of the jets. i can t remember the name of that one offhand. even though i m not into baseball baa 4 by jim bouton is another very very good read about bouton who was a rookie phenom for the yankees then had arm trouble and relearned to throw the knuckle ball to keep pitching in baseball. just another classic , ball 4. he got a lot of heat from mlb by talikng about the players activities in thier off time, like mickey mantles drinking, drilling holes in the dugout to check out girls in the stands, all kinds of things ball,players did thAT PEOPLE DIDN T KNOW ABOUT! lol. i also saw joe montana his whole career. best ever! saw oj simpson go for 5 touchdowns against notre dame one year. especially the nfl i could go on and on and on. My step dad was the back up quarterback to lenny dawson at purdue in the 50s before he hurt his knee and transferred to the coast guard academy!! i met roberto clemente and willie stargell at dodger games he took me too! i saw clemente throw out a runner at home plate from the right field wall one night! i ll never forget that throw, saw roman grabriel and the rams fearsome foursome with merlin olsen play! watched john hadl then dan fouts for san diego for years. and john brodie for the 49ers before montana! saw the longest nfl game in history between kc and miami. saw raiders greats every weekend kenny stabler who could beat you anytime,in the last 2 minutes, george blanda back up q/b and kicker. he beat kc so many times by a field goal with time running out it was silly. jan stererud returned the favor often enough too! was watching tv when the heidi bowl happened! game was cut off so a walt disney show could come on, that ws the last time that ever happened, as people about the heidi game. fred biletnikoff had the greatest hands in football until, steve largent came along, until jerry rice came along lol saw john matusak in his prime. like i said i could go on and on and on and on.........;lol thomas i love football!!!
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for stopping by Thomas :)
I am so glad you listed all those names--very insightful stuff there!
Thanks for sharing
about 1 month ago
I am the mom of this great writer....and what an arm she had growing up!! She could take on any boy on the block in any sport, and many times come out a winner. From tomboy to a beautiful young woman, she has made me very proud
from about 1 month ago
And so bad you wanted me to be a little girl and dress in pink little dresses. Never could get it to happen. Now, I can't seem to stop spending money on shoes and purses!!!
about 1 month ago
Great article...not much more to say.
Other than that I miss guys like Barry and wish Walter was still with us.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks for the comment Mike.
Walter Payton was amazing. Absolutely out of this world.
about 1 month ago
Brian s song the book and movie based on the relationship of gale sayers on of the greatest running backs of all all all time,,jesus what moves,,,, and brian piccolo who died will make you cry every time you watch it. one of the greatest sports movies of all time. SEE PAPER LION or read thast one too..george plimpton s escapade in training camp trying to be the q/b for the lions one training camp summer/fall.. great read good movie also!! thomas
about 1 month ago
Speechless.
about 1 month ago
How about giving Mike Singletary some recognition for trying to bring football back to the old school days where players actually listened to coaches, no matter how much money they made.
from about 1 month ago
Good point Johnny. He is so honest and speaks to you not holding much back--even to the media he is real. Thanks for the comment
about 1 month ago
After reading your article, I found it funny you used a Jim Brown picture, and even barry sanders for that matter, because they both left the game early.
Reggie White is my favorite football player of all-time, but it is my belief he helped the QB up just so he could knock him down again.
I would like to give a shout out to Ray Lewis.. I love that he listens to Phil Collins before the game, I love that he dances, I loved his stiff arm this weekend, I love the electricity he brings to the field, I love the intensity he put on the QB before the play, He may be the very best LB to ever play the game.
I love Marvin, but I also love Randy, and the full moon, TO and the Star, Chad and the jacket, Steve Smith and the canoe.
TO sum things up, football is a sport that combines so many different personalities, and I love when players let the fans see who they really are.
from about 1 month ago
ooooooooooooooooook. It seems we have different opinions as to why we love the sport of football.
I love it for it's class act players and the emotions involved
For some reason, a guy that was on trial for murder doesn't exactly give me warm fuzzies inside.
Barry may have left the game early--this isn't about longetivity. It's about the players that stood out to me as true inspirations everywhere.
from about 1 month ago
Warm fuzzies are for 2nd graders, football is a physical and violent sport. Ray Lewis inspires football players to play football. If sports reveal character, what do you see when RayRay is on the field?
If players want to re-sign with an organization for below market value, good for them, there are a lot of factors that go into determining where you want to play and live. I cannot stand when fans and the media shun players for not resigning with a team. Teams show no loyalty to players, the second your costs outweigh your benefit, you are not resigned, or even worse, you are cut. Players only need to be loyal to themselves and the sport they play, not to any team.
from about 1 month ago
I agree on you mainly on the loyalty part John. But not all teams are like that really, but if they are, then the guys should only be loyal to their buddies in the locker room.
For instance. Can you imagine Marvin Harrison catching a pass from anyone other than Peyton? I can't and I doubt they can.
from about 1 month ago
Dude, Reggie White was your favorite player of all time?
Reggie White was a homophobic, gay bashing, xenophobic, religious zealot. He was an excellent football player but a horrible human being. Don't you take things like that into consideration when choosing a "favorite player of all time"?
You state that you love it when players let the fans see who they are. Do we really need to see the personalities of colossal losers like Terrell Owens, Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson and Reggie White on parade? All they are doing is embarrassing themselves for all the world to see.
Also, Phil Collins is ridiculously lame (I think that almost everyone can agree on that). I would keep that really low if I were Ray Lewis. Guys like Reggie White (were he still alive) might think he is gay and persecute him for listening to that silly "homo" music.
from about 1 month ago
haha.. Well most of those issues arose well after I started following White. But he is still my fav FOOTBALL PLAYER of all time. I like how he lined up and clubbed tackles on his way to a sack. I like that he didn't look like a typical DE. And I was out of my seat when he got 3 sacks in the Super Bowl. In White's rant, I believe he ripped into every race/religion/belief, which he is entitled to do because of freedom of speech.
I didn't choose white as my fav player after he retired. I was a kid, inspired how he played the game. I also liked Mark Chumurra, do I think he's a great guy? No. Did I before he got caught doing what he got caught doing? sure, I was a kid watching football and had no reason to believe otherwise.
Colossal losers? these guys have been winners their whole lives, thats why they are where they are today, sitting on top. If being a multi millionaire athlete who people talk about all day is loser-ish, then count me in. No, Seriously, can you get me that job?
How about LT is he a big loser? Imagine how LT would be perceived if he were in the NFL today?
As for Phil and Ray, here's a few quotes about it. But I'm sure you think only losers watched Miami Vice.
"I fell into the song years ago, as a child, when it was played on Miami Vice when the boats were going across the water. Once I got older, then I started really understanding that I could use it for my motivation. Energy. You ride off your heart, and your heart is where your treasure lies."
"Faithfully. I can't change it. That song depicts everything you've always dreamed of _ every moment you've dreamed, the places you are at and where you want to be. Phil Collins is the only short guy with a lot of power."
from about 1 month ago
You make several good points. It's kind of hard to cut loose a childhood idol even after you find out that they were scum off the field. That's understandable.
What I don't understand is your attitude that making a lot of money somehow makes you a "winner" in the game of life. Unfortunately, most people are programed to think this way. I've known a number of people who are ultra rich (even richer than most pro athletes) and they're actually pretty miserable or clueless.
Most people who think that money automatically brings happiness usually have never had any significant amount of money before, and therefore are projecting what the "good life" will be if they were to have any. Things just don't work that way. People like that will always be "wanting" and feel empty no matter how much money they have. They feel empty because they have no real sense of self and need to justify their existence with material rewards and the fleeting accolades of others to fill the void they regularly experience. I sincerely hope that you are not one of these people. Good luck.
P.S. Way to go Ray Lewis. Great explanation on using something to motivate him to be the best he can be. I do like that song "In the Air Tonight." But generally speaking, Phil Collins' music is still "gay" ...and always will be.
from about 1 month ago
These guys are not winners in life because they are rich, I believe they are rich because they are winners in life. When Chad Johnson n Steve Smith were in JC, on the bus after games, do you think everyone was telling them about how good they will be in the NFL? Doubtful, they had to work through their trials and tribulations to get to the pinnacle of competitive athletics. How many people do you think laughed at TO when he was at Tenn-Chat telling people he was going to be playing on Sundays? I imagine quite a few. Look at him now, hes dancing, shining, catching tds, and being hated on - on the grandest stage of them all.
from about 1 month ago
Good response.
Do you honestly think that T.O. is a "winner" though?
You mentioned that people probably used to laugh at him at Tenn-Chat. I've got news for you:
THEY STILL ARE LAUGHING!!!!
from about 1 month ago
P.S.
As you stated, T.O. is now on the grandest stage of all. And all that means is that the ENTIRE WORLD is getting an up-close and personal look at his ongoing minstrel show. Millions of people now know that he is an embarrassing fool to be laughed at and ridiculed.
Gee, he sounds like a real "winner" to me. That's exactly the type of legacy I'd like to leave. A clown that people mock. Thank you, no.
All his money cannot save him from himself. He is the laughingstock of the NFL, and, more than likely, ...the laughingstock of life.
from about 1 month ago
And he is right there laughing with them, then he laughs his way straight to the bank. For a long while I didn't like TO, he has that type of personality that puts you off at first, but over time he has converted me.
I have a few theories about the guy, I might be in the minority, I might be wrong but here they are:
1. I think TO puts so much media attention on himself, to keep it off his teammates. Sure he gets pissed after a loss, and wants the ball more, all WRs do. You want your team to win, and you want to do as much as you can to help them win, so as a star WR how are you goign to help your team win? I think TO speaks up so much because if the sports writers arent talking about him, they will be picking apart his teamates. He puts the attention on himself to keep it from breaking apart the team. Now thats Dallas TO. In Philly he really didn't like McNabb and in SF he was just young, but he's grown. I've heard him speak about Jerry Rice a few times and about how he learned to practice from Jerry Rice. TO can be respectful, but that would never be exposed.
2. I think TO is a very good person. He's not an alcoholic, he doesn't batter women, and he loves his children (child?). To me he seems happy in life, and grateful that the world has blessed him with all he has.
Yes I do think TO is a winner, he plays hard, he plays to win and he has been successful.
about 1 month ago
My little sister was a constant annoyance exactly like you growing up ;-)
And she went on to far greater athletic success than I - started for 3 years on Cal's women's soccer team.
I'm a baseball guy myself. In large part b/c the Niners spoiled me with so much success right after my family moved to SF that I never had to develop an appreciation for the sport, just the winning. Of course, didn't hurt that I never played organized football.
Anyway, I still appreciate the point.
3 things:
- I'd say Tillman played for wins as much as anyone, he just wanted to get them for Arizona. I completely agree though, it wasn't about the money and his loyalty was the most defining thing.
- You nailed the celebration nonsense. I always thought it was far more cold-blooded to just pretend like nothing happened, drop the ball, and lineup for the next play; the bigger the score the better. That will really mess with someone's head.
- I'd add to the growing list Ronnie Lott. He was a class act and vicious within the rules (almost always). Plus he cut off part of his pinkie rather than miss time. That's crazy in an admirable and scary way.
Good stuff as usual.
Andrew
from about 1 month ago
Ronnie Lott was a stud. i SO remember the pinkie incident.
Thanks for the read Andrew
from about 1 month ago
Don't forget Charles Haley. He was a Niner and a Boy, and Ronnie Lott said that Haley was a man he would follow in war with. They were beyond close because they played to win.
from about 1 month ago
James,
Always with the damn Cowboys.
Nah, just kidding.
Haley was a force, probably as significant a reason as any that the Niners ended up on the short-end of all those NFC Championship games.
about 1 month ago
Another spectacular read, Kristin. I share your love for football. I actually got to meet one of my greats today. For an article for the Daily Nebraskan, I got to talk to coaching legend Tom Osborne. He coached the teams I grew up watching and won three of Nebraska's five national championships. He's arguably one of the greatest coaches ever to coach in college football. And there couldn't be a more humble and kind man.
I felt like a little nerdy Star Wars fan who got to meet Luke Skywalker.
Football CONSUMES my fall and winter. I wouldn't dream of doing anything else on Saturday but watch college football (these days, games are on Thursdays and Fridays too, which is AWESOME). I plan my weekends around whether or not Nebraska has a home or away game and whether or not there will be TV coverage of the game where I'm going if I can't be at the stadium. It's kind of ridiculous sometimes.
You're an extremely gifted writer, Kristin. Thanks for the heads up on your new write. ***** and POTD.
from about 1 month ago
Aww thanks SM.... I don't know much at all about Tom Osborne, but i will for sure read up on him. I would love the oportunity to meet a Tony Dungy or Brett Favre--heck I could name 25 other players that I would be honored in meeting. Bo Jackson being on the top of that list. It's great you got to meet such a well respected coach...
Thank you for the compliment and read :) Always a pleasure
from about 1 month ago
*opportunity*..
sorry I have this thing where I can't let a typo be ignored ;)
about 1 month ago
Great article Kristin again. I like the passion that you're saying about football. By far and away the best sport in the world. Nothing compares to it as you so eloquently stated. I agree with all the players you wrote about. A little shout out for some of my old school NY Giants players like Phil Simms, Joe Morris, and Mark Bavarro. Class acts of the NFL. Where have these type of players gone today? Love Barry Sanders and Walter Payton. Class Acts i agree! Wish we had more of those players than the trash talking and showboating players that dont always live up to the words that come out of their mouths. We all know who they are! Well done kiddo
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Walter--appreciate the read and your comments (and of course your shout-outs!!)
about 1 month ago
This was a very good article. I enjoyed reading every word or it. I feel the same about baseball, but I love football and basketball also. Keep up the good work.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Nathan--appreciate the read and comment
about 1 month ago
great article
i was wondering if anyone, who has the opportunity, if they can check out my article
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/78504-you-cant-handle-the-truth
and drop in a comment if you can
thanks
about 1 month ago
At first when I saw the title I thought Oh boy a female jerry mguire. =) .lol good read.
about 1 month ago
i remember hugging Barry in real life. i was like 6 or 7. problem was i didnt care. dont you just hate it when something awesome happends when you were little that if it happened now you would totally be dumbfounded or excited but as a kid you thought it was stupid and you didint care?
from about 1 month ago
You hugged Barry Sanders? I mean...really??
I will forever be jealous of you Joe :)
about 1 month ago
Congrats on the pick of the day!
from about 1 month ago
Thanks TW!
about 1 month ago
ahhh, I think I found my long lost twin :)
from about 1 month ago
lol. Tori they have been asking about us ya know....The twins :)
Thanks for the comment :) Glad you took the time to read!
about 1 month ago
No wonder this got pick of the day. That was great!
By the way, for baseball's class acts I want to mention, Mike Mussina, Jamie Moyer, Bernie Williams, Derek Jeter, (as much as I dislike the Red Sox) Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield and then there's Cal Ripken Jr.
Then of course my all-time favorite class-act and author of my favorite speech, Lou Gehrig.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks T.J.
And thanks for the shout-outs!
about 1 month ago
great article kristin, it's nice to know that there are still people out there who appreciate the moral values and great moments that football can provide. great writing, POTD
from about 1 month ago
Nick-
Thank you. I am glad you enjoyed this :) That's all I really care about
about 1 month ago
Great article Kristin. POTD for me.
from about 1 month ago
Glad you stopped by Thomas :)
about 1 month ago
Love it Kristin. Your writing is so easy to read, so easy to feel. And I understand what you're saying—it might be sad to say, but my connection with the Green Bay Packers is second only to that of my family and friends, and it's only a football team! It's such a wonderful way to bring people together, and you put it perfect here. 5*, POTD
from about 1 month ago
Aww thanks Zach. That is an awesome compliment. I know what you mean about your Packers...
So glad you commented.. Thanks again :)
about 1 month ago
Brilliant article. I'm more of a soccer person, but it's the same for me, just with a few minor differences.
Every sport has is moments, its legends. For me it's soccer, it's Ste Gerrard/ Fowler.
great work
cheers x
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Michelle--
Love seeing the girls comment on here. I played soccer once in my day. Love the sport. And thanks for the shout out to your athletes!
about 1 month ago
Kristin,
I can certainly relate to you and what you are talking about here. I grew up watching Barry Sanders and lingering on every twist of his hips, every shake, every juke, every burst...It was like watching a great painter construct a work of art. To this day, Football is my favorite sport and brings forth the most emotion in me as well. I should point out though that I am a fan of all sports. I don't watch all the Detroit Tigers games because, well, frankly baseball is boring for the most part. I like action. I dig basketball (Go Magic!) because of the excitement of the arena and the stunning athleticism on display (rewatch Dwight Howards performance in last years slam dunk contest) to see what i'm talking about. I am a Red Wings fan so i've seen many, many great and classy players win year after year. It's exhilarating. I am a die hard for my teams, regardless of sport, but must admit that no other sport effects my life the way football does. I actually cried when Barry Sanders retired, granted I was 16 but still. After my teams play over the weekend, my Monday is either really good or really bad based on what happened in the game. Friendships and comraderie run thick in football, where you can sit and joke with your friends about the game or what team is better, etc.
Bottom line, all sports are great and worthwhile, but there is nothing like football.
BTW, My dad used to tell me to act like Barry when I played football...he used to say...Barry's your role model right? He acts like he's been to the endzone before, so should you. That guy was a class act.
from about 1 month ago
Redwings fan? Them are fighting words Scott. I SO remember that rivalry. Roy against Vernon AND Osgood. The hit on Kris Draper by Claude. The Screw Lemieux shirts you all wore at good ole Joe Louis Arena. Our hatred for Darren McCarty and Scotty Bowman. Ahhh the list can go on and on. Watching them two teams play was awesome.
At least you have SOME good taste in that you like Barry Sanders ;). Glad you understood that this article isn't about whether a player left the game early or not, but just what they brought to the sport of football all together.
As always, thank you for the comment and the read :)
from about 1 month ago
Oh, so you wanna fight eh? Didn't you say you're like 5'4", 110lbs.....? Yeah, that might not work out in your favor...j/k.
I love the rivalries in all the sports and they are great. Even though I am a wings fan, I can definitively say that I have "great" taste.
Anyways, loved the article and great job as usual.
about 1 month ago
haha wow amazing article. That was really good. I was taken back about how passionate u were about what u were saying. Your article actually inspired me to write about something and got rid of this writers