Everyone knows the Baltimore Ravens by their defense and by default by that guy screaming across the field known as Ray Lewis. I'm not going to lie, Lewis is probably the most intense player in the NFL, and he is an incredible leader. And the great thing about Lewis is that even though his individual ability has suffered a bit, the team has still remained dominant under his leadership.
Last night I watched tidbits of the Jets-Ravens preseason game, and just happened to catch most of Bart Scott's interview with Suzy Kolber. Immediately I was struck by Scott's ability to be the face of the new Jets defense. In the few minutes of the game I had watched earlier I remembered that Scott was all over the place for several plays, behind the offensive line and at Joe Flacco's throat every down. This included a perfect form wallop that just missed getting credit for a sack on a deep throw. I'm pretty sure I cringed at that hit, it was that good.
The funny thing is when we see a player who is that intense, we almost expect that all those hits have taken their toll on the brain cells scrambled around in that player's head. And yet both Ray Lewis and Bart Scott are great in interviews. Probably the most underrated part about being the leader of a team is being respectful and informative to the media. Scott handled the interview perfectly: it was the best sideline interview I can ever recall seeing. And as much as people say that any press is good press, a great interview goes a long way toward winning the support of fans.
I suppose there may be better leaders in the league than Lewis and Scott, but I will say that I left extremely impressed by the professionalism of Scott. And amazing as it sounds, I am confident that Scott's leadership will lead to at least 1 or 2 extra wins this season. In a tough division with a rookie quarterback lined up to start, Scott being the face of the Jets will be imperative, but so far he has proven to be very game to that challenge.
August 25, 2009
August 21, 2009
Nice Guy Finishes First
All the time we see athletes promoting national brands like Nike, Adidas, Foot Locker, etc. It seems that inevitably these individuals either follow these huge endorsement deals with a DUI charge, sex scandal, or bar brawl. So it was refreshing when I turned on the tube the other day (for the first time in almost a week!)and saw a commercial featuring Houston Texans' wideout Andre Johnson.
I know some of you may be thinking, he's good, but who cares? That's exactly the point! A lot of people don't know of Andre Johnson's talent because he plays on a mediocre team in a tough division, and because he hasn't shot himself, driven drunk, or gotten mixed up with the wrong crowd.
Here's the skinny on Johnson: At the University of Miami, he was a two sport standout in football and track and field. He was an all-American wide receiver and MVP of the 2002 Rose Bowl where he caught 2 touchdowns and racked up 199 yards receiving. Then he went to the draft. After being picked 3rd by the Texans, he fired his agents and brought his uncle in to deal with his contract negotiations. Uh-oh! Here comes that rookie contract thing again! But wait, Johnson had his deal worked out in time for mini camp. You mean some stars actually want to play football? What a shock!
In his 6 year NFL career, Johnson has made 3 pro bowls and been chosen as all-Pro twice, including last season. Although he has battled injuries in 2005 and 2007, he has consistently been productive, last year leading the league in receptions and yards. His touchdown numbers are somewhat lacking, most likely due to playing with the Texans (although the team is quickly improving). But have you ever heard Johnson's name on Sportscenter screaming at his coaches on the sideline or in the media about how he never gets the ball? That's what I thought.
So yeah, it may just be a regular commercial for receiving gloves sold at Dick's. But it is good to see that Johnson's hard work has paid off. Here's an athlete that should get a brighter piece of the spotlight.
I know some of you may be thinking, he's good, but who cares? That's exactly the point! A lot of people don't know of Andre Johnson's talent because he plays on a mediocre team in a tough division, and because he hasn't shot himself, driven drunk, or gotten mixed up with the wrong crowd.
Here's the skinny on Johnson: At the University of Miami, he was a two sport standout in football and track and field. He was an all-American wide receiver and MVP of the 2002 Rose Bowl where he caught 2 touchdowns and racked up 199 yards receiving. Then he went to the draft. After being picked 3rd by the Texans, he fired his agents and brought his uncle in to deal with his contract negotiations. Uh-oh! Here comes that rookie contract thing again! But wait, Johnson had his deal worked out in time for mini camp. You mean some stars actually want to play football? What a shock!
In his 6 year NFL career, Johnson has made 3 pro bowls and been chosen as all-Pro twice, including last season. Although he has battled injuries in 2005 and 2007, he has consistently been productive, last year leading the league in receptions and yards. His touchdown numbers are somewhat lacking, most likely due to playing with the Texans (although the team is quickly improving). But have you ever heard Johnson's name on Sportscenter screaming at his coaches on the sideline or in the media about how he never gets the ball? That's what I thought.
So yeah, it may just be a regular commercial for receiving gloves sold at Dick's. But it is good to see that Johnson's hard work has paid off. Here's an athlete that should get a brighter piece of the spotlight.
August 6, 2009
Do What You Love, Love What You Do
Most people are called to their profession. Many of your mentors, parents, older siblings have probably told you to find your passion and to make your profession a vocation. The simplest and most natural reason to make your profession is the mantra "Do what you love and love what you do". It doesn't take a psychologist to figure out that one is more fulfilled in a profession that they love. Many of us have guides along the way that are able to help you discover your passions. It is great to have an "adviser" to helps us develop within our profession. But for some reason it seems that the sports world has a knack for attracting bad career advisers.
This was brought to my attention by an ESPN article that quoted wide receiver Michael Crabtree's cousin and adviser David Wells saying that Crabtree was prepared to sit out the season if he was not payed more. What happened to the guys that just wanted to get out on the field? Later in the article Crabtree's agent asserted that no threats had been made from his side toward the 49ers (the team that drafted Crabtree last April). Who is this guy, Jerry Maguire? Since when has an agent seemed like the voice of reason? I'm sure I just have a bias towards agents because all I hear is Scott Boras and Drew Rosenhaus defending ridiculous contacts and sleez balls. I'm sure most agents are perfectly reasonable people, I even had a friend in high school whose dad is a big-time agent, but I just have never seen the profession as the beacon of truth in a dark world.
Anyway, what is this cousin thinking? If he wanted the best for Michael, wouldn't he want him playing? Does he not realize the history of athletes taking a year off? Maurice Clarett anyone? For those of you that haven't heard, Clarett is currently serving a prison sentence for armed robbery. Taking a year off seems to be just the right thing! Here's an idea Michael: play the game you love to play! Every time I have seen Crabtree interviewed he has seemed a decent fellow, so I hope that this is just a guy out blowing hot air. But I am more concerned about the trend that seems to be growing in sports of bad advisers.
In Kansas City, Chiefs fans had to deal with Larry Johnson getting caught up with the wrong crowd. Michael Vick can point to his old "friends" for getting him involved with the dog-fighting schemes. I am not trying in any way to take the heat off either of those two for their decisions, they have both done incredibly stupid things, but it's a lot easier not to have to say no. How many times have you heard of schools caught up in recruiting scandals because these "advisers" pop up and buy all sorts of new stuff for these athletes? The NCAA should do as much as it possibly can to avoid these moronic people from meddling in the affairs of these athletes. And it starts in high school now too! I can't imagine going under the microscope that NCAA athletes have to go through to maintain eligibility. It is time that the NCAA helped to shield athletes from people who can ruin their lives.
In closing, I will admit that I don't have the slightest idea what the NCAA should do about this, but I also think that in order for athletes to get back to playing the game that they love, it would sure help if the NCAA could help eliminate some of the outside pressure exerted upon them.
This was brought to my attention by an ESPN article that quoted wide receiver Michael Crabtree's cousin and adviser David Wells saying that Crabtree was prepared to sit out the season if he was not payed more. What happened to the guys that just wanted to get out on the field? Later in the article Crabtree's agent asserted that no threats had been made from his side toward the 49ers (the team that drafted Crabtree last April). Who is this guy, Jerry Maguire? Since when has an agent seemed like the voice of reason? I'm sure I just have a bias towards agents because all I hear is Scott Boras and Drew Rosenhaus defending ridiculous contacts and sleez balls. I'm sure most agents are perfectly reasonable people, I even had a friend in high school whose dad is a big-time agent, but I just have never seen the profession as the beacon of truth in a dark world.
Anyway, what is this cousin thinking? If he wanted the best for Michael, wouldn't he want him playing? Does he not realize the history of athletes taking a year off? Maurice Clarett anyone? For those of you that haven't heard, Clarett is currently serving a prison sentence for armed robbery. Taking a year off seems to be just the right thing! Here's an idea Michael: play the game you love to play! Every time I have seen Crabtree interviewed he has seemed a decent fellow, so I hope that this is just a guy out blowing hot air. But I am more concerned about the trend that seems to be growing in sports of bad advisers.
In Kansas City, Chiefs fans had to deal with Larry Johnson getting caught up with the wrong crowd. Michael Vick can point to his old "friends" for getting him involved with the dog-fighting schemes. I am not trying in any way to take the heat off either of those two for their decisions, they have both done incredibly stupid things, but it's a lot easier not to have to say no. How many times have you heard of schools caught up in recruiting scandals because these "advisers" pop up and buy all sorts of new stuff for these athletes? The NCAA should do as much as it possibly can to avoid these moronic people from meddling in the affairs of these athletes. And it starts in high school now too! I can't imagine going under the microscope that NCAA athletes have to go through to maintain eligibility. It is time that the NCAA helped to shield athletes from people who can ruin their lives.
In closing, I will admit that I don't have the slightest idea what the NCAA should do about this, but I also think that in order for athletes to get back to playing the game that they love, it would sure help if the NCAA could help eliminate some of the outside pressure exerted upon them.
August 4, 2009
Dream Big
It is a valuable lesson to learn to dream big. I think part of growing up is getting back to childhood. It seems like the 1st stage of most lives is a childhood of dreams and play; one of my favorite authors calls this the Beloved Son stage (he writes to a male audience). Part of the second stage is a tempering of these dreams, and we're bombarded with phrases like "yeah, but..." and "but you have to...". Realism is a very necessary thing in life, but I think that we also have to regain a little of that ambition from our childhood in order to find our place in the world, and especially our vocation. All that said, I think it is important to have great hope. And so, I want to share a little of my hope for the Chiefs' season approaching.
I was watching an AFC West preview video that I think was from a previous edition of NFL Live on ESPN. Anyway, Trey Wingo asked Cris Carter and Mark Schlereth who they thought might be able to contend with the San Diego Chargers for the AFC West title. While both agreed that the title is all but in name going to the Chargers, they pointed out why the Raiders and Broncos will do poorly this year. Specifically because JaMarcus Russell has not shown the necessary maturity and the already terrible Broncos defense is switching to a 3-4 scheme that fits their personnel even less. It brought to mind a glimmer of hope. The Chiefs are the only team that has shown marked improvement this year! Despite losing All-Pro Tony Gonzalez, the Chiefs have added a new quarterback, offensive line help, and a new defensive end projecting to be successful in a 3-4 scheme. Not to mention that the 3-4 scheme was put in place so that the Chiefs could improve on their biggest weakness of last season: defensive pressure on the quarterback.
I think that Scott Pioli and Todd Haley understand this opportunity very well. I was impressed when I went on ESPN this afternoon and found out that the Chiefs had signed veteran wide-receiver Amani Toomer. I will confess that I have always liked Toomer probably a little more than he deserves, but I still find this to be an important signing because it gives Matt Cassel another threat, and because defenses might not be able to stack the box on Larry Johnson quite as much on 1st and 2nd down. I think an improved offense could make a significant improvement in defensive performance as well. Several times last year the defense seemed to just get worn down and not be able to stop opposing teams in the 2nd half. I'm not saying that this might not happen again this year, but it would certainly help if the offense were out there giving the defensive guys a tad more rest.
I am very happy with the new regime in Kansas City, and I'm sure they understand that this year may provide a unique opportunity to rebuild the image of this franchise, and could play an instrumental role in building for the future.
I was watching an AFC West preview video that I think was from a previous edition of NFL Live on ESPN. Anyway, Trey Wingo asked Cris Carter and Mark Schlereth who they thought might be able to contend with the San Diego Chargers for the AFC West title. While both agreed that the title is all but in name going to the Chargers, they pointed out why the Raiders and Broncos will do poorly this year. Specifically because JaMarcus Russell has not shown the necessary maturity and the already terrible Broncos defense is switching to a 3-4 scheme that fits their personnel even less. It brought to mind a glimmer of hope. The Chiefs are the only team that has shown marked improvement this year! Despite losing All-Pro Tony Gonzalez, the Chiefs have added a new quarterback, offensive line help, and a new defensive end projecting to be successful in a 3-4 scheme. Not to mention that the 3-4 scheme was put in place so that the Chiefs could improve on their biggest weakness of last season: defensive pressure on the quarterback.
I think that Scott Pioli and Todd Haley understand this opportunity very well. I was impressed when I went on ESPN this afternoon and found out that the Chiefs had signed veteran wide-receiver Amani Toomer. I will confess that I have always liked Toomer probably a little more than he deserves, but I still find this to be an important signing because it gives Matt Cassel another threat, and because defenses might not be able to stack the box on Larry Johnson quite as much on 1st and 2nd down. I think an improved offense could make a significant improvement in defensive performance as well. Several times last year the defense seemed to just get worn down and not be able to stop opposing teams in the 2nd half. I'm not saying that this might not happen again this year, but it would certainly help if the offense were out there giving the defensive guys a tad more rest.
I am very happy with the new regime in Kansas City, and I'm sure they understand that this year may provide a unique opportunity to rebuild the image of this franchise, and could play an instrumental role in building for the future.
August 2, 2009
That's Just About Right
I am writing this post after watching baseball most of today as I was trying to recuperate from a 12 hour security shift. I am currently sitting down to watch "The Shawshank Redemption." Aside from having to work for the first twelve hours of this lovely day, I would call this a perfect Sabbath. I had good fish for dinner, Foo's custard for dessert, and one of the greatest movies ever. There is something beautiful about Morgan Freeman's voice now. Something that is bringing today to a perfect end. Even with the intolerable cruelty of that prison, there is something comforting about this movie right now. Watching baseball today was my release, I had just tested myself by going a week without television.
That week was needed, it brought me back to where I should be. I got back to focusing on my relationship with the One who wants a relationship with me, instead of watching my life float away with all of the filth TV I would occupy the days with. Baseball is unlike any other sport in that sense. Even on TV, you feel it. A few weeks ago I was reading a Sports Illustrated article celebrating the 20th anniversary of Field of Dreams. In it the director of the film made sense of the film. Said it wasn't about religion or faith, it was about baseball. It's about time with fathers and friends playing a game that gets in your bones, all the way down to the marrow.
Kind of like this movie. It sinks in. You believe in Andy Dufresne. He's your friend too. And in an odd way, his journey is a tiny glimpse of our own. We feel free too. Isn't that what the Sabbath is? Freedom? Yeah, free to be me; free to be His.
That week was needed, it brought me back to where I should be. I got back to focusing on my relationship with the One who wants a relationship with me, instead of watching my life float away with all of the filth TV I would occupy the days with. Baseball is unlike any other sport in that sense. Even on TV, you feel it. A few weeks ago I was reading a Sports Illustrated article celebrating the 20th anniversary of Field of Dreams. In it the director of the film made sense of the film. Said it wasn't about religion or faith, it was about baseball. It's about time with fathers and friends playing a game that gets in your bones, all the way down to the marrow.
Kind of like this movie. It sinks in. You believe in Andy Dufresne. He's your friend too. And in an odd way, his journey is a tiny glimpse of our own. We feel free too. Isn't that what the Sabbath is? Freedom? Yeah, free to be me; free to be His.
Vision
Since I haven't done a purely scout related post in a little while, here is one. I was reading a terrific book recently, called Wild Goose Chase, and toward the tail end of the book he raised the point of having a vision for yourself and your vocation. Not sure why this got me started on how important I feel a long-term plan for a sports franchise is, but that's what I connected. I also thought about that phrase I and so many other scouts have heard countless times, our motto: Be Prepared. Especially as a Chiefs fan, these ideas seem particularly important as the franchise puts together a new front office and coaching staff.
One certainly has to be impressed by Scott Pioli's organizational pedigree with the New England Patriots. That said, many experts give Bill Belichick and the Kraft family most of the credit for resurrecting the Patriots franchise. Especially in later years, the Patriots have been able to let go of star players and replace them with new (and cheaper) talent. While the Patriots' model is commendable and has shown extraordinary results, a 2-14 franchise has a much taller mountain to climb to return to prominence. I hope that Pioli has a vision for the Chiefs organization, and is prepared to keep to that plan despite minor setbacks.
This is how my scout leaders have always explained the motto as being prepared for an activity or plan, so that if all goes well, it will succeed. But they have also expressed that it NEVER happens as you planned, but a prepared person has not only thought about the potential pitfalls, but is better able to react to the ones that are not foreseeable. For example, no one could see Michael Vick getting thrown out of the league for a fighting pitbull ring that he ran under the table for years. As the star player for the Falcons franchise, the loss of Vick was devestating to the team. But it was made all the more devestating because the front office was not prepared to handle a PR nightmare.
I feel bad singling out the Falcons, especially since they seem to have righted the ship since then, but I sincerely believe that their plan of action after the scandal broke was horrific. They hired an inexperienced coach from the college ranks, knowing that college coaches typically do not adjust well to the NFL, and then were surprised when that coach bailed for more money at the University of Arkansas. Don't get me wrong, I think Bobby Petrino is lower than dirt, but I could of told them that before they hired him! It's why I wouldn't hire Nick Saban either. Both coaches only care about enhancing their own reputation. That's where being prepared starts: putting trust into trustworthy people. I truly believe that Todd Haley is a talented coach, especially on the offense, but I hope that Pioli has developed enough of a character sketch of Haley to trust his judgment fully.
Pioli has a great city with one of the most loyal fan bases in the league behind him. If he shows early on that his and Haley's vision will turn around this disoriented franchise, I'm sure he will be well on his way to fulfilling his own goals in life. And hey, who said making thousands of Midwesterners proud of a once-great franchise again isn't a meaninful enterprise? I'm pretty sure I would sign up for that job if I had the talent.
One certainly has to be impressed by Scott Pioli's organizational pedigree with the New England Patriots. That said, many experts give Bill Belichick and the Kraft family most of the credit for resurrecting the Patriots franchise. Especially in later years, the Patriots have been able to let go of star players and replace them with new (and cheaper) talent. While the Patriots' model is commendable and has shown extraordinary results, a 2-14 franchise has a much taller mountain to climb to return to prominence. I hope that Pioli has a vision for the Chiefs organization, and is prepared to keep to that plan despite minor setbacks.
This is how my scout leaders have always explained the motto as being prepared for an activity or plan, so that if all goes well, it will succeed. But they have also expressed that it NEVER happens as you planned, but a prepared person has not only thought about the potential pitfalls, but is better able to react to the ones that are not foreseeable. For example, no one could see Michael Vick getting thrown out of the league for a fighting pitbull ring that he ran under the table for years. As the star player for the Falcons franchise, the loss of Vick was devestating to the team. But it was made all the more devestating because the front office was not prepared to handle a PR nightmare.
I feel bad singling out the Falcons, especially since they seem to have righted the ship since then, but I sincerely believe that their plan of action after the scandal broke was horrific. They hired an inexperienced coach from the college ranks, knowing that college coaches typically do not adjust well to the NFL, and then were surprised when that coach bailed for more money at the University of Arkansas. Don't get me wrong, I think Bobby Petrino is lower than dirt, but I could of told them that before they hired him! It's why I wouldn't hire Nick Saban either. Both coaches only care about enhancing their own reputation. That's where being prepared starts: putting trust into trustworthy people. I truly believe that Todd Haley is a talented coach, especially on the offense, but I hope that Pioli has developed enough of a character sketch of Haley to trust his judgment fully.
Pioli has a great city with one of the most loyal fan bases in the league behind him. If he shows early on that his and Haley's vision will turn around this disoriented franchise, I'm sure he will be well on his way to fulfilling his own goals in life. And hey, who said making thousands of Midwesterners proud of a once-great franchise again isn't a meaninful enterprise? I'm pretty sure I would sign up for that job if I had the talent.
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