I am sorry for not cutting the grass in my yard early, but I have shown up today to make sure that by the the time I am done it will be well manicured. The respect we seek as professional athletes is not always given. Just like in life, the best things in life come to those who work hard for them. In the NFL sometimes the best athletes go unnoticed. Instead fans are told who they should cheer for, instead of taking the step to really research who they are actually applauding. For example, a D-Lineman I know of in the League, who is currently tied for 2nd when is comes to tackles, 1st in the category of Tackles for Loss, and among the top in total plays by any D-Lineman. But his local fan base still regards him as just an okay player.
Where have the real fans gone? No longer are we interested in someone's "production" we like to hear about his "potential". Just because someone can run fast and jump high doesn't make him a candidate for the Pro-Bowl. A good player should be judged by not one statistical category, but by what he totally brings to the game. Many people don't realize a sack is just a tackle for loss on the quarterback. No longer are the days of glorifying the run stoppers, we would rather interview the "prima madonna's". Fans used to be so protective over their teams, they treated their team athletes like family. Fans used to adhere to the code of not wearing anything but their team's color, cheering for their teams in losses or in victory, and players felt safe in their presence. Loyalty has changed in the NFL. Nowadays coaches leave the jobs just as fast as players. Productive players who want to stay and make their teams a winner are sometimes shown the door, because of the "potential" of others.
We are taught to give back to our communities and support them at all cost, but what happens when that support is not reciprocated. Once in a while I come across some real fans, who care more about supporting their teams than their fantasy football rating, fans who can not afford to go to the games so they listen on the radio. Fans who will shake your hand and look you in the eyes. Fans who appreciate where you come from (undrafted) and what you bring to the game. The Game has not only changed on the field, but off as well.
Where have the real fans gone? No longer are we interested in someone's "production" we like to hear about his "potential". Just because someone can run fast and jump high doesn't make him a candidate for the Pro-Bowl. A good player should be judged by not one statistical category, but by what he totally brings to the game. Many people don't realize a sack is just a tackle for loss on the quarterback. No longer are the days of glorifying the run stoppers, we would rather interview the "prima madonna's". Fans used to be so protective over their teams, they treated their team athletes like family. Fans used to adhere to the code of not wearing anything but their team's color, cheering for their teams in losses or in victory, and players felt safe in their presence. Loyalty has changed in the NFL. Nowadays coaches leave the jobs just as fast as players. Productive players who want to stay and make their teams a winner are sometimes shown the door, because of the "potential" of others.
We are taught to give back to our communities and support them at all cost, but what happens when that support is not reciprocated. Once in a while I come across some real fans, who care more about supporting their teams than their fantasy football rating, fans who can not afford to go to the games so they listen on the radio. Fans who will shake your hand and look you in the eyes. Fans who appreciate where you come from (undrafted) and what you bring to the game. The Game has not only changed on the field, but off as well.
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