Michael Sam: I’m Gay! And I’m going to Play!

February 11, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Michael Sam will usher in a new era in pro football

“I’m Gay and I’m gonna play”! I remember that line from the movie Valentines Day a few years ago. While I sat in the dark theather and watched that terrible movie, I remember laughing at this great one liner, but thought to myself “is there a gay player in the NFL”? The answer could finally be a yes after NFL Draft prospect Michael Sam announced earlier this week that he was gay, and could be the first openly gay NFL player in history. While this may not be Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier, this another wall that sports could tear down for the gay and lesbian community. While some experts and GM’s have already said that the announcement could hurt Sam’s draft stock, because they are supposedly afraid of him becoming a media distraction like Tim Tebow, the fact of the matter is that this young man should be commended for his actions.

After hearing anonymous GM’s saying that Sam could now fall out of the draft because of this announcement, I was flabbergasted. If anything shouldn’t this make him a more attractive draft prospect? A man who is this honest and is not afraid of the attention? In an era where criminal records and domestic disputes are glanced over is a prospect has a great forty time, it is absurd that a general manager of any team would over look a player based on his sexual preferences. Sam has tremendous talent and potential, and unlike other prospects has a clean record and a great personality. Shouldn’t this boost his stock rather then hurt it? If teams are so afraid that he could disrupt the locker room just look at Mizzou’s season last year. Sam told his team that he was gay in August and did the team implode or have locker room issues? No, far from it. Instead the played for an SEC title game while Sam was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year.

At the end of the day there is only one thing that matters in the NFL, production. If Sam can come into the league and be a highly productive player, no one will care about him being gay. Sure, there will be a few people that will hate him, there always are people that will judge us because of our differences, but America has become a nation of tolerance. If anything, Sam represents a beacon of hope that America is truly striving towards a society of equality and fairness. Fans don’t care about sexual preference, arrest records, skin color, or religious backgrounds of their players. At the end of the day it is about what the players do on the field but more specifically win. Sam could change the landscape for the next generation of athletes, but if he really wants to make an impact it will come on the field this fall, and not in the headlines this February.

Haunted: Manning’s legacy in limbo after another Super Bowl loss

February 3, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

This could be the game that hurts Manning’s legacy

What defines a legacy? For most athletes it’s the numbers on the back of their player cards that usually justifies their greatness. But for the truly great, the cream of the crop, stats aren’t enough. Peyton Manning is one of those athletes. If you were to judge him on statistics alone, without question he is the greatest quarterback in NFL history. However, after being named the NFL’s most valuable player for the fifth time in his career, Manning would enter Metlife Stadium with the chance for NFL immortality. A few hours later, the almighty quarterback looked like something we haven’t seen in 2013, a mere mortal.

Losing is one thing, but what the Broncos did was an even bigger disgrace, they didn’t show up. Can someone check did they even get off the plane or bus? Despite two weeks to prepare, the Broncos didn’t even put up a fight. Sure, the botched snap resulting in a safety swung momentum early, but despite two early trips to the red zones the Broncos still were only down 8-0. The stage was set for Manning, a chance to come back and prove his greatness to the world. But that didn’t happen. Manning’s turnovers at key moments of the game would finish off the illusion of a comeback as the Broncos were embarrassed by a 43-8 whopping by the Seahawks.

Once again, Manning, the best quarterback in the game fell short. This time he didn’t fall short, he tripped right out of the gate and seemingly damaged his reputation in one game. It doesn’t matter how many yards, touchdowns, or wins Manning has in his career. The only way to exorcise the critics or questions about his legacy is to hoist another Lombardi trophy. But now at the age of 38, with already declining health, Father Time is catching up to Peyton Manning. If he wants to be considered the greatest quarterback ever the only way to do this is to win another Super Bowl. When you are the best in the sport you are expected to win. Is it fair? Not necessarily but it is expected.

With such a miserable performance on his resume, and millions of NFL fans who are upset about the lack of a game on the field, Manning needs a win so that people forget this. If not, it will be the defining moment in a career of futility and what could have been. He might be a great quarterback, but Manning’s post season demons are keeping him from being one of the greatest players in NFL history.

Time to put up or shut up

February 1, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Richard Sherman has written a huge check with a mouth, but can he cash it in on Sunday?

Instigator, playmaker, ball hawk, controversy, and an A$% hole are just a few adjectives that describe Richard Sherman. While he may be one of the most beloved person in Seattle, his comments and antics have made him an NFL villain everywhere else. He’s the arguably the best cornerback in the NFL, and if you disagree he would probably go into a rant about how he is the best in the game. However, unlike most divas who are all flash and no substance, Sherman backs his talk up with even bigger plays. With eight interceptions this season, and countless passes defended, Sherman is the boisterous leader of Seattle’s “Legion of Boom” defense.

However, The Legion will face their toughest opponent yet

Controversy and talent that go hand in hand

in the upcoming Super Bowl against Peyton Manning and his vast arsenal of playmaking receivers. Sure Sherman could take one of those receivers out the game, but with so many options and Sherman only being one man, the Seahawks’ secondary will be put to the ultimate test. Sherman is putting an even bigger target on this group after his controversial post game comments following the NFC Championship game. It also doesn’t help when he calls Michael Crabtree a “sorry receiver”. But in the midst of the his rants and comments could Sherman be actually helping the Seahawks by shining the spotlight on himself?

Whenever someone has mentioned the Seahawks have been mentioned these past two weeks the name that always pops up is Richard Sherman. However, the cornerback may be doing a huge service for his team. Think about it. No one has talked about Russell Wilson’s post season slump

It’s time for the Legion’s leader to step up

or the fact that he’s a second year pro. Instead of the media burning a spotlight on the young quarterback and his flaws, the cameras and media have all been focused on Sherman. If anything, Sherman has been putting all the pressure on himself rather than have his teammates take on the enormous media scrutiny.

With all this talking, it’s time for Sherman to start walking. Should he struggle or give up big plays during the Super Bowl, his reputation will take a major hit. It’s like the Jets a few seasons ago. When Rex Ryan was winning, that bravado and swagger was accepted because they could back it up. But when the losses start to pile up, that swagger and bravado crashed harder than a lead balloon. It’s not about talking in the NFL, it’s about getting the job done. So Richard Sherman, you think you’re the best cornerback in the NFL? It’s time to prove it on the biggest stage in the world, Super Bowl XLVIII.

Last Hoorah: Should this be it for Peyton Manning?

February 1, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / 1 Comment

If Peyton Manning wins should he retire?

It was a season to remember. With fifty-five touchdowns and over five thousand passing yards, Peyton Manning crafted the most masterful season in NFL history. Many experts may say this is the best that Manning has ever been, the pinnacle of Mount Everest for the quarterback position. Now only one win away from a Super Bowl and football immortality, the question is if Peyton Manning hoists the Lombardi Trophy, should this be it?

At the age of 38, Peyton Manning isn’t exactly a spring chicken. True he probably could continue to play a few more seasons given the lack of punishment he has endured being hit as a quarterback. Still, there is one important aspect that tends to get overlooked. Peyton Manning’s neck is a cause for concern. Two years after major neck surgery, Manning has already said that he will visit doctor’s this offseason to see how much his neck has deteriorated. If Manning wins this Super Bowl, and the doctor’s tell him that his neck has deteriorated significantly, then I think he will strongly consider retirement. He will have finally won multiple Super Bowls, and a Super Bowl for two different franchises. This is a feat that has never been done before. Plus, would another Super Bowl really mean that much? He’s in an elite club with only a few quarterbacks that have won multiple Super Bowls. Add in his regular season success, Manning would have to be considered one of if not the greatest quarterback in NFL history.

What would be a more fitting end to Manning’s career then a Super Bowl victory? If he loses this sunday I have no doubts that he will be back under center, even with the health concerns. He needs one more Super Bowl victory. Let’s say they win this Super Bowl and he comes back. What if he gets hurt next season and can’t play again? What if he can’t win another Super Bowl? Wouldn’t it be better if Manning if Manning left in the prime of his career rather than limp out pathetically at the end? While many football fans want to see Manning continue his career, me included, there is a time where even the greats have to make the difficult decision to retire. Don’t be surprised if the Broncos win the Super Bowl, that Peyton Manning may not be under center for them in 2014.

Why Johnny Manziel will be pick #1 in the NFL Draft

January 14, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / 1 Comment

Johnny Football will be the first player off the board

And with the first pick in the 2014 NFL Draft the Houston Texans select…. Johnny Manziel, quarterback, Texas A&M. Even though the draft is months away I believe that the number one pick in the draft is set. While some experts may think the Houston Texans will take Jadeveon Clowney or Terry Bridgewater with the number one pick, I strongly believe that the Texans will take Johnny Football to be their franchise quarterback.

Since their inauguration into the NFL back in 2002, the Texans have never had a true franchise quarterback. David Carr was a flop, and while Matt Schaub did have some nice moments, turnovers and injuries prevented him from being the Texans’ franchise quarterback. Back in 2007, the Texans were in a similar predicament. In that Draft, they selected Mario Williams with the number one overall pick over Texas’ quarterback Vince Young. While in hindsight this was the right move, I believe that there is still some regret within the organization that they did not draft Vince Young. Now, in 2014 the Texans may have hit the jackpot.

Johnny Manziel has electrified fans at College Station and is now taking his talents to the big stage. While Terry Bridgewater may be the highest rated quarterback by draft experts, Johnny Manziel is not far behind. While Manziel is widely known for his off the field shenanigans, the Texans should and probably will roll the dice on him. Sure he has his baggage, such as partying a little to hard at A&M, but Manziel is a playmaker and a Heisman trophy winner. The Texans need a playmaker who can get the ball into the hands of their dangerous receivers and revitalize this offense. With his arm and leagues, the Texans probably believe he can do just that.

Drafting Manziel goes far beyond just the football field. The Houston Texans need an icon. What would be better than a quarterback from Texas? He was born in Texas and helped make A&M a top program. Fans would love the pick because he is their player, a fellow Texan. In a state that is football crazy wouldn’t it be nice to have an NFL quarterback with a Texan as the quarterback. Sounds like a dream to me. Not to mention it makes sense from the financial stand point. Can you imagine how many more tickets and jerseys the Texans will sell if Manziel heads to Houston?

With Manziel in Houston, the Texans could be a playoff contender next season. They’re in a weak division, and despot their record have a roster filled with talent. If it wasn’t for the god awful quarterback play, this team would be far away from the number one overall pick. Sure many things can change before the combined, but Manziel to the Texans makes too much sense. It is his home state, A&M fans are close, he’s talented, and he’s a quarterback! Sure the Texans may trade out of one or go in a different direction, but if they pass on Manziel, it could be a move that this franchise will regret. Both financially and in the win column.

What do you think the Texans should do? Take our poll and comment below!

Time to go? Is RGIII wearing out his welcome?

January 7, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Robert Griffin the Third has gone from NFL poster boy, to the definition of NFL diva in one year. After a season riff with turmoil, RG III continues dumping kerosene on the fire that is the Washington Redskins. After a year of being called out by his teammates about his leadership and focus, RGIII has gone from savior to cancer. True this isn’t all his fault, his knee injury and Shannahan’s coaching issues were aspects that Griffin had no control over. However, RGIII became consumed in the brand that was RGIII. Sure he dominated the media market with countless commercials, but he forgot that with great athlete commercials, there must be great athletic performances.

Now after a terrible season, RGIII just continues to pile on the controversy. Even after getting Mike Shanahan fired, Griffin still continues to grab the limelight for the wrong reasons. He recently came out bragging to teammates about the influence he has on the team’s management. Owner Dan Schneider only confirms that notion by stating that Griffin will have input on who the next coach of the Redskins will be. I’m sorry, but it is clear that the inmate is running the asylum, and this never ends well. This is the NFL. This isn’t the NBA where one superstar is the difference, there are 52 other men that make a team. RGIII struts around as if he is the best quarterback in the league. But really what has he done? Sure he got the Redskins to the playoffs, but that’s it. He’s only had one winning season, been in the league two seasons, and hasn’t won a playoff game. Yet, he acts like he has done everything you can in the NFL. If anything, RGIII has a terrible legacy for now being a so-called “coach killer” and a diva. You can tell that his team doesn’t want to play for him anymore. They won’t help him up after plays and continue to talk about their quarterback’s poor leadership.

So what should the Redskins do? Some fans may not want to hear this, but the Redskins should try to get rid of RGIII. While this will probably never happen, because Daniel Snyder loves Griffin, it could be what’s best for this team. While they have given up three first round draft picks for Griffin, it would be addition by subtraction. Griffin has too much power in DC, power no player should have. His job is to play quarterback, not help pick the roster and coaching staff. When the inmates start to run the asylum, your organization is in trouble. Now the Redskins also have the issue of being an organization that is in chaos. What players would want to come play with a quarterback who is injury prone and is a diva? The Redskins also may be costing their organization a great coach. What coach really wants to come into a situation when their quarterback has so much power within the organization? RGIII could be costing the organization a great coach.

2014 will be a crucial year for RGIII. Not only does he have to get healthy and return to his rookie year form, but he also will be under a tremendous microscope. With all these offseason issues and drama in the nation’s capital, Robert Griffin must prove that he’s an elite quarterback. Not only on the field, but off the field. He has numerous bridges to repair in D.C. If RGIII can overcome this and become the quarterback he has the potential to be, it will be one of the greatest transformations in NFL history. If not, Griffin could be the next great bust in the NFL. What do you think? Will RGIII be a bust or will he regain his form? Is it in the best interest for the Redskins to get rid of him?