The All Anti - "Leon" Team (1 Viewer)

[Englishteacher]

All of these guys are Hall of Famers reallyI think what defines our lives, and I'm recently coming about this realization, is not our abilities but what we are able to give. To our loved ones, our enemies, games like football, and something that truly is a game - life.Recently I've had a stress breakdown. Psychologically, when you reach a certain point your get up and go, often motivated by an enamorent in our own abilities and our selfish ego, shuts down.I suddenly realized that I need more playtime. This came about when I saw a commedian on TV recently who said that kids laugh on average about 400 times a day while adults average about 8. Tell me who's more truly evolved and mature.There is a kid playing a game in all of us all the time and this kid never goes away. He's joyful. There's a kid who knows nothing but love in all of us and does nothing but love. I think you have to believe in these things because they are true. And, for whatever reasons we'll always come back to this state, somehow, somewhere. CoachDick Vermiel - I'll join his team any day if I'm worthy enough as a person. He takes it to the next level.Dan Reeves - all I can say is I met him at Falcons camp and this is one of the most humble and down to Earth guys you'll ever meet. Here was the head coach of an NFl team and a group of us fans were standing around after practice waiting for autographs, pictures, and maybe a word or two. Reeves was as humble and soft spoken as I've ever seen a prominent figure. He talked to you like he was your next door neighbor. I know he had a serious heart attack a few years ago and he's a little before my time but the coach has really mellowed. Ithink this is a guy with his priorities straight in life.Shula.QBJoe MontanaTrent Green - it's the Vermiel thingRBWalter Payton "Sweetness" says it allCurtis Martin - one of the most ignored superstars in the league, very unassumingWRJerry Rice and Rod Smith - They've given of themselves totally and completely to a game. Their dedication is selfless.OL - pretty much any offensive line group is underappreciated - outside of your hometown team, how many units can you name every starter from? FB's - another unsung position. I'd love to hear from you all on this and since I spent so much time on the other "leon" thread I'm bushed and need to eat some dinner. But I hope we can celebrate some of these guys together.All of them are playing the game of life by giving.

 

[CowboyFan]

 

[mudshark]

Yes I'm a Philly homer, but Troy Vincent fits the description. Shame he won't be wearing Eagle's green next season (most likely).No class, CowboyFan...wait, was that redundant? (yes, this coming from a Philly fan!)

 

[JohnnyTitan]

I'll chime in with some homerism.Fisher - McNair - George all deserve some praise as far as humble, nice guys go.Fisher's been a bit more controversial this year than most, but I think he's a class act through-and-through.McNair and George have each had their turn in the spot-light, and I think they've handled themselves well. Very Anti-Leon. (McNair has those looming charges, but I think that's more based on one bad decision than his true disposition).I think it makes it easier to cheer for players when they are top-notch character guys.We do spend too much time highlighting the "Bad" guys, as does much of the media and ESPECIALLY Jim Rome. Although some (see above) may ridicule this thread, I agree it's important to look past all the greed and evil in society once in a while and commend the good guys.

 

[NorvilleBarnes]

...Mr. Derrick Brooks.

 

[Englishteacher]

thank you

 

[Guzalot]

QB--Warner. A class act any way you slice it.WR--Harrison. This guy needs to be nominated for NFL sainthood. He breaks records, scores TD's and makes big plays. Never a word out him. Keyhawn trash talks him on national televeision, how does he respond? He scores TD's and wins the game and shrugs about the incident to reporters.RB--Sweetness. I can't remember him ever saying a bad word about anyone.Coach--Vermeil. He's all about his players. If you're not a "character guy" you're not on his team.

 

[Red Herring]

An up-and-comer.. Larry Fitzgerald. Heard him interviewed on Rome and made me an instant fan. He's a leading Heisman candidate, and couldn't seem to care less, as long as his team is winning. Seems to mature far beyond his years too. As soon as he hits the NFL, watch out....

 

[Englishteacher]

it's ok Cowboy fan - you can play for our team too

 

[Englishteacher]

Announcer - **** Enberg

 

[Englishteacher]

so farCoaches: **** Vermiel, Dan Reeves, Don Shula, Fisher (Tenn)QB's: Kurt Warner, Joe Montana, Trent Green, Steve McNairRB's: Walter Payton, Curtis Martin, Eddie GeorgeWR's: Jerry Rice, Rod Smith, Marvin Harrison, Larry Fitzgerald (prospective NFLer)LB: Derrick BrooksS: Troy VincentPress: **** Enberggood work guys, let's have more

 

[JohnnyTitan]

An up-and-comer.. Larry Fitzgerald. Heard him interviewed on Rome and made me an instant fan. He's a leading Heisman candidate, and couldn't seem to care less, as long as his team is winning. Seems to mature far beyond his years too. As soon as he hits the NFL, watch out....

I heard this interview too, and got the EXACT same impression.In Rome's words, "He just GETS it."I'm liking our receivers. Harrison (for sure) and Fitz (potentially) are two great human beings.I'll nominate Priest Holmes as well. It doesn't seem like he's let much of his success go to his head. (Many of his Bengal comments last week were taken out of context). Also, how can you argue with www.teampriest.com That has to be the least-egotistical, most good-natured web-site of ANY NFLer.

 

[wraith]

I have to admit, I don't know much about this guy as far as off the field but Hines Ward gets a vote from me. The guy is all about the team and not about being a superstar. I couldn't believe it when I read about him going back in the game last Monday with an injured neck and a possible concussion when they were down 30-7 and are out of the playoff picture.

 

[matrix9280]

In Rome's words, "He just GETS it."

gets what?

 

[matrix9280]

I'll nominate Priest Holmes as well. It doesn't seem like he's let much of his success go to his head. (Many of his Bengal comments last week were taken out of context). Also, how can you argue with www.teampriest.com That has to be the least-egotistical, most good-natured web-site of ANY NFLer.

really? wasn't this the same person that was going to be in da club on opening weekend if he didn't get his money? that sounds like he was looking out for himself.

 

[wharf rat]

who's leon?

 

[BigRed]

Leon is the ghetto/trailer trash (pick your fav. term, either fits IMO) in those commercials who's a self-centered egomaniac and proud of it.Anyway excellent calls. The intro on this thread was kind of over the top for me but yeah talking about class acts instead of the Meshawns, TOs, and similar punks sounds like a nice change of pace.QB - Admitted homer pick but Manning. Busts his ### more than anyone asks and is demanding of players also, but (excepting the notable Vandy brain-fart) stands by his team and everyone associated with it, even when he has reason not to, such as the Jim Mora SNAFU etc. Blesdoe. Watched the team (that he carried on his back more than a few times) ride to the SB with Brady while he mostly rode the bench. Talk about a good excuse to rant - but instead he simply respected the coach's decision and helped Brady every way he could. Even took out a big newspaper ad after he signed w/BUF thanking NE for their support. One of the all-time displays of class IMO. RB - Holmes was an excellent choice. Could have had the TD record the other year, but got hurt and didn't try to play hurt just to get the record, and didn't whine in the slightest about it either. S Davis also.WR - Harrison by far. Probably the thinnest position on this "team" but I'm sure there are others I'm just not up on. Cmon there are at least a few WRs who don't insist on some end zone celebration or taunt when they score aren't there?TE - Gonzo I think, and Heap.OL - Definitely the deepest position on this team. Take your pick, there are tons.Defense - I'm sick to death of defenders who actually MAKE A PLAY (!! wow) and act like they just won the SB, dance around, etc. Freakin elementary school morons. But I know there are a lot who make a good play and just get up and get back to the huddle......just not sure which offhand...?

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

Old SchoolBart StarrBruce MatthewsClay MatthewsAnthony MunozKen AndersonBob Brown

 

[GoingFor2]

From the Redskinsarrell Green (CB) - first ballot20 seasons with the same team.When the Skins brought Fred Smoot aboard, this 7-time pro bowler took himself out of the starting position for the rookie.• ‘96 NFL/True Value Man of the Year • ‘96 NFL Bart Starr Award • ‘96 NFL Defensive Player of the Year • ‘96 Redskin Alumni Player of the Year • ‘96 Redskins Most Valuable Player • ‘96 Ken Houston Humanitarian Award • ‘97 USA TODAY Most Caring Athlete Award • ‘97 US Sprint Good Sportsmanship Award • ‘98 Redskins Player of the Year • ‘99 The Sporting News Good Guy Award • ‘00 US Chamber of Commerce Ten Outstanding Young Americans Award • ‘00 The Sporting News Top 100 Athletes of the Century Award • ‘01 Texas Sports Hall of Fame

 

[Titans2003]

Derrick Mason. Good player, good guy. Used to live in my parents' neighborhood before getting the big contract. Warrick Dunn. One of the reason the Falcons signed him to that semi-ridiculous contract was his off-the-field work. Oh yeah, he's averaging 5.9 yards a carry too.

 

[BigRed]

Darrell Green, how could I forget the anti-D Sanders (including talent level btw). All excellent calls, although if you go "old school" the numbers go up exponentially.

 

[scooper]

It's a homer answer, but Tim Krumrie was one of my favorite players of all time. He loved the game and had a constant motor. I darn near cried when he broke his leg in the Superbowl. (I did wince, but so did everybody else).He coaches in much the same manner that he played, but I'm not sure it's that effective.

 

[Munch]

No mention of Joe Jurevicius yet. Howzabout Ricky Williams as well?

 

[NorvilleBarnes]

Leon is the ghetto/trailer trash (pick your fav. term, either fits IMO)

Wow. I did not see that at all in those commercials.I would have said Leon is a very talented but self-centered, self-promoting prima donna media-darling of a struggling team.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

Barry Sanders on the field. I know that his criticism of the Lions and its management, and his money motivations may dilute his class, but nothing gave me more joy than watching Barry make those signature juke cuts where his torso and legs were going in opposite directions, causing three defenders to sprawl helplessly in front of him, then watching him spin through the line and up the field into the endzone like a rocket, and cross the stripe......only to have him turn around, hand the ball to the ref, and jog back to the sideline.No crass celebrations, no goalpost dunking, chest thumping, dancing, finger pointing, Sharpie signing, etc. Just like he's been there before, and been doing it all his life.So very damned classy.No one has nomnated a fullback yet, so I'll throw my weight behind the Eagle's Jon Ritchie. When he was on the Raiders, he had his role and relished in it. Blood running down his face every game thanks to calcium deposits in his cranium. But in his interviews and column he wrote for the Raiders website and for Sporting News, he always came across as incredibly intelligent (he graduated from Stanford with a degree in english, and was one class shy in art history, psych, and sociology to earn minor degrees in each), incredibly humble and thankful to be on the team, on any team, and nary a bad word out of his mouth about anyone when he was shipped off.

 

[ShawnRI]

Great thread.I nominate Brett Favre. I've never seen a player play with more heart. This is a guy who simply loves to play football. He's respected by both teammates and rivals alike.As a Pats homer, I'd also like to throw Tom Brady into the mix. Brady show tremendous leadership for a young player. I believe he's alot like Favre, but it's still early in his career so he hasn't earned that level of respect yet.

 

[Munch]

Great thread.I nominate Brett Favre. I've never seen a player play with more heart. This is a guy who simply loves to play football. He's respected by both teammates and rivals alike.

You forgot to mention how much his Vicoden supplier respects him as well.

 

[bsass]

Troy Brown WR New Engalnd Patriots. Working through some injuries right now but this is one of the class guys in all of Sports. Never hear about any off field problems and does a ton for Charity. I'd take a team full of Troy Brown's over T.O.'s any day.

 

[Grilled Cheesehead]

Great thread.I nominate Brett Favre. I've never seen a player play with more heart. This is a guy who simply loves to play football. He's respected by both teammates and rivals alike.

You forgot to mention how much his Vicoden supplier respects him as well.

I don't understand people who need to continue to bring up problems someone had nearly a decade ago. Why? Is your life so miserable that you have nothing better to do than rip Favre everytime his name comes up because he so desired to play the game that he got himself addicted to a painkiller? Pathetic.

 

[Munch]

Great thread.I nominate Brett Favre. I've never seen a player play with more heart. This is a guy who simply loves to play football.  He's respected by both teammates and rivals alike.

You forgot to mention how much his Vicoden supplier respects him as well.

I don't understand people who need to continue to bring up problems someone had nearly a decade ago. Why? Is your life so miserable that you have nothing better to do than rip Favre everytime his name comes up because he so desired to play the game that he got himself addicted to a painkiller? Pathetic.

If we're going to start a thread to discuss unselfish players who are assets to the sport, don't you think it at least slightly relevant to bring up a player's drug addiction, regardless of how long ago it was? There are plenty more other players who were just as or even more capable of playing football without getting addicted to pain killers.

 

[NorvilleBarnes]

Barry Sanders on the field. I know that his criticism of the Lions and its management, and his money motivations may dilute his class, but nothing gave me more joy than watching Barry make those signature juke cuts where his torso and legs were going in opposite directions, causing three defenders to sprawl helplessly in front of him, then watching him spin through the line and up the field into the endzone like a rocket, and cross the stripe......only to have him turn around, hand the ball to the ref, and jog back to the sideline.No crass celebrations, no goalpost dunking, chest thumping, dancing, finger pointing, Sharpie signing, etc. Just like he's been there before, and been doing it all his life.So very damned classy.

Couldn't agree more. Funny how there's so much celebrating that simply handing the ball to the ref became a signature move.

 

[5Rings]

Hey, don't we need a defense?

DB Ronnie Lott. What he's done off the field for the community makes his HOF career pale in comparison. True class guy. I've had the pleasure of meeting him a few times, and he couldn't be nicer.

edit to add: How many other players will voluntarily cut off a finger so not to miss a game?

 

[matrix9280]

I'd take a team full of Troy Brown's over T.O.'s any day.

:rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

 

[Bills Fan]

DT Ted Washington

Great humanitarian, did a ton of stuff for the community in his short time here. Always willing to help the kids, always a smile on his face. And he played hard.

 

[Armageddon T. Thunderbird]

S Davis also.

No F'n way dude. The guy was throwing temper tantrums about his carries in the 2nd game of the season last year. He got 31 carries in Week 1, so that means the very first time he didn't get the carries he wanted he threw a hissy fit in his coach's face.

 

[Raistlin_Majere]

WR--Harrison. This guy needs to be nominated for NFL sainthood. He breaks records, scores TD's and makes big plays. Never a word out him.

Actually, he was just complaining about not getting enough touches earlier this year. Statistically, he was having one of his worst years since he broke out in '99. So let's not annoint him a saint yet. I'm not saying Harrison is not a great player, or for that matter even a player that you should model your game after him. In my book anyone who doesn't want the ball shouldn't be playing. Just pointing out to you that your statement about him "never saying a word" is inaccurate.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

S Davis also.

No F'n way dude. The guy was throwing temper tantrums about his carries in the 2nd game of the season last year. He got 31 carries in Week 1, so that means the very first time he didn't get the carries he wanted he threw a hissy fit in his coach's face.

How about instead we install Moe Williams at that position, quietly getting it done for the Vikes without fanfare, always ready, willing, and able to take a backseat for the good of the team.

 

[jcjets]

Its the same in football as it is in life. The older a player gets the more mature they become. How we forget the season when J.Rice demanded the ball in SF when they started to have a losing season. The team lost because they didn't throw me the ball enough - was something similiar to what he said.How about the recent starting QBs that lost their jobs to young stars.BledoseVinnyEven DilferNow back when Vinny was a Brown and replaced Kosar he wasn't such a nice humble guy. I bet Moss will become more and more of a C.Carter type as his career continues. Carter helped others, but when it was game time he wanted to shine.Pretty much I nominate all O-lineman as they get no credit and make or break a team. Well most of them that is, lets leave out players like Turley

 

[Munch]

DB Ronnie Lott. What he's done off the field for the community makes his HOF career pale in comparison. True class guy. I've had the pleasure of meeting him a few times, and he couldn't be nicer.

edit to add: How many other players will voluntarily cut off a finger so not to miss a game?

I wouldn't put Lott on this team. He's deserving, but he'd be the captain of the Bad ### Mutha####er Team for chopping part of his finger off to play.

 

[Gottabesweet1]

that was a rude comment with all the this was a nice post mr.english teacherkeep it up

 

[BigRed]

I don't understand people who need to continue to bring up problems someone had nearly a decade ago. Why? Is your life so miserable that you have nothing better to do than rip Favre everytime his name comes up because he so desired to play the game that he got himself addicted to a painkiller? Pathetic.

Hello pot. Pls go have a good cry in your Favre pillow and cmon back when you're more at ease. Favre is a good one but get an asterisk from me for the handing Strahan the record BS.Also can't believe I forgot Barry.Another can't believe I forgot: Freeman McNeil. Gave 100% every play w/little fanfare.

 

[BigRed]

S Davis also.

No F'n way dude. The guy was throwing temper tantrums about his carries in the 2nd game of the season last year. He got 31 carries in Week 1, so that means the very first time he didn't get the carries he wanted he threw a hissy fit in his coach's face.

I'll take your word for it, don't recall any temper tantrums.

 

[Englishteacher]

From the Redskinsarrell Green (CB) - first ballot20 seasons with the same team.When the Skins brought Fred Smoot aboard, this 7-time pro bowler took himself out of the starting position for the rookie.• ‘96 NFL/True Value Man of the Year • ‘96 NFL Bart Starr Award • ‘96 NFL Defensive Player of the Year • ‘96 Redskin Alumni Player of the Year • ‘96 Redskins Most Valuable Player • ‘96 Ken Houston Humanitarian Award • ‘97 USA TODAY Most Caring Athlete Award • ‘97 US Sprint Good Sportsmanship Award • ‘98 Redskins Player of the Year • ‘99 The Sporting News Good Guy Award • ‘00 US Chamber of Commerce Ten Outstanding Young Americans Award • ‘00 The Sporting News Top 100 Athletes of the Century Award • ‘01 Texas Sports Hall of Fame

I can't believe I didn't mention Darrell Green, fourty lashes with a wet noodle. I had the opportunity to meet him at Redskins training camp 2 summers ago. He stays after EVERY practice signing autographs and meeting people. His deal was buy anything to benefit his charity and he'll sign until the cows come home. Bought a 20th Anniversary Darrell Green T Shirt commemerating his 20th year in the NFL and he signed it in addition to a sweey full color program picture that I got dedicated to our fantasy league, he even signed our league initials. As long as you bought one item he'd sign ANYTHING you put in front of him. Talk about patience, dedication, and giving. As soon as I get some bread I'll frame both of them. You were exactly right. Green is total first ballot and goes to the front of the line.Hall of FameDarrell Green

 

[BigRed]

Actually, he was just complaining about not getting enough touches earlier this year.

No he wasn't. Yes he mentioned wanting the ball more, but as you said, any "gamer" wants that, and it's how you go about it. He wasn't having a hissy or making an issue out of it. Lott a great choice also.

 

[Englishteacher]

Can we go ahead and vote Sweeteness, the honorable Walter Payton into the Hall of Fame?put it to a vote - can I get a second?

 

[plymkr]

I'll vote for Roger Staubach. He went to the Naval Academy for gosh sakes. I am sure he could have gone anywhere he wanted. A class act on & off the field.Edited for Gosh...I know it's cheesy, but sounds better than the alternative.

 

[Englishteacher]

I'll vote for Roger Staubach. He went to the Naval Academy for gosh sakes. I am sure he could have gone anywhere he wanted. A class act on & off the field.Edited for Gosh...I know it's cheesy, but sounds better than the alternative.

I'll second Staubach - grew up a Cowboys fan - I know but give me a break at least - and he was my boyhood idle. Wrote to him as a kid and he sent me an autographed picture. Also, his football career was delayed by service in the Navy.I also got Danny White and Tony Dorsett autographs when I was a kid.

 

[DenvisManns#32]

Actually, he was just complaining about not getting enough touches earlier this year. 

No he wasn't. Yes he mentioned wanting the ball more, but as you said, any "gamer" wants that, and it's how you go about it. He wasn't having a hissy or making an issue out of it. Lott a great choice also.

Wait a second here, it's one thing for a player like Terrell Owens or Randy Moss to throw a tantrum after (or during) a game when he feels that didn't get the ball enough and the team is losing, but I seem to recall Rice complaining after his 49er home farewell game against the Bears in 2000, for the 49ers not focusing on him and allowing him to score a TD in the game. The 49ers won the game 17-0 and Owens went on to set the NFL record for 20 catches in a game, yet Rice still felt compelled to whine and cry afterwards for not being the focalpoint and centerpiece of the game when the Bears were specifically double teaming Rice and trying to shut him down, knowing it was his last home game as a 49er?The 49ers shut the Bears out and won the game 17-0, yet Rice was unhappy for not getting a TD?

That incident showed his true colors, and like Owens, Rice has never been shy about letting the media and coaches know when he's not getting the ball enough.

Team player my a**

Injuries and discontent also have been central themes in Jerry Rice’s life lately. Used to being the 49ers’ clear-cut go-to guy before his knee injury last season, Rice was only San Francisco’s second-leading receiver through Week Two. And he wasn’t too happy about it.

Late in San Francisco’s 45-10 win in Week Two at Washington, Rice directed a heated remark at head coach Steve Mariucci, who had pulled Rice from the game. (The Niners were up by 25 at the time.) Rice was frustrated for several reasons: He had dropped a catchable ball (it happens), he had been caught from behind on a 57-yard reception (by Darrell Green, one of the NFL’s fastest men, even at 38) and he hadn’t had as many passes thrown his way as he had become accustomed to during his prime.

At the time, it seemed as though a pattern of behavior were forming. Weeks earlier Rice had said the highlight of his career was running onto the field last December — months earlier than anyone could have imagined after Rice ripped up his knee on Aug. 31, 1997. When asked if it was better than winning the Super Bowl (Rice has three rings), Rice said, "After the obstacles I overcame, yes. … That was my Super Bowl, to be honest."

Those statements, followed up by his grousing about not getting the ball, led one to believe Rice had lost sight of what football is all about: winning championships, not personal glory.

Rice’s otherworldly desire to come back from injury and re-establish himself as the best receiver in the game had blinded him. But only temporarily. A couple of days after the Redskin game, he apologized. He said he now realizes that the 49ers have other weapons (J.J. Stokes and Terrell Owens) and that he has to set an example for the rest of the team.

There’s no "I" in "leader." Rice knows this well.

 

[rhawkins68]

Great thread.I nominate Brett Favre. I've never seen a player play with more heart. This is a guy who simply loves to play football.  He's respected by both teammates and rivals alike.

You forgot to mention how much his Vicoden supplier respects him as well.

I don't understand people who need to continue to bring up problems someone had nearly a decade ago. Why? Is your life so miserable that you have nothing better to do than rip Favre everytime his name comes up because he so desired to play the game that he got himself addicted to a painkiller? Pathetic.

If we're going to start a thread to discuss unselfish players who are assets to the sport, don't you think it at least slightly relevant to bring up a player's drug addiction, regardless of how long ago it was? There are plenty more other players who were just as or even more capable of playing football without getting addicted to pain killers.

Actually yeah, if someone over comes that and over the next 5-10-15-20 years shows it. People sometimes do things there not proud of. I think he's proven himself over time.

 

[rhawkins68]

I'll vote for Roger Staubach. He went to the Naval Academy for gosh sakes. I am sure he could have gone anywhere he wanted. A class act on & off the field.Edited for Gosh...I know it's cheesy, but sounds better than the alternative.

I didn't read through the entire thread yet. But I agree with Roger Staubach. I would also like to have Tom Laundry as a coach. I think you have to look at two differnt time periods here old school which to me ended about the time "Hollywood henderson" was a cowboy. Then modern. I see modern players in it more for the acclaim and money. Therefore you have more whining than before when it meant more to win. A good modern team though seems to be GB Farve, the Wr's are all OK with Green getting teh ball. Very few hot shots there. Unlike K. Johnson and Sapp in Tampa.