Looking back at the 2013 NFL season, many headlines brought the media to an all out blitz. Here is my prerogative on five hot topics.
Aaron Hernandez? or Murderer Suspect #1? Before the 2013 NFL season could get under way, a major scandal had emerged. On June 28, 2013, New England Patriots tight end, Aaron Hernandez, was hand-cuffed and taken to jail on charges of first degree murder for the killing of Odin Lloyd. Aaron Hernandez, what the heck were you thinking?! Obviously nothing! Hernandez had signed a contract extension in 2012 worth $40 million over five years. What a waste of money! The Patriots couldn't avoid paying Hernandez, after all he was an All-Pro tight end, not yet a murderer.
Some analysts considered the Patriots victims, I agree one hundred percent. How could the Patriots see this coming? Yes, Hernandez had a few minor legal run ins, but now-a-days, what NFL player doesn't! The Patriots looked at Hernandez as many of us would, an incredible athletic talent who could help an organization win ball games. The Patriots did handle the matter well, I should add. Whomever owned a Hernandez jersey had the opportunity to exchange it for a current pats player. That speaks volumes about their first class organization. I sure know if my idol was convicted of murder, I wouldn't wanna wear his jersey any longer! The Patriots covered their own butts, even though they had no obligation to do so, kudos New England! Owner, Robert Kraft, made it clear he wanted no part of Hernandez and officially cut him from the roster, even before he could be proven guilty. Another smart move by the team. The pats wanted no recollection of Aaron Hernandez, and who could blame them?
4 - Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning himself was a headline, all season long! In the MLB Albert Pujols is considered as the "Machine", well the NFL has it's version, and it's Peyton Manning. This guy, is an absolute beast! It all started from week one, where he wowed the nation by throwing for SEVEN, yes SEVEN touchdowns! I knew right there, we were in the process of witnessing a historic season unfold. Boy, was I right! Fifty five touchdowns?! That is unheard of, literally it hadn't been done before! Week in and week out Manning was making headline news. Even when the Broncos lost, it became a big deal. After a magical season for Manning, the Broncos would head to Super Bowl 48.
Super Bowl week brought forth another topic concerning Manning, "Is he the G.O.A.T?". I personally cannot consider someone to be the greatest of all time when they are still actively playing. Does that mean Peyton isn't the G.O.A.T? At this moment in time, Peyton Manning is the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos. Manning has records up and down the record book, and has a chance to keep tacking to that! Let's start bringing up the G.O.A.T convo when Manning decides to hang up the cleats for good.
Peyton Manning had the best season of his life setting numerous records, taking his team to Super Bowl 48 (who cares that he lost, I don't!), and winning his fifth MVP title. The man deserved it all!
| SCHEDULE | |||||||
| WEEK | DATE | OPP. | COMP-ATT | YDS | TD | INT | |
| 1 | 9/5/13 | BAL | 27-42 | 462 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2 | 9/15/13 | NYG | 30-43 | 307 | 2 | 0 | |
| 3 | 9/23/13 | OAK | 32-37 | 374 | 3 | 0 | |
| 4 | 9/29/13 | PHI | 28-34 | 327 | 4 | 0 | |
| 5 | 10/6/13 | DAL | 33-42 | 414 | 4 | 1 | |
| 6 | 10/13/13 | JAC | 28-42 | 295 | 2 | 1 | |
| 7 | 10/20/13 | IND | 29-49 | 386 | 3 | 1 | |
| 8 | 10/27/13 | WAS | 30-44 | 354 | 4 | 3 | |
| 10 | 11/10/13 | SD | 25-36 | 330 | 4 | 0 | |
| 11 | 11/17/13 | KC | 24-40 | 323 | 1 | 0 | |
| 12 | 11/24/13 | NE | 19-36 | 150 | 2 | 1 | |
| 13 | 12/1/13 | KC | 22-35 | 403 | 5 | 2 | |
| 14 | 12/8/13 | TEN | 39-59 | 397 | 4 | 0 | |
| 15 | 12/12/13 | SD | 27-41 | 289 | 2 | 1 | |
| 16 | 12/22/13 | HOU | 32-51 | 400 | 4 | 0 | |
| 17 | 12/29/13 | OAK | 25-28 | 266 | 4 | 0 | |
3- NFL Injuries
The Wall Street Journal created this info graphic detailing every injury that occurred prior to Super Bowl 48. Injuries have always been a hot topic in the NFL, especially as of late. This all in part due to ongoing research for concussions and head related injuries. However, from the chart above, only 96 injuries occurred to the head region (making it the fifth highest). Yes, the brain is important, but I think the NFL and the media needs to focus more of their time with ALL injuries, not just blows to the head. I've never had a concussion, so I can't speak on behalf of anyone whose had them, but I had major injuries to my elbow and ankle. Those injuries resulted in an extensive rehab program, and fortunately enough for me I didn't need surgery. However, many injuries do require surgery, such as a torn ACL, which can also terminate a season. In many cases, concussions don't end the season for players, but I do acknowledge they have long term effects.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not against protecting the brain, but I think the media needs to realize that injuries happen no matter what! Im getting sick and tired of turning on the T.V and hearing about another player diagnosed with a concussion. It's football, a contact sport. The players aren't out there trying to hurt one another (except the 2012 Saints, Ha!) Concussions are going to happen, just like broken bones are going to happen. I do have sympathy for those who suffer from concussions, and its the same sympathy I give players who suffer torn ACLs or broken arms and whatnot. The media needs to act like a concussion is any other injury, because that exactly what it is.
2 - Richard Sherman's Postgame Tirade
If you haven't heard or seen Richard Sherman's post game tirade after the NFC championship game versus my beloved forty-niners, wake up from under your rock! Sherman's rant to Erin Andrews, which was broadcasted live across all of America became an instant viral sensation. Even though I am a bit bias in this matter, I can still see where Richard Sherman was coming from. He had just played the biggest game to date in his young career, and had the game winning deflected pass! Give the man a break, he was fired up! I am strictly referring to the tone of voice Sherman used during the interview, where he came off yelling and screaming in Erin Andrews' ear. I have been apart of important games and I do understand that no matter who you are, emotions are uncontrollable. Sherman poured his entire heart and soul onto the playing field, he wasn't thinking about controlling what he says for some two minute T.V interview when the game ends.
However, I do have a problem with the actual words that Sherman muttered. At no point in any level of sports should you attack another peer, verbally or physically. Sherman attacked San Francisco wide out Michael Crabtree, telling him to never come at him again. As mentioned above, I understand emotions are uncontrollable, that doesn't excuse you for attacking another individual! During his endless rant, Sherman also mentioned he was the, "best corner in the game!". He may have a point with that one, but come on man, be humble about it! If you are the best at something, you shouldn't have to tell the entire world, they should know already.
Sherman acknowledged he was wrong during Super Bowl media week, which was the morally and professionally correct thing to do. I'm sure Sherman spent time watching the interview over, which cause him to see how dumb he actually sounded. I respect Richard Sherman, he's a man who made a huge blunder in front of millions of eyes and ears, and later publicly admitted he was wrong.
Touché Mr. Sherman!
1 - Miami Dolphins Bullying Scandal
I consider the Jonathan Martin versus Richie Incognito scandal to be the number one headline to hit the shelves during the 2013 season. A 300 pound offensive lineman leaves a team because of bullying?! Really? I never thought I would see the day. Jonathan Martin left the Miami Dolphins organization after "constant bullying and harassment". Richie Incognito happened to be the biggest bully on the team.
The Dolphins lack leadership. That is no surprise when a team is accused of bullying a young player in an NFL locker room. Both Martin and Incognito are to blame here. Even though Martin was the victim, he should have handled this like a grown man. Martin may have been harassed more then he could handle, but maybe he should have told Incognito to knock it off. Would that make Incognito stop? Probably not. I give him tons of respect for not taking and eye for an eye approach, but if never left the team facility, I wouldn't be typing this. In the NFL teams select players from all over the country, bringing together many types of personalities.
Incognito is a bully, and no team should even offer him a minimum contract. This guys is detrimental to a team, a pure cancer. He ended the season for the Dolphins, bringing a dark cloud over the organization the entire season. Incognito was wrong on all kinds of levels. He is a veteran in a young locker room, he should take Martin under his wing, not push him away! I know first hand how tough it can be for a young player to adapt to the new culture. Rookie hazing is part of the NFL culture, but only to certain extent. When you start leaving dirty voicemails that include racial slurs, thats crossing the line! Nobody wants cancer, it takes over slowly and destroys you from inside out. That is exactly what Richie Incognito is, a malignant cancer.
Nothing like this had ever occurred inside an NFL locker room, which sent the NLF media into a frenzy. The Bullying saga is even ongoing today! Martin and Incognito need to be locked in a room, until only them two settle this saga.
I can speak for the majority of us football fans when I say, "We've had enough of the NFL bullying scandal."
If you haven't heard or seen Richard Sherman's post game tirade after the NFC championship game versus my beloved forty-niners, wake up from under your rock! Sherman's rant to Erin Andrews, which was broadcasted live across all of America became an instant viral sensation. Even though I am a bit bias in this matter, I can still see where Richard Sherman was coming from. He had just played the biggest game to date in his young career, and had the game winning deflected pass! Give the man a break, he was fired up! I am strictly referring to the tone of voice Sherman used during the interview, where he came off yelling and screaming in Erin Andrews' ear. I have been apart of important games and I do understand that no matter who you are, emotions are uncontrollable. Sherman poured his entire heart and soul onto the playing field, he wasn't thinking about controlling what he says for some two minute T.V interview when the game ends.
However, I do have a problem with the actual words that Sherman muttered. At no point in any level of sports should you attack another peer, verbally or physically. Sherman attacked San Francisco wide out Michael Crabtree, telling him to never come at him again. As mentioned above, I understand emotions are uncontrollable, that doesn't excuse you for attacking another individual! During his endless rant, Sherman also mentioned he was the, "best corner in the game!". He may have a point with that one, but come on man, be humble about it! If you are the best at something, you shouldn't have to tell the entire world, they should know already.
Sherman acknowledged he was wrong during Super Bowl media week, which was the morally and professionally correct thing to do. I'm sure Sherman spent time watching the interview over, which cause him to see how dumb he actually sounded. I respect Richard Sherman, he's a man who made a huge blunder in front of millions of eyes and ears, and later publicly admitted he was wrong.
Touché Mr. Sherman!
1 - Miami Dolphins Bullying Scandal
I consider the Jonathan Martin versus Richie Incognito scandal to be the number one headline to hit the shelves during the 2013 season. A 300 pound offensive lineman leaves a team because of bullying?! Really? I never thought I would see the day. Jonathan Martin left the Miami Dolphins organization after "constant bullying and harassment". Richie Incognito happened to be the biggest bully on the team.
The Dolphins lack leadership. That is no surprise when a team is accused of bullying a young player in an NFL locker room. Both Martin and Incognito are to blame here. Even though Martin was the victim, he should have handled this like a grown man. Martin may have been harassed more then he could handle, but maybe he should have told Incognito to knock it off. Would that make Incognito stop? Probably not. I give him tons of respect for not taking and eye for an eye approach, but if never left the team facility, I wouldn't be typing this. In the NFL teams select players from all over the country, bringing together many types of personalities.
Incognito is a bully, and no team should even offer him a minimum contract. This guys is detrimental to a team, a pure cancer. He ended the season for the Dolphins, bringing a dark cloud over the organization the entire season. Incognito was wrong on all kinds of levels. He is a veteran in a young locker room, he should take Martin under his wing, not push him away! I know first hand how tough it can be for a young player to adapt to the new culture. Rookie hazing is part of the NFL culture, but only to certain extent. When you start leaving dirty voicemails that include racial slurs, thats crossing the line! Nobody wants cancer, it takes over slowly and destroys you from inside out. That is exactly what Richie Incognito is, a malignant cancer.
Nothing like this had ever occurred inside an NFL locker room, which sent the NLF media into a frenzy. The Bullying saga is even ongoing today! Martin and Incognito need to be locked in a room, until only them two settle this saga.
I can speak for the majority of us football fans when I say, "We've had enough of the NFL bullying scandal."
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