All good things come to an end. We all knew Derek Jeter's retirement was imminent. From the time I was a four year old boy, Jeter had been penciled in as shortstop for the New York Yankees. Jeter announced Wednesday he'll be hanging up the cleats after the '14 season.
Jeter's career has been filled with tremendous success: winning five World Series titles, piling up 3,000 career hits (his 3,000th was a home run), and appearing in thirteen all-star games. Jeter exemplified leadership qualities from the moment he joined the squad, thus being deemed captain in 2003 (only the eleventh captain in team history!) Jeter set the stage for how a ball player should act on and off the field. Not once did Jeter make tabloid news, or run into trouble off the field. He was a role model and acted accordingly. You don't have to be a fan of the Yankees to enjoy what he has accomplished. I personally, despise the Yankees, but I admire and respect the crap out of Jeter. He is the gold standard of a ball player.
Derek Jeter played the game with enjoyment, passion, and enthusiasm. Jeter did more than light up the stat sheet. How many of you can remember the infamous "cut off" in the ALCS back in '01? How about the first time he made the "jump throw" deep in the hole? Or my personal favorite, leaping into the stands for fly ball! Jeter possesses the clutch gene as well, always getting timely knocks when it matters most. The fall classic was Jeter's favorite stage, where he earned the name, "Mr. November". Jeter could do it all! Derek Jeter will be a first ballot, unanimous selection in the Hall of Fame when eligible in 2019. His name belongs amongst those of Yankee legends, Lou Gehrig, Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth, Joe Dimaggio, Roger Maris, Reggie Jackson and Yogi Bera.
Derek Jeter was more than a professional ball player, he was an idol to myself and millions of young children, even MLB star Troy Tulowitzki. Growing up, I didn't want to be the President, I wanted to be Derek Jeter, and play shortstop for the New York Yankees. Who didn't?! I can remember recreating the "jump throw" while fielding grounders in front of my house with my pops. I'm sure children everywhere pretended to be Jeter once in their life, I did ALL the time! As I developed into a ball player myself, he was still the dude I wanted to become. I watched endless hours of video footage of his swing, and tried to mimic it exactly. Jeter helped me fall in love with this game, and I will never forget what he meant to me. Even though Jeter never won an MVP, he will always be my generation's most valuable player. He was my childhood hero, and it will be bittersweet come the end of the 2014 season.
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.
5 - Aaron Hernandez
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
www.cbssports.com
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.
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."
Johnny Manziel hasn't even graced the surface in his football career. Having played only two seasons at Texas A&M, he still amassed a numerous amount of breathtaking type plays! I have narrowed down the number of top plays, to the top ten.
If you weren't a believer in Johnny Manziel, now you should be. In a game versus Louisiana Tech on October 14, 2012, Manziel exhibited an intangible trait, heart. You might be wondering why this play doesn't have him scoring a TD, or throwing a bomb after scrambling around (those are coming later), but this play showcases determination and an unwillingness to give up. As a freshman in 2012, for him to show that kind of effort that young really speaks about his character. The Aggies were cruising, up sixteen, even more of a reason for Manziel to not sprint after the defender, but Johnny Football isn't normal. About every sports fan knows how athletic Manziel is, this clip shows more than that. Manziel has skill AND heart, watch out NFL.
9.
Classic Manziel. Running around in the backfield as if it were a game in the backyard with his buddies. That's how easy this guy makes the game seem! This clip came in a game versus Ole Miss' on October 12, 2013. Yes there are two scrambling plays, and there should be! Those plays were made on the same drive of the game. Ole Miss' knew Manziel wanted to scramble, and they still couldn't stop him! Johnny really emphasizes his explosive speed when he splits the defense, and runs right up the middle for a huge chunk of yards. Manziel also has the quality to keep his eyes down field while in the mist of scrambling for a big gain. Will his speed apply the same way in the NFL? Watch the NFL draft in May to see which team snags him up.
8.
On September 7, 2013, Johnny Manziel did something only few knew he could accomplish. On third and four and lingering in the red zone, Manziel took the rock, rolled out right and scrambled in the end zone for a touchdown. The scary part is, was how he scored that touchdown. Rolling out to his right not seeing any receivers open, he decides to tuck the ball and accelerate past one defender as well as trucking another. That defender was Sam Houston State defensive back Shelby Davis (#3). Johnny football goes head-up with Davis, who is listed at 5 feet 11 inches and 160 pounds, and bulldozed his way into the end zone. Manziel may not be very big himself (6'1, 201 pounds), but he certainly doesn't shy away from contact. If the NFL isn't paying attention yet, they better wake up!
7.
The term, "threading the needle" is needed to describe this play. Not only did Manziel throw a frozen rope to wide out, Mike Evans (#13), he did so while being backed up into his own territory. Manziel launched the pass a good five yards deep in the end zone, and still managed to sneak it by the defensive back, to the wide out at the forty yard line. Incredible! Looking closely at the play, you can witness that Johnny Manziel throws off his back foot. Some might think, - "what's so special about that?" - For a quarterback to be off balance and perfectly place the ball in a small window, to hit a receiver in stride, while being pursued by the top defense in the nation, requires tremendous arm strength. Manziel demonstrated to have the ability to throw from within the pocket, something many scouts have doubted. Johnny Football has arm strength people, the proof is in the pudding.
6.
Speed kills! In a game versus Louisiana Tech in 2012, Manziel and Co. lined up in the pistol formation, running a QB draw. Manziel kept the ball, and saw a hole developing from the right side of the offensive line. Once Johnny reached the second level, it was over. Nobody on the defense was going to catch him. He even burnt past two defenders on his was to his longest touchdown run of his career, 72 yards! According to Rivals.com, Manziel runs a 40 yard dash in 4.53 seconds, exactly the same as San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. True speed, like Manziel possesses can't be matched, or can it? We will see if the amazing athletic ability in the NFL is able to stop this kid.
5.
A Heisman trophy winner, and a STUD! That is what Johnny Manziel is. He showed us why in the Cotton Bowl, on January 4, 2013 versus Oklahoma University. A few weeks after being in New York City for the Heisman presentation, Johnny Football appeared back on the gridiron doing his thing (oh yeah, he won too!). Playing on national TV was the perfect time for him to show off to America, and show off he did! On first and ten, with about ten minutes left in the half, a typical QB draw was ran for Manziel. Just as Manziel had done all season, (rushing for 1,181 yards) he was gone for a huge chunk of yards. Mr. Football has explosive speed, which helps get himself into the secondary, pulling out some school yard juke moves to get more defenders to miss. After all was said and done, Manziel gained a total of 44 yards, and gave his team a monumental momentum shift! Will Johnny Manziel be able to motivate his NFL teammates?
4.
WOW! This play comes in at number four, so I'll give fourreasons this play is AMAZING!
1- His escape from pressure is simply beautiful! He manages to roll away from an oncoming rusher, allowing him more time for Johnny's magic.
2-His throw. WOW! WOW! Can I say wow again? WOW! Johnny Manziel threw a 20 yard dart one-footed! If that doesn't get you excited, I don't know what does. He did complete that pass after scrambling away from defenders. Just sayin'.
3-Johnny Manziel is the ultimate competitor. Texas A&M is already up 20, but that doesn't stop Manziel or the Aggies to keep playing as if they were down 20. That attitude starts with their fearless leader, Manziel, who will always give his all, no matter what. He competes all four quarters, what more do you want from a QB?
4- Oh, this play also resulted in a touchdown! Yeah, Manziel didn't run into the end zone himself, but he did start it al. It's a perfect example of "Johnny Football" doing magical things to take over a game.
3.
Manziel continues to amaze us with these types of plays! Im shocked myself that I chose this play as number three, but here is why:
1-Manziel is slippery, very slippery. Playing at home in College Station, Manziel completed what is officially ruled a 12 yard pass. However, the pass traveled 45 yards through the air! Manziel escaped a sack from Alabama linebacker, C.J Mosley, (future NLF player) and managed to run so for in the backfield that he needed to heave the ball in the air, hail-marry style!
2- This play is number three, and not higher because the final two result in touchdowns! ( the plays are AMAZING, so you should still watch!) Also, I'll be the first to admit that a little bit of luck was involved in this play. Yet, still an awesome play from Johnny Football. I expect nothing less.
2.
The final two is now amongst us! Johnny Manziel's last college football game. New Years Eve 2013, playing in the Chick-Fil-A-Bowl versus Duke. The Aggies found themselves trailing by twenty-one. That didn't stop Johnny Football from making one hell of a play! It all started on second and seven, Manziel in shotgun formation. Ball snapped, Manziel scanned the field for open receivers, not finding anybody open. What happens next is unheard of! Manziel attempts to take off with his legs, until he hurdles into his own teammate, Jarvis Harrison (#51), an offensive lineman tipping the scales at over 300 pounds. Manziel, who hadn't crossed the line of scrimmage, backpedaled and threw a pass to an outlet receiver. The rest is history! As mentioned before, Manziel possesses this insane quality to never give up! Manziel and the Aggies ended up with a comeback victory over the Duke Bluedevils, 52-48! I point to this play, as the turing point of the game, and of course it's Johnny Football in the middle of it all!
1.
Here it is folks, the NUMBER ONE play! There are two main reasons for why I chose this play as the cream of the crop!
-This play demonstrates numerous attributes that are within Manziel's arsenal.
Awareness
Manziel attempts to run the ball himself, after initially scanning the field for open receivers. However, his awareness allows him to see the running lane close quickly.
Back to option one, pass the ball!
Elusiveness
According to ESPN, Manziel was only sacked 22 times out of 434 pass attempts the entire 2012 season! That's a 5% sack rate!
I'm not surprised by that stat when Manziel pulls moves like this!
Vision
Vision as an attribute for a QB is underrated. To be a successful quarterback in any league, it's important to maintain site of your receivers.
Johnny Football keeps his eyes on his receivers at all times, even while evading pass rushers. It pays off! Big time!
Arm strength
Manziel completes the pass for a touchdown to wideout Ryan Swope (#25).
The touchdown pass wasn't a missile, but arm strength was definitely a factor in completing the pass.
Manziel threw the ball across his body on the run! A type of throw, that can't be completed without arm strength.
Again, across his body on the run! That is HARD! He made it look simple.
-This game was played in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Not an easy place to play, let alone win! Manziel and the Aggies did exactly that on November 10, 2012 versus Alabama. Johnny Manziel was a freshman, and for him to march into that stadium and execute all afternoon (with plays like the one above) is phenomenal. Looking closely at this play, I saw before the touchdown the Aggies had a 7-0 lead over the crimson tide. Add that amazing play for Manziel, and the Aggies are up 14-0! Wait, thats only seven minutes into the game! UNBELIEVABLE! Texas A&M, led by Manziel, came out with a win against the nations top team, which had a defense full of NFL quality players.
Whose laughing now?
Draft exports all around the country, especially ESPNs Mel Kiper Jr, have projected Johnny Manziel to be selected number one overall in the NFL draft. Will he be able to keep making plays, like the ones above? Or will the NFL turn Johnny Football, back into Johnny Manziel? Leave a comment with what you think.
