The NFL has pretty much lost me, but as a former Steelers die-hard, two things warmed my cockles a bit.
Antonio Brown. Once a sure-fire Hall-of-Famer, who knows now? He’ll be 32 next season, time is never an athlete’s friend, and he might never even play again. He averaged over 1,500 yards receiving his last 6 years with the Steelers. Comparable to Terrell Owens as far as great talent with issues, I think Brown has actually had more problems outside the league (which never sits well with those “protecting the shield”). Owens didn’t get in until his 3rd year despite being near the top of every career receiving category. He then became the only recipient to ever skip the induction ceremony. The NFL won’t want to see that again.
Le’Veon Bell. Probable Hall-of-Famer, probably the top all-around back in the league. Time is even less kind to running backs. Skipped last year then had an underwhelming year with the Jets after taking less money than the Steelers were offering (and of course losing about $15 million on his year off). His last 4 years with the Steelers he averaged 91 yards rushing per game (4.54 yards per carry) and 46 yards receiving (8.47 yards per catch). With the Jets, those numbers were 53 (3.22) and 31 (6.98).
Brown may still get into the Hall of Fame. Bell will not.
Steelers really blew this decade considering their talent.
New York Football Giants hire 38 year old Joe Judge as head coach; he's never been a head coach at the college or pro level. Diamond in the rough, or crazy hire?
The fact that the wide receivers were one of the weakest links of the Pats does not bode well for him, though one could argue that he made the best of the talent he was given. As a Giants fan I am hoping for the best but I am skeptical of how someone who has never had to deal with the media will do under the very bright lights of NY. I think hiring Garrett would generally be a wise move, though hopefully this won't create the impression that if anything goes wrong, he will have a very short leash and Garrett will be ready to take over. It is interesting that they chose him, leapfrogging over McDaniel.
I also wonder how someone who grew up in Philly ended up playing at Mississippi State, but that is a question for another day...
Joe Judge interview. Even as a Jets fan, I like him. (Read halfway down or so for the Duke connection.)
https://nypost.com/2020/01/11/joe-ju...pasteboard_app