I know that the NFL is just starting to get its feet back under itself as they prepare to start a pre-season that is only weeks away. But it seems like some owners still haven’t figured out what the players were trying to do. Many of these players play football because it’s what they love, it’s what they dream of, and it’s what they’re good at. There will be many new players coming in to prove something to themselves and others. It’s probably the same for the veterans. And then there’s a veteran who has nothing to prove, and yet still amazes us.
I was reading the latest NFL news out of curiosity when this article about Peyton Manning caught my eye. Seriously, what he’s doing is amazing and so wonderful to hear. So, all of those people who’ve been calling athletes spoiled may need to rethink their positions just a little. I was more angry at the owners than I was at the players, and it seems that nothing has really changed. The owners are still throwing their money around, but not everyone’s accepting it. Here’s an excerpt from the article that is running on ESPN’s site, Peyton Manning Willing To Take Less Cash and NFL’s site:
“While I appreciate Jim Irsay offering to make me the highest-paid player,” Manning told The Indianapolis Star, “I told him I’d rather he save that money and keep whoever it is … (running back) Joe Addai, (left tackle) Charlie Johnson… whoever that may be. I’m willing to take less than they’ve offered if they are going to take that money to keep players we need to keep and go get other players. All I want is for them to have the cap and the cash to keep the players they want to keep and to sign other players.” – Peyton Manning
Wow, now that is a class act after such destructive times in the world of football. I can’t quote stats and stories like many of you fans of football, but I do love this game. Here’s another reason why. So, are we ready to rumble?
And did they really learn anything from this?
