football-ed up after the NFL draft

Good Morning,

I have a new pair of shorts which I have not taken off (except to sleep or shower) the last three days. These are not just any shorts these are my new LIVESTRONG shorts! Black mesh with a thin yellow line inside white trim at the bottom...Fully expecting them to live up to their promise, I started wearing them immediately after purchase and began sitting through ESPN's 2010 NFL Draft coverage...

At some point, inspired to run faster and jump higher!!! I headed to the gym to record my draft stock...

my time in the 40 yrd. dash is in the high 10's (seconds), my vertical jump's gone from 32in. to about 1 in. and i'm still working on the three cone drill...

hmm, looks like I might need to find me a new goal...

In this light, I'd like to bring you the story of Myron Rolle...

Myron Rolle, is a former Florida State football player who earned a Rhodes scholarship and can use the words periphery and edify in complete sentences. It seems clear to me that he has been caught in a weird kind of prejudice or discrimination we don't often think about.

A bias against smartishness? (i.e., people who are smart)

Myron delayed entering the draft for a year to pursue his studies at Oxford in medical anthropology. This touted football All-American (3rd team), hit the books even harder and after a NFL career has aspirations of becoming a neurosurgeon.

He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans as the last pick in the 6th round (out of 7). Earlier projections had him going late first to early 3rd (round)...

Why did he drop so far?

During the combine (the pre-draft workout/evaluation camp), former Baltimore Ravens coach Brian Billick said Rolle's situation comes down to "a character issue." It's not about personal conduct, but whether Rolle is totally committed to playing pro football. Billick said Rolle's intellect can be a hindrance on the field: "If you want to create hesitation on a guy, make him think. This guy can't help but think."

...as if Myron (ascot not included) will be toting encyclopedias onto the field and consulting them between plays...or when the offense runs in an extra running back he will become lost in the complexity of this scheme. To me this seems absurd. I do not think when someone gives Myron a head fake or jive he will be pulling out a pen to take notes.

I really think not so smart thinking (Coach Billick) is overextending the phrase "character issue."

“a character issue” refers to an individual's morals and values. A personal code of conduct one might hold themselves to...

If you follow the recent sports news...

Ben Roethlisberger who has a history of alleged sexual indiscretions, most recently with drunk young college woman in a bar bathroom

has a character issue...

Michael Vick who backed and supported his own dog fighting operation

has a character issue

Rae "Tha Trooth" Carruth who conspired to have his girlfriend murdered to avoid paying child support...has a character issue...the size of the JC Penny x-mas catalogue...or or Myron's medical anthropology texts.

Myron Rolle who has already founded the Myron Rolle Wellness and Leadership Academy, which helps foster children learn the importance of teamwork and education. Does NOT have a character issue. If he does it's called extremely GOOD CHARACTER.

Anyway...

For Myron Rolle's part, it is said, Rolle changed agents a couple of weeks ago in part because he had grown concerned about the manner in which the agent's firm was portraying him. It wasn't inaccurate, Rolle says, it just needed to be footballed-up.

Here is where I feel I can help! I have done my research! Here are a few ways Myron can "football up" for his future.


10 Ways to Football Up a Rhodes Scholar

1. Use single syllable words. Get rid of words like "periphery" and “edify.”

2. Talk about yourself in the third person.

3. Beg the question.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grBT3nflx10

Sam Bradford the #1 draft pick. a quarter back. arguably the most cerebral position...demonstrates in this interview. To answer a football question just keep rephrasing it.

The coach asks: ""What does this mean? What am I saying to you have a protection plan?"

Sam answers: "How you are going to change your protection plan to get yourself protected."

4. Bling up! wear large rings, chunky necklaces, and find the biggest pair of headphones your neck will support...

5. Remove the ascot (see photo)

6. Avoid guys like this. The "experts" not talking football just talking nonsense.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft10/columns/story?id=5033690

Here Colt McCoy (another highly picked QB) learns it's important to speak clearly in the huddle...! (Off the field pepper in plenty of "yups, freakin’, and stinkin's" to show you have the right team character!)

7. If all starts to fail, Myron can look to his teammates. As an academic he's probably used to going it alone but this is what you have teammates for!...

8. Haze and heckle the kicker. This allays fears that while in England you might have taken up with the wrong kind of futbol.

9. Get some dred extensions. Just some to hang from the back of your helmet.

10. Study film...

And lastly, Myron might try studying this guy the closest. He's the competition in this league...another defensive back...Earl Thomas UT (University of Texas) a guy drafted ahead of him by the Seahawks.

...in trying to explain his love of football. Earl Thomas said

"When I’m at peace I’m on the grass."

(*My note to Myron. Do not say this with too much Rasta in your voice but express how grateful you are for the opportunity to play the game you love).

alright. that's all i have. thank you for playing along this morning.

Happy Monday,

Amanda