Back in late 2005, I was an idiot kid with absolutely no purpose or drive in life. One night I headed out to a Texas Holdem tournament with my cousin and a former boss. After the party expired, we all headed home in one vehicle while my former boss delivered a random lecture of work ethic and motivation. Something about how I don’t listen or something, and that I needed to do something with my life or something. Whatever it was I shrugged it off, called it a night, and slipped into dreamland.
The following day, as if it were kismet, I received a phone call from the local Army Reserve recruiter. I never had a call from any military organization in my two years being removed from high school, so I thought I’d give him a shot and met with him at a nearby café.
He lured me in with the talks of money and success. After giving it very little thought and without consulting my parents, I signed on the dotted line and waived my rights as an American to protect something that I couldn’t understand. I didn’t have the grasp or the forethought to really comprehend the gravity of my decision.
So then I was off to learn how to be a soldier.
Shortly after completing my training I returned home and found out from my home unit that we were set to deploy within the coming months. Sobering news for a kid freshly rejuvenated from civilian life.
This could be a much longer story, but I’ll leave it at “it was a life-changing experience”.
In the years that I have worn these boots, I have met a lot of great people, and some not so great people, but people all the same. I have become friends with strangers in unlikely situations from all over the country. This uniform has taught me to walk with a purpose and look like you’re busy, even when you’re not; to keep in shape, although I’m not; and to have integrity, which is something I can manage.
Thank you to Veterans past, present, and future.
Tune-up Tuesdays: A Thank You to Service Members
Let’s get back to Fantasy Football! Here are some players that should be on your waiver wire.
Tune-up Tuesdays
Bye Weeks: DAL, JAC, BAL, NYJ
Josh McCown, TB QB- The free agency pool is filled with Josh McCown’s tears. I’m not sure why he wept at the podium, but that isn’t the issue here. He faces some pass defenses in the coming weeks (WAS, CHI, CIN) and can sub in for those struck by the Palmer ACL injury. (Side Note: Please don’t curse players who suffer a season ending injury because your team lost this week. It’s not a good look for you.)
Michael Vick, NYJ QB- A couple of weeks ago I told you not to be tricked by Vick’s appeal as a starting QB. I’m not going to repeal my statement, but once he comes back from the bye week he could provide the dual threat, run/pass game, that makes players matter.
Jordan Matthews, PHI WR- A few weeks back, I told you guys to keep an eye open for the rookie. Apparently Mark Sanchez got the memo as he targeted Matthews nine times and squeezed seven receptions, 138 yards, and a pair of touchdowns out of him. Maclin owners beware…
Jarvis Landry, MIA WR- Landry has been spotty at best when it comes to production, but he attracts to leagues who value return yards as he maintains all duties in that realm. He is worth the consideration.
C.J. Anderson, DEN RB- Ronnie Hillman appears to be sidelined for the next couple of weeks and Anderson filled in quite nicely against the rancid Raiders (163 total yards and a TD), not a high degree of difficulty there. The Broncos claim that they’ll ride the hot hand, and for now, it’s going to be Anderson.
Theo Riddick, DET RB- Every time I see that Reggie Bush is going to be limited or will miss a game, my mouth waters at the thought of starting Joique Bell. And then the Lions keep up the rotation with Riddick mixed in on all down assignments. He is a thorn in my side, but if Bush keeps up his injurious ways, Riddick is undoubtedly a great player to stash.
Brent Celek, PHI TE- Last night I watched Ertz fade into the ether as Sanchez went after Celek numerous times for five receptions and 116 yards. The TE market is… tight, and I’m grabbing onto most prospects that show a glimmer of hope.
Kyle Rudolph, MIN TE- Rudolph “the Red Zone” appears to be on mark to return this week after succumbing to a sports hernia back in week three. We have seen Vikings tight ends have moderate success in Turner’s system, so Rudolph should exude a look or two.
Avoid
John Brown, ARI WR- I love his talent, but I can’t ride the roller coaster. I already have too much inconsistency in my life.
Cleveland WRs- Fantasy teams that own Josh Gordon, have probably owned him for some time now. Anyone else is fodder. The Browns proved they can win by running the ball into the ground, 48 attempts between the three headed RB committee.
Jared Cook, STL TE- This season has been highly disappointing for owners that believed that Cook could finally take a leap into fantasy relevancy. Instead he continued his dropping pattern and relies on heavy volume of targets or a lot of bit of luck.
Players of Previous Mention: Mark Sanchez, PHI QB; Kyle Orton, BUF QB; Martavis Bryant, PIT WR; Jonathan Stewart, CAR RB; Terrance West, CLE RB; Mychal Rivera, OAK TE
If you like this take a second and like our Facebook page.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment and follow me on Twitter –@LWOSCaseyBow. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter –@LastWordOnSport and @LWOSworld – and “liking” our Facebook page.
For the latest in sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for?
