The dichotomy of sports, and sports fans in general, is an interesting thing. It is divisive in its very nature, and forces people to choose sides. The dichotomy in the NFL is no different. This division, however, is what drives fans, sports talk radio, and most sports based television programs, such as “PTI (Pardon The Interuption), and “Around the Horn,” both seen on ESPN. Without this split between sides, what would we talk about? More importantly, what would we argue about? Stats are fun, but they are only part of the discussion. Though there are times when this taking of sides creates difficult situations to manage in the sports atmosphere, I argue that without the drama, and without the division of opinions, sports in general would lose a vital component to its success and influence. Super Bowl 50 gave us a great example of this division of opinion and attitudes.
Cam Newton, Peyton Manning and the Dichotomy of the NFL
The NFL could not have had two more polarizing, and complete opposite players at the quarterback position in this years Super Bowl. Cam Newton, the extravagant, outspoken, animated quarterback of the Carolina Panthers had no problem pushing the limits, being real, and being himself. Whether it was Dabbing in the endzone after a score, giving touchdown balls away to kids in the stands, or speaking his mind in post game interviews, Cam did what he felt. He was himself, and made no excuses for it. Peyton Manning for the Denver Broncos, on the other hand, has made it a practice throughout his career to try and keep out of the negative spotlight. Peyton is the type to always do and say what is expected of him in post game interviews and press conferences. For most of his career Peyton has been in many ways considered the ‘poster-boy’ for the NFL. Peyton seems to own the commercial and television advertising market in the league, and even made sure he got a pitch in for Budweiser during his post-game Super Bowl interview. Peyton honestly seems to be robotic at times.
What if there were no Cam Newtons in the NFL? What if every player acted, sounded, and operated just like Peyton Manning does. Where would the controversy be? People like Cam Newton, in my opinion, are essential for the enticement of the NFL fan. Fans thrive on the differences between teams, players, and attitudes. This is what we debate about at the water cooler Monday mornings, and at the bars on Saturday nights. This essential element keeps us engaged in the sport, and keeps the conversations flowing. This being said, let’s stand back for a moment and embrace those things about our teams and players that are different, that are not the norm. Coaches like Chip Kelley who aren’t afraid to stick to their guns and try something different, even if it doesn’t work. Be thankful for players like Cam Newton, who aren’t afraid to be who they are, whether you like it or not.
One final thought. Let’s not be so quick to judge players by the perfect image they may put forth to the media and fans. As straight forward as Peyton Manning has tried to portray himself, recent reports have come to light suggesting he may have strayed in his past. There is the Al Jazeera report that HGH was sent to Peyton’s wife (Click to read update on this story), some believing he may have used it himself to recover from four neck surgeries. Or, the recent story about his incident with a trainer while in college at Tennessee (Click for story). Let us also not forget Super Bowl XLIV. After losing to the New Orleans Saints and quarterback Drew Brees 31-17, Peyton, then an Indianapolis Colt, walked off the field without shaking Brees’s hand. Regardless of how Cam Newton acted post-game of Super Bowl 50, he did have the presence of mind when the game ended to walk up and shake Peyton’s hand. The point being that no one is perfect, and everyone has things they are not proud of. So, let’s not be so hard on players like Cam, just because he is not afraid to show it.
