We all have haters, and it has become alright. After all, some say if a person is hated, then they must be doing something right. As a society we are very quick to judge when someone does something we deem inappropriate. Whether it is actions at an award show, cheating scandals, drug abuse or a case of domestic violence, reporters jump to tell the world and many times we, the people, never receive all the facts. We either write the person off forever, or we choose to watch those persons’ actions and decide for ourselves.
The National Football League it seems may be a league of second chances. Everyone loves a comeback story, enjoy seeing that person fight their way back into a uniform and rise to the occasion to lead a team to victory. There is also a lot of faith and belief among football players, and the fans that follow them. I have not found a player in the league who does not talk about their faith in a higher power and give thanks everyday for being alive and being allowed to live out their dream. Most recently in arguably one of the biggest rivals in the league, the Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, members of both teams gathered together to take a knee after the game, and say a quick thankful prayer for a safe game played.
Many players every year are given second chances in this league. Fans can all name players who have been suspended for substance abuse or arrested. Yet they end up back on a team playing the game they love. Is there anything wrong with that? No. Each player served their time of suspension. They felt what it was like to lose something important to them and are now working harder than ever to prove they deserve that spot on the team.
Many times a player is released from the team that drafted them, and another team makes the call to give a second chance. One player though, Tyrann Mathieu, was given that chance during the draft. Anyone who watched the combine or follows LSU football knows Mathieu’s background, yet we also saw the fight and the drive to become one of the best. He honestly wants to work and learn and be a better person. Arizona took that chance and it is paying off for them. Mathieu has had 61 tackles, one sack and two interceptions in 10 games.
There’s a belief that if we all work hard enough we will achieve greatness and live our dreams. Chris Rainey has a strong belief in God and after almost a year of no play his faith is still in tack and his drive to continue working remains. His second chance came and he will be seen in an Indianapolis Colts jersey.
While the league is filled with faith based men, the fans aren’t always so kind. Many feel the players are role models and once they make a mistake that should be it. But remember this; were you ever given a second chance that changed everything for you?
Everyday people make a mistakes that alters their lives. The difference is, it is not written about for public knowledge. These players are still real people who get caught up in bad situations, and may make a mistake. But also we should realize we were not there. We do not receive the full story. Ever. Everything is followed with an “alleged” or “supposedly” and charges are dropped for a variation of reasons; unless in the court room or with the person as a witness we should not judge.
Fans put on the jersey, plan out the snacks and settle in for entertainment. While many times they take it a little far, it is entertainment and as long as each player walks off the field uninjured then it is a good day. So is it safe to say that coaches and managers are judging players on their talent while fans sit back and judge the legal actions of them? I guess that would be a question for the players experiencing it all. We will never have all the answers but we are all entitled to our opinions. My opinion is that I’m very proud to be an NFL fan and I’m proud of the men that put their heart and soul into every game. It is not about the mistake made it is about how they handle themselves after the mistake.
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