Tuesday Thoughts

Two of the greatest linebackers or our generation are there for the taking by any team in the National Football League.  Ray Lewis is available as an unrestricted free agent, his contract with the Ravens having expired. Derrick Brooks is also available as a free agent, his contract having been terminated by the Buccaneers. Two of the indomitable forces of defensive football for over a decade sit at home as the phone rings for players of lesser stature.

The problem for Lewis and Brooks:  their birth dates, 1975 and 1973, respectively.   Age is an issue when it comes to large free-agent contracts.  Players usually hit the jackpot in their “sweet spot” years of 25, 26 or 27.  That’s when the second contract hits, overwhelmingly the biggest contract of a player’s career.  Lewis and Brooks have had a lot of contracts and made a lot of money; the next few days or weeks will determine what their next contract level will be. 

We’re hearing a lot at press conferences these days about how much a player truly wants to be part of the team, how much he loves the coaches, how much he loves the area. We may even hear the common refrain, “It wasn’t about the money.” Please.  True, there are rare exceptions where a relationship with a coach or a special circumstance will induce a player to take a reduced rate. But in the vast majority of cases, it’s all about the money.  No need not apologize for that.  Free agency was something the NFL Players Association fought over for years in trying to allow its members the opportunity to have multiple bidders.  Now they do, with bidding that creates inflated contracts, which is exactly what the players wanted.  No need to apologize for it. …

The missing boaters off the shores of Clearwater, Fla., have us all hoping for a miracle.  We are crossing fingers, toes and whatever else, praying for the recovery of the three missing people, two of them NFL players.  I remember being with the Packers at this time of year and receiving a call from someone on vacation in Cancun who saw one of our players bloodied and hospitalized after a jet-ski accident.  It was hard to believe because it was a random call from a stranger, but after further investigation, he was correct -- one of our best players narrowly escaped drastic consequences.  Although the present situation appears to involve players who are experienced in fishing these waters, it’s a time of year when teams have to trust their players with the idle time and disposable income they have.

We at the National Football Post continue to hold hope for the recovery of the men who are still missing.

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