Skip to content

Rarefied Ray

Posted by on 22 December 2009, 2:54 pm

What motivates is the man?

Ray Lewis

Image via Wikipedia

Anyone can deliver a powerful speech or words with the intent for actions to occur. Everyone can talk the talk, it’s easy, it sounds good and maybe even believable for a minute.

What is the answer?

It’s the man who talks through is actions and makes you want to follow by example. Not anyone can walk the walk, by backing up the inspiring hunger that is louder than any words heard. Easier said then done if you play in the National Football League.

In this decade, true, inspiring athletes, who love the game, the competition of their sport are on the decline. It is nearly un-heard, that an athlete carries so much spirit in his heart. Never letting his teammates, nor his fans ever doubt for a second to stop believing.

How could players not want to win playing next to him?

How could anyone not cheer for him when he wins?

No one can and everyone does.

This man is the NFL’s rarefied air. His name is Ray Lewis.

Lewis is the leader of the Baltimore Ravens, at 34 years old, now in his 14th season, he still walks the talk.

If Tony Robbins ever needs a swift kick, Ray Lewis would be the man to do it.

Just turn on a Ravens game about seven minutes before kick-off to view this for yourselves.

The theme is pretty clear, if Ray Lewis is going to do what he says, any player next to him should do better. This a player that is all about team.

Lewis speaks from the heart, with the wisdom, the kill and the belief that winning is not an option, it is a fact. Ray Lewis has never lost a beat. His teammates, his opponents and his fans adore him for it. Lewis speeches are backed-up by his athletic ability on the field. He is one of the best linebacker’s ever to play the game. At the beginning of his career, most NFL scouts were all skeptical about the young Ray Lewis. To play linebacker at 6’1 and weighing 250 lbs just was too small to effective.

Regardless of his critics, in 1996, Lewis entered the NFL Draft after three years playing for the University of Miami, better known as the “U”. In the 1st round, with the 26th pick, the Baltimore Ravens unknowingly changed their franchise’s future for the better.

Since that time all the doubts lay to rest. He is living proof that mind can over come matter and that size is only how you look, not how you think.

Thus far, Lewis has had one of the most successful careers as a defenceman in NFL history. has won best defensive player of the year in 2000 and 2003; has ten Pro-bowl appearances, named an Associated Press All-Pro eight times and only the second linebacker in NFL history to win the Superbowl MVP award. In 2003, a poll taken of NFL coaches selected Lewis as the most dominant player to venture on the field. He is the only defensive player ever featured on the cover of Madden NFL video game.

This is just to name a few of the honors, as expected the list is very long.

For the Ravens, life without Ray Lewis is completely inconceivable, and a time no one wants to ever come. Baltimore ownership made that abundantly clear as Lewis just signed a seven-year deal at the end of last season, keeping him a Raven till 2015.

The work hard, play hard attitude is a blessing to his teammates. Thus it has earned Ray Lewis utter respect across the sports world.

Watching a Ray Lewis performance is something to treasure, because this player is a dying bread on the verge of extinction in the NFL.

A man, a player and a captain, who appreciates the unusual gift that God has given him and embodies that time and by giving everything he’s got day in and day out.

 

Related articles

Tagged , , , , , , , ,
1 Comment

WARNING: When Your Team Is In The Championships

Posted by on 21 October 2009, 3:05 pm

Whether it is the NFL, a sibling on a varsity high school team or even a beer pong tournament entered by a pal at your local watering-hole there is always a championship at the end.

At one time or another, most sports fans have a had a team make it to the championships. The team can be ranked #1 or the surprise sleeper of the season, but it all disappears because your team is in the finals.

That’s when you meet the obstacles and annoyances that come with real fan-ship.

Cheering on your team for the first time or the twentieth doesn’t say anything about your passion. Once you fall in love it’s all over, as this group is in your heart for good.

Streaks and slumps affect your mood swings; this cannot be avoided. When the team is good, and everyone says so, the pain of distress can be bitter.

At the same time, the winning team you see might not be the general consensus from friends to ESPN. Then the team wins and it is pure satisfaction for any fan.

Just imagine a championship and finally to feel fulfilled, as your fan-ship and dedication has paid off.

That is when trouble starts.

To help a fan get the righteous glory of watching your team win, listed below are three ‘types’ to avoid:

(1)THE MAD MAN is the fan-friend who’s team just can’t seem to get a break. Season after season disappointed by false hope only for it to all fall apart, again. A true mad-man will never miss a game even when it’s sheerly painful for all involved (example Mets). This ‘friend’ will spite you, right to your face. No debating will be involved, as the mad-man will low blow your team with angry remarks to excuse you team for being good.

It is best to allow the mad-man to rant and rave. All while you ignore or gesture politely in agreement. Then go back to the TV as your team is on. There in the the finals and thats all that matters. You gotta feel a little of the mad-man’s suffering because it sucks.

WARNING, never comfort the mad-man by forecasting how good a season it will be the year his team wins and to have faith. It will only make it worse because the mad-man cannot relate, so just let him be. The mad-man will watch your team’s championship with you because it is more self- torture. It is in your best interest the less painful you make it for him in relation to determining how mad he gets.

(2)THE DOUBTER is a buddy who supposedly has the same fan-ship loyalties as you. You and the Doubter watch most games together, have endless conversations recapping the latest game etc. This is when it gets tricky because the Doubter will seem to be agreeing with what you said.

Nodding away, listening intently only to find the one negative aspect of every situation. The Doubter looks like a fan, plays the part of a fan but her biased comments start to worry you. Well your instincts are in tact as this type will kill you buzz. Usually starts doubting slowly, leading to confusion, to eventually all out fighting.

This is someone that you trusted your team with so it will feel like the Doubter has cheated and in all senses they are. This fan-ship is likely an outlet for some childhood trauma, that the Doubter cannot even admit to themselves yet. The Doubter will miss at least half of the team’s biggest games and definitely be late to watch the championship.

WARNING, never waste your time convincing the Doubter of their fan-ship. It is a waste of breath as even if the team proves them wrong, the Doubter is already ten negatives ahead of you.

(3)THE MORON is a great friend but the fan-ship is so ridiculous that it is embarrassing, especially in public. The Moron will organize tables at fun sports bars for big games way in advance, and you will always go. Why? The Moron’s behavior is so retarded that you mentally forgot the last time because it is not really your problem. The Moron will be head to toe (including the head) in team merchandise. One article is just not going to cut it. The Moron will know other Morons at any location you watch together. There will be a lot of high-fives between two Morons. High-fives will occur over tables, over your head, anything separating this happening will be obsolete.  The high-five will happen. One plus is that there are never more than a few Morons’ per establishment as the Morons’ themselves will kill each other out of passion.

WARNING the moron’s attire, behavior and relationships with other morons can ruin the entire experience of watching your team. A great fan can lose concentration, want to leave to save face or never wear anything with a logo admitting your fan-ship. It can be traumatizing. PLEASE proceed with caution.

Tagged , , ,
Comments Off

This Giants Fan Thinks Rex Ryan Is A Genius

Posted by on 23 September 2009, 4:32 am
Sunday has become a favorite day of the week during the NFL season. This Sunday was no different but my Giants were the featured night game so I had the afternoon watch my Yankees.

Then I remembered that those Jets had talked so much trash all week about the New England Patriots. My first reaction was to feel badly for all my friends who are Jets fans.

Being a Jets fan in the last decade in NYC looked like a painful task. My encouraging words to think positively and then when you do win a Super-Bowl it makes it all worth it.

Hopeless faces would have a moment in which this came true. J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets…to only snap back to reality. Only had to look around and see the Giants jerseys everywhere to know who ruled the city.

When Rex Ryan started the intentional feud against Bill Belichick and his Pats, it took me by surprise. The Patriots and the Jets both AFC East teams could not have been more different. The Patriots are champions and the Jets lose.

Is this new coach a complete idiot? Is he trying to get his team killed or just wants to set a new NFL record for losing by the most points EVER in a game?

The comment turned into a full out attack by the Jets players. Declaring the fact of how the Patriots were doomed on Sunday. I just was so happy that my Giants were not the Jets.

As kickoff was just minutes away my phone rang and it was one of my Jets friends who was heading out to the Meadowlands for the game. He was so shocked as he got a voice-mail that morning from Rex Ryan asking for the fans to be louder than ever today for their Jets.

Now, with the Jets last few seasons it could not have been an easy task to ask of Jets fans. Just listening to the spark in my Jets pal’s voice had me realize, maybe this was just pure genius of Coach Ryan.

Why?

What did they have to lose as losing is nothing new to the Jets or their devoted fans.

The stadium was so loud at points the game had to stop three times. The fans stepped up to the plate but this time so did the Jets.

For a Jets fan, it must have been a feeling that had been long, long forgotten. Winning that game, talking that trash and realizing that the fans were still there it might have been a change for future years for the franchise.

My response to people asking me my opinion on the whole situation is that it was necessary and took courage to do. Either way the game could have ended up, the up side to the win was critical.

MY NOTE TO RYAN:

Dear Mr. Ryan,

I wanted to say welcome, to New York.

I am not a Jets fan (Giants) but your actions this past week were inspiring. I was genuinely happy for the Jets to finally win.

Being a Giants fan my loyalty is with Eli and company but nothing wrong with enjoying another team’s glories.

It speaks volumes as a new coach to have a team in which the players really play for you. That can takes years to build and some coaches cannot ever get the players motivated.

Like Coach Coughlin, tough love done fairly earns respect.

Now when you play my Giants this season it will actually be a football game.

All the best,

Kate

All the negative emails I never responded to, there is my answer.

The Jets finally have someone who believed in them before they won the first game in years that actually made a statement on Sunday. It was their Coach Rex Ryan.

The Giants had no one believe in them in the Super Bowl against the same team and then Coach Coughlin changed that.

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,
1 Comment

The 3 Factors For How The Giants Beat Cowboys

Posted by on 19 September 2009, 9:12 pm
The NFL season going into week two will answer a lot of questions for all teams.

Will Sanchez play as well against the Pats? And can his performance be blamed on Coach Rex Ryan’s mouth?

The great AD will be running against a struggling group of Lions; will records be broken?

Will Trent Edwards listen to TO’s public cry to be involved more?

Why can’t Donovan McNabb play with a broken rib? Plenty of other QB’s have played with the same injury….Big Ben.

Will the Giants go into Dallas and win?

There are three components if the Giants are to defeat the Cowboys tomorrow.

1. The earth better light on fire tomorrow about the playing of RB’s Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. The obvious weakness is the WR spot for the Giants. Talented teams like the Cowboys will take advantage, knowing some of the rookies are playing in their second pro-game ever.
The Dallas defense will know that running the ball is most likely what Eli Manning will relay on. That leaves responsibility on Jacobs and Bradshaw to bring their A-game.

Every Giants fan knows that Dallas is going to rush Eli all game.

DeMarcus Ware will be looking for blood as he has been a sack machine in the past against the Giants with Eli as the bull’s-eye.

2. O-line is top in the NFL so make the blocks to give the earth on fire room to roar.

Eli also needs some good blocking in the pocket to give him some time to hit a receiver.

3. Kevin Boss will be the guy who I would think Eli would throw some short passes too.

Boss is a talented Tight End but unlike Shockey he does not fumble. Eli can use Boss to muddle-up the Cowboys defense and the rate of productive completions is more dependable.

And obviously the Defense for the Giants have to play lights-out. Any NFL team has to have a demolishing defense to produce wins.

The reason the D-Men were not on the list is because I think that is the strength that is consistent for the New York G-man. It is their play that keeps us even contending to be a force to reckon with. It is the game playing lead by Manning that everyone will see on full display tomorrow.

Then opinions and questions will start to get answered.

Reblog this post [with Zemanta]


Related Blogs

    Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,
    Comments Off

    Fate, Football, Fantasy and Two NFL Teams…..

    Posted by on 24 August 2009, 6:42 am

    Two NFL teams that fate in choices made will determine their success.

    One has added an aging star, while the other team has lost one. Both the impacts of the situations will play a great role for fantasy owners.

    Here are the plans laid out with what could happen and most likely will.

    The Minnesota Vikings had a QB battle going in which the results would have been detrimental either way.

    Hey but then superman flew in and broke it up. As Brett Favre knew he could be the first QB turned hero.

    • Tarvaris Jackson is not efficient enough to be a starter and would have been the weakest link that would be a domino affect on the receivers fantasy values; considering he was losing the #1 spot to Sage Rosenfels regardless and that is depressing to think about.
    • The QB is not in question as #4 (Favre) is playing again.
    • Watch for Bernard Berrian fantasy points to go up this season because of Favre’s throwing ability and experience incorporated with the respect he commands from opponents which Jackson and Rosenfels would fall flat.
    • This is in addition to opposing defenses being all wrapped up with RB Adrian Peterson; leaving wide receivers open with a reliable QB like Favre just cemented the Fantasy impact it will have.
    • Favre should add Fantasy value all around the Vikings from backs to receivers.

    Favre is getting to much criticism for his lack in ability. Instead for the way he has made a media circus around himself the last two seasons which is disruptive. Favre should be called narcissistic but it just doesn’t seem to fit the persona he brings to a football team, both on and off the field.

    No one can see what the future holds but I would be surprised to hear that the Vikings were better off without #4 anytime in the near future.

    The New York Giants are shooting themselves right now, sorry Plex but the battle is to fill your talented shoes at wide receiver.

    Eli Manning has proved he’s got skills. Playing behind, hands down the best offensive line in the NFL and has a tandem at running back that will be the earth on fire.

    That all sounds like a dream, right? Except who is Manning going to throw it too with the lose of Plexico Buress at WR? This is a battle where hard work and Eli’s leadership will come into play.

    Let the battle begin:

    • Ramses Barden vs Domenik Hixon vs Mario Manningham vs Sinorice Moss vs Hakeem Nicks vs Steve Smith vs David Tyree where the outcome has to fill a huge hole.
    • Ramses Barden is 6’6 foot rookie that might have the break out season; he didn’t miss one practice in camp (Coughlin lover already), he caught passes when covered significantly, running down field and over his shoulder; this player seems to be smart and hard working which will only help the rookie thrive under the coaching of Coughlin; if Barden can utilize his size he could see a lot of catches in the cramped end-zone.
    • Barden and Nicks just need to get used to the plays and to Eli and they could be the go-to over Smith.
    • If one or both rookie Wr’s, Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden, have a break out first season their fantasy numbers could sore but these are deep sleepers.
    • The “O-line” of the Giants is the template in the NFL. Gives Eli time in the pocket and holes for the Rb’s to use is a key element for this team.
    • Up, up, up will go the fantasy value of Bradshaw and Jacobs because the WR position will take some time for Eli to trust so expect running game to be big, literally; Bradshaw shined in all aspects in first pre-season game.
    • Osi is back after a season ending injury last year. He was the only player from the Superbowl winning team to have been named to the pro-bowl. And let’s not forget that was before the Giants got the respect of being the champs in 2007; this guy is that good.
    • Steve Spagnuolo is a football genius who single handedly reformed the Giants defense into a force. The hero of NYC was bound to be a head coach, as any team would be lucky to have this guy as a leader. He will be missed but his line backer coach, Bill Sheridan will fill his shoes nicely; Sheridan knows Spag’s aggressive style of defense and familiar with players; Giants Defense still an A+ report card.

    Pre-season games, just as Spring Training in baseball really does add to the predictions made before. The only thing it can add too it the injury list of a team, which can impact someone’s fantasy draft decisions immensely.

    Other then me worrying about the toe of a player named TO, it has to be clear that almost all the players are playing hurt in the NFL.

    Would you expect anything else? It’s football, wouldn’t expect anything less.

    Reblog this post [with Zemanta]

    Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,
    Comments Off

    Are You Ready For Some Football?

    Posted by on 12 August 2009, 4:32 am

    Still lots of baseball left but that doesn’t change the fact that NFLis right around the corner. Football season is along with cheering on

    The new NFL logo went into use at the 2008 draft.

    Image via Wikipedia

    the Yankees, I also am a huge NY Giants fan.

    So from time to time I will post on football and once the season starts it will be more frequent.
    I have played in a Fantasy League for about five years now and am pretty knowledgeable on the subject.
    Here is a slideshow featured on the Bleacher Report that I recently put together as I have had a lot of req
    uests for some NFL thoughts. It features five players that I think have been under valued by experts but that I suspect will be of great value to any fantasy team. The five players are not “sleepers” as each has the potential but claimed to be riskier which is where I disagree.
    Hopefully I can get most of them on my fantasy team in my draft. Please be aware that injuries are frequent in football so this is with the high hopes players are in good health….please click the link below:

    Tagged , , , , , , , ,
    Comments Off

    Hey Yankees Motto Is You Win Some, You Lose One

    Posted by on 3 July 2009, 3:57 am
    English: the New York Yankees' World Series tr...

    What a nice seven game win streak the Yankees had been on till our loss tonight in the third game to Seattle Mariners. The Yankees won two out of three to takes the series.

    In response to the loss just as Girardi said after the game these athletes are human beings who can’t win every game and I could not agree more. As a fan I think I forget that sometimes. Wouldn’t it be nice if the streaks would go on for 40 or 05 games? Of course it would but that would make it boring and pretty uneventful.

    Lets pretend that the one team won 120 games cruised on to win their division and continued to be champions of their respected division. This super-human team of athletes would be the projected winner in the world series by such odds, obviously. The city this team called home had already started celebrating and the only thing not prepared for the ticker tape parade was just contingent on how quickly they would win.

    Does it hurt more to let’s say if this team lost? I can tell you from experience that beating the team that seemed unstoppable is one of the best feelings I have ever had as a fan. Can you guess what two teams I am referring too?

    I am referring to when my New York Giants beat the 17-0 New England Patriots in 2007.

    Why the hell am I bring this up now? I am referring to this because I want that feeling again for the Yankees this year.

    Yes, I am talking about the 26 ringed dynasty that was the franchise a decade ago to aspire too. I know so many haters of the Yankees who hate them for becoming what the team represents today. So I wonder is it the big payroll or the loyal fans that makes so many root against the Yanks? Do the players on the Yankees not play as hard as the rest cause they go home to bigger houses and drive a Ferrari or at least have one? Continue reading ‘Hey Yankees Motto Is You Win Some, You Lose One’ »

    Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
    Comments Off
    1. Pages:
    3. 1
    4. 2
    5. 3
    6. 4