Posted on 02/02/2014 7:36:14 AM PST by Aspenhuskerette
“It's hard to be humble,” Muhammad Ali rationalized, “when you're as great as I am.”
In Sunday's contest between No. 1s, the Super Bowl's two most visible faces - Bronco Peyton Manning and Seahawk Richard Sherman - are case studies of Ali's theory.
Manning is football's undisputed heavyweight champion whose "aw-shucks" humility belies - and explains - his unrivaled ownership of five NFL MVP awards. Quick to credit his teammates, even after a seven-touchdown performance, the 13-time Pro-Bowler and comeback king leaves it to others to laud his game.
With his legacy on the line in his third Super Bowl, Manning is a sentimental favorite, even in Las Vegas where wagers pushed Manning's Broncos from underdogs to favored team.
There's also anti-Seahawk sentiment, fueled by Sherman's nationally televised Ali-like rant. The breast-beating cornerback's noise rivals Seattle's “12th-Man,” and with an NFL-leading 20 interceptions since debuting in 2011, Sherman's bite is as fierce as his bark.
Moments after his acrobatic championship clinching play in the “Bully Bowl” against San Francisco, Sherman trumpeted, “I'm the best corner in the game,” calling vanquished receiver Michael Crabtree “me-di-o-cre.” His unsportsmanlike conduct sent Twitter aflutter prompting even John McCain to declare for the Broncos “because I don't like that ‘loudmouth' from Seattle.”
Before accepting the oft-tweeted critique that Sherman is an overpaid, classless embarrassment to professional sports, think again.
Judge the hyper-competitive Sherman on the content of his character, not the color of his commentary.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonexaminer.com ...
Ah yes, Gaseous Cassius was one of the biggest jerks in all the history of sports.
“Mister P-Body and Sherman”
Clay/Ali was one of the best boxers in the history of the game.
The feds pissed on him because of both his mouth and his religious switch and he had a large chip on his shoulder.
No heavy weight ever had his footwork, speed and eye hand coordination.
Others were heavier punchers, many were bigger and could take more punches, but Clay/Ali was great, even with a gummint shortened career.
No heavy weight ever had a national sports-caster (Cosell) shilling his career full time.
Few heavy weights ever have the promoters loosen the ropes so he could cheat (”rope a dope”) his way into a ring victory either.
As for his becoming a Muslim — he did that so he could avoid serving his nation in the fight against Communism.
There is nothing admirable about Cassius Clay.
Does anyone ever read the actual article linked to, never mind comment on the actual point of the article? Geesh...
Everyone should have a default tagline that says, “Proudly posting comments without reading the article since [signup date]!”
“Does anyone ever read the actual article linked to, never mind comment on the actual point of the article? Geesh...”
Isn’t there like some kinda rule against doing that?
LOL penalty points are assigned against any FReeper reading the article!
"We had this goal at the start of the year and accomplished it! To God be the Glory!”" - Richard Sherman
Such an expression, shared by such outstanding athletes, could be a uniting idea for greatness in any facet of life.
The author’s view is a bit jaded. Russell needs to learn humility, so that the little god Manning can show his greatness. It has been my opinion for 43 years that it is the Manning’s that need to show some humility.
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Mr. Amataz used to have one like that, IIRC
Go Broncos?
Go Hawks.
I hope Sherman picks Manning off twice.
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