The 2018 NFL Draft's coverage begins tonight at 7pm and continues until Saturday afternoon.
I have to preface my posts for the new readers and subscribers by saying PLEASE never judge the content of the articles by the post title. There's always a greater point in play. So this article is for the sports AND non-sports fan as well. For the sake of this article, I'll venture to say this is a 70/30 split.
Everyone who either rooted for last year's Super Bowl Champions or fell short are geared up for a hopeful run at a Championship. For many teams, they are hoping for their first. Many are hoping to be good and competitive enough to get back to the dance and fulfill the impossible. For every one of the 32 prospective teams, the future is indeed now. Every move and step taken could mean the rise or the eventual downfall of a chance to create a legacy and leave an indelible imprint in sports history. Fans, businesses, and economies rely on football among other sports to feed a growing financial and socio-economical need. Companies clamor to hock their product on banners, commercials during the Super Bowl, and countless online ads connected with fantasy football, football camps for children, and countless other opportunities to promote their products and brands. Clearly, it should be evident how big a business this is and how far its reach goes. Approximately $74.8B to be clear.
Last year was rife with protest, political debates, and controversy regarding major issues like domestic violence, racism, and drug abuse. All of that nestled in the greatest sport in our history: Football.Just in the last few weeks alone, there have been multiple organizational meetings held to discuss the social issues of a specific player or two blackballed from playing in the league, what many consider collusion among NFL ownership.
Add to that simmering undercurrent, a potential first round QB feeling the pressure to change positions because some NFL experts have deemed him "more suitable" in the league at a more physical position, like wide receiver. I can't even go to our lunch table at work and not hear about this one. It is clear when names like Michael Vick and Tim Tebow come up in the conversation, the tone becomes more serious and the scent of offense rises.
Then add to that the rampant speculation of who will be picked and where, whether these young college players are worthy of a pick, and even deciding on what their future and "ceiling" is without them even taking an NFL snap.
Message boards everywhere confirm what can happen when rabid football fans start talking about the sport, whether it be pre-season speculations, fantasy football, or this year's draft. Adding politics to this already volatile mix takes it to another level. There are people that hold the opinion that the only time the words "flag" and "football" should be together is when eight year old kids are the players. I'm not going to ask you (today) to choose a side. I won't be taking an opinion poll although my comments section is always available. I think you have access to enough information to make informed decisions. I just wanted you to get a glimpse of what this complex world looks like.
So sports fans.......here are some questions for you:
If you have a team that you root for, what do you think they will do in the first round and why?
Is your team one of those that routinely get it wrong but you sense a turn for the better coming in this year's draft?
What is a "must" that your football team must do and simply cannot afford to make a mistake in?
If your team needs a QB, is this crop of quarterbacks as good as advertised or are you unconvinced?
Has last year soured you on the NFL entirely?
What place do you think issues such as the flag, politics, and such have in the sport of football?
If you understand the social issues involved, what would you suggest is the best way to make an impact on the problem?
Do you have a view that is different than these mentioned so far? Please share. Perspective is helpful in this moment. I think, if I can speak for myself, I learned a lot about myself during the height of these issues. Honestly, I am still learning more about myself as the intensity of the issues die down. I had certain leanings that stemmed from obligation rather than from viable information and experience. I think a lot of people are in the same boat, wouldn't you say?
Non sports fans.....here are some questions for you:
Do you believe you have the capacity to look at all sides of an issue and make a competent decision?
What place do you think issues such as the flag, politics, and such have in the sport of football?
If you understand the social issues involved, what would you suggest is the best way to make an impact on the problem?
How well would you say (on a scale of 1 being worst to 10 being best) you understand the social issues of your fellow man?
Where do you derive your information when attempting to learn and understand such issues?
Do you view big business like the National Football League as socially conscious or morally corrupt?
If your child expressed a desire to play in the NFL, what would be your honest response and approach?
What is your view on sports in general?
That's just something to chew on. Thanks for reading and subscribing.
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