Playing Favorites
2 comments so far
July 13, 2006 by
While some people might be very deliberate in how they pick their favorite teams or favorite players, my favorite players have usually just been guys that won me over. For example, I began watching and supporting the Houston Oilers when they had three former Huskers on their offense (Mike Rozier, Dean Steinkuhler, and Jamie Williams).
But the guy I found myself cheering the most for was Warren Moon. He had the great back-story. After a successful college career at Washington, he went to Canada to play quarterback as no NFL team wanted him. He helped lead the Edmonton Eskimoes to five straight Grey Cups (Canada’s Super Bowl, minus a large audience) and set the league record for passing before he got his shot with the Oilers. Once in Houston, he helped turn around a losing franchise and twice lead the league in passing and was selected to play in nine Pro Bowls. Before allegations of domestic abuse had surfaced, Moon, was seen as a model citizen, even winning NFL Man of the Year honors for his charitable work.
But the thing that probably made Moon stand out the most is that he just threw a beautiful ball. In fact, Sean Salisbury said that during warm-ups when they both were with the Vikings, if Moon threw a ball that wasn’t a tight spiral the team wouldn’t use the ball during the game because it meant that the ball was defective.
Over time though we find new favorites though I can’t say that there’s anyone in the NFL I’d call a favorite today. While I’ve had many favorites at Nebraska over the years, the guy I like the most now is probably Matt Slauson. First of all, he’s got the back story. Before a growth spurt made him a legitimate Div-I prospect, Slauson was headed to the Air Force Academy. Anyone that signs on for the Air Force Academy (especially during a war) gets major respect from me. Then the guy’s got personality, (e.g nicknaming himself the “Pain Train”). Then there are the hairstyles (first the mutton chops, now the shaggy beard). Let’s face it, there’s just no good look for someone who weighs 335 lbs, but God love him the kid tries. Lastly (and certainly not least) is the way he came in when he was desperately needed and played well enough for the Huskers to post a 3-game win streak to save their season and climb back into the AP rankings. He appears likely to start for the next three years.
Sure, I’ve got other favorites (like Zac Taylor). But I think I’ll be on the Pain Train’s bandwagon for a long time.
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darren Jul 13 06
Nice post, Steve. While I wasn't the biggest Warren Moon fan, I can agree about Slauson as a "favorite" on this year's Husker squad. The thing I like about him most is that he's such a bad ass. Very physical and finished practice after getting stitches.
My favorites on the team are probably McKeon on D and Nate Swift on O. They are both key contributors. They were both a big deal in HS, then sort of disappeared in to the NU woodwork as freshman, only to emerge as big playmakers. Swift will have a big year, I think. And I love McKeon's attitude.
omarhuskerfan Jul 13 06
You just can't leave out brandon ringoni. I realize that your favorites should be starters So I will call him my favortie underdog. He flies down the field making punt returners pay the price. He has been doing this for years. I hope that while he is the shortest person on the team he can see somemeaningful minutes and lay down a couple of lickins.