NFL

James Harrison: Wise Words From A Man of Steel

Katharine Rose Rose's Ridge , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

James Harrison Participation trophiesI imagine that one of the most empowering aspects of being famous is the ability to have your voice heard: to fearlessly and boldly share your thoughts and opinions knowing that people are listening and responding on a national or international level.

While their qualifications to speak on certain topics and issues can at times be questionable, the influence public officials have is truly immeasurable, stirring a debate or movement with a simple act, speech or – in the case of James Harrison, the NLF linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers* – a post on social media.

This past Saturday, the notoriously aggressive professional football player used social media to lambast “participation trophies,” writing a paragraph-long post explaining that trophies should be awarded based solely on merit, not for simply trying. Read more

American Gladiators

Katharine Rose Armour of Light , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Deflategate New England Patriots “In addition to the hopes and dreams of his team, the quarterback carries the flag for entire cities, regions, and metaphorically, ways of life,” writes Kofi Bofah in his article from Wall St. Cheat Sheet, “The 10 Greatest NFL Quarterbacks of All Time” (December 2014). He continues:

“The pressure is unreal, considering the fact that sports-obsessed Americans look to the gridiron gladiator strength, controlled violence, and an escape from the routine fare of the daily grind. The quarterback is viewed as the one member of the entourage that combines leadership, intelligence, and strategic thought alongside brute force to control games and emerge victorious…

“…Sports fans, of course, recognize that the greatest NFL quarterbacks of all time emerge as icons that define cities, dynasties, and eras…indeed, the term “Quarterback” entices the imagination to personify ‘all that is right’ with America.”

It is in the spirit of excitement and anticipation of Super Bowl XLIX that we put forth ATG’s top quarterback picks from the past, followed by our favorite quotes of theirs: Read more

Meanwhile, Over On This Court

Katharine Rose Rose's Ridge , , , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

Deflategate New England PatriotsIn the midst of every winter, I eagerly anticipate the excitement and hype that comes from two major sporting events. One, perhaps not surprisingly, is the Super Bowl – in all its splendid, commercialized and global glory – and the other, perhaps less celebrated by the general public, is the Australian Open Tennis Championship – one of the four major Grand Slams that takes place each year in the middle of January.

In the past week, however, the excitement of the Super Bowl has been quickly “deflated” with talk of the Patriot’s latest “cheating” scandal involving their handling of a “deflated” football allegedly used to help them secure their victory over the Indianapolis Colts at the AFC Championship game. Read more