IAFINFAN
Seasoned Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2002
- Messages
- 914
- Reaction score
- 3
'The NFL Draft. Wow! What an exciting day. Not for all, I would guess. Maybe not even for most. I'm not being negative, just realistic. I should have learned my lesson a long time ago. Four years ago, to be exact. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy watching the draft. I am proud to say I enjoyed my first NFL draft with my son Prince this weekend, but I see it from a completely different prospective now. Before, I was lucky enough to be a part of it, and it symbolized "making it," just being drafted and given the opportunity to play among the best of the best. On my draft day, April 17th 1999, I sat in the green room at Madison Square Garden, hoping and praying that I would be the first pick of the draft. I felt I had long since solidified my spot on a NFL roster, so just "making it" wasn't on my mind. "Making it first" was. I almost feel foolish saying this because probably all but one of the kids drafted this weekend felt that they were drafted too late. What I am trying to say is that I was pissed that I wasn't the first pick of the draft. Still am, sort of, and that's one of the things that motivates me on the days I don't feel like working out. I know, going 5th overall and being coveted so much that Coach Ditka traded everything (literally) for me, I should have been happier, satisfied that I was going somewhere I was wanted. At the time, I didn't really care. I truly thought I was the best player in the draft. There are instances, though when it isn't about being the best. It's about what a team "needs." In 1999, the Cleveland Browns' first year, they owned the first pick, and they needed everything. I took it hard that they felt they needed Tim Couch more than they needed me. Adding further insult was the fact that I wasn't even the first running back taken. Edgerrin James was. I understand what the Colts were thinking, they must of known something because he has been a beast. I can be just as productive, and I plan on proving that this year. I'm looking for an even bigger year now that I understand the offense and have more time under my belt, and I still carry the motivation with me because I don't want to be just another good player. I want to be the best.
If he thinks he will be better this year man I can't wait. Love to hear how he still has a chip on his shoulder with lots more to prove.
If he thinks he will be better this year man I can't wait. Love to hear how he still has a chip on his shoulder with lots more to prove.
