Is There Any Loyalty Left In The NFL?

Recently on the NFL Network Deion Sanders, Marshal Faulk, Jamie Dukes, and Warren Sapp had a discussion about the loyalty in the NFL. CLICK HERE to watch a clip where these athletes give their opinions on the subject.

Loyalty is defined as having faithfulness or a devotion to a person or cause.

So I ask each of you. Is there loyalty in the NFL?

I would argue that there is some loyalty in the sport of football.  It is much harder to find, but it does exist. 

There have been a number of men who have remained loyal to this great sport, to their fans, and their teams.

Pat Tillman, former Arizona Cardinal, at one point in his NFL career, Tillman turned down a five-year, $9 million contract offer from the St. Louis Rams out of loyalty to the Cardinals. He then proceeded to put his life on the line for his country.

Bill Walsh, former Head Football Coach for the San Francisco 49ers, arguably retired out of a sense of loyalty to his team and possibly even his Quarterback. Walsh had to know there would come a day when Joe Montana would be passed over for Steve Young, and the coach, knew well enough to remove himself from this responsibility.

Barry Sanders, possibly the most elusive runner to ever play the sport, retired after playing for only one team. Many wonder reasons as to why Sanders retired so early, but if you understand the man, you can understand the intention. The running back was on pace to be the league's all-time leading rusher. Sanders, noticeably didn't want the record from a man who was on his deathbed, and instead, chose to define himself in a way which only few can appreciate.

In ownership, the concept of loyalty is best displayed by Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis. Davis continues to set the example within the NFL by building an organization which reinforces loyal behavior and punishes lack of loyalty.

The philosopher Josiah Royce said it was the supreme moral good, and that one's devotion to an object mattered more than the merits of the object itself.

Where are these athletes in today's NFL?

Too often in the business of football, those benefiting from the lifestyle forget what allowed them to participate. If NFL athletes want to begin to set an example, it has to start with loyalty to the sport that afforded them the opportunity.

Loyalty comes down to a choice.

I believe there is loyalty in football, and it will be the characteristic which will make the difference.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?