NFL's Tarnished Players Have Caused Many To Go Unnoticed

This article isn't written about anyone specific. It's about those who fly under the radar. It's about those who don't care about the fame, and don't need to be recognized because of their accomplishments.

I searched the words "class act" and he's what I found..

A classy, distinguished, conspicuously refined person, whether because of talent or demeanor, or some other notable characteristic.

Now I ask you, when you think of class act within the National Football League, who do you think of?

The list is limited isn't it? I think so.

It seems to me the National Football League isn't even the National Football League anymore. It's a celebrity show. It's all about the money, the fame.

I'm certainly not saying everyone in the NFL is unclassy. Because a lot of guys aren't. But then again, how many aren't? Think about that.

So often I sit down at night to watch ESPN and what do I see?

T.O's latest celebration dance. Pacman Jone's 52nd arrest. Hey, someone new failed a drug test.

It's ridiculous.

Someone shot them self in the foot. Is this league turning into a joke? Players need to carry weapons to protect themselves?

It's gotten way too out of hand, to the point where I felt I needed to write this article.

How many times do you turn on the TV and see another person tarnishing our National Football League?

Every day.

How many times do hear people talk about the "Class act" of the NFL? Never.

So often players around the league go unrecognized because they don't celebrate when they score touchdowns. Players don't get the publicity because they don't fail drug tests. If you're a guy with character you will fly under the radar for a long time.

It's sad, but it's the truth.

So it's time to recognize those who don't need the fame, they just love the game.

When I think of the words "class act", I think of someone who's a team player. Someone who plays the game right. Someone who doesn't need to holdout because they didn't get that extra 10 million dollars.

When I think of the word "class act", I think of guys like Peyton Manning and Larry Fitzgerald. I think of guys like Brian Dawkins and Fred Taylor and Warrick Dunn. I think of offensive and defensive lineman who don't get credit. Coaches like Tony Dungy and Lovie Smith. The list goes on and on..

I don't know of every player, but I do know one thing. I don't have time for the Terrell Owenses of the world. I'm tired of seeing Pacman Jones. I don't want to hear about Chad Johnson's name change.

This league is filled with criminals, murders, and thieves. But it’s also filled with classy individuals who don't speak out because they have more respect for the game.

This is a tribute to the guys who play the game right. This is a tribute to the real football players in the National Football League.

You might not be recognized with the fame and publicity, but you're recognized by us. Us--those who care about the reputation of the game.

Continue to set an example for all of us and maybe someday the world will recognize what a true football player is.

Thank you to those who do it right.