New NFL Players: Respect Yourselves

A hit song in 1971 was "Respect Yourself." During that same year one of the greatest NFL football players in the history of the NFL was on a decline, sliding into a quagmire of legal battles. 

The powerful presence of "self-respect" could, possibly, have avoided a truncated career and a media blitz of controversy.  Looking back over NFL history, we now realize that quite a few of the NFL players have fallen into a controversial category.

Our dialogue is broadened to a category of NFL players who need to remember to "respect themselves."

In mathematics, there are two basic conditions to consider in a theorem: existence and uniqueness.

First, a problem continues to "exist" in the professional football community.  Temptations are high; tolerances are low.

Second, rather than give a logical argument of "uniqueness," we analyze and identify the prevalence of controversial situations regarding NFL players. 

No doubt "self-control" is the only control.  Self-control may be the only protective shield that will guarantee minimum scandal, erase legal problems, and other negative consequences from "out-of-control" behavior.

For example, if you are a strong, muscular NFL player who just got that BIG bonus near Apr. 25-26, 2009, you have got to realize that the barracudas are out there, swimming toward you in large numbers. 

I know.  I can hear you now, thinking, "I already know this stuff."

Sure, you do.  Nevertheless, what you know must match up, in the long run, with what you do.

There are those out there hunting for the 'big fish." You ought to take some time to read a few tips to avoid some "fishy" situations that may swim your way.

Let's use some "parallels" and some "paraphrasing."

Barracudas, metaphorically speaking, are bold and inquisitive, and fearsome fishes, that may be dangerous to humans (new NFL players).

The great barracuda (experienced hustler, either male or female) is known to have been involved in attacks on swimmers (new NFL players).

They have been known to inhabit open waters and bay areas in the shadows, under floating objects (not obvious, hidden, or, as we say in the Hood, they can be slick).

To avoid them, don't wear shiny objects (your jewelry, your fancy money clip, your diamond earring in your left lobe, etc).

They are attracted to shiny, reflective things that look like dinner. (You, the NFL player are that shiny, reflective thing that has lots of media coverage and visibility).

They cause harm with their sharp jagged teeth and strong tearing jaws; slashing and creating jagged tears in your skin. (Wow, the damage they can cause could be worse than the blunt, powerful tackle of a 350-pound linebacker...The damage could last for years into your senior life)

Okay.  You have got the picture.  Now I hope you, your teammates, your friends and your family have got the wisdom you will need. 

Basically, however, if you (we) respect yourself (ourselves), I would venture to say, that everything is going to be just fine.