5 NFL Entities Who Just Need to Shut Up Already

The NFL is full of exceptional athletes who have a ton of confidence. That confidence has a lot to do with their success, as a lack of confidence often leads to indecisiveness. We often hear about how football is a game of inches, meaning there is no room for indecisiveness.

While having confidence is important, it could also lead to some problems. There is such a thing as overconfidence. For football players, overconfidence often leads to some foot-in-the-mouth situations.

There are way too many football players that love to hear themselves speak. Oftentimes, they are more focused on talking to the media than their on-field play. It is at this point where these players need to "shut up and play."

The next few slides will identify several players and even some fanbases that need to put a sock in it.

Peyton Hillis

Peyton Hillis is coming off a very good season and wants a new contract. He feels that he has done enough to earn some big money. Hillis is currently in his fourth season, compiling a career rushing yard total of 1,771. This is an average of 442 rushing yards per season—not really great production.

The contract issue is tied to Hillis' 2010 breakout season. In 2010, Hillis rushed for 1,177 yards on 4.4 yards per carry with 11 touchdowns. His production was a major part of the Cleveland Browns offense. Hillis now wants to be paid as a feature running back.

Prior to the 2010 season, Hillis was a relatively unknown. However, his breakout season has led to a lot of media attention, even landing him the cover of Madden NFL 12.

Hillis has the right to try to negotiate a new contract. However, he has been doing more talking than playing.

Hillis recently missed a game versus the Miami Dolphins due to strep throat. After the game, Hillis and his agent discussed how Hillis asked his agent for advice. His agent suggested that Hillis not participate in the game.

I don't have an issue with Hillis protecting himself and not playing with strep throat. However, I have an issue with this information being discussed in the media. Hillis should have just missed the game, only mentioning that it was due to strep throat.

After this blunder, Hillis decided he had more to say. In a story by the AP, Hillis stated that he wants to remain with the Browns, but it doesn't look promising. Of course, this was another tactic for Hillis to try to get a new contract.

At this point, Hillis needs to "shut up and play." He has only tallied 197 rushing yards, while averaging 3.6 yards per carry. Hillis has only had one good season, which shouldn't automatically earn you a big contract. His play on the field is what will get him his money, not his media interviews.

Denver Broncos Fans

If you turn on ESPN right now, you will hear the name Tim Tebow within five minutes. This is the most interesting quarterback controversy for a 1-4 team.

Usually, teams that start their season 1-4 do not get a lot of attention, unless they were expected to be good (I am looking at you, Philadelphia). However, the Broncos' quarterback situation has been a media hot spot.

We are all aware of the Tim Tebow debate. Successful college quarterback. Selected in the first round. Has a lot of doubters. However, it appears that Tebow has a lot more supporters than doubters.

There is a large group of Denver Bronco fans that pulled together and put up a billboard that accompanies this slide. This isn’t the first public outcry for Tebow, only the loudest.

During the offseason, the Broncos were seriously considering trading current starter Kyle Orton. However, they were unable to strike a deal, and Orton was brought back to be the starting quarterback. This situation did not sit well with the majority of the fans. The fanbase wanted to see the start of the Tim Tebow era, and they were going to be heard.

The calls for Tebow starting in training camp, where Orton was often booed. However, those boos were mild compared to what Orton would hear during the regular season. The worst of the jeering came this past weekend, with the fans growing increasing frustrated with each incomplete pass.

After Orton’s terrible performance, Tebow took over as the quarterback and sparked a slight comeback. Tebow has since been named the starting quarterback, effectively giving the fans what they wanted.

Well, Denver, it is time to “shut up and play.” Enough complaining about the quarterback situation; come out and support your team. For better or worse, Tim Tebow is now your starting quarterback.

Jermichael Finley

The Green Bay Packers are coming off a Super Bowl victory and have started the season 5-0, but not everyone is happy. Jermichael Finley is not happy with his role in the offense, feeling he should never be used as a decoy.

During an interview with Rob Demovsky of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Finley made it clear that something needs to be done about his lack of targets. Finley wants his touchdowns, and he wants them now!

At the time of the interview, Finley was coming off a seven-catch, 85-yard and three-touchdown performance. In that game, he appeared to be the top red-zone target. This was because of his ability and the defensive game plan. After a three-touchdown performance, anyone can expect to get some extra defensive attention.

Finley needs to understand that with success usually comes increased attention. He needs to just "shut up and play." The Green Bay Packers are focused on winning football games, not appeasing Jermichael Finley. If they want to use him as a decoy, then he is just going to have to learn to deal.

New York Jets Receiving Corps

According to the New York Daily News, Jets wide receivers Santonio Holmes, Plaxico Burress and Derrick Mason are not happy with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. The report was denied by head coach Rex Ryan, but Mason was suspended for an undisclosed reason.

Now, Mason has been traded to the Houston Texans for a conditional seventh-round pick. All signs point to some sort of issue between the wide receivers and offensive coordinator.

The Jets offense has been unable to hit its stride. The offense wants to focus on running the football, but it is only averaging 76 yards rushing per game. The lack of a running game has also impacted the passing game.

The Jets passing attack has also suffered its share of problems, with quarterback Mark Sanchez only completing 56 percent of his passes. There has been a lot of blame placed on Schottenheimer, who has been erratic with his play-calling.

New York wants to be a running team, but it has added weapons that should have helped the passing game. The Jets feature playmaking receivers such as Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress, as well as tight end Dustin Keller. Holmes and Burress are not only playmakers, but also big personalities.

Both star receivers feel they should be the focal point of the offense. At times, it seems like they want the ball more than they want to win. However, when their team is losing, they will let it know they want more touches. This is the situation the Jets are in; they are losing, and their stars want the ball.

It is time for the Jets wide receivers to "shut up and play." They have had their share of problems, contributing to the poor offensive numbers. Both Holmes and Burress have dropped several catchable passes. During an interview on ESPN's Mike and Mike, Cris Carter said that when his team was struggling, he felt that it was his job to make big plays. He felt that he could spark the offense by making tough catches.

When a team is struggling, the stars need to step up, not complain.

Antonio Pierce

As a player, Antonio Pierce gained a lot of attention with both his play and mouth. He was often the first person to give the media a good quote. Pierce's playing career ended when a neck injury forced him to leave the game.

Since retiring, Pierce has gone on to be an analyst for ESPN, doing a ton of TV and radio appearances. Pierce is a natural in front of the camera and the type of guy people love to watch. He isn't afraid to speak his mind, oftentimes touching on topics others won't.

However, he might have crossed a line when he questioned the toughness of ex-teammates Justin Tuck and Brandon Jacobs. In an interview with ESPN, Pierce stated that unless Tuck and Jacobs needed surgery, they should be on the field.

In my opinion, this statement crosses a line. At no time should an analyst question the toughness or injury of a player. He does not have access to the medical information and thus should not make uneducated comments.

Antonio Pierce needs to "shut up and play." He needs to continue to provide good analysis by giving us information related to on-field events.