I feel really bad for those who didn't grow up in the 80's and 90's, or at least have lived through them, because they have missed out on some legends of every game.
I would say a good 80%, if not higher, players from that time are the Mount Rushmore of their positions/sports.
When I think baseball, I think Ken Griffey Jr. The swing, the home runs, the incredible outfield plays, the no steroids in a steroid era.
When I think hockey, it's the Great One, Wayne Gretzky. Yeah, his goal record was just broken by Alex Ovechkin, but Gretzky was a champion and still owns plenty of other records.
When I think basketball, it's Michael Jordan. I don't think any one player has ever dominated a sport like MJ. Go ahead argue with me on that one. The closest you could come to is Joey Chestnut and the sport of eating isn't a real sport.
And when I think of football, yeah there is Tom Brady but look at some of the controversy that comes with him, but did any player dominate the sport like the one from Detroit? Barry Sanders played on some really bad Lion's teams, but that dude could ball despite what was around him. Who else can take a ten-yard loss and turn it into an 55-yard gain? NOBODY. Find another player that could run like that without turning on your Playstation and using the cheat codes.
There isn't one.
For me, he was the GOAT.
Some of you may be like, "aren't you a Rodney Hampton fan?". Absolutely and Rodney had some great seasons, but there was nothing like watching the smooth-running style of Barry Sanders. Watching it in slow-motion is even more incredible.
I sometimes imagine what it would have been like if he hadn't retired early. Can you imagine the records he would have broken? But I also get retiring early to protect your body and never having a down season.
It was a GOAT move.
So, when I entered Barry's autograph on Twitter giveaway for the billionth time, I almost had an aneurysm when I found out he not only followed me but also announced me as one of his winners for a signed photo.
It's real^^^^^^^Look^^^^^I still can't believe it!!!
And a week later...
This arrived! How cool is that?!
Thanks Barry! I appreciate the autograph! This will be hitting the mancave shortly!
This had got to be one of the coolest moments in my life, definitely by far for Twitter. A follow from the legend and his autograph.
If you are reading this today and am like who in the world is Barry Sanders? I would look him up on YouTube if I was you. I promise you won't be disappointed! The only disappointment is the fact you didn't know who he was to begin with and see what you missed out on.
It's getting late but had to keep my ten-day streak alive of posting (which technically is dead now since it's publishing after midnight when I was trying to finish it before). I am dead tired now and going to bed.
Good Night!
*Coffee Card Blogger Out*
That is really cool stuff. A success story is always great to hear. I watched him many times on TV especially against the Vikings. Way to go on your posting streak. Coffee coming up in the AM. Good night all!
ReplyDeleteThanks and thanks for reading the streak!
DeleteCongratulations! Even as a Packers fan, I had a deep appreciation for Barry.
ReplyDeleteI think every rival would say the same
DeleteMatt Barry's initials speaks his way of playing he didn't have any the only time is even though it was his terms but he could've had said something about how the Walter played the game I have respect to have him maintain his reputation as a player that I am stepping out of the Game that I've experienced that I believe yes I could've broke his record no question about it but I want to know that someone will pass me as well & I want to run on the field just like Billy Sims did with me. Barry's a true leader he showed class after every score he made & the 1 season he ran over 2000+ will be the one record I don't see ever broken by any Lions player down the road. Congrats on your 3rd place award. Ya can thank Tony Manderich for that skyline mural of Detroit photo & Barry's a whole lot better then the original Pretty boy Tommy anyday if I had to start a team with the running back position before quarterback no doubt Barry would be 1st pick overall.
ReplyDeleteI don't know if many running backs will ever hit 2K again. What he did was special
DeleteVery cool! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteNice! We share a birthday!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that!
DeleteCongratulations on your win! I remember seeing him doing these giveaways years ago on the Twitter, and even then the number of entrants seemed rather large. I can only imagine what kind of odds you would have against you these days.
ReplyDelete