Professionalism in the NFL

I read this article a couple of days ago, and I figured today (the day after Tony Dungy announced his retirement) would be the perfect time for a rebuttal. The post states that for the past four years, both Tony Dungy and Brett Favre have considered retiring. It then goes on to say that Dungy isn't hit with the same criticism for his one foot in/ one foot out mentality. These statements are correct, but do you know why he isn't criticized as harshly or at all? Because Tony Dungy is a professional.

Brett Favre typically takes months to decide, leaving the team and organization on hold. He actually retired, twice. When or if he comes back, he expects the team to cater to his needs. A couple of seasons ago the Packers were so certain on his retirement (mind you, it was due to his own statements) that they drafted Aaron Rogers with a first round pick. Favre reacted by not helping Aaron Rogers with the adjustments needed for the NFL. He leaves the organization on hold, during the most important planning periods for the following season. Its no wonder, the Packers forced him into an answer. If not, they could have been possibly dealing with this act for years to come leaving them always a step or two behind their competitors in the off season.

On the other hand Tony Dungy is the epitome of professionalism. He typically takes a week, goes home and mulls it over with his family. After the week is done, his decision is made and the team can move on to important business; i.e. free agency, the combine, and the draft. He has never retired, let the Colts hire a new coach, and then decided to come back ruining the post-Dungy Colts. Lastly and maybe the most telling part, is that he doesn't use texting as a way of communication between himself and the front office. When he makes his decision the Colts know it is final, they can move on knowing Tony won't call closer to the season to tell them he will meet them at training camp.

Don't get me wrong, every player and coach in the league have the right to mull their future over every off season. Working for the NFL is a demanding job that doesn't leave much time for families. As for players, their bodies are on the line. They need to decide if they can undergo the rigors of another grueling season of practice, travel, games and punishing blows to the body. Yet they need to think about more than themselves when making this decision. The team depends on players and coaches for timely decisions. If they didn't have that, nothing would ever get done. That is why Tony Dungy is a professional and Brett Favre is not.

Jason Whitlock, please stop

I am not sure if you have heard but Tom Brady is out for the season. The Patriots reacted by signing previously cut Matt Gutierrez to their practice squad. They didn't react by going out and signing Chris Simms, Daunte Culpeper, or Aaron Brooks. But why would they? Matt Cassell has been in the system for years now, he knows the offense and can lead this team to victory. Sure he wasn't a world beater against the Chiefs, but the Patriots are so talented that they don't need him to be Tom Brady. They just need Cassell to manage the clock and protect the ball.

But if you were Jason Whitlock, you would see it as a perfect time to bring back Jeff George. The same Jeff George who has not thrown a pass in an actual NFL game since 2001 and has not been on a roster since the Raiders signed him in 2006 before cutting him 5 days later. The same Jeff George who said he wanted to come back to the Vikings in 2007, only for Vikings head coach Brad Childress to literally laugh out loud at the notion of the then 39 year-old quarterback leading his team.

In the article Whitlock brings up Todd Collins and the fact that he went 6 seasons between starts before leading the Redskins to three wins and into the playoffs. He also mentions Todd Collins doesn't have the talent that Jeff George has. But what Whitlock fails to remember is that Collins never left the game, and was in the locker room and on the practice field for those 6 years between starts. He then goes on to say this:

You realize even at age 40 and having lived in football exile for three years, Jeff George still has one of the five best arms in the game? Oh, he can still wing it with the best of them. He’s in great shape. He’s ready to go right now.

Bill, I’m not crazy. Yes, I’m in the tank for Jeff George. We grew up together on the east side of Indianapolis, and we take loyalty very, very seriously.

He’s not perfect. He mishandled his career and talent. But the dude is 40 now and still wants to play. He can get the ball to Randy Moss and stretch a defense.

Matt Cassel can’t carry you for a full season. You need a veteran backup who can fill in when Cassel struggles or carry the load for a game or two.

Jason do you remember what happened in Washington? His play triggered comments of his inability to inspire confidence in his teammates. George himself said that leadership was overrated. Leadership and knowledge are the two reasons you sign a veteran quarterback, and George has never displayed either of the two. Sure he can throw the ball a country mile, but what good is that when he hasn't played against anyone in 6 years. Let alone the intricate defenses of today. The game has changed and moved on, its just sad that Jason and Jeff can't do the same.

Whitlock; Advice to Belichick: Sign Jeff George