Why is it that former players of schools...

[AZTiger]

Seem to have more respect for each other on these forums, than the (sorry) "elders" who are just fans of the school or have kids who go there?

I always see more respect given between former players of the schools. I know I always try too. Why can't everyone be more like that? Granted there are some exceptions, and I know that to some of you if everyone was respectful and just talked x's and o's and not trash each other all the time, this place would be boring.

[GTown02]

I cant tell the difference between the two. I dont even know who on this board played/plays for their school. It has never crossed my mind.

[dragonfootballfan]

how can you tell who is a former player and who is not?

[AZTiger]

well, it depends, sometimes you see a guy who'll say "i played for *fill in the blank* in *year*" like this one SV guy in a thread started by SVite talking a bunch of trash about Katy.

it stems from a beef i used to have with some fellow katy fans who used to think we had some sort of entitlement and they'd only been fans through the golden years (the last 8 years) and seemed to forget that respect and class is what our program was built on.

in discussions i have with my friends from college who have played at other schools, including my roommate from college who played at SV, they always seem to be a bit more civil.

maybe i'm just bored at work and lookin to start meaningless threads?

[dragonfootballfan]

do you think that I am a former player?

[AZTiger]

no because you cry about that whole stadium this weekend thing too much, but to be honest, i dont read a lot of non-katy threads here, so i dont have you pinned down yet ;)

[TigerHat]

In answer to your original question. People who have actually been on the field in competition have respect for anyone else who has shown the courage it takes to put yourself at risk physically. Anyone can sit around and talk, which is why there is so little respect from those who only have talked. Getting pancaked by a 300 pounder gives you a different perspective on other people. The ones who get up from that and keep playing DESERVE respect, they have earned it. People who have never gone through 2 a days in the blistering summer heat don't know enough to respect those who have done it. People who have done it know how much it takes to do that, and respect anyone else who has done it.

[KTBTyler]

Sometimes it seems like a bunch of adults living vicariously through their sons, and adults argueing about which school is more classy. Who cares, we'll see the real answer on the scoreboard when it comes game time.

[dragons08]

we all know im a current player...:D

[AZTiger]

we all know im a current player...:D

i said player, not "playa" ;)

[dragons08]

i said player, not "playa" ;)
sweet, i was going to say sax player, but "playa" works to :cool:

[t00 playa]

yeah.. "playa" sounds good :eek:

[dada]

sweet, i was going to say sax player, but "playa" works to :cool:
You play the sax??? So did Bill Clinton...I KNEW SLC had a Black guy in the Band!!!!...A pimp that plays the sax in the Band. No wonder Wide took you under his wing.

[rwilleby]

do you think that I am a former player?
And the answer is?

[baldtiger15]

Seem to have more respect for each other on these forums, than the (sorry) "elders" who are just fans of the school or have kids who go there?
.

When two gladiators have tasted their own blood on the field of battle something happens to them. Not only do they have a perspective that no one else in the arena can attain, but they know that they are human are faced to confront their mortality.

The parents and fans spout about and make conjecture- just like we criticize governments in times of war. When it comes to a battle, I'll listen to a soldier who has had rounds whizzing passed his ears before I will the politician that sent him there. Now then I'll step aside and say this as well. Let them reel out their boasting, and prideful statements. Please flow forth with your conjecture on matters you've only witnessed 2nd and 3rd hand.

KTchamp97, AZtiger, and others on this thread that I've "bled in battle" with I salute you for your commitment to the x's and o's, preserving the spirit of the game, and not defiling it as so many "outsiders" have done with their cheap and petty claims, predictions, and sorted theories.

[bowski99]

In my opinion, the reason for this is that former players look at these games from the inside looking out, not the outside lokking in like most fans. They have a respect for themselves, their teammates, coaches, as well as thgeir opponents. Most fans seem to be more "ra ra. go team" than the players. That is why most of the threads like "go SV" or "what school has the best...?" I think that most, NOT ALL, are bandwagoners that have been following their respective teams only through the golden years and not during the down years.

As far as X's and O's are concerned, I think that for the most part, fans of the game just don't have the football IQ to talk intelligenty about X's and O's. Since former and current players usually know what they are talking about when it comes to this subject, they can consequently contribute insightful comments concerning this subject. That's my take in it.

If you were wondering, I played for Katy on the 98 team.

[dragons08]

You play the sax??? So did Bill Clinton...I KNEW SLC had a Black guy in the Band!!!!...A pimp that plays the sax in the Band. No wonder Wide took you under his wing.
sorry to burst your buble, but im not black..

but the pimp stuff is true:cool:

[rwilleby]

Without offending... I must say the last two posts (bowski99 & baldtiger15) leave me dazed... If the majority of the players feel the way you two do, then maybe you don't or didn't deserve the fan support...

[TigerHat]

Without offending... I must say the last two posts (bowski99 & baldtiger15) leave me dazed... If the majority of the players feel the way you two do, then maybe you don't or didn't deserve the fan support...

Reading the two posts again, I am not sure I see what troubles you about them, Could you elaborate. There posts were very much like mine, and I suspect very much like those that any former player would write. Did you feel that the former players were disrespecting you?

[bowski99]

Without offending... I must say the last two posts (bowski99 & baldtiger15) leave me dazed... If the majority of the players feel the way you two do, then maybe you don't or didn't deserve the fan support...


No offense taken. Sorry rwilleby if I offended you and left you dazed. What do you mean by "dazed"? What I am trying to say is that current/former players view things from a totally different perspective than fans. Since players have been playing football, they tend to know more about the system they are playing for than a fan would. Some things might not even bother a player, but it will leave a fan furious.

For example, not to bring up an old sbuject, but the whole deal about Strake not changing venues since they have a small stadium, left almost all Katy fans with their panties in a wad. Personally, wouldn't have cared if the game was played at Grob Stadium in SBISD, I just wanted to play the game.

Players opions sometimes differ from those of the fans simply because of the fact that they have been there/done that. They have a different vantage point that most fans do. I am not trying to offend anybody.

Oh, by the way, thank you for all your support during the 98 season and for your continued support for KHS. I am sure I can speak for current and former players and say that your support and the support from the rest of the community is greatly appreciated. Katy football would not be where it is today with the support of the fans and community.

[AZTiger]

I think that most, NOT ALL, are bandwagoners that have been following their respective teams only through the golden years and not during the down years.


Well, I don't hold that against many Katy fans, because for some that's all they know, and hey...that's not their fault. From last season and the way some of those "new" fans acted before the Clear Lake game to now...I think you've seen a large transition from some fans that before just thought that everything was handed to Katy on a silver platter.

There's always a place for the "ra ra my team has no flaws" fan, but I just don't put myself in that category.

I'll leave with this...there are always exceptions to the rule, and this is no different. Sorry if this created a "holier than thou" perception to the players and former players, that wasn't my intent.

[rwilleby]

I guess dazed was the only word I could think of because I couldn't describe the feeling... I'm not offended and don't feel disrespected, maybe it was because it sounded, well, condescending...

Many fans have played football. I can remember the two a days in the late '70's and it was just as hot then as it is now. However, when I played it was nothing like today and certainly nothing like what you were fortunate enough to experience at Katy. I for one, admire (what little I know about) the Katy program and the players who go through it...

You're right about the Strake thing and when I was a player I would have thought the same thing... But my parents and their friends may have had the same point of view as the Katy fans... They just wanted to see the team play... That doesn't mean it's right or wrong... But that's what fans do... It's certainly better than going to a Hastings game and sitting with the other 50 people in the stands...

Maybe it was the melodramatics of the "Gladiators" and "field of battle" stuff... It just seemed a little silly to describe it in such a serious manner... Or the Us vs Them attitude that was projected... Maybe I just expected something different from ex-Katy players...

On the respect thing... Respect is not something one earns. Respect for a player and their opponent (or fan for that matter) should be given without condition. Disrespect is earned by ones actions.

You guys will forget more about Katy ball than most fan's will ever know (including myself)... Don't short-change us because we did not have that experience. Share it with us so we can understand more about it.

And remember that one becomes a fan when they no longer play the game... It happens to us all... That's just the way it goes...

And just for the record, I'm still a Katy fan... Bandwagon or not...

[AZTiger]

You guys will forget more about Katy ball than most fan's will ever know (including myself)... Don't short-change us because we did not have that experience. Share it with us so we can understand more about it.


you won, i can't compete with that

"You had me at hello. You had me at hello Jerry"

ha ha, sorry, just had to do it

[rwilleby]

you won, i can't compete with that

"You had me at hello. You had me at hello Jerry"

ha ha, sorry, just had to do it
:)

[YouKnowTha3T]

the reason that players on this board that have since gone on to college show more respect towards each other is because those that talk on this board are from some of the top programs and have been coached to respect their opponents.

Its also that way because we lace em up all week while yall sit on the boards and try and tell us what to key on what to do how to do it but were the ones that go out and bust our butts to do it. In a sense the non-players have no idea what its like to be between the white lines. Like if someone here were to say well why didnt that guy make the tackle that was terrible effort well chances are he was being blocked or screened or something outsmarted him..but to you fans it was just a boneheaded play and he wasnt trying hard enough. Thats why there is more respect for players then fans on this board.

[AZTiger]

the reason that players on this board that have since gone on to college show more respect towards each other is because those that talk on this board are from some of the top programs and have been coached to respect their opponents.

Its also that way because we lace em up all week while yall sit on the boards and try and tell us what to key on what to do how to do it but were the ones that go out and bust our butts to do it. In a sense the non-players have no idea what its like to be between the white lines. Like if someone here were to say well why didnt that guy make the tackle that was terrible effort well chances are he was being blocked or screened or something outsmarted him..but to you fans it was just a boneheaded play and he wasnt trying hard enough. Thats why there is more respect for players then fans on this board.

yeah i've got a REAL problem with guys who do that, although I think ones who spend the majority of their time pointing out the shortcomings of 17 year olds are in the minority here.

it's just a shame that posts like that exists.

[HOOKEM]

Seem to have more respect for each other on these forums, than the (sorry) "elders" who are just fans of the school or have kids who go there?

I always see more respect given between former players of the schools. I know I always try too. Why can't everyone be more like that? Granted there are some exceptions, and I know that to some of you if everyone was respectful and just talked x's and o's and not trash each other all the time, this place would be boring.

I would not consider my self an elder?

[TigerHat]

I personally have tremendous respect for a player who was second team on a losing team. Players on great teams like Katy fortunately don't know what it is like to play on a bad team. In my playing career I played on both on an undefeated team, and on one that won 6 games in 3 years. The bad team worked really hard, That hard work was like straining yourself trying to move a live Redwood tree, you exhaust yourself doing inefficient ineffective stupid things.

I'll give you an example: we had this extraordinarily dumb block called a 'scramble block' which we used on roll out passes. A scramble block consisted of the entire line crawling on their hands and feet as fast as they could in the direction of the roll out sort of like a conga line. Not only was this incredibly exhausting ( try doing this for a while if you don't understand how tiring it is) but it really hurt to do it. Someone hitting you in the ribs during the game was a real treat since there was no way to defend yourself, but by far the most painful part was the guy in front of you constantly stepping on your hands while you were crawling after him. (This was in the days of hard nylon screw on cleats with metal tips on them. After a few days those metal tips got sharpened up into knives quite nicely, plus sometimes players would lose a cleat, and would step on you with the shoe's screw post) That was 40 years ago , I still have scars on my hands from scramble blocking. Since all of our passes were roll outs, and we were a passing team, we got to do a lot of scramble blocking. I won't talk about how dumb our running plays were.

Now imagine playing second team offensive line for such a team, The starters on defense took delight in beating us scrubs up during the week, One of the defensive players had the technique of hitting just above the old fashioned face masks we wore; his forearm was always busting you in the nose. The game day would result in a 48 - 0 blowout and there was no chance of getting in the game until there were about 2 minutes left in the fourth quarter. That was your reward: you got to play a couple of plays against the other team's JV with no chance of anything you did making any difference in the outcome. Anyone who has done something like that gets my respect any day.

[AZTiger]

I would not consider my self an elder?

I'm Ron Burgandy?

;)

[AZTiger]

man...just picturing the "scramble block" makes me feel for you

[rwilleby]

the reason that players on this board that have since gone on to college show more respect towards each other is because those that talk on this board are from some of the top programs and have been coached to respect their opponents.

Its also that way because we lace em up all week while yall sit on the boards and try and tell us what to key on what to do how to do it but were the ones that go out and bust our butts to do it. In a sense the non-players have no idea what its like to be between the white lines. Like if someone here were to say well why didnt that guy make the tackle that was terrible effort well chances are he was being blocked or screened or something outsmarted him..but to you fans it was just a boneheaded play and he wasnt trying hard enough. Thats why there is more respect for players then fans on this board.
I can see how that would be irritating... But please don't put all of us fans into the same bucket... And don't assume some of your fans have never "laced 'em up" or have "seen between the white lines"... The laces may be old and the lines might be faded, but others have come before you and other will certainly follow...

Maybe you could help educate some of those critical posters with the reasons something happened the way it did... I know from my own experience by going to film night that things make much more sense than they did from the stands on game day when you see them again and they are explained to you ...

I'll be the first to agree with you that some just look for the bad in everything and just want to bring others down because of their own personal issues... But many do not...

On the respect deal... It's not just something that's available to the top programs in the state... It's a factor of life in general... My kids show respect for others and they did not play football at Katy... As you've stated, respect is taught... By parents, teachers, coaches and others...

[AZTiger]

ok rwilleby you're through, we know where you stand :)

[rwilleby]

I personally have tremendous respect for a player who was second team on a losing team. Players on great teams like Katy fortunately don't know what it is like to play on a bad team. In my playing career I played on both on an undefeated team, and on one that won 6 games in 3 years. The bad team worked really hard, That hard work was like straining yourself trying to move a live Redwood tree, you exhaust yourself doing inefficient ineffective stupid things.

I'll give you an example: we had this extraordinarily dumb block called a 'scramble block' which we used on roll out passes. A scramble block consisted of the entire line crawling on their hands and feet as fast as they could in the direction of the roll out sort of like a conga line. Not only was this incredibly exhausting ( try doing this for a while if you don't understand how tiring it is) but it really hurt to do it. Someone hitting you in the ribs during the game was a real treat since there was no way to defend yourself, but by far the most painful part was the guy in front of you constantly stepping on your hands while you were crawling after him. (This was in the days of hard nylon screw on cleats with metal tips on them. After a few days those metal tips got sharpened up into knives quite nicely, plus sometimes players would lose a cleat, and would step on you with the shoe's screw post) That was 40 years ago , I still have scars on my hands from scramble blocking. Since all of our passes were roll outs, and we were a passing team, we got to do a lot of scramble blocking. I won't talk about how dumb our running plays were.

Now imagine playing second team offensive line for such a team, The starters on defense took delight in beating us scrubs up during the week, One of the defensive players had the technique of hitting just above the old fashioned face masks we wore; his forearm was always busting you in the nose. The game day would result in a 48 - 0 blowout and there was no chance of getting in the game until there were about 2 minutes left in the fourth quarter. That was your reward: you got to play a couple of plays against the other team's JV with no chance of anything you did making any difference in the outcome. Anyone who has done something like that gets my respect any day.
Ouch... So many things made no sense back then... But we still did it because some of it was fun... Or maybe we were just crazy...

AZ... 30 more minutes and it's my bed time :)

Only short posts from now on...

[TigerHat]

My post reminded me of some of the other things we did on that team. I played offensive guard, and we pulled the back side guard on almost every running play. The coach had this thing about the pulling guards running low - maybe he thought the defense wouldn't see them if they ran low - I don't know.

Anyway my dad built this framework out of two by fours that was about 6 feet long and about 3 feet high. During the off season I would go out get in my stance at one end of the framework and practice pulling under it. Over and over. Needless to say I smacked my head and back into those two by fours a number of times until I learned how to run like a duck with my knees hitting my chest. Talk about a completely useless technique to practice and learn.

We used to sprint everywhere during the game. We not only would sprint up to the line like Converse Judson used to do, we sprinted to the huddle, we would also sprint on and off the field. Our coach wanted a team that hustled. In esence we were running a whole bunch of wind sprints during the game. The other teams would walk where we srinted, then run away from our exhausted players during the actual plays.

The fastest player on our team ran about a 10.2 second hundred yards, he played flanker. He was the only human being who simply could not be taught how to catch a football. Our 300 lb defensive tackles could catch much better than he could. You could not hand him the ball without him dropping it. Every game we would send him deep repeatedly. The quarterback would hit him in the hands, and he would drop it. Other teams soon learned not to even guard him. To the best of my knowledge he didn't catch a single pass thrown to him the whole 3 years I played. Eventually the quarterback quit throwing to him. Sometimes he would come back to the huddle saying "I was open!" Everybody would just look at him.


I swear I am not making any of this up.

[t00 playa]

As far as X's and O's are concerned, I think that for the most part, fans of the game just don't have the football IQ to talk intelligenty about X's and O's. Since former and current players usually know what they are talking about when it comes to this subject, they can consequently contribute insightful comments concerning this subject. That's my take in it.



that is not necessarily true. Just because one plays the game, doesnt mean they have an IQ for the game. However, there are many that do, there are many that dont.... so.. just because "you played the game" doesnt give you an automatic qualification in football IQ........ there are many fans that have more of an understanding of Xs and Os than former players, and vice versa.....i think one thing that former players give.. is a different perspective, which is always good... :eek:

[t00 playa]

the reason that players on this board that have since gone on to college show more respect towards each other is because those that talk on this board are from some of the top programs and have been coached to respect their opponents.

Its also that way because we lace em up all week while yall sit on the boards and try and tell us what to key on what to do how to do it but were the ones that go out and bust our butts to do it. In a sense the non-players have no idea what its like to be between the white lines. Like if someone here were to say well why didnt that guy make the tackle that was terrible effort well chances are he was being blocked or screened or something outsmarted him..but to you fans it was just a boneheaded play and he wasnt trying hard enough. Thats why there is more respect for players then fans on this board.


and the reason you probably love the game even more is because of the fans that go to the games and are deafening, and are rooting tooth and nail for ya......so cut the bs, if football had no fans, then it would be a boring sport, no one except the players would talk about it... no one would hype the players up, teams, schools, etc.... bulletin board material etc etc.... dont hate on fans, because they are the reason football exists on the highest levels.... they pay the salaries of the professionals.... so i wouldnt hate on fans quite so much... and like i said... just because you play, doesnt make you a player.

[dada]

sorry to burst your buble, but im not black..

but the pimp stuff is true:cool:
YEAH RIGHT....Next you're gonna tell me Wide is white too!

[baldtiger15]

see post below

[baldtiger15]

[QUOTE=rwilleby]I guess dazed was the only word I could think of because I couldn't describe the feeling... I'm not offended and don't feel disrespected, maybe it was because it sounded, well, condescending...


Maybe it was the melodramatics of the "Gladiators" and "field of battle" stuff... It just seemed a little silly to describe it in such a serious manner... Or the Us vs Them attitude that was projected... Maybe I just expected something different from ex-Katy players...

On the respect thing... Respect is not something one earns. Respect for a player and their opponent (or fan for that matter) should be given without condition. Disrespect is earned by ones actions.
QUOTE]

I'm sorry if my eloquence and passion for this game has caused offense or seemed condescending. That was not my intent. This game is the closest to civilized warfare that can be found. Those of us who have served (USMC) would know that. I does seem silly for many to compare it to such. They will never understand, but I can not blame them for that. Millions of people can look at a masterpiece painting and never know what the artist was thinking. That does not however discredit those who marvel at the work. I simply meant to point out perspective.

With regard to that perspective. Katy football, or any of the MANY great programs across our blessed state would be nothing without the FANS. What would a state championship game be with only 22 fans in attendance (think Goofy cartoon, one guy with a pennant saying, "hooray for Rollie.") I love my fans, covet their support, dedication, and undying committments to tailgate, wear school colors, cheer loud on 3rd and long or 4th and short, and holler nicknames of their favorite players (Moooooton, Fuuuuuda, etc.) Let them never cease.

As for respect- As a student, as an athlete, and as a Marine
- Sir, ALL respect is earned, nothing in this life is free except grace

[rwilleby]

I'm sorry if my eloquence and passion for this game has caused offense or seemed condescending. That was not my intent. This game is the closest to civilized warfare that can be found. Those of us who have served (USMC) would know that. I does seem silly for many to compare it to such. They will never understand, but I can not blame them for that. Millions of people can look at a masterpiece painting and never know what the artist was thinking. That does not however discredit those who marvel at the work. I simply meant to point out perspective.
No apologies are necessary... Passion and creativity are good things... Like I stated earlier, I was not offended just maybe knocked off dead-center... No big deal...

And from one who did not serve, I thank you for your Service and Sacrifice for our Country...

With regard to that perspective. Katy football, or any of the MANY great programs across our blessed state would be nothing without the FANS. What would a state championship game be with only 22 fans in attendance (think Goofy cartoon, one guy with a pennant saying, "hooray for Rollie.") I love my fans, covet their support, dedication, and undying committments to tailgate, wear school colors, cheer loud on 3rd and long or 4th and short, and holler nicknames of their favorite players (Moooooton, Fuuuuuda, etc.) Let them never cease.
I am a Katy Tiger fan and will always be one... I do not personally know any Katy football players... I just know of them and what they stand for (at least from outside looking in)... And I like what I see... Enough to move my family here so my children could be a part of Katy High School and this great community...

As for respect- As a student, as an athlete, and as a Marine
- Sir, ALL respect is earned, nothing in this life is free except grace
As for this, we'll have to agree to disagree...
Without even knowing you I have nothing but respect for you... The same goes for the others who post... With me you all start out at the same level of respect... Some levels will go down, while others will rise...

I have done nothing to earn your respect but expect it just the same... Until such time I might earn otherwise...

Is it Saturday yet? I hate the waiting...

[baldtiger15]

RWilleby, your posts, honesty, and commitment to this game and board are means enough for me to respect you. After reading my post again, it may have been perceived that I did not. I simply wanted to state that in my very young, humble opinion (which is subject to change) that respect is earned. I am very comfortable to simply agree to disagree on that one. One more reason, maturity on your part not to squabble over a seemingly moot point, that I do respect you. Enjoy the lull before the storm. Gonna be a good one tomorrow.

[rwilleby]

RWilleby, your posts, honesty, and commitment to this game and board are means enough for me to respect you. After reading my post again, it may have been perceived that I did not. I simply wanted to state that in my very young, humble opinion (which is subject to change) that respect is earned. I am very comfortable to simply agree to disagree on that one. One more reason, maturity on your part not to squabble over a seemingly moot point, that I do respect you. Enjoy the lull before the storm. Gonna be a good one tomorrow.
I respect what you guys have, that feeling of team, accomplishment and pride in your school, team and community... The fact that you keep in touch with your team mates is very refreshing... I see that same thing in my oldest son and his friends... It is very special...

Maybe, on the Katy board, you guys could tell us "older folks" about your experiences with the Katy program... None of the "top secret" stuff, just what it's like to be part of a program that has touched to many people...

But for today... It's game day, Baby! Go Tigers!

[BayouBoy34]

In answer to your original question. People who have actually been on the field in competition have respect for anyone else who has shown the courage it takes to put yourself at risk physically. Anyone can sit around and talk, which is why there is so little respect from those who only have talked. Getting pancaked by a 300 pounder gives you a different perspective on other people. The ones who get up from that and keep playing DESERVE respect, they have earned it. People who have never gone through 2 a days in the blistering summer heat don't know enough to respect those who have done it. People who have done it know how much it takes to do that, and respect anyone else who has done it.

WOW - A little condescending don't you think? I have only talked - not played so I guess I don't get any respect. I have nothing but the upmost repect for anyone on this board or the players themselves. Don't throw all of the non-player posters in the same bucket. I can usually tell who the former players are based on their quotes but they get the same level of respect from me that non-players get. I didn't play football because I didn't have the skill set or desire. My game was basketball and I dislocated my shoulder and had 2 broken bones in high school. So, while I don't know enough about football since I didn't play, I have endured pain just like you did in your sport. Also, I have never made a negative post here about any players. So, cut us non-football players a little slack please.

[baldtiger15]

WOW - A little condescending don't you think? I have only talked - not played so I guess I don't get any respect. I have nothing but the upmost repect for anyone on this board or the players themselves. Don't throw all of the non-player posters in the same bucket. I can usually tell who the former players are based on their quotes but they get the same level of respect from me that non-players get. I didn't play football because I didn't have the skill set or desire. My game was basketball and I dislocated my shoulder and had 2 broken bones in high school. So, while I don't know enough about football since I didn't play, I have endured pain just like you did in your sport. Also, I have never made a negative post here about any players. So, cut us non-football players a little slack please.
BBoy, don't stress out on us. True this is a football board, but I've said this before to many people- an athlete is an athlete. Granted, some sports cater to certain "skill sets" as you mentioned, but you (forgive my constant battle analogy) have bled in battle just as many of us have. We respect you for that. I think what AZ was saying (correct me if I'm outta line) was that there exists a certain comraderie among former players here. That comraderie (mutual respect) is evident in the threads. This however does not take away from the insight of an intelligent onlooker, or the support of a loving fan.

[AZTiger]

yeah exactly what i meant. hell...charlie weis NEVER played football, and none of us can hold a candle to his football knowledge

[baldtiger15]

yeah exactly what i meant. hell...charlie weis NEVER played football, and none of us can hold a candle to his football knowledge
AZ your wisdom baffles me even still. Excellent point! He truly is a model student of the game

[BayouBoy34]

BBoy, don't stress out on us. True this is a football board, but I've said this before to many people- an athlete is an athlete. Granted, some sports cater to certain "skill sets" as you mentioned, but you (forgive my constant battle analogy) have bled in battle just as many of us have. We respect you for that. I think what AZ was saying (correct me if I'm outta line) was that there exists a certain comraderie among former players here. That comraderie (mutual respect) is evident in the threads. This however does not take away from the insight of an intelligent onlooker, or the support of a loving fan.

Baldtiger - my comment was based on Tigerhat's partial quote below. I agree with the comraderie statement but he said that he has "little" respect for those that did not play and only talked. He also "implied" we lacked courage. My entire point was based on his comment. There are several thousands of us in the stands and a few hundred on the discussion boards. I just think his statement was unnecessary. We non-players will never be in that clique and we're ok with it. My poiint is don't put us all in the same bucket. I might not have bled while I played basketball but broken bones and dislocated shoulders hurt in any sport.

Tigerhat quote:
People who have actually been on the field in competition have respect for anyone else who has shown the courage it takes to put yourself at risk physically. Anyone can sit around and talk, which is why there is so little respect from those who only have talked.

[TigerHat]

WOW - A little condescending don't you think? I have only talked - not played so I guess I don't get any respect. I have nothing but the upmost repect for anyone on this board or the players themselves. Don't throw all of the non-player posters in the same bucket. I can usually tell who the former players are based on their quotes but they get the same level of respect from me that non-players get. I didn't play football because I didn't have the skill set or desire. My game was basketball and I dislocated my shoulder and had 2 broken bones in high school. So, while I don't know enough about football since I didn't play, I have endured pain just like you did in your sport. Also, I have never made a negative post here about any players. So, cut us non-football players a little slack please.

No you aren't who I was talking about. You are an athlete, you were on the field of play, and you obviously put yourself at risk. I have played enough basketball to have great respect for anyone who plays that game. I was talking about people who have never done ANYTHING athletic but who talk smack. I have played football, basketball, wrestled, run track, played table tennis, and done judo. They are all sports. The worst injury I ever got came from table tennis; I tore up my shoulder so badly I can't play anymore.

Now doubtless some smart a** is going to say "How could you get hurt playing ping pong" but before you do, look at that list of sports, Judo, 4th degree Black Belt - reasonably tough guy. The answer is that anything where you use your body to its maximum ability runs the risk of injury. The majority of competitive table tennis players have shoulder problems; mine are just worst than most.

As has been pointed out there are people who have never played football who know a tremendous amount about it. I am not talking about them either. I am talking about people who don't respect players and say things like so and so is no good - and mean it. If you look at my posts I take a lot of cheap shots at the Texans - but I don't actually mean any of that . If the Texans didn't mean anything to me I wouldn't say anything about them. I have enormous respect for both the hard work and the caliber of players of the Texans. The differences between the Texans and the Indianapolis Colts are a lot smaller that they might appear to be on the surface: there is not that much talent difference between the worst and the best teams in the NFL.

[DragonWatcher]

For formal players it's much easier for us to view the game objectively. Your taught to respect your opponent on the field week after week and it transfers to the message board. We understand that any team is capable of beating any team on anygiven night, but we do look at things realisticly not OMFG SLC WILL HND LP THER @$$!!!