January 26, 2014

Richard Sherman, the Man Behind the Mouth: The New York Times profiles Richard Sherman, describing his rise from being a mouthy kid at Dominguez High School in Compton, Calif., to a mouthy scholarship athlete at Stanford to a mouthy NFL player with 20 interceptions since 2011, the most in the league. A story from his days at Dominguez:
"At practice, he would aggravate less ambitious teammates by telling them, 'I'm going to love coming back to watch you play at Compton College.' Within days they would be knocking on [Coach] Donerson's door, asking him for academic help. 'All so they could shut Richard's mouth,' Donerson said."

posted by rcade to football at 10:29 AM - 7 comments

I really like Sherman. He's a tough, driven player. I seriously doubt any player can consider themselves great at the cornerback position without having an attitude that will, obviously, turn some people off.

It's possible his post-game rant is now one of the best PR moves ever. The publicity he has received, while not all positive, is publicity nonetheless. If he winds up shutting down Demaryius Thomas in the Super Bowl, his stock will be through the roof.

posted by dyams at 06:37 PM on January 26, 2014

Welker is patient and skilled at fieldcraft. Even now, he is studying the opponent, looking at tendencies and possible weaknesses. During the engagement, he will take note of available light, wind speed and direction, closing distance, and wait for his opportunity.

Talib served as good practice - a large, able perimeter sentry. But now, Welker will have to venture well within the opponent's protected area to seek out the imposing master tactician.

If he is not able to fulfill his mission, reliance will shift to a fusillade initiated by autonomous remote spotter Anna Welker.

posted by beaverboard at 07:52 PM on January 26, 2014

Dyams, I had not thought of the situation in the way you did, but ... had Sherman not gone on his rant, there certainly wouldn't be the level of interest he's received, and will receive this week, from the media. Two interceptions and a game MVP and he'd become priceless: speeches, endorsements would become readily available.

posted by jjzucal at 08:59 PM on January 26, 2014

It's possible his post-game rant is now one of the best PR moves ever. The publicity he has received, while not all positive, is publicity nonetheless. If he winds up shutting down Demaryius Thomas in the Super Bowl, his stock will be through the roof.

Exactly. Sherman's a guy who was top of his class everywhere he went - he understands what motivates him, and importantly, how the media circus can help you. The guy is setting himself up for the moment when his rookie contract ends for a huge payday. Be the biggest star in primetime and the world is your oyster. It's Deion Sanders all over again.

I think he also knows that a receiver with a huge ego who knows his QB isn't going to throw to him is liable to dog it a little or create issues on the opposing sidelines, making his job even easier.

posted by dfleming at 06:59 AM on January 27, 2014

I have already seen him in a commercial for Beats headphones. Something I read said his agent said that rant sill make him % million in endorsements. That for a guy make 750 k this year. Best rant ever

posted by Debo270 at 02:28 PM on January 27, 2014

Something I read said his agent said that rant sill make him % million in endorsements.

Sorry.. Monday typing issues. ME NO TYPE GOOD Something I read said his agent reported that the rant will make him 5 million in endorsements.

posted by Debo270 at 04:41 PM on January 27, 2014

I seriously doubt any player can consider themselves great at the cornerback position without having an attitude that will, obviously, turn some people off.

He'll share the field with one this Sunday.

posted by tron7 at 05:23 PM on January 28, 2014

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