Nna, Nnam, Nnam, Not gonna play here anymore Asomugha

I hate a lot of things, I do. I've been described as "angry" by several people. I can see that. Be because it's the "little" things that we can control (which we should) but usually don't.

For instance, attitude. Simple isn't it? Control your attitude, control effort, tada...you're in control of yourself...

Enter Nnamdi Asomugha (thank the Lord it's now "Exit"). This guy signs for a ton of scratch ($) and plays like a dead dog. And does absolutely NOTHING over 32 games to set his ship right. He can't cover, he's slow, he's overrated and can't tackle.

Don't believe me...look for yourself.

Guess what CAN'T be measured....

For every "Combine", every "Pro Day", every "Weight Limit", there are sections of the particular player which can be quantified.  I think it's funny, because, we measure what we can see, feel and touch, instead of actually measuring what actually COUNTS...

The one thing that completely implodes the concept of "scouting" and "COMBINES" is Mike Mamula.

I hate to throw the guy (continuously) under the bus...but hey, he went from a No-Name to a 1st Round Pick.  Did the Eagles actually do their homework before making this pick, or did they fall in love with the #'s...?

The funny thing is, is that Mike had ALL the #'s to make you fall in LOVE with him.  The only thing is that these numbers came in shorts...with no opponent...and no game tape.

To accurately measure a player, you have to see tape, talk to teammates/coaches/opponents, talk to them in person AND see them play in PERSON.

The one thing you CAN NOT measure is someones #HEART.  An individuals #HEART is something that makes them want to get up off the ground and keep going.  Get up early in the "Off-Season" and grind or watch tape when most of the team is watching cartoons.

#HEART can not, will not and most likely will NEVER be able to be quantified...I'm good with that.  Because it's a "feeling", a "way of thinking"....If you never experienced it, you'll never know.  If you have, then you KNOW that there is NO # that will ever encompass it.

Nothing is Impossible

When I was just starting out in sports, I would always doubt myself because I wasn't the biggest or fastest kid on any of my teams.  It never occurred to me that there were other players on other teams that had my same situation.  It wasn't until around 7th or 8th grade that I realized that life and sports are what they are.  Which is sometimes not fair.  But really, what is fair?  Is fair everyone being equal?  If that's the case then there will never be any winners or losers.  Even if a sporting event ends in a tie, there is a team that lost (the team that should have won) and a team that won (they should have lost...and the tie is virtually a win).

It was only when I noticed other players that had my same height and weight limitations that nothing was impossible.  If they could do it, I could do.  And you know what...I could probably do it better.  Most people think that a player that plays with H.E.A.R.T is a player of lesser skill or talent.  This isn't necessarily the case.  H.E.A.R.T is something that is deep inside of you that compels you to play your cheeks off all game long, no matter the outcome or who your opponent is.  Below are a few of the players that helped me (even though they don't know it) find faith in myself as an athlete and showed me week in and week out what playing with H.E.A.R.T truly means.

Mark McMillian played Corner for the Eagles AND Crimson Tide...needless to say, I not only followed his career, but he was a huge inspiration as well.  He wasn't the biggest guy in the world.  But he played his butt off and never let his limitations define who he was.

Mario Bailey played for UW.  Now as a DB, I'm not too fond of WR's but Super Mario was different.  He went hard EVERY play.  His Senior year at Washington, in my opinion played better than Desmond Howard (who won the Heisman).  Not only did he put up ridiculous numbers (over 1000 yards receiving) but in the Rose Bowl when they trounced the Wolverines (Desmond's team)...he scored a TD and did the Heisman pose...awesome.

David Palmer was the first "small" athlete that I watched that let me know anything was possible on the football field (which is why I'm a Bama fan to this day).  He played QB/WR/RB and returned kicks.  He was literally EVERYWHERE on the field.  He made plays and there was no doubt the opposing teams were scared of his skills.

Last but not least...Rohan Marley.  Five foot nothing and full of piss and vinegar.  He started at Miami in the 90's (which speaks volumes) and he did so on a team full of four and five star recruits.  All I have to say about him is "google his ass".  Watch the videos and then make up your own mind.

These are just four of the many athletes that inspired me and let me know that ANYTHING is possible.