Who's your favorite player?

[Axxon]

Mr Derrick Brooks....

This is very true to me and this article only adds to my respect for this guy. He's currently in a tie for my favorite player ever and he seems to be trying to push for solo number one.

Let's see him bring a football team to your college hometown and be super active in the community before he takes that honor solo.

Filed under: Buccaneers, NFC South, NFL Real Talk, Tampa Bay
With NFL headlines being dominated lately by the likes of Pacman Jones, Chris Henry and various other players getting in trouble with the law, we should probably take a minute to recognize at least one NFL player doing something worthwhile in his community.

Like opening a school. That's what Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Derrick Brooks is doing this offseason. He's overseeing the building of Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate High School, the first college prep charter school in Tampa, from the ground up. Reporters joked with him about the fact that it won't field any sports teams for its first few years of existence. Brooks' goal is simple -- to know the names of all 300 students and make sure every last one of them gets into college.

Brooks has always been a civic-minded fellow. In addition to opening the school, he's also serving as the chair to Florida Governor Charlie Crist's new council on physical fitness. He's teaming up with a bunch of athletes -- including Shaquille O'Neal, Ken Griffey Jr., Jennifer Capriati and Colts defensive end Corey Simon -- to "develop a state plan of action to increase Floridians' levels of physical fitness through regular exercise and sound nutritional practices." That plan is intended to reduce obesity in Florida within the next ten years.

As they say in Australia, "Good on ya, Mr. Brooks."

The sad thing is that there are probably more guys like Brooks in the NFL than guys like Jones and Henry, but Brooks doesn't sell newspapers.

hxxp://www.aolsportsblog.com/2007/03/29/derrick-brooks-is-the-anti-pacman/

[Logan]

I guess I grew out of the whole "my favorite player is" phase.

True story though...that role was first filled by Kevin McReynolds at some point early on during his Mets career. I was about 5. Not Doc, not Straw, not Carter...McReynolds. I think it was his Pumpystache that drew me towards him (obviously I was foreshadowing to FOFC).

Other players to have been my obsession at times: Joe Smith, thanks to my brother going to UMD, and Mike Gartner. As a 49er fan, I was obviously crazy for Montana/Young/Rice as well.

These days I'd say there's just guys that I love to watch. Some perspective is lost when you're finally becoming older than the superstars in leagues. Anyway, fitting that category today would be Jose Reyes and David Wright. Not just because they're on my team...no matter who they played for, I believe I'd be drawn to Reyes' excitement in the field and on the bases, and the same with Wright and how he goes about himself at the plate. A legitimate batter...enough power that you can count on him to pop one out when necessary, but a much better chance at him ripping one into the gap. Great at going to the opposite field as well.

[beargrowlz]

Of all time, I'd probably say Steve Grogan and Roger Clemens.

Currently, hrrm...I like Mike Vrabel and Big Papi a lot.

[Karlifornia]

I don't know if I have a favorite player, but some of my favorites over the years have been: Salim Stoudamire, Adam Morrison, Jerry Rice, Barry Bonds, and Joe Thornton.

[rkmsuf]

Originally Posted by beargrowlz

Of all time, I'd probably say Steve Grogan and Roger Clemens.

Currently, hrrm...I like Mike Vrabel and Big Papi a lot.

that's an odd one. he is a handsome man though.

[Ksyrup]

Once Steve Carlton retired, and as I got older, I kinda grew out of the favorite player thing. I even lost interest in fantasy sports, which helped to re-attach me to certain players in a similar way as when I was a kid. But now...I just watch sports. Period.

[Bee]

I used to think Willie Stargell was the greatest thing ever because he lived across the street from my uncle and signed a baseball bat for me one summer.

[Crapshoot]

Bonds will always be one of my favorites - pissing of the media blowhards only adds to his value in my eyes. Joe Montana was one of them (I've been told that I cried when I found out he'd been traded to KC), but football just doesn't mean as much. For some reason, I really really liked Marvin Bernard of the Giants - just did.

[Ksyrup]

Actually, now that I saw the reference to Montana, I'd have to say that Elway was definitely the last guy I followed and would consider a favorite player. He showed up a couple of years before Carlton retired, so they overlapped in that sense, but Elway of course lasted well into the 90s.

[LionsFan10]

I'd say Terrell Owens and Devin Hester are my two favorite football players to watch these days. Even though Owens fell off last year. As far as baseball, I'm a Mets fan, period and I've always loved Carlos Beltran even during his days as a Royal, so that just makes it easier on me. Plus, he's Puerto Rican

[Terps]

Favorite player of all time would be Cal Ripken Jr.

Currently would be Nick Markakis.

[Travis]

Used to be:

Warren Moon, Matt Williams, Juan Guzman, Steve Yzerman.

Sprinkle in Petr Klima, Jochen Hecht and now Ales Hemsky along with Marc Pouliot for hockey players that I like/follow.

Football wise, Walter Jones, Tatupu and Leonard Weaver with Delgado, Wells, Rios and Halladay for baseball.

None of the current guys rival the idolizing I did of the top 4 when I was growing up though.

[Sublime 2]

During highschool (only 5-6 years ago):

Basketball: Antoine Walker...love/loved that lunchbox head
Baseball: Pedro Martinez
Hockey: Bret Hull
Football: Drew Bledsoe

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Travis

Sprinkle in Petr Klima ... for hockey players that I like/follow.

Woo-hoo!!!

[Travis]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

Woo-hoo!!!

You wouldn't believe the grief I normally get for that admission

Klima story though, in grade 6, a guy I went to school with lived next door to Klima and managed to get one of his sticks signed by the entire team that year and brought it in for a silent auction we were having at one of the school dances. Even had his very distinctive taping job done on it.

Still have it down in my basement, the only downside to the story is that it was touched by Andrew Ference (the kid who lived next door to Klima and now plays in the NHL himself).

[rkmsuf]

Not to nitpick but how exactly is Walter Jones your favorite player unless you are an aspring O-Lineman.

Guy is good but you are really dedicated if you are focussing on the line play.

[Travis]

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

Not to nitpick but how exactly is Walter Jones your favorite player unless you are an aspring O-Lineman.

Guy is good but you are really dedicated if you are focussing on the line play.

Watching him manhandle guys along the line is absolutely fantastic. In the same vein that I love watching Weaver get a few carries in the preseason because you know he's going to blow somebody up. Really too bad he was out last year when Alexander went down or it could have been his coming out party.

The game against Atlanta where they really focused on the Jones/Kerney one sided war was one of the most enjoyable football games I've ever watched. I have to believe that Kerney factored that in like a small signing bonus that he'll only have to face Walter in practice for the next few years.

Sure, there are a lot flashier guys on the field to watch, but when Jones is healthy, he's simply one of the most dominant players on the field. Worst part for the opposition has to be how calm he is at almost all times, can only imagine how bad it would get for them if they get him good and pissed off.

[Kodos]

Peyton Manning is my favorite current player, with Zach Thomas a close second.

Dan Marino is far and away my favorite of all time.

[rkmsuf]

Originally Posted by Travis

Watching him manhandle guys along the line is absolutely fantastic.

comedy response: "O'realy"

[st.cronin]

Gary Payton

[Greyroofoo]

Bob Sanders

[beargrowlz]

Originally Posted by rkmsuf

that's an odd one. he is a handsome man though.

It's a mancrush thing.

[Schmidty]

From 8 - 12, it was Chet Lemon and Kirk Gibson.

From 12-16, it was Dennis Rodman and Bill Laimbeer.

From 16 - 20, it was Barry Sanders and Cecil Fielder

From 20 - 22, it was Vladimir Konstantinov and Grant Hill

From 22 - 24, it was (gulp) Bobby Higginson and Herman Moore

From 24 - 26, it was Mateen Cleaves and Brendan Shanahan (Bastard).

From 26 - 30, it was Ben Wallace (assfucker) and Pavel Datsyuk

From 30 - Present, it is Henrik Zetterberg and Curtis Granderson

[Groundhog]

My favourite player has been Andre Miller since his college days when I saw him nearly put up a triple double on someone (New Mexico I think), and I was over the moon when he wound up playing for the Cavs. He's a great team player and exactly the kind of guy I'd want running my team's offense.

I like his "no dunk" attitude too.

[Schmidty]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

I like his "no dunk" attitude too.

Meet me down at the Y on saturday. You might become a big fan of mine too.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Originally Posted by Schmidty

Brendan Shanahan (Bastard).

[Honolulu_Blue]

Steve Yzerman.

[Schmidty]

Originally Posted by Honolulu_Blue

His lame excuse about leaving for the Rangers didn't sit well with me. He should have retired a Wing, and he could have too.

[ISiddiqui]

Brett Favre is my favorite player, but he's reaching the end of his rope, so I guess I gotta find a new one. Scott Stevens has already retired (he was tied as my fav player). Gonna have to start a new search!

[Schmidty]

Originally Posted by Schmidty

His lame excuse about leaving for the Rangers didn't sit well with me. He should have retired a Wing, and he could have too.

By the way, I'm not one of those fucking idiots who boo Sergei everytime he comes back to the Joe. The Wings made the decision not to bring him back, whereas Shittihan made the decision.

[Axxon]

Originally Posted by ISiddiqui

Brett Favre is my favorite player, but he's reaching the end of his rope, so I guess I gotta find a new one. Scott Stevens has already retired (he was tied as my fav player). Gonna have to start a new search!

Good luck in your search. I'll have to be undertaking that search too soon I'm afraid.

[Groundhog]

Originally Posted by Schmidty

Meet me down at the Y on saturday. You might become a big fan of mine too.

LOL, I hear ya...

I actually used to be able to throw it down back when I was in peak form and playing a few games a week back when I was about 15-18 years old. I stopped played for a few years but have started up again now and I'm getting close, but it's harder to get those extra couple of inches of elevation with the extra 10 or so KGs I've put on since then.

[st.cronin]

When I was at my peak athletic prowess, I couldn't even touch the net on an nba hoop.

[Karlifornia]

I'm known around this parts for my dunking prowess. You name it, I've dunked it. Just get me a donut and a cup of coffee, sit back, and watch the show, baby!

[Schmidty]

Originally Posted by Groundhog

LOL, I hear ya...

I actually used to be able to throw it down back when I was in peak form and playing a few games a week back when I was about 15-18 years old. I stopped played for a few years but have started up again now and I'm getting close, but it's harder to get those extra couple of inches of elevation with the extra 10 or so KGs I've put on since then.

I was all-district in high school, and am still pretty darned good, but I've only ever been able to barely graze the rim with a finger. Jumpshooting is cooler anyway!!!!

[Tyrith]

Mike Modano, Tim Duncan, Lance Berkman.

[INDalltheway]

Reggie Miller, Ryne Sandberg, Bob Sanders, and Peyton Manning in no particular order.

[Ragone]

Some of my old time favs have weird stories behind them

Valari Zelepukin(old nhl 95 for the sega genesis, scored a spinning reverse backhander from mid ice at the buzzer to force overtime against my buddy..)

Joey Long(he of the uber baseball mogul version(98 i think)

Peter Prospar(He of the championship manager era where he was GROSSLY overrated by whoever did the middle east ratings, i remember epic battles with my buddies playing hotseat to sign him back in the day)

[Radii]

Magic Johnson was by far my favorite pro athlete ever. Ryne Sandberg a distant second.

Favorite college players throughout the years were Kenny Smith, Rick Fox, George Lynch, Antawn Jamison and Sean May.

[Emiliano]

Originally Posted by Radii

Magic Johnson was by far my favorite pro athlete ever.

Same here, Radii. Nobody equals Magic for me. I'm still thrilled everytime I see him on TV, even with a 5XL Lakers jersey on that shooting thing the NBA does the Friday of the All-Star Week-End.

Present days, I've always loved Kevin Garnett. I really wish he ends up to the Lakers, before it calls it quit.

For football, I gotta say Jerry Rice. And, of course, every player that came out from da U.

[Vince]

Joe Montana is far and away number one, and always will be. Others who have graced the #2 spot --

Will 'The Thrill' Clark (almost took #1 when Joe went to KC)
Matt Williams
Wayne Gretzky
Jerry Rice
Ronnie Lott
Chris Mullin
Tim Hardaway
Mitch Richmond

[tucker342]

Jerry Rice will always be my favorite player of all time... Steve Young is a distant second.

[Danny]

My NFL favorites have been Joe Montana, Jim Harbaugh, Rich Gannon and now probably Peyton Manning.

Baseball favorites have been Frank Thomas and Shawn Green.

Basketball is Eddie Jones and Kobe Bryant, though neither is a favorite of mine anymore.

Hockey would be Dave Taylor, and now Jarome Iginla

I'm sure I've had many more favorites, but those are the ones that come to mind right now

[rowech]

Growing up:

Kirby Puckett (thought he was a great model for a chubby kid who wanted to play baseball -- who knew the real Kirby?)
Charles Barkley
Barry Sanders

Now:

Aaron Harang
Shaq
Carson Palmer

[lighthousekeeper]

Originally Posted by Schmidty

From 8 - 12, it was Chet Lemon and Kirk Gibson.

From 12-16, it was Dennis Rodman and Bill Laimbeer.

From 16 - 20, it was Barry Sanders and Cecil Fielder

From 20 - 22, it was Vladimir Konstantinov and Grant Hill

From 22 - 24, it was (gulp) Bobby Higginson and Herman Moore

From 24 - 26, it was Mateen Cleaves and Brendan Shanahan (Bastard).

From 26 - 30, it was Ben Wallace (assfucker) and Pavel Datsyuk

From 30 - Present, it is Henrik Zetterberg and Curtis Granderson

Do you hold elections?

[RedKingGold]

I've also kinda grown out of the favorite player's stage, although I will admit to having a pretty big man-crush on Steve Young.

Also, I really like John Kruk back in the day (before he was on ESPN and actually open his mouth for other reasons than chewing tobacco).

[Fouts]

NFL: Dan Fouts, LT
MLB: Dave Winfield, Jeff Kent
NBA: Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant

[Big Fo]

Favorites past and present:

Dan Marino
Greg Maddux
Andruw Jones
Shaquille O'Neal
Ruud van Nistelrooy
Barry Sanders
Cristiano Ronaldo

[Axxon]

Originally Posted by Emiliano

Same here, Radii. Nobody equals Magic for me. I'm still thrilled everytime I see him on TV, even with a 5XL Lakers jersey on that shooting thing the NBA does the Friday of the All-Star Week-End.

Present days, I've always loved Kevin Garnett. I really wish he ends up to the Lakers, before it calls it quit.

For football, I gotta say Jerry Rice. And, of course, every player that came out from da U.

Magic is a close call for me. I am a huge fan and always was but since I never had a home team for basketball ( though I pretty much adopted the lakers ) the attachment level is just a tiny bit less than if he'd played for the home team.

I do have his NBA DVD though and it's a lot of fun to watch. I don't buy sports DVD's as a rule so that is an indication of how much I do like Magic.