Is it possible for players to have dedication?

[Reid1boys]

Hear me out. Watching the "Last Dance," made me think of this. Jordan's era isnt that long ago, but things have changed drastically since then. I know the money has always been big. When Jordan played, those guys made enough to live on for the rest of their lives, just like today, even though it is getting biger and bigger.

Social media is huge. Players are so worried about their "Brand," that often teams and the sport that brought them a brand to begin with seem to take a back seat. Players today seem more worried about off season vacation plans than winning. The thing that struck me more than anything about Jordan was how after losing to the Pistons for the 2nd year in a row as soon as the series was over, he went straight to the weight room and dragged his teamates with him. He was tired of taking a physical beat down and decided he would be giving the beat down.

Do you see this from Zeke? I love zeke, but is he truly dedicated to working his arse off and setting the tone for the team? Has he said enough is enough with these 8-8 seasons? Are their any Cowboys on defense who have done something like this? Now dont get me wrong... I know they work, Ive sen the videos. Look on youtube at what players like Antonio Brown do, its impressive..... but do they drag the team with them?

Im now 50, and I guess I have just turned into one of those "Get off my lawn," types. I see kids entering the NCAA transfer portal now as soon as they dont start all season. Nobody seems to look at themselves as to why they arent a starter, nobody wants to take responsibility, everyone just wants to blame coaches.

Funny that I never heard anyone blaming a coach when the Bulls were losing in the playoffs.

Best part about this thread for me.... is it means I am again damn excited the NFL seemingly is back since a schedule came out. Damn I am ready for some football...lol

 

[MarcusRock]

Oh, the yore of yesteryear. Why not add the requisite "back then players played for the love of the game," "the game's much softer now," "contract year players," yadda, yadda, yadda?

And as for college players transferring, I'm pretty sure for most it's about believing in themselves when others might not see it with over 100 players to keep track of on a roster. Think about this: we might not have Ben DiNucci or Ron'Dell Carter on our roster if they hadn't transferred. They wanted an opportunity, got it, and shined. It got them to their goal of getting an NFL shot, which is why they played college ball, or HS ball, or Pop Warner in the first place. That's not taking responsibility? They took their future's bull by the horns and turned it into something. Who could decry something like that? Your self-assessment might be accurate.

 

[MojaveJT]

I believe they work hard, no doubt. But none of them have been transcendent. I can’t think of anyone in the NFL that has been the likes of MJ or Kobe, maybe someone else will know.

I’m a huge golfer and Tiger has been my favorite player since I was a kid. No on tour has the mental fortitude that Tiger had.

I don’t think it’s common and these guys are very few and far between.

 

[CouchCoach]

Free agency changed everything, including the attitude of players and it started in MLB and then infected every sport.

There is only temporary team because they all know they can move on.

And Jordan's dedication to team was because it was his team and even Jerry Krause knew that. The team reflected directly on him more than any player in history.

Old rivalries no longer matter and it's only trash talking that gets these players fired up. I get more fired up for a divisional game than the players but I don't blame them, all of that is ancient history to them.

Now, you get Ray Lewis using the Cowboys to get a better deal and Earl Thomas openly politicking to get the Cowboys to sign him. There is no loyalty from the players but then there is no loyalty from the owners either, this isn't like it used to be and never will be that again.

And I know that is one of the reasons that each year my interest level drops a little more. I come from a time no player on any team would exchange jerseys with a player from the other team, let alone out in the open for all the fans to see. It all changed and I cannot say for the better.

 

[DuncanIso]

Hear me out. Watching the "Last Dance," made me think of this. Jordan's era isnt that long ago, but things have changed drastically since then. I know the money has always been big. When Jordan played, those guys made enough to live on for the rest of their lives, just like today, even though it is getting biger and bigger.

Social media is huge. Players are so worried about their "Brand," that often teams and the sport that brought them a brand to begin with seem to take a back seat. Players today seem more worried about off season vacation plans than winning. The thing that struck me more than anything about Jordan was how after losing to the Pistons for the 2nd year in a row as soon as the series was over, he went straight to the weight room and dragged his teamates with him. He was tired of taking a physical beat down and decided he would be giving the beat down.

Do you see this from Zeke? I love zeke, but is he truly dedicated to working his arse off and setting the tone for the team? Has he said enough is enough with these 8-8 seasons? Are their any Cowboys on defense who have done something like this? Now dont get me wrong... I know they work, Ive sen the videos. Look on youtube at what players like Antonio Brown do, its impressive..... but do they drag the team with them?

Im now 50, and I guess I have just turned into one of those "Get off my lawn," types. I see kids entering the NCAA transfer portal now as soon as they dont start all season. Nobody seems to look at themselves as to why they arent a starter, nobody wants to take responsibility, everyone just wants to blame coaches.

Funny that I never heard anyone blaming a coach when the Bulls were losing in the playoffs.

Best part about this thread for me.... is it means I am again damn excited the NFL seemingly is back since a schedule came out. Damn I am ready for some football...lol

#ZekeHate

The problem isn't Zeke.

 

[Reid1boys]

#ZekeHate

The problem isn't Zeke.

this was NOT a blame Zeke post. i just used him as an example as he is one of the most visible players on the team and someone youd like to see be a leader in an ideal world. Again, this isnt a blame ANY player thread... more of a question thread about today's players.

 

[MarcusRock]

Free agency changed everything, including the attitude of players and it started in MLB and then infected every sport.

There is only temporary team because they all know they can move on.

And Jordan's dedication to team was because it was his team and even Jerry Krause knew that. The team reflected directly on him more than any player in history.

Old rivalries no longer matter and it's only trash talking that gets these players fired up. I get more fired up for a divisional game than the players but I don't blame them, all of that is ancient history to them.

Now, you get Ray Lewis using the Cowboys to get a better deal and Earl Thomas openly politicking to get the Cowboys to sign him. There is no loyalty from the players but then there is no loyalty from the owners either, this isn't like it used to be and never will be that again.

And I know that is one of the reasons that each year my interest level drops a little more. I come from a time no player on any team would exchange jerseys with a player from the other team, let alone out in the open for all the fans to see. It all changed and I cannot say for the better.

Cart before horse, coach. The owners had no loyalty first. The players are only following suit. Players' loyalty was forced because they had no options. Fans don't like free agency because most people aren't good with change when they were used to the same familiar faces but all of that was at the cost of players having their situations controlled by owners when the players were the stars of the show people paid to see. The other side-effect are the burgeoning salaries. I think fans liked the fact that players had regular joe salaries and had to get jobs during the off-season because they could look down on them. Can't do that anymore so now players are the evil ones in a game the owners started. Conveniently forgotten in player-owner relations.

 

[CowboyRoy]

Hear me out. Watching the "Last Dance," made me think of this. Jordan's era isnt that long ago, but things have changed drastically since then. I know the money has always been big. When Jordan played, those guys made enough to live on for the rest of their lives, just like today, even though it is getting biger and bigger.

Social media is huge. Players are so worried about their "Brand," that often teams and the sport that brought them a brand to begin with seem to take a back seat. Players today seem more worried about off season vacation plans than winning. The thing that struck me more than anything about Jordan was how after losing to the Pistons for the 2nd year in a row as soon as the series was over, he went straight to the weight room and dragged his teamates with him. He was tired of taking a physical beat down and decided he would be giving the beat down.

Do you see this from Zeke? I love zeke, but is he truly dedicated to working his arse off and setting the tone for the team? Has he said enough is enough with these 8-8 seasons? Are their any Cowboys on defense who have done something like this? Now dont get me wrong... I know they work, Ive sen the videos. Look on youtube at what players like Antonio Brown do, its impressive..... but do they drag the team with them?

Im now 50, and I guess I have just turned into one of those "Get off my lawn," types. I see kids entering the NCAA transfer portal now as soon as they dont start all season. Nobody seems to look at themselves as to why they arent a starter, nobody wants to take responsibility, everyone just wants to blame coaches.

Funny that I never heard anyone blaming a coach when the Bulls were losing in the playoffs.

Best part about this thread for me.... is it means I am again damn excited the NFL seemingly is back since a schedule came out. Damn I am ready for some football...lol

Ill tell you what...……….Jordon was all about pure basketball. He set the tone for the huge endorsements and shoes and all that...………..but all he cared about was basketball.

Its why Lebron can never come close to Jordon on the court.

 

[Reid1boys]

Cart before horse, coach. The owners had no loyalty first. The players are only following suit. Players' loyalty was forced because they had no options. Fans don't like free agency because most people aren't good with change when they were used to the same familiar faces but all of that was at the cost of players having their situations controlled by owners when the players were the stars of the show people paid to see. The other side-effect are the burgeoning salaries. I think fans liked the fact that players had regular joe salaries and had to get jobs during the off-season because they could look down on them. Can't do that anymore so now players are the evil ones in a game the owners started. Conveniently forgotten in player-owner relations.

I dont view players as "Evil," but it just sucks to think the games mean more to fans(winning and losing) that to some of the players. Players seem to have the, well if we lose this last game and dont make the playoffs, ill be in cabo next week attitude. Where as it ruins our week and for some month........lol

Reminds me a little of boxing. Hungry fighters give everything they have. But after you make 100 million in the game, its hard to do that road work and return to your life of luxury.
Same in NFL now... hard to be so hungry when no matter what happens on field, your living the life away from the field.

 

[Reid1boys]

Ill tell you what...……….Jordon was all about pure basketball. He set the tone for the huge endorsements and shoes and all that...………..but all he cared about was basketball.

Its why Lebron can never come close to Jordon on the court.

I agree with this 100%. Jordan was devastated when they lost. LeBron has ALWAYS had the view that it is just a game and there are far more important things in life. Honestly, LeBron is right, and Lebron probably leads a much happier, healthier life than Jordan did.... but you cant deny that the Drive Jordan had is what made him...... Jordan. LeBron has more balance in his life, but that balance is what keeps him from beings the killer MJ was.

Interesting trade off.

 

[dcstar]

Not anymore. Greed is what rules this country...plain n simple. Also, greed is what rules this country. O... I already said that...sorry

Players can give a rats azz about the fans. Those days are long gone.

Folks getting in fights in the stands to "defend" "their" team...ridiculous. Players could care less.

Go Cowboys!

 

[JBS]

This thread is trash..there is no difference in the level of dedication of today's players vs players in the past..this whole notion, and it's not just the OP, there are many others who believe this garbage..that players today don't care is trash..some players care, some don't..always has been, always will be..does Tom Brady not care? You want to choose the GOAT as your example..then I'll use the GOAT as my example too..

 

[MarcusRock]

I dont view players as "Evil," but it just sucks to think the games mean more to fans(winning and losing) that to some of the players. Players seem to have the, well if we lose this last game and dont make the playoffs, ill be in cabo next week attitude. Where as it ruins our week and for some month........lol

Reminds me a little of boxing. Hungry fighters give everything they have. But after you make 100 million in the game, its hard to do that road work and return to your life of luxury.
Same in NFL now... hard to be so hungry when no matter what happens on field, your living the life away from the field.

I posted the following as a copy of a post I made a year ago. I actually looked up guys who recently got big contract extensions and then turned in their best year as a pro: Deandre Hopkins, Davante Adams, Stefon Diggs, Danielle Hunter, Tyler Lockett, Aaron Donald. And this was all in one off-season and I didn't even finish looking at all the deals.

The thing is, no one is making threads about stuff like that. Humans love "it was better in the past" moping and can point to many things that fit that narrative. As for football, the game has never been played at a higher level than it is now. Some stars of the past would be lost today. Why? Because hunger has fueled higher levels of play and conditioning. Talk about the technology all you want but a player has to put himself through the ringer to execute those off-season programs or someone else will take his spot. Can't see that if we only look at what's "wrong," which is more than just black and white anyway.

 

[Oz-of-Cowboy-Country]

Most NFL careers are short. Players have to look out for themselves while they can. They are one injury away from their careers being over. So their dedication is to themselves and their families, as it should be. If I were in their shoes I'd do the same thing. Pay me or I walk.

 

[CouchCoach]

Cart before horse, coach. The owners had no loyalty first. The players are only following suit. Players' loyalty was forced because they had no options. Fans don't like free agency because most people aren't good with change when they were used to the same familiar faces but all of that was at the cost of players having their situations controlled by owners when the players were the stars of the show people paid to see. The other side-effect are the burgeoning salaries. I think fans liked the fact that players had regular joe salaries and had to get jobs during the off-season because they could look down on them. Can't do that anymore so now players are the evil ones in a game the owners started. Conveniently forgotten in player-owner relations.

Marcus, I am not placing any blame on the players, it was basically an indentured servitude for the players and many had to suffer dealing with Schramm, who would not have done well in FA with his attitude.

The sport has grown and with it the money but that didn't improve the sport. What happened was money became the motivation for many including coaching but there's really no one to blame. And I don't blame anyone, it just evolved into what it is but I still don't like it as well as I used to when it was much more about the sport.

I don't like all of the "look at me" showing off during a game but that doesn't bother everyone so I get that. I am in the process of becoming unattached to pro football and it separates further each year. I may be the only one in this forum that really doesn't care if they have a season this year or not. I am much more disappointed that college will probably not play.

 

[Blast From The Past]

Cart before horse, coach. The owners had no loyalty first. The players are only following suit. Players' loyalty was forced because they had no options. Fans don't like free agency because most people aren't good with change when they were used to the same familiar faces but all of that was at the cost of players having their situations controlled by owners when the players were the stars of the show people paid to see. The other side-effect are the burgeoning salaries. I think fans liked the fact that players had regular joe salaries and had to get jobs during the off-season because they could look down on them. Can't do that anymore so now players are the evil ones in a game the owners started. Conveniently forgotten in player-owner relations.

You laid out bare what really has led players to seemingly not be loyal to teams in the most elegant way. I applaud you, sir!

 

[MarcusRock]

Marcus, I am not placing any blame on the players, it was basically an indentured servitude for the players and many had to suffer dealing with Schramm, who would not have done well in FA with his attitude.

The sport has grown and with it the money but that didn't improve the sport. What happened was money became the motivation for many including coaching but there's really no one to blame. And I don't blame anyone, it just evolved into what it is but I still don't like it as well as I used to when it was much more about the sport.

I don't like all of the "look at me" showing off during a game but that doesn't bother everyone so I get that. I am in the process of becoming unattached to pro football and it separates further each year. I may be the only one in this forum that really doesn't care if they have a season this year or not. I am much more disappointed that college will probably not play.

Understood and fair preferences for an individual to have so no knocks on that. But money has always been a motivator in this capitalist nation. There was just a much tighter cap on how much players could get way back when versus now. For all the players who maybe get comfortable after they get paid (and we don't really know because we're not in their heads), there are those guys I listed above that push the next generation to aim for or exceed that. The only way to do that is with your play. This is part of why the level of the game is higher than those "golden years." You're right though, football is a much bigger "production" than it used to be so I can understand people not liking that or more in-your-face player antics that might be part of some "I'm an untouchable mega-athlete" entitlement syndrome but things are never going to be perfect. For me, I focus on the level of play, ignore the talking head peripheral stuff and I'm entertained so it works well that way.

 

[Cmac]

Ill tell you what...……….Jordon was all about pure basketball. He set the tone for the huge endorsements and shoes and all that...………..but all he cared about was basketball.

Its why Lebron can never come close to Jordon on the court.

Jordan was downright rude also.....if you ain't allowing people to eat. Not so sure why Lebron always singled out. Magic? Bird? Kobe? And I'm a Jordan fan.

 

[Runwildboys]

I dont view players as "Evil," but it just sucks to think the games mean more to fans(winning and losing) that to some of the players. Players seem to have the, well if we lose this last game and dont make the playoffs, ill be in cabo next week attitude. Where as it ruins our week and for some month........lol

Reminds me a little of boxing. Hungry fighters give everything they have. But after you make 100 million in the game, its hard to do that road work and return to your life of luxury.
Same in NFL now... hard to be so hungry when no matter what happens on field, your living the life away from the field.

I'm sure most of the players take losses much harder than we do, but we only see them when the camera's on, or they're in some type of situation where they don't want to look like sore losers..........Knowing they make millions of dollars anyway certainly makes it easier to take, but when you see and hear the frustration on the sidelines, it's hard to believe they don't care. Besides, the more they win, the better their chances of a pay increase, so yeah, I'm sure they take it harder than we see.

 

[JD_KaPow]

With money came much stiffer competition. The league is much much much more competitive than it ever was before, as more and more player work their damnedest to make it and player development systems are more advanced in digging up talent. If you don't work to stay on top, you'll lose your job to someone else. Just look at the workout routines of today's players vs. those in the past (plus, with money comes the luxury of being able to spend all your time keeping in peak physical condition). Players are much more dedicated today than they were in the past.