Collier11
12/4/2007, 12:38 AM
...this is from another board and is by a general poster on the board, completely his write up but I thought it was a Great Read and a Great Representation of SB and OU!
In today's media world of ever-increasing hype, Chase Daniel is a real live wet-dream for ABC, ESPN and the rest.
All the Heisman talk and the chance for Missouri to make it to the big BCS game were reason enough to focus on the Tiger QB. Add in the feisty nature, the face-making, the finger pointing and fist-pumping, the trash-talking both the week before and even during the game, and you have a match made in heaven. Just like the over-hyped Zabransky of last season, the talking sports heads and their lenses are always on the lookout for the most colorful performer, for the rebel who doesn't seem to care how he's perceived. Arrogance and visible swagger are hot commodities when combined with raw talent and an aspiring ballclub. What could be better for the ratings than to have the opportunity to follow such an exhibitionist all the way to the national championship game?
On the opposite sideline, however, the camera always seems to be trained not on the quarterback, but on the head coach. What a drag that must be for the television elite. No team leaders over there throwing their helmets or blaming teammates for their own miscues. Just quiet ol' Sam, catching his breath, consulting with Coach Josh, subtly encouraging and receiving encouragement from the other Sooner players.
"Where's the drama in that? Better hurry the camera back over to Stoopsie, he may be due one of his meltdowns at another blown official's call. Better yet, let's get back to Camera 1 on the Tiger side of the field. Surely our new Golden Boy is chewing somebody out, or pumping his fist at the Tiger faithful in the stands, surely he's doing something worthy of the nation's attention!"
Quietly and efficiently, and with a maturity and grace far beyond his years, Sam Bradford executes with almost flawless precision. He dissects the Tiger D, directs long dream-crushing drives, does what he did almost every time he stepped onto the field this season. He dashes the TV producers' hopes that their carefully orchestrated hype would pay off - that their meticulously crafted story line, calling for a Mizzou victory and quite possibly a last-second Heisman for the spoiled brat across the field, would be realized.
And after it's all over, Sam doesn't seek out the cameras, even though they may finally be seeking him. He probably tries to locate family and old friends among the cheering throng. He undoubtedly does what he's done all year, save two games: he celebrates with the team as a part of the team. And maybe he considers how nice it might be to be the center of attention, but he'd never strive for it like his Tiger counterpart. He knows that some things, like hard-fought team victories, BCS bowl games, and being part of something really special - being part of Sooner Magic and an incredible tradition - are worth much more than the glare of the spotlight.
The sports network hype factories are not worthy of Sam Bradford. He represents a character and composure that are alien to the brash broadcasts of the 21st century.
Bless you and thank you for choosing to be a Sooner, Sam. We appreciate you more than we could ever express. And thank you for being such a class act, even though it may cost you some of the spotlight.
In today's media world of ever-increasing hype, Chase Daniel is a real live wet-dream for ABC, ESPN and the rest.
All the Heisman talk and the chance for Missouri to make it to the big BCS game were reason enough to focus on the Tiger QB. Add in the feisty nature, the face-making, the finger pointing and fist-pumping, the trash-talking both the week before and even during the game, and you have a match made in heaven. Just like the over-hyped Zabransky of last season, the talking sports heads and their lenses are always on the lookout for the most colorful performer, for the rebel who doesn't seem to care how he's perceived. Arrogance and visible swagger are hot commodities when combined with raw talent and an aspiring ballclub. What could be better for the ratings than to have the opportunity to follow such an exhibitionist all the way to the national championship game?
On the opposite sideline, however, the camera always seems to be trained not on the quarterback, but on the head coach. What a drag that must be for the television elite. No team leaders over there throwing their helmets or blaming teammates for their own miscues. Just quiet ol' Sam, catching his breath, consulting with Coach Josh, subtly encouraging and receiving encouragement from the other Sooner players.
"Where's the drama in that? Better hurry the camera back over to Stoopsie, he may be due one of his meltdowns at another blown official's call. Better yet, let's get back to Camera 1 on the Tiger side of the field. Surely our new Golden Boy is chewing somebody out, or pumping his fist at the Tiger faithful in the stands, surely he's doing something worthy of the nation's attention!"
Quietly and efficiently, and with a maturity and grace far beyond his years, Sam Bradford executes with almost flawless precision. He dissects the Tiger D, directs long dream-crushing drives, does what he did almost every time he stepped onto the field this season. He dashes the TV producers' hopes that their carefully orchestrated hype would pay off - that their meticulously crafted story line, calling for a Mizzou victory and quite possibly a last-second Heisman for the spoiled brat across the field, would be realized.
And after it's all over, Sam doesn't seek out the cameras, even though they may finally be seeking him. He probably tries to locate family and old friends among the cheering throng. He undoubtedly does what he's done all year, save two games: he celebrates with the team as a part of the team. And maybe he considers how nice it might be to be the center of attention, but he'd never strive for it like his Tiger counterpart. He knows that some things, like hard-fought team victories, BCS bowl games, and being part of something really special - being part of Sooner Magic and an incredible tradition - are worth much more than the glare of the spotlight.
The sports network hype factories are not worthy of Sam Bradford. He represents a character and composure that are alien to the brash broadcasts of the 21st century.
Bless you and thank you for choosing to be a Sooner, Sam. We appreciate you more than we could ever express. And thank you for being such a class act, even though it may cost you some of the spotlight.