Three Hours on Sunday

Many people only see the end results. To wear nice suits and live in nice homes comes with a price. Many see us on Sunday, and figure that our lives as NFL players are easy. Well, I have news for them. The price we pay is great, but so is the reward. We have been working hard since, March 16, perfecting our craft. To look into the eyes of young rookies who come into the league not knowing what to expect, gives them a reality check that leads their agents to be psychologists or late night preachers. We practice almost everyday of the week, meet, and lift weights all for those three hours on Sunday to dominate. Everyone who crosses those white lines on Sunday, can not look into the stands for Superman. For three hours on Sunday, I am Superman, I, wholeheartedly believe, for that short period of time, no one can stop me, or my team. It's a mindset that you have to have. Do we get hurt on Sunday? Yes. But the sideline is my booth, where for a short period of time I can think about the next call, or how I can attack my opponent better. Because, at the end of the day you don't want to hear about my sore ankle, or my headache. At 4 p.m. on Sunday when I talk with my family and friends, who couldn't watch the game, they only want to hear one thing, or ask me the most important question. Did We Win? And. How did I Play? These expectations are High. But so are our goals. To whom much is given, much is required. My football career has cost me 2 ACL's, a dislocated elbow, and a host of other things. But, it has given me the faith to be a better Christian, Husband, Father, Brother,and Player. And if I had not gone through those injuries, I wouldn't be the player I am today. Everybody has to pay some kind of price on their road to "Greatness". Where has your road taken you? And ask yourself, are you stronger now, than you were?

Add Comment

• eaglesfan4lfe said June 01, 2009

  In all honesty you either have to blessed with great physical attributes or be involved with a sports since a very young age, often with parental participation. But there is no question football is the most physically demanding sport around. And the "average" person couldn't last a single play in a game. I commend you on this beautifully written article and it opens my eyes to what NFL players go through the 6 days a week when we are not watching them on TV. Your ending question motivates me to be all of those things.

  Reply

  
• BYOBooyah said June 01, 2009

  Great article...can't wait for the season to start already...you're a great addition to the jets..let's bring one home this year!

  Reply

  
• BenPhranklin said June 01, 2009

  You're a great player and appreciate you physical ability as well as your sacrifices. Don't forget that you also get a FREE WORLD CLASS EDUCATION that will take care of you as a back up plan if your physical prowess would leave you today. Many people in this world work extremely hard physically and mentally.... they put in countless hours just to make 50+k a year..... I would gladly tear 2 ACLs for 1 million dollars. I love football and it would be awful if I didn't have this wonderful sport to follow..... but many athletes put themselves on this pedestal that they are they only people who work hard and make sacrifices to get to where they are today. I think it would do you good to look at the people who work just as hard and have no big contract waiting at the end of the day.... no guaranteed money.... no signing bonuses..... no off field endorsements..... no scholarships......Some people work just as hard and maybe harder..... with no promises at the end of the day.... maybe some of you athletes should take a minute to think about who buys your jerseys and tunes into the games... shows up to the stadium every Sunday for 3 hours..... the families that gather to honor your hard work and sacrifice. MAYBE IT'S TIME TO APPRECIATE THE FANS.

  Reply

  
  • Spotella replied June 02, 2009

    I second every word Ben spoke here.
  • eaglesfan4lfe replied June 02, 2009

    wow, I wish someone could forward this comment to everyone involved in the NFL.
  • MarquesDouglas replied June 02, 2009

    You have to realize that we don't get a free education we spend over 30 hours a week playing and study the game. So actually, just like everything in the world nothing is free. THere is no such thing as a free gift or, just ask people sitting in prison, who have to pay for those free rides. We have chosen to put our hats into the mix where the odds are slim. Just like a doctor or and lawyer, we are professionals Not many people finish college let along med school so we do work hard. Just like everyone else
• mikeschmidtles said June 02, 2009

  Well said Ben.

  Reply

  
• hockeygoddess said June 02, 2009

  You guys do work hard, but like Ben said, many people work hard and are lucky just to be able to feed their family. We eat burgers and frozen shrimp - you guys eat steak and lobster. We drive cars that break down sometimes and live in small houses, not fancy cars and mansions.

  Reply

  
• steiny31 said June 02, 2009

  Hey Marques, I am a die-hard Jets fan, I love the moves the Jets have made so far, and I cannot wait to see Pace, Bart Scott and David Harris dominate the opponents. Lito Sheppard and Revis should be the best corner combo in the NFL and Jim Leonhard and Rhodes should be outstanding together. I also like that you guys brought back Tony Richardson who will help block for Leon and Thomas. Bringing Brandon Moore back was a very smart move, as he is probably the best run blocker on the Jets. Lastly, re-signing Brett Ratliff was a great call by Mike Tannenbaum and Rex Ryan because Ratliff led the AFC in passing yards in the pre-season. Lastly, I think you and Jenkins are going to dominate the DLine and there is still the draft!!!! As for change I think that is very important.Change may be hard at first but it ALWAYS works out for the better. Marques, I am a huge fan and I can't wait to see you guys win the Super Bowl this season. J.E.T.S. JETS! JETS! JETS - Steiny
  

  Reply

  
• steiny31 said June 02, 2009

  But then Ratliff traded for Sanchez was even better because we Got Viva Sanchez. Be well bro - Steiny
  

  Reply

  
• jerseu_devil said June 02, 2009

  I'll trade an ACL for 6 million. Any takers? lol

  Reply

  
  • MarquesDouglas replied June 02, 2009

    I have learned the hard way there is nothing like having your health. I am sure there is someone in the hospital right now who would give you there bank account to walk out their sick beds
    • jerseu_devil replied June 03, 2009

      True, money isn't everything. But that person is probably dying from cancer or aids. 6 mil to never be able to sprint or cutback again? Where do I sign up. NO DISRESPECT Marques, but you don't have the monopoly on life lessons because youre an NFL football player. I too have "learned the hard way" about health; from dodging bombs and bullets in Iraq. By LITERALLY WATCHING a mortar explode and fill my captains stomach with shrapnel. By having to lug around 40 pounds of bulletproof armor in 112 degree heat in a country I could care less about, for a war I don't believe in. AND, I didn't get paid millions to do it either. I know about having it rough; it just makes it a WHOLE he!! of a lot easier to deal with when you can drive your bentley home to your mansion and model wife. You guys may have it rough, but you are WELL compensated for it.
    • jerseu_devil replied June 03, 2009

      but seriously, all that said, I really do thank and appreciate you taking the time to respond to us "normies." lol. Too often an athlete will post something and then go back to their Cristal and Endangered Condor Omelette Parties or whatever it is you rich folk do....lol. Its refreshing to actually be able to converse with you.
• Jamestime1 said June 02, 2009

  Great post Marques, thanks for speaking on the price and pain of playing in the nfl.

  Reply

  
• DanielWilcox said June 25, 2009

  MDoug holla atcha boy man stay intouch Wilcox... Good Luck this year Fam!!! Love the Blog Fam... Keep it real so that people understand Us!!!

  Reply