I've heard enough of the Plaxico talk.......the Ocho Cinco drama show.......Chris Henry's off-field issues......the rookie in Philly......I just wanted to talk about wide receivers in a positive manner for a change.......The problem is......that you have to go a ways back in history to find a true role-model at that position.

I was a young and impressionable sports freak......A freshman  in highschool who still had dreams of playing college football......My older sister was dating the star quarterback of our varsity team.....he tried to corrupt my impressionable young mind......he was a Michigan Wolverines fan........Our starting stud QB....the guy who tossed the pigskin with me at almost every visit to our home.....the guy I though was seven foot tall and the replacement for Joe Thiesman.....wanted me to cheer against my home-state Buckeyes.......It was a hard decision.

It was the presence of one player at Ohio State that eliminated the chances of my betrayal.......Cris Carter gave us something to cheer about every time he stepped on the field.

His Rosebowl performance in 1984 was a prime example of the greatness he was destined for.......9 receptions for 172 yards.

Cris did encounter some off-field issues in Philadelphia......He was a pre-season roster cut in 1989......The Vikings bought his rights for $100.......The results of his poor behavior changed his life and legacy as an NFL receiver all for the better.

Second only to Jerry Rice.....Cris Carter had 1101 receptions and 130 touchdowns...........13,899 receiving yards.

My opinion on Cris Carter......Randy Moss wouldn't be anything without the influence Cris Carter had on the young Randy Moss........Together....Cris and Randy made Culpepper a great quarterback.

From HBO's inside the NFL......to ESPN's gameday......Cris Carter also takes TV to a whole new level of class.....He is by far....my favorite NFL player because he did it with class before style.

I should also mention that Cris's son.....a wide receiver ranked #18 in the Nation......Duron Carter has comitted to Ohio State.......A big framed kid.....6'3" and a 4.5-40......Coming off of a state championship where his dad coached St. Thomas Aquinas to a state championship.

 Duron Carter

He might not fill his father's shoes....but just seeing that name on the field again will bring back some great memories.......If Duron is half as good as his dad....we'll be alright.

 

Two of the finest represenitives the game ever had...On the field and off...Class acts.

I cannot do this post without giving props to my second favorite Buckeye of all times.....Keith Byars...Another player who also embraced class before style......I should have said two players who helped secure my Buckeyes faith........Keith scoring that touchdown against Michigan state.....running right out of his shoe.....and nearly his sock.....a classic Keith Byars touchdown.......Class before style.