I love that commercial with Peyton Manning getting his loaf of bread autographed by the stock boy at the local grocery.  There is more truth in that commercial than we would like to admit.  The honest fact is that the stockboy probably has a more meaningful job and impacts you and I more than Peyton ever will on a Sunday afternoon except if Peyton doesn't cover the "spread." 

Why do we love our athletes?  Is it because they make millions of dollars playing games or is it because they played for our alma mater?  Do we really enjoy seeing people making obscene amounts of money demand more only to renegotiate a contract the very next year.  Maybe it is because they drink Sprite, or wear Nike shoes.  Maybe it is because they eat Campbell's chunky soup or because they use American Express.  Whether it's golfers like Tiger or Nascar racers like Jeff Gordon or MLB players like Roger Clemens, pro athletes have it made.

And it isn't confined to the USA.  Ever see the Europeans chase Michael Shummacher around, you know the best race car driver and highest paid athlete in the world around.  Case in point, many of you don't even know who he is.  The English love their soccer and the whole world goes nuts for the World Cup.  There was a day when David Beckham could woo the heart of any girl in Europe, may still be able too.  This whole world is crazy about its sports heroes. 

Whatever the reason, we do love our athletes which is bad news for the grocery boy!