I usually don’t pay too much attention to the NFL Network’s Top 100 of 20xx because I realize that it’s mostly just filler during the slow part of the year. (Just like a lot of stuff you’ll find on this blog!) But when I saw that quarterback Peyton Manning was selected as the 50th best player in 2012 without playing a single down of football, I was moved to write about it and have a little LOWER THE BOOM post on a rainy Thursday afternoon.
I fully understand that the Top 100 is voted on by the players but I can’t possibly imagine how anyone would vote for a guy who didn’t play last season. He may make a triumphant return this season in Denver and rally the Broncos to Tebowian heights. Or his ouchy neck may never allow him to reach the all-world level he previously enjoyed. Let’s see how that all shakes out before deciding where he ranks in the 2013 vote.
It’s insulting to guys like Chicago Bears Lance Briggs (#72) and Brian Urlacher (#51) who busted their asses to not only grind through but perform at a high level last season to be ranked behind a guy who didn’t step onto the field.
I’d love to see the players vote for the Best Movies of 2012. Would Star Wars be in the Top 100? How about Godfather or Rocky? The NFL should save the players from themselves and not even have him on the ballot or not count those votes. What’s next, Gale Sayers and Dick Butkus get a vote or two?