I've never followed the NFL, and I must confess, I've been one of those Superbowl fans who only watches for the commercials. But this year, it's different. I just started playing Fantasy Football, and now I am obsessed with the playoffs. But I want to cheer for the good guys - and I need your help!
I've been choosing my players based on what they do to make a difference in their communities -- not by how well they perform ON the field, but by what they do OFF the field. That's right. It's an iVolunteer playoff for me. I've done alright the first two rounds, and I've still got four great players on my fantasy team, but now this newbie needs help - from all of you who have been dedicated, in-the-know Packers, Bears, Steelers, and Jets fans. Tell me what you know about how your players are making a difference in their communities.
Now I know that for a lot of you die-hard fans, this is no way to win fantasy football. You're right. I'm not leading my fantasy league and probably won't win the two Superbowl tickets. But that's not the point. I stand by my Good Guy team. (I'll share my full roster/score after the Superbowl.)
So who do I add to my team this weekend? These are the 4 spots I need to fill on my Good Guy Roster this week:
Running Back: I have Brandon Jackson (Green Bay Packers), who's community service with Mississippi Big Brothers Big Sisters, the American Red Cross and at Wisconsin schools is pretty impressive. But I have to say, finding Running Backs who give back has been difficult.
Wide Receiver: Greg Jennings (Green Bay Packers) is still on my team. Along with his wife Nicole, Greg is an active volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. My previous picks were Marques Colston (his Colston Charities is a beautiful mentorship program for abused and neglected children) and Anquan Boldin (his Q81 Foundation has a new I Help Build initiative and is active in helping public and charter schools). But I need a second Wide Receiver now.
Tight End. Atlanta Falcon's Tony Gonzalez was my guy here. His Shadow Buddies Foundation is seriously cool and is making a big difference in Kansas City and California. But now I need a new charitable Tight End. Any ideas?
Defense: I choose my defense based on the Head Coach that gives back the most. I had been banking on Pete Carroll. His dedication to keeping kids safe is remarkable. Now I need a new coach. Any word on what these guys do for good? Steelers' Mike Tomlin, Packers' Mike McCarthy, Jets' Rex Ryan or Chicago Bears' Lovie Smith.
A few guidelines: I don't count participation in charity golf tournies, special event appearances, endorsements - stuff like that. We all know, that for these guys, that's all part of the job. And participating in the NFL league's impressive Hometown Huddle -- a league-wide day of service that provides NFL players from all 32 teams the opportunity to take part in a variety of community service activities, such as building homes for low-income families, visiting local military bases, or painting classrooms -- is very cool, but it's not enough. I want to know who is really taking their time off the field to make a difference in their communities and how.
I need your help before Sunday's games! Knowing the method to my madness, which NFL Running Back, Wide Receiver, Tight End and Coach should I put on my Good Guy Fantasy team this weekend? Who's making the most difference off the field? Posting your advice/comments below.