The new league year starts today, but already we’ve seen enough moves and trades to last two lifetimes.
We’ve had Michael Bennett going from the Eagles to the Patriots, and Le’Veon Bell finally picking his new team in the Jets.
But, perhaps the two most notable trades that will have long-term ramifications for years to come involved two star (and diva) wide receivers in Antonio Brown and Odell Beckham Jr.
Brown got shipped to the Raiders while Beckham was sent packing to Cleveland. Both moves are head-scratching if you are a Steelers fan or Giants fan. The Steelers had a fractured relationship with Brown, but with Ben Roethlisberger’s window closing they should’ve done everything up to and including bringing in Dr. Phil to help mediate between all parties. Brown is too good to surrender for two mid-round picks.
Beckham’s had his issues both on and off the field, and Giants GM Dave Gettleman likely decided enough was enough and shipped him off, signaling a rebuild for New York.
With all the dramatics surrounding these receivers, it only reinforces just how special Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is.
The All-Pro receiver is second in NFL history with 16,279 receiving yards, despite having played in games with quarterbacks like Kevin Kolb, Ryan Lindley and Richard Bartel. (Who?)
Yet through it all, Fitzgerald has never publicly gripped bitterly about the quarterback situation, never thrown his coaches under the bus or put himself first. Time and again he has re-signed with Arizona instead of moving on to greener pastures where the path to winning a Super Bowl would be much easier.
Fitzgerald has put Arizona and the city first. His presence there means more than just wins on the field. He has made Arizona his home and embraced them. He was even selected as one of the speakers at the Arizona funeral for Sen. John McCain.
As talented and gifted as he is as a football player, Fitzgerald never makes it about him.
Maybe other receivers should take note.
