Johnny Cleveland

Last night was the NFL draft. Honestly, this usually doesn’t interest me. Of course I want to know who my team drafts, but I don’t need to watch it live. Warning: this entry is very football-centric so no hard feelings if you stop reading. You shouldn’t, but you can.

Anyway, Cleveland for its second pick took Johnny Manziel and damn if my phone hasn’t stopped since. Texts, calls, comments, etc., everyone has an opinion. While I can’t speak for everyone’s comments on this matter, I can speak to the ones directed toward me. In less than 24 hours since the announcement I have realized three things about people.

No. 1 — People are assholes. Ok, in all fairness I already knew this, but bears repeating.

No. 2 — Everyone hates a winner. College football is different than NFL but that doesn’t change the fact that Manziel is a winner. You don’t win the Heisman trophy as a freshman if you aren’t. Yes, he is a head case if stories on him are true, but he still plays damn good college ball. Critics already want him to fail. Why? How does him failing really affect anything in your life? Ok, you want to support a winning team but don’t wish harm to another team before someone even sets foot on the field. It’s childish. There are plenty of sad stories in the world, stop counting on one that hasn’t happened yet. Lots of great football to be played.   

No. 3 — No matter the outcome, success story or draft fail, it gives fans hope. The draft isn’t over yet, but no matter who Cleveland drafts, we have hope. Us diehard, loyal fans have hope. We have something to look forward to. Us fans that year after year support our team. That never jump on bandwagons. Never turn our backs no matter how poorly the season is looking. The true fans that bleed orange and brown. We are there no matter what. We have had our share of upsets but damn if we don’t wear our colors proudly. We are the Dawg Pound! And if Johnny Football is as egotistical as stories claim, how great would it be for that ego of his to come to Cleveland and be the hero? He comes in and changes the dynamic. He turns it around and proves all the critics wrong. Many people hate winners, but I love underdogs. Come on Johnny, show the world what you can do. This is your time. I can’t wait to see what happens!

Come draft day, everyone is a sports analyst and critic. They think they know better and can predict the future, all sports fans are guilty of this at one time or another. And since I don’t believe Facebook is the outlet for venting, I write this blog. So while this doesn’t really have a direct relationship with Laura Bush, it does involve hope. Laura knows what it means to give someone hope. So thank you Laura and Cleveland for giving me hope. What would Laura Bush do?