Jets' Rhodes Needs To Man Up, Forget The Stupid Pro Bowl

By Thomas Hensch

What the heck did I just witness on Twitter Thursday? @KerryRhodes begging for Pro Bowl votes a few days before a sink-or-swim game against hated rival New England?

He's having a subpar season with zero interceptions, zero sacks, zero forced fumbles and many receivers not fearing his hits. In today's NFL, players are more concerned about looking great, living the NFL lifestyle, than winning Super Bowls. The players need to get back to playing football the way it's suppose to be played, and not by being part of the "me generation," patting themselves on the back and bringing attention to themselves.


Chad Ocho Cinco is a perfect example of the "me generation,” trying to get as much attention to himself with his touchdown dances and outrageous behavior than he is trying to win game.

One of my idols growing up as a teenager was Ronnie Lott. His resume speaks for itself – four Super Bowl rings and eight division titles as a member of the San Francisco 49ers.

In case you’ve forgotten, Lott also played for the Raiders and my beloved Jets. As a member of Gang Green in 1993, even though his coverage skills had eroded, he still laid out more receivers that year then Rhodes has in his career.

On Nov. 10, 2009, Lott spoke to the football team at Mauldin High School in Greenville, S.C. to motivate the players before their first playoff game. Lott held the attention of the team with an austere speech that commanded the respect the 10-time Pro Bowl selection was accustomed to receiving during his playing days.

"When I was your age, there was nothing like trying to win,” Lott said. “A lot of people thought there was no way I’d have a chance to wear a Super Bowl ring. What I believe in life is if you can believe it, you can achieve it.”

Lott also discussed the legendary story about amputating part of his finger.

“I cut off my finger after the game because I wanted to play the following week,” Lott said. “The stakes get higher as you climb the ladder. The higher you go, the more sacrifices you have to make.”

While that Hall of Fame safety wanted to win no matter the cost, Rhodes is getting his nails manicured to look pretty for his photo shoot. What's wrong with this picture?

Memo to Hollywood Rhodes: man up and bring the wood this Sunday against the Patriots. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime to win seven straight games and get to the playoffs. Once you get to the playoffs, anything can happen.

Get that Super Bowl appearance first. Your Pro Bowl berths can come later.

Note to Ocho Cinco: stop your dancing and clowning around and just bring it on Sundays. And remember one thing, Chad, you cannot hold the jockstrap of the greatest receiver of all time, Jerry Rice.

I don't remember him dancing around the end zone. He acted professionally, like he'd been to the end zone before. Rice scored 207 touchdowns during his Hall of Fame career.

What exactly have you done, Chad?

Thomas Hensch, otherwise known as @tommyjets on Twitter, is a lifelong fan and Gang Green eternal optimist. Please follow him on Twitter.