The importance placed on of being captain of the football team generally shrinks with age (a lot of things do).
In high school, it’s a pretty big deal. In the NFL, where guys are supposed to be self-motivated and act professionally all on their own without prodding, it’s not quite as vital.
Still, it’s an honor and speaks to what your teammates think of you as a leader and a pro.
The Chargers announced their captains today. They selected quarterback Philip Rivers and LaDainian Tomlinson as offensive captains; defensive tackle Jamal Williams and Stephen Cooper (Wareham Pride, baby!) were nominated defensive captains. Kassim Osgood is the special teams captain.
Given that he’s the most recognizable member of the Chargers defense and has, in the past, been its best player, it’s noteworthy that Shawne Merriman wasn’t selected as captain.
Does that mean that Merriman doesn’t have the ear of his teammates? Not necessarily. But that his teammates opted to recognize a lunchpail pro like Cooper, who went undrafted out of the University of Maine, is noteworthy.
So we note it.
No threesomes at the University of Maine
Merriman’s always been more style than substance with his ridiculous dancing and hopping around like a fool when he only makes a couple plays a game. He’s a pass rusher and that’s it. He’s not a complete player. He’s never been the best player on that defense, just the most hyped. He’s the Jeremy Shockey of linebackers.
Putting “passed over” in quotation marks makes it look like the headline is quoting someone involved with the story. The quotation is not referenced in the article. This is misleading.
Probably not good if the local D.A. is putting together a case on one of your “captains”.
Shrewd move.
Florio, why are you so enamored with this juiced-up clown.
Why don’t you start a baseball blog and become a Barry Bonds apologist.
This really is a non-story. Jamal Williams is a defensive force who carries a presence similar to that of Merriman’s. Stephen Cooper was the heart and soul of the Chargers defense in the absence of Merriman and has been rewarded by his teammates accordingly. If you don’t think those guys aren’t going to respond to the energy and presence of Shawne Merriman just because he was not selected as a team captain you’re kidding yourself. Again this is a non-story.
Ummm, Curran wrote this ya dork-knocker, not Florio.
@ TheDPR
“He’s the Jeremy Shockey of linebackers.”
Perfect line, wish I’d have thought of it.
Cooper has had more ties to steroids than even Merriman
@ TheDPR
I never realized that Jeremy Shockey lead the league in any important statistical category or was named ROY.
Merriman IS a complete linebacker, and any offensive coordinator who has to game plan for him would tell you that. They double team him and run to the other side constantly.
Unlike Shockey, whose team won the Super Bowl after his injury, Merriman’s absence sent the Chargers Defense into a tailspin.
“He’s the Jeremy Shockey of linebackers.”
Ya, I’m stealing that.