Comments on: NFL players could learn a lot from watching Olympic hockey

By: zllabnkcoc

zllabnkcoc — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:48:22 +0000

You’re a moron, Florio. How can you compare playing for an NFL team to playing for your COUNTRY in the OLYMPICS? And it’s nothing new to anyone that the NFL is the most mercenary league in the world.

By: blowinanutt

blowinanutt — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 21:26:16 +0000

Great article! very true! I love football ,but hockey is a way of life.And those of you that think it’s boring just don’t get it. p.s. hockey players are much tougher than football players. oh i got a hangnail,i’ll have to miss a couple games! ha!

By: Occam

Occam — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:12:37 +0000

CanadianVikingFan says:
“I love how some Americans think Canada is like a whole different world.”
You guys have computers in Canada????????

By: Outburst78

Outburst78 — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 15:01:15 +0000

Okay, Florio. You’ve written some real stupid articles in the past, and I’ve given you grief over most of them. So I’ll give you props for this one. Nice article. My skin just crawled while I was writing that last sentence.

By: Iron Wolf

Iron Wolf — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:27:18 +0000

Interesting article Florio.
Hockey is indeed more a way of life – it’s much older than any of the other major sports and has greater and deeper cultural significance in Canada, Europe and Russia. In short, it’s an honor, not a marketing opportunity, to represent your country. The hockey culture in the US is pretty good too, and the reverence that other countries have for the sport rubs off on us. It’s a game played mostly by humble, charitable guys and I hope that never changes.
I understand why the NBA is more popular – basketball is a game more easily played by more people, but that in no way translates to mean that basketball is a better sport. No game in which you as a viewer can miss everything but the last 5 minutes could be.
But we’re talking about the NFL here, where hype is everything and true substance sometimes takes a back seat. I love football, don’t get me wrong, but now we have Super Bowl programming that starts 6 and a half f*cking hours before kickoff and now a 3-day, prime time draft. Game telecasts are 10% actual action and 90% huddling up and truck commercials. Enough. Love the NFL, but don’t hate hockey just because it’s something purer.

By: JayPhilly

JayPhilly — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:01:24 +0000

I find it amusing, as someone who has played both (high school football, college hockey) no one whom has played hockey has commented that they’d rather play football. What I have to say to this is DUH.
I love both sports, but when it comes to playing? Football = 7 second of live action, 35 seconds of nothing. Time and again. I used to play football in hopes of being in shape for hockey, but by college I knew that training for football would not get me in anything resembling hockey shape at that level. Hockey is a team sport, with only the backup goaltender (hopefully) failing to contribute.
In football, at best you play either offense OR defense and SOME special teams. Football is not a team sport, it is a game of two teams playing for one goal. Don’t believe me? Ask Peyton how he could have stopped the Chargers in the playoffs last year. He couldn’t, because he’s not on the defensive team.
When you play hockey, if you turn the puck over, or a teammate does, you must play defense as a unit, and attempt to create a turnover so you can transition to offense. Everyone on the team has a role, and for the most part everyone is happy to have their role. You’ll never hear a hockey player say anything like Joey Porter’s “You’re not on the field enough to talk to me.” quote regarding special teamers, because third and fourth liners in the NHL are not your backups, they’re your teammates. You play for one another. Nothing a top scorer loves more than to see his third and fourth line players on the ice defending a lead.
Football is a great Sunday activity, but hockey is a lifestyle. I never played hockey for glory, though being cheered was great, I played hockey because I love the sport and the teammates and the camaraderie. Football is a sport where so many play just for their own personal glory…it can never compare.
As for toughness, don’t even try. Mario Lemieux once took a puck to the face, got 15 stitches, lost three teeth, and was back out in 10 minutes to score the game winning goal. In the NFL, you’d be questionable to return. In MLB, you’d be on the 15 day DL. In the NBA you’d probably be out for the season or you’d come back wearing some ridiculous Rip Hamilton mask.

By: ala1

ala1 — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:04:06 +0000

scream_stereo_scream says:
February 22, 2010 3:02 PM
Bob S. I’m assuming you’ve never heard of the Soviet League? CSKA Moscow also known as the “Red Army” team were the league champs 32 times. The 1980 USSR team was composed of players from that league (for the most part teams CSKA and Dynamo)…I’m not aware if they were compensated for their play though…which I guess would technically not make them professionals.
—
Oh, they were most definitely compensated. They were actaully members of the real Red Army – that’s how the Soviets got away with their ‘they’re not full-time’ hockey players scam!

By: theravenlives2

theravenlives2 — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:39:54 +0000

theravenlives2
It’s about a man who believed he could take a bunch of snot-nosed college boys and beat the best professional hockey team in the world and shock the world.
–
In 1980 NHL hockey players and all professional hockey players were NOT allowed to play in the Olympics. AND DID NOT PLAY!
————————————————
Umm, Bob…..
Those guys were supposedly in the Soviet Army, and they did indeed spend hour upon hour training…to play hockey.
The Soviet Union had NO Professional league, and the Communists wouldn’t let the players play “professionally”. If you believe those plays weren’t professional, then you are truly niave. MANY of them went on to play in the NHL a few years later when pros were allowed in the Olympics. Hell, they hadn’t lost an Olympic game since the 1960′s!
Again, Bob, you are another one who proves that one should do some research before one opens his mouth.

By: CanadianVikingFan

CanadianVikingFan — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:14:51 +0000

I love how some Americans think Canada is like a whole different world.

By: Bob S.

Bob S. — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:18:13 +0000

Beezer says:
Florio,
I have been a lifetime hockey fan but your article is based solely on driving people to watching the network you now work for.
–
nbc once carried nhl hockey before mike florio (i think) was even born. back in the original 6 days.

By: Beezer

Beezer — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:57:19 +0000

Florio,
I have been a lifetime hockey fan but your article is based solely on driving people to watching the network you now work for. You are a sellout and you were at your best when you were independent and posting rumors and not your opinions or predictions. Let’s face it your predictions were based on your favorite teams, Pittsburgh and Washington. You couldn’t make it more obvious that you are a steelers fan when you post articles from Steelers insider magazines.

By: tcelser

tcelser — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:44:00 +0000

As someone who’s played both sports for years, I must say that I would give anything to play hockey while I only ever played football for fun. Hockey ha a way of reasching deep inside you and making everything all right. The smell of the ice, the touch of the puck on your stick, the feel of your skates carving through the ice… It’s something you can live for.
As for the injury situation, playing hockey has literally destroyed my body. I have two bad knees, a blown out shoulder, broken bones and concussions. But I decided to play through those injuries, just as many of my teammates did, because we loved the game. I don’t see football players playing with a torn ACL, broken arms, or seperated shoulders.
If I were given the chance to play in the NHL for just enough money to live by, I wouldn’t even hesitate.

By: VonClausewitz

VonClausewitz — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:05:54 +0000

The difference between other Big 4 sports and hockey is that hockey is a culture, not just a game. Here, in Canada, you grow up permeated by this culture. The players go all out because it’s a matter of pride. It harkens back to time on the pond or playing road hockey with the team from 2 streets over. There’s a territorial bragging rights thing that gets baked into your psyche from your earliest childhood. Ask any Canadian hockey player what their dreams are and they’d say win the Stanley Cup and play in the Olympics. That’s just how it is here. There’s no lack of desire to compete at this level. It’s a huge privilege to be asked to play. And it helps that the Olympic game is better than the pro game. There’s something more pure and exciting about it that isn’t matched in the NHL.
Re: the outcome of the game. I’m glad they lost. It gives them more games to gel and a bit of a motivation. Plus the question of which goalie to ride was always simmering in the background. Now there’s a going to be a little more clarity.
Kudos to the Americans and Miller for the challenge. You’ll see us again.

By: scream_stereo_scream

scream_stereo_scream — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:02:14 +0000

Bob S. I’m assuming you’ve never heard of the Soviet League? CSKA Moscow also known as the “Red Army” team were the league champs 32 times. The 1980 USSR team was composed of players from that league (for the most part teams CSKA and Dynamo)…I’m not aware if they were compensated for their play though…which I guess would technically not make them professionals…

By: Bob S.

Bob S. — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 14:16:11 +0000

scream_stereo_scream says:
And Bob S. I’m pretty sure the USSR team was made up of players that played professionally in the USSR
–
they were the red army team. of course they all they did was play hockey but there were no pro leagues at that time in communist russia. as i said though the olympics did not allow pro athletes in any sport to compete. that included all the other teams in it. canada at that time sent an amateur team like the other countries did. in fact canada did not play usa in that olympics. but looking at this usa team today – these players are already proven at the highest level of hockey in the world in the nhl. this is a much better american team than ever before and now even sit with the easiest trip to the final 4. usa will play winner of belarus/switzerland.
Quarter-Finals Schedule
Wednesday, February 24
Q1 USA vs. Switzerland/Belarus 3pm et
Q2 Sweden vs. Slovakia/Norway
Q3 Russia vs. Canada/Germany (UBC Thunderbird Arena)
Q4 Finland vs. Czech Republic/Latvia

By: freelancealchemy

freelancealchemy — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:49:49 +0000

It was one good game.
Sorry, but everyone who says Hockey has some of the best players around, I disagree.
They’re playing for a gold medal and their respective country. Also, Canada lives off of hockey, so to beat them at the sport they are crazed off of adds some intensity.
No, Rugby players should be revered among us all. They play football w/o pads. $%#$ that, lol.

By: wrath4771

wrath4771 — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:47:07 +0000

There isn’t anything more beautiful than Plumpic hockey – I’ll be blashpemous and say it’s even better than NHL playoff hockey. Watching these guys give it all for their country – even the highest paid professional players – is something to behold. Obviusly NFL players give it their all during the playoffs, but something about hockey translates that feeling better than football.

By: Occam

Occam — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:41:22 +0000

“In 1980 NHL hockey players and all professional hockey players were NOT allowed to play in the Olympics. AND DID NOT PLAY!”
Bob, I’ve got a nice bridge you might be interested in………….

By: DoomsDayD75

DoomsDayD75 — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:30:28 +0000

They should make football an olympic sport, then we could see who really has a passion for football and their country. Until that happens I won’t have a good reason to pay attention to the Olympics anyways. It’s so boring.

By: purpleguy

purpleguy — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:24:24 +0000

What an entertaining game. Seems like Canada has a collection of superstars, whereas the USA formed a “team”. The “hot goalie” excuse is getting a bit old though. Sure Canada is probably better, but their defensemen seemed a bit slow, the power play weak, and most important, there aren’t enough role players/grinders to cover the rear’s of the superstars (ie, Crosby a negative three plus/minus rating). The Canadian’s prior game went into overtime too, so its not like the juggernaut hit this lucky USA speedbump.
No one seems to be talking about the old hockey player injury/disability angle Mike noted. The prior union regime pilfered the players union and retirement contribution plans — the NFL program, which isn’t great, looks like gold compared to the benefits offered old NHLers. You just don’t hear them whining about retirement benefits, just like you didn’t hear them whining about injuries when they played.

By: filthymcnasty

filthymcnasty — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:23:21 +0000

they could learn alot from watching Blue Mountain State, too.

By: Adam-Chris Scheftersen

Adam-Chris Scheftersen — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:00:52 +0000

BwB says:
February 22, 2010 9:40 AM
@ Adam-Chris Scheftersen
ur a huge tool box, stop speaking
——————————
You’re an incredible idiot. I wasn’t speaking at all. I was typing. And hockey sucks donkey balls. Go away.

By: Rickah99

Rickah99 — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:57:03 +0000

@mad555,
I played both sports, all through high school and 2 seasons each in D-1…there is NO way football is more grueling than hockey. I’ll take 2-a-days in 100 degree heat, than full gear wind sprints and day of the week….oh, and twice on Sunday.
Even at the Pro level, as I said, if an NFL player is hurt(not injured, big difference) he’s most likely done for the game(or longer)…whereas in hockey players block a 100mph slapshot with their face: lose 2-5 teeth, require 40 stitches and are back out on the ice to finish the game. The NFL wins in TV contracts and that’ it….oh and Felons!

By: rawdogg

rawdogg — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:51:08 +0000

Wow I am so surprised not one person here has mentioned the bombardment of commercials in an NFL game?!? I DVR every game and begin watching them halfway through so I can fast forward through commercials.
Also I need to say this. The 2 minute warning has to be the dumbest thing in all sports. I friggin hate everything about it.
I love my Lions, but hockey just doesnt have as many commecial breaks as football

By: scream_stereo_scream

scream_stereo_scream — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:49:15 +0000

First off mad555, you have obviously never played a second of hockey in your life…NHL players get banged up just as much if not more than NFL players do, and still play through the pain…sometimes even the next night, not an entire week later.
And Bob S. I’m pretty sure the USSR team was made up of players that played professionally in the USSR

By: Ottawa49ers

Ottawa49ers — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:13:50 +0000

nice post Florio.
You won’t see any athletes playing harder and through more injuries than in olympic or playoff hockey. There are times in the regular season where certain players do take the night off (see Kovalev, Jagr, Yashin etc.)
Pro hockey players definitely play for pride and the love of the game more than other athletes. However the NHL might be the most poorly run league in the world and the bobble head midget weasel Gary Bettman could definitely learn a thing or two from the NFL.

By: dfresh429

dfresh429 — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:13:14 +0000

I love both football and Hockey, but hockey players are much more passionate about their profession.
One of the main reasons that hockey players are superior to football players?
Hockey players only celebrate after a score..
Football players? They dance around like goons if they stop a guy for a 3 yard gain…

By: Percy Nugz

Percy Nugz — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:10:56 +0000

What a great game last night. I am a casual hockey fan and nothing gets better than Olympic hockey. I agree with Joe from Toronto, Ryan Millers play was stellar. He was taking shots from every angle against a freaking all-star team on steriods. It was a shame that this game wasn’t on NBC which brodcasts in hd (if you do have MSNBC in HD your cable bill must be 800$ a month). in conclusion. HOCKEY RULES!!!!

By: Enjoysatan

Enjoysatan — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:08:46 +0000

I concur, great post Mike. Hockey players are the most underrated athletes.

By: Bob S.

Bob S. — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 12:08:33 +0000