In a crazy sports week, there’s been so much to talk about! I wanted to take a minute to get on my soapbox about the way we look at athletes. Growing up, my husband (and many other people) wanted to ‘Be Like Mike.’ Personally, I’m glad he’s not a womanizer with a gambling problem. That’s just one example of an athlete who was idolized…just like Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong, Kobe Bryant, and many of the MLB players who now won’t make it into the Hall Of Fame due to their connections with steroids. What’s my point here? We need to be careful whom we trust and idolize since they often let you down. There are many athletes that I am a fan of, but I choose to be a fan based on what they do in their respective sports – not what happens in their outside life. When they are truly a good all around person, that’s just a bonus!

I bring this up because one of my favorite football players is a controversial person. As Ray Lewis goes on his final ride and retires at the end of this season, whenever that will be, much attention is being given to his off-the-field life. Almost 13 years ago in Atlanta, something horrible took place and Ray was at the scene of the crime. He did time in jail, was fined, and has made an amazing professional comeback from that (as well as personally). Lewis was never convicted of any crime and no evidence suggests that he was materially involved in the deaths, however some people will forever call him a murderer. Honestly, I don’t think he did it but also know there are many questions that will never be answered. His comeback to be a Super Bowl MVP, League MVP, Pro Bowler, a team leader, etc are like a story book ending and are getting extra publicity now. People are talking about how he has changed, and the positive influence he’s been for fellow NFL players who’ve gotten in trouble. That’s great, but doesn’t mean people should put him on a pedestal – or take swings at him for that matter. To me, Ray Lewis is simply one of the best linebackers to play the game, and a lock first ballot Hall of Famer who I will miss seeing on the football field next year. Peyton Manning is probably my favorite current football player and the silver lining of his loss for me was that ‘Ray Plays On.’ You don’t have to agree with me here, just my feelings about Ray Lewis the football player.

Ok, enough of my soapbox, time to look at the NFL coaching changes…

14 moves later and all the head coaching and GM positions are filled….. All by white men. Is the Rooney Rule broken or were there just no qualified African American candidates that fit what they were looking for in the openings? I honestly think it could be a little of both. Lovie Smith got a few legit interviews, but some places that spoke to him had publicly said they were looking for an offensive minded coach. There was so much talk when the Bears let Lovie go about how good of a coach he was, yet no one wanted to hire him. Everyone knew Chicago was looking for someone to run the offense when they fired Lovie, yet they interviewed Mike Singletary – that makes sense?!?

Chip Kelly threw us all for a loop and flew for the Eagles nest so now we will get a chance to see if his gimmick offense works in the NFL (my vote is no unless there are some major personnel changes, then still doubtful). Philly is excited about him, but they are they same people that chased Andy Reid out of town.

The Bears got a guy from the CFL… I hope he has time to brush up on NFL rules before the draft! In all seriousness, Phil Emery was very diligent in finding his guy – and it’s one that Jay Cutler has a relationship with so Jay’s excuses are gone. Marc Trestman needs to stop with the bad hair dye jobs, but seems very intelligent and since it is “out of the box” this hire will either go really good or be a total disaster.

Jacksonville didn’t take much time to find their coach, and went against the trend by hiring a Defensive Coordinator to run the show. Anything is worth a shot there and Gus Bradley did a great job in Seattle with an impressive defense. The most important move for him now is to get the right OC in place to compliment him and help a franchise that’s struggled to score in recent years.

The Chargers were able to land McCoy, who may have been one of the hotter names once Denver was eliminated. I was surprised to see just how quickly they hired him (before he could even meet with Arizona) and think this will be an interesting dynamic to see how he works with Phillip Rivers and does coaching in the same division as the Broncos.

Arizona decided to give Bruce Arians a chance to be head coach. I had wondered after his health scare a few weeks ago if that would scare suitors away. He did a great job in place of Chuck Pagano with the Colts this season and deserves a chance to lead a team. He has some good weapons on offense now, just needs to find a QB – maybe Alex Smith?