Fans can be tough and no one knows that more today than Denver Broncos Pro Bowl outside linebacker Von Miller. Miller has refused to sign his franchise tender with the Broncos and negotiations have gotten heated. Feelings hurt. But it’s the fans that cut deepest of all.
“It just hurts,” Miller told Sports Illustrated. “I’m not even going to lie. It’s a business but at the end of the day, I got feelings too. I know some fans don’t know that some of the reports aren’t even true. When I get on Instagram, no matter what I post, there’s going to be 400 comments. Guys bashing me. ‘Take the deal. You greedy bastard. I thought you wanted to be a Bronco for life?’ And it kind of weighs on you for a while.”
Von Miller sending major message with his newest Instagram post: pic.twitter.com/f4aqpeBo1Z
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 16, 2016
Here’s the thing fans don’t understand. And I don’t understand why this just happens in sports. I guess a fan sees a guy living the dream, playing his dream sport and can’t believe he wouldn’t take whatever amount of money is offered to him.
You know who makes tons of money? Pretty much everybody famous. Not just athletes. Robert Downey Jr. made $40 million for appearing in Captain America: Civil War. He made $80 million in 2015 alone. Vin Diesel? $47 million. And neither of those guys are crashing their bodies into other men and car wreck speeds 16 or more Sundays a year. If you don’t think Von Miller’s job is a hell of a lot tougher than Mark Wahlberg’s (he made $32 million last year), you’re nuts. Von Miller is just asking for Seth Rogan money ($17 million in 2015). Seth effing Rogan for God’s sake. Lighten up, Denver fans.
Miller has stated on Instagram of all places that he won’t play on the franchise tag this season and threatened to sit out. The Broncos have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal with Miller or he’ll get the chance to make good on his threat.
Maurkice Pouncey had seven surgeries last season
Speaking of the dangers of football, Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey revealed that he had to undergo six surgical procedures and a skin graft in order to recover from his multiple leg injuries last season.
Pouncey’s leg was broken in the same preseason game that cost the Green Bay Packers Jordy Nelson for the season. Packers safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix fell on his leg, putting him out for about a month and a half. Pouncey planned on coming back in October, but he got a staph infection in his wound and it wouldn’t close. After that, the former Pro Bowl center was put on the shelf for the season.
“It all went downhill from there,” Pouncey told ESPN. “It all happened so fast. I thought I was going to play.”
Maurkice Pouncey hoping to bounce back after several procedures on left leg: https://t.co/nswhG08hOv pic.twitter.com/Ig9heQzqLz
— NFL (@NFL) June 17, 2016
While that was getting worked on Pouncey got an E. Coli infection too. After all that he was back on the field with the Steelers. Next week he’ll be working out privately in Florida as he continues to get back into playing shape.
“It’s just another reality check,” Pouncey said. “Shows you how fast things can be taken away. At the same time, it’s a humbling experience, shows you how much something is important in your life. And football is very important to me.
And for those Denver fans who want to troll him, Pouncey is playing on a five-year, $44.1 million contract he signed in 2014. So hit up Twitter or Instagram and tell him how greedy he is after nearly losing his leg.
Roman Harper back in No. 41
One guy who doesn’t care about money is New Orleans Saints safety Alden Darby, previously the owner of the No. 41 jersey. Darby was on the Saints’ practice squad last year and is standing out in camp this year. He’s just doing it in a different number. Darby had No. 41 when the Saints brought Roman Harper back. Usually when a player like Harper joins a team, he’ll have to buy his number from a younger player. Darby wouldn’t let him do it.
Darby handed the jersey over without so much as a brunch date. Darby is wearing No. 42 now.
