Adversity in college helps hone NFL QBs

Sports
By
Aug 29, 2009
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I’m a frequent listener to Colin Cowherd’s radio talk show on ESPN when I’m in the car during the late morning and early afternoon.

An interesting topic came up this week when Cowherd was talking with former NFL coach and current ESPN analyst Herm Edwards. Mark Sanchez could struggle a bit with the Jets, Cowherd said, because many of the NFL’s most successful quarterbacks come from college adversity. Sanchez, from USC, did not, to a large degree.

An interesting thought. Consider the quarterbacks of your favorite teams and think about this: Did they come from big-time programs? Or did they have to fight for everything they have?

Tom Brady’s name, of course, came up, as he played at Michigan. But, remember that Brady’s time in Ann Arbor was anything but rosy. Same with Carson Palmer at USC. He had a pretty rocky existence for much of his time there.

That’s why it’s not surprising to see a story from the New York Times touting Fordham quarterback John Skelton, all 6 feet 5 and 247 pounds of him, as a name to remember for next April’s NFL draft.

It makes sense, really. NFL quarterback is one of the most demanding, confusing and intense positions in sports. It doesn’t take a player who has been the best through his career.

It takes a player who will fight, learn, struggle and benefit from criticism.

Sanchez? Maybe.

But a Fordham QB? Don’t doubt it.

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About the Author

Kyle Nagel is the Managing Editor of Innovation, leading teams focused on creating and delivering digital content to our audience.