NFL's Most Underrated Player

This past Sunday I tuned into CBS as I have always done to watch the NFL greats battle it out. The championship was won by the Indianapolis Colts, much to my chagrin. I must admit I was not altogether disheveled, because I had no real stake in the game. My team, the Cincinnati Bengal's, sat at home and watched the entire playoffs from a sofa. Still, I had a soft spot in my heart for the Chicago Bears. Nearly everyone I watched the game with was rooting for the Colts and why not? They were the clear favorites and have an all star cast. Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Adam Vinatieri, and Dallas Clark the list could go on. All of these players are perennial pro bowl selections and MVP hopefuls. I couldn't even argue with my friends as they voiced their love for the Colts. So why then would I root for the Bears? The answer is very simple I love the underdog.

The NFL has always had its great players and they will continue to dominate my fascination. The greatness possessed by MVP's can put anyone in awe. From child to adult these players have some gift that affords them the ability to carry their respective team to victory. To the novice, Peyton Manning may be the sole reason the Colts win, but for a sports aficionado such as myself I cannot buy into something that easily. All these greats are great, but they are great for a reason. They have a supporting crew that often times boost them from good to great.

Earlier in the playoffs I watched a game that made me realize one such supporter. He benefited not only to his team, but specifically the 2006 MVP. The San Diego Chargers were playing the New England Patriots. The Patriots ended up edging the Chargers, but not before Ladanian Tomlinson rushed for 123 yards. Not bad for the leading rusher in the NFL during the 2006 season. Every year Tomlinson has been in the league he has rushed for over one thousand yards and marched on for his first MVP award this year. Great player, right, but does that tell the whole story?