Opposing Styles in Football: Chad Johnson and Barry Sanders

The Cincinnati Bengals have one player that continually talks "a big game." He plans his touchdown celebrations in advance, almost insinuating that he is going to score, and going to score often. This mystery player could be none other than Chad Johnson. Johnson is known throughout the league as a brash, young talent who refuses to let his play do the talking. He stands in sharp contrast to a player like Barry Sanders who, after scoring a touchdown, would calmly hand the ball to the official and rejoin his teammates on the sidelines.

Barry Sanders was one who often made the opposition look quite foolish as defensive lineman, backs and safeties desperately tried to contain his incredible speed, dynamic agility, and insatiable thirst for the extra yard. Sanders exuded humility in every aspect of his game. Johnson is anything but humble. He often refers to himself in the third person and has nothing but the highest of praise for himself. Chad Johnson is certainly Chad Johnson's biggest fan. It seems as though the notion of respecting one's opponent is constantly losing value. Barry Sanders constantly made defensive backs look slow and awkward while they frantically tried to contain the blue and silver clad dynamo. Barry always let his performance on the field reveal the quality of his character and the importance of his talent.