12/21/24
February 21, 2008
Keyshawn working out, mulls NFL return: Keyshawn Johnson has the desire to strap on the pads, but does he have the moves?
posted by aMAIZEd Mark to football at 11:24 AM - 17 comments
Stay in the booth Key.
posted by Debo270 at 01:15 PM on February 21, 2008
I just had to post this. My opinion, Key wasn't a superior NFL receiver, but a damn good College receiver. The position seems to require not only quickness, speed and of course monster hands, but to have the toughness, both physically and mentally, to compete for such a skilled-position. I would rather him analyze the game, than fall flat on his face.
posted by aMAIZEd Mark at 01:19 PM on February 21, 2008
I would rather him analyze the game, than fall flat on his face. Some (me) would argue he's currently doing both.
posted by fabulon7 at 01:42 PM on February 21, 2008
I say go for it Key. I can't stand listening to his analysis. Surely there is a team that needs a slow, mouthy possession receiver.
posted by curlyelk at 01:46 PM on February 21, 2008
it was classy of him to retire after the bad move the panthers, i say go for it.
posted by Joe188 at 02:52 PM on February 21, 2008
If I may indulge myself, here's an excerpt from Jim Brown's 1989 biography that speaks to this situation: I looked at football as a waterhole when you're crossing the desert. You stop, enjoy the scenery, sip a little water, get your ass out of there. Knew if you stayed too long, it would turn on you. I saw it turn on the best and the brightest. ... I despised that. Such a melancholy finish to a gorgeous career (Brown, 1989, p. 176). This, of course, is coming from one of the all-time greats of the game who left far too early in some people's minds, yet without regret. In my opinion, there are a lot of athletes who could learn profound lessons from Jimmy Brown. Keyshawn, you've had your time in the sun. Now it's time to be more than an athlete. Good luck "scratchin' that itch".
posted by Spitztengle at 04:14 PM on February 21, 2008
This, of course, is coming from one of the all-time greats of the game who left far too early in some people's minds, yet without regret. Without regret? Wasn't he throwing people out of windows after that?
posted by bdaddy at 04:44 PM on February 21, 2008
Honestly, I think we fans put a lot of stock into legacy that players may not. If I'm Keyshawn and I want to play again, and there's a team out there that will pay me - why would I say no? While I appreciate comments like Jim Brown's, I equally can see the logic in "Don't quit until they kick you out of the locker room". Legacy isn't something that a lot of players get to determine, anyway. It's written by others.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 04:48 PM on February 21, 2008
Without regret? Wasn't he throwing people out of windows after that? If I'm not mistaken that was Greg Maddox.
posted by Folkways at 05:24 PM on February 21, 2008
Wasn't he throwing people out of windows after that? Um, it was off a balcony ... and no, well, he never did get convicted ... she said she was "protecting him" by jumping off herself. If I'm Keyshawn and I want to play again, and there's a team out there that will pay me - why would I say no? Weedy, I'll throw some more Jimmy B. out there in support ... I know a lot of guys hang on because they need the money. If that's why they have to stay, they should stay. Play until they're second string, third string, until their legs fall off. It's a good living, it's legal. There's no loss of dignity in that" Thing is, I'm not so sure that Keyshawn is one of those in the same category as the broke NBAers five years later. In this day and age, for an athlete of KJ's calibre (as mediocre as most on here might think his career might have been), from salary and endorsements, he surely can't "need the money". But, how would I know what he needs or doesn't? Moreover, why should I care whether he continues to play, or hang 'em up for good? I guess it's just the fan in me who likes to see room for new guys. This isn't a George Foreman-like comeback story. Nor a guy aimin' to break some milestone. So I do think he should wave bye-bye once and for all.
posted by Spitztengle at 05:40 PM on February 21, 2008
Keyshawn had good hands and wasn't afraid to run slants and crosses across the middle. That said, he should stay retired. I think he'll get better in the booth. I'd rather listen to him than Michael Irvin, that's for damn sure.
posted by BitterOldPunk at 11:37 PM on February 21, 2008
I'd rather listen to him than Michael Irvin, that's for damn sure. When it gets to the point our only choices are to listen to either Keyshawn Johnson or Michael Irvin, I will never again turn up the volume on NFL broadcasts. As for Keyshawn, I was kind of surprised last year when the Panthers chose to cut ties with him. Seeing how successful the team wound up being, it was probably a blessing for him. It seems to me he could have latched on with another squad last year (provided he was willing to accept a contract in line with what he could offer, which I doubt). As a low-end number two, or number three receiver, he has value, especially in the red zone.
posted by dyams at 07:22 AM on February 22, 2008
According to the article the Titans offered him $8 mil for two years plus incentives. He probably would have been a good fit in Tennessee.
posted by curlyelk at 09:33 AM on February 22, 2008
He probably would have been a good fit in Tennessee. I seem to remember having this discussion a year ago. There was a good bit of interest by members of this site then.
posted by bender at 10:30 AM on February 22, 2008
Boo Hoo, no one's paying any attention to me waaaaa!! Keyshawn, there's an old saying," As the man gets older, he ran faster as a boy" As a Jet fan, you were never as good as you thought you were, stay in the booth. I also agree with BitterOldPunk, I'll take Keyshawn in the booth over Irvin any day. Can I get an interpreter here!!!
posted by MGDADDYO at 10:55 AM on February 22, 2008
I'd rather listen to him than Michael Irvin, that's for damn sure. I heard that on the new TV's there will be a MIAP button on them so when he talks it will interpret what he is saying to everybody. The TV companies say it will work just like the SAP button does for Spanish speaking people.
posted by jojomfd1 at 03:09 PM on February 22, 2008
I have the itch, and right now I'm trying to decide how strong that itch is." Like, is it strong enough to see a doctor and get rid of it? I think Keyshawn should sit back, relax, and enjoy his retirement. He was a pretty good, not great, player ten years ago; I think he would return only to be embarassed at worst, mediocre at best. Why subject yourself to all the punishment, which now takes a long time to heal, only to find the game has passed you by? There aren't many teams that have use for a slowish sure handed receiver who runs a good route, but refuses to take a hit after the catch.