We're always looking for our listeners to become more engaged, so today we're going to tackle a reader e-mail, blog-style.
As a reminder, you can submit a question by clicking this link; we'll either answer it on the show or on the site!
Rob Retzlaff, from Toledo, Ohio, writes:
On to the NFL. I've never been much of a die-hard, one-team fan. I have my stints with Detroit (we can see why that ended), San Francisco (Steve Young gone, very little reason left to watch), Cleveland (repeat Detroit), Dallas (let's face it, not really the same since Aikman left. They win, but it's not the same team or attitude), and Pittsburgh (no comment for this team).
As you can see, I've gone with good teams, I've gone with bad teams, I've been on a bandwagon while it was around, and I've had my share of falls off the bandwagon.
My question is this: I need a new team. I'm already a Red Wings fanatic and will never, ever root for any other team, even if they are playing our rivals. My standpoint is, "May the best team win, we're going to kick your ass no matter who it is."
I want an NFL team with a die-hard, never-admitting-defeat-until-the-last-second ticks, break-his-leg-if-it-wins-the-game type of leader.
I want a team with a loud-mouth player, who all the analysts call overrated. Every team needs one, somebody who is constantly challenged by critics and who comes through when needed.
I want a team with owners who care about preserving the longevity of the team. An owner who knows what types of contracts to give to his star players, and when to sign a draft player long-term.
These are the things I look for when picking a team. Which NFL team most meets my rigid requirements for gaining my support as a fan?
Being that we're in draft time, and Rob's e-mail was so in-depth, we wanted to give him and it their due. So, we formulated our responses to Rob's question as to which NFL team he should take on as his new favorite team.
Joel Hammond: I'm not sure there's a team aside from the Colts and Patriots that fits every one of your desires, Rob, but I think I've got the next best team -- and it's been right under your nose.
I suggest the Pittsburgh Steelers, who you mentioned in your e-mail (with a puzzling "no comment for this team" line). Are you from Cleveland or something?
Even so, I think the Stillers, as they're so affectionately known, meet your criteria the best.
I despise Ben Roethlisberger for what he did to Bowling Green while at Miami, but he's tough as nails.
They have some loud-mouth players, most notably Hines Ward. If Joey Porter was still there, he'd fit in perfectly there.
I wouldn't want to meet Mike Tomlin in an alley, and I think Dan Rooney fits your owner rule; the Steelers are in good shape, have a rabid fan base and aren't going anywhere any time soon.
Andy Barch: Greetings Rob!
You are pretty demanding! I agree with Joel here. If you're going to pick a team that at least comes CLOSE to satisfying all of those needs, then you should choose the Steelers. The Steelers have a rich, blue-collar tradition that has led to an incredible amount of success in the Super Bowl era.
Each year, they are AT LEAST competitive, not to mention they have won five Super Bowls in six appearances. They draft extremely well, it's pretty tough to hate the Rooney family (unless you're from Cleveland) and every now and again they have a loudmouth player that tends to be a bit overrated in the minds of many.
The Steelers are typically a team that is very well-respected around the league. They are a team I dont mind watching, though they are not my favorite.
Nick Seuberling: Rob, if I had to pick one team, it'd be the Packers.
Why, you ask? You live in Toledo so you're near Detroit. You can obviously make the one-hour drive north every year to go see them play. And it's not like Green Bay's that far away; you can always make the six-hour drive if you wanted to see Lambeau Field.
Plus, Green Bay is an up-and-coming team (some say they've arrived) with great management. I know Joel really wanted to say the Packers, but didn't want to come across as a homer.
Erik Bell: Rob, I'm being a homer but I'm going to say the Cleveland Browns.
You live in Ohio, and you may just have one of the best up-and-coming franchises in the NFL right in your home state.
There are signs that GM Phil Savage knows what he's doing as he has turned what was a mess of a roster left by predecessor Butch Davis into a team that is expected to contend for an AFC North Division title this season.
They also appear to be set up for future success with players such as Braylon Edwards, Joe Thomas, Kamerion Wimbley, Kellen Winslow, and Corey Williams.
Not sure that meets all of your criteria, but here is your chance to jump on the bandwagon before the Browns bring that long awaited Super Bowl title to Cleveland.
