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+---- Thread: *North to South #2 – Work Hard, Play Hard (/showthread.php?tid=4536)
*North to South #2 – Work Hard, Play Hard - SwagSloth - 09-12-2017
Welcome back, loyal fans.
Last week’s blog got a great response. I really appreciate getting to interact with so many of you and hear your feedback. I think many were surprised (and mostly pleased) to hear me kind of go off-script. All the interviews I’ve done previously were very formal and, honestly, I saw this blog as a chance to cut loose and be myself. As you’ve probably figured out, I have a fairly off-the-wall sense of humor. Sometimes, I’ll go off on random tangents and last week was a chance for you to go along for a ride. I’ve always kind of been like that. I believe in the old adage of “work hard, play hard”. I put on my game face on when it counts, but I’m not afraid to let my hair down afterwards. And it’s been a tough training camp, so you’ll have to excuse me if I let loose for a bit here and there. Nonetheless, my focus is right on the ball and I’m going into next season looking to make a major impact. I didn’t work hard during the offseason just to goof off when it matters.
The truth is, as much as I enjoy interacting with the fans (and I really do), I can only say so much when it comes to the serious stuff. In practice, we’re bombarded with drills and secret information that has to remain under wraps. Part of my job is to keep the other teams guessing, so that we can catch them off-guard when it matters. Trust me… when I close my eyes at night, all I see are plays I’ve already run a thousand times. But it would be unfair to the rest of the team if I let anything crucial slip out. So, if I drift into the realm of goofiness from time to time, that’s my way of connecting with you, the fans at home. This blog is my chance to stay in touch with you and, yes, sometimes I will talk serious football and this is a great platform for that, but when I can’t get serious, I find other ways to make that connection. I can’t let my personality take over on the field, but I can let it out here and I hope that continues to be welcome. For most of our, anyway, that seems to be the case and I’m happy to hear that.
And, for everyone else, I appreciate the feedback. Our team loves the passion of the Yellowknife fans and we respect your commitment. I know you’re looking to stay connected to the team and, for your sake, I’ll try to make the most out of these posts. In fact, I think you’ll like this particular post. (Hint: Keep reading.)
I have talked a lot about wanting to make an impact for this team. I love being a running back and I want to be a player that fans can be proud of. And, as much as I appreciate the love this team has shown me, I’m always looking for new ways to continue to reinvent myself. In fact, our first preseason game is just around the corner and I think you’re going to be impressed with what you see. Obviously, as much as I miss the day of picking up 20 touches and barreling through defenders as I rush for the goal line, that’s not the best way for me to help the team right now. I’m on the depth chart behind the Season One MVP, Bubba Nuck, and he’s already fulfilling that role quite well. Heck, I’d wager that you could put any running back from any other team behind Bubba and he’d still be the starter. That doesn’t mean I’m comfortable with that spot, but I’m realistic in admitting that I still have a lot of improvement to make if I want to rival him as a pure rusher. For the fans that wanted me back at LSU expecting me to return to that bell cow role, don’t get your hopes up just yet. I’ve still got other roles to play. (However, never say never.)
In the meanwhile, a lot of my focus this off-season has been on growing as a player and expanding my role on the team. I want to excel in every facet of the running back position. I love that role. To me, there’s nothing in the word that can compare to the adrenaline rush of picking up double-digit carries and wearing down defenses, but that’s only one part of the job. Being placed in the fullback role has challenged me to expand my skill set and I’d argue that I’ve risen to that challenge. If anything, I think these next few games will prove that. So, for those who you were worried to see one of Yellowknife’s starters cracking jokes on the internet, just watch these next few games closely.
Last season came with a learning curve. I’ll give you that. I surpassed expectations, but let’s be honest… the bar was set pretty low for me. A lot of people saw a running back coming out of New Orleans with a wild lifestyle and a chip on his shoulder and instantly wrote me off. Heck, out of eight teams, seven looked past me at every chance they got. And this season, I’m going to make them regret it. I’ve worked hard to check my attitude and be a team player and I believe in the Wraiths, but at the end of last season, I went home feeling like I still had more to leave on the field. More than anything, it’s the one that’s motivated me the most this off-season and I don’t want to feel that way ever again.
This season, I’m aiming to be the most complete running back in the entire NSFL. When they hand me the ball, it doesn’t matter if it’s once a game or 30 times a game, I’ll going to run smart and I’m going to run hard. When Orosz tosses a pass my way, I’m going to make the most out of every catch. And, if a few defensive players find themselves in the unfortunate position of having to try to take down one of our guys, you’d better hope it’s not me blocking you because I’m going to hit back hard whether I’ve got the ball in my hands or not.
The simple message here is that if you’re a fan and you’re worried… don’t. And if you’re on the other side of the ball and you don’t see me as a problem, it’s time to start worrying.
I like to have fun. I enjoy goofing off, cracking jokes, and having a nice drink after the hard work is done. I’ve caught flack for that before and I understand why, but don’t let that convince that I’m distracted. I’ve never been more focused than I am right now. This blog is probably going to be a roller coaster. If the competition is as tough as people claim it’s going to be, this season probably will, too, but we’re ready for the ups and downs no matter how rough the ride gets. This year, the Wraiths are on a mission and I’m ready to play my part.
Like I said… Work Hard. Play Hard.
Get ready for a wild ride, Wraiths fans. The real fun is just about to begin.
1,238 Words
*North to South #2 – Work Hard, Play Hard - TheMemeMaestro - 09-12-2017
(09-12-2017, 02:14 PM)SwagSloth Wrote:Like I said… Skate Fast, Eat Ass.