Author: Anthony Stalter (Page 1458 of 1503)

While much was made Wednesday about Tiki Barber’s possible retirement at the end of the 2006 season, nobody should be too shocked over Barber’s future plans.

Barber is 31 years old now, and despite his continuing success at his position, this is normally the time in a running back’s career when his stock dramatically plummets. Barber has been quoted several times in the past few months that he is considering hanging up his cleats no later than the conclusion of the 2007 season.

Personally, I think what Barber is doing is admirable. He knows that the end is coming and he has basically been planning this move his entire career. Barber has become a huge celebrity in New York and has been working on side projects like broadcasting and even Broadway acting to take the place of his football career. I applaud him for wanting to leave on a high note. Too many times as fans, we see stars like Jerry Rice and presently Brett Favre, hang around to the point that it’s uncomfortable watching these players struggle to get out of the league.

On the other hand, it has to be extremely difficult leaving the sport that you have loved since you were a child. And therefore, we as fans have no right to determine when a player wants to call it a career.

I just hope for future Hall of Fame player’s sake, that they follow Barber’s lead and leave a great lasting impression for us fans to remember them by.

In all of my years of watching football, I’ve never seen a guy’s hair get so much attention in the media.

Since RB Larry Johnson saved a touchdown by tackling Steelers safety Troy Polamalu by his hair last Sunday, the topic of Polamalu’s locks has gone widespread.

Personally, I don’t get all the hoopla. The NFL is very clear on the rule: The player’s hair is an extension of his body and the uniform – therefore making it fair game. If the athlete wants to grow his air out, by all means, go for it. Just understand that it can be used at any time during a game to take you straight to the ground.

In all fairness, the guy with the least amount of complaint on the subject is Polamalu. Even when Johnson yanked back up on his hair after the tackle was already made (which he was flagged for), Polamalu didn’t cause a scene and returned to his sidelines. And in a comment after the game, Polamalu said it best when asked if Johnson (or anybody for that matter) tackling him by his mane bothered him:

“I’m glad it happened,” Polamalu said. “It means I’ve got the ball in my hands.”

In honor of the 2006 NFL season, Bullz-Eye.com will take one contest off the schedule every week and break down each team’s strengths and weaknesses vs. its opponent. Plus, no preview would be complete without a forecasted score – you’ll find a prediction on the game at Bullz-Eye.com as well.

This week Tiki Barber, Eli Manning and the rest of the high-powered Giants offense will travel to Texas to take on loudmouth Terrell Owens and the Dallas Cowboys.

On tap for Week 4: Giants (3-2) at Cowboys (3-2).