Those who know me pretty much know that I am a HUGE sport FANATIC and love football (college and pro). My favorite pro team is and has been the Pittsburg Steelers which causes me to travel to PA pretty often during the year. With my obsession with the Steelers, this has increased my fanism (and yes, I did just make up a word) with the Steelers starting CB Ike Taylor @Ike_SwagginU over the years. With my love for Ike as most may know him, but I know him as SwagginU, I have been tuning into his radio show (The Ike Taylor Show) on TribLive Radio which airs Tuesdays from 2-3pm with his co-host John Harris, @TribLive_Radio (http://sportstalk.triblive.com/)
This week the topic of conversation was very interesting. He touch on his rapping skills/interest which I am sure is very interesting and can’t wait to hear him drop 16 on a Tuesday afternoon! He discussed the hot topic around the media/sports industry concerning head injuries. SwagginU pointed out that he is not too concerned about the fear of head injuries/head trauma talk. During the discussion he mentioned how any sport such as boxing or hockey can definitely lead to head injuries/head trauma. In the game of football, guys are getting faster and strong and it will be hard to stop collisions among players during the game. As stated by SwagginU, “these kids are coming out looking like mutants.” In my opinion, preparation, knowledge, and skills are a must but people cannot shy away from or shelter themselves and/or their kids from the game of football because they are concerned of head injuries. Once my kids are older, I will leave the decision up to them. They will have to know and understand the risks that are involved with all sports, but the choice will be all on them. I never want to be that parent that tries to shelter my kids because of what I believe is right or what I am afraid of, that’s not fair to them. This is a touchy topic and everyone everywhere has numerous thoughts and opinions…the discussion can go on for days.
Another interesting topic SwagginU dabbled in was the relationship/interactions of men and women…my favorite. This subject came about from the thought of guys being able to transition from a pro athlete to a regular person…looking at the issue of it being hard for fans to look at Pro athletes as real people. I am on the fence with this. I do believe there are some genuinely good people out in the world and not all females or, shoot, even males for that matter looking to be gold diggers. But some are looking for that fame and “living the good life” *in my Kanye voice.*SwagginU touched on a few key points during this conversation.
1. You do not have to be an athlete to be successful!
2. Surrounding yourself with positive people (people who have been down with you from day one).
SwagginU’s response to that is, “Don’t get caught up!” But as a more mature and older Ike, I believe it is so easy to say. Try and tell that to these young guys out here looking to run up in all or every female that passes their way. To be honest, I don’t know how I would act as a newly drafted, 23 year old, superstar running back that just signed a multi-million 4 year contract in a hot spot city. There are plenty of beautiful women out here throwing themselves at me every minute…it might be hard to “just say no,” especially if I’m single with no strings attached. Things get real when women are out here trying to get chose!!!!!
One comment SwagginU made during the show that I am struggling with, not because of him saying it but the fact that it’s hard for some to get into that mindset of “just being themselves.” Once you get into that environment…things are different and you feel as though you have to fit in or live a certain way…trying to prove yourself. “Just be yourself and the girls will come,” not all the time...not the world we live in, lets be real!
John asked Ike if he cared why a woman may like him…do they like him because of his status or because of whom he is as a person? He based his reaction/answer on his confidence and his presence/demeanor which he believes speaks for itself. Listening to him talk makes me feel as though he truly believes anybody and everybody will like him for who he is and if they don’t it will come out at the end of the day. He has had some experience and has been in this environment for some time so he has had the opportunity to grow and learn. “Some guys just don’t learn” stated Ike. One thing he knows for sure is that there is nothing like surrounding yourself with Confident, God-Fearing, Humble women and I think he just described me lowkey! (#BOW) He really stressed the importance of having a good woman around you as a man.
Note: And this people is why SwagginU is my number one pro player…well I also have other reasons, but this summary can add to that! He definitely has SWAG and there is a certain confidence that he has which sets him a part from most. He is cocky but not too cocky, but he is very confident when he speak...LOVE it!
During the last 10 minutes of the show Ike answers questions from his twitter followers no matter the question/topic. I submitted a question last week: Steelers/Ravens rivalry: Past, Present, and Future? Ike did address this particular question commenting on the number of Lombardi trophies each organization has won. Classic SwagginU for those you know him. This week my question was: During your college career you had a minor snag…what kept you focused on your ultimate goal? Now I am not sure if he was able to get to my question this week because the show cute off during that time. I will definitely be submitting a question next week kindof piggy backing off the conversation this week because I have a personal question I would like to know the answer to.