The Player vs The Person

[dimbee]

just because his overachieving as a QB with average physical capabilities and his good ol' boy southern charm have provided the mass of the panthers' fanbase with a character of which they easily identify with

I'll grant that that makes him easier for us Southerners to relate to, absolutely.

My whole point is that if the "Voice of Reason" is going to say that Jake is a "good man" in that mighty post, then I would like to hear how he substantiates saying such. He mentions (or doesn't) some sportswriters that have said as much, and if he's basing his analysis solely on what they say, then so be it. Awesome, he's a "good man" because someone else says so. Super duper.

[Mr. Scot]

I'll grant that that makes him easier for us Southerners to relate to, absolutely.

My whole point is that if the "Voice of Reason" is going to say that Jake is a "good man" in that mighty post, then I would like to hear how he substantiates saying such. He mentions (or doesn't) some sportswriters that have said as much, and if he's basing his analysis solely on what they say, then so be it. Awesome, he's a "good man" because someone else says so. Super duper.

Delhomme has shown his character in a lot of ways.

For one, he's never thrown a teammate under the bus. Even when mistakes have realistically been on someone else, he's always taken all the blame on himself.

He's universally liked by pretty much anyone who meets him and by the teammates who work with him all the time, sometimes in stressful situations.

His work ethic has been generally acknowledged to be second only to Steve Smith's on the Panthers.

At training camp, I've seen Delhomme more than once work his way down the entire long line of autograph seekers both before and after practice until he's called away.

There have been people, both here and elsewhere, with stories about things Delhomme has done for them without fanfare or self-promotion.

And yes, the people who have interviewed him in various outlets have always come away saying he's a good guy.

If you don't buy it, can you produce something that shows otherwise?

[twylyght]

Jake Delhomme the person deserves respect, and truthfully, a lot of it.

Mr. Scott, it is hard not to agree with much of what you say all the time. In reading the responses on this thread, I think there is one aspect that is lost for many of us. Players look at how management treat their personnel when evaluating which team they want to be with. In the end, you cannot put a price on character, and considerations such as this should not really play in how we handle such situations. That being said, it absolutely makes perfect business sense to treat Jake with class and respect. This is true not just for reasons of remaining honorable, but for laying the groundwork for bridging gaps with current personnel and creating roads for future personnel that everyone in the league would want on their teams.

This often makes all the difference between having a franchise based on character and drive, and a franchise based on the latest hired guns. I am confident of the organization as it is with Jerry Richardson in the wheelhouse. I am more wary of the inevitable future without him.

[weyco2000]

In 2007, Jake was on his way to possibly his best year. Then the injury, after that he has never been the same. Its not all his fault, extending his contract was a huge mistake and should cost Hurney his job. Fox hasnt helped him any by continuing to march him on to the field, you know Jake is gonna keep answering the bell because he's a warrior. It's time someone threw in the towel and let him keep a little dignity. I feel for the guy, but when does HE realize he's playing the pity card?

[Bigdaddy8523]

It's time someone threw in the towel and let him keep a little dignity. I feel for the guy, but when does HE realize he's playing the pity card?

I totally understand what u were saying and agree with most of it except the part I quoted. Because honestly watching Jake every game this season I think he is a liabiity because of his arm not his brain. Alot of times he has checked the ball down, went through progressions and found the open man. And for years I thought the only reciever he ever seen was Smith deep. But the problem now is when he see's it on the field if it's not wide open he doesn't have the arm strenth to get it to the destination quick, and that's the biggest problem. And about the pity card do u think management and his teamates are looking at Feeley sitting on the bench and the thought occurs that he can lead them to anything but the gutter. That's why even though our defense has been kicking ass we wont win alot because our best Qb is already on the field and he's smart but his arm is through.

[SMACKDAB]

I love Jake as a person, but his time here is over.....it's just that simple.

Couldn't ask for a player to be a more normal, and caring, kind person than Jake, but with all the fire to fuel a war if needed.

I'll love him no matter what, but there comes a time to ride off into the sunset......nice and quite like.

[Mesmer]

I think Matt Willig is a cool guy, but I never wanted him playing tackle here.

I mean, I think anyone with a shred of intelligence can respect Jake as a person, but seriously what does this have to do with anything?

This organiztion places too much emphasis on character. I think you have to, to some degree... but we take it too far.

[dimbee]

Delhomme has shown his character in a lot of ways.

For one, he's never thrown a teammate under the bus. Even when mistakes have realistically been on someone else, he's always taken all the blame on himself.

He's universally liked by pretty much anyone who meets him and by the teammates who work with him all the time, sometimes in stressful situations.

His work ethic has been generally acknowledged to be second only to Steve Smith's on the Panthers.

At training camp, I've seen Delhomme more than once work his way down the entire long line of autograph seekers both before and after practice until he's called away.

There have been people, both here and elsewhere, with stories about things Delhomme has done for them without fanfare or self-promotion.

And yes, the people who have interviewed him in various outlets have always come away saying he's a good guy.

If you don't buy it, can you produce something that shows otherwise?

Where did I say I felt otherwise, Mr Scot? In fact, I went out of my way to say that I wasn't saying that I disagree. My point remains that you put together this long-winded, heartwarming post about how Jake's a "good man," and yet I still don't understand how you came to that conclusion.

He works hard. He doesn't throw co-workers under the bus. He gives autographs at Training Camp. He's a pleasant interview.

You have extremely low standards for what makes someone a "good man."

[StepandFetch]

Much as I love the game, there are some things that matter more than football, and always will.

/thread.

sorry if someone already did that^

[Mr. Scot]

I think Matt Willig is a cool guy, but I never wanted him playing tackle here.

I mean, I think anyone with a shred of intelligence can respect Jake as a person, but seriously what does this have to do with anything?

This organiztion places too much emphasis on character. I think you have to, to some degree... but we take it too far.

Depends on how you apply it.

Factoring in character regarding who to sign and who not to? Absolutely.

Judging who starts and who doesn't using work ethic as a barometer? Sure.

Determining the depth chart by who is the nicest guy? That's where it would go too far.

And no, I don't believe Fox does that (though in certain positions he sometimes seems to judge by who's been around longest regardless of ability).

I do, however think that the players loyalty to Jake is one reason - and maybe a big reason - why he's started for longer than he should have.