The Fans Speak Out

In regards to your "Who's Headed for the Hall?" article in the December 2000 issue, I agree with most of your selections. However, I am wondering why you left out Kansas City Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez from your "Off to a Great Start" section. Gonzalez has put up some great numbers and was a Pro Bowl pick again in 2000. Every commentator I've heard broadcast a Chiefs game has called him "probably the best tight end in the NFL." Could you show me how Gonzalez's first four years stack up against those of Shannon Sharpe, who was in the article's "On the Bubble" section?

Jason Scarborough Via e-mail

Where's Tennessee?

I have been reading FOOTBALL DIGEST since the beginning of the 2000 season, and I must say that I have been very pleased with the articles ... up until the February 2001 issue. William Wagner's "Kickoff" ["What a Long, Strange Trip It's Been"] is very detailed in describing the flops and the Cinderella teams in 2000, except when it comes to the Tennessee Titans. Why is this? Does your publication have something against our fine team here in Tennessee? You didn't seem to have any room to mention the Titans, and I don't understand why.

Bob Prim Fairview, Tenn.

As you mentioned, Bob, the article was about the biggest busts and surprises of the 2000 season. The Titans didn't fall into either category, which explains why they weren't included. The Titans were widely predicted to be a Super Bowl contender, and they lived up to those expectations.

Kudos

Greetings. I am writing to compliment you on your fine publication. I find your articles to be very well-written. They make very salient points without the use of current vernacular (i.e., 'tude, etc.). Your articles are written with the adult reader in mind. Again, FOOTBALL DIGEST, thanks for your efforts. They are appreciated.

Sheila M. Coulson St. Helens, Ore.

Keep going, Jerry

I disagree with your December 2000 "Kickoff," which suggests Jerry Rice should retire. I'm certainly no fan of the San Francisco 49ers, but in this day and age I find it very refreshing to see an athlete perform for the sake of competing and the love of the game. No real fan will think any less of Rice and what he has accomplished if he keeps on playing.

Greg Delaney Via e-mail

Forgotten Steelers

I have been a reader of your magazine for about a year, and I love it. I especially liked your article "The Big Three" in the January 2001 edition. I would like to compliment you on finding the best three defenses in the NFL, but the article should have been called "The Big Four." You neglected to include the Pittsburgh Steelers defense, which is one of the best in the league. Other than that little mistake, I really love FOOTBALL DIGEST.

Nathan Breit Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.

Mercenary man

In your article "The Many Faces of Deion" [November 2000], you wrapped things up by inferring that all that matters is production. That may be true for owners, coaches, and teammates, but who pays their salaries? The fans do. And I'd be willing to bet that there are more NFL followers who hate Deion than who love him.

What good are someone's stats when he plays for your favorite team one year and your rival the next? Deion doesn't care about the fans, and I doubt he even cares about winning. I bet he'd go to the worst team in the league if it made him a better offer.

And as far as religion goes, is Deion a true Christian? I don't know. But watch out, Deion--the devil might come at you with a better offer. At least then we'll know which jersey to hang in the Hall: Will it be white or red?

Bob Kowallek Bend, Ore.

Gonzalez vs. Sharpe

           Season   Rec.   Yds.    Avg.   TDs

Year 1
Gonzalez    1997      33     368   11.2     2
Sharpe      1990       7      99   14.1     1

Year 2
Gonzalez    1998      59     621   10.5     2
Sharpe      1991      22     322   14.6     1

Year 3
Gonzalez    1999      76     849   11.2    11
Sharpe      1992      53     640   12.1     2

Year 4
Gonzalez    2000      93   1,203   12.9     9
Sharpe      1993      81     995   12.3     9

Totals
Gonzalez             261   3,041   11.7    24
Sharpe               163   2,056   12.6    13

FOOTBALL DIGEST welcomes letters from readers. Names, city, and state must be included. Mail to: The Fans Speak Out, FOOTBALL DIGEST, 990 Grove Street, Evanston, Illinois 60201-4370 E-mail to: fb@centurysports.net