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+---- Thread: *Short Reflection on Philly (/showthread.php?tid=28253)
*Short Reflection on Philly - Jimi64 - 12-13-2020
It's shocking how much of a difference a single offseason can make. DeSoto's first year with the Liberty was certainly not an unsuccessful campaign as far as he was concerned. He was able to collect boatloads of tackles, 120 to be exact, and the Liberty barely missed the playoffs. Expectations were defied, both for Jimi and for his team. He was called up as a rookie, as he was needed to make an immediate impact on a highly depleted defense. A lot was asked of him, and although it was a rough start, DeSoto quickly acclimated to the speed and intensity of the big leagues. Although he wasn't considered for rookie of the year, he was immensely proud of the impact he was able to make on the team as their most effective linebacker. The Liberty as a whole were returning after being one of the worst teams in the league a season prior, so the amount of games that were won were appreciated, though any season where playoffs are missed can seem like a failure. Very quickly, however, any optimism that was being generated for that which we were building was dashed by a disastrous free agency and troubles among upper management. What followed became a popular talking point in the news cycle of the ISFL for a bit of time, but in the end the chaos and feelings of betrayal united the remnants of the Liberty in a way that had frankly been lacking even during the short moments of success the previous season. The veterans had found renewed passion for the game, and the new faces were rebuilding the culture, one that had eroded completely before DeSoto even stepped foot in the locker room. The linebacker corps which DeSoto felt responsible for leading to success on his own was suddenly flushed with fresh talent. Gary Goodman arrived in a trade with Baltimore, and Thomas Rose came up from the minors. Although still a team with a plethora of holes, this young defensive squad is poised to become a stalwart opponent to any offenses in the near future. Big changes didn’t just come to the defensive side of the ball though. The drafting of quarterback Ryan Negs signaled a new era arriving to the City of Brotherly Love. Brock Pheonix has been a legend for the Liberty, plain and simple. He still puts up game after game of amazing stats. However, his 79 speed cannot run from time forever. Negs already has made a significant impact in the Liberty’s culture. In fact, the culture as a whole has improved immensely. The ghost town that DeSoto arrived to is now a warm and active environment. The fog of a confusing and unclear direction has been lifted. The new general managers have a clear intent: to build a championship squad. DeSoto has no fantasies of such an accomplishment in the next following seasons, but faith and loyalty during the hard times are what is needed to make that dream a reality. An article comes to mind that was written fairly recently by media great Dogwood Maple. When other players were asked anonymously about the worst franchises to play for and which teams would doom your career, there were numerous players that mentioned Philadelphia by name. No doubt this was because of the recent drama as opposed to a long earned reputation, as the Liberty have a history riddled with great people, but regardless of that fact, it’s clear that those outside of the Liberty do not have a great sense as to the dedication and optimism that has arisen. In fact, let this be a message to those put off by the answers in Maple’s media or just the word on the street in general: Philadelphia is once again becoming a great home to anyone that would give their heart to it. Keep sleeping on us if you want, but for the others, buy Liberty stock while you can.
RE: Short Reflection on Philly - Pat - 12-13-2020
This article made me feel things. We're lucky to have you as one of our leaders in Philly.
RE: Short Reflection on Philly - Cody - 12-13-2020
Ring the bell!
This is what leadership looks like from a player.
RE: Short Reflection on Philly - 37thchamber - 12-14-2020
(12-13-2020, 04:31 AM)Jimi64 Wrote: When other players were asked anonymously about the worst franchises to play for and which teams would doom your career, there were numerous players that mentioned Philadelphia by name.
This is often how it goes. People who aren't in a locker room will make assumptions based on what they hear outside it.
Even in my final weeks as part of the LR, I didn't think the situation was particularly bad. Just quiet. Which it often was anyway because a lot of us were the irregular activity types on discord. Admittedly, it did look like Philly would need a rebuild of sorts, but turnaround can be super quick in this league. Happened when I went there with Lennox. They'd gone 0-14 the year before, we narrowly missed playoffs my first year.
But you know, some people will have their opinions and no amount of fact will change them. You just gotta keep doing you. Soon the jokes don't make sense and people stfu.