So you're saying that every team has an underrated player who works hard every day on the field but isn't given the glory and recognition they deserve? Heck, that pretty much sounds like me. Ever since I got traded to New Orleans things have been pretty messed up, like the owner didn't or anybody in office didn't even talk to me for like an entire month. I literally had no idea what was going on, but I still showed up every day to practice and put in as much work as I can. Then I get called up to New Orleans and for some reason I'm put behind in the depth chart when in reality I would probably be thriving. Apparently there was a backdoor deal to give someone else more playing time. Like man come on. Now they be blowing up my phone every day trying to get me to extend with them and I just hit ignore tbh.
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When looking at underrated players, this is a very difficult conversation, however, if I had to select one, it would be without a doubt myself, Malik Brooks. If you go back to my DSFL days, the touches that I got were few and far between. My prior team (Bondi Beach) was quite admittedly “live or die by the pass” and as a running back, that is the last thing you want to hear day in and day out. While I am all for teams honing in on their niche and game planning into that style, it’s pretty demotivating as a running back brought into that system be used you’re never used. Unfortunately, due to my lack of usage I dropped in the draft because I was not a highly regarded player, regardless of my max earner status. Aside from my DSFL career, as a rookie I was in rookie of the year contention for 90% of my first season, but unfortunately as the later portion of the rolled into town… my snaps declined and I lost my footing in the rookie of the year conversation. While I am not one to often care about awards, it is a rewarding win to count yourself as one of the best in the game. Regardless of this, Brooks is very underestimated and is still waiting for proper usage before a continued breakout is imminent. Hopefully I will get some time to shine soon, and even at that, I have about 150 TPE that I have banked buy was never told to spend them for months.
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For me, it's Crasher Wake without a doubt. Our linebacker who keeps the entire defense in the right formations, calls the plays, and makes sure that everyone is doing their job. They're putting up nice stats, yes, with 50 tackles but what separates them is their incredible versatility. You'd expect a linebacker to get a lot of tackles, but Wake also has four sacks, seven PD, and an interception. That just shows the type of competitor and teammate they are. They can do it all and are the true lifeblood of our entire defensive team. And honestly, the team itself. There's just an energy that they bring to the locker room on a daily basis that cannot be described. When you see how hard they work not just at their craft, but in the offseason and even things like film study and practice, it makes you want to be that type of player. It fuels a fire in all of us and is proof that there are certain players that can change the entire complexion of a roster. Wake certainly fits that bill.
I think the most underrated dude that is apart of the Berlin Fire Salamanders team is our water boy Bubba. Bubba isn't technically a player that steps on the field but he is what keeps this team going and moving and is considered family amongst us all so he is apart of the team. Bubba is always there for all us if we need something like water for example he is there on the dot. We just gotta say BUBBA and he is there for us. If we lost our gloves or cleats he is running into the locker room to get us another pair. If its a bad practice or game and the mood just seems a little low bubba is there to cheer us up and put us in a good mood. We need our shoes ties since they came undone bubba will always be there. Bubba is the star of this team and we wouldn't be the same without him.
Every team has an unsung hero, the one who makes the team work behind the scenes and is a Wilkins type player. For NOLA, that person is Sonny Johnson, @Sonny. Sonny is my defensive tackle teammate and I cannot be more elated to have him as a teammate as he is an All Purpose DT meaning that he balanced at everything: pass rush, run stopping, and pressures! Whenever I miss a tackle, I'm not worried because I know Sonny will be there to clean up the mistake. In addition, in the locker room, Sonny is a great vibe and someone that always brings the energy no matter what, not to mention his edits and graphics are second to none in this league. It was a great opportunity that we were able to get at a steal in the second as he clearly is a first round talent. I cannot wait to see what accolodaes he will win with us and how much more impactful he will get with us!
Norfolk has been off to a slow start this season. But it’s plain as day to see that the engines are warming up. Norfolk is playing a high level of football and clearly prepared to make a champion push. While looking to repeat, Norfolk is trying to do it with a different team then last season. They lost stalwarts on both the offense and defense. This season they see season 43 players begin to take the reigns, but there are also a lot of rookies that are contributing to Norfolk’s success, flying under the radar in terms of recognition. One under-appreciated player I’d like to highlight is Diego Lopez de Castillo, Norfolk’s new WR2. Last season’s WR 2, Tyler Hunt, has stepped into Stetson David’s empty shoes at WR1, leaving a void in the high powered Norfolk passing offense. Someone needed to step up and take those targets, and with 592 receiving yards (good for 7th in the DSFL) Lopez de Castillo has stepped up.
One of the hardest working groups on our team has to be the hogs up front. They never get any credit and they are the main reason we win each week. I would definitely not be putting up the numbers or having as much success as I am having if it was not for those linemen up front. They are big communicators and have helped me through my rookies years and we have become pretty close. Our run game has been phenomenal all season and have revitalized Michaelangelo's career. I think the next group that does not get enough credit is our defense. They have really saved me when I have made a costly turnover. They are always there to make a stop when we need them. The defense has been a huge focal point since I have been in New York and I have to say these guys are the best. There is nobody better.
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