Now that the NFL's 53-man rosters have taken shape, there are still a couple of interesting pubic relations roster conundrums left swirling around the front offices which could rear their heads soon. Namely the possibility of Carli Lloyd becoming the first women ever to play in the NFL and the return of Colin Kaepernick — who many consider the first qualified man to be denied playing in the league.
Both are intriguing issues for both general managers and owners alike, and the signing of one could become a PR dream or nightmare depending on a single foot or a knee.
Both athletes have created controversy in their own regard, Lloyd with her excessive, over-the-top goal celebrations for the US team during the USNWT's 13-0 rout of Thailand in the Women's World Cup and for Kaepernick for his ... well, lack of enthusiasm honoring the country during pre-game National Anthems.
Unlike Kaepernick, Lloyd was lucky enough to actually step onto an NFL practice field this summer and memorably kicked a 55-yard field goal for fun during a joint practice with the Ravens and Eagles.
The kick was recorded on video and created a lot of buzz.
Thank you to the @Eagles for having me out! Thanks to @JustinTuck @jake_elliott22 @MayorRandyBrown for the good time and tips! 🏈 🎯 #55yd pic.twitter.com/owZ16f46Th— Carli Lloyd (@CarliLloyd) August 20, 2019
The FIFA Player of the Year split not only the uprights in the highly publicized video, but divided the debate of women kicking in a man's sport into two separate parties. Interesting concept was how some saw it, while others cited Lloyd's size and lack of football experience more than gender as major obstacles to overcome. She also took two extra steps to the ball before nailing the kick. Age is also a factor. Thirty-seven years old is also pretty old for any NFL player ... even kickers.
"Is there a female that possesses all those qualities and is good enough to be there, sure, why not?," she said afterwards. "I'm not trying to be a running back or a quarterback," Lloyd told the NFL Network. "That would be an epic fail. But I do know I can kick a ball very well."
A couple of unnamed teams reportedly had conversations with Lloyd regarding the opportunity to try out as a kicker. She declined due to previous soccer game engagements, but it doesn't sound like she's given up or doesn't have the support to pursue this challenge.
Last week, NFL Hall of Fame kicker Morton Anderson posted a video to Lloyd saying, "I'd love to work with you." Not many people get the chance to train with the Great Dane and the offer is still on the table. Sooo ...
There were a lot of naysayers on Twitter, but one of the most viewed tweets was by Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen who wasn't as accommodating: "Sound sweet til somebody block kick and all of a sudden she on defense" he began, with a few hysterically laughing emojis for emphasis.
A couple of unnamed teams reportedly had conversations with Lloyd regarding the opportunity to try out as a kicker. She declined due to previous soccer game engagements, but it doesn't sound like she's given up or doesn't have the support to pursue this challenge.
Last week, NFL Hall of Fame kicker Morton Anderson posted a video to Lloyd saying, "I'd love to work with you." Not many people get the chance to train with the Great Dane and the offer is still on the table. Sooo ...
There were a lot of naysayers on Twitter, but one of the most viewed tweets was by Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen who wasn't as accommodating: "Sound sweet til somebody block kick and all of a sudden she on defense" he began, with a few hysterically laughing emojis for emphasis.
Sound sweet til somebody block the kick and all of a sudden she on defense😂. Would be like the stampede scene in the lion king movie 😂😂 . She do got a boot tho! https://t.co/K8VxnHp6gB— Keenan Allen (@Keenan13Allen) August 27, 2019
As for Kaepernick, the NFL pariah can't even get a job as a sideline water boy. According to collusion conspiracies, the former 49er still remains a free agent solely for his role in igniting a anti-police brutality movement during the 2016 season, but even President Trump, who criticized the activist quarterback as "unpatriotic" in the past threw in his own extra point about NFL owners.
"If he's good enough, I know these people, they would sign him in a heartbeat," he said. They will do anything to win games."
You wouldn't know it by the current rosters of the NFL. The Broncos, Cowboys, Jaguars, Vikings, Browns and Bills all have unproven backup quarterbacks or nobody at all. It will be interesting to see if any team breaks the so-called invisible wall.
As always, it's a game of musical chairs with kickers in the NFL. The Jets, Buccaneers and Bears are just a few of the teams who are desperate for a reliable kicker, and there will probably be at least another half-dozen teams looking for replacements before the end of the season. Is Lloyd the answer to a legitimate problem or a public relations freak show? There are probably a hundred men's college soccer players who could kick a 55-yard field goal in a practice setting with nobody bearing down from the scrimmage line. Bigger, stronger guys who don't need two extra steps to push it through.
And of Kaepernick? Well, two years is a long layoff despite all of his workout videos and his days out of the NFL clock.
These are two individuals with probably a 50/50 support along divided battle lines who could make or break a team's fan base. One representing experience, but building a wall between politics, the other untested, but breaking down barriers.
And of Kaepernick? Well, two years is a long layoff despite all of his workout videos and his days out of the NFL clock.
These are two individuals with probably a 50/50 support along divided battle lines who could make or break a team's fan base. One representing experience, but building a wall between politics, the other untested, but breaking down barriers.
So who is more likely to don an NFL uniform this season?
I'm guessing neither.
I'm guessing neither.
