As of late, Latino players have dominated the NFL storylines for a variety of reasons. Whether it was Victor Cruz salsa-ing all the way to the bank or Aaron Hernandez being led away in cuffs, Latino players have kept their names in the media for both right and wrong reasons. With the new season quickly approaching, let’s take a look at some of the players who have captured fans’ attention and see what needs to be done to make 2013 more than a tabloid headline.
Victor Cruz – New York Giants, Wide Receiver
Cruz definitely had a busy offseason. The fourth-year pass catcher was shown the money in a big way inking a six-year $45.879 million deal. He celebrated his huge contract the way any wide receiver worth his salt would: by creating unneeded controversy. Cruz apologized for a less than kosher tweet aimed at George Zimmerman after the Trayvon Martin verdict was announced. This mini-controversy shouldn’t diminish Cruz. He has been finally compensated and has long been one of the NFL’s most dangerous weapons. You add Eli Manning to the mix and the fact that you can’t double-team Cruz because of Hakeem Nicks, you have the recipe for a 100-catch season. All that being said, with big money comes big responsibility. At his current price point anything less than a play-off or Super Bowl-worthy season will be deemed a failure in the eyes of the notorious New York press.
Tony Gonzalez – Atlanta Falcons, Tight End
To be honest, we didn’t think we’d be including Mr. Gonzalez on this year’s list because the 2012 season was supposed to be his final in what has been a storied career. But something happened on the way to retirement, Gonzalez and the Falcons had quite the 2012 season. They came just one game away from the Super Bowl losing to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game. Perhaps getting so close is what has Gonzalez coming back for a 17th season. The Falcons should greatly benefit from the surefire Hall-Of-Famer and his 93 catches last season, bolstering what could be football’s most explosive receiving core. Also with Ray Lewis gone, Gonzalez can now borrow the “Player of Destiny” title and propel the Falcons to their first Super Bowl since 1999. It will also get Gonzalez that hardware that would be the icing on the cake to a great career.
Aaron Hernandez – New England Patriots, Former Tight End
This is perhaps the most serious and saddening of the bunch. Hernandez was once a burgeoning star on the Patriots, a 2011 Pro-Bowl selection, with an appearance in the 2011 Super Bowl. The 6’1 245lb TE formed part of an offense with Rob Grankoswki and Tom Brady that was downright scary. At just 23, it appeared as if his best football had yet to be played. While this may still be the case, Hernandez is now TMZ’s new favorite jail pen pal. The former tight end was arrested for alleged murder of Odin Lloyd. Footage of the brawny former player with the supposed murder weapon has surfaced. With evidence mounting, the public is already condemning Hernandez to the All-Prison yard team before he goes to trial. Clearly Hernandez has bigger obstacles to overcome than football. First and foremost he’ll need to overcome his legal issues. If he does, then perhaps a road back to the NFL as he has vowed, could happen. However, it will be a long and tenuous one.
Mark Sanchez – New York Jets, Quarterback
Just under four years ago, Sanchez was being hailed as the savior for the Jets, with monikers such as
“The Chosen One” and “The Sanchize” being bestowed on him. For the first two years he seemed to back it up with two consecutive trips to the AFC Championship. However, it’s been downhill since then. Sanchez has become known more for partying like Joe Namath as evidenced by the video released online, but he hasn’t played much like the exalted star of yesteryear. In 2012 Sanchez had the worst year of his career culminating in the infamous “butt fumble” that has remained etched in our memories thanks to the greatness of YouTube. Off the field more YouTube videos showed more butts. The Jets have taken notice and their drafting of Geno Smith to compete for the QB job was the biggest no confidence vote to date. In 2013 Sanchez has got to compete for and win the QB position. Seniority and knowledge of the offense should edge Sanchez over rookie Smith to start the season, but he’s got to deliver the goods in 2013 or rest assured with the Jets looking to rebuild they will certainly call Smith’s number before the season ends.
