I'm sure everyone is well aware of the lengthy, frustrating issues with Brandon Marshall. And, his latest antics and finally suspension. Below is a letter from a Bronco forum I regularly read and occasionally reply at...MHR. (Mile High Report) This letter speaks volumes to me. My family has experienced 'hard times' in this economy. I thought it was an awesome read if you have the time.
~GO BRONCOS~
What the hell is Brandon Marshall thinking? Alienating a fan base isn't the path toward success when your job is entertainment. Alienating a team isn't bright when when you rely on them to aid your performance. And alienating the people who sign your checks isn't the way to a big pay day in the NFL. I know someone in Denver will read this and maybe they can give him a copy. It sure wouldn't hurt.
Dear Mr Marshall,
Let me paint a picture for you, Mr. Marshall. I am twenty-three years old. I have been working, mostly without pause, since I was seventeen. And for the most part I have been successful.
When things were good I didn't go out and buy an expensive car or rent an expensive place. I kept things within a meager means that I could afford on a single pay check. I had a modest car payment, a modest amount for rent, and modest bills. I planned things out intelligently (or so I thought) and I kept things within reach. Then the economy tanked. I lost my job of three years (I was management) when the company went under. I was without work for three months and cleaned out my savings, but kept up with my various expenses. In a last ditch effort to get off unemployment I took a job selling cars. It was the only thing I could do that could offer me enough hours.
Long story short I wasn't good at it initially and my paychecks were even less than what I was making on unemployment. I was working sixty hour weeks and still didn't make ends meet and I lost my car and nearly my place. I have since pulled my way out of debt, but by eating $.10 ramen noodles and working more than nearly everyone else I know. I do this in an effort to save enough money to finish school and make something of my life. I walk to work daily and make the best of a situation that is less than ideal.
And then I see your video. You're slated to make $2.2 Million this season. You lose more money in one day of being a primadonna then I will make in five months of busting my ass. And you expect anyone in this country to have any sort of sympathy for you? I'm not saying that the people who play football do not deserve their salaries. They bust their ass, too, and worked hard and sacrificed to get where they are. But to lose sight of the blessings you've received is a slap in the face for every hard working person in this country. Not everyone is blessed with your physical attributes, but they make the best of it and go out and work hard to support themselves and their families.
Remember, Mr. Marshall, you are barely older than I am and you are making way more than anyone I know. And in any profession you have to pay your dues. And making a pro bowl goes a long way, but you alone are the cause of the hesitations that prevent you from your big pay day. You can blame it on a lack of trust for those that are above you. You can blame it on an unfair wage vs. your production. You can blame it on a plethora of issues that are neither her nor there. When it comes down to it you could have been a 1st or 2nd round pick, but you weren't because of your off field antics. Your contract could have been much more fruitful going into your career, but you put yourself into situations that created doubts in the minds of those who would pay you. And now Denver can barely get an offer for a fourth round pick for you because you're a liability. There are too many questions surrounding you for anyone to invest too much because they can't count on you to be there for every game because you find trouble. Its the same reason you can't get any endorsements.
Nobody wants a problem child-diva to be the face of their product. Your agent has failed you. Your yes men have failed you. If you want a shot of success you need to change the people around you who build you up when you're being a waste of a roster slot and show you how things really are. The world is an unforgiving place. Grow up.
Sincerely, Christian L
Former Fan
that is a great letter which would be a good idea for all players to read not just Brandon. I think at some point most of them forget the simple things.
- Loryl
on Aug. 29, 2009 at 9:55 PM