So, Andrew Luck - Stanford's QB and the most likely #1 pick in this year's NFL draft - has elected to stay in school for his senior year. And you would think that he just decided to embrace communism the way some people are talking.
I personally love it. College is one of those special times that you just can't get back. Barring a horrific injury, the NFL will be there for him next year. So what if he's not the #1 pick? He will be a first round choice and do very well. The NFL knows talent and won't penalize him for staying in school. They'll just be looking at the numbers. So, good for him. And it's not like he won't have a STANFORD degree to fall back on if he needs it.
But no, some people are saying how stupid he is for making this decision. These are probably the same people that lose sleep when the star on their team does elect to leave school for the professional ranks early. They are the ones that ask for loyalty and beg these players to come back, help their team and earn their degree. But now they think he's a fool for passing up the dollar?
So, which is it? Do you want them to be loyal or should they take the money and run? Everyday people can debate this because they will never have the chance to make the decision.
Like I said, I love it. Good for you Andrew Luck. I will be rooting for you and the Cardinal next season (with or without Jim Harbaugh - but that is another blog). You are a shining example for our young people. We are always saying that money isn't everything, and you prove it. You should do things for the love of the game, or the love of whatever occupation you are in, if you're lucky enough to have that opportunity. And it doesn't hurt that he is actually fulfilling his role as a student-athlete as well.
Now, I would not have been at all surprised if he would have made the other choice. The dream to play on Sundays and to make an obscene amount of money is about to be fulfilled. And I wouldn't have had any problem with his choice. In fact, there wouldn't be any discussion about it because, unfortunately, his decision not to go pro is the exception, not the rule.
But to all the naysayers, give it a rest. He made his decision and I'm reasonably certain he's happy with it. Can you give me one example where a player that decided to stay in school has later said he regretted that decision? I know we can find numerous examples of players that have left college early and wish they had stayed. Let him enjoy being a college kid for one more year, away from the even more intense glare he'll face as a pro.
Make a point to tell your kids about Andrew Luck - the kid who chose to finish his education, something we all say we want for our kids. He's going to receive his degree and still take his God-given talent to the next level. But for most athletes, it ends not even in college, but in high school. We must instill a pride in education. It's just not a wise gamble (or realistic) to think your kid will be the less than one percent of one percent that makes it as a pro.
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