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Wow
Normally, the NFL Draft is a bit of an insider’s broadcast. After the first round selections, the repetition begins to overwhelm interest in watching—in effect—the NFL’s annual ‘Groundhog Day.’
But this year’s NFL Draft wasn’t entirely normal, aside from the Cleveland Browns wasting another #1 pick. There was a very special guest announcer.
(Because of the NFL, please click “Watch on YouTube” after initially clicking Play. Then return to Jimmy’s Daily Planet)
That seemingly casual-looking walk is a wonderful showcase of the power of sports.
Pittsburgh Steeler and Ohio State Buckeye Ryan Shazier, who has been recovering from a spinal injury from last December, is living proof of the inspirational nature of the human spirit. Even writing the words “spinal injury” sends a paralyzing chill through one’s body. That pain and accompanying fear are unimaginable for anyone who has not experienced that kind of living hell.
Forget the draft picks, over-saturated analysis and the newly minted millionaires this year. If you remember one thing from the 2018 NFL Draft, remember Ryan Shazier for his movement off the football field.
It’s About to Get Real in Munich
Two European and global footballing giants will battle tomorrow night (2:45 p.m. ET in the U.S.) in Germany:
Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
In last year’s UEFA Champions League quarterfinal brace, Real Madrid toppled then Pep Guardiola’s final squad in Munich 2-1 and then 4-2. Cristiano Ronaldo & Co.—coached by former star player and current star manager Zinedine Zidane—took down the German leaders with an exclamation point on their way to their second Champions League crown in a row.
But now it’s 2018.
And the Bayern Munich treble-winning coach Jupp Heynckes is on the sidelines once more. Since returning last fall, Mr. Heynckes has reinvigorated Bayern Munich into a formidable force after a disastrous spell with Carlo Ancelotti. Perhaps he can guide the Bundesliga champions to another treble? That’s what he was hired to do, after all. He didn’t leave retirement for a place in the Champions League semifinals.
This highly-anticipated matchup is set for tomorrow, which promises to be a showcase of world-class talent on both sides of the pitch.
Real Madrid is pursuing a new Champions League treble of sorts, while Bayern Munich is looking to return to their past treble-winning way.
Bayern Munich Is Not Loyola-Chicago
Lionel Messi and Barcelona did not earn their way into the final four of the UEFA Champions League after a shocking 3-nil defeat against Roma that sent Roma to the semifinals based on away goals. Whoa.
“Of course that was a warning,” Robben told reporters. “It shows that everything can happen in football.”
And you thought college basketball had a monopoly on madness this time of year.
Soccer is the world’s game and one of this sport’s eternal truths is that anything can happen. The biggest clubs can dominate or stumble in spectacular fashion (see above). That’s part of soccer’s beauty. Another part of this sport’s amazing DNA is that–if approached with hard work, tact, talent, and patience–teams can set themselves up to peak at exactly the right time.
Enter the 2017/2018 Bayern Munich squad.
(Click “Watch this video on YouTube” and then return back to Jimmy’s Daily Planet to finish the article!)
Will Bayern Munich win the Champions League en route to another treble under the management of world-class coach Jupp Heynckes? We’ll see soon.
Most pundits have been critical of Bayern Munich this season outside the Bundesliga. Fair points have been made here and there, I suppose. Still, they’ve been tagged–as a result of a few less than stellar/perfect performances–with an underdog tag for the Champions League.
Well, those same “experts” may want to review the tape and “underdog” roster of Bayern Munich one more time…
because Liverpool, Roma, and Real Madrid certainly are.
The draw for the semifinal matchups is this Friday. Stay tuned to Jimmy’s Daily Planet for the must-see fixtures.
P.S. Bayern Munich has dominated the Bundesliga and has qualified for the UEFA Champions League semifinal without Manuel Neuer. Or, in other words, the world’s best goalkeeper. How many other clubs could do that? Just saying.
Happy Thanksgiving
Spending Thanksgiving with family and friends reminds us of the warmth of our relationships, the delicious food that’s brought to the table and the unique hilarity delivered by our family members. For starters, there’s a sign in my parent’s house that reads, “‘Tis the season for forced family fun.” Most of all, this holiday is about settling our rivalries, coming together and being thankful. And in true Thanksgiving fashion, this should happen on the gridiron.
Or at a nearby park.
The Geller Yeller still hasn’t announced the winner.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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