By Alex Tronnes June 1, 2013 10:00 PM EST

Nearly four years ago, arguably the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jeffrey Jordan, stood at a podium in Springfield Massachusetts and said;

"I don't look at this moment as a defining end to my relationship with the game of basketball. It's simply a continuation of something that I started a long time ago. One day you might look up and see me playing the game at 50. Oh don't laugh. Never say never. Because limits, like fears are often just an illusion. Thank you very much. Looking forward to it."

This was Jordan's well publicized closing to his acceptance speech while being enshrined into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. While many laughed off the notion of Jordan coming back and playing at 50, I can't help but to look at the situation a little deeper. If you bring a couple factors into consideration, the move makes more sense now than ever, and as the greatest ever said himself, he's looking forward to it.

No doubt one of the most frustrating sports topics this year was the Derrick Rose injury watch. The star Point Guard and 2011 NBA M.V.P. of the Chicago Bulls faced unrelenting criticism this season while coming back from a devastating knee injury suffered in last season's playoffs. On one hand, people felt that as the face of the franchise, and a young face at that (24), Rose should take as much time as possible to make his return and assure the injury was completely healed. However on the other hand, many fans and pundits believe otherwise, continually saying disparaging things about the young man while he struggled to return to the court.

While it was true that team doctors gave Rose the green light to return near the end of this latest season, he felt the mental side of his game, namely the confidence in his new knee, wasn't close enough to where he could help the team. In this day of speedy recoveries (thanks Adrian Peterson), the pressure to return from injury for players has risen to nearly unfair levels of expectation. The only thing that kept some fans from turning against Rose was the fact that the Bulls were surprisingly winning without him. You would think this would buy the star point-guard more time to heal, but that sentiment ended once the Bulls progressed to the second round of the playoffs and ran into the powerhouse Miami Heat.

Let's get something straight. Rose hadn't played a single game all season. To expect him to lace up his shoes and step on the court, in a potential seven game series against the regular season's best team would be ridiculous. Not to mention the success the Bulls were having to that point represented a comfort level and chemistry the current lineup had built without him. That surely would've been stirred up with Rose's return, for better or for worse. At the end of the day it may end up being the best decision of his young career to wait for next season to return.

But what happens when he does come back? The anticipation to return to his original form is going to be greater than ever. The attention surrounding him and the Bulls at the beginning of the 2013-14 season will garner endless media attention and countless pundits sharing their commentary on his progress back. If only there was something else for the Chicago and National media to cover while Rose gets readjusted...

Enter Michael Jordan stage left.

Now before you blow off this notion as a complete pipe-dream, let's look at some of the indicators this is even possible. First, there's obviously Jordan's comments during his Hall of Fame speech. Claiming we may see him play at 50 years old it only takes a quick peak at a calender to realize Jordan will still be 50 when the 2013-14 season starts at the end of October. When is Jordan's 51st birthday you may be asking? February 17th, or in basketball terms the day after the 2013-14 NBA All-Star weekend comes to a close.

This bold proclamation by Jordan not only aligns with the beginning of this season, but also leaves him with a perfect exit strategy in case 51 year-old Jordan decides playing an entire season may be out of the question. But if he were to join the Bulls, the first half of the season may be all they need from him. The media and cynical fans alike would all but forget about Rose's return and allow him the time to regain his form as Jordan collects the spotlight. This surreal situation could then come to an end during a final farewell ceremony at the All-Star game, maybe even having Jordan participating as a "Legend" in my Slam Dunk Contest format. (See article on my dunk contest brainchild )

The next question we'd have to answer to complete this dream scenario is if the retired icon could even physically keep up in today's NBA. But I'd challenge you to tell him he can't. In perhaps the best piece about Jordan I've ever read, "Michael Jordan Has Not Left the Building ", the author Wright Thompson discusses how Jordan lost 13 pounds in nine days after a vacation. He also believes he won't stop at 248 pounds, instead aiming for 218; his old playing weight. 

There's also the story about Jordan playing one-on-one with a player on the Charlotte Bobcats, the team Jordan currently owns and chairs. While it was a mystery for awhile, it was finally revealed that the player was Michael Kidd-Gilchrist , the second overall pick for the Bobcats in the 2012 NBA Draft. That's right, the projected second best player coming out of college couldn't beat Jordan in a pick up game. That either indicates that the Bobcats are continuing their trend of bad play, or that the fiery Jordan still has something left in the tank, even at 50. 

This monumental comeback would not just help Chicago in terms of publicity and viewership, but rather the entire league. At a time where the league is fielding more talented teams than in recent memory, the 2013-14 season may have already been in for historic numbers. Add the return of the games greatest player of all time to the mix and David Stern will be giving the fans all they can ask for in his last season as NBA Commissioner. 

Now will any of this actually happen? In all likelihood, no. But as passionate fans often are, I'm a dreamer. Whether this dream was brought on by sleep or pipe, I think it would be an incredible event in the history of sports. Derrick Rose gets the pressure taken off him, fans get a story to tell their grand kids, David Stern leaves the league on a high note, and Jordan gets the closure of knowing he backed up his once laughed at proposition. Those who think this isn't possible, I'll leave you with another quote from the g.o.a.t. himself;

"I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying."  -MJ

-A-Train-

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By Alex Tronnes May 30, 2013 02:00 PM EST

Wednesday night marked an important step in my insertion into the Tampa Bay sports scene. After living in the area for nearly three years now, I finally made it over to Al Lang Stadium in beautiful St. Petersburg to watch the Tampa Bay Rowdies defend the Bay. I could not have picked a better game to be my first. In a third round match up for this year's U.S. Open Cup, the Rowdies, who currently play in the North American Soccer League, met one of Major League Soccer's best teams in the Seattle Sounders. The game represented a great chance for the Rowdies to not only test their skills against a true competitor, but also get the opportunity to garner national attention in the chance they could pull off a victory. Needless to say, "Ralph's Mob" and the Rowdies showed up ready for a fight.

Walking up to the box office on this cool May night, my anticipation for a great match was quickly building. Echoing throughout the area surrounding Al Lang Stadium was the sound of beating drums and chanting fans. I would soon learn that Ralph's Mob, the teams faithful followers, were responsible for the spirited ambiance. Watching a soccer match with the sound of passionate fans adding a chorus of support in the background adds an unmeasurable energy to the game, and no doubt gives the on-field action a heartbeat.

The Mob was even good for some comic relief when their chants began targeting the section of Seattle fans in attendance (about 15 or so). Included in their songbook was my personal favorite; "To hell, to hell with Seattle, To hell, to hell with Seattle, To hell, to hell with Seattle, the cesspool of the West!".

The living soundtrack of the stadium was just the beginning of Al Lang's unique atmosphere. Behind the stands you can see the masts of boats docked at the bay, and the image of them swaying in the evening breeze provides the stadium a unique waterfront location. This succeeds in giving a field full of intensity, a relaxing backdrop that encompasses the essence of St. Pete.

This style is also evident at the opposite corner of the stadium where there is a grassy area surrounded with some of Florida's trademark palm trees. The area was filled with children playing the night away, realizing little that they may be the future of the teams fan base.

There was one more moment in which I knew I'd be coming to another Rowdies game soon. Upon first entering the stadium and walking past the concession stand I saw something that instantly made me feel classier being a fan of soccer. Import beer being sold. Not just the watered-down domestic trash that every other sporting venue is complacent in serving. Not sure if it's the foreign demographic soccer tends to draw that prompted this beautiful offering of beverages, or if the distributors are just trying to keep up with the hipster soccer fan, but either way I like it.

The game itself continued the theme of an all around great experience. Although the forecast called for rain in the Bay area, it stayed dry, and the Rowdies proved capable of weathering the storm anyway. The first half was mostly uneventful besides what seemed like 30 whistles in the last 30 seconds of the half but something tells me the Rowdies were more than happy with the first 45 minutes of play and subsequent 0-0 score. As the players headed back to the locker room the sound of "Sweet Caroline" came over the speakers along with a few drunken renditions from the crowd, marking the close of the first half.

The first real excitement came around the 56th minute when the Sounders put together an attack that looked promising until a Seattle forward fired a shot at the goal that sailed at least 20 feet too high and almost careened into the children playing in the grassy area. Perhaps it was seeing their future fans in danger that finally woke the Rowdies up as the intensity of the game seemed to rise significantly thereafter.

Only a couple minutes after that misguided shot, the Sounders again strung together an impressive attack which caused the Rowdies Goalkeeper Diego Restrepo to come off his line and make a challenge on an attacker that had entered the box. After being clearly shaken up after the collision and resulting  save, Restrepo rose to his feet and provided another great save on the following corner.

This strong defensive series gave way to the offense attempting to match this effort. In the 66th minute Rowdies Midfielder and 2-time NASL Champion, Luke Mulholland, made a series of great moves into the Sounders box and delivered a near perfect cross in front of goal, sadly without a teammate there to put the ball in the net. Although a letdown, this play clearly showed the momentum building in the Rowdies favor, and Mulholland surely wasn't finished.

The scoreless streak would end in the 75th minute. In an example of near perfect touches, Luke Mulholland fielded a pass in front of him in the Sounders box and took a running right-footed shot on goal. Seattle Goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann was able to get a finger on the laser shot that would've been enough to redirect the ball an inch outside of the far post if it wasn't for Rowdies Forward Georgi Hristov being in the right place to accurately deflect the ball into the back of the net. Once that goal was scored I began to agree with the chorus Ralph's Mob was chanting; "I believe that we will win".  

The climax of the action came in the 84th minute when heart-rates throughout the stands spiked. On a Sounders corner kick, the ball found it's way past the Rowdies Goalkeeper. However no goal was scored. Rowdies Midfielder Jordan Gafa was positioned behind Diego Restrepo on the goal line and in a split second decision, with the ball well on it's way into the net, Gafa managed to punch it off the line and out of harms way. Receiving a red card for this handball, Gafa in essence gave himself up to save a goal. This scenario of losing a player in exchange for a goal would only prove successful if Restrepo could save the impeding penalty kick.

Up to the line stepped Obafemi Martins , a Nigerian footballer new to the Sounders, equipped with experience playing professionally in both the English and Russian Premier Leagues. In other words, the last person the Rowdies wanted taking the penalty kick. In the second round of the U.S. Open Cup, Goalkeeper Diego Restrepo saved a penalty kick that ended up being vital in the Rowdies 2-1 upset over crosstown rivals VSI Tampa Bay . Here he would be asked to make perhaps another game saving stop.

As Martins approached the ball for his shot, Restrepo started leaning right. He also managed to guess right. Martins blasted a low flying shot that Restrepo dove correctly towards and strongly deflected it out behind the goal. The stands erupted in the loudest applause of the evening, knowing that Gafa's decision to stop the Sounders goal, even at the cost of leaving the game, was worth it. Restrepo survived a couple more corners and the seemingly never ending five minutes of stoppage time to finish the game as the hero for the second round in a row.

This win will propel Tampa Bay into the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup where they will meet yet another MLS team from the upper Northwest in the Portland Timbers . If they can record another win, the Rowdies may be well on their way back to their glory days. Victories like this are vital to a team playing in a smaller league such as the NASL. The Rowdies have a rich history in the Tampa Bay area and having a successful team back in existence can be a real draw in the community. If the Rowdies can keep providing upsets when matched against "better" opponents, they'll no doubt put Tampa on the map of possible MLS expansion locations right alongside Miami and Orlando.

I would give my first Tampa Bay Rowdies experience an A+ for sure. Everything from the play on the field, to Al Lang Stadium's phenomenal presentation, made for a great evening and a great soccer game. I'll leave you with my favorite Ralph's Mob chant of the night; "Tampa Bay we are here, Gettin' Rowdie, drinkn' beer!" Music to this new Rowdies fan's ears...

-A-Train-

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By Alex Tronnes May 23, 2013 02:00 PM EST

Where's Dave Chappelle when you need him? If you answered Africa, you may be right. But if you think that comment had anything to do with race, you either aren't familiar with the career of comedian Dave Chappelle, or you stand to benefit the most from reading this article.

Let me start by setting the scene for what has become this week's hot topic in sports. It's no secret that PGA Tour golfers Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia do not like each other. There have been several instances in the past involving slight barbs between the two, but the feud finally spilled over onto the course at this year's Players Championship . During the second hole of the third round, while paired with Woods, Garcia claims he was distracted during his back swing by the crowd reacting to Woods pulling a club from his bag.

     

Now as someone who actively tries to come up with funny ways to distract golfing partners in their back swing, I can't roll my eyes enough over Garcia's accusation. Having said that, even if Tiger can't be held responsible for the crowds reaction, this is the PGA Tour, and the highest level of competitive integrity is vital.

Needless to say, by the end of the day both golfers had seen plenty of each other, and had plenty to comment about on the incident, which would only provide more fuel for their rivalry's fire. The sports media quickly took sides in this argument and seemingly every angle of this story was dissected. That was until this past Tuesday night, when the hostility reached a controversial level. While at a dinner banquet for the European Tour players, Garcia was asked if he would invite Woods to dinner during the U.S. Open . His response was poorly thought-out to say the least.

"We will have him round every night. We will serve fried chicken." -Sergio Garcia

This simple statement has energized ESPN over the past couple of days, leading to every "talking-head" at the network commenting on how outrageously malicious and racially insensitive the remarks were. While I agree Garcia knew exactly what he was implying, I also think the reaction to the quote in some ways empowers it and makes it worse.

Let's break this down. Garcia said he'd serve Tiger Woods fried chicken. For some reason liking fried chicken has become a racial stereotype attributed to African Americans in this culture. Therefore the media has deemed Garcia's remarks as borderline racist. But let's go further down this rabbit hole.

What makes this a stereotype? Is fried chicken just intrinsically linked to the black community? Or is the stereotype still present because it keeps getting reaffirmed in the public's mind by situations like this. Giving this much attention to an idiot's remarks only builds upon the negativity he was trying to articulate.

Dave Chappelle would be the ultimate interview regarding this story. In more than one of his stand-up specials Chappelle tackles the idea that chicken is a racially charged food. After seeing this clip I'm left to wonder if Sergio Garcia has ever waited tables in Mississippi. He sure displays the proper ignorance for the job.

So let's play this situation off as it is. An ignorant statement, by an ignorant individual. Anything more attributed to Garcia's remarks is not only a waste of time, but also just serves to strengthen a stereotype that never made sense in the first place.

Now that we've condemned Garcia, let's turn our attention to the folks reacting. Tiger was quick to respond over Twitter saying;

"The comment that was made wasn't silly. It was wrong, hurtful and clearly inappropriate..." -Tiger Woods

There's no doubt in my mind that the comments Garcia made were wrong and clearly inappropriate. But for some reason I have a problem with Tiger calling the comments "hurtful". Let's remember, even though Garcia may have been making a racial reference in his comment, it was a stereotype about liking a certain (delicious) food. To call the stereotype about fried chicken hurtful, would be like a white guy saying it's hurtful to be told he couldn't dance. Some stereotypes are more innocent than others, and liking a food, or lacking in dance moves both would fall under that category for me.

So Tiger, stop it. You weren't "hurt" by the comments. If anything you probably smiled bigger than anyone else when hearing them. After all, in today's hyper sensitive media, these comments will no doubt follow Garcia around for a long time and Tiger will come out on top as the sympathetic figure. I would've been more impressed if Tiger had responded with suggesting a popular Spanish food for dinner instead. But then of course we would've been arguing more about a dinner menu than race, and a debate over race will always have more viewers tuning in. 

At the end of the day what do we take from this story? Do we become more divided and talk about how fried chicken is creating racial tension. Or do we discuss how stupid or obnoxious a stereotype is, in the hopes of robbing it of it's power. I'm hoping for the latter. In the meantime let's all grab some fried chicken for dinner, it's pretty good; and that's coming from a white guy.

Alex -A-Train- Tronnes

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By Alex Tronnes May 09, 2013 02:00 PM EST

After watching the Chicago Bulls get dismantled in their Game 2 match-up against the Miami Heat last night, I was left with one underlining thought regarding the officiating; let the boys play ref. No matter the sport, officiating is often questioned by fans and media members alike, especially once playoff time rolls around. But after last night's excessive display of "disciplinary" action, as a fan I'm feeling as though I'm the one being punished.

Wednesday night's clash ended with nine technical fouls being handed out along with two ejections. Most of which were given out on plays where "playoff intensity" could surely be the culprit for the physical playing style. This was the largest amount of technical fouls in a NBA playoff game since 1995, but in an ironic twist most of these calls probably wouldn't have been made during that era. 

Perhaps this tightly called game is an example of the league protecting it's image. Afterall, David Stern was one of the first major sports Commissioners to mandate a league dress code, theoretically to move away from the "thug" image that many had of the NBA following the Malice in the Palace . But to rob the game of the competitive nature that took the sport to the level it is now would be a mistake.

Arguably one of the best ESPN "30 for 30" films displays the point I'm trying to make. "Winning Time: Reggie Miller vs. the New York Knicks" reminds us what it means to be a true trash-talker. Sports can be broken down into two levels; mental and physical. Reggie Miller was a perfect example of a player that was talented in both areas. Whether it was through physical play or mental cage-rattling, Miller would find an advantage over his competitors, and keep fans entertained in the process. No matter what image the league is looking for, fans appreciate intensity, and last time I checked fans fill the seats.

There are countless examples of classic playoff series in the past where intensity levels were tested, but referees ultimately would refrain from interrupting the pure display of competitive emotion fans love. What the viewer is left with is a chippy, hard fought game where the winner would not only be the best physically but also have the strongest mental fortitude to resist the temptation to act out and potentially hinder his team. By calling a technical foul as often as the officiating group did last night, you're robbing the players of the chance to play the mental game along with the physical.

So where can we see this type of intensity allowed? Look no further than the NHL Playoffs. 

As a casual hockey fan I tune into the occasional game and relish the speed and physical style in which the sport is played (displayed above). Watching a playoff game the other night however showed why the NHL is a different monster once the race for the cup begins. Hit after hit, I would wait to hear a referees whistle blow, and to my delight it seldom did. This would leave the fans in the arena jumping to their feet and getting more emotionally involved in the game after every blow. If NHL playoff games were called as tightly as last nights Bulls/Heat game, hockey would surely lose the type of genuine intensity that has kept it one of the most exciting post-seasons in sports. 

Now obviously I understand that it's important for an official to keep control of a game and that sometimes means calling fouls in an attempt to defuse rough play. But at some point we have to let the "professional" athlete be responsible enough to make the right decision during a heated exchange or physical interaction. Not only will the flow of the game not be interrupted by calling a reactionary foul call, but also the players will be able to play loose and more passionately knowing a "tech" won't be handed out when a little contact is given in the lane after some jawing led to it.

It will be interesting to see how the referees call Game 3 of the Bulls/Heat series Friday night, but one things for sure; intensity is not a bad thing for playoff basketball. The sooner the NBA and their officials realize that, the sooner their playoff games will tap the type of competitive force that's commonplace in the NHL playoffs.

-A-Train-

@SportsDrain

   

By Alex Tronnes March 23, 2013 02:00 PM EST

"Dear Alex,

It is my pleasure to inform you that you have been admitted to Florida Gulf Coast University."

That was the opening to my college acceptance letter I received from Florida Gulf Coast University almost seven years ago. After the Eagles upset victory in the NCAA Tournament last night over the Georgetown Hoyas , it's safe to say many students may be hoping to receive that same letter next semester. Potentially more than ever before. 

The Georgetown Hoyas, being in the perennial powerhouse Big East Conference , saw more than their share of talented opponents all season and still managed an impressive 24-5 record while finishing second place in their conference. FGCU meanwhile had to win the Atlantic Sun's Conference tournament to hope to get an automatic bid to the big dance. They managed to do just that.  

Not many basketball fans thought twice when filling out their March Madness brackets when it came to picking a winner between the 15 seed Florida Gulf Coast and 2 seed Georgetown. According to ESPN.com's figures only 3% of online brackets selected the virtual unknown to move on. Despite the lack of faith around the country the boys from the 239 didn't plan on backing down.

So here we were last night given a chance to see what the Atlantic Sun Conference's Player of the Year, Sherwood Brown , could do when the lights were brightest. He only responded by leading the team in points and rebounds en route to one of the biggest tournament upsets in recent memory. What's even more impressive is the fashion in which FGCU got the job done. During the game the Eagles' players showed off an array of awe inspiring dunks and alley-oops that would convince even Wesley Snipes that white men can indeed jump.  

Their performance has taken a young school, having held it's first classes in 1997, and put it dead smack in the middle of the national media spotlight. What was a feel good story about even making the tournament has now turned into the single most important week in the University's entire existence. Between the fashion in which they won, and the historic ramifications of the upset, media outlets everywhere are focusing on the potential Cinderella team. The type of publicity the school will get over the next 24 hours is going to be exactly what the college needs to build it's name nationally and in turn build it's student body even further.

Much of recruiting is based on a schools reputation and past success. If you're a talented basketball player from say New York, who's looking at smaller school's to attend, would you not take a peak at the team showing up on all these highlights and boasting stories of beach front dormitories? This idea is also extended to the student body in general. It will be interesting to see if enrollment in the college spikes this upcoming semester, but if it does I think it's fair to say we know why. 

In this year's NCAA Tournament field any team can get hot and make a run. After last night's pseudo dunk contest, it may not be crazy to think that team could be Florida Gulf Coast. But even if the boys in blue slip up tomorrow and lose, the college as a whole has already won. Every program needs a launching point before it can become great. If you watched the game yesterday you may have just witnessed that launch. Tune in to TBS tomorrow night at 7:10 to see if the Eagles will keep soaring.... 

                                  

                                                                                                      -A-Train-

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By Alex Tronnes March 17, 2013 02:00 PM EST

In honor of St. Patrick's Day I thought I'd make a list of 10 athletes that have a little Irish inspiration to them. So if you're not too drunk off green beer yet, check out the list below and let me know who I may have left off.

Jeff "Green" - Boston Celtics

Figured I'd start with an obvious choice, by name and team. Playing in his sixth NBA season, Forward Jeff Green has been instrumental in the Boston Celtic's success since Rajon Rondo went down with an injury. Boston has won seven of it's last nine games and are making a push for a playoff spot partly thanks to Green's high level of play. But if the Celtics hope to make noise in the postseason, they're going to need that shamrock logo to be luckier than ever.

Danica "Patrick" - NASCAR Driver

This may be the most Irish name of the entire list. For those not familiar with Danica Patrick, you should check out this other piece I wrote. Patrick has been blazing the trail for female athletes everywhere. Earlier this year she became the first woman ever to start on the pole at the Daytona 500 and also became the first woman to lead a lap in the race, all while posting the highest finish for a female ever at eighth.

"Patrick" Kane - Chicago Blackhawks

If luck is a theme of St. Patrick's Day, than this other Patrick fits right in on this list. The NHL's Chicago Blackhawks are off to an outstanding 23-2-3 record and Kane has a lot to do with their historic start. He leads the team in both Goals (15) and Assists (19) and has quickly become one of hockey's most electric young players. Pretty soon Chicago fans will be calling him Saint Patrick.

A.J. "Green" - Cincinnati Bengals

Get to know this name NFL fans. Adriel Jeremiah Green will easily be one of the premier wide receivers in the NFL for the next 10 years. He may not get the attention he deserves playing for the Cincinnati Bengals, but his trips to the Pro Bowl his first two seasons show he isn't going unnoticed. Green's size/speed combination gives him an exciting skill set to watch, unless of course you're an NFL defensive back. If Calvin Johnson is nicknamed "Megatron", A.J. Green may very well deserve to be called "Optimus Prime". 

Tyler Eifert - Notre Dame Football

I couldn't make this list without featuring a Notre Dame football player. Having decided to pick someone that would appear in April's NFL Draft I did you all the favor to not feature Manti Te'o again (Although if you'd like to read my thoughts on him, here's the article ). Instead let's look at the best Tight End in this years class. As a Junior at Notre Dame, the 6'6'' Eifert broke school records for both receptions and receiving yards for a Tight End. Somewhere an NFL GM is salivating at the thought of adding the talented weapon to their offense. Don't be surprised to see the once fighting Irishman sneak into the first round of April's draft.

Ken "Shamrock" - MMA Fighter

There's no way I could leave the former MMA fighter and UFC Hall of Famer off this list with a name like that. Shamrock is looked at as one of the founding fathers of MMA and his contributions to the sport have no doubt helped get the UFC where it is today. He boasts an all-time fight record of 28-15-2, that includes Championship belts in several different MMA leagues showing his wide influence throughout the mixed martial arts landscape. After a career like his, it's easy to see how he'd be considered a lucky Shamrock.

"Patrick" Willis - San Fransisco 49ers

Willis sure could've used more luck in the Super Bowl a month ago, but his career has still seen plenty of good fortune. Patrick has made every Pro Bowl and has been named to every All-Pro list since entering the NFL in 2007. Now that Ray Lewis has officially hung up his cleats, I believe Willis is poised to take his place as this generations greatest linebacker as you won't find a more humble and hardworking defensive player in the league. Hopefully if the 49ers make a return to the Super Bowl this year, Willis will have a little more luck on his side. There are few in the NFL that deserve it more.

Jack Cooley - Notre Dame Basketball

Being Selection Sunday and all, I figured I better put a Notre Dame basketball player here as well, as to stretch the St. Patrick's Day spirit into March Madness. If #24 Notre Dame hopes to make some noise in the Big Dance this year, they're going to need a healthy contribution from Mr. Cooley. Second on the team in Points, first in Blocks, and leading the team in Rebounds by nearly 200 boards, the 6'9'' Power Forward is a key to the fighting Irish's paint presence. Notre Dame will need the luck of the Irish to go deep in the NCAA bracket, but they may need Jack Cooley even more.

"Patrick" Peterson - Arizona Cardinals

Another NFL player that has made the Pro Bowl every year of his career is the Cardinals Patrick Peterson. He may be the closest thing today's NFL has to a shutdown corner. Combine that with his return ability, and visions of Deion Sanders will start to dance in your head. Peterson returned four punt returns for touchdowns while setting a new record for punt return yards as a rookie and doesn't look like he's slowing down anytime soon. Let Patrick Peterson cover A.J. Green and you may have the best 1-on-1 St. Patrick's Day match-up in the entire NFL.

Kroy Biermann - Atlanta Falcons

Let's get it out of the way, the only reason Kroy is on this list is because his name is pronounced "Beer-Man"...seemed pretty appropriate for a St. Patricks Day article. The fifth year player out of Montana has had a solid career with the Falcons registering nearly 200 tackles and 17 sacks since he drafted in 2008. The multi-talented Biermann even filled in at placekicker for the team after an injury to Matt Bryant back in 2009. But to be honest, his biggest contribution to the team may be in jersey sales. For today I shall rename him, "Green Biermann".

So there you have it folks. The Top 10 athletes that may have a little luck of the Irish with them. Each has had successful seasons or careers and on this St. Patrick's Day deserve to crack open a few green beers. May the luck of the Irish be with you too today!

                                                                                                      -A-Train-

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