G
Guest
A few nights before the A-Day Game, God blessed me in allowing me to be back in Alabama and to eat at one of the Dreamlands (Northport). Apparently I owe something addition to God in the future because as it turns out there were several players there signing autographs and talking with the customers.
Among them was Antonio Langham, who by the way said that he was keeping himself busy these days running his trucking company. One of the questions that I asked him returned an answer that surprised me.
I asked him what the difference was between playing in College vs. the Pros.
To paraphrase Antonio's comments, he said that the College game meant more. There was more pressure in College. The emotional investment before, during, and after the game was higher. It was in so many ways a bigger stage.
Noting the look of surprise on my face he elaborated in saying that once players get to the pro, and have their contracts signed, they generally don't get as upset about losing a game. Antonio went on to describe it as being as if there was a communal shrug of the shoulders and an "oh well, I still get paid" sentiment.
By contrast Antonio said that in College winning is the only measuring stick for success that the player has. Further, with living on campus and attending classes there is an accountability (daily and face-to-face)to fans that the College player see which the Pro does not.
Among them was Antonio Langham, who by the way said that he was keeping himself busy these days running his trucking company. One of the questions that I asked him returned an answer that surprised me.
I asked him what the difference was between playing in College vs. the Pros.
To paraphrase Antonio's comments, he said that the College game meant more. There was more pressure in College. The emotional investment before, during, and after the game was higher. It was in so many ways a bigger stage.
Noting the look of surprise on my face he elaborated in saying that once players get to the pro, and have their contracts signed, they generally don't get as upset about losing a game. Antonio went on to describe it as being as if there was a communal shrug of the shoulders and an "oh well, I still get paid" sentiment.
By contrast Antonio said that in College winning is the only measuring stick for success that the player has. Further, with living on campus and attending classes there is an accountability (daily and face-to-face)to fans that the College player see which the Pro does not.