If I were Tom Brady, I'd be nervous. He may not loose his title as one of the nation's top QB's, but he might be loosing his grip on a market he has, until now, had completely cornered: Best Looking. Jet's Rookie Quarterback Mark Sanchez just posed for a spread in GQ magazine complete with a sexy super model and shirtless outfits. You know, the usual. Such is the life of an NFL quarterback apparently. In between pre-season mini camps and daily trips to the gym you become a poster boy for "the-only-reason-most-women-watch-football" campaign. And am I, a fellow Trojan and former classmate, surprised by this? Not one bit. After watching Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart and John David Booty grace the Coliseum Gridiron with their presence I have conjured a theory that being one of the most ruggedly good looking men this side of Mississippi must be a pre requisite for the job. Oh, and you must win. Alot. A few Rose Bowl victories don't hurt either. A Heisman trophy, or at least an offensive MVP for whatever BCS game USC wins that year is a definite plus. But in the end, you won't find many ugly USC quarterbacks. It takes away from the aura. After all, Chris Erskine from the LA Times did refer to us as "The University of Camelot."
Beyond the fairy tale however, lets take a look at the life he is really living. Yes he is getting paid millions of dollars to live not only his fantasy, but one that belongs to millions of 10 year old boys and middle aged men alike, but thats where the fantasy begins and ends. Money buys as much happiness as it does talent or undying loyalty. Mark can't just waltz into the 2-9 Cafe on a summer visit to his alma mater without glancing eyes or the possible paparazzi (Or at least a few more than what he got as USC's signal caller). He can't be the hero to millions of Jets fans without having a few winning seasons and maybe a Super Bowl appearance or two. Its a tough crowd, them Jets fans. Mark, of all players, has the work ethic to do it as long as he doesn't fall into the same traps as his predecessor Matt "Hollywood" Leinart did. I'm a loyal Leinart lady myself, but you can't deny the press hasn't given him much room to budge the past three years. Lets just say, I have had to be a little less loyal post scandal. Or two. Or, um, three.
Now lets factor a few more things into the equation. He is moving 3,000 miles away from everything he knows and loves to place where it snows. As as Southern California native myself, I can say that snow is a BIG deal. What I am saying? Rain is a huge deal to us! Snow is...is...is epic and something that I personally don't think I could survive. Have no fear Mark, your time in New York only lasts as long as your contract. If you don't meet expectations you could be traded at the drop of your owner's hat to Buffalo! Or even Minnesota! Or some other team in the middle of nowhere that still manages to produce just as much of the white stuff. And, no, there isn't a chance of coming back to Los Angeles. Beside, you already did a stint on their only "pro" team. So if Mr. GQ ever wants a girlfriend or even a wife and kids, he needs someone willing to uproot their lives on a moments notice.
Its true what they say. The grass looks greener on the other side. Or for you diehard Trojans, Cardinal-er (I'd say a B.A. in communication gives me the right to invent that word). I for one, wish Mark the best of luck, but see no reason to be jealous of his job. After all, I'll be in 75 degree weather mid December while he is trying to figure out how to hold on to ball when he can't feel his fingers.
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