There’s still no guarantee that Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford will play this season. But Sooner fan or not, you have to love the Heisman Trophy winner’s attitude.
His first start could come this week against Baylor, or it could be against Texas. You will not hear any crying from Bradford, though, that is for certain.
The media has questioned his decision about coming back. He could have been the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, instead he gets injured in the opener and now his future is in question.
But what seems so shocking to some across the country, really isn’t that shocking at all. Bradford is living his dream. The dream of any former high school star in the state of Oklahoma that wants to play in either Stillwater or Norman.
"Money's not everything," Bradford said. "Obviously, I think some people, they think it is. But to me, there are a lot more things. I dreamed about coming to Oklahoma and playing football. We didn't have a pro team in Oklahoma, so this was like my pro team. This was who I wanted to play for, and my experience here has been unbelievable.
"I felt like coming back and adding to that experience would be a great thing for me."
Why is that so hard to understand. I admit, in today’s society it would be hard to turn down the money. But to play in front of 81,000 fans every Saturday, that would be amazing too. He’s living the dream that so few of us ever get the chance to do.
Bradford says everything you want a player on your favorite team to say. He sounds sincere, too.
And while it would be doggone tough for the Sooners to find themselves back in the National Championship race, Bradford still believes.
"You say the national championship is out of the picture, but what happens if we win nine straight games and we win the Big 12? There's still a possibility," Bradford said Tuesday in his first public comments in a month. "To win another Big 12 championship and become the first team to win four straight Big 12 championships, I still think there's a lot in front of this team and I think it would be extremely selfish for me to say, 'The possibility of a national championship is slim now, so why come back?'"
What is there not to like about the guy.
And Texas’ Colt McCoy and Florida’s Tim Tebow are the same way. Has there ever been a better group of guys than this. Three quarterbacks that always make the news for the right reasons.
Is this the end of an era that America thought didn’t exist.
Let’s face it, you don’t hear about guys like these anymore. They still exist no doubt, but three Heisman finalists.
McCoy and Bradford don’t get nearly as much publicity for their good deeds, or good moral character as does Tebow. But Tebow has also won two national championships. He’s won his own Heisman Trophy. And the publicity started long before college, where Bradford and McCoy became known.
But either way you slice it, it is quite possible we will never see three better all-around guys play the game the same season. So lets enjoy it while it lasts.
Sports Opinion
October 6, 2009
SPRUILL: OU's Bradford still livin' the dream
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My 2010 moment
First off, I’d like to thank the Edmond sporting community for accepting me into their fold, or at least accepting me as much as possible for a journalist. It has been a great five-and a half months and I’ve had the opportunity to witness some prime time moments while at The Sun.
- SPRUIL: Woods scandal not that shocking Charles Barkley warned us about it in 1993. Professional athletes should not be role models.
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SPRUILL: Woods scandal not so shocking
Charles Barkley warned us about it in 1993. Professional athletes should not be role models.
Sir Charles gave us this gem back then stating, “A million guys can dunk a basketball in jail, should they be role models?”
Just can’t do it. I remember vividly the day I learned this valuable lesson, it was when I got my copy of Sports Illustrated with Sooner quarterback Charles Thompson being ushered to jail in his infamous orange jumpsuit. - HARRISON : It’s time for some hoops With Bedlam in the rearview mirror and talk of freezing temperatures and possible snow this week it can only mean one thing. The winter sports season is upon us.
- SPRUIL: 'Dogs have nothing to lose Bulldogs have a chance to break another streak, which is to attempt to end the east sides dominance — Jenks and Union have combined to win 13 straight Class 6A state titles.
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SPRUILL: UCO loaded for another run
No. 18-ranked Central Oklahoma appears to be loaded for another deep run in the NCAA Division II tournament.
It’s only November and the Bronchos have only played one game, but what they showed against Emporia State in a 116-114 double-overtime win was incredible. -
SPRUIL: Playoff picture still cloudy
With most of the district’s already decided — a few key matchups still remain — it’s time to start looking at the playoff picture.
We know Edmond Memorial, Edmond North and Oklahoma Christian are in the playoffs. Deer Creek is on life support, while Oklahoma Christian Academy and Edmond Santa Fe are done for the year following Friday night. -
SPRUILL: OU's Bradford still livin' the dream
There’s still no guarantee that Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford will play this season. But Sooner fan or not, you have to love the Heisman Trophy winner’s attitude.
His first start could come this week against Baylor, or it could be against Texas. You will not hear any crying from Bradford, though, that is for certain.
The media has questioned his decision about coming back. He could have been the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, instead he gets injured in the opener and now his future is in question.
But what seems so shocking to some across the country, really isn’t that shocking at all. Bradford is living his dream. The dream of any former high school star in the state of Oklahoma that wants to play in either Stillwater or Norman. - HARRISON: Local teams draw favorable regional assignments With the end of the regular season fast approaching, local softball teams are turning their attention towards next week’s regional tournaments. While Edmond Santa Fe is the only squad that will be at home next week, all four teams have a legitimate shot at state.
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SPRUILL: Edmond recovering from split
Things are shaping up for another great football season for local teams.
As it stands, Edmond still has two undefeated teams in Edmond North and Oklahoma Christian School. And there are signs the big three have reached a near full recovery from the spit. - More Sports Opinion Headlines
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My 2010 moment
