Why do current players get more respect than the ones of the past by the fans?

Question

Perfect example is all the Colt and Patriot fans claiming that their QB is the "best ever." It's like the Jordan junk in the NBA world, do current fans have no respect for Johnny Unitas (best QB ever) or Bill Russell (best Basketball player ever). It's not my opinion, it the opinion of players, for example Manning and Brady both have in the media expressed their respect for Johnny U, even to the point of Peyton begging the NFL to let him wear Johnny U's trademarked black shoes in the week following his death (they didn't let him) and Jordan answering a "Who's the best ever?" question with the answer, "The only man with 10 rings as a player, and 1 as a coach."

So what gives? Is it ignorance?

So being that you are 18, and an Elway fan, why wouldn't you say Elway is your favorite ever instead of best ever, when the man you say is best ever says that he isn't?

Answer 1

I think that depending on how long ago the player played, there are alot of younger people who aren't aware of who they were because they never SAW them play. People tend to compare what they've seen and experienced, versus what they haven't. Obviously if you're a knowledgable fan you're going to know of the guys from the past, but alot of people aren't. They want that instant gratification of what's right in front of them. A good example is the Kobe Bryant scoring 81 points and the hype it got. Seriously, he was still 19 points behind Wilt Chamberlain and in an NBA that almost completely lacks any sort of defense today. People want to believe what they're seeing is as good as it gets.

I knew of Johnny Unitas because I live in the city of Louisville, Kentucky (where he played his college ball as a QB and DB for the University of Louisville) and I have alot of die hard family/friends that are football fans. I was also fortunate enough to meet him in person while working for UofL and not only was he a great player, but he was a great, humble person as well. But without that experience I probably wouldn't have known who he was because he played so long ago.

Fortunately though there are players that are being recognized now in several sports that haven't received recognition in awhile. Pistol Pete Maravich from LSU (averaging 44.2 points a game in college WITHOUT A THREE POINT LINE) would be one and Johnny Unitas (thanks to players like Manning and Brady) being another. I hope that this trend continues because there are so many great players/coaches out there that need to be recognized.

Answer 2

because Johnny Unitas was a great QB, but he is no Peyton Manning. Fact is, Manning is going to shatter Marino's records by the time he retires, has his super bowl ring, and commands such a prolific offense in such a way that no other QB in history has. I have the utmost respect for Unitas, Brady, Favre, Elway, Steve Young, Montana, etc, but let's face facts.

When Manning retires he will hold 90% (or more) of the career passing records, a super bowl ring, and would have been his own offensive coordinator (practically). If he goes at the rate he has been over the course of his career and retires with as many years as Marino played, he will shatter the record books. He wins games, his stats show how good he is in games, and he's a champion now. You can't really argue the facts.

Answer 3

This is very simple to explain. There are two factors that weigh in on this:

1.) The age of many sports fans
2.) The "What have you done for me lately?" syndrome

The simple fact is that many fans today were not around to watch Johnny Unitas or Bill Walton. I, myself, am not old enough to have watched them either. Players get recognized for what they do on the field/court in the past couple of decades or so. In this era of fans the best quarterbacks are Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. Some people will still answer Joe Montana, Steve Young, and Troy Aikman though they are being phased out. Players like Johnny Unitas and Bart Starr have all but been phased out by anyone except people old enough to watch them, or involved football historians.

This is the way I am sure it has been for years, and the way it will always be. Look at hockey for example. I am sure there are numerous greats in the existence of the sport. Who is the only "Great" that you hear about everywhere? Wayne Gretzky. He was big within the last two decades, and thus is the only one really named. Crosby is working his way there, but not there yet.

I hope that this helps answer your question.

Answer 4

1, I am supposed to ask the same question about Aus vs WI. But I know what the hypocritic Aussies would say. Guess what? Hilfenhaus, Siddle, Harris, etc. are great bowlers. Where? In their home-ground. They called Indians as flat track bullies. Now Aussies are proven to be home ground bullies. Some said Bridgetown is a very good batting pitch nothing left for bowlers. See how fastly aussies are compiling runs. Michael Hussey *47 (156) Matthew Wade19 (53) They called WI as a third grade team. Now suddenly they become "Stronger team". P.S. I watched Sammy's innings against Aussies during 5th ODI lively at 2AM. Honestly,one of the greatest innings I have ever seen. 2, Harbajan and Munaf are indecent local fellas. But umpires are too arrogant to change their decision when they are not sure about it. Good to see right decision were made. 3, BPL is a small tournament with less attention when compared to IPL. That's why.

Answer 5

Because those players played in the 60s. I'm 18 years old. Yea I watch ESPN Classic and download old games but I watched Jordan play in person and saw Manning and Brady win Superbowls on live tv. Anyway my vote for best Qb ever is John Elway. Legs like a rabbit and arm like a canon.

When did Elway say he wasnt the best ever?

Answer 6

People pick who they know when they say that someone is the best ever. Manning is probably the best REGULAR SEASON QB right now. Note the RIGHT NOW that means he is the one PLAYING. He doesn't come close to comparing to Montana. I don't like Montana for the record but I will admit he was a great QB. Most fans are going more by the Superbowl Era and part of that is the rings. Johnny U doesn't have the rings like Montana for one thing. Heck look why Jordon gave credit - the Championships. So then by that theory Bradshaw and Montana would be the best Superbowl Era QBs. Then Montana is better as hey you have to award the only QB to play in 4 Superbowls without an INT.

Answer 7

The game of football changes so much from generation to generation you cant compare players from the past to the players of today. Thus there is no greatest of all time, there can only be the greatest of a generation. But to answer your question its age and it doesnt seem like the NFL honors its past players the way some other leagues do, I may be wrong about that.

Answer 8

emyers hit it on the head perfectly and you're right Unitas is top 5 atleast with Marino Elway Luckman and take a pick on whoever

Answer 9

Because too many people can't remember past last week.

Answer 10

what's basketball