LD as an MLS martyr vs the anti american JK scenario will be immortal on SBI, just like criticism of Jozy for impersonating a professional soccer player, and the certainty that Freddy Adu just needs to find the right situation and with a few games he will be international level right away.
Outraged posts that Nguyen is being unfairly denied his rightful place on the USMNT may ascend to that level but time will tell.
They could fade just like the anguished protestations that Lichaj should be called up, that Mikey Bradley should be named captain, that Cameron is the USMNT’s best right back, that Jermaine Jones was too undisciplined to be on the World Cup team, that Kyle Beckerman did not have the speed or talent to play at the international level, that Paul Arriola was the next Donovan and should have been called up, that Jeff George was the answer at center back, you know, that sort of post. Always good for drawing a reaction.
What does it say for this sport in America, if Landon Donovan is a legend? Failed at Bayer Leverkusen, sent back by Bayern Munich, played decent twice at Everton. That’s average in football, but that’s US’s best player? US has a long way to go in this sport if an average player in Europe is celebrated as a legend. How would you celebrate really great players? Then folks wonder why no one is gushing over US players in Europe where this sport matters the most.
Well, in fairness to the Donovan disciples, his legendness is more associated with national team exploits rather than admittedly not-so-impressive club career. But you are correct, in that the American game is no where near the level of play in top European countries. We’ve made some significant strides, and Donovan was a big part of that on the USMNT. There was a time when we couldn’t qualify for the World Cup finals. Now, it’s expected. There was a time when we had little hope of playing out of group in the finals. Now, maybe not expected but it doesn’t shock anyone – even this year, when we advanced from the group of death. And looking at the pool of players coming up, us getting out of group is probably going to be expected – maybe not from here on out, but I’d say in eight years that will be the case.
Johnny Football won the Heisman for allegedly being the best college football player and will always be a legend at A&M.
He may be a flop in the NFL but for college fans that is irrelevant. He was a great college player and deserves the acclaim.
Doug Flutie also won the Heisman and eventually went on to become the greatest Canadian Football League player ever. College and CFL football fans will remember him forever. That he had a comparatively less stellar NFL career is irrelevant..
Donovan was far and away the best American MLS player ever. No one comes even close. Same with the USMNT.
This is America not Europe.. He is a legend here and should be celebrated.
I think the comparison to the Magie Flute is spot on. Even his failed stint with the Bears, before coming in the twilight of his career and having some great moments with the Bills is akin to the Bayern/Everton situation. Although Flutie may have a little leg up on the club level by managing to etch his name in the annals of the NFL by having what is likely the last drop kick ever made (maybe even attempted) in American Football.
Magic Flute even
Blue Eyes did it in “The Longest Yard”…. doesn’t that count?
Shows how low the standard is if you consider a player who did nothing at the epitome a legend. MLS is at least 2nd division in Europe’s top league’s. What did he win at club level outside America while Mexican clubs were dominating the region?
They had the nerve to claim “oh he was 16 so he was too young” that’s why he came home. He wasn’t good enough plain and simple, he was a king in the land of the blind so makes sense.
In MLS, and for the USNT, Donovan’s accomplishments are exceptional. That is the relevant context, and in that context he is a legendary American player.
Comparing him to players in other leagues or for other countries is irrelevant, but don’t let that stop your bitching and moaning.
Right, but look at other athletes—like Flash Gordon: he saved the whole universe. Flash is a legend and anyone who hasn’t done the same cannot be called a legend.
Flash Gordon is not a professional athlete.
He does not do what he does for money.
If he is a legend and that is how you define the term then LD is not a legend as he has yet to save the whole universe.
Not a professional athlete?! He quarterbacked for the NY Jets*!
“LD is not a legend as he has yet to save the whole universe.”
That’s just what I said. I’m glad we all agree.
__________
* or played polo, depending on which medium you prefer.
KGE,
I checked NFL reference and there is no record of a Gordon playing QB for the Jets in the late 70’s , early 80’s which would have been the period in question.
After 1976 Namath was replaced by Richard Todd, another Bama QB, who was the starter for about 7 seasons except for one season when Matt Robinson took over. Pat Ryan, and Marty Domres, are also mentioned but no Gordon.
What was Gordon’s goal handicap? In Polo a beginner is a -2 goal and it goes all the way up to a 10 goal handicap. Usually you have to be at least a 2 goal or higher to be a professional. I don’t remember Gordon’s handicap ever being mentioned.
Most of the high handicap players are from Argentina.
Whatever the case, when Gordon was doing his legend, saving the Universe thing, he was probably at best, an ex pro athlete.
Donovan is still a professional athlete.
GW, I don’t know why you love Ming the Merciless so much or hate Earth so badly that you’re willing to disregard Flash’s service, but that’s your free choice. Flash preserved that right for you, whether you thank him or not.
I don’t know where you’re “looking up” your facts, but there’s a friggin’ movie about Flash that proves everything he did—Donovan can only imitate with this silly “LegenD” series.
And yes, Flash was a pro athlete on the payroll at the time his plane crashed and he was shortly thereafter lured into Zarkov’s spacecraft. It’s highly unlikely that he would have been dropped from the payroll after being missing for only a few days—and even then, once he returned the management would have just treated his absence like a soul-cleansing sabbatical (albeit one he embarked upon involuntarily).
KGE,
NFL contracts are not guaranteed. I have no doubt that Jets, if they ever had him, cut Flash as soon as he went traipsing off on his sabbatical. You think JK is cold blooded? Wait until you get a load of the NFL.
Pro polo players have teaching, club management and playing in tournaments as a large part of their income and with Flash gone so long it is hard to imagine he could have maintained his status.
Becoming a legend requires a certain amount of sacrifice.
Gonna be an awesome atmosphere at the game today. We love Landon. Go Galaxy!
I’m not even watching this one, because frankly, I was already convinced he was human. I don’t mean to sound boastful, but that’s really what I thought all along.
I won’t be satisfied until the release of “LegenD: Sleeping.” Because think about it: does he sleep? If so, then how? I’ve always assumed on his right side, knees slightly but equally bent, on silk sheets with an American flag on the outside and a Siberian tiger print on the inside.
But that’s the most I can imagine at once in my mind—I mean, what about his hands? Is one under his pillow to provide extra support, or does he go extra firm by laying his head on the shoulder or forearm of an upraised hand? I can’t picture it all at once!! I need video—no, documentary video.
Phew, my head is starting to spin just thinking about it. I need something to drink. Thank goodness I have a photo of Landon drinking (aka LegenD-rinking) from a fountain.
Omg I’m tired of this Donovan Drama Queen!
NASL fan,
Get used to it.
LD as an MLS martyr vs the anti american JK scenario will be immortal on SBI, just like criticism of Jozy for impersonating a professional soccer player, and the certainty that Freddy Adu just needs to find the right situation and with a few games he will be international level right away.
Outraged posts that Nguyen is being unfairly denied his rightful place on the USMNT may ascend to that level but time will tell.
They could fade just like the anguished protestations that Lichaj should be called up, that Mikey Bradley should be named captain, that Cameron is the USMNT’s best right back, that Jermaine Jones was too undisciplined to be on the World Cup team, that Kyle Beckerman did not have the speed or talent to play at the international level, that Paul Arriola was the next Donovan and should have been called up, that Jeff George was the answer at center back, you know, that sort of post. Always good for drawing a reaction.
What does it say for this sport in America, if Landon Donovan is a legend? Failed at Bayer Leverkusen, sent back by Bayern Munich, played decent twice at Everton. That’s average in football, but that’s US’s best player? US has a long way to go in this sport if an average player in Europe is celebrated as a legend. How would you celebrate really great players? Then folks wonder why no one is gushing over US players in Europe where this sport matters the most.
Well, in fairness to the Donovan disciples, his legendness is more associated with national team exploits rather than admittedly not-so-impressive club career. But you are correct, in that the American game is no where near the level of play in top European countries. We’ve made some significant strides, and Donovan was a big part of that on the USMNT. There was a time when we couldn’t qualify for the World Cup finals. Now, it’s expected. There was a time when we had little hope of playing out of group in the finals. Now, maybe not expected but it doesn’t shock anyone – even this year, when we advanced from the group of death. And looking at the pool of players coming up, us getting out of group is probably going to be expected – maybe not from here on out, but I’d say in eight years that will be the case.
Johnny Football won the Heisman for allegedly being the best college football player and will always be a legend at A&M.
He may be a flop in the NFL but for college fans that is irrelevant. He was a great college player and deserves the acclaim.
Doug Flutie also won the Heisman and eventually went on to become the greatest Canadian Football League player ever. College and CFL football fans will remember him forever. That he had a comparatively less stellar NFL career is irrelevant..
Donovan was far and away the best American MLS player ever. No one comes even close. Same with the USMNT.
This is America not Europe.. He is a legend here and should be celebrated.
Truth.
I think the comparison to the Magie Flute is spot on. Even his failed stint with the Bears, before coming in the twilight of his career and having some great moments with the Bills is akin to the Bayern/Everton situation. Although Flutie may have a little leg up on the club level by managing to etch his name in the annals of the NFL by having what is likely the last drop kick ever made (maybe even attempted) in American Football.
Magic Flute even
Blue Eyes did it in “The Longest Yard”…. doesn’t that count?
Shows how low the standard is if you consider a player who did nothing at the epitome a legend. MLS is at least 2nd division in Europe’s top league’s. What did he win at club level outside America while Mexican clubs were dominating the region?
They had the nerve to claim “oh he was 16 so he was too young” that’s why he came home. He wasn’t good enough plain and simple, he was a king in the land of the blind so makes sense.
In MLS, and for the USNT, Donovan’s accomplishments are exceptional. That is the relevant context, and in that context he is a legendary American player.
Comparing him to players in other leagues or for other countries is irrelevant, but don’t let that stop your bitching and moaning.
Right, but look at other athletes—like Flash Gordon: he saved the whole universe. Flash is a legend and anyone who hasn’t done the same cannot be called a legend.
Flash Gordon is not a professional athlete.
He does not do what he does for money.
If he is a legend and that is how you define the term then LD is not a legend as he has yet to save the whole universe.
Not a professional athlete?! He quarterbacked for the NY Jets*!
“LD is not a legend as he has yet to save the whole universe.”
That’s just what I said. I’m glad we all agree.
__________
* or played polo, depending on which medium you prefer.
KGE,
I checked NFL reference and there is no record of a Gordon playing QB for the Jets in the late 70’s , early 80’s which would have been the period in question.
After 1976 Namath was replaced by Richard Todd, another Bama QB, who was the starter for about 7 seasons except for one season when Matt Robinson took over. Pat Ryan, and Marty Domres, are also mentioned but no Gordon.
What was Gordon’s goal handicap? In Polo a beginner is a -2 goal and it goes all the way up to a 10 goal handicap. Usually you have to be at least a 2 goal or higher to be a professional. I don’t remember Gordon’s handicap ever being mentioned.
Most of the high handicap players are from Argentina.
Whatever the case, when Gordon was doing his legend, saving the Universe thing, he was probably at best, an ex pro athlete.
Donovan is still a professional athlete.
GW, I don’t know why you love Ming the Merciless so much or hate Earth so badly that you’re willing to disregard Flash’s service, but that’s your free choice. Flash preserved that right for you, whether you thank him or not.
I don’t know where you’re “looking up” your facts, but there’s a friggin’ movie about Flash that proves everything he did—Donovan can only imitate with this silly “LegenD” series.
And yes, Flash was a pro athlete on the payroll at the time his plane crashed and he was shortly thereafter lured into Zarkov’s spacecraft. It’s highly unlikely that he would have been dropped from the payroll after being missing for only a few days—and even then, once he returned the management would have just treated his absence like a soul-cleansing sabbatical (albeit one he embarked upon involuntarily).
KGE,
NFL contracts are not guaranteed. I have no doubt that Jets, if they ever had him, cut Flash as soon as he went traipsing off on his sabbatical. You think JK is cold blooded? Wait until you get a load of the NFL.
Pro polo players have teaching, club management and playing in tournaments as a large part of their income and with Flash gone so long it is hard to imagine he could have maintained his status.
Becoming a legend requires a certain amount of sacrifice.
Gonna be an awesome atmosphere at the game today. We love Landon. Go Galaxy!
Please make it stop!
I think these have been really well done.
I can’t wait until he bares it all in his book deal.
Ew! You want to see him bare it all, in a photo, in his book? You got a twisted little mind, hombre.
Why do I get the feeling these videos about LD, in one way or another, will continue to be produced forever.
If you think this is over-the-top, wait until the inevitable book deal….
amen.
They should have put a Christian style cross between “Leg” and “enD”, to represent his messianic qualities, and his middle name, Timothy.
Yeah, its getting a bit much at this point isn’t it.
It feels like it’s already been ‘forever.’
I’m not even watching this one, because frankly, I was already convinced he was human. I don’t mean to sound boastful, but that’s really what I thought all along.
Paul2: http://ct.fra.bz/ol/fz/sw/i57/5/8/18/frabz-WHOA-6848eb.jpg
Seriously, I am in awe.
I won’t be satisfied until the release of “LegenD: Sleeping.” Because think about it: does he sleep? If so, then how? I’ve always assumed on his right side, knees slightly but equally bent, on silk sheets with an American flag on the outside and a Siberian tiger print on the inside.
But that’s the most I can imagine at once in my mind—I mean, what about his hands? Is one under his pillow to provide extra support, or does he go extra firm by laying his head on the shoulder or forearm of an upraised hand? I can’t picture it all at once!! I need video—no, documentary video.
Phew, my head is starting to spin just thinking about it. I need something to drink. Thank goodness I have a photo of Landon drinking (aka LegenD-rinking) from a fountain.