Center of Attention just as always - Brandon Marshall

The subject of Woody Paige's article today is Brandon Marshall and I am not surprised by it, or the opinions he expresses about Brandon. Given all the facts, the good and the bad of Brandon over the 4 years we have known him, Woody presents a grown up argument like I might make. I cannot disagree with him about any of it.

Marshall is a kind of blessing and malediction for Denver. Woody refers to him as Dr Jeckel and Mr Hyde in the Sunday print edition. Kind of true.

26 year old party hardy Brandon is a big money NFL success, but underneath the armor and glory of the gridiron, he is still a young man trying to find his niche place in social situations, not knowing his boundaries sometimes. However, since I have recently had some pretty hard times of my own in dealing with young people of my own (kids and their friends).

I wonder if maybe this is the year Brandon finally realizes his mortality and begins to appreciate all the blessings that are bestowed upon him. It has to happen sometime doesn't it? I have seen it happen to other young people, so why not Brandon too?

Just one year ago we were reading a wonderful review of Brandon by Rev. Leon Kelly, about Brandon's fund raising effort on behalf of the after school program Kelly founded. Brandon did that good thing ladies and gentlemen, not me or you, but Brandon. He deserves credit for what he has done right, which seldom gets mentioned. He is struggling in his world to find where he belongs, what his limits are and what he should be doing. All young people have that struggle. Not many are big football stars, and of course, some kids mature quicker than others. Brandon has been slow. It doesn't mean he is bad.

Since he has been one of several Broncos testifying in the recent trial of Willie Clark, I just have to believe he has been affected in a sobering way. I sure hope so anyway, but even if he is still prone to party I am convinced that due to all the negative publicity he got from it, that he is toning it down a notch or 2. I believe in these kids ability to make the right decisions, even when the matter is complicated by millions of real dollars to spend. He has had to come to grips with his involvement in that incident as is indicated by his recent comments:

Marshall admitted last week during the Darrent Williams' murder trial that he "probably escalated" the disturbance outside The Safari Club in the minutes prior to Williams suffering a fatal bullet wound to his neck on Jan. 1, 2007. Willie Clark is the man accused of shooting Williams. [mentioned in this article]

So now after a very mediocre year for the team, he is off to the Seahawks to see if a deal can be found along with a fresh start for him and his reputation. I know there will be detractors in Seattle if he lands there, but I am guessing he will surprise all the critics this year. This is the year Brandon Marshall is going to achieve more in the NFL than before, and he simply HAS to get away from his chief critic, Josh McDaniels to do it.

I don't diagree with Woody Paige, but I just wanted to add some further comments to the mix. Brandon has done a lot of growing up here in Denver, and Denver represents a lot of painful memories for him. I believe he will do better in Seattle where he gets to start over and be the man he wants to be, with a coach that is not looking at him as though he were the devil.

This is also not really McDaniel's fault either. He is just reacting to what he has seen from Brandon. He is a militaristic coach, has lots of rules (another discussion), and is probably appalled by Brandon's behavior. His reactions are predicable, whether or not you agree with his coaching style.

I personally hope Brandon does go to Seattle. He can at least have a new start and attempt to display another side to his personality and make a new reputation. I also think if he is coached by someone who wants him on the team, he will perform better too. Seattle will have the benefit of getting the better Brandon Marshall on their team. Sure hope I am right!