Ryan Leaf vs. Heath Shuler — Draft Bust Cage Match
Real Sports on HBO did an interview with Ryan Leaf last week, who is often considered the worst QB draft bust in NFL history (to read about the interview, check out The Sports Pulse). This got us to thinking — who had a worse NFL career, Leaf or Shuler?
Here are the numbers over their 5 NFL seasons:
Wow — almost identical.
Probably the two main differences between the two is that A) Shuler had a franchise to ruin — the Chargers are not exactly a storied member of the NFL; and B) Leaf was openly hostile to the local media, while Shuler just instigated an entertaining Theismann vs. Sonny debate.
But, in the end, Leaf had the common courtesy to leave football, stay out of the limelight and try to let people recover and forget. Obviously, Shuler is taking a different path. One could, if one was so inclined, admire the fact that he is not running from his failures. We, on the other hand, would rather he took Leaf’s approach.
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This site is stupid and childish. Shuler didn’t do well in the NFL, but what has that got to do with his ability to be an effective member of Congress? He’s got a thriving business. He appears to be an honest, moral, family man. He comes from an area of NC where if he doesn’t keep his word, they’ll ride him out on a rail. Exatly WHO is holding Charles Taylor accountable? What has Taylor really done for the people of WNC? Don’t just think along party lines, ask yourself. I think it’s high time to give someone else a chance. Let Taylor go back to Brevard and do some repairs on those houses he rents out so people don’t have to live in slums anymore.
Dude wut r u talkin about shuler did way better than leaf leaf is jus a little crybaby.plus where do u get of sayin ppl suck at football
You guys are cracking me up. I write for a newspaper here in WNC and have interviewed Heath a number of times. Nice guy. Charles Taylor, as you pointed out, has done some things that would have hurt a weaker candidate but just keeps right on pushing. I like to think of him as the proverbial “800 pound gorilla” of District 11.
The latest nonpartisan poll shows Shuler leading 52-48. You may want to make your peace with God and prepare for the return of Shuler.
Andrew Whalen, by the way, is indeed a real person.
I love this site. You guys need to post more often, at least once every couple of weeks.
You guys are nowhere near as libelous as the taylorsucks.org website.
Also set up a cafepress store with shirts and bumper stickers with your logo. I’d buy some stuff just to be able to detect Shuler supporters without having to seek them out, where ever they are.
We were on summer vacation. You are on the right track — next week, look out!
You have got to be kidding me. Let’s dog a guy for running for Congress because he didn’t cut it in the NFL. So Stupid!
He didn’t cut it as a Washington Redskin…not as a Cowboy or a 49er or any other team in the NFL. That deserves a lot worse than dogging. If he hurts his toe while in Congress will he not show up for 6-8 weeks, while still collecting full pay? You bet.
Your first intelligent blog.
I never realised that Heath was as bad as Ryan Lief.
Anyways, isn’t it ironic that Gus Frerotte had a better and longer career even though he was a 7th round pick. 13 yrs.
So with your logic, you’d vote for Gus over Heath.
At least Heath didn’t injure himself headbutting a wall.
This has to be one the worst things I have seen. Now not only are canidates slandering each other but now regular citizens who are upset about a game. Both quarterbacks were put into pressure situations which could be a good reason they failed. Once they lost thier confidence there was no coming back from it. When they came into college they were able to adjust by sitting in established programs. Then when they came into the NFL the weight of carrying a franchise was placed on them. For example Carson Palmer was allowed to adjust and he is on his way to a great career. Ryan Leaf and Heath Shuler both were looked to lead thier teams to the super bowl right off the bat. Just because other players have done it does not mean that all players will. Going into congress he will not be looked to solve the nations problems right off, nor will he have to lead a nation right off. These are things you should be thinking about before you try and ruin a person because he did not win a superbowl for your team.
Personally, I just read in the local paper here (Winston-Salem Journal) about this website and I have to say I am disappointed. Come on people, Heath Shuler has a solid background other than his brief stint in the NFL. So what, he couldn’t play competitively in the NFL…NEITHER CAN ANY OF YOU. He is a bright man with strong Democratic values and he will make an excellent congressman and will do the people of North Carolina proud in Washington. He has a record of being actively invovled in the community and in many organizations that give back to youth and help them with their dreams. I am a Carolina Panthers fan, and if Kerry Collins (who also currently lives in NC) were to run for office and had the background of Heath Shuler and strong Democratic values as Heath I would vote for him even though he was an asshole when he was with our team. Football = A way of life. Politics = Life. Get things into perspective guys. Vote Shuler, http://www.heathshuler.com .
I would have voted for Heath Shuler if I lived in his district simply because I support Democrat values rather than Republican ones. Who cares if he made it in the NFL? There are a lot more “busts” than successes at QB in that league. It’s the most difficult position to play in all of sports. He will probably make a very good member of Congress, which is of course more important than anything that can be done in the NFL.
I think we should give him a chance
Redskins rule.