Another example of the ever growing popularity of fantasy football. It’s fun to hear about players having to bench themselves, all in the name of winning.
NFL players getting hooked on fantasy football
The Jacksonville Jaguars running back passed up a sure touchdown and took a knee before the goal line, helping seal a win against the New York Jets last Sunday. It also made thousands of frustrated fantasy football owners pound their heads against their laptops.
Jones-Drew knows how they felt. He cost himself a win in his own fantasy league.
“I was actually apologizing to myself,” he said. “I have myself. It was all in fun. I know a lot of people were affected by it from what I hear.”
Chicago Bears kicker Robbie Gould was one of them. He “owns” Jones-Drew in the NFL Players Association league, which includes seven NFL players and a fan. Gould’s Team Automatic lost to Carolina running back DeAngelo Williams’ Memphis MudSlingers, thanks in part to Jones-Drew’s kneel-down.
“I’m just glad he apologized,” a joking Gould said. “I probably would have won, so MJD’s got to score an extra one for me this week.”
Fantasy football leagues aren’t just for fans anymore. An increasing number of NFL players are hopping on their computers and agonizing over their lineups — should I start Tom Brady or Brett Favre?
“I got addicted,” Minnesota backup running back Albert Young said.
Think your fantasy drafts are intense? Imagine what happens when a group of NFL players gets together.
“Matt Forte picked me before I had a chance to pick myself,” Gould said of his Chicago teammate. “He has half the Bears team.”
Adam Caplan, an NFL reporter for Scout.com, is in his sixth year co-hosting a fantasy football show on Sirius NFL Radio. He estimated that about a quarter of the 60-70 players he has interviewed over the last few years participate in fantasy leagues.
