These NFL players might be out of the league around Thanksgiving but coming home for Christmas seems like it could benefit these players and some teams.
We’re less than one week away from Thanksgiving, which to many folks is the official start of the Christmas season. And I love it all. The tree, the lights, the movies and especially the music. It’s festive and cheery, nostalgic and warms the soul. All with the NFL on in the background as teams make a playoff push.
But I must admit, one of my all-time favorite Christmas songs actually has me thinking about a few out of work NFL players who might not be sharing in the joy of the holiday season. And that, my friends, bums me out.
After all, it’s not like these NFL players are “has-beens,” or “busts,” or would ever be considered the “weakest link” on a team. They may not be future Hall of Famers, but these are quality players with a lot to contribute still.
So it seems unfair that they’re at their homes, sitting in a high back chair, wearing a flannel robe and slippers and sipping their eggnog and bourbon when they should be home — as in the NFL donning helmets, pads and cleats.
Thus, while indulging in the Christmas spirit, I have found myself to be inspired by the following lyrics from the late, great Glenn Frey of the Eagles — and not the ones from Philadelphia, either.
"So won’t you tell me you’ll never more roam. Christmas and New Year will find you a home. There’ll be no more sorrow, no grief and pain. And I’ll be happy, happy, once again. – “Please Come Home for Christmas“"
Let’s take a look at some teams who could get an early Christmas present and the five players who should “Please Come Home for Christmas” just in time for the playoffs.
Antonio Brown, WR
Best Landing Spot: New England Patriots
The first gift is the easiest to guess. For the past five years, Antonio Brown has been the best wide receiver in the league — and now, he’s not even in the league at all. Brown’s off-field drama has led to even the most talent-depleted teams to give the mercurial receiver a stiff-arm.
However, the Patriots have a Super Bowl-caliber quarterback, coach, and defense. But with no skill position players who are capable of creating a big play, they may not be able to contend with high-powered offenses like the Kansas City Chiefs or Baltimore Ravens.
Rumors of a reunion have picked up steam since Brown made a public apology to owner Robert Kraft via his Twitter account. Perhaps this is enough for the Patriots to forgive the troubled superstar and bring him home for Christmas. I’m sure this move would make their 42-year old franchise quarterback, Tom Brady, happy once again.