This NFL season has truly illuminated the personalities and individual character of certain players. Ahead of the Super Bowl, residential real estate company Zillow released a report that details which NFL players people would like to be their neighbors.
Also included here were NFL personalities people would like to live near. This includes the likes of former NFL players who are now in the studio or booth. In addition, this includes which Super Bowl halftime performer you would want as your neighbor.
In order to compile this information, Zillow surveyed over 2,000 fans this past January, ages 18 and older.
To The Surprise Of Nobody, Travis Kelce Ranked #1
The two biggest names on the Kansas City Chiefs roster were the favorite. Travis Kelce registered 12% of the votes. Patrick Mahomes then had 11%. Three players on teams the Chiefs just knocked off in the playoffs round out the top five. Ravens' Odell Beckham Jr and Lamar Jackson finished three and four. Buffalo Bills' quarterback, Josh Allen then finished fifth.
"Kelce was the overwhelming favorite among 18- to 34-year-old women, 26% of whom selected the tight end as their preferred next-door neighbor, compared to 8% of men in that age range," Zillow explained. Perhaps there was thought you would also be living next to Taylor Swift.
Terry Bradshaw from the NFL on Fox was the broadcaster fans would most want as their neighbor. Then, for your entertainment and party potential, Snoop Dogg is the neighbor of choice in the halftime performer category.
Writer's Picks
This is certainly a fun topic to play with. Following the guidelines of this Zillow survey, here are my NFL neighbors.
Football Player Neighbor
I suppose I would fall into the 6% "other" bucket. The current player I wouldn't mind sharing a street with is Justin Herbert (who surprisingly, did not make Zillow's list). Why? Well, it's simply because he is my oldest son's (who also plays quarterback) favorite player. Imagine living next to your QB idol while you are an aspiring QB at the same time. Selfishly, I'd love to pick Herbert's brain on how his new coach, Jim Harbaugh runs the program. I envision standing over the backyard grill with cans of Coors Light, trying to pick up coaching tips from the team's star player. Then, I would subtly ask him to hook me up with some Oregon Ducks gear (preferably Jordan kicks).
Football Broadcaster Neighbor
It's Michael Strahan by a mile. He was a huge part of one of the greatest experiences I ever had, being at Super Bowl 42 when the Giants beat the Patriots. Plus, Strahan seems like a constant good time and quite a funny individual.
Halftime Performer Neighbor
I'm rocking with Eminem. As a creative, I point to Eminem as a genius. Plus, who doesn't want to start each day with a little "Lose Yourself" motivation.
4 High-Profile Football Coaches I’d Want My Kid To Play For
As a youth coach, there is no better feeling than being able to be able to coach a team that your kid is on. But you realize, if your little athletes goes on to play post-youth ball, they will eventually play for someone else. This led me to think about which high-profile football coaches (in both the NFL and NCAA) I would want my kid to play for today.
This is focused on the sport of football for three main reasons. The first is that is the sport I coach him in. Second, it's the sport of the season. Lastly, it's the sport my son loves the most right now.
In today's modern era of professional and high-profile college sports, the head coaches are very prominent figures. Their press conferences are posted to social media. Furthermore, their demeanor is constantly evaluated,, as the press formulate an opinion as to whether or not they are doing a good job.
"Put Me In, Coach!"
So, what do I look for when thinking about who I'd want my son to play for? Well, in this hypothetical scenario, it is important to note that I am selecting a coach, and not a team. Then, it boils down to attitude. These coaches seem to have an attitude that goes way beyond winning. There's an empathy to their approach. They carry themselves as unique individuals first, and then as a coach. This then leads their locker room to do the same. Lastly, each of them has bet on themselves, and some point had to have the unwavering belief that they would be great at what they do. They never quit on their dreams or their teams.
I have never met any of these coaches. In addition, none of them coach the team I cheer for. They simply inspire me with how they go about their craft and inspire their players.
Here are the four football coaches I'd want my kid to play for.
Dan Campbell - Detroit Lions
After the Lions beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, head coach Dan Campbell stood at the team locker room door and congratulated each player on his team as they entered. A hand shake, a hug, a slap on the shoulder pads, or a "great job, man" was issued to each member of the squad. This sentiment is nothing new for Campbell. He's a player's coach; he relates to his players. Why? Because he was one. Campbell played tight end in the NFL for the Giants, Cowboys, Lions, and Saints before becoming a coach. Campbell makes sure his players know two things before they take the field. That he believes in them, and that he has their backs. Furthermore, Campbell always exemplifies gratitude for his moments. He knows what it's like to fail and get back up. In 2015, Campbell was named the interim head coach of the Dolphins. He was not retained. Now, he has the Lions in the playoffs.
Dan Lanning - University of Oregon
From a NFL Dan to a college football Dan. Yes, the Oregon Ducks lost heartbreakers to the University of Washington Huskies this past season. Yes, you can argue Lanning had some interesting calls in those games. In response, Lanning said, "I think this game is 100% on me," he said." He took responsibility and held himself accountable, which is what he expects of his players. A coach who has the confidence to show his or her leadership while simultaneously recognizing the responsibility that comes with such a title, is someone you want your kids to look up to. Speaking of kids, Lanning had to move countless times until he earned his Oregon head coaching job. He too, failed more than once, but believed in himself to get back up without having a plan B. Even when his kids were babies, he bet on himself to keep going after his dream instead of taking a paycheck outside of coaching.
Mike McDaniel - Miami Dolphins
If you want an example of overcoming adversity and defying the odds, Mike McDaniel is a pretty great example. As a young kid obsessed with the Denver Broncos, McDaniel used to ride his bike to their training camp. One day he lost his hat and then met the team assistant, Gary McCune, who felt bad for this kid who was so upset. This led to McDaniel eventually becoming a ballboy. At 22, he was a coaching intern for the Broncos. Over the next 17 years, he would do every odd job possible as an NFL assistant. He got fired a few times, successfully completed rehab, and lost a Super Bowl. McDaniel never stopped grinding, even when he'd frequently get called the "IT guy" due to his smaller size. He didn't look like a NFL coach, and he had his own style. This is what has led to McDaniel's success with the Miami Dolphins. His players love playing for him, just as much as he loved coaching for them. He also gets to the office at 3 am.
Kalen DeBoer - University of Washington
I am staying in the Pacific Northwest for my college choices here. However, it's a non-football related story that made me take to Coach DeBoer, who led the Huskies to the championship. Prior to the Oregon game, the Huskies star quarterback Michael Penix Jr. partnered with a local artist named Keegan Hall. Together, they signed prints of Hall's incredible drawing of Penix Jr. They sold 200 of them and donated every dollar earned to a local charity. Coach DeBoer was involved in this effort, showing a high level of support. Then, Hall shared a story where DeBoer went out of his way, while on the field during the Oregon game to express his sincere interest in what Hall and Penix Jr. had accomplished. "Without a doubt, @kalendeboer has been incredibly successful on the field but, in my opinion, it’s what he does off the field that enables that success," Hall said, telling the story in an Instagram post. This type of authentic human-element is something you can't teach. DeBoer has shown he cares about the person, and the impact, not just the football player.