In the spirit of the Super Bowl and in light of the NFL's recent string of bad publicity, I think it's time we talked about some of the good in the NFL. Recently, the media has not been kind to professional sports in general, especially in the NFL. Not that some of the negative attention isn't warranted, but it has made us forget about the good that goes on in the organization. So, here's a little reminder of some of the times that we loved professional football players.
1. When the families visit training camp.
There's not much that's cuter than babies. Except maybe NFL dads. With their babies, I mean.
2. When the Panthers signed a cancer-stricken child as an honorary coach.
After revealing on The Ellen Show that he would play for Carolina someday, 6-year-old Braylon Beam was named an honorary coach.
3. When J.J. Watt was Batman for Halloween.
Talk about a real-life super hero.
4. When J.J. Watt proposed to a young fan.
After a video went viral of Breanna proclaiming her love for the Texans defensive lineman, J.J. Watt staged a romantic proposal, ring-pop included.
5. When J.J. Watt does anything.
No explanation required.
6. When Tim Tebow inspired 90 million Google searches with eye black.
Prior to his NFL days, Tim Tebow rushed 316 yards while wearing "John 3:16" on his eye black, which prompted approximately 94 million hits on Google.
7. When Cam Newton gives touchdown balls to fans.
The new tradition is one loved by players, fans and the media alike.
8. When Demaryius Thomas played in front of his recently-pardoned mom for the first time.
Thomas' mother, Katina Smith, was pardoned by President Obama and was able to see her son play in the NFL for the first time.
9. When Christine Michael took an autistic teen to her prom.
After learning about this young woman and her wish to take him to prom, Michael willingly obliged. Besides, pink is his color.
10. When Brandon Carr fed over 250 struggling families for Thanksgiving.
Pairing with local high school football teams and donations, Carr provided over 250 full Thanksgiving meals for struggling families in the Dallas area.
11. When NFL dads gave their daughters the "dad-do."
This one may be more popular with the public than with the daughters, but we just can't help it.
12. When all Super Bowl champ Peyton Manning wanted to do was kiss his wife.
Peyton, I'm willing to bet the feeling was mutual.
