The AFL and ESPN Got a Gift – Accept It!

Jeff Sims
Thursday May 10, 2007

The Arena Football League and ESPN had a gift fall into their laps on Monday night at the Allstate Arena and it was on display for everyone to see.

The Chicago Rush played the Colorado Crush in a nationally televised game on ESPN2 that featured two of the top tier wide receivers in the league in Colorado’s Damian Harrell and Chicago’s Bobby Sippio. In what was a highly contested and physical football game, neither one of these stars disappointed as the Rush defeated the Crush 59 – 48.

“I talked to Sip before the game, and we talked about everyone expecting a great performance from the both of us and we agreed to try to give them a show,” stated Harrell.

Harrell, the league’s Offensive Player of the Year for the past two seasons showed why as he started early catching a spectacular one-handed 13-yard touchdown pass from Crush QB John Dutton to give the Crush an early 7 – 0 lead. Harrell would finish the game with 10 receptions for 161 yards and career high six touchdowns. Three of those touchdowns were one-handed grabs.

“How many one handed touchdowns did that kid have today?” asked Rush head coach Mike Hohensee after the game. “That kid is phenomenal.”

Not to be outdone, Sippio would finish the game tying his own franchise record of 15 receptions for 159 yards and five touchdowns.  Sippio would also gain the Offensive Player of the Week award for his performance. 

While these types of numbers have been seen before in the league by a number of different receivers, the manner in which these two competitors grabbed the spotlight in this game needs to be recognized by the AFL and ESPN

Just prior to the signing of the TV deal with NBC three seasons ago, one of the points that got bumped around and discussed a number of times was the need for the league to market and develop its players to a point of recognition with the general public. The argument was that the league could not grow without name recognition.

While there were a number of top players that could have been chosen, the AFL and NBC chose to go the route of promoting the league by using the high profile owners involved with the franchises. While they have done great things for the league over the past few years, it is time for the Bon Jovis, John Elways, and Jerry Jones to step aside and let what they have helped to develop stand on its own. 

To their credit, both Bon Jovi and Elway have stated that they would like to have the focus taken off of them and onto the players, but they feel that they are doing what it takes to keep people talking about Arena Football.

Just like watching your baby stand up and take its first steps, after Monday night, they should be proud parents and let go!

If the AFL and ESPN need anything more obvious than Monday night’s game to find players to help represent the league, they are on a chase that will lead them to no end and we the fans will be hearing Bon Jovi songs played in every AFL arena for the next 20 years. 

Recognizable players need to be charismatic in order to appeal to their fan base. Well I certainly think Harrell mocking the Muhsin Muhammad (WR - Chicago Bears) touchdown celebration in Chicago after scoring a touchdown would do that. I think blowing kisses to a booing crowd would be considered charismatic. And to have a ball thrown back on the field after you tossed it after a score (only in Chicago!!) brings an aura that if you are playing on the road, opposing fans may come to specifically boo you or watch their home team defeat you.

Yes, people pay to do that. And it certainly did not offend Sippio and the Rush.

“I do the same thing and that is why we respect each other’s game,” stated Sippio. “You can take it personal if you want, but me knowing Harrell and the type of athlete that he is, hey, the more power to him. It is fun watching him and I compliment him on everything he does. He is not a bad player and he is not a bad person. It was nothing towards us, he is just having fun with the way he plays.”

On the other hand, Sippio scored touchdowns on four straight drives for the Rush in the second half as the Rush went on a 35 – 7 run. After he scores, he’s dancing for the camera, playing to the crowd, and celebrating with his teammates. 

The home crowd eats that stuff up. It is what creates popularity and creates a buzz about your product. 

I’m not a marketing guru by any means, but it just makes sense. I also realize you need the media outlets to buy in. As a part owner of the league, you would think ESPN would be leading the charge in helping to increase the viewership on their Monday night games by promoting the guys that will be playing. Maybe have a feature spot on SportsCenter or any of the other ESPN outlets. They have a ton off them.

After the “If these walls could talk...” commercials, I have not seen much else to promote their investment. 

Harrell and Sippio trading touchdowns on national television is great for the Arena Football League and ESPN. Considering these two teams will most likely play each other two more times this season, including the playoffs, let’s hope that the gift presented Monday night was noticed and taken to another level by the worldwide leader in sports.

“You saw the best of the best today,” said Rush head coach Mike Hohensee. “Those two guys are the cream of the crop as far as receivers go.” 
 
Another Monday Night Matchup is Next

At least ESPN and the AFL made a quality move in changing the game for next week between Chicago and Dallas from Friday night where nobody would see it to the Monday night national game. No offense to either Philadelphia or New York, but I would much rather see two teams with a combined record of 17 –2 play instead of two teams fighting to stay out of the basement.

As I note above, here is a perfect opportunity fro ESPN to do its thing. 

You have Sippio, who played for Dallas when he started in the league playing against the team that let him go after two seasons. Depending on whom you talk to, the split was not without tension.

One thing is for sure; Bobby Sippio is more than ready for this one.

“Oh you know it,” said Sippio with a grin on his face. “I’ve been waiting on this day. I’ve been waiting to play Dallas. I have no problems with anyone around there. I am a member of the Chicago Rush. I am one of the leaders on this team and a big factor. I take a chip on my shoulder because I feel like I should have gotten this same opportunity in Dallas. They had more of an opportunity to make me the player that I am now. I am going to fight to the end for the Chicago Rush and we are going to take it out on Dallas next week and have a good time.”

The seed has been planted, so ESPN, please make it GROW!!