Preseason Cuties! Vets Still Got It

Kickin’ It with the Ol’ School Players

by Nkeshi Free

Yes, ladies it’s the start of another season and its time to bring back the Sideline Pass favorite “Cutie of the Week” section.  So to whet your appetites, I decided to start off with a dedication to the fine former players of the NFL in a section called “Still a Cutie.”   So for the next week, sit back and enjoy a look at the throw-back classic cuties who can give the current players a run for their money on the looks department! Get ready for Aikman, Keyshawn and Rod W! Enjoy.

© Brooks Ayola

Troy Aikman

Okay, seriously, with those baby blues and “All-American” good looks there is no question that Troy Aikman was the perfect fit to serve as the QB for “America’s Team,” none other than the Dallas Cowboys.  Standing at a commanding 6′ 4″, he was known for being tough and his ability to take a hit and keep getting up, until he had one concussion too many and retired in April 2001.  While the starting QB for the Cowboys, Aikman led the team to three Super Bowls including back to back championships in 1993 and 1994 over the Buffalo Bills and the 1996 win over the rival Pittsburgh Steelers.  After retiring, Aikman was the first of the famed Cowboys “Triplets” to reach the NFL Hall of Fame.  The “Triplets” was comprised of Aikman and teammates Michael Irving at wide receiver and recent NFL Hall of Fame inductee, running back Emmitt Smith.  In his retirement, Aikman serves as a game day commentator for Fox Sports along with hosting a weekly sports radio show and running the Troy Aikman Foundation.  One thing’s is for sure when Aikman’s in the booth I have to remember to watch the game and not the sportscaster!  All I know is that this All-American girl can only say one thing when it comes to this fine piece of eye-candy…”How ‘Bout Them Cowboys,”  because in addition to a tradition of winning there’s a tradition of fine men!

Keyshawn Johnson

Keyshawn Johnson

Yes Lawd!  Really ladies I had to work extra hard to focus on the story and not look at this picture all day….I mean, how can I look at anything other than that smile and beautiful teeth…Whew…okay focus…focus… (lol)! Keyshawn Johnson, this former wide receiver for the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys (see what I mean about tradition of fine men, see previous Troy Aikman story), and Carolina Panthers is just a chocolate bar vision waiting to be devoured as eye candy!  In 2007 he retired after an 11-year career that included three Pro-Bowl selections, a Super Bowl win with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  He is the first wide receiver to score a touchdown on Monday Night Football with four different teams.  Johnson finished his career with 814 receptions and is tied with Henry Ellard at 17th for all-time career NFL receptions.  In addition to his sports casting, Johnson is known for his ties and love of all things fashion including an interior design show on A&E.  I tell you one thing that Keyshawn can come design me, my closet and my house all day everyday as long as he keeps smiling!!

Rod Woodson

Rod Woodson by ©J. Monroe Butler II

Since a picture is worth a thousand words, my work is done!  Rod Woodson….okay carry-on!  I know age ain’t nothing but a number and this man is just getting better like fine wine….I mean somehow, they thought I was supposed to look at pictures of this man and just pick one (lol)!!  I’m glad I don’t have to worry about selecting which one, because truthfully all of the photos I saw should just be one big collage dedicated to the fineness that is Rod Woodson! Oh and let me be PERFECTLY clear, I am 100% biased about his good looks because we share the same birthday (but not the same year, so don’t get it twisted, ha-ha-ha)!!  This defensive back and what a “back” it is… inducted in the NFL Hall of Fame, was best known for his years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it was with the Baltimore Ravens that he found Super Bowl glory.  I can’t believe he was in my back yard!!  Talk about a winning combination Ray Lewis and Rod Woodson on the same team…That’s not a super team, that’s super hot!  Woodson also played with the San Francisco 49’s and Oakland Raiders and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1993.  Inducted in the NFL Hall of Fame with class of 2009, the analyst for the NFL Network on the show NFL Total Access has my TOTAL attention EVERYTIME he is on the screen!