Transformers! ‘Keshi’s Cuties

CUTIES of the WEEK 11/14/10
By Nkeshi Free

Without meaning too do so, I seem to have a theme again this week. This week is dedicated to the transformers of the game, both literally and figuratively speaking. Some of this week’s pick have not only “transformed” the game, but themselves and their lives. Some are not going to agree with this week’s pick and I hoping to get some good, healthy and respectful discussion, but one thing you can’t say is that I don’t bring the fine ones… So……as always you know what to do….enjoy!!

Calvin Johnson: Watch Him Roar

Calvin Johnson, Lions

Nicknamed “Megatron” by former teammate Roy Williams, Detroit Lions star wide receiver Calvin Johnson reminds me more of “Optimus Prime.” While both fictional characters are leaders of the battling robot nations in the famed “Transformers,” series, Megatron was the leader of the evil “Decepticons” and there is NO deception when it comes to Johnson’s talent on the football field. The former Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket was taken with the second selection in the 2007 NFL draft by the Detroit Lions. In 2008 Johnson became the starting wide receiver after Williams was traded to the Dallas Cowboys. In 2008 Johnson was selected to the Pro Bowl and in his short three year career Johnson has 207 receptions, more than three thousand receiving yards and more than 22 touchdowns. While the Lions struggled in 2008 becoming the only team in NFL history to go the entire season without a win, Johnson still produced on the field, finishing the season fifth in receiving yards and lead the league with 12 receiving touchdowns. In 2010 the 1-5 Lions are still trying to rebuild their organization, but one thing is sure, regardless of what nickname Johnson goes by, this cutie is transforming the league with his talent and the hearts of ladies across the country. I know when I look at his picture my day is always transformed for the better (lol)!!!

Ricky Williams: A Beautiful Body

Ricky Williams, Dolphins

Ricky, Ricky, Ricky….This pick truly personifies the transform theme, LOL!!  Born Errick Lynne Williams, Jr, This former University of Texas star has undergone many different looks throughout his twisting winding path through the NFL.  Drafted fifth overall in 1999 by the New Orleans Saints, the 1998 Heisman Trophy winner has gone through some serious ups and downs.  A talented running back, he started his controversial career with a cover shoot for “ESPN The Magazine.” On the cover, Williams was wearing a wedding dress standing next to then Saints head coach, Mike Ditka who gave away the Saints entire draft picks and their first and third pick the following year to get Williams.  After three mediocre years with the Saints and a horrible contract negotiated by the one and only “Master P,” Williams was traded to the Dolphins in 2002.  In his first season he was the NFL’s leading rusher with 1,853 yards and named to the Pro Bowl.  In 2004, he shocked the world and the Dolphins organization by announcing early retirement, during the pre-season after testing positively for marijuana. The retirement would allow him to avoid being suspended for four-games and paying a $650,000 fine.  He then went on to study Ayurveda, an ancient Indian holistic medicine.  Williams returned to the Dolphins in 2005, paid back some of his signing bonus and served his four game suspension. In 2006 he was suspended for the entire season after another failed drug test.

Ricky - MInd over Matter

During this time he played for the Canadian Football League with the Toronto Argonauts.  Reinstated in 2007, Williams continues to work on and off the field.  Williams was an interesting cutie pick, because when he was drafted he was known for his trade mark locks.  He has since gone through several metamorphoses’ including full beard, no beard, goatee, locks, bald and something in-between looking like  the character “Grady” from Sanford and Son, LOL!! Diagnosed with social anxiety disorder he has struggled to find balance between the football and treatments.  Williams’ shy behavior has been linked to the disorder as well as part of the rational for his frequent drug use.  Let me say that while I have always thought he had a pretty smile, this new version of Williams is HOT, HOT, HOT!!!  Clean shaven, bald head and smile that makes me high every day, Williams is definitely on my cutie team!!

Michael Vick #7: Love Him or Hate Him?

MIchael Vick, Eagles

This person is going to be a controversial selection and let me start of by saying that I have been conflicted about adding this player to the Cutie List.  Ladies, yes I’m talking about none other than Michael Vick.  As an animal lover, I too was horrified to learn about the vicious cruelty done to the innocent animals, yet after he served his time, I also felt that he should be given a second chance, not just in football but in life. I can’t excuse what he did.  That being said, Vick is also on this list because I have had a surprisingly high number of requests for him.  Ladies, ask and you shall receive.  On November 15, 2010 on Monday Night Football on ESPN, Vick put on a quarterback clinic against the Washington Redskins with a 59-28 victory against the ‘Skins.

MIke Vick

Vick, threw four touchdowns, ran for two and ran eight times in the game for a total for 80 yards, surpassing Steve Young into second place in NFL history for yards rushed by a quarterback. Drafted in the first round out of Virginia Tech by the Atlanta Falcons in 2001, Vick was the first African-American quarterback selected first overall in the draft.  During his time with the Falcons Vick was selected to three Pro Bowls, but in 2007 the stuff hit the fan and the rest is history.  While in prison Tony Dungy spent time visiting him and mentoring him and helped to negotiate this return to the league.  Despite major hesitation, the Philadelphia Eagles gave Vick a shot signing him for the 2009 season.  Then in a wild turn of events, in March of 2010, the Eagles sent their franchise quarterback Donovan McNabb packing to NFC East Rival Washington Redskins.  Second string quarterback Kevin Kolb was set as the new Eagles quarterback, but a concussion suffered during the first game of the season moved Vick back to a starting position.  With the exception of a rib injury, that took him out for a few weeks, Vick has been named the starting quarterback for the 2010 season and possibly beyond.  Despite what has happened there is no denying that Michael Vick is one fine looking man! He has that rich chocolate skin, pretty eyes with long eye lashes and a smile that could melt butter.  Here’s hoping that he continues to stay on the straight and narrow.