| I love great sports writing. The ability | | | | Chicago Bears with 9--and not misleading |
| to observe a sporting event and turn it | | | | them with the fuzzy logic that other |
| into vivid word pictures is truly an | | | | teams are the true Dynasties because |
| art. The problem today is thatwhat with | | | | they have won more Super Bowls. (An |
| the thousands of sports-related Internet | | | | understanding of history is part of what |
| sites and numerous Cable TV channels | | | | makes a writer great). |
| devoted to sports--there is more stuff | | | | --Demonstrating a talent for |
| out there than even the most dedicated | | | | prognostication. This is the easiest way |
| NFL fan can possibly keep up with. Some | | | | to qualify for the Over Time Literary |
| of it is gem-quality journalism, a lot | | | | Achievement Award. All a writer has to |
| of it is noisy, unpleasant junk. | | | | do is maintain Green Bay in the #1 or #2 |
| So, how do we separate the good football | | | | position in their NFL Team Rankings for |
| writing from the bad, distinguish | | | | 5 consecutive weeks. Consideration will |
| between the words artists and the finger | | | | also be given to those writers who |
| painters? | | | | recommend the Packers entire starting |
| I had wrestled with this question for | | | | lineup in their Fantasy Football |
| years, without getting anywhere close to | | | | leagues. Even our injured players. |
| answering it. Then, earlier this week, | | | | Award winners receive and impressive |
| it finally hit me! I discovered a rule | | | | package of prizes including an |
| we can all apply (and the rule is so | | | | autographed copy of the novel, OVER TIME |
| simple that I am surprised I didnt | | | | and a gift certificate for delicious |
| discover it before): | | | | Johnsonville Bratwurst. |
| THE MOST TALENTED FOOTBALL WRITERS AND | | | | But what do we do with the clueless, |
| BROADCASTERS TEND TO BE THOSE WHO SAY | | | | negative scribes? You know these guys. |
| NICE THINGS ABOUT THE GREEN BAY PACKERS. | | | | When you read the nonsense they write |
| In fact, tend to be might be too | | | | about the Packers, youd think they were |
| cautious a phrase. Actually, there is a | | | | talking about the NFLs perennial doormat |
| near 100% correlation between writing | | | | rather than the team thats had 12 |
| talent and relentless optimism about the | | | | winning seasons in the last 14 years. |
| Packers. | | | | You really have to scratch your head |
| My goal is to help you sift through all | | | | when you read goofy things like the |
| the football-related content out there | | | | Packers will be so bad in 2006 that |
| and find the very best writing and to | | | | Brett will regret having come back for |
| help you avoid the very worst. | | | | another season, or truly brain dead |
| The Packers Literary Corner will | | | | predictions such as Green Bay will have |
| recognize and encourage excellence in | | | | the #1 pick in next years Draft. |
| football writing and broadcasting. | | | | You have to feel sorry for these people. |
| From time to time I will select one | | | | They are trapped in a mental tar pit of |
| truly deserving writer to receive the | | | | ignorance and no one seems willing to |
| partially prestigious: | | | | throw them a lifeline. I feel compelled |
| Over Time Literary Achievement Award | | | | to do something to help these poor |
| There will be several ways a journalist | | | | individuals get on the path to |
| or broadcaster can become eligible to | | | | enlightenment, to help them find their |
| win this award: | | | | Inner Cheesehead, if you will. |
| --Expressing gushing admiration for | | | | Lets visit the Internet, plunge into the |
| Brett Favre, to the point that Chicago | | | | digital mire and dredge up some of the |
| Bears fans in the audience begin to get | | | | most foolishly negative statements about |
| nauseous. | | | | the Packers. Then, we will critique what |
| --Describing, at considerable length, | | | | they had to say, and try to help them |
| why Lambeau Field is the best place to | | | | become better writers. Help them sharpen |
| see an NFL game. Extra credit will be | | | | their thinking. Smooth out their |
| given for use of words such as | | | | literary style. And, recommend books |
| magnificent, incredible, and phrases | | | | they should read to get them back on the |
| such as once-in-a-lifetime experience. | | | | right track. Its the least we Packer |
| --Reminding readers that the Packers | | | | fans can do. |
| have won a league-high 12 Championships, | | | | Thats why were renowned as The Best Fans |
| beginning in 1929no other team is even | | | | in the National Football League. |
| close to that achievement except the | | | | |