There are few things better in life than making someone else eat their words about you. In the world of pro football, public opinion about any given player can swing from “he needs to retire” to “he’s the MVP” within a matter of weeks. The following players had bad years in 2006 (and a few bad years before then in some cases) but rebounded to their old form in 2007. Lets take a few moments and give recognition to the guys who shook the haters off and brought their A game.

1. Jamal Lewis (1,304 Yards, 9 TDs)
Every since Lewis ran for 2,000 yards in 2003, theres been a feeling of disappointment in his performances in the following seasons. The fact that he spent a few months in federal prison didn’t help matters much either, but that feeling caused Baltimore to give up on Lewis and not renew his contract. The analysts blasted him for his “tip toe” running style behind the line of scrimmage (ok, I did too) and suggested he was washed up. Lewis answered the critics by having the second best season of his career and helping revitalize the Cleveland Browns franchise.

Jamal’s Victory Song:w 50 Cent’s “Straight To The Bank” (because he’s a free agent now, and is about to get PAID).

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2. Brett Favre (4,155 passing yards, 28TDs)
In 2005 Favre threw a career high 29 interceptions, in 2006 he threw as many interceptions as he did touchdowns, in 2007 he showed you ungrateful bastards why John Madden wants to bear his children. Everyone who’s been calling for his retirement for the last 24 months are quiet as church house mice, and Favre is sitting pretty with the 2nd seed and a 13-3 record. Some of my readers may be surprised I’m writing this since I never have anything good to say about Favre, but thats just because I was bitter about him breaking all of Dan Marino’s records. I’m over it ……. for now.

Brett’s Victory Song: Jay-Z’s “The Watcher Pt.2″ – (“I blew breath to you midgets, I gave life to the game, it’s only right I have the right to be King”)


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3. Reggie Wayne – (104 receptions, 1,504 receiving yards, 10 TDs)
Reggie is unique to this list because unlike the others, he’s never had a bad year, he’s never had off the field problems, and he’s never been heavily scrutinized by the media. However, he HAS lived in the shadow of Marvin Harrison for his entire career. All the hoopla over the Indianapolis Colts were for Manning and Harrison, Reggie Wayne has always been “that other guy”, but not anymore. Reggie Wayne had a career year in 2006, then posted an even BETTER year in 2007. To quote Jay, “ya boy taking off like he’s been stripping all his life”.

Reggie’s Victory Song: Kanye West’s “Big Brother” – (“Big brother saw me on the bottom of the totem, now I’m on top and everybody’s on the scrotum)

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4. Albert Haynesworth – (40 tackles, 6 sacks)
To be honest, I had never heard of Albert Haynesworth before he lost his mind and stepped on that guy’s face last year. He (deservedly) got his ass chewed out by the media and was suspended for a while. He came back in 2007 with a vengeance, anchoring the Titans defense and wreaking havoc up the middle. His numbers aren’t that impressive but the service he provides isn’t something that can be accounted for with stats. When he was out of the lineup this year the defense just wasn’t the same.

Albert’s Victory Song: T.I.’s “Motivation” (people fakin, all you do is inspire, all the hatin is fuel to my fire)

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5. Mario Williams (59 tackles, 14 sacks)
Poor Mario, from the moment the Texans drafted him over Reggie Bush with the first pick, he was public enemy #1 around the nation because of something he had no control over. Not only did was his rookie season incredibly disappointing, Reggie Bush had a great year, and helped take his squad to the playoffs in 2006. This year was an ENTIRELY different story, Mario stepped his game up and proved to the country that the Texans didn’t make a COMPLETELY bonehead move. (I still would have taken Reggie Bush, but whatever). Props to Mario for silencing the critics.

Mario’s Victory Song: – Jay-O’s “Hawaiian Sophie” (Cause Mario should have made the pro bowl)