Sunday night after the 49ers vs. Seahawks Conference championship game, social media networks nearly went haywire. The Seahawks just defeated the 49ers 23-17 to advance to the Super Bowl and that wasn’t even what was talked about. Facebook, Twitter, and other networks were flooding with comments, praise and rages all because of one player, Richard Sherman.
In the final minute of the NFC Conference Championship game, the Seahawks were ahead by six points and the 49ers were driving down the field trying to get into the end zone to tie the game and then take the lead with the extra point. The 49ers offense reached the Seattle 18 yard line and quarterback Colin Kaepernick launches the ball toward the back-right pylon of the end zone where Michael Crabtree was ready for the ball. Unfortunately for the 49ers, Richard Sherman was right in front of Crabtree and swatted the ball away and was intercepted by Malcolm Smith to end the game after a few Seahawks kneel downs.
After all that excitement, thing get a little more exciting. Following the interception, Sherman ran up to Crabtree, gave him a pat and claims that he was telling him “good game” and tried to shake his hand. Crabtree wanted none of that and shoved him in the facemask. Sherman proceeded to put his hands around his neck while running down the field at the 49ers making a choking gesture which got him a taunting penalty.
And that’s not even what got social media networks buzzing! It was after the game was over with interviews with Sherman where he called out Crabtree saying he was a “sorry receiver” and was “mediocre at best.” These comments and antics of both Sherman and Crabtree are what set everyone off. A lot of it was negative reactions from fans and other athletes across the country but could this be good for the NFL? I say YES!
The 49ers and the Seahawks are going to be excellent teams for the next couple years. They are in the same division so they play each other twice every season. Now that this rivalry between Crabtree and Sherman has emerged, the NFL is seeing dollar signs for the future. We will see primetime games between these two teams so everyone can watch how the rivalry will continue. The NFL will love every minute of it as they rake in the money from endorsements and commercials that will be run during these games. Whenever the 49ers and Seahawks gear up against each other, these actions by both players will be brought up and heavily talked about and that is exactly what the NFL wants.
Not only is it good for the NFL but it is sure fun to watch as a fan. Rivalries are what make sports exciting and intense at the same time. I am sure we will see Sherman and Crabtree go at it several times over the next couple years as long as they stay healthy and on their respective teams. As of now we look forward to what more Richard Sherman will say and do in the upcoming days leading up to the Super Bowl. Peyton Manning will have his hands full with that number one defense and Sherman will have the ultimate challenge with that high powered offense.