Play Hard, Not Dirty

You see it every year. Those players who regularly get personal fouls or unsportsmanlike conduct and yet don't even care. And then there are those who take it to a whole other level of playing dirty. The ones who make fights not only personal but downright dangerous. We get it, you're passionate but there's a fine line between passionate and crazy.

Last week after seeing the fight between Aaron Donald and Nick Gates, I was reminded of the players who are (lack of a better word) petty. These guys were throwing their hands into each other eyes, and we won't even go into how dangerous that could potentially be. My mind started thinking of the fights and hits that were completely unnecessary and who it was that was doing it. Here are my top 3 dirtiest players that I despise to this day:

3. Aqib Talib

I remember it well. It was 2013 when Aqib Talib was on the Pats and was guarding Steve Smith on the Panthers. They were at it from the beginning of the game with holding and pass interference calls. And a deep pass to the left completed by Smith when Talib tackled him. After Smith stood up, Talib held onto his leg preventing Smith to walk away and a fight broke out. This only continued with pushing and face masks throughout the game. From then, on I have had a strong dislike for him.

His antics only continued with multiple fights (in multiple games) with Michael Crabtree when Talib would try to rip of Crabtree's chain. Seriously dude? Thank God he's no longer in the league anymore because who knows what trouble he would do next.

2. Vontaze Burfict

From almost "lights-out" knocking out Antonio Brown for a head injury to intentionally twisting ankles, he is the poster child for playing dirty. And the worst part is, when he was ejected from the game for a late hit that was helmut to helmut, he was running off the field smiling and blowing kisses. Like how much of a dick are you to pull that kind of stunt. Thankfully he isn't in the league either or else 2020 would have more unnecessary injuries.

1. Ndamokung Suh

Quite possibly the most hated and dirtiest player currently in the NFL. I honestly don't even know where to start with him. The first thing that comes to mind is the Suh Stomp. Notoriously known for using his legs to quite literally kick and stomp on opponents. Stomping on the ankle of Aaron Rodgers and also kicking the head of Evan Smith AND pushing Smith's head into the ground when he was down. This lead to a two game suspension for Suh. And this is the tip of the iceberg. If there truly was one person I'd like to see out of the league, it would be this degenerate.

PSA to all NFL players (or any person in sports for that matter): Keep it clean and keep it fair. Nothing good comes from losing your temper. Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.