Inbox: It's etched in the visual memory bank

[Cheesehead]

Mike from St. Louis Park, MN


Thanks to Michael from Alameda I was finally able to stump my sports trivia friends, re: Eddie Mathews and his one team in three cities. My friend countered with, "What is the only university to have the No. 1 overall pick in both football and basketball in the same year?" Ironically this one actually had Packer implications.


As well as an impact on Wisconsin's pro basketball team, though it didn't work out so well for the Bucks. I'll put the answer at the bottom of the column for those who still want to think about it.


Justin from Wausau, WI


I'm with you on fantasy football, Mike, and your distaste for the way it changes one's enjoyment of the game. I participated in a league many years ago at the request of a friend and avid player. I don't recall the specifics, but I needed Adrian Peterson to have a big day against the Pack to get me to the playoffs. If I went, the Packers likely would not. It was gut-wrenching. The Packers' D bent but didn't break, and I was eliminated, and that was the day I hung it up forever.


I'm not here to criticize one's form of entertainment. If it works for you, be my guest. But I often wonder if fans' questions and criticisms about play-calling are rooted in their running back or receiver not getting the ball enough. I have no time for that. What triggered my exit from the activity was my own success. I once won a matchup (which ultimately propelled me to the league championship) because Miami RB Karim Abdul-Jabbar had three rushing TDs in one game, all from the 1-yard line, after the Dolphins were hopelessly behind in the second half. Dumb luck in garbage time made me a winner. Woohoo. No thanks.


Tom from Menomonee Falls, WI


I get that having no fans in the seats will greatly affect revenue, but don't get how the salary cap could be lowered next year as a result. I would think existing contracts would make that impossible. Are the players going to have to take pay cuts? Is there language in their contracts that covers disruption to the revenue stream? Please help me understand this.


The salary cap for the upcoming year is calculated based on a percentage of league revenues from the previous year, divided by 32 (per team). So technically, revenue losses in 2020 would be accounted for in the 2021 cap. But as you point out, chaos could result due to existing contracts. The players have proposed spreading out the cap hit over the next decade, the length of the new CBA, but nothing's been agreed upon. It's all part of the ongoing negotiations.


Thomas from Cedar Rapids, IA


"Humanity first" almost begs to be followed (or preceded) by "Serenity now." I'd buy one.


The "Seinfeld" crew has made plenty in royalties already.


Cole from Rutland, VT


Made the mistake of looking at 2023 free agents today. Preston Smith, Za'Darius Smith, Adrian Amos, Elgton Jenkins, Jace Sternberger, and Jaire Alexander (after fifth year). Obviously way out there (it's been a long offseason) but do you see Packers having the room to sign everyone? If not, who gets left ou


Serenity now.


Statham from Pineview, GA


Do you think Philly's statement on no fans at games this year was premature? Moreover, if they have announced that already, what must the NFL do to support it? I know it has been mentioned in II multiple times that the fans at games issue would be a league matter, and that it would be the same standard for each franchise.


The edict from Philly came from the city, not the team, as a result of banning any large gatherings through February 2021. The city backed off a bit Wednesday, saying events in private venues aren't necessarily subject to the policy, which is constantly under review anyway. Clear as mud, of course. But that aside, having fans at games is up to each team and locality, not the league. I had made this point a while back, that home-field advantages could certainly differ, because the league wasn't about to turn down any revenue streams during this difficult year. Wes disagreed and said the league would have one set of rules for all. I wouldn't normally gloat about being right, but Wes is on vacation, so why not.


Dan from Toledo, OH


Was thinking of what award, if any, basically guaranteed HOF admission. Has an NFL MVP ever not been inducted into the Hall of Fame?


Plenty. My cross-check came up with 13 NFL MVPs not in Canton, among players eligible and already considered for induction (so not including Brady, Aaron Rodgers, etc.). They are Earl Morrall, Roman Gabriel, John Brodie, Larry Brown, Bert Jones, Brian Sipe, Ken Anderson, Mark Moseley, Joe Theismann, Boomer Esiason, Rich Gannon, Steve McNair and Shaun Alexander. The one on that list I'd stump for would be Anderson.