Atlanta Falcons: Historical villains of the NFC South
Not every NFL player that put on pads and a helmet is a “Tim Tebow” figure that just wants to play football and make his parents proud.
When someone says “villain” the first thing to pop into your head is probably the antagonist from your favorite movie. Someone powerful and truly evil, someone who disgusts and intimidates you, someone like Darth Vader from Star Wars or the Joker from The Dark Knight .
There are two types of villains in the athletic context. There are the cocky, over-celebratory and dramatic players that rub opposing fans the wrong way, such as Cam Newton, and then there are the athletes who have done something horrible. When I mention villains in this article, I am referencing the latter. The NFL has had it’s fair share of villains over the years, and every team in the NFC South Division had, at one point, a villain on their roster.
Disclaimer: None of the players mentioned are currently signed to an NFC South roster.
Carolina Panthers: Greg Hardy
Unfortunately, this monster defensive lineman tore up more than just opposing offensive linemen. Greg Hardy was arrested for domestic assault in May 2014, resulting in a prompt 10 game suspension. However, the charges were dropped and his suspension was significantly reduced to just four games.
Later, Deadspin would release an infamous article describing the severity of the assault and containing horrific images of Hardy’s wife’s bruised body. Hardy was released by the Panthers after the 2014 season, and would go on to sign with the Dallas Cowboys.
New Orleans Saints: Darren Sharper
After being drafted by the Packers in 1997, Sharper quickly established himself as one of the hardest hitting safeties in the league. He only spent a brief stint in New Orleans, 2009-2010, but would be instrumental in the Saints’ Super Bowl run. However, the peace of retirement would not be easy to find for the All-Pro.
In 2014, sexual assault accusations began piling up. Charges were filed against Sharper for incidents in Arizona, Louisiana, California, and Nevada. Before it was revealed that he was a serial rapist, Sharper had a strong case for a bust in Canton.
Atlanta Falcons: Michael Vick
Vick was probably most Falcons fans first thought after reading the opening paragraph. The young quarterback out of Virginia Tech stole the hearts of fans across the nation with his unfathomable speed and his ability to send the pigskin flying down the field with just the flick of his wrist. However, in 2007, Vick was charged for involvement in a dog-fighting ring.
Later details would reveal drugs, gambling, and extensive animal torture in the mix as well. Vick would serve time in prison, but would turn his life around after being released. He would go on to play for the Eagles, Jets, and Steelers, pay off all his debts, and become an anti-Animal Abuse spokesmen. The current leader for career rushing yards by a quarterback has turned himself into a role model, but he was certainly a villain at the end of his tenure in Atlanta.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Warren Sapp
Warren Sapp was a highly decorated defensive lineman at the University of Miami, and he built a professional career with an argument for the greatest defensive tackle of all time. His strong resume contains accolades like four All-Pros, the 1999 Defensive Player of the Year, and a spot in the Professional Football Hall of Fame.
However, his career was anything but spotless. Sapp infamously hospitalized Chad Clifton in a game against the Green Bay Packers with a blindside hit that would cause the NFL to change the rules for unnecessary roughness to make such hits illegal. The great defensive tackle showed no remorse for the hit, and even seemed happy about it.
After the game, Sapp confronted Green Bay Head Coach Mike Sherman and un-professionally insulted and threatened the coach. Also, in his post playing days, Sapp was arrested for domestic battery, but the charges were later dropped. Recently, he was arrested for assault and for soliciting a prostitute. Sapp’s arrogance, harsh play style, and personal controversies make him a notorious figure that it almost universally disliked outside of North Florida.
Next: Atlanta Falcons: Top 10 moments from 2016 season
What do you think? Who are most notorious villains in the entire league?