Shannon Sharpe

In staying with the recent Hall of Fame selection theme, Shannon Sharpe redefined the tight end position into what we know it today. Shannon was the first of the new-age tight ends that seem to be too quick to be guarded by a linebacker, but too big to be guarded by defensive backs.

Shannon Sharpe's career spanned 14 season, all but two with the Denver Broncos. When he retired in 2003, he held several records for tight ends, including receptions (815) and yards (10,060), which have since been broken by Tony Gonzalez.

To reach the highest level as Shannon Sharpe did or any professional does in their respective career, you have to be motivated.

Shannon Sharpe said in this interview that he was motivated by two things - cold oatmeal and getting wet when it rained.

Shannon said that when he was growing up, he lived with his Grandmother, who worked at a nursing home. They weren't wealthy and, many times, dinner consisted of cold oatmeal. The home he grew up in had an old tin roof and when it rained, the water leaked inside.

Sometimes, you don't have to be motivated to be the best. I would argue that, although the drive to succeed is powerful, trying to escape real life situations can be more moving. And when you factor in the drive to not only help yourself escape, but the love ones who make sacrifices for you, that may be all you need.

Shannon Sharpe was motivated to become a professional football player so he could to move his family to a home with a stable roof over their head and warm food on the table.

What motivates you?

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...Jimmy Rollins

After not getting a hit in four at-bats in Game One of the National League Championship Series (NLCS), Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins came to bat in the bottom of the seventh inning in Game Two with the bases loaded.

The 2007 National League Most Valuable Player struggled with injuries this year and only hit .243 in 88 games - the worst of his career. But Jimmy is still a dangerous professional, especially when he feels slighted.

Down 3-1, with base runners on second and third, San Fransisco manager Bruce Bochy decided to intentionally walk Phillies right fielder Jayson Werth to load the bases.

Now in some scenarios, if the Giants were trying to set up a double play, I would agree with the move. But the Giants already had recorded two outs, so they were more concerned with Jayson Werth than Jimmy Rollins.

Werth hit .296 with 27 home runs in the 2010 season, but is only hitting .222 in the postseason.

Jimmy Rollins hit .297 right handed this year versus .218 left handed. At the time, Giants left handed reliever Jeremy Affelt was on the mound and Bochy wanted Rollins to hit left handed.

Rollins hit a three run double that turned a 3-1 lead into a 6-1 advantage that basically put the game out of reach.

In athletics, and life, you have to take advantage of anything you can. Whenever you feel slighted, turn that into to motivation. People told me since I was 11 years old that I wasn't very good. And I turned it into a professional career.

Jimmy Rollins turned it into a Game Two victory.

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