How can you not be a fan of Isaac Bruce?
Few players in the Rams' history have been as productive for as long a period as Bruce. But it goes beyond that.
In his early years, he was the lone bright spot on a dismal team. His second year was one of the greatest any receiver ever had, though he toiled in near anonymity.
Then came the hamstring injuries. Many players experiencing such a sharp decline in their production due to a recurring injury would have thrown in the towel. But Bruce (despite the chiding of Dick Vermiel - calling Bruce his "so called superstar") pressed on and got healthy. Then in 1999, when the team suddenly became a contender, he was right there in the mix - punishing hated San Fran with 4 TDs and, of course, catching the game winner in the Super Bowl.
Since then, he has continued to play at a high level. And he continues to show up in big games (he was great in the playoff loss to Carolina) and to this day (See last Sunday's box score).
Throughout it all, he has never held out for more money, never drawn attention to himself with TO/Joe Horn/Randy Moss type antics, never complained when Torry Holt became the "Number 1" receiver. He just keeps playing and setting an example for the team.
When the Rams visit Miami this October, I will be there... proudly wearing my #80 jersey and chanting "Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce!!!!!!!!!!!"
Few players in the Rams' history have been as productive for as long a period as Bruce. But it goes beyond that.
In his early years, he was the lone bright spot on a dismal team. His second year was one of the greatest any receiver ever had, though he toiled in near anonymity.
Then came the hamstring injuries. Many players experiencing such a sharp decline in their production due to a recurring injury would have thrown in the towel. But Bruce (despite the chiding of Dick Vermiel - calling Bruce his "so called superstar") pressed on and got healthy. Then in 1999, when the team suddenly became a contender, he was right there in the mix - punishing hated San Fran with 4 TDs and, of course, catching the game winner in the Super Bowl.
Since then, he has continued to play at a high level. And he continues to show up in big games (he was great in the playoff loss to Carolina) and to this day (See last Sunday's box score).
Throughout it all, he has never held out for more money, never drawn attention to himself with TO/Joe Horn/Randy Moss type antics, never complained when Torry Holt became the "Number 1" receiver. He just keeps playing and setting an example for the team.
When the Rams visit Miami this October, I will be there... proudly wearing my #80 jersey and chanting "Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce!!!!!!!!!!!"
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