Who did you hate when they played, now you like?

[BoomerClone]

I’d like to hear some stories about players you hated when they played (college or pro) but after retirement for whatever reason you now like.

I have 2 I can think of right now. Peyton Manning. I hated him in the NFL. I thought he was arrogant (he probably is) and just didn’t like him. Probably more so because he didn’t play for my team. Since then I find him funny and enjoy listening/watching his stuff.

Number 2 might upset some and trust me, I wish I could carry on the hatred. Dallas Clark. I hated him for obvious reasons. Especially when hated #1 was tossing TDs to him. I listened to a radio interview with him today and I have to say I think he is a dude I would get along with. He came back to Iowa to farm. Seems like a fun guy that is probably a lot like myself.

 

[RustShack]

I have one that’s the opposite. Loved LeBron until he went to Miami. I kinda didn’t mind him his last year there then liked him again when returned to Cleveland. Now he’s just whatever. Don’t cheer for or against him.

 

[cyclonespiker33]

As a Packers fan, I disliked Jay Cutler when he played for the Bears. He's a pretty funny dude though. Being on The League was definitely something that helped me like him.

 

[CRcyclone6]

I didn't like Shannon Sharpe when he played. I like listening to him now.

 

[CascadiaClone]

I’ll probably get flamed for this, and it’s not a great example since he’s still playing…. But I love George Kittle now. It def helps that BCB is throwing him the ball… but he just seems like a good dude and he’s obviously a damn good player.

 

[CoachHines3]

I didn't like Shannon Sharpe when he played. I like listening to him now.

SKIP SKIP SKIP SKIP SKIP

 

[beentherebefore]

Charles Barkley

 

[JP4CY]

Maurice Clarett instantly comes to mind. Seeks like he's dramatically changed his life.

 

[BoomerClone]

Charles Barkley

He was one I thought of too

 

[BMWallace]

I saw JJ Reddick as yet another over-hyped annoying blue-blood player when he was at Duke. As he became more of a journeyman sharpshooter later in his career I started to like him more, and I really like him now as a media personality.

 

[BoomerClone]

I have one that’s the opposite. Loved LeBron until he went to Miami. I kinda didn’t mind him his last year there then liked him again when returned to Cleveland. Now he’s just whatever. Don’t cheer for or against him.

I agree. I liked LeBron early. Absolutely hate him now.

 

[Dopey]

You guys suck at holding grudges

 

[BMWallace]

Also, I hated Tony Romo when he was with Dallas, not so much because of him, but because of how NFL media circle jerked about him. I just never got the praise that was constantly heaped onto him every year. But I like him much better as an analyst.

 

[BoomerClone]

I thought of another one. I know he isn’t technically retired but I really like Tiger Woods now. I didn’t care for him when he was young but I think he has really matured and he seems much more humble

 

[VeloClone]

I thought of another one. I know he isn’t technically retired but I really like Tiger Woods now. I didn’t care for him when he was young but I think he has really matured and he seems much more humble

Aging is a humbling game.

 

[Shawker]

Tom Brady for me. Leaving New England helped and then him drunk tossing the Lombardi trophy fully won me over.

 

[JP4CY]

I tell ya what, I hated Jess Settles as a player but he was FANTASTIC on the fanatics with Chris and Ross. I liked his input probably more than Jake Sullivan's.

 

[Cyientist]

Maurice Clarett instantly comes to mind. Seeks like he's dramatically changed his life.

Haven’t heard about him for a long time. What’s he up to?

 

[1UNI2ISU]

PJ Fleck.

I thought he was just a self hype machine and nothing but a catch phrase then I saw him speak and sat in a small group discussion with him at a conference and he's actually a really articulate down to earth guy that is more than willing to admit the mistakes he's made in coaching and in his personal life. Just a really normal dude that LOVES him some slogans.

 

[Cyientist]

Almost every opposing athlete from the West Central Athletic Conference that I ended up meeting at ISU…