From: Fitzpatrick, Frank
To: Gonzalez, John; McKee, Don
Subject: Serious question
Did you see whose jersey is the best seller in the NFL this summer? It's not Brett Favre's. Not Chris Johnson's. Not Drew Brees'. It's Tim Tebow's, the Broncos' rookie QB who's done nothing in his NFL career but shave his head. What accounts for this incongruity? Hype? Race? Politics? It's obvious that logic plays no role.
From: Gonzalez, John
To: Fitzpatrick, Frank; McKee, Don
Subject: Serious question
I think it's the Friar Tuck haircut he had earlier this preseason. I think one or both of you should try it. I've got clippers.
From: Fitzpatrick, Frank
To: Gonzalez, John; McKee, Don
Subject: Serious question
Pose a serious sociological query and what kind of response do I get? Something about Robin Hood's fat sidekick. Maybe I'll go down to the Eagles game tonight and poll some tailgaters if I can get them to put down their textbooks for a moment.
From: Gonzalez, John
To: Fitzpatrick, Frank; McKee, Don
Subject: Serious question
Fine: Hype, race, religion - it's all part of the recipe. Mix equal parts and you have the best-selling jersey. Good luck with the tailgaters. Take a video camera. I'd love to see you hanging with the jersey crowd.
From: Fitzpatrick, Frank
To: Gonzalez, John; McKee, Don
Subject: Serious question
If I were to wade into the jersey-wearing masses, you're right, I likely would be hanging. Soon.
From: McKee, Don
To: Fitzpatrick, Frank; Gonzalez, John
Subject: Serious question
And rightfully so. Certainly hype plays a big part in Tebow's appeal. So do race and religion. But keep in mind that Randy Moss was a top seller in his prime and that A.I. is one of the top sellers of all time in any sport. If people across the board generally like a guy, his jersey will sell. Add appeal to a particular group and it increases further. The only jersey I could never figure out was Mike Mamula's. Who bought that? Guys who do naughty things in bars?
From: Fitzpatrick, Frank
To: McKee, Don; Gonzalez, John
Subject: Serious question
No, Ray Rhodes bought 600.
From: McKee, Don
To: Fitzpatrick, Frank; Gonzalez, John
Subject: Serious question
I wonder what happens to Tebow's appeal when he throws six interceptions in the opener. . . . lol.
From: Fitzpatrick, Frank
To: McKee, Don; Gonzalez, John
Subject: Serious question
Assuming he even gets in the opener.
From: McKee, Don
To: Fitzpatrick, Frank; Gonzalez, John
Subject: Serious question
On that note, I'm going to don my Macho Harris jersey and head for practice.
