Geno Smith: 'I Speak My Mind Like Kobe and MJ – That's Who I Am!'
In a world where athletes are often expected to toe the line and maintain a certain image, Geno Smith, quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, is breaking the mold by unapologetically speaking his mind. Smith’s outspoken nature has often been a topic of conversation, but in a recent interview, he made it clear that this directness isn’t just a habit — it’s a part of who he is.
“I don't shy away from speaking my mind,” Smith stated confidently. “I speak my mind like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. Those are my idols. And if they could do it, I can too.” For Smith, being upfront about his thoughts and feelings isn’t about causing drama or stirring the pot — it's about maintaining authenticity and staying true to himself, regardless of the consequences.
Throughout his career, Smith has often been seen as someone who doesn’t hold back. Whether addressing issues with his former coaches, teammates, or discussing his performance, Smith doesn’t hesitate to voice his honest opinion. While this has sometimes led to friction with the media and front-office staff, including his time with the Seattle Seahawks, Smith makes no apologies for the way he carries himself.
“I know it rubs people the wrong way, but I’m not trying to win any popularity contests,” Smith continued. “I’m here to win games, be authentic, and show my teammates that I’m someone who can be trusted. I’m not here to pretend to be someone I’m not.”
This no-nonsense approach to leadership is a characteristic that’s often associated with legends like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, two of Smith’s biggest idols. Both of these basketball icons were known for their fierce competitiveness and their unfiltered honesty, traits that Smith has incorporated into his own leadership style.
While some may view his openness as a risk, Smith firmly believes that it’s the key to building trust with his teammates and showing them that he’s in this for the long haul. It’s not just about football for Smith; it’s about creating a culture of honesty, accountability, and commitment. He wants his team to know that they can rely on him to speak the truth — even when it’s uncomfortable.
As Smith continues to take the reins for the Raiders, his leadership style will undoubtedly continue to evolve. But one thing is clear: he’ll remain true to his nature, just as his idols did before him.
Colin Cowherd Sparks Outrage with Wild Jared Goff Take Before Lions-Chiefs Showdown
Sunday’s showdown between the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs pits two of the league’s top quarterbacks, Jared Goff and Patrick Mahomes, in a potential Super Bowl 60 preview.
If you ask Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd, though, he sees it as a battle of future Hall of Fame quarterbacks.
With three Super Bowl rings and no shortage of accolades on his resume, Mahomes has all but clinched his bronze bust in Canton. But you’d be hard-pressed to find many who would even consider Goff, who turns 31 on Oct. 14, to be on the verge of earning a spot in the Hall of Fame.
“No question, he’s gonna be a Hall of Famer,” Cowherd nonetheless argued on Wednesday. “He plays in rhythm, he plays in structure, he’s got great genetics ... Jared Goff is going to be a Hall of Famer.”
We won’t fault Cowherd for buying high on Goff, who enters Week 6 leading the NFL in completion percentage (75.2%) and touchdowns (12). Most importantly, the NFC North-leading Lions are 4-1, and Goff has only thrown two picks in 145 attempts.
Cowherd is free to feel optimistic about Goff and the Lions’ title chances, but the Hall of Fame is another conversation entirely.
Jared Goff Is Nowhere Close to Being a Hall of Fame Quarterback
Most football fans would likely agree that of the sport’s active quarterbacks, Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers are the only Hall of Fame locks. Matthew Stafford should join them, though we won’t be surprised to see some voters hold off. And while they might not be there
Then, there’s Goff. Pro Football Reference has a metric aptly called the Hall of Fame Monitor, which measures everything from traditional counting stats, like touchdowns or interceptions, to awards and All-Pro selections. Regardless of position, most Hall of Fame players score at least 100. For example, Tom Brady leads all quarterbacks with a 263.03 HOFm score, and even his biggest critics will agree he’s Hall of Fame-bound in a few years.
The average Hall of Fame quarterback scores at least a 108, and 11 quarterbacks have topped that number. Mahomes, at 102.08, could become the 12th within the coming months. Eight of the 11 are already in the Hall of Fame, and Drew Brees (140.58) is eligible to join them next year. Brady and Rodgers (197.91) will eventually have bronze busts, too.
Goff’s 47.95 HOFm ranks 57th among quarterbacks, putting him right below Raiders great Jim Plunkett’s 47.99. The only quarterback with a HOFm score under 60 is Buffalo Bills legend Jim Kelly, who finished at 59.10.
Is It Too Late for Jared Goff to Make the Hall of Fame?
We mentioned Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, so it’s worth pointing out that Allen sits at 60.13, and Jackson is already at 81.40. It’s hard to see voters keeping either player out if they win a Super Bowl.
It might be too late for Goff, though. Eli Manning (86.01) has two Super Bowl rings, and there are still doubts about whether he’ll earn induction. Ken Anderson (82.99) hasn’t come close, and Cam Newton (70.50) isn’t a Hall of Famer. Then, you start getting into guys like Boomer Esiason (67.93), Joe Theismann (66.35), and Roman Gabriel (65.80), who, while they were fine quarterbacks, won’t be confused with Hall of Famers.
This isn’t even about advanced metrics, though. Football fans looked at Brady, Peyton Manning, and Joe Montana and knew they were watching Hall of Famers. Outside of Cowherd, does anyone say that about Goff?
To be clear: Goff has had a fine career, and he has the Lions on track to eventually win their first Super Bowl. But by no means is Goff on a Hall of Fame path, and that’s fine. Lions fans will love him either way if he brings a long-awaited title to Detroit.
