Top athletes don't ride bicycles

[Doboji]

Yes, you would take a hit and live, but wouldn't you rather enjoy life outside of a hospital? If pro football players played rugby people would probably be paralyzed and the sport would be banned. For instance, if Larry Allen (6-3, 335lbs, 900lb squat, 700lb bench, rumored to be strongest man in NFL) blindsided you at full speed (or even if you were ready for the hit) in rugby without pads on you would most likely be paralyzed or could even die (or have your lungs crushed with any 300+ lb guy that jumped on you). How about Ray Lewis? I don't doubt that he could probably destroy anyone on the rugby field... Rugby may be more demanding endurance wise, but the force of pro football is unparalleled, and why they have to wear pads because of the elite power that no other sport can boast.

First off... I'm 6'5" 335lbs myself... I bench 495lbs... so uh I think I would be ok... Second of all I run a 4.7 second 40 yard dash. Lastly I once collided with a 145lb 5'7" asian dude who I played rugby with, at full sprint. Guess what?... he was fine. Oh and yes I play rugby... I've played it for several years now... and while I have stepped on people's heads, even knocked a few people unconscious... noone has ever died, or ever been paralyzed as a result of collision with me. So umm yeah.... you're wrong.

-Max

 

[Doboji]

Jonah Lomu

Umm yes I think there are plenty of Rugby players more than capable of giving Ray Lewis a smack down.

-Max

 

[Lazy8s]

Originally posted by: SP33Demon

Originally posted by: Doboji
ahhh football isnt that hard... I could take a hit of an NFL athlete anyday... no big thang... and you know what?... So could Armstrong. People have an over inflated ideal of what it means to be an NFL football player. Rugby is far more demanding, and just as violent.

The author of this article is probably a big fat guy who's only athletic activity is clicking the space bar on his keyboard.

-Max

Yes, you would take a hit and live, but wouldn't you rather enjoy life outside of a hospital? If pro football players played rugby people would probably be paralyzed and the sport would be banned. For instance, if Larry Allen (6-3, 335lbs, 900lb squat, 700lb bench, rumored to be strongest man in NFL) blindsided you at full speed (or even if you were ready for the hit) in rugby without pads on you would most likely be paralyzed or could even die (or have your lungs crushed with any 300+ lb guy that jumped on you). How about Ray Lewis? I don't doubt that he could probably destroy anyone on the rugby field... Rugby may be more demanding endurance wise, but the force of pro football is unparalleled, and why they have to wear pads because of the elite power that no other sport can boast.

I bet at 335lbs. he'd have a hard time catching up to a lot of rugby players. Also, most hits in football are on the line and while they are big guys they are getting hit up close. They have a lot of force and someone lance's size would get bowled over but he wouldn't be in the hospital. I think most NFL players would get circles run around them in rugby. Besides if I was on the field and I saw someone 335lbs. comin at me to block me in rugby I'd get rid of the damn ball.

 

[cyclistca]

Mike Imrem = compete idiot

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Originally posted by: SP33Demon

Distance cycling ranked 20th in ESPN's toughest sport. Football 3rd. Hell, RODEO: STEER WRESTLING and FIGURE SKATING finished above Distance cycling. Anyone with half an IQ could tell you that football is a tougher sport, you don't even need this article.

Who the hell cares what ESPN or its viewers think of this topic? Cycling is not a popular sport in the US, and does not attract the kind of large audiences that would lead to a high result in this poll. That said, from a conditioning standpoint, the Tour de France is the hardest sporting event on the planet. The notion that steer wrestling is "tougher" may be subjectively true for some people, but it doesn't require anywhere near the level of fitness it takes to finish the Tour, much less win it six times.

 

[SP33Demon]

Originally posted by: DonVito

Originally posted by: SP33Demon

Distance cycling ranked 20th in ESPN's toughest sport. Football 3rd. Hell, RODEO: STEER WRESTLING and FIGURE SKATING finished above Distance cycling. Anyone with half an IQ could tell you that football is a tougher sport, you don't even need this article.

Who the hell cares what ESPN or its viewers think of this topic? Cycling is not a popular sport in the US, and does not attract the kind of large audiences that would lead to a high result in this poll. That said, from a conditioning standpoint, the Tour de France is the hardest sporting event on the planet. The notion that steer wrestling is "tougher" may be subjectively true for some people, but it doesn't require anywhere near the level of fitness it takes to finish the Tour, much less win it six times.

By "fitness" I think you are referring to endurance. Yes, the Tour does require an insane amount of endurance but cycling fails in other categories such as hand/eye, power, strength, cognitive ability and speed. The fact that Lance could not compete in the NFL is a testament that the NFL is a tougher sport to play. ESPN is the authority on sports in the US, where most of us live. The chart is meant to be subjective, but I think it's pretty accurate.

 

[3chordcharlie]

Originally posted by: SP33Demon

Originally posted by: DonVito

Originally posted by: SP33Demon

Distance cycling ranked 20th in ESPN's toughest sport. Football 3rd. Hell, RODEO: STEER WRESTLING and FIGURE SKATING finished above Distance cycling. Anyone with half an IQ could tell you that football is a tougher sport, you don't even need this article.

Who the hell cares what ESPN or its viewers think of this topic? Cycling is not a popular sport in the US, and does not attract the kind of large audiences that would lead to a high result in this poll. That said, from a conditioning standpoint, the Tour de France is the hardest sporting event on the planet. The notion that steer wrestling is "tougher" may be subjectively true for some people, but it doesn't require anywhere near the level of fitness it takes to finish the Tour, much less win it six times.

By "fitness" I think you are referring to endurance. Yes, the Tour does require an insane amount of endurance but cycling fails in other categories such as hand/eye, power, strength, cognitive ability and speed. The fact that Lance could not compete in the NFL is a testament that the NFL is a tougher sport to play. ESPN is the authority on sports in the US, where most of us live. The chart is meant to be subjective, but I think it's pretty accurate.

And the fact that NFL players couldn't finish even one stage of the TdF 'with the pack' is testament to what? That cycling is for pansies?

 

[SP33Demon]

Originally posted by: Doboji
Jonah Lomu

Umm yes I think there are plenty of Rugby players more than capable of giving Ray Lewis a smack down.

-Max

I got a question for ya: IF this Jonah Lomu is such hot stuff, then why doesn't he try out for the NFL and make millions? Why isn't anyone from the NFL recruiting him?

 

[3chordcharlie]

Originally posted by: SP33Demon

Originally posted by: Doboji
Jonah Lomu

Umm yes I think there are plenty of Rugby players more than capable of giving Ray Lewis a smack down.

-Max

I got a question for ya: IF this Jonah Lomu is such hot stuff, then why doesn't he try out for the NFL and make millions? Why isn't anyone from the NFL recruiting him?

They were - but he's a rugby player, and that's where he's gonna stay.

Just teaching someone the mental part of the game makes it easier to pick up some kid from HS or college who has grown up playing football than to transform every mountain-man ever born into a Running Back.

Physically Lomu could dominate the NFL, but Doug Flutie was a better runner against football defences than Jonah would ever be just because of understanding the game.

 

[freegeeks]

Originally posted by: SP33Demon

Originally posted by: Doboji
Jonah Lomu

Umm yes I think there are plenty of Rugby players more than capable of giving Ray Lewis a smack down.

-Max

I got a question for ya: IF this Jonah Lomu is such hot stuff, then why doesn't he try out for the NFL and make millions? Why isn't anyone from the NFL recruiting him?

because he's making millions in rugby
because he's not interested in American football
because he's an absolute superstar in rugby

 

[Doboji]

Actually Jonah Lomu was asked to play for the Dallas Cowboys, and turned down the offer...

-Max

 

[SP33Demon]

Originally posted by: Doboji

Yes, you would take a hit and live, but wouldn't you rather enjoy life outside of a hospital? If pro football players played rugby people would probably be paralyzed and the sport would be banned. For instance, if Larry Allen (6-3, 335lbs, 900lb squat, 700lb bench, rumored to be strongest man in NFL) blindsided you at full speed (or even if you were ready for the hit) in rugby without pads on you would most likely be paralyzed or could even die (or have your lungs crushed with any 300+ lb guy that jumped on you). How about Ray Lewis? I don't doubt that he could probably destroy anyone on the rugby field... Rugby may be more demanding endurance wise, but the force of pro football is unparalleled, and why they have to wear pads because of the elite power that no other sport can boast.

First off... I'm 6'5" 335lbs myself... I bench 495lbs... so uh I think I would be ok... Second of all I run a 4.7 second 40 yard dash. Lastly I once collided with a 145lb 5'7" asian dude who I played rugby with, at full sprint. Guess what?... he was fine. Oh and yes I play rugby... I've played it for several years now... and while I have stepped on people's heads, even knocked a few people unconscious... noone has ever died, or ever been paralyzed as a result of collision with me. So umm yeah.... you're wrong.

-Max

First off, you haven't been trained to hit or play like football players. Just because you have the necessary tools to play well in rugby doesn't mean you could hang in football. If you're so fast/strong, why aren't you playing football? Why not walk on like Brock Lesner? I can tell you that even with your size, you wouldn't last 2 seconds in football or rugby with Ray Lewis.

You downplay the injury rate in rugby. One of my college buddies' roomate, who was the Virginia heavyweight state wrestling high school champion (and top baseball/football prospect), had his jaw and cheekbone SHATTERED from playing rugby. He had to drop out of college because he couldn't function normally for the next year (and never got to go back to college). He was one of the toughest guys I've seen but I've seen/heard more serious injuries occurring in rugby moreso than football. IMO, someone has a much greater chance of a serious injury playing rugby than football.

 

[SP33Demon]

Originally posted by: 3chordcharlie

Originally posted by: SP33Demon

Originally posted by: Doboji
Jonah Lomu

Umm yes I think there are plenty of Rugby players more than capable of giving Ray Lewis a smack down.

-Max

I got a question for ya: IF this Jonah Lomu is such hot stuff, then why doesn't he try out for the NFL and make millions? Why isn't anyone from the NFL recruiting him?

They were - but he's a rugby player, and that's where he's gonna stay.

Just teaching someone the mental part of the game makes it easier to pick up some kid from HS or college who has grown up playing football than to transform every mountain-man ever born into a Running Back.

Physically Lomu could dominate the NFL, but Doug Flutie was a better runner against football defences than Jonah would ever be just because of understanding the game.

Exactly, you just answered my question. You have to know the game mentally moreso than rugby. An NFL player would not have a problem transitioning to rugby vice rugby to the NFL. That's just one of the reasons why it's a tougher sport... ESPN rated the NFL almost 2 pts higher in analytic aptitude.

 

[Doboji]

First off, you haven't been trained to hit or play like football players. Just because you have the necessary tools to play well in rugby doesn't mean you could hang in football. If you're so fast/strong, why aren't you playing football? Why not walk on like Brock Lesner? I can tell you that even with your size, you wouldn't last 2 seconds in football or rugby with Ray Lewis.

You downplay the injury rate in rugby. One of my college buddies' roomate, who was the Virginia heavyweight state wrestling high school champion (and top baseball/football prospect), had his jaw and cheekbone SHATTERED from playing rugby. He had to drop out of college because he couldn't function normally for the next year (and never got to go back to college). He was one of the toughest guys I've seen but I've seen/heard more serious injuries occurring in rugby moreso than football. IMO, someone has a much greater chance of a serious injury playing rugby than football.

Dude... you make a ton of assumptions dontcha think?... I played football in high school... and I've thought about walking onto NFL practices. But frankly I doubt I would make the team... because I'm not good enough... I could however absolutely positively deal with the physical punishment of which you speak. Based on my size I would be limited to several NFL roles.... DT, OT, OG.... I can't block, and I'm not good at the DT related roles... rip techniques, etc.... So I would suck.

However I would run the ball against Ray Lewis any dang day of the week... would he take me down... yeah probably... but I sure as hell wouldnt be in the hospital afterwards... and if done repeatedly, I bet ya I'd break a few tackles.. Ray Lewis is not SUPERHUMAN...

Rugby injuries are NOT that bad.. I've played rugby for years... and I've seen some solid injuries.. broken legs, broken collar bones... etc... but injuries like the one you described are extremely rare... somewhere around the rarity of paralysis in football... which has happened...

-Max

 

[Doboji]

I'm sorry Football is not as analytic as Rugby is... I've played both... I used alot more brainpower when playing Rugby... NOW having said that... Football is certainly more brain power off the field... and requires more coach action. But as far as playing on the field... rugby is just more demanding in every way.

-Max

 

[freegeeks]

and cycling is still more demanding then rugby AND football

 

[3chordcharlie]

Originally posted by: SP33Demon
Exactly, you just answered my question. You have to know the game mentally moreso than rugby.

I answered your question alright - the average football running back not only wouldn't last 15 minutes of action in rugby from a stamina perspective, they wouldn't know what to do with the ball, or more importantly without the ball.

Jonah Lomu couldn't be the best running back in history because he doesn't have the football background. But he could walk into the NFL and get a starting job with a contender just based on his ability to run straight forward.

An NFL player would not have a problem transitioning to rugby vice rugby to the NFL. That's just one of the reasons why it's a tougher sport... ESPN rated the NFL almost 2 pts higher in analytic aptitude.

Have you ever even watched rugby, let alone played it? This is one of the silliest things I've ever read, whether ESPN thinks it's true or not!

 

[SP33Demon]

Originally posted by: 3chordcharlie

Originally posted by: SP33Demon

Originally posted by: DonVito

Originally posted by: SP33Demon

Distance cycling ranked 20th in ESPN's toughest sport. Football 3rd. Hell, RODEO: STEER WRESTLING and FIGURE SKATING finished above Distance cycling. Anyone with half an IQ could tell you that football is a tougher sport, you don't even need this article.

Who the hell cares what ESPN or its viewers think of this topic? Cycling is not a popular sport in the US, and does not attract the kind of large audiences that would lead to a high result in this poll. That said, from a conditioning standpoint, the Tour de France is the hardest sporting event on the planet. The notion that steer wrestling is "tougher" may be subjectively true for some people, but it doesn't require anywhere near the level of fitness it takes to finish the Tour, much less win it six times.

By "fitness" I think you are referring to endurance. Yes, the Tour does require an insane amount of endurance but cycling fails in other categories such as hand/eye, power, strength, cognitive ability and speed. The fact that Lance could not compete in the NFL is a testament that the NFL is a tougher sport to play. ESPN is the authority on sports in the US, where most of us live. The chart is meant to be subjective, but I think it's pretty accurate.

And the fact that NFL players couldn't finish even one stage of the TdF 'with the pack' is testament to what? That cycling is for pansies?

Um, nobody ever said cycling was for pansies. IMO, if you took all of the NFL players and gave them X amount of years of training (as many as Lance had) in their physical prime, I'm willing to bet at least one of them would stay "with the pack" of TdF. Give all of the cyclists the years of training any NFL player has had, and I'd bet not one would make it. The TdF is a test of endurance, the NFL is a test of mental ability/power/strength/speed/agility/endurance. Your comparison of only endurance is like saying that an Olympic sprinter could beat all NFL RB's, well no sht Sherlock. Of course Lance would beat them in endurance b/c that's all he trains for...

 

[3chordcharlie]

Originally posted by: freegeeks
and cycling is still more demanding then rugby AND football

what? sometimes I have to go slower to get there faster? and I have to out-think people who are quite likely better than me? and I have ot do it for four hours at a time?

Much too easy

 

[3chordcharlie]

Originally posted by: SP33Demon
Um, nobody ever said cycling was for pansies. IMO, if you took all of the NFL players and gave them X amount of years of training (as many as Lance had) in their physical prime, I'm willing to bet at least one of them would stay "with the pack" of TdF. Give all of the cyclists the years of training any NFL player has had, and I'd bet not one would make it. The TdF is a test of endurance, the NFL is a test of mental ability/power/strength/speed/agility/endurance. Your comparison of only endurance is like saying that an Olympic sprinter could beat all NFL RB's, well no sht Sherlock. Of course Lance would beat them in endurance b/c that's all he trains for...

15 minutes of playing, if you play offense AND defense, spread over 2 hours != endurance

 

[Gravity]

Relevance lost.

 

[SP33Demon]

Originally posted by: 3chordcharlie

Originally posted by: SP33Demon
Exactly, you just answered my question. You have to know the game mentally moreso than rugby.

I answered your question alright - the average football running back not only wouldn't last 15 minutes of action in rugby from a stamina perspective, they wouldn't know what to do with the ball, or more importantly without the ball.

Jonah Lomu couldn't be the best running back in history because he doesn't have the football background. But he could walk into the NFL and get a starting job with a contender just based on his ability to run straight forward.

An NFL player would not have a problem transitioning to rugby vice rugby to the NFL. That's just one of the reasons why it's a tougher sport... ESPN rated the NFL almost 2 pts higher in analytic aptitude.

Have you ever even watched rugby, let alone played it? This is one of the silliest things I've ever read, whether ESPN thinks it's true or not!

Have you ever seen a playbook that a QB has to memorize for the NFL? Good defensive players know it as well in order to react accordingly... Prove to me that rugby is as mentally challenging other than saying it is...

 

[Doboji]

and cycling is still more demanding then rugby AND football

Nonsense... Rugby is the only sport... all other athletes are pansy azzed girly men

But seriously.. anyone who would argue that Ricky Williams and Lance Armstrong compare is just smoking crack... now if you were talking about Walter Payton, or Barry Sanders... we'd have a discussion... but IMHO Lance Armstrong would still be the more impressive athlete...

Unless we're going to make every athlete play every single sport we can never have a good discourse on this subject...

-Max

 

[mobobuff]

Originally posted by: Gravity
Relevance lost.

 

[freegeeks]

Have you ever seen a playbook that a QB has to memorize for the NFL? Good defensive players know it as well in order to react accordingly... Prove to me that rugby is as mentally challenging other than saying it is...

I dunno

millions of college kids all around the world have to absorb huge amounts of information so that says nothing really