Are footballers really that thick?

 

It is known that the definition of a stereotype is ` a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing`. Many people tend to stereotype footballers as non-educated and overpaid sportsmen. In fact I believe that is absolutely incorrect, as many footballers are known to be well educated. I can actually give plenty of examples of footballers with qualifications, of which some are extremely interesting. For starters would you have expected someone like Liverpool goalkeeper, Simon Mignolet to have a degree in politics? It is a topic which can stage a substantial debate…

Nowadays footballers are seen as role models to many not just on the pitch, but off it. For example the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain and Gareth Bale are young superstars who have proved they are no less eloquent, educated and smarter than equivalents from other walks of life. I mean even the great Sir Bobby Robson, quoted: “we shouldn’t under estimate them they are smarter than what we all thought”. However, people continue to slate footballers and create the ongoing myth explaining how they believe footballers are thick!

I personally remember being on contract at Burton Albion FC at the age of 14. At that time a very serious transition was occurring at school, being the options I would take at GCSE. The public I don’t think are aware of this, but Burton football club like many others, were very helpful as they deemed my education as being just as important as my football career. So in conclusion to that I was learning and being well educated as well as taking part in football. So is it fair to label the thousands of individuals, who have worked hard, been so dedicated and well educated, as THICK? In my opinion no! However, yours may differ.

Yes, don’t get me wrong, you have a fair few pre- madonnas amongst the footballing industry. The likes of Mario Balotelli, Carlos Tevez and Ravel Morrison have disgusting egos. At times I wish they weren’t part of our fantastic showpiece on offer for the public. However, they are part of a small percentage of people within the sport, who are more into drink, drugs and substantial crime. Which yes I know they always seem to get away with!

Remember, and I hope this change many an opinion. In most cases a professional sportsmen has undertaken this intense education and chosen their options at a far earlier age most of us have had to assess our academic options and most of all future careers. For example, the speed at which some footballers brains work on the pitch either in terms of reaction or anticipation is not far off being classed as `incredible`. Yet when they speak to the media, they persistently pick at faults made perhaps and question their academic background or verbal dexterity.

In summary, I hope I have changed the views of many stereotypical people amongst the British public. In fact I believe the large majority of professional footballers are a credit to themselves and their families. Them all being branded as `thick` is a disgrace and just sums up the outlook; being a very judgemental style regards people in Britain. I have proved why footballers aren’t actually thick, take a moment to think why footballers cant switch their mobile phone to silent or even hit a straight drive off the first tee;!