New York Jets receiver Brandon Marshall is going to great lengths to provide evidence of the very large chip that resides on his shoulder.
Speaking on SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio on Friday, the 31-year-old wideout lamented that he's not considered among the best at his position.
"I definitely think I'm one of the best out there," Marshall said, via ESPN.com. "I take pride in my work. I don't look at it as, my approach is not one of I'm going out there to be the best wide receiver and run great routes, I look at it as my life's work. Football doesn't define me, but it's a part of a bigger picture. And it's my craft, it's art to me. And when I go out there I just try my best to not only be the No. 1 receiver on my team, but being the No. 1 receiver in the league.
"And to be totally honest and transparent, it pisses me off that no one recognizes that. And it's OK because all you can do is put your head down and work, and when you get your opportunities it will happen."
It sure feels like Marshall is tilting at windmills to keep himself juiced. Anyone who watched him carry multiple Indianapolis Colts defenders into the end zone on Monday night knows he's still among the elite No. 1 receivers in the NFL.
While his name might not be breathed alongside young studs like Julio Jones, A.J. Green, Demaryius Thomas or Dez Bryant, that doesn't mean people are disrespecting the veteran or his ability to carry the Jets' offense.
But if Marshall needs contrived motivation to perform, that's fine, whatever it takes for him to get pumped up so we can watch him bulldoze defenders.