Mike Hart had been a prime voice and face of Michigan football for four years. So, after Hart was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in April, it was startling that the running back quickly became more of a media story rather than a football story.
Hart, after his introduction to the Colts practices, was quoted by a reporter as saying: "It's a little different. The only surprise is it's not as tough as I thought it was going to be, as far as practice and those types of things. It's more laid back."
That turned into headlines across the Web: "HART CALLS THE NFL GAME EASY!" and "HART SAYS COLLEGE FOOTBALL IS TOUGHER!" and "NFL GAME NO PROBLEM, NO CHALLENGE FOR HART!"
For the most seasoned NFL rookie -- those arriving from major college programs where media courses are plentiful compared to those who experienced minimal training at smaller schools -- the media game can be slippery.
Rookies are taught to be honest with the media. But not too honest. To be engaging with the media. But remember they are not your friends. Market yourself as a brand. But lift up teammates. Be open. Be closed. Be available. Set time limits.
Celebrate the game.
But heavens, do not spill game-plan secrets.
There is plenty to keep young players' heads spinning in dealing with the media.
But even after that blowup, not Hart's.
"I understand that dealing with the media is part of my game, job and life," Hart said. "I came from a small high school in Syracuse (N.Y.) and the media followed me there and in college. I got comfortable with it. I learned to be myself. It's not something I run away from. But, sometimes you say stupid stuff. Or say something that can be taken in the wrong way. The NFL game is easy? How could I possibly say and mean that after a couple of practices? I haven't even played a down yet in the NFL, so there is no way I would mean that. Did I say it? Yeah, I guess you could say I did. But did I really mean that? Of course not. We were talking about two-a-days in college compared with the pro practices I had. And the way I answered it was stupid. I still enjoy talking to the media. And I will be myself with them."
Hart provides an example that works. He understands that his relationship with media might not always be perfect, but it should always be functional. He understands that his responsibilities in speaking as a representative for his team and for the league supersedes hiccups. He makes the media game entertaining for him -- and for others.
And he is committed to following it through.
That is the message that Ray Anderson, the league's executive vice president of football operations, wants all rookies to absorb and apply.
"The thing rookies must understand is the media is an integral and absolute part of our business," Anderson explained. "We are in the business of expanding our brand, and the media plays a role in that in a variety of outlets. Our young players must accept their responsibility and obligation in dealing with the media. We want them to get at least modestly good with dealing with it. It is part of the job description. It must be fulfilled without it being a distraction.'"
Cary Williams, a Tennessee Titans cornerback and draft choice from a small school, Washburn, just left the opposite media experience of Harts'. Williams said he "has been sitting in the shadows" and only recently began receiving media attention. He said he has learned to be as honest and open as possible. He said he is quickly learning that if he does not, "the media can see right through you."
Washington Redskins rookie receiver Devin Thomas emphasized: "The media can be your friend. Or they can pull your cord. You've got to be on your toes."
William Rhoden, an 18-year New York Times sports columnist, said that Thomas is on to something.
"I would suggest to an NFL rookie that there is no such thing as 'off the record,' " Rhoden said. "If they don't want to see it, don't say it. NFL rookies should always think in terms of headlines before they say something. There is nothing wrong with being engaging and honest. Reporters are looking for insight. Honesty and truthfulness can be disarming. The less you have to hide, the better off you will be. As a rule, I am finding NFL rookies more and more savvy. They have grown up in a media-driven culture."
Antoine Cason, a San Diego Chargers rookie cornerback, said that in college at Arizona he was a "go-to guy" for the media after games, win or lose. Cason said that teammates and other players he has seen often run into trouble with media following a loss. They are hot. They are unsettled. The loss stings. The rants can roll.
"I know one thing," Cason said. "The media remembers how you treat them. All of us rookies would be wise to remember that."
At the league's annual rookie symposium last week in Carlsbad, Calif., the players were advised to lean on the expertise of their respective public relations departments. The players were advised to let those officials guide them through the media maze.
But depending on those departments' media relationships, that can be a hit-and-miss exercise.
Thus, it returns to the quality of the rookie, the player, and how he chooses to handle his NFL media obligation.
Hart says that some of the quandary takes care of itself.
"If you enjoy talking to the media and you've been around long enough to have some experience at it, it can be a productive experience," Hart said. "Expect to be misunderstood from time to time and realize that is not the end of the world. Here's the thing I would think rookies would remember most: If you perform, they talk to you a lot. If you don't, most of the time they won't. You want the media talking to you."
