Super Bowl Domination

Chapter 567: Diverting trouble to the east
Hustle.

The defending champion Kansas City Chiefs grabbed the spotlight on the first day of the voluntary spring training camp.

On the one hand, because of Hunter's outspoken and explosive remarks, the running backs stood on the opposite side of the team and the league, and the atmosphere became tense.

On the other hand, Levi's response was to support Bell while cleverly throwing all the controversy and chaos to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Obviously, Levi is also putting pressure on the Pittsburgh Steelers, but in a more sophisticated and subtle way.

Praise and kill.

An overt conspiracy, using praise and affirmation to push the Pittsburgh Steelers to the forefront, wholeheartedly believing that Tomlin could make the right decision, and superficially going along with the official response of the Pittsburgh Steelers themselves, but the real purpose was to put the Pittsburgh Steelers on the fire.

"Believe in the Pittsburgh Steelers." That innocent expression made the Pittsburgh Steelers' mouth twitch but they could only smile.

and.

Levi's real brilliance lies in that he did not simply pit the quarterback against the running back, nor did he intend to pit the running back against other players who were also competing for salary. On the contrary, he won allies for the running backs, allowing the players to unite and fight for their own interests.

Inadvertently and implicitly, Levi reminded that it is not just running backs who are marginalized and stigmatized, but also safeties and linebackers.

Behind the league's single-minded pursuit of commercial interests, the team's offensive and defensive tactics have undergone tremendous changes due to changes in the rules, so that the status and value of players in different positions on the court have been passively changed, and they are faced with different dilemmas. This is a situation that everyone needs to face.

Today it's Bell, what about tomorrow?

Today it’s a running back, what about next?

Who can guarantee that they will not be the next one to be ignored, hurt, and optimized?

At least, now the safeties and linebackers have begun to feel the crisis one after another.

Levi, on the other hand, planted a seed and waited quietly for it to take root and sprout. Then, even if it was just some inclination of opinion or change of attitude, it could become the driving force for the running back to change the situation.

At this moment, they need to unite all possible forces——

Players and players are truly partners on the same front.

It seems to be done lightly and effortlessly, but in fact he has a hidden edge and controls the overall situation.

At that time, when he was at St. Joseph, Vic once again looked at him with new eyes, savored the deep meaning in Levi's words, and reacted immediately:

Perhaps, the problem at hand is Hunter, who has made a big hole; but there is no need to worry about Hunter being so straightforward. Levi's response has diverted attention. The media will not hold on to the Kansas City Chiefs, but the Pittsburgh Steelers will be put on the spot.

The same will apply to future salary negotiations. It is easier to deal with a situation like Hunter's reckless behavior, while a situation like Levi's strategic planning will be a difficult problem.

Perhaps, in the eyes of some, the team needs to be wary of Levi.

However, Vicki disagrees.

Because Levi is proving his worth, not only on the court, but also in the locker room and outside the court. As a leader, as a symbol, as a banner, the potential he has shown is being tapped bit by bit and is becoming a key factor in the Kansas City Chiefs' transformation.

This is also the reason why Reed believed that Levi could achieve greatness.

If Levi can maintain this momentum, continue to prove himself, and grow into a banner of the Kansas City Chiefs, then Veach would not mind using a history-breaking big contract to keep the core of the Kansas City Chiefs to build a dynasty.

You need to have a long-term vision.

By then, it will be a win-win situation.

Honestly speaking, not only is Veach not troubled, but he is also looking forward to it - each of the 32 teams in the league is looking for its own cornerstone quarterback, and they expect the cornerstone quarterback to grow into a team leader, fundamentally changing the team's situation, not only having the ability to compete for the Super Bowl championship, but also growing into a strong team with long-term competitiveness.

Cornerstone quarterback? It all depends on whether Mahomes can meet expectations.

Team leader? There is a strong candidate right before our eyes.

Vecchi can't help but get excited and look forward to the new season. He is looking forward to the performance of Levi and Mahomes, and also looking forward to how high Levi can grow.

Now, public opinion on social networks is overwhelmingly behind Levi and supporting Bale, which also proves the judgment of Vecchi and the reporters on the scene.

Although Hunter's words caused controversy and although there are still differences in the industry's discussion about running back salaries, overall, Levi's words still played a positive role, allowing fans to cheer for Bell. Not only Pittsburgh Steelers fans, but other spectators also joined in.

Pittsburgh Steelers, the pressure is on.

but.

Things cannot be accomplished overnight. The tug-of-war negotiations between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Bell will take some time, and the turmoil continues.

One small exception is that Levi's popularity has risen again. After finishing second in the regular season MVP voting and winning the Super Bowl MVP, the young rookie running back has gained more and more recognition. He is no longer just a rookie who is treated differently by the league because of his Asian identity.

Just last month, Forbes released the 2017 NFL player income rankings.

Among them, Li Wei ranked among the top five.

Not only was he the only rookie in the top 10, he was also the only running back in the top 10—the other nine were all quarterbacks.

Imagine that Levi's annual salary as a rookie was only 8 million US dollars, but he surpassed a number of veterans in the league and the No. 1 and No. 2 picks in his class, and entered this list at a rocket-like speed. What is the reason?

Endorsement.

According to Forbes estimates, although Levi's side has not disclosed the detailed figures of each endorsement contract, they believe that Levi's endorsement fees have easily exceeded 30 million US dollars; and, a series of contracts are being negotiated during this offseason.

His Asian identity, his rookie experience, and his Super Bowl championship ring have all made Levi's value continue to rise and it can't be stopped. Now sponsors can be seen waving checks in the hope of attracting Levi's attention and scrambling to send them to his door.

In terms of endorsements alone, Levi has surpassed players like Brady, Brees, Watt and others to become the current No. 1 player in the league, far ahead.

Finally, this is what happened on the Forbes list.

First place, Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks quarterback.

Second place, Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback.

Third place, Drew Brees, quarterback of the New Orleans Saints.

Fourth place, Tom Brady, quarterback of the New England Patriots.

Fifth place, Levi, running back of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Sixth place, Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers quarterback.

The painting style is a little bit strange, and you can see an "outlier" at first glance.

In other words, this is enough to make Levi a thorn in the eyes of others, and there should be many envious and jealous eyes; however, the reality is slightly different.

Levi is getting rid of the Asian label and the influence of Goodell's official recommendation, and has a place that truly belongs to him in the league.

(End of this chapter)