Super Bowl 49: Whose legacy will be most affected?

Apr. 2, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Detailed view of the Super Bowl champions ring on the hand of Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians during a press conference to announce the signing of quarterback Carson Palmer (not pictured) at the Cardinals practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 12

January 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) reacts after he intercepts a pass intended for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) during the first half in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Can Richard Sherman Become The Modern Day Mel Blount?

Positive Legacy Prospects:

Richard Sherman has backed up his extensive talk with his play. Despite a large frame and less than ideal speed, Sherman has become a shut down corner back that strikes fear in the heart of opposing quarterbacks. Blessed with impeccable football instincts, high intelligence and ferocious closing speed, Sherman also has some of the best ball skills you’re going to see in a defensive player. The Legion of Boom is a collection of massive hitters, and Sherman is no exception.

Sherman has the most interceptions and passes defensed since 2011 in the entire NFL.

In last year’s playoffs, Sherman had the winning pass defense against the 49ers in the Championship Game, leading to the game wining interception and his first Super Bowl berth. In Super Bowl XLVIII, Peyton Manning was so harassed and so unwilling to target Sherman that he ended up virtually shut out of the game stats.

In the 70s, no defensive back was more feared in the NFL than Mel Blount of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He would mug receivers, he would take on running backs, he would run back interceptions. If Sherman has a big game in Super Bowl XLIX, he could become the second coming of Mel Blount.

Negative Legacy Prospects:

You may not have noticed, but Richard Sherman likes to yap. A lot. He’s always put a lot of pressure on himself to perform. If he has a bad game, or if the Seahawks lose, will the talk be about how Richard Sherman can’t back it up?

Next: Is Tom Brady The Greatest Super Bowl Quarterback Ever?

Home/New England Patriots