January 04, 2017
The following exercise can only be described as a complete, possibly fatuous stretch of the imagination. That doesn't mean it's not fun and interesting to consider.
With the NFL Playoffs set to begin this coming weekend, pet insurance company Petplan has compiled a list of some of the league's top stars with comparisons of their characteristics to different dog breeds. National Dog Show host and former football publicist David Frei made the picks.
We begin with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz, who led the team to a 7-9 campaign during his transitional rookie season.
Frei's take: Border Collie
Border Collie. "(A) Border Collie leads (herds) his flock up and down the field, smart, athletic and intensely focused on the job at hand."
John Haslam/Creative Commons
Next up is veteran running back Darren Sproles, who gave the Eagles 865 combined rushing and receiving yards and added four touchdowns in his 11th season. He's 33 years old.
Frei's take: German Shorthaired Pointer.
German shorthaired pointer. "German Shorthaired Pointers are energetic, athletic, muscular, fast, powerful, can push his way through obstacles to get it done."
Bonnie van den Born/Creative Commons
We move on to tight end Zach Ertz, who again picked up momentum in the second half of the season, finishing with 816 yards and four touchdowns.
Frei's take: Siberian Husky
Siberian Husky. "The Siberian Husky is athletic, smart, tough and tireless.
Pharaoh Hound/Creative Commons
How about All-Pro left tackle Jason Peters? St. Bernard? Nope. Not enough of a mauler.
Frei's take: Alaskan Malamute
Alaskan Malamute."Big and strong, the Malamute can be depended upon for protection, just as Peters takes care of his QB."
Source/Giardeto team
Finally, defensive end Fletcher Cox, who signed a lucrative deal prior to the 2016 season and figures to be a pillar of the defense for years to come.
Frei's take: Plott
Plott. "The premier 'Big Game' hunter in the dog world, the Plott is a powerful hunting hound loaded with stamina, endurance and agility."
bildearkiv/Creative Commons
Looking around the rest of the NFL, here are some of Frei's other top picks.
• Tom Brady: Afghan Hound
• Odell Beckham Jr.: Whippet
• Ezekiel Elliot: Doberman Pinscher
• Julio Jones: Viszla
• Kam Chancellor: Airedale Terrier
Do any other Eagles past or present strike you as a match for a particular dog breed? Feel free to let us know in the comments.
