WT: RG3's popularity continues to grow — and sometimes test what seems reasonable

[Califan007 The Constipated]

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jul/9/rg3s-popularity-continues-grow-and-sometimes-test-/

 

 

Although such behavior might seem irrational, human instincts validate it, several psychologists and sociologists say. Our impulse to connect with other humans, along with our inherent drive to identify with what we believe to be positive, fuels the relationship between fans and Griffin, as well as that among Griffin’s fans.

 

In turn, Griffin, 23, is rocketing to mega-stardom because of his accessibility through social media, controlled appearances in traditional media, and his innate attractive characteristics on and off the field. And he’s doing it as well as anyone ever has in the age of Twitter. He’s more accessible online than Peyton or Brady, and he hasn’t turned heel like Tiger or LeBron.

 

“Somehow people feel like they know him very well,” said Merrill Melnick, a retired SUNY Brockport professor who specialized in the social psychology of sport. “There’s something about his personality that invites the possibility that he and I could be friends. It does appear to be unique. Somehow he has been able to create that pathway between the fan and himself.”

 

 

Griffin’s ability — and willingness — to connect with people sets him apart from other celebrities, specialists say. Because humans are, by nature, social creatures, Griffin’s accessibility maximizes his popularity. Although the Redskins shelter Griffin from one-on-one interactions with reporters, he’s constantly in our homes, reaching out to us on television to sell Gatorade or Subway sandwiches. He also engages his more than 948,500 Twitter followers, maintaining an online presence strong enough to persuade them he might see their messages, even if he doesn’t respond directly.

 

Just his presence is enough to impact people. He thrilled students at Broad Run High School in Ashburn by attending one of the school’s home football games in October. And after Washington beat Tampa Bay in September, he ran around one-third of Raymond James Stadium high-fiving the Redskins fans congregated in the front row. “He’s obviously very media savvy,” said Julie Partridge, associate professor of sport and exercise psychology at Southern Illinois University. “He does a tremendous job of connecting with the fans. He’s got a great smile. His endorsements. It seems like it was this perfect storm.”

[...] “A lot of fans, if you gave them a choice — do you want to lose with good guys or win with bad guys? — they’ll take win with bad guys,” Wann said. “But to win with the good guys — that’s part of what’s driving this excitement. Maybe they’re going to have their cake and eat it, too.”

 

And if that happens?

 

“Those are the ones that become iconic,” Wann said.

 

 

 

[emor09]

RG3 is a great athlete and a great person... No reason to dislike him. 

 

Unless you're a Cowboy/Giant/Eagle fan

[ArmchairRedskin]

Yeah, it was pretty awesome that the ESPN Central Texas radio show was covering the mini camp. Cowboys fans were angrily tweeting David Smoak, the host and Redskins fan about it every day. I'm sure we'll get Training Camp coverage too. 

 

That girl that is a Steelers fan but bought a RG3 jersey is hardly the exception, either. There are a lot of fans of other teams that I know that are fans of his. He's just one of those dudes. He's likable even moreso than a lot of the other great QBs in the NFL. Peyton is really likable, but who else? Most others are sort of dickish or bland. 

[LadySkinsFan]

I follow Robert on Twitter.  I know he's Christian and I'm not.  However, what he tweets are mostly very positive, uplifting statements of encouragement.  I like that about him.  I think that's why he's such a good leader too.  When things aren't going as one would hope, remaining positive is the way to go.

 

I'm facing some personal challenges over the next few months, and I could get all depressed and apathetic.  I remain positive that it will work out for the best.  This in not the path I anticipated at my age, however, I am working to make it good.  And he doesn't know it, Robert's tweets put me in a better frame of mind, for just that little bit.  Plus, he's young!  His exuberance is wonderful to see!

 

And watching my Redskins is much more uplifting this last year than in decades.

[Hitman21ST]

I follow Robert on Twitter.  I know he's Christian and I'm not.  However, what he tweets are mostly very positive, uplifting statements of encouragement.  I like that about him.  I think that's why he's such a good leader too.  When things aren't going as one would hope, remaining positive is the way to go.

 

I'm facing some personal challenges over the next few months, and I could get all depressed and apathetic.  I remain positive that it will work out for the best.  This in not the path I anticipated at my age, however, I am working to make it good.  And he doesn't know it, Robert's tweets put me in a better frame of mind, for just that little bit.  Plus, he's young!  His exuberance is wonderful to see!

 

And watching my Redskins is much more uplifting this last year than in decades.

 

 

Not trying to derail the thread, but for what it's worth, I'll keep you in prayer that you're able to get through those challenges. Hope everything works out for the best.

[LadySkinsFan]

Thanks, Hitman21ST!  Positive thoughts however they are formulated are welcome and appreciated.  On my part, it's a matter of problem solving, something that I do professionally (proposal management), so am familiar with being in that state.

 

Moving to TX is not where I saw myself.  I was planning on Hawaii.  But the economy tanked, I didn't sell my FL place at an optimum time and it turned out to be a draining investment, but I did sell it last year to get its expenses off my budget.  So I'm moving closer to my family (Yay!), TX doesn't have state income tax (Yay!), and it's closer to the West so I can explore that part of the US where I haven't been much.  I have my health and a lot to be thankful for in my life, a few good friends as well.

 

And how can I forget the Redskins and ExtremeSkins!  I need to arrange to get the games once I move.

[Riggo'sRangers]

Thanks, Hitman21ST!  Positive thoughts however they are formulated are welcome and appreciated.  On my part, it's a matter of problem solving, something that I do professionally (proposal management), so am familiar with being in that state.

 

Moving to TX is not where I saw myself.  I was planning on Hawaii.  But the economy tanked, I didn't sell my FL place at an optimum time and it turned out to be a draining investment, but I did sell it last year to get its expenses off my budget.  So I'm moving closer to my family (Yay!), TX doesn't have state income tax (Yay!), and it's closer to the West so I can explore that part of the US where I haven't been much.  I have my health and a lot to be thankful for in my life, a few good friends as well.

 

And how can I forget the Redskins and ExtremeSkins!  I need to arrange to get the games once I move.

I am a Virginia native and was relocated to Texas 15+ years ago.  I love home, but I gotta tell you, where I live in Texas is great.  I don't know where you will be, but the DFW metroplex is awesome.  I live in Arlington (very far south-not in the "city") and I have country, but everything is 10 minutes away at most.  Frankly, I love it here.  It's a GREAT state to live in, from my limited experience.  Enjoy!  HTTR

[LadySkinsFan]

I'll be around Austin somewhere!  I have no certain idea as of yet.  I do like that area, Austin seems more gay/lesbian friendly than other places, so it will be an experience!

[MumboSauce]

They guy has "it" period.