NFL free agency began on Wednesday, March 8 at 3 p.m. (CT) and all 32 teams will never be the same. After about a full day of free agency, a hand full of teams have made very meaningful moves which they will hope will propel them to that next level. Nevertheless, one of the best parts about free agency is its drastic results and unpredictable nature. And did I mention the hundreds of millions of dollars at stake?
During this time period, NFL teams take risks that could make or break their season. As players are signed, or re-signed, relationships between franchises and players are forged that can last a decade. And on the contrary, when players are released there is bad blood that is cultivated that lasts a player's entire career.
The age-old struggle of NFL free agency (and free agency in any professional sport) is personal relationships vs. business. And over time us sports fans have seen that professional sports is a business first. This creates a unique dynamic in which we can see players as the human-beings they really are. Whether it is a player tearing up in an interview after being released, taking a pay cut in order to remain on a team, or lashing out on Twitter about the termination of their contract.
Furthermore, this process shows us the true character of the players we admire and how they handle themselves during jubilant and trying times. It's also a time that, as fans, we can feel a myriad of emotions. Personally, I have felt sympathy for players who have been released (or not re-signed), excitement when my team signs a great player, and amazement when I see a player go on a Twitter rant about a specific franchise.
The NFL free agency period is not only a time of change, but a time for players and teams to either flourish or decline. So for all of you NFL fans -- sit back and relax and enjoy ride which is NFL free agency.