There is much that comes with being the 18th overall pick in the NFL draft. The substantial expectations for something special to emerge in the near future, accompanied with immediate prestige, make for a good deal of pressure on one individual. However, there is one thing that former Badger, current Minnesota Viking, defensive end Erasmus James instantly has that could easily relieve that pressure just a little bit: absolute financial freedom.
Like an extraordinarily large kid in an extraordinarily large candy store, James has many choices as to what to do with the newly acquired money. So what is the first thing that James would buy, once he knows that many a Benjamin will be floating his way?
\He already bought a Hummer,"" former teammate Jimmy Leonhard said.
A fine choice. What is it about the Hummer that makes it the mark of a wealthy athlete? Maybe it's the 22"" chrome rims, or the chrome door latches, or maybe even a chrome windshield (maybe somewhat of a safety hazard). For James, the Big Ten defensive player of the year, this car has been a dream, which his teammates have been hearing about for a while now.
""It's been what he's wanted for a couple years,"" new Indianapolis Colt linebacker Jonathan Welsh said. ""He always was saying that if he ever had the money, he would buy a Hummer.""
And why not? Driving a car that seems to take up two lanes should be every man's dream. But there is something about No. 90 (now 99 with the Vikes) that makes him perfect for the massive vehicle. Former fellow sack artist Jason Jefferson believes the car is just ideal for James.
""It's big and it's there, like a statement,"" Jefferson said. ""Just like him.""
Jefferson, a financial advisor in training, would have directed James down a different path with his first large purchase. A car is a great buy, but in what garage does James plan to be parking it?
""Right now, I would tell him to get a home,"" Jefferson said. ""You're gonna need somewhere to stay. I figure it would be a good investment.""
James knows all about investment. He devoted his energy and determination, through injury, to making the Badgers a defensive powerhouse last season. He just deserves a little treat, a reward for all his hard work. There will still be much cash left over.
""I'm gonna save this money for the rest of my life,"" James said.
Shelter will come for James, but for now, he can spend those cold Minnesota nights in his chromed-out ride. In fact, he could get a chromed-out bathroom installed, with a chromed-out fridge and he doesn't even need to buy that MTV-Cribs style mansion right outside of Minneapolis. While this purchase may seem self-serving, keep in mind that James is a family man. He said that he eventually will buy his mother a nice house, but this is just something that had to be done.
""It's a car I've always loved growing up.""
James is well on his way to becoming a superstar in the Twin City area. Soon enough he will be hitting up Timberwolves forward Kevin Garnett for his custom made fur coat hook up.
The man who spent his Wisconsin career feasting on Big Ten back fields has to make sure fame does not get to his head. He has to remember the people that got him to where he is right now-on those plush leather seats. He has to make sure that he does not leave his family, friends, coaches and teammates out in the cold.
""If you talk to him,"" Leonhard said. ""You could have him buy one for me too.""
Sam can be reached for comment at sepepper@wisc.edu.
