Are you ready for some football?
Seven long months after the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots to win Super Bowl XLVI, the start of the NFL season is almost here. The regular season officially kicks off when NFC division rivals Dallas Cowboys and the Giants face off on the gridiron for the on Sept. 5.
Here at the Daily Dot, we’ve gathered our own NFL Twitter team: one player to follow for each defensive position on the field.
1) Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh // 288,646 followers
Not only is Suh big on using Twitter, he currently holds the Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Tweetup. He’s interactive with his fans both on and off the field, and he even offers children who visit training camp a chance to meet him. He replies to many of his fans, whom he affectionately calls the #SUHSQUAD.
“You dont but u can tip a fball like no other lol!RT @ZachPotter88 For some reason @ndamukong_suh doesn’t believe that I got hands ✋ haha”
2) Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Marcedes Lewis // 23,740 followers
Lewis is one of the tamer Twitter feeds on our list, but he’s on the more interactive side. Like the rest of the world, he was enthralled with the London Olympics.
“Nothing like representing your Country…#StrikeTheband”
3) Buffalo Bills defensive end Shawne Merriman // 416,852 followers
Known for having a Twitter feud with Chad Johnson a few years ago, Merriman has since cooled down. He still tweets frequently to his fans, thanks them for their support, and ends each day with #LightsOut.
“Just finished a autograph signing for the fans always a fun time especially the little kids that look at us like a giant”
4) Arizona Cardinals defensive end Darnell Dockett // 111,588 followers
Dockett’s a constant tweeter, but he offers a variety of things. Like DeSean Jackson, he’s a frequent user of Instagram—he posts many photos of his son—and he’ll post whatever comes to his mind. He made headlines last year when he was pulled over by police and he live-tweeted the entire thing.
“Who in miami? I’m cashed up and ready to ball! Let’s get it!”
5) Green Bay Packers middle linebacker Desmond Bishop // 42,197 followers
According to his Twitter bio, Bishop chronicles life “from the perspective of a player and a fan,” and when he’s not tweeting about football you can find him discussing or commentating on other sports. He will often retweet Twitter account Bishop Fanatic, who sees him as a Chuck Norris-type, and other fans.
“I’m trying my hardest not to complain.. but its too obvious the call disparity … Durant didn’t just get hit in head by bron lol”
6) Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs // 85,297 followers
Suggs certainly speaks his mind to his followers and observes everyday life, such as when he sees an attractive woman. He once offered a translation for the people who didn’t know what a “fire ass dress” and “LeBrons” were, as well as advice: “Only love her when her weave is fresh!”
“How awesome would it be to hang out with Mr. Chow for a night! #hangoverII”
7) San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Shaun Phillips // 434,120 followers
Phillips is another NFL player who thanks his fans and offers updates from training camp. He’s offered ideas for future Olympic sports and invited Olympian Michael Phelps to San Diego for a catch.
[“I heard they ordered 70000 condoms for olympic village. I’m wondering if sex is a sport also.”
8) Atlanta Falcons cornerback Asante Samuel // 74,201 followers
Samuel stirred up some controversy last month when he commented on being traded by the Philadelphia Eagles right before training camp started, but since then he’s stopped trolling the Eagles fans and is getting excited for the new season with the Falcons.
“Should I talk some shit before I go to training camp?????”
9) Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jerraud Powers // 22,076 followers
Another nonstop tweeter, Powers occasionally posts pictures and posts a lot of retweets from fans and other accounts. He also commented on the Olympics, and he was impressed by the feats from athletes Gabby Douglas and Missy Franklin.
“Dang I’m old? Lol RT @IndyMcGrath: @JPowers25 went to camp today. You look like a seasoned vet out (cont) http://tl.gd/impl0u”
—Aug. 5, 2012
10) Chicago Bears strong safety Major Wright // 99,253 followers
Wright largely uses his Twitter to interact with his fans, and some find his feed to be positive and inspirational. He also gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at his training and everyday life.
“Every second an minute counts so u can never say its not enough time.what r u going to do with ur time?”
11) Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Ryan Clark // 87,222 followers
Clark loves his fans. He really does. He’s constantly responding to them on Twitter, and he’s one of those players that stays behind at the end of every day during training camp to meet with fans and sign memorabilia; even when he apparently had other obligations, he ended up staying for a little while anyway.
“Good day of practice today but I think I need more reps. Man these you boys don’t know how awesome these new camp rules are!”
—Aug. 1, 2012
Photo via @RealRClark25/Twitter
