Country Mike Blog

NFL and Country

Mike Sudhalter  |  December 21, 2008

The Detroit Lions could become the first team ever to finish an NFL season with an 0-16 record. They're 0-15 now, so please don't jinx them. I want to see this happen in my lifetime, and to boot, I actually got to see them play live - which increases my sentimental stake in the Worst NFL Team Ever.

Who in country music is having a year like the Lions? Mindy McCready might be having a decade like the Lions' 2008 season. She can't seem to catch a break or get on the straight and narrow.

On the flip side, one of the AFC East teams may finish 11-5 and still miss the postseason. What's the equivalent in country music? I'd say Gary Allan....an incredible talent who's had hit after hit, but because of his outside image (he's a surfer dude from California), he's never going to get the appreciation that Toby Keith and Kenny Chesney receive. I enjoyed Allan's music better when it had more of a Bakersfield-influenced traditional feel.

What about a rookie of the year? Y'all haven't heard of Minnie Murphy yet, but you will. She's Jamie O'Neal's half-sister, and wow, can she sing. Her new song is "Take Me To Texas Tonight," and it's outstanding.