ESPN Anchormen - Secret Chemists?

Just in time for Super Bowl 46 (XLVI, for those playing in ancient Rome), The New York Times recently published a humorous collage of ESPN sportscasters' cliches over the past six months of NFL coverage. One tract specifically caught my eye:

"Ray Rice, dynamite running back — he's literally the catalyst for this Ravens offense."

Ray Rice: The Grubbs II of the Ravens' offense

Wow, two chemical terms in the same sentence! I understand, then, that Ray Rice, in addition to being a nitroglycerin-soaked fiber cylinder with a blasting cap, can also reduce kinetic barriers (tackles?) to fundamental reaction steps (gaining touchdowns, no doubt). 

I can see the similarity, if I look hard enough. After all, both football and chemistry research share collisions, (grid)iron, receivers, and a love of all things statistic. 

Just don't compare high "turnover numbers" (TON)...the NFL doesn't look as kindly on those as scientists do!

Enjoy the big game, everyone. Go Pats!

Team Chemistry

A friend and I recently traded barbs back and forth comparing NFL Pro Days and chemistry lab culture. 


For the unfamiliar, during the recruitment process, colleges host scouts from various NFL teams while exhibiting their athletes' skills in various strength, speed, and coordination drills. 


Without further ado...


"He wrapped up that running back like Parafilm!"


"I calculate molarity more accurately than Drew Brees throws the deep ball."


"For good protection in the pocket, make sure you're using reagent-compatible lab gloves."


"My signing bonus? A monogrammed lab coat and an Aldrich mouse pad."


"Neither my advisor or I knew the answer, so we punted."


"That safety covered him better than a full-face respirator!"


(I could go on, but I'll let you readers have a crack at it!)