A “SEINFELDIAN” ANALOGY
The first thing out of your mouth isn’t about signing bonuses.
Let me use a “Seinfeld” reference to make my point.
In the season 3 episode entitled “The Truth,” Elaine tells Kramer not put the sauce on pasta when it is in the strainer because little red chunks end up getting stuck in the holes.
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Kramer asks Elaine, “well, when do you put the sauce on?” And Elaine responds, “any other time!” Kramer then added, “no, I like to strain the sauce.”
For Rod Wood and the Detroit Lions, Calvin was still in the strainer. You don’t ask him about the signing bonus then. You ask: ‘any other time!’
The Lions answer to that might be: ‘no, I like to strain the relationship.’
The franchise is amidst hiring a new general manager. You try and help Calvin see why another year might be worth his time. This was a franchise in transition. Sell Calvin on that.
At the very least, you thank the guy for nine years and find out what he plans to do next. And you try to be a part of his future plans. You know this is a guy you want around for alumni days, team events, maybe even as a consultant.
Johnson was dealing with injuries, and his decision may have been firm. But when you hear one of the franchise greats is retiring at 30 years old, start off on the right foot.
You don’t ask him, essentially: are you planning to pay us back?
For once, it is easy to see why Calvin is angry.