Shane Ray’s mother took exception to a sportswriter’s opinion of the Denver Broncos rookie pass-rusher on Sunday, calling him out in a public way on Twitter.
Mike Klis of 9News in Denver is the target of Sebrina Johnson’s ire.
Ray has stated that his personal goal for the 2015 season is to win the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year trophy—a goal Klis doesn’t think is achievable.
“I don’t see anything less than Defensive Rookie of the Year. I mean that’s my goal,” Ray said during the NFL’s rookie symposium (NFL.com).
In his preseason preview of the rookie linebacker, Klis expressed doubts about Ray’s stated goal.
“The truth is Ray will be coming off the bench,” Klis said in a video, via 9News. “Von Miller will start at one outside linebacker spot, DeMarcus Ware the other. Ray will come off the bench and spell both…His lofty goal notwithstanding, this will likely be a developmental year for Ray.”
Klis isn’t wrong. Ray was certainly drafted to one day become an integral player for the Broncos. However, this year his impact will likely be minimal, barring injuries to the team’s starters.
Don’t tell that to his mother, though.
Responding to Klis, she wrote on Twitter:
“Sorry Mike. You don’t know my son. When he sets goals he plans to achieve them. Look at the records he set his JR year.”
Ray’s junior year at the University of Missouri was phenomenal. He racked up 14.5 sacks and 22.5 tackles for a loss and was the 2014 SEC Defensive Player of the Year. His success last year propelled him into the first round of the NFL draft. And if not for his foot injury and off-field issues the Broncos wouldn’t have been able to steal him with the No. 23 overall pick.
Despite all this, and despite his mother’s undying support, it is unlikely Ray will be on the field enough to give him the opportunity to win the award he covets.
Photo Credit: USA Today Sports