SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- Egos can be fragile in the NFL. For many players it’s about self-esteem and self-worth. It’s part of the reason Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton celebrates touchdowns with his “Superman” alter ego and one reason wide receiver Antonio Brown no longer is in Pittsburgh.
When egos are bruised, players sometimes sulk or complain in the media. If it involves contract negotiations, they sometimes hold out or are traded or released.
Coaches have egos, too. And when Carolina defensive coordinator Eric Washington lost defensive playcalling duties to head coach Ron Rivera late last season, he did it without showing one.