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**ingibbsitrust** · 08-13-2006, 08:45 AM

Beating Yourself Takes New Meaning</span>
Reality of Fantasy Football Touches Lives of NFL Players in Some Way

By Jason La Canfora
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, August 13, 2006; E01

The greatest game of tight end Chris Cooley's career came at his expense.

<span style="color:#FFFF66">Cooley collected three touchdown passes last December as the Washington Redskins pounded arch-rival Dallas, 35-7, at FedEx Field to fuel their first successful playoff march since 1999. It was the highlight of his second NFL season and cause for serious celebration, but a few days later Cooley realized one of his fantasy football teams was knocked out of the playoffs because of that performance.

"I had four teams last year," Cooley said, "and I made the playoffs with one and honestly lost because I beat myself against Dallas. The guy on the other team had me, and I scored three touchdowns against Dallas, and I lost to myself on fantasy points."

The defeat was an easy blow for Cooley, 24, to overcome under the circumstances and is another indication of the growing popularity of fantasy football. No other Redskin admitted to playing fantasy football, and Cooley said he was unaware of any his teammates doing so, but every player approached had at least some story of how fantasy sports have touched their lives. Whether it be calls for injury reports or draft tips, participation in non-football fantasy leagues or stories of fantasy glory from their amateur days, most Redskins have been drawn into fantasy nation in at least an ancillary manner.

"Maybe it's like an NFL secret that you play fantasy football," Cooley said. "I don't think a lot of guys are too into it, but I try to keep playing because my friends do it and stuff. But it's hard for me every Sunday to really care about what happens to my fantasy team. I kind of goof around. I just like to do it with my friends."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/conte...1200740_pf.html

Hordak · 08-13-2006, 03:56 PM

**imported_BCheezy** · 08-13-2006, 04:00 PM

**DHNF** · 08-13-2006, 04:02 PM

That is awesome.

**imported_AndroidRaider24** · 08-13-2006, 04:02 PM

**imported_BCheezy** · 08-13-2006, 04:05 PM

You think the refs have fantasy teams??

Hordak · 08-13-2006, 04:08 PM

Nevermind that. I want a referee fantasy game. I hope Ed Hochuli falls to me.

JPBroncsAW · 08-13-2006, 04:13 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Hordak @ Aug 13th ) [snapback]1662682[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Nevermind that. I want a referee fantasy game. I hope Ed Hochuli falls to me.
[/b]

if I get gerry austin at #3 that would be a steal

**GoGiants98** · 08-13-2006, 04:17 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Hawk_Fever_12 @ Aug 13th ) [snapback]1662676[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

You think the refs have fantasy teams??

[/b]

id imagine with the growing popularity and the money that's involved in some money leagues, that if there isnt a rule that says they cant play, there will be real soon