I saw this headline and read it as "Smeagol" the first time. Then I started searching.
Four-star quarterback Brady Smigiel, ESPN's No. 4 pocket passer in the 2026 class, has committed to Michigan.
www.espn.com
Then AI gave me this and I thought I'd share. The hissing was my favorite part:
Picture this:
The Big House is roaring, maize and blue a swirling frenzy. The Wolverines are lining up for a crucial play. And there, in the defensive line, crouched low and twitching with surprising agility, is Gollum. His wide, pale eyes dart around, and you can almost hear his raspy whispers of "Precious... my ball..."
He'd be an… unconventional player, to say the least.
- Speed and Agility: You can bet he'd be lightning-fast and incredibly shifty. Imagine him slithering through blockers, a nightmare for any offensive line.
- Strength: While not outwardly imposing, years of clambering through caves and his unnatural tenacity might translate to surprising bursts of power.
- Teamwork: This is where things get tricky. Would he pass? Would he follow the play? Or would he just fixate on the ball, muttering about his "precious" and trying to make off with it?
- Crowd Appeal: He'd certainly be a spectacle! The roar of the crowd would likely be a mix of cheers, gasps, and bewildered laughter. Imagine the merchandise! "Gollum #1" jerseys would fly off the shelves.
- Penalties: Oh, the penalties! Unnecessary roughness (biting?), illegal use of hands (all the time?), and probably a few unsportsmanlike conduct flags for hissing at the referees.