A large part of the Richard Sherman phenomenon is his ability to speak clearly and articulately. He isn’t the best CB in the league. He is, however, the most articulate. The “speed” defensive players — corners, safeties, outside linebackers — are largely African American, and they’re all examples of success, simply by being where they are.

Sherman stands apart because he seems to have gained from his time at Stanford something more than exposure to NFL scouts.