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Journal Sentinel article:

"His [Barnett's] hope is that the defense stays together for years to come and that he's its leader.

'I definitely feel like this is my defense,' he said."

Interesting:
Barnett: 6 years, $35 million in 2007
Hawk: 6 years, $37.5 million in 2006

I wonder if we'll have issues with that chemistry? Barnett griped about Hawk's contract last year when the Packers drafted him ... I hope that when he says "leader" he doesn't mean he's going to lead the team in that stupid shark dance (or whatever that is) he does after stopping a running back for a 3 yard gain.

Hawk will lead by example, Barnett can lead with his mouth.

DrugBust wrote:Hawk will lead by example, Barnett can lead with his samurai.

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I don't think it matters,what matters is what players are productive on the field

We'll see how it turns out as Hawk gains EXP, but for now, Barnett.

Its a good thing to have more than one leader per unit. Think Butler and White.

The bottom line is that these dudes will be around for years ripping **** up... They'll be like the white kid and the black kid on remember the titans. As much as i like hawk, it truly is barnett that leads the D.

Reggie White wrote:Journal Sentinel article:

"His [Barnett's] hope is that the defense stays together for years to come and that he's its leader.

'I definitely feel like this is my defense,' he said."

Interesting:
Barnett: 6 years, $35 million in 2007
Hawk: 6 years, $37.5 million in 2006

I wonder if we'll have issues with that chemistry? Barnett griped about Hawk's contract last year when the Packers drafted him ... I hope that when he says "leader" he doesn't mean he's going to lead the team in that stupid shark dance (or whatever that is) he does after stopping a running back for a 3 yard gain.

If Barnett felt that he should make more than Hawk - why would he sign? Doesn't make sense.
Now, as far as the samuri dance - I think that we'll be seeing that for the next 6 years or for as long as Barnett plays up to his contract value.
One thing that Barnetts contract does do is end TT's investment in that position. I can't see TT investing any more big dollars in the linebacker position as long as Hawk and Barnett are around.

how childish would it be for barnett to flip out over something as stupid as that? hes not an idiot, hes not super egotistical, hes not all about the money and he doesnt crave the spotlight. i think barnett realized that he will be a part of one of the best lb corps in the league next year and potential to be one of the best of alltime. he wants to win.

Barnett and Hawk are the physical leaders but I think Poppinga will soon be a locker room leader. Maybe not the cheerleader, but the guy who works hard to succeed. Can't forget Kampman too.

Barnett is the leader right now. Hes been hear the longest, has shown he can play, and has the biggest mouth around. I hope him and Hawk stay together for a long time

No votes for Kampman or Harris?

jakecronus8 wrote:No votes for Kampman or Harris?

Harris is not a leader on this team. You often hear that playing corner is like being out on an island. Harris is way out on an island. He does his own thing. Harris' feels that he has his job to do and he does it - end of story. He doesn't show for OTA's and other non manditory team functions. Not what you would consider leadership material.

Kampman is not the outgoing type. He's not going to go out of his way to exert his will upon anyone. His personality does not fit the mold. He will definitely lead by example but I don't see him getting up in someone's face and challenging his manhood.

Barnett is the elected leader of the D because he ran unopposed.

Barnett's the leader and will be as long as he's here, barring other personnel changes. Not by seniority, but because Hawk isn't the vocal leading type - at least not at this point. Like someone else said, Hawk can lead by example. Barnett can lead with his words.