Roundtable: What Is The NFL Feel-Good Story Of 2015?

Dec 27, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs free safety Eric Berry (29) nearly intercepts a pass intended for Cleveland Browns wide receiver Marlon Moore (15) during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

So much talk in the 2015 years about the NFL has been of the negative variety from inflated footballs to concussions and other issues that people haven’t stopped to ask what are some positive stories about this season?  Turns out there are several, and the Mocks crew each has a favorite.

Eric Robinson:

First one that comes to mind is free safety Eric Berry battling back and defeating cancer but also putting together a really good season that will probably earn him a lucrative contract in addition to his Pro Bowl nod. Such a talent out of Tennessee and seeing him persevere is a wonderful sight to see.

Shawn Spencer:

How about Malcolm Butler of the Patriots? By now everyone knows about his journey from being an undrafted free agent out of West Alabama to Super Bowl hero. This season, he’s proving to be much more than a one-hit wonder. After New England lost Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner and Kyle Arrington, the secondary was expected to be a huge weakness; one even the great Bill Belichick may not be able to overcome. Instead of falling apart, the Patriots enter the final two weeks of the regular season as the eighth ranked pass defense in the NFL. Butler has stepped up in a huge way to become the team’s number one cornerback and Pro Bowler in just his second year in the league.

Matthew Holowiak:

I would say Todd Gurley’s return from injury. We knew he was a phenom in college but after recent injuries like the one he had there were many questions about him. He missed the first few weeks of the season and his first game action was not promising. Once getting his first start he finally busted out how everyone had hoped he would and as lived up to being the first running back taken in the first round in 3 years. Clear pro bowler and has established himself as one of the premier backs in the league.

Erik Lambert:

A lot of people haven’t taken notice of it yet, but how about the unexpected resurgence of running back Tim Hightower?  Here is a guy who at one point looked like a rising star in the league, helping the Cardinals to reach the Super Bowl as a rookie.  Sadly a string of debilitating injuries sapped him up his ability and by 2011 he was out of the league.

After three years he returned to football in the Fall Experimental Football League before taking one last shot at the NFL by signing a future deal with the New Orleans Saints.

Suddenly, by a twist of fate he has found himself the starter in the backfield and run with it.  He has 261 yards rushing and three touchdowns in the past three games.  A great story with a message that it’s never too late.