Dominate the Super Bowl-Chapter 962 - 961 Peer Recognition
Does anyone still remember the controversy last year when Li Wei became the top vote-getter in the Pro Bowl voting?
The haters, the trolls—they were all jeering and sneering. Say what you will, but Hua Xia has never lost to anyone when it comes to voting. After Yao Ming dominated NBA All-Star voting, now it’s Li Wei’s turn to conquer NFL voting. Ha.
The sourness, the taunts, the venom—it all poured out through the words on social media like a tidal wave.
But now?
They’ve all collectively gone silent. Sure, the haters will always hate; they’ll never stop. But in the face of reality, their complaints and attacks only make them look uglier and stupider.
The NFL Top 100 Players list has nothing to do with fans, media, or so-called experts. It’s based entirely on the votes of the players themselves.
It’s not just professional—it’s peer-driven. Only those who stand on the field and compete at the highest level have a voice in this. Similarly, only those who truly understand what it takes to play the game, who have engaged in head-to-head battles, can fully appreciate the difficulty of reaching such heights.
As for those armchair analysts sitting on the sidelines, please step aside, okay?
From Brees to Donald, and now to Li Wei—the authority and credibility behind the Top 100 list is beyond question.
Li Wei has finally done it.
2013’s Peterson, 2015’s Watt, and now, 2019’s Li Wei.
In the nine-year history of the Top 100 list, there have only been three instances where a non-quarterback topped the rankings. This time, it’s also the first-ever outsider to claim the crown.
The league, united, has witnessed history.
"If you still think of him as a rookie, take my word for it. In the end, the joke will be on you."
Aaron Donald, the Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle, not only ranked second in this year’s Top 100 but also earned Defensive Player of the Year honors.
In an interview, Donald didn’t hold back in his praise and recognition.
"I know it sounds unbelievable, but the truth is, he’s still growing—at an astonishing rate." freeweɓnovel.cѳm
"We all saw how spectacular he was in his rookie season. We thought he was already a finished product. But no, he’s not. He refuses to be confined by stereotypes."
"This season, I faced him twice. In Week 11 of the regular season, we were evenly matched. If anything, I might have had the slight upper hand. But the Super Bowl?"
"You all saw it. He completely dismantled me. I have to admit, on the night of the Super Bowl, I had no answers. It left me deeply frustrated; I couldn’t find a way to cope."
"That’s Li Wei. In just two short months, his growth and transformation were evident. I’m already starting to wonder what surprises third-year Li Wei will bring us."
NFL Network, the league’s official channel, produces and airs the annual Top 100 Players rankings. After each player’s rank is revealed, they interview the voters to explain their choices, providing audiences with professional insight.
Over the past two years, the league has heavily promoted Li Wei. From "The Goat vs. The Rookie" to his meteoric rise, Li Wei has positioned himself in the eye of the storm. Behind countless accolades, a surge of backlash inevitably followed, even wearing down neutral fans.
"Alright, alright, we get it. He’s amazing. But can we get some variety?"
And yet, now, the familiar and beloved faces of fans themselves have stepped forward—
To explain, in their own words, what makes Li Wei so outstanding.
And quietly, perceptions began to shift.
JJ Watt, the Houston Texans defensive end: "We all know Li Wei’s speed is incredible. The ’Edgerunner’ never misses an opportunity to showcase his speed. But in truth, what really sets Li Wei apart is this."
Watt tapped on his head with his finger.
"He observes, he thinks, he reads the game. Simply put, he’s like a second quarterback on the field. He adapts his rushing strategies to the ever-changing dynamics of the game."
"If we only analyze him physically or technically, Li Wei may not be perfect. But he knows how to leverage his strengths and adjust to the flow of the game. That’s what makes him terrifying."
"And as Li Wei deepens his understanding of football, I believe he’ll continue to grow. I’m genuinely curious to see whether a fully-evolved Li Wei will redefine our understanding of the running back position."
From Donald to Watt, the overwhelming praise has elevated Li Wei to legend-like status. Fans might joke—
Friendship votes.
Two defensive titans with close personal ties to Li Wei—of course, they’d sing his praises. Is it really that surprising?
Then, Chicago Bears linebacker Khalil Mack stepped forward, too.
"…Standing in front of him, you feel like prey, with nowhere to hide."
"Yes, you heard that right. I feel like prey. Normally, the defensive player is the hunter, and the running back is the hunted. That’s how it’s supposed to be. But he’s different."
"He’ll overwhelm you with pressure because you can never predict his next move. Whether it’s his power, speed, or lateral shifts, he leaves you feeling defeated—like you’re clumsy and out of answers. It’s infuriating."
"Honestly, I… I hate going head-to-head with him."
For a moment, the world fell silent—
Coming from Mack, the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year, this season’s fourth-ranked player on the Top 100 list, and a former Oakland Raider and bitter rival of the Kansas City Chiefs, such an appraisal couldn’t be more genuine. Especially that crushing sense of defeat.
A raw and unfiltered truth.
If the league’s last five Defensive Players of the Year all unanimously recognize Li Wei, it can only mean one thing: this guy is truly worthy of admiration.
But this praise doesn’t stop there.
"You should really experience his speed and cutting ability for yourself…" said Jalen Ramsey, Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback, ranked in the Top 30 of the Top 100 for the second consecutive year. "I strongly suspect that when he reaches the sidelines, he gains a 150% boost, like he’s activating a speed aura or something."
"For cornerbacks, Li Wei is a nightmare."
Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James added, "It’s not just cornerbacks. You should imagine yourself standing in my position, with Li Wei charging toward you. It’s like an F1 car barreling straight at you. What would you do? What could you possibly do?"
As a direct rival in the Kansas City Chiefs’ division, James shivered involuntarily at the thought of having to face Li Wei twice next season.
"It’s terrifying," James said with utmost sincerity.
He isn’t the only one.
"If a defender focuses solely on Li Wei’s speed, he’ll counter it with his power and physicality, showing you a whole different side of football. His strength and resilience often leave me questioning my career choices. I’m just so, so relieved that we’re on the same team," confessed Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones. A third-year player making his debut on the Top 100 list at No. 37, Jones didn’t hesitate to vote for Li Wei.
