An Indian Obama?

I’m all for ethnic pride. And if Native Americans are proud to claim Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford as one of their own, they could do worse, inspiration-wise.

Bradford is accomplished on the field and off, sporting a 3.95 GPA to go along with 48 touchdown passes. He’s also a class act, as you might suspect from the following quote:

"God has blessed me with a great platform. If I can use that in a positive way and be a role model for younger kids, set a good example for them, I think it's a really good thing."

According to USA Today, Bradford is “four generations from the last full-blooded Native American in his family, and his suburban rearing came with little exposure to American Indian culture,” yet he is a registered Cherokee. As a result, he’s brought excitement and hope to Indian tribes of western Oklahoma specifically and to Native Americans generally.

"It opens everything up for us," said one Native American high-school football player. “Like Obama becoming President."

I don’t think I’d go that far — even understanding the importance of college football in America. Now, maybe if Bradford becomes an NFL star …

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/big12/2008-12-09-bradford-cover_N.htm