Why NFL Stars Often Make Less Than Pretty Good MLB Players

Why NFL Stars Often Make Less Than Pretty Good MLB Players Why NFL Stars Often Make Less Than Pretty Good MLB Players Why NFL Stars Often Make Less Than Pretty Good MLB PlayersIf your retirement plan involves your kid becoming a millionaire sports star, you probably want them playing baseball or basketball, not football.With the World Series all wrapped up and the NBA in the early stretch of its season, it’s time for the world to fully turn its attention to football. And that’s assuming the world wasn’t already paying most of its attention to football anyway.Even with viewership dipping over the past few seasons, the NFL is still immensely popular. (Besides, NFL viewership is declining slower than viewership overall.) And then there are the numbers: the NFL saw a whopping 8.1 billion in league-wide revenue for the 2017 season. That’s an increase of 4.9 percent from the year prior! And once you account for local revenues on top of those league-wide numbers, total NFL revenue in 2017 topped $14 billion.Okay, we don’t need to convince you that the NFL is a) popular and b) making money hand ov er fist. But you’d think that with all this money coming in, NFL players would also be raking in the cash. And yet, they’re not. Compared to normal people, sure, but when compared to other elite athletes, their salaries are downright paltry.Outside of QBs, NFL salaries lag behind the MLB.Specifically, let’s look at the salaries in Major League Baseball versus the NFL. The average NFL salary for 2018 was $2.1 million. The average salary in the MLB, however, was $4.52 million, over twice as much!And while starting NFL quarterbacks who sign an extension past their rookie contract are very likely to be making more than $20 million a yearâ€"with the average salary rising every time a new contract is signedâ€"non-quarterbacks usually make far less. There are 16 quarterbacks making $20+ million this season, but only two non-quarterbacks with average annual salaries above $20 million: Khalil Mack of the Chicago Bears and Aaron Donald of the Los Angeles Rams.In the MLB meanwhile, a who pping 35 players had an average annual salary of $20 million or above in 2018. For reference, Chicago Cubs right fielder Jason Heyward had a higher average annual salary this season than Russell Wilson, Ben Roethlisberger, and Cam Newton. And Heywards 2018 salary was higher than any non-quarterback in the NFL who wasn’t Khalil Mack.And then there are the overall contracts themselves. The largest current contract in Major League Baseball is Giancarlo Stanton’s with the New York Yankees, a 13-year-deal worth $325 million dollars total. The largest contract in the NFL, meanwhile, is held by Atlanta Falcon’s quarterback Matt Ryan’s; it’s for five years and is worth $150 million.Now, Matt Ryan’s contract does come with a higher average annual salary than Stanton’s: $30 million to $25 million, but the total value of the contract is still less than halfâ€"and only $94.5 million of that money is actually guaranteed, while Stanton’s $325 million is all guaranteed. Even accoun ting for the full $150 million value, Ryan’s top NFL deal would only be the 23rd largest contract in the MLB.So what’s the deal? Ask any average person on the street and they’re likely to tell you that they care more about the NFL than they do the MLB. So why are baseball players raking in so much more dough?The NFL is making bank, but so is the MLB.Even if it often feels like Major League Baseball is less important culturally than it used to beâ€"with the NFL and the NBA rising to take its placeâ€"it’s not terribly likely that MLB owners are that worried. Salaries for baseball players up, in part, because baseball owners are making a lot of money.In 2017, MLB revenues cracked $10 billion for the first time, driven in large part by extremely lucrative media deals both league-wide and at the team level. Not only will national TV networks pay billions of dollars for the rights to air baseball games, but many teams have deals with local or regional networks as well that can net them hundreds of millions a year. Some, like the Yankees, even own stakes in those regional networks, making them even more profitable.And profit-sharing in the MLB means that all this money isn’t simply getting hoovered up by the league’s most popular teams. A full 31 percent of teams’ net local revenue is shared evenly between all 30 franchises. That means that when the Yankees do well, the Tampa Bay Rays also benefit. More money around the league means more teams willing to shell out big bucks for players.Of course, the NFL is also doing very well. As we mentioned previously, total revenue for the NFL topped $14 billion in 2017, with each team pocketing approximately $255 from league-wide revenues on top of their local earnings. Even with two more teams in their league, it would seem like the NFL franchises would have a lot more money to throw around than MLB teams.Here’s where the differences really begin.The MLB has fewer players and longer careers.This one is pretty o bvious. Major league baseball teams are allowed 25 players on their active roster, while NFL rosters total 53 players. Add in the fact that there are 32 NFL teams and only 30 MLB teams and the numbers add up. Using 25-man rosters, there are currently 750 major league baseball players. Meanwhile, there are 1,696 players in the NFL. That’s over twice as many!The disparity isn’t so great, however, if you take into account 40-man rosters for the MLB, which include players who are injured or who are on major league contracts but are currently playing in the minors. Accounting for 40-man rosters, the total number of MLB players is 1200, which is only 30 percent less than the number of players in the NFL.But it’s not just the number of players. Not by a long shot. In both leagues, rookies play on relatively cheap contracts, with the highest-paid players being the ones who are on the second or third deals. In the MLB, the average player has a career that’s 5.6 years long. In the NFL , the average player’s career is only 3.3 years.Not only are there fewer players in Major League Baseball, meaning they all get a bigger piece of the pie, but baseball players are much more likely to make it past the end of their rookie dealsâ€"when they can really start making the big bucks.MLB teams dont have a salary cap.This is a huge difference between the two leagues. The NFL has a hard salary cap, which means that no team can spend money on players above a certain dollar number each season. The MLB meanwhile does not have any salary cap, which means that the owners can spend as much as they like on their rosters.Since NFL players are guaranteed a certain percentage of league-wide revenue via their collective bargaining agreement, the salary cap is determined by total league revenue. For the 2018 season, the NFL salary cap is set at $177.2 million. Teams are also allowed to roll over unused cap space from year to year.The only limit that the MLB places on team spending is a luxury tax, which came in at $197 million for the 2018 season. Any dollar spent on salaries above that threshold incurs a penalty. These penalties increase the more you spend above the threshold, and they also increase for every consecutive year teams’ spend in the luxury tax. For more specifics, check out the MLB’s “competitive balance tax” glossary page.Not only does the MLB have fewer players than the NFL, but their teams can spend more money on those players before they run into issues. Six MLB teams in 2018 had payrolls above the NFL salary cap. And while teams aren’t required to spend all that money, they still can spend it if they want toâ€"whereas NFL teams aren’t even given the choice.Better unions guarantee more actual money.Here’s the funny thing: If you were to take the average MLB payroll in 2018 and compare it to the average amount that NFL teams spent against the 2018 salary cap, you’d see NFL teams spending much more on their players. The average MLB payroll was $139.1 million in 2018, while the average NFL team spent $144.4 million against the cap. So maybe this whole disparity really does amount to there being fewer MLB players?Except it doesn’t. Because salary cap numbers don’t tell the whole story. In fact, neither do NFL contracts. Remember earlier in this piece where we mentioned how only 94.5 million of Matt Ryan’s contract was guaranteed? Yeah, here’s the dirty little secret about NFL contracts: The only number that matters is the guaranteed money. Everything else is fairy dust.Contracts in the National Football League skew heavily towards the team’s advantage. After a couple of years, players can often be cut with minimal implications for the team’s salary cap. But in the MLB, players have far more leverage. A player who signs a 10-year, $250 million contract is almost certainly going to get all of that $250 million.The difference comes down to the players unions. The Major League Baseball Players Associatio n (MLBPA) has a long and storied history as a labor rights powerhouse. Under their first Executive Director, Marvin Miller, the MLBPA raised the league’s minimum salary from $19,000 to $326,00, established collective bargaining, and ushered in the era of free agencyâ€"the last of which is a major driver of player salaries in every sport.Are you surprised to the learn that the MLB doesnt have a salary cap? We wouldnt blame you. Out of the four primary American sports leagues (MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL), baseball is the only one without a salary cap. That’s how good the MLBPA is. If owners wanted to institute one, they’d be looking at a major work stoppage.The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), on the other hand, has let their players down. The deal they struck with the NFL to end the 2011 lockout has been derided as a massive failure. In comparison to the NFLPA’s previous collective bargaining agreement (CBA), their current 10-year deal could be shifting as much a s $10 billion from players to owners by the time its done.Is an NFL lockout on the horizon?  If you’re looking for one reason above all others to explain why MLB players (and NBA players, for that matter) make so much more than their NFL counterparts, the strength of their unions is your answer. And don’t think NFL players haven’t noticed either. After their current CBA comes to an end in 2020, don’t be surprised if the 2021 season is delayed by a lockoutâ€"if it even happens at all.To learn more about the financial side of sports and pop culture, check out these related posts from OppLoans:Horror Films Cost Very Little to Make and They Make a LOT of Money10 Money Lessons From the Worst Contracts in NBA History5 Financial Facts About the Olympics That Might Surprise YouWhich Avenger Gives Marvel the Most Bang for Its Buck?How Student-Athlete Insurance Protects Financial FuturesWhat else do you want to know about the money side of sports? We want to hear from you! You can fin d us  on  Facebook  and  Twitter.

How Legal Cases Involving The First Amendment And Inmates...

Abstract It has been almost 27 years since the U.S Supreme Court’s ruling in Turner v. Safley. This paper will discuss how legal cases involving the First Amendment and inmates rights have applied the Turner standard up until today. The Supreme Court has decided the Constitution gives prison administration the authority to draw up and enforce policies meant to obtain better inmate actions and overall safety of the prison. Are judges too quick today to support the harsh deposition of prison officials? Do prison officials really act in the best interest of the prison and prisoners? Those are some of the key questions this paper will address by analyzing the legal precedents of Turner v. Safley, effects of the decision, and the general impact of the court’s decision on the plaintiff and defendant. Introduction Although lawful imprisonment deprives prisoners of many rights, certain Constitutional rights are retained. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution shields some of the most ordinary rights that you can hold as Americans. As a student of Texas State University I do not â€Å"shed my constitutional rights once I Step foot on campus. Do prison walls form a barrier separating prison inmates from the protections of the Constitution? Granted, a characteristic of lawful imprisonment includes temporary separation of certain rights; however, regulations on the rights of inmates must be overseen rationally. Especially, when the essential rights provided by the FirstShow MoreRelatedJuvenile Crime Issues in Today’s Criminal Justice System18893 Words   |  76 PagesSpecial Issues ISSUES FOR THE FUTURE The accused has these common law, constitutional, statutory, and humanitarian rights that may be threatened by technological advances and other developments:  ©  ©  ©  © chapter 15 Juvenile Justice chapter 16 Drugs and Crime chapter 17 Terrorism and Multinational Criminal Justice chapter 18 The Future of Criminal Justice These individual rights must be effectively balanced against these present and emerging community concerns: Widespread drug abuse among youthRead More_x000C_Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis355457 Words   |  1422 PagesCompositor: Newgen–India Printer: Courier Corporation/Kendallville  © 2008, 2005 Duxbury, an imprint of Thomson Brooks/Cole, a part of The Thomson Corporation. Thomson, the Star logo, and Brooks/Cole are trademarks used herein under license. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this work covered by the copyright hereon may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means—graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, Web distribution, information storage and retrieval

Teenage Pregnancy Essay Topics - Is it a Scam?

Teenage Pregnancy Essay Topics - Is it a Scam? Understanding Teenage Pregnancy Essay Topics If your pregnancy is high-risk or you don't think that you're able to handle schoolwork, you might want to appear into classes towards earning your GED on your own moment. Teenagers are unable to get a nice education, and a few teens don't understand the things that they wish to do with their lives. Together with health difficulties, teenage mothers are usually less inclined to finish high school, which decreases their opportunities to find adequate higher education, then locate a job to sustain themselves, and their youngster. On the same note, they should be counseled and left to stay in school besides encouraging proper nutrition. An unexpected pregnancy can be immensely problematic for a young couple to raise independently, and can readily prevent young women and men from achieving their life goals as a result of responsibilities thrust upon them. Additional the social results of t he teenage mother is wanting since they miss their odds to experience the entire education system, have minimal possibility of securing job opportunities in addition to the deterioration of their wellness. The problem of teen pregnancy has been a substantial issue in many nations all over the world. A teenager can face several challenges during a pregnancy that may include health concerns, family complications, judgment from peers and mental problems. Type of Teenage Pregnancy Essay Topics Introduction Thesis Teen pregnancy is due to an array of issues and absence of parental guidance and support is merely one of many causes. The vaccine made by our group of researchers is promising in the struggle against the virus. A proper nursing diagnosis is critical in the evolution of an effective nursing treatment program. These educational difficulties and disabilities can result from the single marital status, higher poverty prevalence and very low amount of education of the teenag e mothers. The War Against Teenage Pregnancy Essay Topics A terrific means of creating topics on the topic of teenage pregnancy is to read what has been written and discussed on the news. In the present age, it's challenging to prevent teenagers from accessing sexual content on the web or through other channels. To get ideas on how best to compose your own pregnancy essay successfully you are able to get tips from other pregnancy essays which are already published on the net. There are numerous pregnancy essays with unique titles and unique topics. You've got a possibility to select one of the greatest topics for argumentative essay from our list! Therefore, the topic ought to be debatable! Topics such as these shouldn't be ignored. If you're on the lookout for shocking essay topics on this theme then you might be fighting to think of a very good title. Teenage Pregnancy Essay Topics Yes, a baby is truly cute and all, but teenagers really will need to consider what they're getting themselves into. If a girl is getting pregnant but they don't want to have the kid, they will choose to abort. Furthermore, a teenage mother lacks information about ways to take care of the infant and will overlook neonatal care completely. Actually, being a teenage mother is genuinely difficult, even in contrast to regular pregnancy. Teenage Pregnancy Essay Topics and Teenage Pregnancy Essay Topics - The Perfect Combination To summarize, teenage pregnancy is a crucial issue in the current society, which is affecting overall society. The m ajority of teenagers in the usa engage in sexual activity even if they don't understand the outcome of their actions merely to please friends ending up with teenage pregnancy. Thus, a teenager needs to be ready to such obstacles and realize all of the value of following nursing program and parents' pieces of advice, which would earn a positive effect on the upbringing of the kid. Sometimes, he may be influenced to engage in sexual activity even when they do not understand the consequences of the act. Teen pregnancy is a lengthy road. Abortion isn't safe too. If you want to find out more about healthy choices while pregnant, visit our Healthy Teen Pregnancy page. Your pregnancy essay should chat about all of the facts of pregnancy. Therefore, the majority of them are sensitized to the value of using contraceptives. Limited information regarding contraception is just one of the primary reasons why teenage pregnancy is rising. Researchers claim that abstinence cannot be regarded as as effective approach to educating teenagers on preventing pregnancy. Teenage Pregnancy Essay Topics Can Be Fun for Everyone Equally, writing a persuasive essay is the best way to go when you're targeting a group of readers who have little if any awareness about the subject. Argumentative writings is a particular kind of a paper.

Academic Research and Communication Skills Free Essays

The research study could not be completed without their guidance, assistance inspiration and co-operation. This project report is the fruit of intense hard work and dedication during the project work. I wish to thank our project supervisor Mr. We will write a custom essay sample on Academic Research and Communication Skills or any similar topic only for you Order Now . Fanfare Imam for his esteemed guidance during the course of project work. I am grateful to him for giving me an insight Into the realm of Academic Research and Communication Skills and build up a strong foundation. In spite of his busy schedule, he was always available whenever I required help. I appreciate all the technical help received from various sources. ABSTRACT The first and most objective of my study is the comparative analysis of consumer eying behavior from the local traditional markets and organized retail shops in India specifically Iambi. The study of consumer behavior is the most important factor for marketing of any goods and services. It suggests how an individual, groups and organization select ,buy, use and dispose the goods, services, ideas or experiences to satisfy their needs and wants. The term ‘retail’ means to put on the market, and Is a very Important aspect of every city. Without a well organized retail industry we would not have our necessities and brings us a blissful experience of shopping. Though organized retailing industry began much earlier in the developed nations, India had not actively participated. However with its vast expanse and young population, India in the 21st century emerges as a highly potential retail market. Now-a-days the phrase ‘Shopping Mall’ is synonymous to ‘comfort’ which is what each consumer today desires. How to cite Academic Research and Communication Skills, Essays

The statement that the serial killer is addicted t Essay Example For Students

The statement that the serial killer is addicted t Essay o what he does cannot be properly supported without a discussion of addiction. While the pharmacological examples such as alcoholism and heroin addiction are still the clearest examples of addiction, new models of addictive behavior including exercise addiction, compulsive gambling, and even sexual addiction have gained acceptance. Just as alcoholism was once thought to be a conscious choice, these latter examples have long been thought to be the result of such things as a defective moral character. Recently, however, it has been recognized that the sexual addict or the compulsive gambler can stop their compulsion no more easily than the alcoholic. An underlying statement, accepted by most in the world of addiction research, recognizes addiction as an integrated, bio-psycho-social illness (Johnson, 1993). We will write a custom essay on The statement that the serial killer is addicted t specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now In other words, an addiction is not an isolated physical or social illness. The addiction contains elements of society, biology and individual psychology (Johnson, 1993). The definition of the bio-psycho-social model states that an addiction is the repeated use of a substance or a compelling involvement in behavior that directly or indirectly modifies the internal milieu (as indicated by changes in neurochemical and neuronal activity) in such a way as to produce immediate reinforcement, but whose long-term effects are personally or medically harmful or highly disadvantageous to society (Pomerleau, 1988). This viewpoint manages to catch all addictions, including both substance and process, and define them in a learning context. A brief, yet encompassing view of addictions purpose is that of a coping device. The addiction becomes a method in which the addicted individual can manage and magically control multiple forms of anxiety (Keller, 1992, p. 224). Much like a security blanket, or favorite stuffed animal, the addiction is used to protect and comfort the addicted individual. Understanding the magical, and comforting, role played by the addictive substance is key to understanding addiction. By viewing an addiction as a coping device, much of the addictions allure becomes evident, as does the addicted individuals continued return to it. Addiction is invariably a progressive disease (Schaef, 1987; ). Simply put, it gets worse. Some addictions progress more slowly than others, while some addictions progress very quickly. Some of the progression speed would seem to be based in the individual. Not all alcoholics drink at the same speeds, or have problems with their drinking after a certain, predefined time. Some researchers argue that addiction is always fatal, but others view this as a questionable statement (Schaef, 1987). Not only does addiction build, it builds until the individual is destroyed. Eisenstein was one of the first to list hypersexuality (now called sexual addiction) as an addiction (Orford, 1985). Indeed, sexual addiction is like alcoholism in that the sex addict uses a mood-altering experience, just as the alcoholic uses a mood-altering drug (Carnes, 1983). Carnes (1983) goes further, recognizing the progressive cycle of sexual addiction, and describing how the addict becomes increasingly focused on sex. The only argument against labeling sexual addiction as an addiction, which has fallen rather short in the last decade, is the societal definition of excessive sexual behavior. That is, each society defines excessive behavior differently. What may be viewed as excessive in one locale and time may be viewed as quite acceptable in another. Thus, while the true sexual addict may be labeled as simply active, after a period of time, the level of activity will have grown to a point where the addiction is unmistakable. Gambling, meanwhile, is also a mood modifier, or psychotropic experience (Orford, 1985). Much like sexual behavior and alcohol, gambling has the power to alter moods and cognitive states in those who partake. Some have argued that gambling is so very powerful a mood modifier, that it is for all intents and purposes a drug (Orford, 1985). Gambling addiction, too, is a progressive disease. Virtually everyone has heard anecdotes of afflicted individuals gambling away careers, marriages, and homes. Gambling addiction has now been recognized to be as powerful an addiction as alcohol, and has even been compared in strength to heroin (Orford, 1985). .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478 , .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478 .postImageUrl , .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478 , .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478:hover , .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478:visited , .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478:active { border:0!important; } .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478:active , .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478 .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uc07706534dda4ed099e1547537b54478:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Alexander the Great Essay The importance and similarity among the addictions is their mood-modifying nature. Exercise, gambling, and sexual behavior are all psychotropic behaviors, just as alcohol, cocaine, and marijuana are psychotropic substances. Essentially, the addictive substance is psychotropic, and as such, is an understandable coping device. All of these behaviors can make an individual feel better for a while, and this brief respite from anxiety is what eventually leads the individual into addiction. Some researchers seek an addiction gene, convinced that when it is found, .

Creditors to Space Rocketry essays

Creditors to Space Rocketry essays Konstantin Eduardovitch Tsiolkovsky was born in September, 1857 in the town of Izhevskoye, Spassk District, Ryazan Gubernia. On the merits of some of his early research and related writings, Tsiolkovsky was elected to the Society of Physics and Chemistry at St. Petersburg, Russia. On March 28, 1883 Tsiolkovsky demonstrated the reaction principle through experimenting with opening a cask filled with compressed gas. He discovered that movement of the cask could be regulated by alternating the pressure of the gas released from it. Tsiolkovsky completed a draft of his first design of a reaction thrust motor on August 25, 1898. The following year, he received a grant of 470 rubles from the Academy of Science's Physics and Mathematics Department to engage in research. This work was dedicated to the establishment of scientific principles, so no actual motors were developed. In 1903, his first article on rocketry appeared in the "Naootchnoye Obozreniye" (Scientific Review). The article was entitled "Issledovanie Mirovykh Prostransty Reaktivnymi Priborami" (Exploration Of Space With Rocket Devices). In the article, Tsiolkovsky clearly outlined in scientific terms exactly how a reaction thrust motor could demonstrate Newton's Third Law to allow men to escape the bounds of Earth. Also in 1903, Tsiolkovsky drafted the design of his first rocket. It was to be powered by a combination of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen, which would create an explosive mixture at the narrow end of a tube. Burning of the fuels would produce condensed and heated gases. The gases would then be quickly cooled and rarefied at the wider end of the tube, located at the tail of the rocket. The resulting exhaust, escaping from a nozzle, would provide lift-off thrust at a relatively high velocity. This design was indeed prophetic, especially when consideration is given to the fact that liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen have traditionally be...

Ponce de Leon and the Fountain of Youth

Ponce de Leon and the Fountain of Youth Juan Ponce de Leà ³n (1474-1521) was a Spanish explorer and conquistador. He was one of the first settlers of Puerto Rico and was the first Spaniard to (officially) visit Florida. Hes best remembered, however, for his search for the legendary Fountain of Youth. Did he really search for it, and if so, did he find it? The Fountain of Youth and other Myths During the Age of Discovery, many men got caught up in the search for legendary places. Christopher Columbus was one: he claimed to have found the Garden of Eden on his Third Voyage. Other men spent years in the Amazon jungle searching for the lost city of El Dorado, the Golden Man. Still others searched for giants, the land of the Amazons and the fabled Kingdom of Prester John. These myths were very pervasive and in the excitement of the discovery and exploration of the New World it did not seem impossible to Ponce De Leons contemporaries to find such places. Juan Ponce de Leà ³n Juan Ponce de Leà ³n was born in Spain in 1474 but came to the New World no later than 1502. By 1504 he was well-known as a skilled soldier and had seen much action fighting the natives of Hispaniola. He was given some prime land and soon became a wealthy planter and rancher. Meanwhile, he was surreptitiously exploring the nearby island of Puerto Rico (then known as San Juan Bautista). He was granted rights to settle the island and he did so, but later lost the island to Diego Columbus (son of Christopher) following a legal ruling in Spain. Ponce de Leon and Florida Ponce de Leà ³n knew he had to start over, and followed rumors of a rich land to the northwest of Puerto Rico. He took his first trip to Florida in 1513. It was on that trip that the land was named Florida by Ponce himself, because of the flowers there and the fact that it was near Easter time when he and his shipmates first saw it. Ponce de Leà ³n was awarded the rights to settle Florida. He returned in 1521 with a group of settlers, but they were driven off by angry natives and Ponce de Leà ³n was wounded by a poisoned arrow. He died shortly thereafter. Ponce de Leon and the Fountain of Youth Any records that Ponce de Leà ³n kept of his two voyages have been long since lost to history. The best information concerning his journeys comes to us from the writings of Antonio de Herrera y Tordesillas, who was appointed Chief Historian of the Indies in 1596, decades after Ponce de Leons journeys. Herreras information was likely third-hand at best. He mentions the Fountain of Youth in reference to Ponces first voyage to Florida in 1513. Heres what Herrera had to say about Ponce de Leà ³n and the Fountain of Youth: Juan Ponce overhauled his ships, and although it seemed to him that he had worked hard he decided to send out a ship to identify the Isla de Bimini even though he did not want to, for he wanted to do that himself. He had an account of the wealth of this island (Bimini) and especially that singular Fountain that the Indians spoke of, that turned men from old men into boys. He had not been able to find it because of the shoals and currents and contrary weather. He sent, then, Juan Pà ©rez de Ortubia as captain of the ship and Antà ³n de Alaminos as pilot. They took two Indians to guide them over the shoals†¦The other ship (that had been left to search for Bimini and the Fountain) arrived and reported that Bimini (most likely Andros Island) had been found, but not the Fountain.    Ponces Search for the Fountain of Youth If Herreras account is to be believed, then Ponce spared a handful of men to search for the island of Bimini and to look around for the fabled fountain while they were at it. Legends of a magical fountain that could restore youth had been around for centuries and Ponce de Leà ³n had no doubt heard them. Perhaps he heard rumors of such a place in Florida, which would not be surprising: there are dozens of thermal springs and hundreds of lakes and ponds there. But was he actually searching for it? Its unlikely. Ponce de Leà ³n was a hardworking, practical man who intended to find his fortune in Florida, but not by finding some magical spring. On no occasion did Ponce de Leon personally set off through the swamps and forests of Florida deliberately seeking the Fountain of Youth. Still, the notion of a Spanish explorer and conquistador seeking a legendary fountain captured the public imagination, and the name Ponce de Leon will forever be tied to the Fountain of Youth and Florida. To this day, Florida spas, hot springs and even plastic surgeons associate themselves with the Fountain of Youth. Source Fuson, Robert H. Juan Ponce de Leon and the Spanish Discovery of Puerto Rico and Florida Blacksburg: McDonald and Woodward, 2000.