It's a league where you've got to earn your stripes. And the emphasis is on earn , believe me.

I really didn't see it as overshadowing me, ... He's been in the league so long. He's earned his stripes. I was a young cat coming up, doing the things I had to do to earn my stripes. I made my plays. As the years moved on, I earned my stripes. The fans knew who I was when I stepped on the field. When you play next to Ray, you have to do a lot of things to get noticed.

You have to earn your stripes here. So far, I've got half a stripe.

I still believe to be a factor, this league runs through Manhattan.

I just feel that I finally have respect in a league where it is so tuff to earn respect.

He can't use that excuse anymore that he's got a thankless job. He can actually do something good and get noticed for it.