Facebook Talk

While doing my morning routine of checking my e-mail and updating my sites, I usually have ESPN’s Mike & Mike show playing in the background. Nothing says it’s a brand new day than the Internet, a gallon of coffee, and random sports talk. From time to time, though, I tune the background noise out and try to focus on the task at hand. This morning was no different, but just a minute ago I heard “Zuckerberg” come out of Mike Golic’s mouth and I had to turn around and go, “huh?”

Turns out they were doing a segment where they were asking people which 23 year old they’d rather be, Mark Zuckerberg or NBA superstar LeBron James. Much to their surprise, and I gotta say mine as well, Zuckerberg was winning overwhelmingly. This was even coming from a group of people who the majority are huge sports fans! Now we all know I love Facebook, but come on, really? Zuckerberg? I mean, money wise, it’s pretty much a wash. Yes, Zuckerberg is most likely worth a bit more than LeBron, but it’s not like he’s making chump change either. As that link shows, he had $22 million in the bank back in 2005 and has sense signed a contract extension for another $80. Throw in endorsements, celebrity appearances, and other random cash flows for LeBron and he’s got $100 million in the bank. Call me crazy, but once we start talking about triple digit millions, it’s a moot point as to who has more.

Next would be stardom. With Zuckerberg, I think it’s safe to say that he could walk down the street of Anytown, USA and go unnoticed. Even if somebody spotted him, what are they going to do, run up to him and ask for an autograph? Doubtful. So he’s certainly got that going for him. Whereas Lebron would get noticed in a heartbeat and from there it would only snowball. People who aren’t even NBA fans would be asking for his signature, wanting pictures with him, the works. It’s one thing to be famous, but it’s another thing when you can’t even enjoy a meal out with your family in peace.

Now let’s look at their jobs. Zuckerberg works with software, advertising, corporate charts, etc. Working in an office is one thing. But Lebron? Man, imagine being able to play a sport for a career! Having the talent to be a future Hall of Famer in a top sport, the thrill of playing in front of thousands of people, that’s just something I’d much rather do than just being famous for creating a websites.

The dealbreaker? Just think about how many people absolutely love LeBron. He’s the next Michael Jordan and the city of Chicago still treats Jordan like a demi-God. Heck, Green Bay treats Brett Favre like a full blown God! They love those guys. It’s a level of adoration that only sports figures can attain, a level that Zuckerberg will never reach. So the question comes down to whether you’d want to be a mega-super star and loved by millions or be an average Joe who happens to be worth a little bit more.

For me, it’s a no brainer, I’d rather be LeBron. What about you?