Harrington plays second fiddle to his cousin
BLOOMFIELD HILLS (Michigan): As Europe's top-ranked golfer, Padraig Harrington might well have expected the sight of autograph seekers as he went through his first Ryder Cup practice round on Tuesday.
But this week, the popular Irishman and one of Europe's most recognised sporting figures, will simply be the other Harrington conceding the spotlight to his cousin, Detroit Lions quarterback Joey Harrington, who walked the Oakhills layout with him.
While the biennial Ryder Cup is one of golf's most prestigious events, the NFL rules the U.S. sports scene making the Lions and Joey the biggest draws in the Motor City.
This Sunday while Padraig and his Ryder Cup teammates defend their title against the US, the Lions will be hosting the Houston Texans in front of a capacity crowd of 68,000 at Ford Field as they look to open the season 2-0.
“Both Joey and myself are very busy this week,” Harrington told reporters. “We both have sort of small games towards the end of the week so we're probably not going to see a hell of a lot of each other.
“He did walk four holes with me which was great because we could have a chat and just talk about things.
“It's amazing when we do talk, we spend so much time trying to figure out what the other guy is doing.
“There's going to be a time in the future where we're going to meet up when we're not exactly competing or performing that week.
“Until then we have to just make do with sort of short periods of talk.”
When it comes to Ryder Cup play it seems blood is only slightly thicker than water.
The third overall pick in the 2001 NFL draft, Harrington, who was born and raised in the United States, will be hoping his cousin does well this week but cheering for the US to reclaim the trophy.
“I heard from someone that he was hoping I play well and win my match but the US Team wins, which is pretty fair,” Harrington said.
“I would expect that of anybody who was born in the US to be supporting the US team but obviously he knows me and is hoping I play well.”
Joey Harrington's side of the family left Ireland three generations ago to settle eventually in Oregon.
“It was very green and reminded them of Ireland,” he has told reporters. – Reuters
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