Shaheen hopes the wait is finally over in 2017

SOLON — There are several members of the Tiger Township Fantasy Football League that often find themselves in situations where dodging flack is necessary.

Much of that stems from yearly results, or in some cases, growing trends of letdowns. For one member, though, the fingers are starting to point for another reason.

Ryan Shaheen hasn’t qualified for the postseason since 2014, and he was upset in the first round by an eighth-seeded Pat Teynor team the last time he did. But more than that, some would suggest Shaheen’s losing ways have affected his passion in recent seasons.

Is it possible one of the league’s founding fathers has lost his heart?

“Winning is still the ultimate goal,” Shaheen said in an exclusive sit-down interview with Chibby’s Corner. “It’s just that now I have a lot more going on than just being a bum at the Columbus Fantasy Corner. I have some responsibilities on Sundays sometimes now, but we’re still trying to win the title; that’s the main goal.”

Off the field, Shaheen is experiencing some success in his professional life. He continues to climb the ladder in the cheese industry and is even contemplating a move to downtown Cleveland for his social aspirations. Yet, his recent struggles in the league remain in view.

Shaheen finished 4-9 last season before dropping all three of his consolation-bracket matchups. In fact, he lost 10 straight games to end the season en route to his second straight 12th-place finish in the final league standings. That’s right — dead last.

Those type of results didn’t do much to quiet the Ohio State graduate’s critics.

“It definitely didn’t feel great,” said Shaheen of his setbacks. “It hurt the drive, the fire a little bit. But we’re finding it again and trying to bring it back. … We’ll be back.”

Two of Shaheen’s 2016 regular-season losses came by a point or less. Additionally, he finished fourth in points allowed last fall. Those factors suggest Shaheen’s most recent campaign, one that was led by the services of Tom Brady, Michael Thomas and Greg Olsen (all of whom he acquired via trade), could have turned out somewhat differently.

Overall, Shaheen ranks fifth in league history in total wins, yet only seventh in all-time average place finish. He’s third in Evan Julian’s patented “possible win percentage” figure, but 11th out of 12 in his “luck percentage” calculation. Only league-laughing-stock Louie Thomas ranks lower in the latter category.

The 14-year veteran says he mismanaged some critical decisions in the past two years, which has led to the losing. He plans to follow his gut more this time around. That, of course, starts with the 2017 TTFFL Draft on August 19 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

“We’re thinking about taking it back to our roots,” Shaheen said. “We’re going to rethink some things, but not over-think things. That’s what we have to do.”

No one can quite say for sure if the passion for the TTFFL still runs as deep as before for Shaheen. The eye test suggests he has packed it in at the tail end of the last few seasons, yet his connection with the league and its members remains admirable.

Shaheen is consistently active on GroupMe and the newly-formed TTFFL SnapChat. He even sent shock waves through the league when he unveiled the first-ever Champion’s Chalice a few weeks ago. For those reasons and more, Shaheen remains lovable.

Still, his setbacks in big moments have haunted his career. The two-time league runner up owns the current league record in average points per game, but he doesn’t have a whole lot to show for it.

Shaheen admits he can hear his critics’ chirps about his recent on-field performance and his shoulder-shrug attitude toward losing. But those things haven’t shied him away from still considering himself as one of the league’s top dogs.

“I know where I’m at in the league,” Shaheen said. “I think a championship would feel great, but I don’t think it’ll change where I think I stand in the league. I might not talk about it as much, but I think I’m one of the best.”

He knows, though, the finger pointing will continue to head his way until he’s able to point his finger to his name on the trophy. Shaheen hopes this year will finally be that year.