Forrest Gump may not be a smart man, but Shane Battier is. Sporting News took notice, listing him seventh amongst nineteen other brainy nerds who, as kids, happened to find a ball or puck in their garage on complete accident. If you have ever read Michael Lewis, Chris Ballard or any other journalist who has ever profiled Battier extensively, you'll know how intelligent the man is.
↵While we're at it, here's the full list.
↵↵↵1. Craig Breslow, RP, Oakland A's
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2. Myron Rolle, S, Tennessee Titans
3. Ross Ohlendorf, SP, Pittsburgh Pirates
4. George Parros, F, Anaheim Ducks
5. Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Buffalo Bills
6. Matt Birk, C, Baltimore Ravens
7. Shane Battier, F, Houston Rockets
8. Chris Young, SP, San Diego Padres
9. Brad Ausmus, C, Los Angeles Dodgers
10. Grant Hill, G, Phoenix Suns
11. Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco 49ers
12. Jody Gerut, OF, San Diego Padres
13. Craig Counsell, IF, Milwaukee Brewers
14. Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts
15. Pau Gasol, F, Los Angeles Lakers
16. Douglas Murray, D, San Jose Sharks
17. Sean Bedford, C, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets
18. Sam Acho, DE, Texas Longhorns
19. Matt Bonner, F, San Antonio Spurs
20. Greg McElroy, QB, Alabama Crimson Tide
A little Harvard bias, perhaps, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Matt Birk (the Duke of the Northeast... or not)? Cross my heart that Battier could jump a snap count from Birk after a quarter's worth of possessions. Yes, that wouldn't even be close.