At this point, it's fair to say that anyone who trolls Richard Sherman on Twitter should follow the same advice that quarterbacks get when playing against the Seahawks' talented cornerback:
Stay away.
Sherman, who has destroyed naysayers before, got into a heated discussion with New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount about his status atop the NFL cornerback hierarchy.
The feud started rather innocuously, with Blount wishing his former teammate Aqib Talib good luck with his new team, the Denver Broncos.
CONGRATS TO MY BROTHER LIB! YOU DESERVE IT BIG BRO! THE BEST CORNER IN THE LEAGUE AND ITS TIME YOU GOT PAID LIKE IT!! pic.twitter.com/cem22QtKJ2
— LeGarrette Blount (@LG_Blount) March 12, 2014
When asked to clarify, Blount did not back off.
“@nriordan77: @LG_Blount not even Sherman?” Talib
— LeGarrette Blount (@LG_Blount) March 12, 2014
@RSherman_25 in my opinion he the best bruh sorry... Can't change my mind...
— LeGarrette Blount (@LG_Blount) March 12, 2014
Perhaps not wanting to pick another fight, Sherman was reserved in his response.
@LG_Blount it's all good.... Hard to argue with friendship
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) March 12, 2014
But Blount wouldn't lay off.
@RSherman_25 He's the best bruh. I've seen what he does to WR/TE in person and I'm sure you have too. Friendship aside he's the best...
— LeGarrette Blount (@LG_Blount) March 12, 2014
At this point, Sherman starts getting fired up.
@LG_Blount I've seen it .... And done it ....
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) March 12, 2014
@RSherman_25 I've seen you do it & he has to. But he do it on both sides. He follow the best receiver on the field every game and strap him.
— LeGarrette Blount (@LG_Blount) March 13, 2014
@LG_Blount I just totally lock down one! And pick off passes that come over there.... Rarely ever giving up completions....no need to follow
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) March 13, 2014
@RSherman_25 that one you lock down isn't always the best receiver on the team though... Follow the best receiver every game and do it...
— LeGarrette Blount (@LG_Blount) March 13, 2014
@LG_Blount for what? So I can kill the integrity of the defense.... We actually have another good corner who I trust to do his job! We win!
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) March 13, 2014
@RSherman_25 @JakeParmley_26 was Aqib not an all pro/pro bowler this year? I think he was... That's why he got paid like the best... He is..
— LeGarrette Blount (@LG_Blount) March 13, 2014
Perhaps out of a desire to end the debate with one swoop, Sherman laid down the hammer.
@LG_Blount did that help y'all win the bowl or nah?
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) March 13, 2014
Hard to argue with that. Plus, the stats back up Sherman's side. Despite only being in his third year in the NFL, Sherman topped Talib in 2013 in interceptions (8 to 4) and passes defended (16 to 14).
Later, Sherman added the cherry on top of his shutdown sundae.
Here's a TIP: Don’t Test the BEST! http://t.co/o7hNJgjes7 pic.twitter.com/3pEFGnR0zE
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) March 13, 2014