By NICK SLOAN

Whether you like it or not, sports can have a daily impact on our lives.

I say this as someone who has backed off the idea of being a diehard fan. I try to see the positives in losses. I'm a patient fan. Two straight 100-loss seasons for my beloved Kansas City Royals haven't bugged me one bit, though admittedly the 2015 World Series title makes that easier.

The exception was the Oakland Raiders trading linebacker Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears for draft picks. I even know exactly where I was when I found --- in the middle of a set of dumbbell curls when the news hit my phone.

Mack had made three straight pro bowls and averaged over 10 sacks a season during his Oakland Raiders career. He was blossoming into someone who wasn't just the best player on defense, but could be the best all around player in the NFL.

(Taking off the blinders, your choices are either Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Donald, Russell Wilson or Mack in some order)