Posts Tagged pro football

Before Ray Lewis, There Was Junior Seau

Posted by klownboy in NFL, sports blogging on May 2, 2012

One of the biggest shocks I’ve ever experienced happened earlier today while listening to Sirius/XM NFL Radio.  I heard that Junior Seau died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to his chest earlier this afternoon.

I must admit I felt a bit of sadness.  I even shed a few tears while watching his mom crying during a police press conference and former teammate and friend Marcellus Wiley become emotional while talking about Seau on ESPN.

I remember following him as a member of the San Diego Chargers when I was in high school.  Hell, I remember controlling Seau while playing Super Tecmo Bowl way back when (and yes, I am showing my age here).

One more thing to add for the new jacks out there: while Ray Lewis is the man in the present-day NFL, but Junior Seau personified toughness and leadership before Lewis came into the NFL.  Go look Seau up on YouTube and you will see for yourself.

It’s just hard – REALLY hard – for me to believe that Seau is gone.  RIP, Junior Seau.

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ESPN’s Schedule Special Is More Proof that NFL Is King

Posted by klownboy in NFL, sports blogging on April 17, 2012

The NFL has struck again – and I am happy as a mother-bleep about it.

The NFL has released its 2012 schedule via ESPN tonight.  It has been on for over two hours and I am STILL watching as I am typing this.

And when the ratings for the special come out tomorrow, I guarantee you that it will be higher than any NBA game, baseball game, AND NHL playoff game in that same time slot.

This is one of the reasons why the NFL is king in the USA.  Anytime a league schedule release special draws viewers and hype, you know that league is the “shiz-niztz”.

And as crazy as tonight’s schedule release on ESPN is, just wait until the draft rolls around next week – in PRIMETIME no less.  Once again, this is the NFL’s world and the NBA, NHL, NASCAR, MLS, golf, and baseball are just living in it.

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Memo to Tebow: Athletes Are NOT Role Models

Posted by klownboy in NFL, sports blogging on April 9, 2012

In a rare – and I do mean rare – instance, I agree with ESPN First Take’s Skip Brainless.

Skip disagreed with Tim Tebow’s notion that athletes should be role models.  Skip flat out didn’t like what Tebow said at all, while supporting his Christian point of view.

Bravo, Skip (as I threw up in my mouth typing that).

The only people who should be role models are PARENTS, not some cats who are great at playing kids’ games for lots of money.  I think back to what Charles Barkley said on that Nike commercial way back when.  People were mad at Sir Charles for speaking the truth, and that’s a sad commentary on our society.

As much as I loved Jerry Rice growing up, I didn’t try to follow his lead in life off the field.  Hell, if anything I knew I would eventually be let down by Rice or other athletes by scandal, issues on the field or the locker room.  After all, athletes are not perfect – and a lot do not give a damn if they are or not.

My dad has been the real role model in my life.  I followed my dad’s example in how to provide by a family, how to be a good father and husband, a law-abiding citizen.  And he is still doing the damn thing 70 years and counting.  By the way, my father wasn’t the only one: favorite uncles, ministers, and big cousins were good role models for me.

Now anyone who follows this blog knows I am a big fan of Tebow.  I respect his willingness to be a role model.  I respect his willingness to call out athletes for not being role models.

I just think he is a bit naive…

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Tebow a Better Fit in Miami – not New York

Posted by klownboy in NFL, sports blogging on March 22, 2012

If the New York Jets were not a circus last year, they are going to be the Cirque du Soleil of the NFL this coming season.

The Denver Broncos traded Tim Tebow to the Jets yesterday.  While the Broncos – namely John Elway – were happy to rid themselves of Tebowmania, the Jets have no idea what they are in for.

As I mentioned earlier, the Jets were a circus last year.  Actually they were worse than a circus – they were a MESS.  Now the Jets are going to place a green dude like Tebow in that locker room?  Are you kidding me?

First of all, the last thing incumbent QB Mark Sanchez needs is a fan favorite as a backup.  Tebowmania is going to be much bigger in the NYC than in Denver.  No disrespect to Denver, but there is a reason why NYC is called “the media capital of the world”.

At any rate while I agree that Sanchez has been overly coddled, dude did lead the Jets to the AFC title game his first two seasons.  Sure he took a step back, but I think he will bounce back now that he has time to learn from his mistakes last season.  Sanchez is not mentally strong enough to deal with Tebowmania, especially after a few poor throws.

I think Tebow would have been better served playing in Miami.  From what I understand, the Dolphins really wanted Tebow to play for them.  I know Tebow is from Jacksonville and the Jaguars did make a push for him, but I think that was more from ownership than the front office and coaching staff.

Plus, you mean to tell me Dolphins are set with David Garrard – a dude who didn’t even play last year?  Really?  Tebow would have been starting games by Week 3.

I am on record as being a Tebow fan.  I still think this kid can and will be a productive starting QB in this league.  I think he has the ability to succeed.

I just do not think it will be in New York.

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Bears’ Trade for Marshall Vaults Them over Lions

Posted by klownboy in NFL, sports blogging on March 13, 2012

I guess the Chicago Bears were really sick and tired of all the hype surrounding the Detroit Lions.

Why else did the Bears make the move to acquire Dolphins WR Brandon Marshall for a couple of 3rd round picks (this year’s and next)?

Now don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the move.  First of all, this reunites Marshall and QB Jay Cutler.  They made beautiful music together when both were in Denver pre-Josh McDaniels (still liking that McDaniels move Broncos fans?).

Plus, and more importantly, it gives the Bears a legit, bonafide #1 receiver they lacked the past few seasons.  I mean, you know it’s bad if your #1 receiver is a kick returner (Devin Hester).

Couple that with RB Matt Forte, and Chicago has the balanced offense they have been sorely lacking.

Meanwhile, you know the defense is loving this move.  I bet Brian Urlacher and co.  are thinking, “no need to worry about holding teams to 13 points anymore”.  Look for the Bears defense to become more aggressive because now it has an offense that could potentially match the Lions and Green Bay Packers point-for-point.

Look, I still am buying into the Lions stock.  It’s just that they – nor other teams – shouldn’t be sleeping on the Bears next season.

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Hines Is the Greatest Steeler of All-Time

Posted by klownboy in NFL, sports blogging on February 29, 2012

It’s official.

My beloved Pittsburgh Steelers released franchise record-holding receiver Hines Ward earlier this afternoon.  Ward played 14 years for the Steelers, and set franchise receiving records in receiving.  In fact, he holds ALL of the franchise receiving records.

Ward’s release reminds us just how cruel the NFL is on the business side.  All contracts are not guaranteed – outside the signing bonus – and teams will cut players in a New York minute.

In the end, it doesn’t matter that Ward played 14 years with the team.  It doesn’t matter that Ward set every franchise receiving record.  It doesn’t matter that Ward was a team and civic icon.

Most players will either get cut or forced to retire, even a future Hall of Famer in Ward.

My favorite Hines Ward photo

Yeah I said it.  Even though Ward played in only four Pro Bowls, Ward is pound for pound among the toughest players in the game.  He is definitely the toughest wide receiver in the game.

So the next question is, where does Ward rank among the all-time greats in Steeler history?  I think he is the best player in franchise history.

Sure, there were great players who played on the Steeler teams of the 70s.  I just think that no one player stood out on that team, maybe because there were so many great players and leaders on that team.

I just think that Ward stood out for his play and his leadership.  I think that he was captain for all but his first two seasons for the Steelers.  Because of all of that, he was a constant on those successful Steelers teams for the last decade.

If that is not considered an all-time great, I do not know what is.

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Todd Haley Should Be the Adult in Pittsburgh

Posted by klownboy in NFL, sports blogging on February 21, 2012

There has been a lot made over the Todd Haley-Ben Roethlisberger brouhaha in the Steel City.

Haley, the new offensive coordinator, has yet to meet with Roethlisberger, the star QB.  Or vice-versa.  Either way, it’s a story that’s starting to run amok in the NFL landscape.

Here’s the deal.  While both of these guys need to be adults and pick up the damn phone, I think most of this falls on Haley.

After all, Big Ben has won two out of three Super Bowls – winning one of those against Haley (while he was an assistant in Arizona).  He is a top-five QB, and he is entering his prime.  His play and success (four AFC North division titles, three AFC titles, and the two aforementioned Super Bowl titles) speak for themselves.

And let’s be real about something: it’s not like Haley has had a lot recent success.  Haley was canned in Kansas city last season after opening the season with a 5-8 record.  His record as Chiefs head coach was 19-26.

Simply put, Haley has no business playing “high post” under ANY circumstances.

Look, I’m confident that these two grown-ass men will start ACTING LIKE grown-ass men and talk sometime before mini-camp.  I just think the new guy should know his role and pick up the damn phone.

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Peyton Needs to Retire

Posted by klownboy in NFL, sports blogging on February 16, 2012

Word came out that Indianapolis Colts QB (at the moment) Peyton Manning had a fourth – a FOURTH – procedure performed on his neck last season.  It was said that this fourth surgery was the most serious of them all.  And the kicker was that this was before his neck fusion surgery Sept. 9.

Simply put, this is a huge freaking deal.

Five surgeries on his neck.  FIVE.

Could you imagine having to evade 300-pound defensive lineman, and hard-hitting linebackers after five procedures done on YOUR neck?  Peyton would be risking a whole helluva lot going out there against the likes of Mario Williams twice a year, Terrell Suggs and my man James Harrison after five neck procedures.

Look, I understand that Peyton has WAY too much pride to not go out on his own terms.  He is a hard worker, and will work tirelessly to get back on the field.

I think dude should retire.

I mean, what else does Peyton have to prove?  He is a four-time MVP winner.  He has won a Super Bowl.  He is arguably the greatest REGULAR SEASON quarterback of all time.

While head injuries are considered the most serious and dangerous injuries, I would imagine neck injuries are a close second.  I cannot see Peyton risking serious complications on his neck for the rest of his life for the sake of salvaging some pride by playing another season or three.

Peyton, here is some unsolicited advice: no matter how much money the Redskins and Dolphins throw at you, it’s not worth jeopardizing your long term health.

Walk away…

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Eli Is Still not Better than Peyton

Posted by klownboy in NFL, sports blogging on February 5, 2012

Congrats to Eli Manning and the New York Giants for beating the New England Patriots, a.k.a. “the anti-Christ” 21-17.  Now folks are debating whether Eli is better than his brother Peyton Manning.

Slow your roll folks.

While Eli is now the more accomplished quarterback in terms of the post-season, Peyton is still the better of the two.  I have always said that Peyton is the most accomplished REGULAR SEASON quarterback in NFL history.  He broke the season touchdown record previously held by Dan Marino.  Peyton is also a multiple MVP winner.

I’m sorry folks, but Eli’s resume doesn’t even compute and compare to Peyton’s.  However, I will say this: Eli is the more CLUTCH quarterback of the two.  A stellar post-season record, including winning both Super Bowl appearances (both against Tom Brady), is the epitome of clutch.

However just because you are more clutch, it does not necessarily make you the best.  Is Big Ben better than Peyton?

I didn’t think so…

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Super Bowl XLVI Preview

Posted by klownboy in NFL, sports blogging on February 2, 2012

I am not ready for the last official NFL game to take place, simply because I am not ready for months of no NFL.

Sigh.

At least this game is the Super Bowl I suppose.  Speaking of which, here is how I see Super Bowl XLVI plays out:

New York Giants vs. New England Patriots.  Ah, another Super Bowl rematch.  We all know there are questions surrounding Rob Gronkowski’s high ankle sprain.  While I think he will play, Gronk will be no more than a glorified decoy.  While the Giants of 2008 shocked the world, that Giants team was not as talented as THIS Giants team.  And this Patriots team was not as talented as that 18-0 juggernaut (which later became 18-1) in the previous Super Bowl matchup.

As for this edition of Giants-Patriots, I think the Giants have the upper hand on the Pats.  The Giants are loaded offensively, QB Eli Manning is playing out of his mind, and the Giants defensive line will harass Pats QB Tom Brady all night long.  Oh, the Pats defense is just not that good – the Denver Broncos game notwithstanding.  I think the game will be close, but I expect the New York team to get over on a Boston-based team ONCE AGAIN…

Giants 27, Patriots 20.

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