The NFL Scouting Combine has a lot of interesting stories. I think many players are over-hyped by the draft "experts". They fall in love with some of their workout numbers.
They must really like DT Stephen Paea from Oregon. He set a new Combine record for the bench press by doing 49 repetitions with 225 pounds. I wonder what he did for a vertical jump.
It's interesting to note that he was born in New Zealand and spent early years on the island of Tonga where he first started to play the game.
He is considered to be one of the top defensive tackles and a likely first rounder.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
It All Ads Up
The various branches of the military buy commercial spots during NFL games. They use it as a recruitment tool for young men of military age. It has been pretty much free of controversy.
However, there is another issue that is in the news involving NASCAR. The National Guard spends $20 million to sponsor Dale Earnhardt Jr. The Army and Air Force spend $7.4 and $1.6 million respectively to sponsor NASCAR teams.
A member of Congress introduced a bill to prohibit such funding, but it was voted down 281-148. Hopefully, the military does not get a desire to sponsor NFL teams. It could lead to some bizarre scenarios.
Maybe Coach Belichick could become the recruitment voice for the Navy, considering his long ties to the US Naval Acadamy.
However, there is another issue that is in the news involving NASCAR. The National Guard spends $20 million to sponsor Dale Earnhardt Jr. The Army and Air Force spend $7.4 and $1.6 million respectively to sponsor NASCAR teams.
A member of Congress introduced a bill to prohibit such funding, but it was voted down 281-148. Hopefully, the military does not get a desire to sponsor NFL teams. It could lead to some bizarre scenarios.
Maybe Coach Belichick could become the recruitment voice for the Navy, considering his long ties to the US Naval Acadamy.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
No NASCAR Look
For the last few years, league owners have debated whether to allow companies to place their logos on game jerseys for a price. Over a three year period, the league could capture and estimated $200 million in revenue.
This would give the league a "NASCAR" look. Soccer leagues do it in Europe, but there would be an outrage from a number of different sources.
Fans have indicated that they don't want it. Broadcasters would have a more difficult time identifying players. Even the advertisers that pay for network ad spots are skeptical. Their competitor's logo could be on a game jersey at the same time one of their commercials is airing.
Some teams, including the Pats, already sport a logo on their practice jersey. Every press conference features a banner with the team's logo and a sponsor.
I could see putting one logo on a game jersey if it had to be done, but don't give the fans the NASCAR look. The NFL has too much tradition for that.
This would give the league a "NASCAR" look. Soccer leagues do it in Europe, but there would be an outrage from a number of different sources.
Fans have indicated that they don't want it. Broadcasters would have a more difficult time identifying players. Even the advertisers that pay for network ad spots are skeptical. Their competitor's logo could be on a game jersey at the same time one of their commercials is airing.
Some teams, including the Pats, already sport a logo on their practice jersey. Every press conference features a banner with the team's logo and a sponsor.
I could see putting one logo on a game jersey if it had to be done, but don't give the fans the NASCAR look. The NFL has too much tradition for that.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
The Dark Secret Goes On
As NFL owners and members of the Players Association debate on how to divide over $8 billion of revenue, the league continues to turn its back on its dark secret. Too many former players are dying at a young age.
The league has received a great degree of criticism over how it takes care of its former players. Post career health care is a big sticking point in the CBA negotiations.
One needs only to look at the suicide of former Chicago Bears Safety Dave Duerson to realize that there is something wrong. His death last Thursday at age 50 in Florida, was ruled a suicide by the medical examiner. He left a hand written note requesting that his brain be examined for CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), a degenerative disease tied to depression, dementia and suicide.
This disease has been linked to chronic head injuries and concussions. His brain was donated to the Boston University School of Medicine which has partnered with the NFL in examining head injuries.
Duerson played 11 seasons from 1983-1993. He was a member of the famed defense of the 1985 Chicago Bears under Mike Ditka. He also won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants in 1990. He played in four Pro Bowls.
Duerson was known for his huge hits during ghis career. Researchers will be looking to see if there is a relationship between his head injuries and CTE.
The medical school is currently conducting brain studies on 65 cases. A number of living NFL players have pledged to donate their brain and spinal cord upon their death.
The league has received a great degree of criticism over how it takes care of its former players. Post career health care is a big sticking point in the CBA negotiations.
One needs only to look at the suicide of former Chicago Bears Safety Dave Duerson to realize that there is something wrong. His death last Thursday at age 50 in Florida, was ruled a suicide by the medical examiner. He left a hand written note requesting that his brain be examined for CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), a degenerative disease tied to depression, dementia and suicide.
This disease has been linked to chronic head injuries and concussions. His brain was donated to the Boston University School of Medicine which has partnered with the NFL in examining head injuries.
Duerson played 11 seasons from 1983-1993. He was a member of the famed defense of the 1985 Chicago Bears under Mike Ditka. He also won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants in 1990. He played in four Pro Bowls.
Duerson was known for his huge hits during ghis career. Researchers will be looking to see if there is a relationship between his head injuries and CTE.
The medical school is currently conducting brain studies on 65 cases. A number of living NFL players have pledged to donate their brain and spinal cord upon their death.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Sands of Time For Sanders
When a player signs a huge contract with guaranteed money, it doesn't mean he will ever collect it all. A player must be on the roster by a certain date for the guarantee to kick in. Veteran players are routinely released in an effort to save money. Such is the case with Bob Sanders of the Indianapolis Colts.
Sanders was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2007. He signed a 5 year, $37.5 million contract, but was only able to play in nine regualr season games during the last three years because of injuries.
At one point, he was the heart and soul of the defense for the Colts. Now, we must wonder if we will ever see him on the field again. The Colts could sign him again at a cheaper price. That remains to be seen.
Sanders was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2007. He signed a 5 year, $37.5 million contract, but was only able to play in nine regualr season games during the last three years because of injuries.
At one point, he was the heart and soul of the defense for the Colts. Now, we must wonder if we will ever see him on the field again. The Colts could sign him again at a cheaper price. That remains to be seen.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
By Invitation Only
The NFL Scouting Combine is this week. All of the "experts" will be there looking at the 327 players invited to display their talents. Most of them will be drafted by one of the teams. Many will never get the chance to even make it to a training camp.
Rosters are full of players who never got drafted. The NFL Network did a Top 10 of players never drafted and there were some huge names on the list: Hall of Famers QB Warren Moon, DT John Randle, FB Marian Motley and CB Dick "Night Train Lane". Former players include WR Wayne Chrbet and Kurt Warner. TE Antonio Gates QB Tony Romo and K Adam Vinatieri round out the current players.
Some players never get invited to the Scouting Combime. RB Danny Woodhead is a prime example in spit of being a two-time winner of the Harlon Hill Division II Player of the Year.
This is a very inexact science. People get paid a lot of money and make mistakes in the end.
Rosters are full of players who never got drafted. The NFL Network did a Top 10 of players never drafted and there were some huge names on the list: Hall of Famers QB Warren Moon, DT John Randle, FB Marian Motley and CB Dick "Night Train Lane". Former players include WR Wayne Chrbet and Kurt Warner. TE Antonio Gates QB Tony Romo and K Adam Vinatieri round out the current players.
Some players never get invited to the Scouting Combime. RB Danny Woodhead is a prime example in spit of being a two-time winner of the Harlon Hill Division II Player of the Year.
This is a very inexact science. People get paid a lot of money and make mistakes in the end.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Bill In Hawaii
Patriots All Access had a great show about the Pats at the Pro Bowl. It featured Coach Belichck being miced-up at team meetings, practices and during the game.
You could hear his comments between him such rivals as Peyton Manning, Ray Lewis and Darrelle Revis. He complimented players from other teams.
At one point they showed a conversation between Coach Belichick and QB Matt Cassell from his days with the Pats. His comments to Cassell at the Pro Bowl were almost the exact same words a few years earlier.
NFL Films does a great job with having players wear microphones during the game. It adds an entirely new dimension to watching the game.
You could hear his comments between him such rivals as Peyton Manning, Ray Lewis and Darrelle Revis. He complimented players from other teams.
At one point they showed a conversation between Coach Belichick and QB Matt Cassell from his days with the Pats. His comments to Cassell at the Pro Bowl were almost the exact same words a few years earlier.
NFL Films does a great job with having players wear microphones during the game. It adds an entirely new dimension to watching the game.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Don't Cry For Seymour
Most players who leave the Pats end up signing big contracts with other teams. Everyone was surprised when the team traded All-Pro DT Richard Seymour to the Oakland Raiders for the team's first round pick in the 2011 draft.
Seymour had been vocal about his desire to sign a big money contract. The Raiders were unable to wok a deal prior to the 2010 season so they gave him the franchise tag. This lead to him getting a big payout as the average of the top five salaries for his position.
He has struck gold again for the 2011 season. The Raiders have signed him for two years at $30 million, with $22.5 guaranteed.
Seymour will probably finish his career with the dysfunctional Raiders lead by owner Al Davis. However, we cannot feel sorry for him as he will be compensated quite handsomely.
Seymour had been vocal about his desire to sign a big money contract. The Raiders were unable to wok a deal prior to the 2010 season so they gave him the franchise tag. This lead to him getting a big payout as the average of the top five salaries for his position.
He has struck gold again for the 2011 season. The Raiders have signed him for two years at $30 million, with $22.5 guaranteed.
Seymour will probably finish his career with the dysfunctional Raiders lead by owner Al Davis. However, we cannot feel sorry for him as he will be compensated quite handsomely.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Raining Money
Fans hear players griping about having the franchise tag placed on them. Players end up with a one year contract for a huge amount of money while the team attempts to negotiate a long term deal.
Peyton Manning and Michael Vick received the tag from their respective teams. Each will earn a salary of $23 for the 2011 season.
Logan Mankins can also whine and hold out, but he will earn $10.2 million. He previously said that he had no desire to be part of the tagging and would be upset if It happened.
That's not bad coin no matter how you spin it. Nobody is ever going to feel bad for them, no matter what.
Peyton Manning and Michael Vick received the tag from their respective teams. Each will earn a salary of $23 for the 2011 season.
Logan Mankins can also whine and hold out, but he will earn $10.2 million. He previously said that he had no desire to be part of the tagging and would be upset if It happened.
That's not bad coin no matter how you spin it. Nobody is ever going to feel bad for them, no matter what.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Big Time In Texas
The NFL Network recently showed some prgramming about high school football in Texas. Living around here, it's hard to believe how big the sport is down there.
Allen High School in Allen, Texas announced plans to build a $60 million football stadium complex. It will have a capacity of 18,00 for football and soccer. It will include a two-tiered press box, indoor golf practice area, high-definition scoreboard and a practice room for wrestling.
The school also has one of the largest high school bands in the country with a 600-piece ensemble.
A complex like is more fitting for a Division 1A prgram, but the state is a hotbed for football and a breeding ground for the NFL.
Allen High School in Allen, Texas announced plans to build a $60 million football stadium complex. It will have a capacity of 18,00 for football and soccer. It will include a two-tiered press box, indoor golf practice area, high-definition scoreboard and a practice room for wrestling.
The school also has one of the largest high school bands in the country with a 600-piece ensemble.
A complex like is more fitting for a Division 1A prgram, but the state is a hotbed for football and a breeding ground for the NFL.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Need Insurance
I think the NFL should be ashamed of the way it treats its former players when it comes to post-career medical coverage.
In the past, players received five years of coverage. This was changed to one year for every year played in the league. This does not address the issue of players sustaining significant injuries early in their career.
There are currently 2,500 former players who will be impacted by any decision made in the new CBA. The players want the owners to use some of the money saved in the rookie salary cap to subsidize health care for a longer time period. It's hard to believe the owners are balking at this.
Everyone says the health of the players is the most important thing. That is the mantra until it comes time to writing the check.
In the past, players received five years of coverage. This was changed to one year for every year played in the league. This does not address the issue of players sustaining significant injuries early in their career.
There are currently 2,500 former players who will be impacted by any decision made in the new CBA. The players want the owners to use some of the money saved in the rookie salary cap to subsidize health care for a longer time period. It's hard to believe the owners are balking at this.
Everyone says the health of the players is the most important thing. That is the mantra until it comes time to writing the check.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Ray Talking
The NFL Network and NFL Films are the perfect pair. They produce some outstanding programs.
This weekend was the "Sounds of the Game" marathon. There was a lot of good stuff. Rex Ryan and Ray Lewis each got a 30 minute program.
The show on Lewis was outstanding. In all of the years of watching the NFL, his level of passion has few peers. I really admire his approach to the game and devotion to it. He is a once in a lifetime player.
He is not without controversy that will be with him the rest of his life after being linked to a double murder back in 2002.
He has played at such a high level for 15 years and 11 Pro Bowls. He won't play forever, but right now, we are watching the #18 all-time NFL player according to the recent Top 100 Players program.
He stands with some great company as Bronco Nogurski was at #19 and Barry Sanders was #17.
This weekend was the "Sounds of the Game" marathon. There was a lot of good stuff. Rex Ryan and Ray Lewis each got a 30 minute program.
The show on Lewis was outstanding. In all of the years of watching the NFL, his level of passion has few peers. I really admire his approach to the game and devotion to it. He is a once in a lifetime player.
He is not without controversy that will be with him the rest of his life after being linked to a double murder back in 2002.
He has played at such a high level for 15 years and 11 Pro Bowls. He won't play forever, but right now, we are watching the #18 all-time NFL player according to the recent Top 100 Players program.
He stands with some great company as Bronco Nogurski was at #19 and Barry Sanders was #17.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Playing Tag Again?
It looks like it might come down to the wire for negotiating a new Collective Bargaining Agreement as the deadline is March 4. Teams are still able to assign players with the franchise tag. It's not known if this will even be an option under a new CBA.
Logan Mankins is the most logical choice for the Pats. He has been very vocal in saying that he does not want it even if he is paid approximately $10.5 million if there is a 2011 season.
He stands to gain much more if he becomes a free agent. Mankins and the team are still far apart in determining his value on the market.
He is a special player who was able to miss half the season and still make the All Pro team. Dan Connolly was an adequate replacement, but there is only one Mankins.
As much as owner Robert Kraft wants him to be a part of the team, there appears a limit on how much they are willing to pay him.
If they tag him, they team might end up in the same position as this year with Mankins sitting out half the season.
Logan Mankins is the most logical choice for the Pats. He has been very vocal in saying that he does not want it even if he is paid approximately $10.5 million if there is a 2011 season.
He stands to gain much more if he becomes a free agent. Mankins and the team are still far apart in determining his value on the market.
He is a special player who was able to miss half the season and still make the All Pro team. Dan Connolly was an adequate replacement, but there is only one Mankins.
As much as owner Robert Kraft wants him to be a part of the team, there appears a limit on how much they are willing to pay him.
If they tag him, they team might end up in the same position as this year with Mankins sitting out half the season.
Friday, February 11, 2011
King of the Rings
It is very rare when a player or coach spends their entire career with one team. Strength and conditioning coach Mike Woicik will be moving on after spending the last ten years in Foxborough. He was one of Coach Belichick's first hires back in 2000.
He will be working for Jeff Garrett in Dallas. Woicek had the same job with Dallas from 1990-1996. Garrett was a backup quarterback during part of that period.
Woicek is in a very unique position. He is the only player or coach with six Super Bowl rings. He won three with the Cowboys and the same with the Pats.
He will be working for Jeff Garrett in Dallas. Woicek had the same job with Dallas from 1990-1996. Garrett was a backup quarterback during part of that period.
Woicek is in a very unique position. He is the only player or coach with six Super Bowl rings. He won three with the Cowboys and the same with the Pats.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Senior Moments
When I heard the name of Les Richter as one of the Hall of Fame selections, he did not sound familiar. He passed away on June 12, 2010 at the age of 79. The NFL Network was pretty silent on its commentary about this "senior" candidate. They interviewed Chris Hanburger, the other "senior" selection, over the phone. Hanburger got a flight the next day and was on the field in time for the ceremonial coin toss, along with the other 2011 selectees.
After doing some research on Richter, I remembered reading his obituary back in June. He was the former Chief of Operations for NASCAR and was involved in auto racing for most of his post-football career.
He played linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams from 1954-1962 and was selected for eight consecutive Pro Bowls.
Richter and Hanburger were the two senior finalists. The selection process is quite controversial at times. If five modern era candidates are selected, the two senior ones are automatically in. This seems like a rather odd rule as the senior committee is overlooking many great players from an era that was mostly black and white television.
There seems to be no consideration given to former American Football League players such as Gino Cappelletti who was the all-time leading scorer for the Pats until Adam Vinitieri broke his record.
After doing some research on Richter, I remembered reading his obituary back in June. He was the former Chief of Operations for NASCAR and was involved in auto racing for most of his post-football career.
He played linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams from 1954-1962 and was selected for eight consecutive Pro Bowls.
Richter and Hanburger were the two senior finalists. The selection process is quite controversial at times. If five modern era candidates are selected, the two senior ones are automatically in. This seems like a rather odd rule as the senior committee is overlooking many great players from an era that was mostly black and white television.
There seems to be no consideration given to former American Football League players such as Gino Cappelletti who was the all-time leading scorer for the Pats until Adam Vinitieri broke his record.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Mike Steps Into the Fire
The only guarantee for coaches in the NFL is that they will be fired at some point. After every season, there is a shuffling with some stepping into the head coaching ranks and others getting coordinator or other coaching positions.
Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher enjoyed a 16 year run, but it came to an end on "mutually agreeable terms". I guess that means there is no trash-talking or inappropriate comments on the way out the door.
His replacement will be offensive line coach Mike Munchak. He has been with the Titans for 29 years since they made him the 8th selection of the 1982 draft. He played left guard in the run and shoot offense lead by QB Warren Moon and RB Earl Campbell. All three players are members of the NFL Hall of Fame.
Munchak is a favorite of owner Bud Grant. I hope he has a long career like Fisher did and that it ends on his own terms when that day comes.
Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher enjoyed a 16 year run, but it came to an end on "mutually agreeable terms". I guess that means there is no trash-talking or inappropriate comments on the way out the door.
His replacement will be offensive line coach Mike Munchak. He has been with the Titans for 29 years since they made him the 8th selection of the 1982 draft. He played left guard in the run and shoot offense lead by QB Warren Moon and RB Earl Campbell. All three players are members of the NFL Hall of Fame.
Munchak is a favorite of owner Bud Grant. I hope he has a long career like Fisher did and that it ends on his own terms when that day comes.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Oh Say Christina
Every game has its moments that you never forget. Super Bowl XLV got off to a dubious start when Christina Aquilera forgot the lyrics to the national anthem.
As I watched her singing, it suddenly struck me that she had deviated from the traditional lyrics. I think she realized and she purposely sounded unintelligible.
She has taken a great degree of criticism for her mistake. She won't be the last to mess up the song, but her version is sure to go down in history as one of the game's bigger gaffs.
As I watched her singing, it suddenly struck me that she had deviated from the traditional lyrics. I think she realized and she purposely sounded unintelligible.
She has taken a great degree of criticism for her mistake. She won't be the last to mess up the song, but her version is sure to go down in history as one of the game's bigger gaffs.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Greatest Play
One play in today's Super Bowl can immortalize a player for better or worse. Their career can be defined by one play.They could even crack the Top 10 Moments in Super Bowl history.
Rodney Harrison has the dubious honor of being involved in the number 1 moment with the infamous David Tyree "helmet catch" in the waning moments of Super Bowl XLII.
Harrison tried to defend the play, but Tyree made the catch of a lifetime without losing control of the ball. Pats fans were left to wonder "what if ?"
Sadly, the play would be the last of Tyree's career as knee injuries forced him into early retirement. No matter what happens, his place in Super Bowl history is cemented forever. There are not too many plays that could ever top that one in the future.
Rodney Harrison has the dubious honor of being involved in the number 1 moment with the infamous David Tyree "helmet catch" in the waning moments of Super Bowl XLII.
Harrison tried to defend the play, but Tyree made the catch of a lifetime without losing control of the ball. Pats fans were left to wonder "what if ?"
Sadly, the play would be the last of Tyree's career as knee injuries forced him into early retirement. No matter what happens, his place in Super Bowl history is cemented forever. There are not too many plays that could ever top that one in the future.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Just Say No To Foxborough
One of the bigger Super Bowl stories is the cold and snowy weather in Texas. It's out of the ordinary and has greatly impacted some of the pre-game festivities. Although the game is being played inside, numerous fans will be unable to get connecting flights to the game in time.
Dallas does not meet the criteria of a warm weather climate, but the NFL gave the site to Dallas in order to appease Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and his new stadium.
The league is seeing first-hand how cold weather can impact it marque game. Next year, the game is being played indoors at Indianapolis, but the real test comes in 2014 when the game is played outdoors at the Meadowlands.
Based on this winter, playing the game in New York City might not be the best idea. Pats owner Robert Kraft indicated that he would be in favor of trying to get the game at Foxborough. That might be a worse idea.
Let's hope that the league sticks to the warm weather locations after 2014. The stakes are too high this time of year to have the game effected by the weather.
Dallas does not meet the criteria of a warm weather climate, but the NFL gave the site to Dallas in order to appease Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and his new stadium.
The league is seeing first-hand how cold weather can impact it marque game. Next year, the game is being played indoors at Indianapolis, but the real test comes in 2014 when the game is played outdoors at the Meadowlands.
Based on this winter, playing the game in New York City might not be the best idea. Pats owner Robert Kraft indicated that he would be in favor of trying to get the game at Foxborough. That might be a worse idea.
Let's hope that the league sticks to the warm weather locations after 2014. The stakes are too high this time of year to have the game effected by the weather.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Why After Three Years?
It has been three years since Spygate. Just when we thought it was history, NFL Roger Goodell brought it to the front again with his comments in a recent article in Sports Illustrated.
He said he feel betrayed by Coach Bill Belichick because the coach did not go before the media and admit his mistake. Belichick was fined $500,000. The team was fined $250,000 and lost a first round draft pick.
At the time, Belichick released a statement to the media. Apparently, after three years, the commissioner felt it was time to stir things up again.
If it bothered him that much, he should have said something instead of waiting for three years. Bringing it up now serves no purpose.
He said he feel betrayed by Coach Bill Belichick because the coach did not go before the media and admit his mistake. Belichick was fined $500,000. The team was fined $250,000 and lost a first round draft pick.
At the time, Belichick released a statement to the media. Apparently, after three years, the commissioner felt it was time to stir things up again.
If it bothered him that much, he should have said something instead of waiting for three years. Bringing it up now serves no purpose.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Curtain Rises For the Steelers
I have always been a Pittsburgh Steelers fan going back to the 1970's when they won four Super Bowls. Those teams placed nine players in the Hall of Fame. The list is so awesome: Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Lynn Swann, John Stallworth, Mike Webster, Jack Lambert, Mel Blount, Jack Ham and Joe Greene. Head Coach Chuck Noll is also there.
The Steelers are a model of consistency, owned by the Rooney family since 1933. They have had only three coaches since 1969 with Chuck Noll (1969-1991), Bill Cowher (1992-2006) and Mike Tomlin (2007-present).
As they seek to win their seventh title, I am torn between them and Green Bay. You can't get two more iconic franchises in the big game.
I am also a huge fan of Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu. They play the game with an incredible amount of focus and passion. I really admire that.
The Steelers are a model of consistency, owned by the Rooney family since 1933. They have had only three coaches since 1969 with Chuck Noll (1969-1991), Bill Cowher (1992-2006) and Mike Tomlin (2007-present).
As they seek to win their seventh title, I am torn between them and Green Bay. You can't get two more iconic franchises in the big game.
I am also a huge fan of Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu. They play the game with an incredible amount of focus and passion. I really admire that.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
The Next Step
Today is National Signing Day for high school players making commitments to their respective colleges. It's the biggest decision some of these players make in their lives. In some cases, it will be the wrong one. They will end up transferring to another program or give up the sport altogether.
Some players will switch positions and find greater success or failure. A good example is a local guy, Zak DeOssie. He was an outstanding quarterback at Phillips Andover, but was switched to linebacker at Brown University.
At the urging of his father, DeOssie also picked up long snapping and special teams. He made it to the Pro Bowl for the second time as a long snapper for the NFC.
Some players are determined to decide which position they will play. It doesn't always work out. Most pf these players have a dream of playing in the NFL. It will only happen for a select few. The rest of them are in their final years of football.
Some will spend the rest of their life wondering what might have been.
Some players will switch positions and find greater success or failure. A good example is a local guy, Zak DeOssie. He was an outstanding quarterback at Phillips Andover, but was switched to linebacker at Brown University.
At the urging of his father, DeOssie also picked up long snapping and special teams. He made it to the Pro Bowl for the second time as a long snapper for the NFC.
Some players are determined to decide which position they will play. It doesn't always work out. Most pf these players have a dream of playing in the NFL. It will only happen for a select few. The rest of them are in their final years of football.
Some will spend the rest of their life wondering what might have been.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Send More Troops
As a fan of the NFL, I would love to see 18 regular season games, but a recent report on player injuries does not support it.
The report, released by the NFL Player's Association does not paint a pretty picture. Injuries are up from last year, with an average of 3.7 per team each week compared to 3.2 last year. The percentage of players injured (63%) increased from the 2002-2009 average of 59%.
Perhaps the worst number shows that 13% of the players end up on Injured Reserved, compared to 10% for the previous reporting period.
Owners will say that many of the players on IR could have returned if the rules were different. Some teams try to hide younger players on their roster by amplifying the extent of their injuries.
No matter how you analyze it, the NFL has an injury problem that they are reluctant to talk about or address. The owners keep bringing in more players off the street to take their place. There are many hungry players out there who are willing to mangle their bodies for a roster spot.
NFL owners are like old-time generals who are willing to pour more troops into the battle front no matter the size of the casualty count.
The report, released by the NFL Player's Association does not paint a pretty picture. Injuries are up from last year, with an average of 3.7 per team each week compared to 3.2 last year. The percentage of players injured (63%) increased from the 2002-2009 average of 59%.
Perhaps the worst number shows that 13% of the players end up on Injured Reserved, compared to 10% for the previous reporting period.
Owners will say that many of the players on IR could have returned if the rules were different. Some teams try to hide younger players on their roster by amplifying the extent of their injuries.
No matter how you analyze it, the NFL has an injury problem that they are reluctant to talk about or address. The owners keep bringing in more players off the street to take their place. There are many hungry players out there who are willing to mangle their bodies for a roster spot.
NFL owners are like old-time generals who are willing to pour more troops into the battle front no matter the size of the casualty count.
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