Reggie Decided To Retire

Some players on the Eagles are wasting time discussing whether it's fun to play for the Pats. It was reported that former Colts WR Reggie Wayne abruptly retired after a few days at the Pats training camp when he was signed as a free agent.

During an interview on the NFL Network, he said he realized his career was over and decided to retire on his own.

Coach Belichick was asked about whether players have fun. His response was typical when he said their only goal is to win games.

This story is getting more life than it should.

Is It Over For RGIII?

The career of Robert Griffin III started on a high note six years ago, but injuries have taken their toll.

He is now fighting for a spot on the Ravens. Joe Flacco and first round pick Lamar Jackson are locks on the roster.

Where does this leave RGIII? Will he even be on a team this year?

Marsh Talk

Former Pats DE Cassius Marsh had no problem trashing the Pats from his spot on the 49er's. He said he hated all of his time there after being traded by the Seahawks last season.

He claims that he asked for his release before he was signed by the 49er's because his playing skills were not being used properly. He was so disgusted that he thought of leaving the game.

His comments certainly went viral and made him a social media and internet star.

In the end, they don't matter to Coach Belichick. Marsh is gone and is having success with the 49er's. That is the only thing that matters.

Joe Namath

It's hard to believe that Joe Namath turns 75 on Thursday. What a life he had lead. His impact on the NFL can never be fully measured.

His impact on pop culture in the 60's and 70's was immense. His guarantee of a win in Super Bowl III was one for the ages.

He seems to be in good health, based on a recent interview. He is one of the legends of the game.

Some Won't Stand

The NFL owners attempted to come up with a policy that addressed the issue of standing for the National Anthem.

If players don't want to stand, they can stay in the locker room until the start of the game. Whenever a player chooses to kneel, the team will be fined. It will be up to each team to set their own policy about
the fines.

This will only open another can of worms. Owners failed to negotiate this item with the NFLPA, unlike the NBA which doesn't have this problem.

One could bet money that it will happen during the first week of the regular season if it doesn't start sooner in the pre-season.

The Inevitable ACL Injury

The NFL Network mentioned that a third player has been lost for the season due to an ACL tear which happened during OTA's. Season ending injuries are a fact of life in the NFL. It happens every year according to reports.

The story went on to mention that 20 players suffered ACL tears last year before the first regular season game was even played. It will happen throughout the league.

The Pats lost Julian Edelman and Derrick Rivers last year. Who will it be this season?

The Kraft Spin

Pats owner Robert Kraft is trying to keep all parties happy in light of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski being absent from the OTA's. He said it was an excellent opportunity for other players to get snaps and improve their skills.

He referred to the issue as "Quality Depth Management". This sounds like typical corporate jargon, but there is not much else he can say.

OTA Drama

Boston sports talk radio is going to focus on the latest events at the Pats OTA's. Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski were both absent, but were seen going to the TB12 facility at Patriot Place.

This will only stir the conspiracy theories over what is happening between Brady and Belichick.

At some point, owner Robert Kraft needs to step in. Opening his wallet would be a big step.

Missing Players

The Pats started another phase of their OTA's today involving passing drills, 7 on 7's and 11 on 11's. Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski were both absent.

This is all about money and their contracts. They are playing their cards close to the vest. Neither wants to look like they are money grabbing, but they are dissatisfied with their current situation.

How will the team react? Who will be the first to make a step?

Johnny Manziel Gets Another Chance

No matter what happens, Jonny Manziel can never say he didn't get a chance to make it back to the NFL.

His latest opportunity came when he signed a contract with the Hamilton Tiger Cats of the CFL. He will compete with QB Jeremiah Masoli for the starting job. His $122,000 salary is a far cry for his NFL days, but that is the reality of his situation.

Coach June Jones said that Manziel will not be guaranteed anything and will need to compete for the job and make the roster.

It Was Edelman

I saw an interesting post from a writer who listed the most overrated player on each NFL team. I was surprised to see that he picked Julian Edeleman for the Pats.

He based this on him playing slot receiver in an offense lead by Josh McDaniels and Tom Brady. He claims that anyone could be successful in this scenario.

I don't believe this for one second. Edelman has made the most of his opportunity. Nothing was guaranteed for the former seventh round pick.

Back From The Cleveland Days

Coach Belichick is never hesitant to take a page from the past. He will be utilizing a taekwondo master to help his defensive linemen work on their hand skills.

Joe Kim has worked for ten NFL teams over the years, including the Browns from 1992-95 when Belichick was head coach.

Hall of Fame member Andre Tippett had a black belt when he played for the Pats and was a big advocate of martial arts. His results speak for themselves.

The Price Goes Up

NFL owners were smiling today when they saw the Panthers sold for $2.275 billion to David Teppen who has a net worth of $11 billion.

He is a minority owner with the Steelers and passed all the financial tests for the league when it concerns ownership.

There is a commitment on his part to never move the team. This should work out fine.

Three Worthy Candidates

It's never easy to pick candidates for the Pats Hall of Fame. Fans who are voting have a choice of Richard Seymour, Matt Light and Mike Vrabel. All of them are worthy of induction.

Unfortunately, players from the pre-Kraft ownership era continue to be excluded from the list of finalists. There are many stars.

It's also hard to understand why Bill Parcells was not on the list this year.

Antonio Garcia Gone

The NFL career of OL Antonio Garcia never got off the ground with the Pats after they selected him last year in the third round with the 85th overall pick.

When he showed up at training camp, he developed blood clots in his lungs and was placed on the non-football/reserve list.

He lost 40 pounds as a result and was trying to get his strength back when the Pats decided to move on by releasing him.

He has another chance to make a roster after the Jets claimed him off waivers. Hopefully, things work out for him.

Older Adam

It's hard to believe that Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri began his NFL career before some of his teammates were born. He made his debut with the Pats against the Dolphins on September 1, 1996.

Last year, he had one teammate born after that date. Now, he has two more as he stays youthful at 45.

How long can he keep playing? He continues to do his job at a great level.

James & Junior

I will never believe for one moment that the great James Harrison is done with football. He doesn't need to be signed to a roster at this point. Why should he attend OTA's and training camp? He knows what to do and showed that with the Pats last season when they signed him.

He has a chance to be a part-time player like the late Junior Seau. At some point, Coach Belichick might call him late in the season.

Kurt's Dream

Hall of Fame member Kurt Warner has a new story about him trying to play again at the age of 47. He claims to have an offer to return to the NFL as a backup.

It's more like he has a contract with Hollywood to produce a story of his life that needed a better ending. His return to the NFL would be against all odds and be a great story.

Peyton's Time

We can see why Peyton Manning turned down tons of money to talk about football for the networks. He is more interested in becoming part of the Carolina Panthers future ownership.

It seems like a no-brainer for him to do this. He has a huge connection with the area.

Peyton needs to be back into the game as an owner or GM.

Antonio Gates

It looks like the great TE Antonio Gates has played his last game with the Chargers. The team has decided to move on.

Has Gates played his last NFL game? There are rumors that the Cowboys and Falcons have an interest, but does the soon to be 38 year old have anything left in the tank?

He is a stellar example of an undrafted player who had great success. The Chargers signed him out of Kent State after the 2003 draft. He went on to catch 927 balls for 11,508 yards and 114 TD's.

His production has decreased in recent years, but he is still a viable option for a team with a need.

Gronk Time

I think it would be a good idea if the Pats restructured the contract of Rob Gronkowski and focus more on performance incentives.

It worked out so well last year when he had a great season and cashed in on all of them.

Given his injury history, it's a no-brainer to offer him a huge bonus for staying on the field.

Hanging With Lamar & Joe

There was a lot of talk about QB Lamar Jackson ending up with the Pats. It never happened. They had a chance to take him, but they traded out of the round. He ended up with the Ravens and a chance to compete against Joe Flacco.

So far, Joe has not reached out to him. Why would he? Jackson is a big threat to his survival in the NFL.

A New Beginning For The AAF

The NFL could use a developmental league for players who need more experience. The Alliance of American Football will attempt to fill this void when they start on February 9, 2019. Their eight teams will be under one entity in a unique business concept.

A twelve week season will culminate in the championship game the weekend of April 26-28, 2019. Fans will be able to live stream the games or watch them on CBS and CBS Sports Network.

The single entity concept should stabilize the venture financially. It's still a big risk as no alternative league has been able to sustain itself. Will they join the rest who couldn't make it?

Saquon Barkley

Some players are surrounded by hype as they enter the NFL. When the Giants selected Penn State RB Saquon Barkley, he was seen as a can't-miss future star.

He has the skills and resume to do well, but will he? Anything can happen to a player. Injuries are such an important factor. His rookie year should say a lot.

Bad Decision By Dez

Some players kid themselves when it comes to their value to other teams. WR Dez Bryant is a great example.

After turning down a 3 year/$21 million offer from the Ravens, he has not even been offered the veteran minimum of $1 million by any team.

Dez wanted a one year contract for big money. He felt that he could redeem himself and get another big pay day next year.

If he wants to keep playing, he might need to sign for small dollars. This assumes that a team wants to pay him.

Draft Picks Speak

Each of the Pats draft picks held a press conference. Many of them said the same things. Some know players on the team or went to college with them.

It will be a very competitive training camp. Not all of the draftees will make the team. Some will hook up with others and have some success.

This will also be the last stop in the football career for a few. They just don't know that yet.

Losing With Five

Jets GM Mike Maccagnan and Coach Toddd Bowles are betting their futures after drafting Sam Darnold with the third overall pick. They traded three 2nd round picks to the Browns to move up to the third spot.

The New York Post did a great analysis of all quarterbacks drafted in the first round since 2000. Success is far from guaranteed.

They now have five quarterbacks on their roster, in addition to Teddy Bridgewater, Josh McCown, Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg. At least two of them will not make it through training camp.

Maccagnan and Bowles will be gone if the Jets don't make the playoffs. Fans won't accept anything less.