Julian's Rule

NFL owners passed a new rule that will place an observer in the press box during each game to watch for players who suffer from a head injury. This is in direct response to the case of Julian Edelman in the waning moments of the Super Bowl.

Edelman caught a crucial pass from Tom Brady, but sustained an obvious hit to his head. Nothing was done about it and he continued to play.

After the game, there was a great deal of criticism about the system that allows a player to keep playing. Now, the person in the booth will be able to notify the officials who will stop the game clock and have the player removed for medical observation.

It's all being done for the safety of the players. They can't be counted on to take themselves out of a game when the get a head injury.

Peyton's 39th

Peyton Manning turned 39 today. I hope he has a good season this year as far as his playing ability. I don't want him to ever beat the Pats, but hope he plays well.

How much longer will he play? It's year to year at this point. Unless he gets hurt, I think he will keep playing with the Broncos or some other team.

The Worst Father In The NFL

Antonio Cromartie and Darelle Revis will make a formidable tandem of cornerbacks for the New York Jets. They should give teams all sorts of trouble.

Cromartie is the last athlete who should be considered a role model. His child support issues were chronicled on the NFL Network's "Hard Knocks" back in 2010. He had a problem remembering all of his kids names.

He is back in the news with the mother of one of his kids over a custody battle. He has ten kids from eight mothers in six different states. He pays $3,500 monthly support for each child, except for the one that he has custody of. That one is being raised by Cromartie's mother.

There is nothing to be proud about here.

Using Sam

The NFL will broadcast their Free Agent Combine tonight in prime time. The event is a chance for players to display their skills in a hope of getting an invitation to a training camp.

Michael Sam, the first openly gay player will be there. He was the 2013 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, but fell to the late 7th round in the draft after announcing he was gay. He lasted until the final cut with the St Louis Rams and later spent time on the practice squad of the Dallas Cowboys.

Sam never got another chance. It remains to be seen what will happen from here, but it hasn't stopped the NFL from using his image in one of its promotions for the telecast. They assume it will help draw viewers.

The Biggest TE

It would be interesting to hear the comments from Coach Belichick concerning the playing skills of Baylor University 6'7" 410 pound OL LaQuan McGowan.

He caught an 18 yard TD pass in his team's loss to Michigan State in the Cotton Bowl. Some thought it was a gimmick play, but he was used as a TE in the team's spring scrimmage yesterday, catching another TD pass.

I watched the play on the NFL's website. He is a very powerful runner and wasn't brought down until he crossed the goal line. It appears he will be seeing more action as a TE during his senior year.

What will become of all this? He seems to have some pretty raw skills.

Get Your Program

The Pats will be employing a revolving door to bring in all of the cornerbacks they are signing. This is going to get very confusing between free agents, draft picks and unsigned free agents.

Fans can expect numerous personnel transactions before and during training camp. They will never replace Revis and Browning, but BB will have a plan in place before the season starts.

The End For Chris Borland

LB Chris Borland sparked a lot of talk on social media when he announced his retirement from the NFL after playing only one season. He had a stellar rookie year with the San Francisco 49er's, leading them in tackles.

He cited his concern of the long term health repercussions of playing in the NFL. He had two concussions prior to college and suffered one during training camp last summer.

He will walk away from a 4 year/$3 million contract, including a bonus of $617,736 of which he will need to return 75%. Borland feels comfortable with his decision. That is all that matters.

The game is risky for anyone who plays. It remains to be seen how the players of today will fare with their health in twenty years.

New Goals For Vince

Nobody blames Vince Wilfork for signing with Houston after they offered him a 2 year/$9 million contract. In reality, only one year is guaranteed. He could face the same issue next year if the Texans fail to pick up his option.

He also needs to beat out the competition in training camp and be on the opening day roster to guarantee his salary for the season.

Vince is chasing one last big pay day. He might not end his career on his own terms.

Career Dims More

Tim Tebow had a workout with the Philadelphia Eagles, but left without a contract. In a league desperate for quarterbacks, it seems very strange that Tebow was not invited to any training camps last season or the Veteran Free Agent Combine this week.

Critics claim that his game isn't suited for the NFL, but why doesn't he get another chance? He should have played a year or two in the Canadian Football League just to build a resume and silence his critics. He chose not to and must now live with the results.

If he doesn't make it to training camp this season, it might be over for him.

Throwback Days

We will never know about the plan Coach Belichick has for replacing Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner. They were key factors in the great defense played last season. He must have known that he might lose one or both players.

Will he seek help through the draft? That seems the best route right now, but we have seen how that worked out in the past with a lot of wasted second and third round picks.

Hopefully, fans don't see the days of Julien Edeleman playing defense.

Akeem Ayers

We can never feel bad for Akeem Ayers who had a great season last year with the Pats.

He was drafted in the 2nd round by the Tennessee Titans in 2011. They gave up on him in the fourth year of his contract and traded him to the Pats. It worked out great for everyone.

Akeem got a two year deal with the St Louis Rams as a free agent. He was a great player here.

Starting And Ending

Vince Wilfork said that he plans to play in 2015. Rumors say that he is receptive to returning to the Pats, but at what price?

He allegedly has three offers from AFC teams that would be for 2 years/$10 million. He must realize that he won't see the second year of any contract.

I think his best option is to take a pay cut and sign with the Pats. He should end his career where it started.