Just Increase It

The pandemic prevented most teams from having any fans at home games, but that didn't stop the increase in value for NFL franchises by an average of 14%.

The Cowboys continue to lead with a worth of $6.5 billion, followed by the Pats ($5.0 billion) and the Giants ($4.85 billion). The Bills are at the bottom at $2.2 billion, but still a significant amount.

Signing Tom Brady not only helped bring a Super Bowl win to the Bucs, but it also increased their franchise value by 29%. 

They should hope that he plays as long as he can. 

Number 87 Lives On

Football teams only have so many numbers with the expansion of rosters. Every team has already retired a few worn by their former stars. A player like Tom Brady should definitely have his retired at some point.

Where do you draw the line? The Pats gave out Rob Gronkowski's #87 to rookie 7th round pick, Tre Nixon.

Many fans were upset and expressed outrage on social media, but teams must look at their future needs for issuing numbers.

When LB Tedi Bruschi retired, he said that his number should be worn by other players and keep the legacy of it alive. Many players wore it before him. Donte Hightower is doing a good job with it so far. 

Pats Preseason Game 1

The Pats and Washington open their preseason tonight. So many questions need to be answered. The talk show people will spend countless hours analyzing the performances of Cam Newton and Mac Jones.

For some players, this will be their only chance to show their stuff. Players will get released from teams all around the league after this first set of games. Some will get signed by another team, but others will never play another down of football. They just don't know that yet.

Dalton Keene

It looks like Pats TE Dalton Keene might miss the season because of a knee injury. The team's third round pick in 2020 struggled to make a contribution on offense. 

This didn't stop someone in the media from saying he was a wasted draft pick. Injuries can happen to anyone.

Doors Open For Others

Very few teams ever make it through training camp without having a player suffer a season ending injury. It can happen during a game, practice or some freak accident.

When players are put on IR, a door opens for someone else. LB Raekwon McMillan suffered a torn ACL during practice last Thursday. He was one of the many free agent signings by the team during the off-season.

It opened the door for former LB Cassh Maluia. Their 2020 6th round picked had been released by the team in March, but is now back. It also gives Harvey Langi a better chance at making the roster.

Hall of Old & Young

I watched a replay of the Hall of Fame Induction speeches. They were excellent and from the heart.

Only the best of the best have even a chance of getting there. Some should, but they get buried in their position or they time out in popularity with the electors.

Calvin Johnson made it at 35 on the first ballot. Coach Tom Flores finally got in at 84. It took forever, but at least he can enjoy it now.

Dollars For Nick

When Nick Saben was fired by the Dolphins after the 2006 season, it was the best thing that ever happened to him.

He was hired by Alabama where he has won seven National College Football Championships. They just amended his contract for the sixth time since 2007.

So far, he has made almost $100 million with them. His latest deal will keep him under contract through 2028. It will be another $84.8 million in his bank account.

The money keeps flowing. He has a great recruiting system in place to ensure that his team will be competitive for years to come.

Not Talking Dogs

The Pats are two point underdogs against Washington next Thursday in their first preseason game. That has given the media plenty to talk about.

They never give up on asking the coach about it. He will just be moving on to Washington.

2021 Starts Tonight

The NFL starts tonight with the Hall of Fame game between the Cowboys and Steelers. The regular preseason begins next Thursday.

This will be the last Sunday without football until after the Super Bowl in February.

We are getting closer to the start of the regular season.

Calvin Johnson

It's going to be very interesting to hear Calvin Johnson's Hall of Fame Induction speech. He spent his entire ten year career with the Lions and has a fractured relationship with them.

The team was horrible during his career. As one of the greatest receivers ever, he basically wasted his career with them.

Injury Security

There are only 90 spots in training camp. When a player gets hurt, someone else benefits by getting more snaps. Being placed on Injured Reserve allows unsigned players to get a chance.

There are players who will get cut during camp and get signed late in the season. It happens every year.

Money For Jones

Cardinals DE Chandler Jones missed most of last season with a biceps injury. He appeared in five games and recorded one sack. This was a huge departure from the All-Pro's 2019 season when he had 19 sacks, while forcing 8 fumbles and recovering three.

All of this has not stopped him from complaining about his five year/$82.1 million contract with one year left.

Jones wants a new one or a trade. He said he will report to training camp, but indicated he is not happy in spite of having $31 million in guaranteed money.