American Football Fans

Chris Canty join Giants

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 01:38:00 +0000

After four seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, defensive lineman Chris Canty is leaving town but staying in the NFC East: Canty has agreed to a free-agent contract with the New York Giants.

The Giants have signed soon to be defensive tackle Chris Canty to a 6 year, 42 million dollar contract with 17.25 million guaranteed. Expensive for sure, but consider.

The 6-foot-7, 304-pound Canty played end in the Cowboys' 3-4 defense, but he'll probably play tackle for the Giants. That makes Canty the second defensive tackle the Giants have added this weekend; they previously signed former Seahawk Rocky Bernard to a four-year, $16 million deal.

Canty was a fourth-round draft pick of the Cowboys in 2005, and after spending most of his rookie year as a backup, he has started all 16 games in each of the past three seasons in Dallas. It was clear before the start of free agency that Canty was going to be too expensive for the Cowboys, and the Packers and Seahawks were thought to be interested in his services. But New York was the high bidder, and now Canty is a Giant.

Chris Canty is 26. He turned 26 a day after week 10 of the NFL season. That means for practical purposes, 2008 was Canty's age 25 season and 2009 is Canty's age 26 season. New York is guaranteed three to five seasons of Canty in his absolute athletic prime.

Canty was considered a first round talent with major durability issues. He suffered a detached retina after being hit by a bottle in a bar fight. Canty claimed to be a bystander and given his rock solid character profile, it's fair to say he was and that Canty comes with no Plaxico Burress/Ken Hamlin nightlife red flags. Canty also suffered a whopper of a knee injury, tearing his ACL, MCL and PCL. Injuries like that can damage cartilage and effectively end a career. That was four years and fifty consecutive starts ago.

I wouldn't support Seattle making this move, but the difference between signing Canty and Colin Cole is the difference between overpaying a non-marquee player entering his prime and overpaying a replacement level player exiting it.

national signing day 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 03:39:00 +0000

National Signing Day 2009: TCU

2009 TCU Football Signees

Josh Boyce (WR, 5-11, 175, Copperas Cove, Texas; Copperas Cove HS)

Tanner Brock (LB, 6-3, 210, Copperas Cove, Texas; Copperas Cove HS)

Ray Burns (DL, 6-1, 285, New Boston, Texas; Maud HS)

Kenny Cain (LB, 6-1, 200, River Ridge, La.; John Curtis Christian School)

James Dunbar (DL, 6-5, 290, New Boston, Texas; Maud HS)

Ty Horn (C, 6-5, 295, McGregor, Texas; Midway HS)

Bryant House (DL, 6-4, 255, Maud, Texas; Maud HS)

Justin Isadore (LB, 5-11, 210, Beaumont, Texas; Ozen HS)

Waymon James (TB, 5-8, 203, Sherman, Texas; Sherman HS)

Stansly Maponga (DT, 6-2, 240, Carrollton, Texas; Hebron HS)

Casey Pachall (QB, 6-5, 194, Brownwood, Texas; Brownwood HS)

Dwight Smith (TB, 5-10, 218, Carthage, Texas; Carthage HS)

Eric Tausch (OL, 6-3, 285, Plano, Texas; Jesuit College Prep)

Trent Thomas (S, 6-0, 190, Brenham, Texas; Brenham HS)

Jurell Thompson (S, 5-11, 200, Wichita Falls, Texas; Rider HS)

Matthew Tucker (TB, 6-1, 210, Tyler, Texas; Chapel Hill HS)

Michael Venson (CB, 5-10, 170, Katy, Texas; Morton Ranch HS)

Malcolm Williams (S, 5-11, 205, Athens, Texas; South Grand Prairie HS: Trinity Valley CC)

ohn Wooldridge (OT, 6-5, 285, Houston, Texas; Episcopal HS)

D.J. Yendrey (OL, 6-3, 240, Edna, Texas; Edna HS)

National Signing Day 2009: LSU Tigers Back at No. 1

Signing day at LSU started out with several signatures already on the list due to early registration for classes at LSU, but many more soon followed. Here is a mid-day update on who has signed, and who hasn't.

Drayton Calhoun, Chris Garrett, Derek Helton, Kevin Minter and Russell Shepard were the front runners, since having officially registered at LSU in January.

Other letters arrived early before 9:00 am from Michael Ford, Stavion Lowe, Josh Williford, Mike Brockers, Chris Faulk, Tahj Jones and Lamin Barrow.

However, the highlight of the early morning rush came when Sam Montgomery, defensive end from South Carolina announced live on ESPNU that he was coming to LSU. Montgomery was also considering South Carolina and Tennessee. Montgomery seemed very excited during his interview on ESPNU saying, "If we put it all together at LSU, we're going to win a national championship -- there's no doubt in my mind. SEC watch out."

One disappointment came to the Tigers this morning when they learned that DeAngelo Benton was on Auburn's list of recruits. Benton is a receiver and a two-time former signee at LSU. No word yet on Benton's former high school teammate, Rueben Randle, the No. 1 receiver in the nation who is expected to sign with either LSU, Alabama or Oklahoma.

Word was also received that Janzen Jackson, one of the nation's top defensive backs will be delaying signing until Thursday, February 5, 2009. Janzen is waiting to have his family present for the "official" signing.

According to Rivals.com the rankings were changed at approximately 10:00 am, moving LSU back to the No. 1 Recruiting Class, over Oklahoma. ESPNU also has the Tigers ranked No. 1, and a No. 2 ranking from Scouts.com.

UT National Signing Day 2009

Nigel Mitchell-Thornton - MLB - 6'2", 228 lbs. - Stone Mountain, Georgia

Ranked as #43 Inside Linebacker by Rivals

Toney Williams - RB - 6'1", 227 lbs. - Alpharetta, Georgia
Ranked as #53 Running Back by Rivals

Montori Hughes - DT - 6'5", 275 lbs. - Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Hughes was part of the 2008 signing class, having spent the past year successfully getting his academics in order.

Rae Sykes - DE - 6'4", 240 lbs. - Alcoa, Tennessee
Sykes was part of the 2007 signing class. He was ranked as the #14 DE in the nation by Rivals that year.

JerQuari Schofield - OT - 6'6", 298 lbs. - Aiken, South Carolina
Ranked as the #20 Offensive Tackle in the nation by Rivals.

Kevin Revis - C - 6'4", 265 lbs. - Rhea County, Tennessee
Ranked as the #11 Center in the nation by Rivals.

Zach Rogers - WR - 6'2", 170 lbs. - Nashville, Tennessee
Ranked as the #54 WR in the nation by Rivals.
Chose UT over Alabama, Texas Tech, Auburn, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Arthur Jeffery - DT - 6'4", 285 lbs. - Sarasota, Florida
Ranked as the #55 DT in the nation by Rivals.

Nyshier Oliver - CB - 5'10", 180 lbs. - Jersey City, New Jersey
Ranked as the #39 Athlete in the nation by Rivals.
Chose UT over Notre Dame, Boston College, Wake Forest, and Penn State.

Jerod Askew - MLB - 6'0", 230 lbs. - Chesapeake, Virginia
Ranked as the #6 Inside Linebacker in the nation by Rivals.
Ranked as the #71 overall player in the nation by Rivals.
Chose UT over Alabama, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Clemson, and Michigan.

James Green - WR - 6'2", 202 lbs. - Tallahassee, Florida
Ranked as the #17 WR in the nation by Rivals.
Ranked as the #123 overall player in the nation by Rivals.
Chose UT over Auburn, South Carolina, and Ohio State.

Green fits the bill for what Coach Kiffin wants in his wide receivers - big, tall, and with
Darren Myles, Jr. - S - 6'1", 175 lbs. - Atlanta, Georgia
Ranked #9 Safety in the nation by Rivals.
Ranked #133 overall player in the nation by Rivals.
Chose Tennessee over Alabama and LSU.

Marsalis Teague - Athlete - 5'10", 170 lbs. - Paris, Tennessee
Ranked #28 athlete in the nation by Rivals.
Chose UT over Florida, Alabama, and Ole Miss.

Eric Gordon - CB - 5'9", 187 lbs. - Nashville, Tennessee
Ranked #16 CB in the nation by Rivals.
Ranked #159 overall player in the nation by Rivals.
Chose UT over Alabama, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech.

Greg King - MLB - 6'3", 200 lbs. - Memphis, Tennessee
Ranked #31 Inside LB in the nation by Rivals.
Chose UT over Alabama and Auburn.

Jacques Smith, a DE that reminds everyone of Leonard Little, has verbally committed to Tennessee. Smith, who plays for Ooltewah and was reported to have Georgia out in front as recently as two weeks ago, is thought to be the top prospect in the state of Tennessee for 2010 and probably one of the top prospects in the entire country. Everyone who has seen Smith believes that he is bound for the NFL someday, and word is that he is an incredibly humble fellow. It's great to get such an incredible start to National Signing Day 2010.

Mike Edwards - CB - 5'10", 170 lbs. - Cleveland, Ohio
Ranked #48 CB in the nation by Rivals.
Chose UT over Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois, and Cincinnati.

Robert Nelson - LB - 6'0", 205 lbs. - Stone Mountain, Georgia
Ranked #35 LB in the nation by Rivals.
Chose UT over South Carolina, Auburn, and West Virginia.

Marlon Walls - DE - 6'4" 265 lbs. - Olive Branch, Mississippi
Ranked #5 prep school overall player by Rivals.

Nu'Keese Richardson - WR - 5'8", 151 lbs. - Pahokee, Florida
Ranked #9 WR in the nation by Rivals.
Ranked #68 overall player in nation by Rivals.
Chose UT over Florida.

Jimmy Raye Join Niners

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 06:27:00 +0000

Several Web sites including SI.com and NFL.com are reporting that Jimmy Raye,the new offensive coordinator for the 49ers. Raye has been coaching in the NFL for 32 years including a 1977 stop for a year with the 49ers.

After several other candidates interviewed for the position, the San Francisco 49ers hired Jimmy Raye II to become the team’s new offensive coordinator, according to Adam Schefter of NFL Network.

Jimmy Raye, an NFL assistant for the past 32 seasons, was hired Wednesday evening.

Raye served as the Jets’ running backs coach in 2008. As we reported on Tuesday, his contract was not going to be renewed.

Raye, 62, earlier in the day became the eighth candidate to interview with 49ers coach Mike Singletary, who fired Mike Martz on Dec. 30. Scott Linehan turned down the 49ers’ offer Jan. 18 to replace Mike Martz as offensive coordinator. Linehan later accepted a position with the Detroit Lions.

Earlier this month, former Rams coach Scott Linehan turned down the job. The team then interviewed Jeff Jagonzinski, Rob Chudzinski, and Hue Jackson.

It is not known if others declined offers. On Tuesday, Baltimore quarterbacks coach Hue Jackson had his second interview with the club. But Raye emerged with the job, the NFL Network reported.

The 49ers also hired former Baltimore, Atlanta and San Diego quarterbacks coach Mike Johnson, Sports Illustrated reported. Johnson did not coach in the NFL last season.

Coincidentally, Raye’s first NFL job was with the 49ers — before the Bill Walsh era began. Raye coached 49ers receivers under Ken Meyer in 1977.

Raye has served as offensive coordinator for 12 seasons with six organizations: Raiders (2004-05), Washington (2001), Kansas City (1998-2000), Los Angeles Rams (1983-84, 2001), New England (1990) and Tampa Bay (1985-86).

He worked the past three seasons as New York Jets running backs coach, but was not going to be retained on new coach Rex Ryan’s staff.

Superbowl Time

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 04:34:00 +0000

Super Bowl XLIII is a professional football championship game conducted by the National Football League. Participants include the champions of the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC) of the National Football League. The winning team wins the Vince Lombardi Trophy.Super Bowl XLIII will be the fourth time Tampa Bay has hosted a Super Bowl. Tampa Bay previously hosted Super Bowl XVIII in 1984, Super Bowl XXV in 1991, and Super Bowl XXXV in 2001.Super Bowl XLIII will be held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
SuperBowl 2009 Date & Start Time: Sunday, February 1, 2009 at 6 p.m.

One week out and the Super Bowl is sold-out.Of course, folks can still get tickets online and, as it turns out, even hotel rooms While the big hotels, like Marriotts and Hyatts, are booked, it is the smaller, more independent hotels having a hard time booking up.On South Dale Mabry Highway, the Tahitian Inn still has almost a dozen rooms available and the same goes for the Westshore Hotel on Westshore Boulevard. Both are only minutes from Raymond James Stadium.

"It's still really a moving target from the hotel side, they are waiting on those people who haven't decided if they're going to come here yet, " said Steve Hayes of Tampa Bay and Company.

Hayes says area hotels saw a spike in sales the day after the teams were decided, then sales slowed a smidge for a couple of reasons. "One, being the teams involved, and two being the economy."

Even the beautiful Belleview Biltmore is not booked up yet. Although, the club just started selling Super Bowl packages on Thursday. "I've only released them this morning and I've already sold forty and I only have to sell two-hundred-twenty-six," said hotel director Martin Smith.

The Biltmore expects to be booked solid by the weekend.

Despite a slight dip in Super Bowl sales, Hayes says the big game will still be super for our economy.

"Could it have been better? Yes, but given today and where we're at, we're so grateful we've got this event coming to our community."
Superbowl 2009 Tickets:

The demand for tickets to Super Bowl XLIII greatly exceeds the NFL's ability to accommodate the majority of fans interested in attending the game. The vast majority of Super Bowl tickets approximately 75% are distributed to the 32 NFL teams. The participating teams each receive 17.5% of the tickets, the non-participating teams receive 1.2% and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as the host team, will receive 5%. The remaining 25.2% are controlled by the NFL and are distributed primarily to NFL affiliated companies, the broadcast network, corporate sponsors, media, VIP's charities, fans and the Host Committee.The NFL distributes approximately 1% of the tickets to fans through an annual Super Bowl random drawing. The drawing is not considered a lottery. This is the NFL's only method of distributing tickets to the general public. The NFL does not sell tickets to travel or ticket agents.

Pittsburgh receiver's resolve is solid steel

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 07:52:00 +0000

As soon as the Pittsburgh Steelers arrived for Super Bowl XLIII, they were besieged with questions about receiver Hines Ward’s knee. Ward sprained his knee in the first half of the AFC Championship Game win over Baltimore and didn’t return. He’s been undergoing around-the-clock rehabilitation.

He won’t practice until Thursday. “People ask me that question, and I want to smack them,I mean, it’s Hines Ward. People ask me all week if he’s going to be out there. First of all, it’s the Super Bowl. Second of all, it’s Hines Ward. He’s going to be out there, and he’s going to be just fine.” quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said Monday.

Ward, who is one of the most physical receivers in NFL history, has guaranteed he’ll play in Sunday’s game. He has a chance to become the first receiver in history to be voted the Super Bowl’s most valuable player two times.

“I trust my medical staff,I’ve been here for 11 years and had the same trainers and the same doctors. As far as I know, it looks good. I’m well ahead of schedule. “I’m doing the things behind the scenes that have definitely helped me get to a point to where I think I can play pretty good.” Ward said.

Ward’s style of play is physical. He goes out of his way to throw vicious blocks despite being only 6-foot, 205. He sets the tone for the offense and defense.
“He’s just a physical player who plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played,He’s a football player first and a wide receiver second.” coach Mike Tomlin said.

Browns hire George Kokinis as GM

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 05:10:00 +0000

Baltimore pro personnel director George Kokinis has been hired as Cleveland's general manager, reuniting him with new Browns coach and close friend Eric Mangini.

Kokinis, who began his NFL career as an intern in the Browns' operations department in 1991, was hand-picked by Mangini, who recommended him during his first interview with Browns owner Randy Lerner on Dec. 30. Mangini took over as Cleveland's coach on Jan. 7, just one week after he was fired following three seasons with the New York Jets.

Determined to match a coach and GM who can work well together after the Romeo Crennel-Phil Savage relationship failed, Lerner is teaming up a pair of friends who shared an apartment when they first broke into the league and have remained tight.

The Browns have scheduled a news conference on Monday to introduce the 41-year-old Kokinis, who spent 13 years with the Ravens, the past six as the club's director of pro personnel.

Cleveland's GM position has been open since Lerner fired Savage after the Browns concluded a 4-12 season. The Savage-Crennel team produced a 24-40 record and no playoff appearances in four years. Lerner still owes the pair millions after signing them to contract extensions last winter.

Kokinis' hiring has been expected for more than a week. He spent two days in meetings earlier this week at the team's headquarters. Along with Mangini and members of his new coaching staff, the pair evaluated Cleveland's current roster and began early preparations for free agency, the draft, minicamp and summer training camp.

One of the first decisions facing the Mangini-Kokinis team will be what do with quarterback Derek Anderson, who was benched midway through the season for Brady Quinn. Anderson is owed a $5 million roster bonus in March. If he is deemed expendable, the Browns could trade him for draft picks. Savage dealt several 2009 picks, leaving the Browns with only four selections in this April's draft.

Former Steelers TE arrested in Virginia

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 04:55:00 +0000

Former Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonathan Dekker was arrested early Saturday, charged with obstruction of justice.

However,this america football player was released on $1,000 bond.

Dekker was waived injured in August by the team, which will play Arizona in the Super Bowl next Sunday. He injured his knee in the preseason.

Police said they responded to a complaint at 3:30 a.m. near Old Town Alexandria. When they arrived, Dekker tried to flee but was apprehended.

A hearing is scheduled for Feb. 2.

The 6-foot-5, 250-pound Dekker played three games for the Steelers in 2007. He was signed by the Steelers in 2006 as a free agent from Princeton and spent that season on the practice squad.

Senior Bowl QBs vying to dispel NFL doubts

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 02:02:00 +0000

The Senior Bowl quarterbacks all have something to prove.

The annual Senior Bowl fires up at 7 PM ET Saturday on the NFL Network. As always, the game itself is the highlight of a week-long display of some of the best seniors in the country. What we've seen so far is that some of the guys expected to shine have struggled a bit, while a few unexpected players have jumped to the forefront with some impressive efforts.

Graham Harrell and Pat White want to show they can thrive in a prostyle offense like they did in college ball. Nathan Brown and Rhett Bomar aim to convince NFL teams they're not just small-school stars.

John Parker Wilson and Cullen Harper also hope to use Saturday's showcase for top senior NFL prospects as a launching pad for pro careers, one coming off a 12-win season and the other off a disappointing year.

Harrell finished his Texas Tech career with an NCAA-record 134 touchdown passes, 15,793 passing yards — second on the all-time list — and some questions he is eager to answer.

"More than anything, I think this is an opportunity to break some of the stereotypes that come with being a quarterback at Texas Tech,A lot of people act like it's just the system. Obviously the system helps you put up great numbers, but there's a little more to it than just the system at Texas Tech." he said.

Among the top prospects participating are Southern Cal linebacker Rey Maualuga, Mississippi left tackle Michael Oher, Boston College defensive tackle B.J. Raji, Virginia left tackle Eugene Monroe and Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew.

So here's a quick look at a few guys to keep an eye on during tonight's North-South contest.

- Graham Harrell, QB, Texas Tech: This is an important day for Harrell, since he's been outplayed all week long by Sam Houston State's sleeper prospect Rhett Bomar. Harrell's already been considered a bit of a reach as an NFL quarterback, a middle to late round guy and he's done nothing to ease concerns about his arm strength.

- Mitch King, DL, Iowa: Everyone's been blown away this week by defensive tackle B.J. Raji from Boston College, who may have thrust himself into the draft's top-10. But King's an interesting prospect that continues to impress scouts. He's 6'2" and 275 -- not exactly Shaun Rogers material for a defensive tackle, but he made a living in the offensive backfield all week during drills, and could really take a step forward tonight.

-Kory Sheets, RB, Purdue: Sheets only got the official invite to Mobile this week because Michigan State's Javon Ringer bailed with a knee injury -- knocking his own stock down further. The Boilermakers back has taken full advantage, though. Sheets is probably not an every-down back in the NFL, but with his pass-catching ability and elusiveness, he could be a very good third-down back for someone.

- Domonique Johnson,CB, Jackson State: His first name is one letter off from last year's unexpected secondary star -- Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who blew up in this game and is now in the Super Bowl with the Cardinals -- but he's got similar upside for NFL scouts. Johnson has the frame and athleticism that NFL teams crave in the defensive backfield, and could jump into the second or third round if he performs well.

- Ramses Barden, WR, Cal Poly: Speaking about guys with prototypical size,Bardern has just that. The relatively-unknown receiver stands 6-foot-6 and 228 pounds, and can simply overwhelm defensive backs. Barden may not be able to jump into the first round, but he could be a stellar prospect for the next level.

Stick with American Football Fans all day for ongoing Senior Bowl coverage.

Herm Edwards Fired!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 01:50:00 +0000

The Kansas City Chiefs fired head coach Herman Edwards on Friday.

Edwards had led the club to a 9-7 record and wild card playoff berth in 2006, his first season with the club after essentially being traded from the New York Jets.

Chiefs owner,Clark Hunt said,"This was not an easy decision. Herm is an outstanding football coach and a man of integrity. We appreciate his leadership over the past three seasons, and we wish him all the best in the future,"

Edwards said he respected "the tough decision that was made to move in a new direction."

"There is not a more gracious family in all of professional sports than the Hunts," Edwards said in a statement released by the team. "To the players and coaches who worked so hard for our team, I appreciate their efforts."

But ESPN.com is reporting former Broncos coach Mike Shanahan is close to accepting the K.C. job. This would be a stunner, given how Shanahan is accustomed to running his own show.

Also, Adam Schefter of the NFL Network has reported that Shanahan, whom he is very close to intends to sit out for at least the 2009 season.

However.a spokesman for the team said the Chiefs didn't have a timeline for replacing Edwards, who leaves the team with one year remaining on a four-year, $12-million US contract.

He spent five seasons as coach of the Jets until general manager Carl Peterson was able to procure his services to succeed Dick Vermeil in Kansas City in exchange for a draft pick.

Edwards, 54, played nearly 12 seasons in the NFL as a cornerback before embarking on a coaching career in the late 1980s.

Friday's move continues an overhaul of football operations in Kansas City.

Peterson, one of the longest-serving executives in the NFL, departed last month after nearly 20 years as president and general manager of the Chiefs.

Scott Pioli, New England's vice-president of player personnel for the last nine years, was hired two weeks ago to replace Peterson.

Rams hire offensive, defensive coordinators

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 02:31:00 +0000

Rams new coach,Steve Spagnuolo began the task of filling out his coaching staff Thursday by hiring Pat Shurmur as St. Louis' offensive coordinator and Ken Flajole as defensive coordinator.

Shurmur, 43, has been an assistant for Philadelphia since 1999, the past seven years as quarterbacks coach. He was a finalist for the head coaching job at Michigan State, his alma mater, in 2006, before the job went to Mark Dantonio.

Shurmur was an all-conference center and team captain at Michigan State in the 1980s, then was an assistant coach for the Spartans for 10 seasons. He spent one season as offensive line coach at Stanford before joining the Eagles.As quarterbacks coach, he helped Donovan McNabb earn three of his five Pro Bowl berths.

Meanwhile,Flajole, 54, is a veteran NFL assistant who comes from Carolina, where he coached linebackers.

Flajole has been credited with developing several top-tier linebackers at Carolina, including Will Witherspoon, who has spent the past three seasons in St. Louis. Flajole began his career at Wenatchee (Wash.) Community College in 1973. His first NFL job was with Green Bay in 1998, and he coached in Seattle from 1999-2002 before joining Carolina in 2003. His collegiate coaching career included a stint at Missouri from 1989-93.

"Both of these coaches exemplify what we expressed at our news conference earlier this week,In addition, Pat and Ken are excellent teachers, which is what we are looking for in our staff. Both come from outstanding, successful organizations" said Spagnuolo, who was hired Saturday and introduced Monday.

Former Falcon DT Dronett passes away

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 01:57:00 +0000

Former Texas All-American defensive end Shane Dronett was found dead at his home in Atlanta early Wednesday.Dronett had played 11 seasons in the NFL and his last six with the Atlanta Falcons.

Atlanta police say the investigation into the cause of death is still ongoing, but did add that a 911 call came into them about a possible suicide at his home. Dronett, had a benign tumor removed from his brain just a year ago.

"The entire Atlanta Falcons family is saddened by the news of Shane Dronetts passing,Our deepest condolences are with his family during this difficult time." said team owner Arthur Blank.

Dronett, who recently turned 38 grew up in Bridge City, Texas ,about 100 miles east of Houston. He became a star at Texas and he still holds the record for most blocked kicks in a season.He had played at Bridge City High School and later went to the University of Texas where he became an All-American on defense. In 1992, he was a second round draft pick of the Denver Broncos and finished his career with the Falcons.

Vidor football coach/athletic director and Bridge City High alumni Jeff Mathews said this afternoon he learned from a friend about Dronett's death.

Mathews said Dronett was a family friend going back to when his brother, Jason, played high school football with Dronett at Bridge City.

"I was just shocked,You know he was something special. He was just so gifted in everything he did." Mathews said.

Dronett was survived by his wife and their two children.

McNabb's lawn burned with Cardinals cheers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 05:55:00 +0000

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb recently had to play defense at his offseason home in Chandler.

The Arizona Cardinals fans hung their team's flag in a tree and burned "Go Cards," "Go Kurt," and "I heart AZ" in McNabb's yard with diesel fuel, Chandler police Sgt. Joe Favazzo said Tuesday.

McNabb went outside Saturday morning, and he smelled diesel fuel and realized someone had burned Cardinals cheers into his lawn.The total loss estimated is around $2,000.

Favazzo said officers found an address label on the box that had been left, and it led to Chandler resident Rex Perkins, 37, who later admitted to the pranks.

Perkins and Hanlon were fingerprinted, photographed and cited for misdemeanor criminal damage.

"When they decided to get diesel fuel out and start damaging the yard, they crossed the line," Favazzo said.

Ravens’ McGahee Injured

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 10:28:00 +0000

The foundation at Heinz Field shook late in the fourth quarter as fans danced and screamed and delighted in the Steelers impending victory.

Everyone who wore black and gold was thinking about another Steelers appearance in the Super Bowl.

Safety Ryan Clark stepped in to make the tackle, his helmet had been collided with McGahee’s helmet. The impact was so forceful and powerful.After the accident,the stadium that seconds earlier had been so filled with celebration went silent.

It remains to be seen whether the league characterizes the hit from Clark as a violation of the rules. It wasn’t a classic helmet-to-helmet hit; McGahee seemed to drop his head as Clark was approaching, and Clark appears to try to lead with his shoulder.

“It was a freak hit,It was tough to watch. He’s like a brother to me.” said Baltimore’s Ray Rice,

Rice said McGahee played through myriad injuries this season. By the time he lay on the field Sunday, with 3 minutes 9 seconds remaining in the game, he had carried 20 times for 60 yards.

After the collision, McGahee had movement in his arms and legs. He was talking to team doctors. After several minutes, he was carted off the field.

The collision marked another injury on another big stage. In 2003, while playing in the Fiesta Bowl for the Miami Hurricanes, McGahee had gained 67 yards and scored a touchdown. He caught a screen pass in the fourth quarter and was hit immediately by a defender. The hit tore the three ligaments in McGahee’s left knee.

Linehan turns down 49ers

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 01:16:00 +0000

In a stunning setback for the 49ers' new head coach, Mike Singletary continues to look for an offensive coordinator after former Rams coach Scott Linehan on Sunday turned down the team's offer to run the offense in San Francisco.

Linehan,45 years olf, had an 11-25 record as the Rams' coach from 2006 through the first four games of 2008, when he was fired with an 0-4 record.He had been offered the job Thursday night and told Singletary he would have his answer before the weekend was out. Linehan was true to his word, but his answer was not what Singletary was expecting.

"The job itself was outstanding,t was very, very hard. Timing-wise, it's not good. I didn't want to hold up the 49ers, Mike in particular. It wouldn't be fair to them. At this point, I'm not ready to make the call. It's all personal from my standpoint. It's a little more complicated when you have a wife and three kids." Linehan said.

Linehan, previously an offensive coordinator in the NFL with Minnesota and Miami, had emerged as the front-runner for the 49ers' job after Singletary interviewed him and three other candidates, Clyde Christensen, Rob Chudzinski and Rick Dennison.

The 49ers have been without an offensive coordinator since the end of the season, when Singletary fired Mike Martz.

Jason Taylor inducted in Senior Bowl

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 02:23:00 +0000

University of Akron great player,Jason Taylor, as well as Alabama’s Shaun Alexander, will be inducted into the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame Jan. 23 during a ceremony sponsored by Regions Bank and Mobile Gas at the RSA Towers.

The class of 2009 will bring the total number of Senior Bowl Hall of Famers to 94. It is a group that includes football Hall of Famers such as Joe Greene, Walter Payton, Paul Brown and Dan Marino to name a few. For the complete list of Senior Bowl Hall of Fame members.

"With the addition of Shaun and Jason, the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame further exemplifies the elite talent that comes to Mobile each January,We are excited that these two outstanding football players are returning to the place where their professional careers essentially began." Said Senior Bowl President and CEO ,Steve Hale.

A 1997 Senior Bowler from The University of Akron, Taylor arrived in Mobile 12 years ago as a two-time first-team All-MAC player for the Zips. He was a third round pick by the Miami Dolphins in the 1997 NFL draft and went on to spend 11 seasons there, earning six trips to the Pro Bowl and three All-Pro nominations.

Meanwhile, Shaun Alexander arrived in Mobile for the Senior Bowl after a spectacular career at the University of Alabama. Alexander is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and in 2005 was named NFL MVP. In nine NFL seasons, Alexander has 9,453 rushing yards and 100 rushing touchdowns.

Titans coordinator Schwartz to coach 0-16 Lions

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:29:00 +0000

The Detroit Lions, the NFL's first 0-16 team, agreed on a 4 year deal with Schwartz to make him their next coach. The former Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator will be introduced at a Friday news conference at Ford Field, where Detroit lost its home games last year by an average of 21.4 points to break another dubious league record.

Schwartz,42 years old just finished his eighth season as the Titans' defensive coordinator and his 10th on their staff.

"After an extensive search that included several highly qualified coaches, we are thrilled that Jim Schwartz will become our team's head coach, Martin and I believe that Jim's qualifications and vision will lead this organization on the field toward our goal of becoming a championship football team." Said the team president, Tom Lewand.

The chance to lead an infamous team only seemed to motivate Schwartz to get the job.

The Lions also showed some interest in Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier and Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera.

Before join Tennessee, Schwartz spent three years on the Baltimore Ravens' staff. He also was a college and pro scout for the Cleveland Browns and that experience might be valuable in Detroit.

The Lions last won a title in 1957 with Layne as starting quarterback. A broken leg kept Layne out of the NFL championship game, but backup Tobin Rote led Detroit to a 59-14 win over the Cleveland Browns.

Since then, the Lions have the same number of playoff victories as Pro Bowl QBs: one.

Dungy retired from Colts

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 03:21:00 +0000

American Football coach,Tony Dungy finally has announce his retirement after seven years as coach of the Indianapolis Colts, saying this was right moment.

The news was hardly surprising ,Dungy has contemplated walking away from the game in previous years, although I can't remember a more emotional press conference. It says a lot about Dungy's impact on the organization, the community, and the league.

"These seven years have been better than I could ever have imagined,I just have to thank everyone." said Dungy

The Colts have already named a successor, longtime assistant Jim Caldwell. Dungy was motivated to retire now in part because he wanted Caldwell to inherit a strong team. In fact, he told the media that, "In my personal opinion, if Jim Irsay was looking for a coach and interviewed all these guys I'm seeing interviewed, he would interview Jim Caldwell and say that's the best guy out there."

Dungy, 53, has spent the last five years debating whether to leave football to spend more time with his family. He said he and his wife discussed the decision.

"We just felt this was the right time,Don't shed any tears for me. I got to live a dream most people don't get to live." Dungy said.

Given that the Colts have won at least ten games since Dungy's arrival in 2002 ,including seven playoff appearances and one Super Bowl victory and that Peyton Manning is healthy and motivated, I'd say Caldwell is taking over at a pretty good time.

"You don't always get to go out on top,and it's hard to go out on top." Dungy said

The plan to have Caldwell replace Dungy as the Colts' coach was put in place last year when the coach pondered retirement. Caldwell joined Dungy's staff in Tampa Bay in 2001, then moved with Dungy to the Colts in 2002 and was the quarterbacks coach. A year ago, Caldwell was elevated to associate head coach though he continued to coach Peyton Manning and Jim Sorgi.

"He is ready, he's more than ready,He's going to do a great job." Said Dungy commenting on Jim Caldwell

Chris Johnson Injured

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 00:58:00 +0000

Football star,Tennessee Titans rookie running back Chris Johnson had left the team's playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens because of the ankle injury.

Johnson left the game in the second quarter and he was seen on the sideline after the halftime break with a jacket on His return is “questionable.”

Prior to the injury, Johnson had 72 rushing yards and a touchdown on 11 carries, and one reception for 28 yards.

The Titans' first-round pick in April, Johnson ran for 1,228 yards and nine touchdowns in a sensational rookie campaign

Quarterback Collins gets second chance

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 00:36:00 +0000

Titans quarterback Kerry Collins has been called a journeyman, and on his fifth NFL stop, the label fits.

At the beginning of this season the Titans called on Collins to bail them out of a precarious spot. How he finishes the job will go a long way in determining what label is placed on his legacy.

Collins' next big assignment comes today at LP Field, where he leads the Titans into an AFC divisional playoff game against the Ravens.

A year ago the Titans entered the postseason with Vince Young, a quarterback full of potential but with plenty to learn. . Collins replaced him in Week 2, in part because Young clearly hadn't learned enough.

So now it's Collins, a player rich with experience and with a Super Bowl trip under his belt, leading the way. Today marks his seventh postseason start.

"His experience is so valuable,He has been in the big games and knows what it takes. I've never seen him rattled, and don't expect to.'' Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger said.

Collins, who's in the last year of his contract with the Titans, isn't sure what next season will bring.

If he remains a starter, in Tennessee or somewhere else, he could move into the top 10 in career passing yards with another year like this one, when he passed for 2,676 yards and 12 touchdowns.

He is currently ranked 14th in passing yard.

Tim Tebow and John 3:16

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:10:00 +0000

First of all,congratulations to the Florida Gators on winning the BCS National Championship(BCS Champions) by beating Oklahoma Sooners 24 to 14.The hero for the Florida Gators is quarterback Tim Tebow

While watching the championship game last night you may have noticed something written in white on Tim Tebow's eye black: "John" it said on his right eye.Meanwhile a number "3:16" on his left.

Tebow is the son of Christian missionaries and, with the opportunity to play before a national TV audience of millions and millions, he wanted to do his part in saving some souls.

This is not the first time Tebow has done this either. He has also gone on the field with "Phil 4:13" written under his eyes, as well.

As far as the game goes, the high-scoring shootout between Heisman Trophy winners never materialized. Oklahoma's Sam Bradford couldn't score from in close and Tebow threw two interceptions, the figure he had all season.

Tebow, however, would shake off those two miserable throws to rescue the top-ranked Gators (13-1). He would lead them on a game winning drive to the clinching score - a jump pass for a 4-yard touchdown to David Nelson with 3:07 to play that made it 24-14.

Ball State, Tulsa Set To Play In 2009 Bowl

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 03:08:00 +0000

Ball State University and the University of Tulsa have accepted invitations to play in the 10th Anniversary GMAC BOWL on Tuesday, January 6, 2009, in Mobile, Alabama.

First-time MAC West Champion Ball State finished the regular season with a perfect 12 – 0 record, defeating conference rival Western Michigan 45 – 22 in front of a record crowd.

A few of Ball state member have received award including their coach,Brady Hoke who has been selected as the Mid-American Conference Coach of the Year, and their junior quarterback, Nate Davis was selected the Offensive Player of the Year.Meanwhile the Strong Safety, Sean Baker was named the MAC Freshman of the Year.Beside that,12 members of the Ball State football team were selected to the All-MAC squads,7 received first-team honors, 3 were named to the second team and 2 were named to the third team.

Tulsa ,the C-USA western division champions will be playing in their forth consecutive bowl appearance and their second in the GMAC Bowl, for a total of five bowl appearances in the last six years.

Tulsa defeated Bowling Green in last year’s GMAC Bowl 63 – 7, the largest margin of victory in bowl history. Golden Hurricane quarterback David Johnson, the nation’s top-rated passer, finished the regular season with a 66.1% completion rate, 3,671 yards and 42 touchdowns passing while Brennan Marrion ended with 39 catches for 1,058 yards, averaged 27.1 yards per catch and had 8 touchdowns.

The 10th Anniversary GMAC Bowl will kickoff at 7:00 P.M (CST) January 6th 2009 at Ladd Peebles Stadium.

Rachel Glandorf Gives Out High-Fives

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 04:39:00 +0000

Who is the girl behind the crowd??!! It is Colt McCoy's Girlfriend Rachel Glandorf gives out her high fives at the Fiesta Bowl.She’s like a Jessica Simpson clone but without the recording deal. Of course you all might remember her with the bikini photo.

Westbrook heroes for Eagles

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 02:00:00 +0000

American Football player,Brian Westbrook , is a hero of the day.He reached into his bag of tricks and pulled out a 71-yard TD reception to save and help the Eagles to a 26-14 victory against Minnesota on Sunday night.

Through the first three quarters, Westbrook had mustered just 30 yards on 16 carries to go with two catches for 12 yards. Those stats certainly weren't worth his $7.85 million price tag.

Then Donovan McNabb dumped the ball off to Westbrook on a roughly 3-yard pass that turned into a 71-yard gain for a touchdown. And just like that, Westbrook had a nice fantasy day. He finished with 121 total yards.

That play also saved McNabb's day. The QB had been struggling before that play, committing two turnovers. He finished with 300 yards, one TD and one INT.

Meanwhile, Westbrook and McNabb should again be fantasy staples next season, with DeSean Jackson (1-34) emerging as a legit WR2 play after having one season under his belt. Also, Brent Celek (6-56) could be a sleeper at tight end if L.J. Smith doesn't return to the team.

American Football star hit with protection order

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 01:24:00 +0000

An order of protection against Arizona Cardinals star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was filed Oct. 31 by his longtime girlfriend and mother of their child, according to the woman’s attorney and court records.

This american football star,Fitzgerald, aged 25, of Phoenix,currently not facing any criminal charges for an alleged domestic incident that took place Oct. 28. Howerver a Coconino County Superior Court judge had issued an order of protection.

According to the court,Nazario alleges that Fitzgerald grabbed the back of her neck and pushed her to the floor.Adding to the scenario,Nazario said she swung at Fitzgerald and may have hit him in the face, according to the court documents.

Coconino County Superior Court Judge Elaine Friedlund Horn granted Nazario the order of protection.

Nazario, who have been 5 year already with Fitzgerald, had filed a paternity action lawsuit against him in 2007 before their son was born on Jan. 8, 2008

Although Fitzgerald is permitted to have custody of the child one day a week, the order of protection restricts him from being around her and limits communication with her to e-mails.

Dungy consider leaving NFL

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 01:09:00 +0000

Coach or American Football team,Tony Dungy intends to spend the first full week of his offseason deliberating whether to return or retire from the NFL.

"I've really enjoyed the season and being a foottball coach,it was really a unique challenge to be 3-4 and then see our team really come together the way that it has to make the playoffs." said Dungy

Coach Dungy said when he leaves the NFL he will do so with the expectation of never returning either NFL or any football.

Dungy has taken this same approach the past four years. Each time, Dungy acknowledged, he began the playoffs with the belief he would retire at the end of the postseason. But he has changed his mind each time.

Dungy said he would almost certainly be quitting if this year's experiment of the Colts providing a private plane for him to use to travel from Indianapolis to Tampa for his son's high school football games had not gone so smoothly.

The Colts are prepared for Dungy's eventual retirement and have formulated a plan of succession in which quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell will become head coach. Dungy said that has removed much of the burden he might feel in informing the Colts of his decision.