FOOTBALLTALKDAILY

Osi Umenyiora Wants to Give L.T. His Ring Back

2012-05-19T12:29:00.001-07:00

Giants colorful defensive end Osi Umenyiora is chiming in on the strange story regarding Lawrence Taylor's Super Bowl ring that apparently is for sale, which L.T. did not know was for sale. While Umenyiora has been playing the victim for the past two seasons attempting to get more money from the G-Men, he apparently has enough money to buy the ring and give it back to L.T.

Umenyiora posted on his Twitter account stating that if he gets to 500,000 total followers on Twitter by 10:00 p.m. ET tonight, he will buy the ring and give it back to its rightful owner. He initially wanted 1,000,000 followers, but has come to realization that he will not come close to that figure. Umenyiora may want to lower his number from 500,000 considering at the time of this post he is sitting at 42,720 followers.

If Umenyiora somehow makes it to 500,000 followers on Twitter by later this evening, one lucky Umenyiora follower will deliver the ring to L.T. in person.

This is definitely a nice gesture by Umenyiora, especially considering last week he wished Eagles RB Lesean McCoy a Happy Mother's Day.

Calvin Johnson Goes Yard at Tigers Batting Practice

2012-05-19T12:01:00.001-07:00

Not only is Calvin Johnson one of the top two receivers in all of football, he also can swing the lumber. Last night before the Pirates-Tigers game at Comerica Park in Detroit, Johnson was taking some hacks with the Tigers during batting practice before throwing out the first pitch. Johnson looked extremely comfortable in the cage sporting the Tigers hat backwards, a look made famous by Ken Griffey Jr.

The video of his home run is posted below, with the homer coming at :56 second mark. Johnson played baseball in high school.

Apparently the "Madden Curse" does not apply to baseball related activities.

Eagles Re-Up With McCoy

2012-05-17T17:50:00.000-07:00

The Philadelphia Eagles announced on Thursday that they have agreed on a contract extension with Running Back Lesean McCoy. Profootballtalk.com is reporting that it’s a five-year, $45 million contract with $20.765 in full guarantees.

This payday for McCoy is well deserved. The past few years he has been at the top of the class of Running Backs in the NFL. In 2011 he rushed for 1,309 yards and 17 touchdowns, plus another 48 catches for 315 yards. In 2010 he ran for 1,080 yards and seven touchdowns, plus 78 catches for 592 yards. In his two seasons as a starter he has averaged 5.0 yards a carry and scored 29 total touchdown. The contract includes a signing bonus of $8.5 million and base salaries of $615,000 in 2012, $3.25 million in 2013, $8 million in 2014, $10.25 million in 2015, $7.15 million in 2016 and $7.85 million in 2017.

Jason Peters Re-Injures Achilles

2012-05-14T18:47:00.001-07:00

Derrick Gunn of CSN Philly is reporting that Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Lineman Jason Peters has re-ruptured his achilles and any chances of Peters playing the 2012 season have gone out the door.

Peters originally injured his achilles while working out near his home in Texas. He had surgery to repair the injured achilles and has been using a device to keep him from putting weight on the injured leg. Apparently the device broke, Peters fell and caused the achilles to re-rupture. The report states that he now has plans to sue the manufacturer of the device.

Eagles DJax Harassed by State Trooper

2012-05-14T07:04:00.002-07:00

TMZ.com

On his way to his charity, Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver Desean Jackson was pulled over and given a field sobriety test according to sources. TMZ.com obtained pictures of the incident from a witness. The witness told TMZ the trooper was "very rough towards DeSean and was yelling at him the entire time". The witness said DeSean never gave the trooper an attitude and followed his instructions at all times. Jackson was eventually released without a ticket after passing a field sobriety test. This could have easily been a much worse situation. It sounds like a typical Pennsylvania State Trooper on a power trip. Congrats to DJax for remaining calm.

Younger Davis Brother Sent to Psychiatric Facility

2012-05-11T12:33:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I posted about Michael Davis, younger brother of San Francisco 49ers Vernon Davis and Miami Dolphins Vontae Davis, was arrested and charged with murder. Well today comes a new report that Davis has been deemed unfit for trail.

Davis is now on his way to St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington D.C. for a psychiatric evaluation. He will be brought back to court after 60 days to determine if his condition has improved with either medication or treatment.

Details are beginning to flood out now. This is Davis' second time receiving psychiatric evaluation. Last year he was held for evaluation after teachers and guardians became fearful of him. He was later diagnosed with schizophrenia and borderline intellectual functioning.

Redskins Unveil New Nike Anniversary Jersey

2012-05-11T07:48:00.002-07:00

Last month Nike had a much-hyped, massive letdown unveiling of the new look Nike NFL uniforms. Other than the Seattle Seahawks, the other 31 teams decided to keep it status-quo and not make any significant changes to their uniforms. Lost in the disappointment and details was that all 32 teams still had their choice to get creative with their alternate uniforms, which is what the Washington Redskins just did.

The Skins introduced their new alternate jerseys, which represents a "modern interpretation" of the team's 1937 uniform, complete with helmets that will be painted to look like old-school leather helmets. They resemble a lot of Florida State's uniforms, and the only changes I can notice without looking hard is the Redskin logo on the shoulder which is not as detailed as the current logo. The other change I found were the words Team, Effort, and Tradition embroidered on the inside of the neck.

A picture of the new uniforms can be seen above. Click here to check out various angles of the uniform. Like or dislike?

Busted: Darrius Heyward-Bey Charged with Drunk Driving

2012-05-10T16:23:00.002-07:00

Oakland Raiders receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, a.k.a. DHB, has been charged with driving under the influence. The arrest came back on April 7, after Heyward-Bey was pulled over on the Bay Bridge by police after speeding in his 2012 Range Rover.

Heyward-Bey's blood-alcohol result has not yet been released by authorities and he is due to appear in court on May 31.

Heyward-Bey was the seventh overall pick in the 2009 draft, before the likes of Brian Orakpo, Brian Cushing, Jeremy Maclin, Percy Harvin, Clay Matthews, Hakeem Nicks, and Kenny Britt. Before the 2011 season, many considered Heyward-Bey a bust and another terrible draft choice by the late Al Davis. Heyward-Bey did put together a nice season in 2011 appearing in 15 games while starting 14 of them. He hauled in 64 receptions, racking up 975 yards and scoring four touchdowns.

Tebow's Ode to Bronx

2012-05-10T12:27:00.002-07:00

It didnt take long for Tebowmania to hit the Jets organization. Today marked the first day reporters were allowed into the locker room, and Tebow, of course received most of the attention.
Today has been a slow day in regards to sports news. So much so that #RejectedTebowDogNames has been trending in twitter all day. Tebow announced today that his poor dog has undergone a name change. His new name is Bronx, formerly Bronco. This poor dog wont know what to respond to.

Below are some comical reactions with hash tag #RejectedTebowDogNames:
(Reminder: The Views expressed below are expressly the opinion of the author, and not anyone on our staff.)

BREAKING: Tim Tebow changes name of his dog to Pine, since that's all he'll be familiar with this football season.
— Brian Wilson (@DoucheBWilson) May 10, 2012

Tim Tebow said his dog Bronco has been renamed Bronx. Leaving his dog as confused about his name as Tim is about his sexuality
— Happy Gilmore (@_Happy_Gilmore) May 10, 2012

"Waivers" is gonna be a weird dog name. RT @janesports: Tim Tebow has a dog name "Bronco." He will be changing his name to "Bronx."
— Adam Kramer (@KegsnEggs) May 10, 2012

Michael Davis, Brother of Vernon Davis Charged With Murder

2012-05-10T12:26:00.002-07:00

Michael Davis, younger brother of San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis and Miami Dolphins cornerback Vontae Davis, was charged today with first-degree murder in Washington D.C.

Michael is only 19 years-old, and sounds extremely troubled for such a young age. Police are reporting that Davis killed a 66-year-old man by hitting him on the head with a hammer on April 24. It was the first of five attacks in the area in which police were called reporting a man fitting Davis' description was using a hammer to inflict injury. The other four attacks did not kill any of the victims, but they were left with injuries.

On April 26 Michael was arrested by police after a woman was heard crying after being attacked and hit on the head with a hammer. As he was running from police, he threw his backpack which later was found with a hammer inside of it.

Michael Vick: Check Mate

2012-05-09T09:47:00.000-07:00

An interesting story popped up this morning courtesy of Michael David Smith highlighting that during Michael Vick's time in prison he picked up a new hobby, the game of chess. Just yesterday Vick participated in the Eagles Youth Partnership's annual chess tournament, and was wiped clean by a teenager.

"When he didn't want to trade his queen, I said, 'He's intimidated by me now,'"high school senior Joel Ammons explained to local Philadelphia reporters.

Vick went on to tell reporters that learning the game of chess has helped him turn into a more well-rounded individual. He believes chess has taught him to be a more thoughtful, contemplative person, and a better decision maker. This is exactly what all Eagles fans want to hear, NOT. Instead of sharpening your chess skills Mike, how about re-watching every game you started last season, study the defensive schemes, and analyze how you can slice in half the 14 interceptions you threw last season.

If Vick does not improve his performance this upcoming season which includes limiting the number of his turnovers as well as learning how to avoid big hits, he can consider his playing career here in Philadelphia game over. Or as Vick likes to say now, "check mate".

Cris Carter Admits Bounties

2012-05-09T09:46:00.001-07:00

Cris Carter has come out and admitted on ESPN that he has used bounties as a form of protection in his career. "I've put bounties on guys. And if a guy is trying to take me out; a guys is trying to take a cheap shot on me. I'd put a bounty on him right now." Carter said.

"Bill Romanowski, he told me he was gonna take me out before the game, warmups, no problem. 'I'm gonna end your career carter' No problem. I put a little change on his head before the game. Protect myself. Protect my family. Thats the league that I grew up in. You have to realize the league that we grew up in, the bounty was based on protection or a big hit, excitement or helping your team win. It wasn't to maim or hurt the dude. When a guy said he was gonna hurt me, my recourse was to put a bounty on him to make sure."

Carter brings a different perspective to a bounty program that seems to be more widespread than just the New Orleans Saints. A player puts a bounty on an opposing player to protect himself. It sounds very similar to the occasional Mafia or street gang mentality, "Get him before he gets you." This story begs the question, "Does it make it more acceptable for a player place a bounty on an opposing player to protect himself?"

Ravens Add Jacoby

2012-05-08T16:47:00.000-07:00

ESPN Insider Adam Schefter tweeted today the Baltimore Ravens have signed former Texans Wide Receiver Jacoby Jones. The two-year deal is said to be worth $7 million. Jones was dropped by Houston after a consistent, yet year where he only averaged 36 catch in the prior three seasons.

Former Texans WR Jacoby Jones reached agreement with the Ravens on a two-year, $7 million deal, per league source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 8, 2012

The move seems to be a smart one by the Ravens. They have been looking for a 3rd receiver to compliment Anquan Bolden and Torrey Smith. Bolden and Smith were the only two receivers on Baltimore to catch more than four receptions all year. Jones will also be able to fill in as punt returner, having averaged 10.6 yards per return in 2011.

Ironically, Jones helped Baltimore win a playoff game in 2011 when he fumbled a punt that led to a Ravens touchdown. Baltimore won that game 20-13. At this year he will be paid to help the team.

Terrell Owens Hits New Low

2012-05-08T13:43:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday, Terrell Owens appeared on the Dr. Phil show with the three women he has children with. Owens has fallen all the way off. He blew threw the $80 million he made over his career, and owes in back child support. Owens would have had to spend approximately $15,000 per day from his first paycheck to his last to be broke at this point. Let this be a lesson to the 2012 NFL Draft picks. Don't blow through the money you are about to make. Invest wisely so you don't have to face the future mother(s) of your children on national television.

A shot from the TO Show

Ochocinco Goes Loco

2012-05-06T09:25:00.003-07:00

In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, Chad Ochocinco decided to tweet all day in spanish. Seriously?

"Un abrazo a mis hermanos Mexicanos en nuestro dia. Feliz 5 de Mayo" #VivaMexicoCabrones
— Chad Ochocinco (@ochocinco) May 5, 2012

Now, my rough translation is the following: "The reason why today I am writing in Spanish is to pay him honor to my second homeland' If you don't like it you can stop following me!" So he's Mexican now?

Visite a Sinaloa Mexico ys conoci un hombre poderoso, humilde y de un habla suave y lo llame el hombre invisible#ECG
— Chad Ochocinco (@ochocinco) May 5, 2012

This one I had to throw in the translator. "Visit to Sinaloa Mexico as I met a powerful, humble and a soft speaking man and call it the invisible man." Is that some kind of Mexican proverb? He truly gets stranger as he ages.

10. Stephon Gilmore CB (Bills)

2012-05-03T06:51:00.001-07:00

For the 10th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft the Buffalo Bills select Stephon Gilmore, defensive back out of South Carolina. He intercepted a lot of passes, did a great job in coverage, and is a tremendous tackler. He could return punts as well. As a true freshman in 2009, he had 52 tackles, five tackles for a loss, two sacks, and nine passes defended, which earned him Freshman All-American honors by College Football News.

9. Luke Kuechly LB (Panthers)

2012-05-03T06:50:00.001-07:00

For the 9th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft the Carolina Panthers select Luke Kuechly, Linebacker out of Boston College. In 2011 alone, Kuechly led the nation with 191 tackles, averaging 16 per game. Mel Kiper calls Kuechly a "tackling machine". He is complete, tough, and focussed.

8. Ryan Tannehill QB (Dolphins)

2012-05-03T06:49:00.001-07:00

With the 8th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft the Miami Dolphins select Ryan Tannehill, Quarterback out of Texas A & M. Tannehill is considered a good quarterback on the pro level, however needs to improve on his decision-making. The Quarterback class of this year had a significant drop off in skill level after the top 2 picks.

7. Mark Barron S (Bucs)

2012-05-03T06:47:00.001-07:00

With the 7th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Mark Barron, Safety out of Alabama. Barron has been the glue that held Nick Saban's defense together. He is a punishing tackler, and easily rated the best safety in the draft.

6. Morris Claibourne CB (Cowboys)

2012-05-03T06:46:00.001-07:00

With the 4th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft the Dallas Cowboys select Morris Claibourne, cornerback out of LSU. Claibourne is regarded as the best cornerback of this years class. Claibourne became a starter in his 2nd year in college, recording 37 tackles, and a team leading 5 interceptions. After the 2011 season, Claibourne was awarded the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the best defensive back of the year.

5. Justin Blackmon WR (Jaguars)

2012-05-03T06:45:00.002-07:00

With the 5th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars select Justin Blackmon, Wide Receiver out of Oklahoma State..

4. Matt Kalil T (Vikings)

2012-05-03T06:45:00.000-07:00

With the 4th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select Matt Kalil, Tackle from USC. Since his sophomore season, Kalil has been regarded as the best Offensive Lineman in this years group.

3. Trent Richardson RB (Browns)

2012-05-03T06:43:00.002-07:00

With the 3rd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft the Washington Redskins pick Trent Richardson, running back from Alabama. During his three years at Alabama, he helped lead them to two BCS National Championships and a SEC Championship. He was a consensus All-American, Doak Walker Award winner and a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2011.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-2" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; line-height: 1em;"></sup><br />
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Junior Seau Found Dead

2012-05-02T17:19:00.000-07:00

Former Chargers linebacker Junior Seau was found dead Wednesday morning from an apparent suicide. Seau’s girlfriend called 911 at 9:35 a.m. A handgun was found near his body, and police are investigating the death as a suicide. No suicide note has been found.

Seau's mother, still visibly shaken, addressed reporters in front of the house where her son was found. Seau’s mother, Luisa Seau, sobbed in front of reporters as she cried loudly, “Junior! Why didn’t you tell me you were going?” “I don’t understand, I don’t know anything,” his mother said. “I’m shocked. I appreciate everyone, show your love to my son.”

Donte Stallworth was interviewed on ESPN on Wednesday and added his view of the life of Junior Seau.“You always looked at Junior as a very happy person,” Stallworth said. “He was always making people laugh. All the time. That’s what Junior will always be remembered for.”

Junior Seau is a name that I remember from my childhood. He was a beast of a football player, and in total played in the NFL for 20 seasons. Seau was named to 12 Pro Bowl teams and 10 All-Pro teams, was on the All-Decade team for the 1990s, and is in the Chargers’ Hall of Fame. He will undoubtably be voted into Canton the first year he is elegible, which is in 2015.

(Video from local Union Tribune San Diego)

Junior Seau Highlights

1. Robert Griffin III QB (Redskins)

2012-05-02T12:50:00.002-07:00

With the 2nd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins take Robert Griffin III, Quarterback from Baylor. As a true freshman, he earned Big 12 Conference Offensive Freshman of the Year honors. As a redshirt junior, Griffin (popularly known as RG3) won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the first player from Baylor University to win the award.