NFL
Congratulations….NFL Hall of Fame , class of 2013!!!
The finalist list of for the NFL Hall of Fame, class of 2013 had the likes of recent players; Larry Allen (G/T), Jerome Bettis (RB), Tim Brown (WR), Cris Carter (WR), Kevin Greene (L/DE), Charles Haley (DE/L), Jonathan Ogden (T), Andre Reed (WR), Warren Sap (DT), Michael Strahan (DE), and Aeneas Williams (CB/S). Old-timers players like; Wil Shields (G), Dave Robinson (L), and Curley Cup (DT). Coach Bill Parcells(Giants/N.E./N.J./Cowboys) headlined the non-players along with owners Art Model (Cleveland Browns/Baltimore Ravens) and Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr (San Francisco 49ers). A stellar class all worthy but because of the selection process, with the number of possible electees limited to 4-7 who’d be left out? Well the answer came and prior to SB XLVII the class of 2013 was announced;
Larry Allen – Position – Offensive guard/Tackle – Teams – Dallas Cowboys (1994-2005); San Francisco 49ers (2006-07)
14 seasons, 203 games … Selected by Cowboys in 2nd round (46th player overall) of 1994 draft … Versatile, played every position on offensive line except center during 12 seasons with Dallas … Led way in second season for Emmitt Smith who set Cowboys’ franchise record with 1,773 yards … Started at right guard in two NFC championship games and Super Bowl XXX victory … Named NFL Alumni’s Offensive Lineman of the Year in 1997 and the NFL Players Association NFC Lineman of the Year twice (1996-97) … Named first-team All-Pro seven straight years … First-team All-NFC six times, second-team once … Moved to tackle late in 1997 and entire 1998 season, earned All-Pro honors at position … Signed as free agent with San Francisco in 1996 … First season with 49ers led way for Frank Gore who set team single-season rushing record (1,695 yards) … Elected to 11 Pro Bowls … Named to NFL All-Decade Teams of 1990s and 2000s … Born November 27, 1971 in Los Angeles, Ca
Cris Carter – Position – Wide receiver – Teams – Philadelphia Eagles (1987-1989); Minnesota Vikings (1990-2001); Miami Dolphins (2002)
16 seasons, 234 games … Selected by Philadelphia in the 4th round of the 1987 Supplemental Draft … First reception as a pro was a 22-yard touchdown catch … Durable; he played a full 16-game season in 13 of his 16 seasons … In 2000, became only the second player in NFL history to catch 1,000 career passes … Recorded 1,000 receiving yards in a season eight straight years … Broke the 100-yard receiving plateau 42 times during his career … Ranked second on the NFL’s all-time list for total receptions (1,101) and receiving touchdowns (130) at retirement … His 130 TD receptions came from 13 different passers … Caught 70-plus passes in 10 seasons … His 122 receptions in 1994 was a then-NFL single-season-record … Named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s and received the 1999 NFL Man of the Year Award … In 2002, returned to the field when he joined the Miami Dolphins in midseason when injuries decimated team’s receiving corps … Was first- or second-team All-Pro 1994, 1995, and 1999 … Selected to play in eight Pro Bowls (1994-2001) … Born November 25, 1965, in Troy, Ohio
Curley Cup – Position – Defensive tackle – Teams Kansas City Chiefs (1968-1974); Houston Oilers (1974-1980); Detroit Lions (1980-1981)
14 seasons, 179 games … Selected in 2nd round (31st player overall) in 1968 draft by Denver Broncos … Denver attempted to switch him to offense before trading him to Chiefs during training camp … Fit in perfectly with Chiefs’ dominating defense … Member of team’s Super Bowl IV championship team in second season, … Started at left defensive tackle in Super Bowl win over Vikings and registered three tackles, one assisted tackle … Dealt to Houston Oilers in blockbuster trade during 1974 season … Key veteran leader with 11.5 sacks to help Oilers to 10-4-0 record in his first full season with club … Winning record in ’75 was Oilers first winning season in eight years and just second in 13 seasons …. Named NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year by Newspaper Enterprise Association, 1975 … Culp led defense that helped Oilers earn back-to-back appearances in AFC championship game, 1978-79 … Named All-Pro, 1975 … All-Pro Second Team 1971, 1977, 1978, and 1979 …. First- or second-team All-AFC five times … Elected to six Pro Bowls … Born March 10, 1946 in Yuma, Arizona.
Jonathan Ogden – Position – Offensive tackle – Team – Baltimore Ravens (1996-2007)
Taken in 1st round (4th player overall) in 1996 draft … Won Outland Trophy Award as top lineman in college … Instant starter for Baltimore, earned All-Rookie honors … Leader of offensive line that helped Ravens amass more than 5,000 yards of offense in back-to-back seasons, 1996-97 … Noted as strong pass protector as well as effective run blocker … Led way for running back Jamal Lewis who became fifth player in NFL history to rush for 2000 yards in a season, 2003 … Key blocker for Lewis’ then-record 295 rushing yards versus Cleveland Browns, Sept. 14, 2003 … Started at left tackle in Ravens’ 16-3 win over Oakland Raiders in 2000 AFC Championship Game and 34-7 victory over New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV … NFL Alumni’s NFL Offensive Lineman of the Year, 2002 … Named All-Pro in 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2006 … Earned All-AFC honors nine times … Voted to 11 Pro Bowls … Selected to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of 2000s … Born July 31, 1974 in Washington, D.C.
Bill Parcells – Position – Coach – Teams – New York Giants (1983-1990); New England Patriots (1993-1996), NY Jets (1997-1999); Dallas Cowboys (2003-2006)
19 seasons, 303 games … Regular season record: 172-130-1 … Postseason record: 11-8 … Overall record: 183-138-1 … Parcells reversed the fortunes of four NFL teams … After a 3-12-1 season (1983), he took Giants to playoffs twice as Wild Card … In 1986 led Giants to 14-2 record and defeated Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI … Led Giants to NFC Eastern Division title in 1989 … In 1990 won second world championship with dramatic victory over Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXV … Left coaching for two years, returning in 1993 with New England Patriots … Within two years led Patriots to playoffs after seven-year absence … Two years later, 11-5 Patriots were AFC representative in Super Bowl XXXI … In 1997 took over 1-15 New York Jets and led them to 9-7 record in 1997, 12-4 record and AFC championship game in 1998 for the best two-year turnaround of a 1-15 team in NFL history … Coached Dallas Cowboys from 2003 until 2006 … Became first coach to coach four different teams into the playoffs when his 10-6 Cowboys played in the 2003 Wild Card Game … NFL Coach of the Year 1986, 1994 … Born August 22, 1941 in Englewood, New Jersey.
Dave Robinson – Position – Linebacker – Teams – Green Bay Packers (1963-1972); Washington Redskins (1973-1974)
12 seasons, 155 games … Selected in 1st round (14th player overall) by Packers in 1963 NFL Draft … Chosen in 3rd round (17th player overall) by San Diego Chargers in AFL Draft … Signed with Green Bay and quickly built reputation as big-play performer on Vince Lombardi-coached Packers dynasty … Started at left outside linebacker in three straight NFL championship wins, 1965-67 … Starting OLB in Packers victories in Super Bowls I and II … Recorded two tackles, five assisted tackles, one fumble recovery and pass defensed in Green Bay’s 33-14 win over Oakland Raiders, Super Bowl II … Rebounded from Achilles tendon injury in 1970 to regain form as one of game’s finest linebackers … Intercepted 27 passes which he returned for 449 yards in career … Lone interception return for touchdown came in first season with Washington … Named All-Pro second-team in 1968 and 1969 … First-team All-NFL selection three straight seasons, 1967-69 … Elected to three Pro Bowls … Named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1960s … Born May 3, 1941 in Mt. Holly, New Jersey.
Warren Sapp – Position – Defensive tackle – Teams – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1995-2003); Oakland Raiders (2004-2007)
13 seasons, 198 games … Selected in first round (12th player overall) by Tampa Bay in 1995 NFL Draft … Instant starter … Named to All-Rookie Team, 1995 … Amassed 96.5 career sacks despite playing on interior of defensive line … Recorded double-digit sack totals four times … Had more than one sack in a game 23 times … Named 1999 NFL Defensive Player of the Year after helping lead Tampa Bay to first division title in 18 years … Registered 12.5 sacks, 54 tackles, three forced fumbles, and recovered two fumbles, 1999 … Recorded career-high 16.5 sacks, 2000 … Started in two NFC championship games, one Super Bowl … Recorded two tackles, one sack, two passes defensed, and forced fumble in Bucs’ 48-21 win over Raiders, Super Bowl XXXVII … Additional career statistics include four interceptions, two touchdown receptions … First-team All-Pro four straight times (1999-2002) … Second-team All-NFL in 1997, 1998 … All-NFC five times … Selected to seven Pro Bowls … Named to NFL’s All-Decade Teams of the 1990s, 2000s … Born December 19, 1972 in Orlando, Florida.
Must congratulate the inductees but would be derelict in my responsibilities as NFL fan if I didn’t state how a Haley, Brown, Greene, Model and DeBartolo aren’t in the class. As I heard the great Coach Landry state in part, “Stats are like a two-piece bikini reveals some remarkable areas but what it covers up is vital”. Also stated in that group of sports talk shop, “if an era of NFL play can’t be spoken with mentioning the contributions of a respective inductee then that merits consideration for being in the hall”. I must agree!!!!
A chance for a class of Quarterbacks to equal the NFL class of ’83!!!!
A lot has changed in the last 30 years of drafting Quarterbacks, no longer is the theory that a rookie has to sit with a clipboard waiting for their chance to run the huddle. The ‘win’ now scenario for most teams has also bumped up the time to get the rookie some run. It’s either that or lose now only to have another coach reap the rewards with a talented signal caller. But oh have time really changed, just look at this year’s crop of rookies; Luck (1st), Griffin III (2nd), Tannehill (8th), Weeden (22nd), and Wilson (75th) – all but Wilson taking in the 1st rd. Note – Osweiler was taken with (57th)/2nd rd. All but Osweiler playing behind Peyton Manning have started as rookies and flourished, bringing to mind the comparisons to the prolific class of 1983. That class had Elway (1st), Blackledge (7th), Kelly (14th), Eason (15th), O’Brien (24th), and Marino (27th) with Elway, Kelly, and Marino do much for the position leading all three to the hall of fame!!!
But if any class, discounting previously matched QB classes of ’99 and ’04 this one has the chance to meet the overwhelming weight of comparison and expectations!!! Notwithstanding the multiple Super Bowls won by both Eli Manning & Ben Roethlisberger this crew has started out the gate and mattered EARLY!!!!
First Year Statistical Comparisons:
1983
G Att-Com % Yds TD Int Rating
John Elway 11 123-259 47.5 1,663 7 14 54.9
T.Blackledge 4 20-34 58.8 259 3 0 112.3
Jim Kelly 16 285-480 59.4 3,593 22 17 83.3
Tony Eason 16 46-95 48.4 557 1 5 48.4
Ken O’Brien DNP
Dan Marino 11 173-296 58.4 2,210 20 6 96.0
2012
G Att-Com % Yds TD Int Rating (Current)
Andrew Luck 13 295-537 54.9 3,792 18 18 74.5
Robert Griffin III 13 233-351 66.4 2,906 18 4 104.2
R.Tannehill 13 227-396 57.3 2,709 8 12 72.5
B.Weeden 13 264-463 57.0 3,037 13 15 72.8
Russell Wilson 13 208-330 63.0 2,492 20 9 94.9
G Att-Com % Yds TD Int Rating (Seasonal Projection)
Andrew Luck 16 363-661 54.9 4,667 22 22 74.5
Robert Griffin III 16 287-432 66.4 3,577 22 5 104.2
R.Tannehill 16 279-487 57.3 3,334 10 15 72.5
B.Weeden 16 324-570 57.0 3,738 16 18 72.8
Russell Wilson 16 256-406 63.0 3,067 25 11 94.9
In time of comparison and what has a position done lately, it looks like these set of rookie QB’s have met the first year challenge of being ready to be the best!!!!
It’s ALL about the Completions in the realm of Quarterbacking!!!!
Last week Peyton Manning continued his improbable return to the game…possibly its COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR..when he completed his 5,000 pass over his 15 year career joining Brett Favre as the only two QB’s in the NFL to complete over 5k passes thrown. Nice job by one of the closest to perfection at the QB position there is!
QB’s completing over 5k passes:
1. Brett Favre – 6,300/10,169
2. Peyton Manning – 5,012/7,693
Helmets off to the best of the best doing their dang BEST!!!!…
The REAL deal behind the NFL/NRA has nothing to do with the current officiating!
The current drama unfolding before the all forgiving NFL fan has everything to do with the current status of professional sports and nothing to do with the replacement officiates currently being berated, belittled, and totally disrespected. And why? Because both the National Football League and the NFL Referees Association (NRA) are in a contentious negotiations where the perceived billions hoarding owners with their agents among the NFL office are strong arming the perceived well deserving referees who up to this point ( now week 4 in the 2012-13 season) have been taken for granted. So who is the blame for this current state of affairs, where a multi-billion dollar business looks more and more like parks & recreations at the neighborhood park ground? Could it be the untouchable NFL / NFL owners who after a battle of wills last summer during the CBA haggling have united to try and crush the NRA? How about the NRA who in their attempt to gain a mere cost of living increase from the $149k average to $189K by the end of the proposed new agreement? Perhaps the players and the media who by now have worked themselves into a frenzy calling for the replacement of the replacements, but replace with whom? The NFL in their infinite wisdom replaced the regular bloke with inferior official who have their favorite team on a social site, favorite player on their fantasy team or recently let go from local high school team, junior college team or women’s lingerie team!
In the end the who suffers the most? The professional game of football and the forever faithful fan who will despite all the perceptions good or bad keep tuning in every time!!!
Is San Francisco the new beast on the NFC/NFL block?!?
I’m HUNGRY…feed me..who’s next?!?
NFL is back and already records have been broken!!!!
Already the 2012 NFL season has been kicked off with literally a kick & a toss into the NFL record books. David Akers of the San Francisco 49ers tied a field goal mark of 63 yrds during a victory in the 49ers (30-22) win at Lambeau Field versus the Green Bay Packers. Somewhat west of that contest Peyton Manning, newly minted Denver Bronco, tossed his 400th touchdown pass in a (31-19) win versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. Akers becomes the 4th kicker, while Manning becomes the 3rd. Others completing similar feats (in kicks & throws) listed below:
FG Kicks over 60 yrds:
63 yrds – David Akers (SF 49ers) at GB Packers – 2012
- Sebastian Janikowski (Oak Radiers) at Denver – 2011
- Jason Elam (Den Broncos) vs J’ville Jaguars – 1998
- Tom Dempsey (NO Saints) vs Detroit – 1970
62 yrds – Matt Bryant (TB Bucc) vs PHL Eagles – 2006
61 yrds – Sebastian Janikowski (Oak Raiders) at CLE Brows – 2009
60 yrds – Steve Cox (CLE Browns) at CIN Bengals – 1984
- Morten Andersen (NO Saints) vs Chicago Bears – 1991
- Rob Bironas (Tenn Titans) vs IND Colts – 2006
400 Touchdown Passers (in career game #)
Peyton Manning/ IND Colts -DEN Broncos (208th game) – 400
Dan Marino./MIA Dolphis (227th) – 400 (ended career w/ 420 TD’s)
Brett Farve/ATL-GB-NYJ-MINN (228th) – 400 (ended career w/ 508 TD’s)
What’s the deal with the upcoming 2012 NFL sesaon?
With the induction of the Jack Butler, Dermontti Dawson , Chris Doleman, Cortez Kennedy, Curtis Martin , Willie Roaf into the NFL Hall of Fame and the first punt in the exhibition Hall of Fame game between the Arizona Cardinals/New Orleans Saints the NFL season starts anew! This is the time of year where every fan has the fantasy (that’s another story) that their favorite team is in the running for that final game in Superdome under the big lights for Super Bowl XLVII, this is even if reality means your team is really in line for the top prospects from the upcoming meat market infusion known as the draft than hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. But all that matters as much as who won Super Bowl XLVI (sorry New York Giant fans) cause the new season brings renewed faith especially in Indianapolis, Minnesota, St. Louis, and Tampa Bay. But delusion notwithstanding what are some of the hot points for the 2012 NFL season and which team as the greatest chance of catching lighting in a bottle (que the Giant faithful) like the New York G-men did last year?
Let’s start with mainstays – AFC –New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens. All aforementioned teams have the points of success; 1) Leadership from both head coach and stellar play from their respective quarterbacks, 2) Bend but don’t break to outstanding play from the defensive side of the ball, and 3) The team culture that provides the continuity that keeps them in the hunt for the Lombardi year in, year out. On the NFC side – Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints have provided over the last several years striking consistency for the same reasons mentioned for the AFC squads to the tune of Green Bay thriving despite the pigskin switch from Packer greats, Holmgren & Favre to McCarthy & Rodgers. This will stand true as well for the New Orleans Saints who will be able to withstand the recent smear of the bounty gate incidents culminating the loss of players and coaches throughout the upcoming season.
Which leads to the next slate of what ifs, will the offense or defense lead the seasonal hot buttons this year? What players will light it up like a young guns Cam Newton and Von Miller or come in consistently like QB’s-Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Aaron Rodgers – RB’s –Maurice Jones-Drew, Ray Rice and Michael Turner – Wide outs-Calvin Johnson, Wes Welker and Victor Cruz or on defense like Jared Allen, London Fletcher, and Kyle Arrington? Will mercurial wide outs Terrell Owens and Randy Moss return to NFL be write up feel good stories of redemption or predicable falls of ‘I told you so’? Will the fans of Indianapolis and Washington forget the woebegone times of last year, return to glory days of yore with NFL draft picks 1-2 of (Luck-1-Indy & Griffin III-2-Washington) or will the pressure of restoration bury the rookies? Will the hot seat teams- New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, etc be able to keep from imploding in route to the bayou? Is all back to normal now, that the dust has settled from last year’s collective bargaining agreement or are there issues still brewing for the commissioner’s office to address? It’s all up in the air which is the beauty in all these questions, your player, your team, your league can do this year if any, why not now? Release the proverbial hounds its kick off tim
e!
NFL’s newest inductees into the Hall of Fame 2012..welcome to Canton Gentlemen!!!
Willie Roaf (Offensive Tackle) – Roaf was a 1st round pick (#8)of the New Orleans Saints in ’93. Roaf made 11 Pro Bowls during a career with New Orleans and Kansas City. He was one of the best players in New Orleans Saints history during his nine seasons with the team. Of the 189 games Roaf played in for New Orleans and the Kansas City Chiefs he was able to start all of them right there in the trenches on the offensive line.
Dermontti Dawson (Center) – Dawson drafted in 1988 (44th player overall) by the Pittsburgh Steelers. A multiple Pro bowler 7x, 6 consecutive (from ’93-’98) he was the rare mix of speed, strength, knowledge and leadership which provided the crux to Pittsburgh’s five AFC Central and one AFC title(s)!
Chris Doleman (Defensive End) – Doleman was drafted in 1985 as the #4 pick by the Minnesota Vikings, an 8x pro bowler (consecutively from ’87-’90) and a member of the 100 sack club. Doleman ended his career with 150 sacks, 8 interceptions and 2 touchdowns!
Cortez Kennedy (Defensive Tackle) – Kennedy was a 1st round pick in 1990 (a #3 pick) by the Seattle Seahawks and played his entire career for the Seahawks! A 8x pro bowler (consecutively from ’91-’96) Kennedy was also named defensive player of the year in ’92! Kennedy ended his career with 668 tackles, 58 sacks and 3 interceptions!
Curtis Martin (Running back) – Martin was a 3rd round pick (#74) out of Pitt picked up by the New England Patriots in ’95. Martin was NFL offensive & PFWA ROY in ’95. Martin was able to touch the greatness of two franchises with his historical free agent signing by NY Jets in ’98 and touched off the NFL’s rule on the poison pill contracts. A 5x pro bowler/5x all-pro Martin was able to amass 14,101 yards and 90 touchdowns during his prolific career that ended in ’05!
Jack Butler (Cornerback) – Butler had the distinction of being the only 2012 NFL hall of fame inductee not to have played football in high school. Butler went undrafted out of St. Bonaventure University in 1951, a 4x pro bowler (1955-58) while playing his entire career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Butler would end his pro career with 52 interceptions for a positive yardage total of 827 yards with four touchdowns!
Congratulations to the six new members of NFL’s professional football hall of fame as they are inducted in Canton’s hallowed halls tonight, August 4, 2012!!! Next up the Hall of Fame game – Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints 8/5/2012
NFL Draft ’12 is over and for 5th time QB’s go 1st and 2nd..who’s going to be the star?!?!!!?
O.k. friends its over, #1 pick by Indianapolis Colts QB – Andrew Luck and last pick #253 by same team QB Chandler Harnish. So what do we now know, that for the fifth time, quarterbacks were taken 1st and 2nd in the NFL Draft.
2012 – 1st Andrew Luck – Indy / 2nd Robert Griffin III – Washington
1999 – 1st Tim Couch – Cleveland/2nd Donovan McNabb – Philly / 3rd Akili Smith – Cincy
1998 – 1st Peyton Manning – Indy /2nd Ryan Leaf – San Diego
1993 – 1st Drew Bledsoe – New England/2nd Rick Mirer – Seattle
1971 – 1st Jim Plunkett – Boston /2nd Archie Manning – New Orleans /Dan Pastorini – Houston
So as history as shown us when QB’s are drafted in the same round and especially 1 and 2 success is limited to one of the QB’s. But history is about to be turned around both Luck & Griffin III will be able to reach the 80 games started plateau and with success!!!
Many firsts equates to eloquent history….in ruwkus land its all sports!!!!
Ruwkus here it is again, the annual 30 (ahhhemmm 29) day homage where a percentage of inhabitants familiar to North America are shined upon. Coon, pickaninny, colored, black, african-american all names associated with a people we are here to recognize as contributors to this society. Well let’s bring the light; before there was a Barry Bonds, his father Bobby there was a Hank Aaron but also a Josh Gibson. Before Marshall Faulk, there was Eric Dickerson, Jim Brown and Gayle Sayers. Before Kobe Bryant, Lebron James there was Oscar Robertson..see a trend ruwkus?!? But there is a greater path the journey to the history of the true trailblazers who inadvertently have made the games billion dollar indsutries, legacy holders out of teams and heroes out of its players!!!
NBA 
Chuck Cooper
Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton
Earl Lloyd
NFL
Fritz Pollard
Bobby Marshall
MLB
Moses Fleetwood Walker
NHL
Willie O’Ree
AUTO RACING
Wendell Scott
Bull Riding
Myrtis Dightman
All the current greats built their success on the path these and others bricked laid first…but even that journey leads to..the unearthed stories of the forgottens like Marlin Briscoe, James, Harris, Willie Thrower, Elias Bowe or a Charles Sampson so the bridge continues!!! Just be glad the ruwkus is here to keep going it real sports..RSDz!
Super Bowl Trouble…
A wise man once said, “the only places open real late are hospitals and prisons”. And, Super Bowl week is no exception. Head coaches do everything in their power to keep their players focused on what could be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Curfews are implemented. Security professionals address the team and warn them of dangerous places in the host city and they profile the unscrupulous characters to avoid at all costs. In some cases it’s in one ear and out the other. Parties galore are common place during Super Bowl week every night and we all know alcohol and a lot people are the recipe for disaster. Remember Eugene Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons? Of course you do. He was arrested for attempting to buy oral sex from an undercover police officer. Apparently she wasn’t a Falcon fan. Transgressions aren’t just limited to the players either; retired player and now broadcaster Warren Sapp was arrested for alleged domestic battery and placed on a mini probation by his network. Momma always said, “a hard head, makes for a soft backside.” Fast forward to Super Bowl 2012 and so far so good. No news is good news as far as coaches are concerned. But, once the confetti drops, all bets are off!!!
Live, Learn and Move On..
Below is a hand written letter from 7 year Owen Shure of Los Angeles and a huge San Fran 49ers fan. He was initially, like many other 49er fans, distraught on how the game ended and wanted Kyle Williams’ head on a stick. One simple question from his father helped change his prospective. He asked Owen if he feels this bad, imagine how Kyle feels? Prospective that lil Owen was able to take in and he decided to cheer Kyle up. Wow. Great job Dad and Owen. I’m sure this did lift his spirits and I’m sure you’ll be his special guest at a game next year. The lesson here it’s never THAT bad and there’s ALWAYS next year!!
How to turn a LOSE into a WIN!!
Once again future HOF Ray Lewis, ambassadors of ambassadors, shines the light of prospective into the dark place of DEFEAT!! Santonio Holmes that’s how a team CAPTAIN leads his team. Ravens on 3…1,2,3..RAVENS!!! #respect
NFL 1st Rd QB’s facing off in the post-season!!!!
O.k. ruwkus, with the NFL down to the final four the AFC and NFC will throw down to see who will be puncing a ticket to Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI (in 14 days, 3 hours and apprx 43mins is kick-off). As the AFC – Baltimore @ New England and NFC – New York Giants @ San Francisco 49ers it dawned on me that Eli Manning vs. Alex Smith represents the 4th time 1st round QB’s faced off in the NFL playoffs. The others look below;
1. Vinny Testaverde def Drew Bledsoe – 1994
2. John Elway def Vinny Testaverde – 1998
3. Jeff George def Troy Aikman – 1999
4. Eli Manning vs. Alex Smith – 2011/1/22 @ 3.30pm @ Candlestick Park, San Francisco
Let’s get ready for kick off NFL fans, friends and followers of the ruwkus!!!!
RESPECT!!!
Gladiators meeting after BATTLE—
NFLPA Collegiate Bowl- 01/21/2012
ASTROTURF NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL ANNOUNCED
College All-Star Game to be held at Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. on January 21, 2012
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the NFL Players Association unveiled its plans to host Southern California’s premier football event – The AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl.
The AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl will be held January 21 at the Home Depot Center on the campus of California State University Dominguez Hills in Carson, Calif. Under the direction of Super Bowl-winning coaches Tom Flores and Dick Vermeil, 100 of the country’s top draft prospects will showcase their talent in front of 25,000 fans and pro scouts.
However, the AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl experience is much more than a game for participating players.
“Our mission is to provide these young men with an unforgettable all-star game experience but just as importantly with invaluable information for their transition out of college,” said Clark Gaines, NFLPA Assistant Executive Director. “The NFLPA is a player’s primary resource for information on the business of football, and we will educate these players on how to succeed in the NFL and in their post-football careers.”
For one week preceding the AstroTurf NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, pro-football players and coaching legends will work with the game’s future stars, giving them first-hand insight on what it takes to win on and off of the field. Flores and Vermeil will provide the players with elite-level practices and playbooks and the players will interact with the community through youth clinics and more.
NFL Pro Bowl Selections made..who made it/who didn’t?!
Ruwkus the Pro Bowl for the Jan 29th game to be held in Honolulu, Hawaii for NFL’s AFC / NFC teams – players;
American Football Conference
Starters; Offense
QB – Tom Brady – New England Patriots
RB – Ray Rice – Baltimore Ravens
FB – Vonta Leach – Baltimore Raves
WR – Wes Welker – New England Patriots, Mike Wallace – Pittsburgh Steelers
TE – Rob Gronkowski – New England Patriots
Starters; Defense
DE – Dwight Freeney – Indianapolis Colts; Andre Carter – New England Patriots
IL- Haloti Ngata – Baltimore Ravens; Vince Wolfork – New England Patriots
OL – Terrell Suggs – Baltimore Ravens; Von Miller – Denver Broncos
I/ML – Ray Lewis – Baltimore Ravens
CB – Darelle Revis – NY Jets; Champ Bailey – Denver Broncos
FS – Ed Reed – Baltimore Ravens
SS – Troy Polamalu – Arizona Cardinals
Special Teams
P – Shane Lechler – Oakland Raiders
PK – Sebastian Janikowski – Oakland Raiders
KR – Antonio Brown – Pittsburgh Steelers
ST – Matthew Slater – New England Patriots
National Football Conference
Starters; Offense
QB – Aaron Rodgers – Green Bay Packers
RB – LeSean McCoy – Philadelphia Eagles
FB – John Kuhn – Green Bay Packers
WR – Calvin Johnson – Detroit Lions, Larry Fitzgerald – Arizona Cardinals
TE – Jimmy Graham – New Orleans Saints
Starters; Defense
DE – Jared Allen – Minnesota Vikings; Jason Babin – Philadelphia Eagles
IL- Justin Smith – San Francisco 49ers; Jay Ratliff – Dallas Cowboys
OL – DeMarcus Ware – Dallas Cowboys; Clay Matthews – Green Bay Packers
I/ML – Patrick Willis – San Francisco 49ers
CB – Charles Woodson – Green Bay Packers; Carlos Rodgers – San Francisco 49ers
FS – Earl Thomas – Seattle Seahawks
SS – Adrian Wilson – Arizona Cardinals
Special Teams
P – Andy Lee – San Francisco 49ers
PK – David Akers – San Francisco 49ers
KR – Patrick Peterson – Arizona Cardinals
ST – Corey Graham – Chicago Bears
Who’s left out, who snuck in? Ruwkus you call it, Sportsfiend outro!
DawgShotz (are the NY Giants Tebowing or is it something else?!?…Ruwkus you decide!!!)
courtesy of Darren Rovell, CNBC;
RSDz, I believe we are in the midst of a -mania!!!!! ~Nuff Seen/Said
As the coaching carousel continues….hope it stops on some freshness!!!!
Ruwkus its happened again another coach has lost his britches…or better political correctness lost his coaching position. As it happens..it looks like a 1/3 of the newly crowned Pac-12 will have new coaches, look at Arizona Wildcats (out goes Stoops) in comes Rich Rodriguez, Arizona State (out goes Erickson), Washington State (out goes Wulff) in comes Mike Leach, UCLA (out goes Nuehiesel). But the newly crowned Pac-12 isn’t the only conference with coaching carousel turn overs. The Big-Ten’s Illinois University (coach Ron Zook is out), Ohio State University (coach Fickell is out) in comes Urban Meyer, Penn State University (coach Tom Bradley-interim) in for ousted longtime demi-god coach JoePa and out after interim run, in the Big-12 Kansas University (coach Turner Gill is out), Texas A&M (coach Mike Sherman is out), in the SEC Mississippi University (coach Houston Nutt is out) and in the ACC, University of of North Carolina (coach Everett Withers-interim) didn’t make it through his first season on job.
Those are the considered major D-I schools at other institutions like Akron, Florida Atlantic, Memphis, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Tulane and UAB all making coaching changes with the college football programs. But the big boys coaching ranks in the NFL is just as shaky. Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars got pink slips delivered to their long time coaches; Jeff Fisher and Jack Del Rio both former USC Trojans! But that is only the beginning with possible changes in; Indianapolis, New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Bucs, Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams, Miami Dolphins and San Diego Chargers all teetering on the proverbial seat!
All to say there is a hope that there is more creative hiring than on the ‘retread’ side. Imagine the chances given when you tap a Chris Peterson or Kevin Sumlin in college or a Raheem Morris on the pro level. In speaks of innovation or freshness that can be injected into the
college and pro football coaching ranks and that all bodes well for the profession overall.
The Best Tight End Class of All-Time?!?..look back at the class 2010 in about 5 – 10 years!!!!
Ruwkus, watching Jimmy Graham (New Orleans) do his thing versus the Giants in the New Orleans Saints game on Monday Night Football, (Gronkie going bonkers in N.E.) and the list of TE’s coming out of the 2010 draft, it raised a question.
Will this be the best Tight End class of all time? Check em out;
Round – Name – Recptions
1st Rd – Jermaine Gresham – 37
2nd Rd – Rob Ronkowski – 60
3rd Rd – Ed Dickson – 43
3rd Rd – Tony Moeaki – 0 (injured – out for season)
3rd Rd – Jimmy Graham – 67
4th Rd – Aaron Hernandez – 47
4th Rd – Dennis Pitta – 27
I say give these ’10 TE’s about 5 more years and its a chance this class of tight ends could go down as one of the best ever! Sports Fiend says bookit!!!! Sf outro!
NFL’s top flag catchers since 2003!!!!
O.k. ruwkus as we do watching NFL on CBS and they throw this at us!!!
courtesy of NFL on CBS;
Oakland Raiders – 1,113
Arizona Cardinals – 1,013
Detroit Lions – 946
Baltimore Ravens – 941
Tennessee Titans – 939
Those dang yellow flags…………sf outro!
DawgShotz (the latest rendention of L.A.’s newest arena..Farmer’s Field)
When a pix says it all (it’s the latest look at Farmer’s Field…NFL team next?!?)
Nuff’ Seen
More NFL History….all ARMS!!!!
Most cumulative passing yards over a week of NFL play for all 32 teams in the history of the National Football League;
Week 2 (2011) – 7, 946
Week 4 (2011) – 7, 886
Week 1 (2011) – 7, 842
Week 3 (2011) – 7, 772
Yeahhhhh..you see correctly Ruwkus..this is history writing itself as you view it all likes it 2011! Remember at the end of the game…just the stats please!!!! Sportsfiend outro!!!