The defending World Series champions

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"It would be stupid to say it doesn't matter how you finish. cheap Baltimore Orioles HatsWe would have liked to get this thing done, but we didn't," said pitcher Andy Pettitte, who appears to be on track to start Game 3 against the Twins. "The bottom line is: We're the world champs until someone knocks us off."

But the Rays (96-66) clinched the AL East and home field against Texas when the Yankees lost, then beat the Royals 3-2 in 11 innings.

The Yankees cheap Chicago Cubs Hatswent into the final day of the season needing a victory and a Tampa Bay loss at Kansas City to win the division. Had New York (95-67) and Tampa Bay finished in a tie, the Rays would have taken the title anyway by virtue of a 10-8 record against the Yankees in the season series.

"In New York, you're expected to make the playoffs, but it's only Step 1. We all know what the goal is," manager Joe Girardi said. The goal is not to win the division. Cheap Atlanta Braves HatsThe goal is to win the whole thing."

The defending World Series champions missed out on their second straight AL East title on Sunday, losing 8-4 to the Boston Red Sox to complete a rare late-season fade and finish with a wild-card berth. The Yankees open the postseason at Minnesota on Wednesday.

Ukulele was also there.

Kristin Nies, a fourth-grade teacher, led the parade through the classrooms of the younger students who pointed and giggled and whispered to each other, delighting especially in recognizing one of the crazy hat wearers.

These were some of the words 92 fourth-graders chose to represent with paper,  discount Los Angeles Dodgers Hatsduct tape, cotton balls and pipe cleaners. The words with the children beneath them formed a parade in the school's hallways Wednesday as the students wished each other “Happy Vocabulary Day.”

Ukulele was also there. And symbiosis. Not to mention conundrum.

Peter pointed out he was not a student, but he was told the policy applied to anyone who entered the college campus in Princess Elizabeth Way.

The 43-year-old, from Hester's Way, was stunned when a receptionist pointed out a sign warning students to remove Cheap Oakland Athletics Hatsall headwear unless it was worn for a religious reason or medical condition.

So he was shocked when he was told to leave – unless he took off his baseball cap.

PETER Greaves only popped into Gloucestershire College to deliver a misdirected letter.

Deng smiles in face of trade talks

Deng smiles in face of trade talks: Cheap Chicago White Sox HatsCarmelo Anthony's name was heard almost as much as Rose's on Monday afternoon, but the players didn’t seem to care much at all. Bulls forward Luol Deng, rumored to be at the heart of a potential deal with Denver for Anthony, laughed off the speculation. 

In the span of a few weeks, he announced to the world that he had no problem being the face of the franchise for years to come, he won a gold medal at the World Championships in Turkey and now he wonders aloud why, in just his third year, he can't be the MVP of the leaguewholesale Chicago White Sox Hats. His confidence is music to the ears of Bulls general manager Gar Forman and new head coach Tom Thibodeau, who are counting on Rose to become the elite-level superstar the organization couldn't land during free agency. 

Rose may not win the award this season, but the thing that should make Chicago fans ecstatic is that he truly believes he can. The transformation he has undergone over the past few months is worth keeping track of -- even for casual fans. 

"Why can't I be the MVP of the league?" he said. "Why can't I be the best player in the league? I don't see why [not]? Why can't I do that? I think I work harddiscount Chicago White Sox Hats. I think I dedicate myself to the game and sacrifice a lot of things at a young age and I know if I continue to do good what I can get out of it. If that's me going now and doing whatever I'm willing to do it because I know in the long run it's going to help me." 

Known by the locals as the "crazy gringo

Lydia Wall, 40, of Ferme Park Road, discount Los Angeles Dodgers HatsCrouch End, battled against the odds to become a successful milliner with a grant from Crisis homelessness charity after being thrown onto the streets when she couldn't make rent.

A FORMER homeless woman Cheap Oakland Athletics Hatswho turned her life around by making hats has been shortlisted to receive a prestigious charity award.

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Known by the locals as the "crazy gringo," Bogan admitted that it sometimes took skilled sailors to navigate the boat. He also confessed to using the same trickery that Orson Welles used--a trick of the mind. 

"The engine of this voyage is fueled by desire,wholesale Oakland Athletics Hats " Bogan said. 

Be prepared to carefully watch the credits, Bogan announced as the film reached its conclusion. Interspersed with the titles, the little boat is shown still traveling the waterways to most incredible places. 

That prompts the question

That prompts the question: Is Persing going to make things even “colder” in Seattle once she moves there – what with all that solitary knitting of hats? Will people in Ann Arbor be on average a little warmer, now that Persing is heading off to Seattle to create web templates for LexBlog? The short answer is:  Of course not. For a longer answer, read Devon Persing’s Talk.

Solitary activity has been analyzed as contributing to a phenomenon that has been labeled “The Seattle Freeze.” It’s not weather related.Cheap Cincinnati Reds Hats  Rather, it refers to the idea that Seattleites on the whole are superficially nice and polite, but basically won’t ever invite you into their homes.

On the totter, Persing and I talked about where she got the hat she wore during her ride – she knit it herself. And it emerged during her Talk that knitting for Persing is a mostly solitary activity.

And what do you know, wholesale Cincinnati Reds Hats  Kerr and Persing are both graduates of the University of Michigan’s School of Information. But they are, of course, very different people. Most strikingly different – to me, anyway – is that while Kerr favors a headgear-less look, even in freezing weather, Persing will put on a hat, even when it’s not that cold, just to make a favorable impression. [To those who read every word I write, I'm known to be a huge supporter of hats in cold weather.]

Why? Maybe because precious stones are as plentiful in Seattle as Ann Arbor’s leaves are in the autumn – that is, really plentiful. discount Cincinnati Reds HatsOr maybe it’s because trees are as plentiful in Ann Arbor as precious stones are in Seattle. To figure out which city nickname came first would require some kind of research into historical information – you know, the kind of thing only a librarian or information scientist might be able to pull off.

More snow this Winter?

Philips saysCheap Monster energy hatsthat this year Canadians should expect a tougher winter then last year - thanks to La Nina, which generally means it will be colder across Canada.

As the climate changes, Philips says that Canadians will experience greater extremes of weather, but what will really "beat us up" is the increased variability.

Last year, Kitchener/Waterloo only received 45% of it's regular snow fall during the winter months.

Environment Canada's Senior Climatologist, Dave Philips tells 570's Gary Doyle show that we can expect a cooler and longer winter this year.  

Get out your hats, gloves and snow blowers this winter, Wholesale Monster energy hats  because it won't be like last year.

Jason Campbell

Flacco completed 21 of 34 passes before leaving after one series in the third quarter. Last year, he threw as many as 34 passes only seven times for a team that relied heavily on the run.  

l RAVENS 24, GIANTS 10: Joe Flacco threw for 229 yards and two touchdowns for pass-happy Baltimore, whose no-huddle offense befuddled visiting New York.

Favre completed 16 of 26 passes and took a couple of big hits while playing two series into the third quarter.

l VIKINGS 24, SEAHAWKS 13: While Brett Favre had an up-and-down 2010 Metrodome debut, his two newest receivers definitely gave him something to smile about. Favre threw for 187 yards and two interceptions, one that rookie Earl Thomas returned 86 yards for a touchdown in host Minnesota's victory over Seattle.

After scoring on a one-yard run, the first-round draft pick put the Bills (2-1) ahead for good, 21-14, with a 20-yard touchdown run in the final minute of the first half. Spiller now has three touchdowns in two starts in place of injured veterans Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch.

Stafford was 13 of 17 for 141 yards and threw a touchdown pass.

l LIONS 35, BROWNS 27: Matthew Stafford threw a touchdown pass, rookie Jahvid Best had a 51-yard run and Aaron Brown scored twice in the fourth quarter to lift host Detroit.

Campbell jersey was 6 for 8 for 93 ya........rds before leaving the game.

Campbell was down on the ground for about five minutes before being carted off the field.

Campbell landed hard on his right shoulder after being sacked by cheap 49ers jersey  linebacker Travis LaBoy. He was found to have a stinger.

Oakland Raiders jersey quarterback Jason Campbell left Saturday night's 28-24 preseason loss to the San Francisco 49ers after being injured on a sack in the first half.

At the snap of the ball, Ray Rice caught it and stuffed it in the belly of Boldin

At the snap of the ball, Ray Rice caught it and stuffed it in the belly of Boldin, who was running right on the end around. Boldin then flipped the ball to Flacco, who was running left behind the line of scrimmage.

The big pay-off on the world's most intricate flea-flicker? A short dump-off to Rice over the middle. OK, so it was a lot of work for a small gain, but it sure was fun to watch.

I wouldn't get your hopes up, though. Since Ravens coach John Harbaugh let us see this in practice, it probably means we won't ever see it in a game (at least not without some alterations). Harbaugh knows that giddy reporters and bloggers like me will quickly get this info out into the blogosphere where other coaches -- namely Jets coach Rex Ryan -- can find it, thus forcing them to prepare for it.

"Yeah, we run that," Harbaugh said when I asked him about the trickeration (yes, I used the Bushism while delivering my question). "We do a lot of stuff, so teams have to prepare for that. I'm sure the Jets will be lining up against that here now tomorrow probably."

Two questions later, another reporter asked Harbaugh if he and the Ravens have been paying Willis McGahee attention to what has been going on with Ryan's Jets on "Hard Knocks." You can probably paraphrase Harbaugh's answer yourself without me telling you, but here it is anyway.

"You don't see anything that you would really be interested in seeing," he said. "It's not like they've got their practice script and their coaching video. If we had that, we'd take a close look at it."

Harbaugh then made a pretty funny joke about Ryan planting spies in the crowd at McDaniel College.

"We do suspect that Coach Ryan has had a few of his local friends from Ellicott City out here with their cameras videotaping practices," Harbaugh said. "That's OK. He knows what we're doing. We pretty much know what they're doing. I'm sure there will be a few wrinkles."

 Recent quarterbacks who were drafted in the first round started immediately as rookies, for better or worse (see Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco in '08 and Mark Sanchez and Matt Stafford in '09). Rodgers sat behind Brett Favre for three years and learned at the feet of an NFL icon before taking over as the Packers' starter in '08.

"I'm sure it was frustrating for Aaron," Packers general manager Ted Thompson said Tuesday.

Frustrating? Likely. Beneficial? Absolutely.

In just two years, Rodgers has evolved into one of the NFL's best quarterbacks. He's not yet on the same street as Peyton Manning, Tom Brady or Drew Brees—those guys have been on the job a lot longer, and each has won at least one Super Bowl—but Rodgers is driving toward their neighborhood.

Rodgers became the first quarterback in league history to pass for more than 4,000 yards in each of his first two seasons. More noteworthy are his career touchdowns (59) and interceptions (21). That's almost a 3-to-1 ratio, which would be remarkable for any quarterback, whether his name be Montana or Moe.

Although Rodgers played in only seven games his first three seasons, the former Cal QB took a lot of mental reps and gained significant knowledge watching Favre on the field and in the meeting room.

"(Rodgers) had a chance to be under the system for a while and learn the intricate things of the system," Lions linebacker Julian Peterson said. "He has a great grasp of it right now and is doing an excellent job of it.

"You knew he had first-round talent (but) obviously he slid (to the 24th pick). He wasn't too happy about it, but it really worked out for the best of his interests because he went to a team with a good foundation, a good supporting cast around him. All he had to do was learn from one of the best quarterbacks in the game, and it's worked out for him very well."

The Eagles didn't let go of Brian Dawkins until he was 35

For the Eagles, the "known" included not only McNabb, the team's starter from 2000 through 2009, but also a core of veterans who led the team through a decade of playoff appearances and a loss in the 2005 Super Bowl. In the past two years, nearly all those veterans — Brian Westbrook, Brian Dawkins, Jon Runyan, Tra Thomas, Sheldon Brown and others — were traded, were released or left through free agency. The current Eagles are so young that when Reid excused players older than 30 from an afternoon practice, only one nonkicker qualified.

With so few veterans around, particularly on offense, Kolb and the younger players have adopted a leadership-by-committee approach.

"Our big push is just 'one unit' right now," he said. "We don't care about individuals, we don't care about spotlights."

Kolb recognizes his role as a de facto leader, but stresses that he was "not going to force anything." Younger players have more opportunities to assert themselves than in years past. "We speak up when somebody wants to speak up, and everybody listens and trusts each other."

Other players sound comfortable both with Kolb's style and with the team's democratic philosophy.

"Everybody had their question marks, but I think he's definitely answered those," the second-year receiver Jeremy Maclin said of Kolb. "Now we have a team that grows as a unit."

A number of factors contributed to safety Quintin Mikell's decline in 2009: the loss of Brian Dawkins, the revolving door at linebacker, the risky play of the cornerbacks and a new defensive coordinator in Sean McDermott.

But Mikell told the Inquirer that he also let his discontent about his contract affect his play last year. Playing for a relatively paltry four-year, $4 million deal, Mikell thought that he deserved an extension as the starting strong safety. But the Eagles had smartly locked him in at a cheap rate before he became a starter, and Mikell had little leverage to get a deal done.

Now 29, Mikell's one of the Eagles' oldest players on a team that's constantly looking to get younger. And the Eagles have never rushed to provide more money to players entering his thirties. But there are a number of factors that suggest Mikell will be in Philly for the next few years.

First, Mikell's really not that old. The Eagles didn't let go of Brian Dawkins until he was 35. Dawkins was, of course, somewhat of an athletic freak, but his case shows that the team is willing to pay an older safety. Giving Mikell an extension of three to four years at age 30 isn't unreasonable. Plus, since Mikell only became an every down player in 2008, he has relatively little wear on his tires.

Second, Mikell's not going to command Antrel Rolle money. Rolle, who got a five-year, $37 million contract this off-season from the Giants, was 27 years old and one of the best safeties in the league. Mikell can be a solid starter, but he's not a difference-maker who deserves a huge deal. The Eagles should be able to compensate him adequately without breaking the bank for an aging player.

Finally and most importantly, Mikell's more valuable in Philadelphia than anywhere else in the NFL. Let's assume for a minute that he has at least as good a season as he had in 2009, and probably an improvement from that down year. Can the Eagles afford to let him go? Even if Nate Allen looks good at free safety this fall, he's still very young. Pairing him with an even more inexperienced replacement at strong safety -- such as 7th-round pick Kurt Coleman -- could be a disaster.

Eli Manning flying under the radar

The longest off-season of Eli Manning's football life is mercifully over, but no matter how much extra time the Giants' quarterback had to agonize over the way last season went so wrong so fast, his essential core remains unaltered. Unlike so many of his NFL counterparts, the man they call 'Easy Eli' doesn't do off-field histrionics or bold sideline pronouncements.

Manning believes his 2010 Giants are good enough to win the Super Bowl, but his way of saying so isn't going to lead anyone to confuse him with Rex Ryan. "Yeah, talent-wise, it's definitely there," Manning told The Record on Thursday, shortly after lunch and a few hours before the evening portion of two-a-day training camp sessions began.

No defining anything less than that title as a failure.

No guarantee.

No boast, no brag.

 "It's just about getting the most out of everybody, working hard, staying healthy, being fully committed and staying together as a team," Eli Manning added. "That's what it comes down to."

Manning is adept at espousing the company line, at staying in the best graces of management with an understated personality that fits perfectly into the franchise portfolio. That's why this training camp sets up so perfectly for him. With publicity hounds up and down the division and the loudest barking dog sharing his own stadium,Eli Manning goes quietly about his work. He already has the one thing they all want, and a 2007 Super Bowl ring complete with MVP honors does more to silence the blowhards around him than anything he says could hope to do.

Yet Manning is cursed by his own success. If the worst title an athlete can earn is being the best at his sport without ever winning a title (Dan Marino anyone?), the one for the guy who should have won so much more isn't much fun either (the 1980s Mets, Brett Favre anyone?) Like winning that second major in golf, a second Super Bowl elevates a quarterback into rare company.

 "I'll find out what it means hopefully," Eli Manning said. "For me, it's about competing, getting better, become a better player, getting the most out of all our players, out of their potential and getting them to play at their highest level.

Peyton Manning nearly took the lead in the brothers' Super Bowl race, only to see his Colts lose last year's title game to the Saints. Back on equal footing, Eli and Peyton start over again, eyeing the same prize with much the same approach. High-profile player; low-profile person.

Giants coach Tom Coughlin can go days without being asked about the quarterback who has started every game for the past five seasons.

 "The only questions I ever have [with Eli] are [about the way] we continue to upgrade our expectation level and he's well aware of that," Coughlin said. "He's just Eli. He's flying along."

I asked Mannning if he has a few more Super Bowls in him and he only smiled and said, "I hope so." If he is going to get another, it'll be behind a persona that's definitely more Derek Jeter than Ben Roethlisberger.

Let his rivals make noise up and down the NFC East, from Tony Romo and his merry band of wide receiver battles in Dallas to the transfer of Donovan McNabb, who finally escaped the negativity of Philadelphia only to land in the ineptitude of Washington. Let his New York counterparts make plenty of training camp noise across the state, where Ryan and his Jets take their turn in the Hard Knocks spotlight and deal with the holdout of their best player, Darrelle Revis.

Manning is at his most comfortable when the attention is elsewhere. While the Jets turned themselves into the NFL's darlings by getting within one half of last year's Super Bowl, while they stayed in the headlines with every controversial off-season roster move, Manning rolled along in the background, blurring his vision in front of the tape machine.

Standing in the shadow of the leafy trees on the University at Albany campus Thursday, he explained just why he's been so quietly focused. An epic collapse after a 5-0 start – the Giants' finished 8-8 and out of the playoffs last season - had quite a sobering effect. The defense bore the brunt of the embarrassment, giving up a staggering 85 points in the final two games. But Manning's 14 interceptions and 13 fumbles must also be corrected, and he's had a lot of time to think about them.

 "The off-season was definitely way too long," he said. "You just think about not wanting to have that feeling again, that feeling we had at the end of the season. We got off to a great start, but those last 10-11 weeks just weren't good. We didn't play well. You just want to get that feeling of playing bad football out of our system. Not making the playoffs and ending the last few games the way we did, playing poorly, that's not us, that's not how we want to be thought of or associated with.

 "So we've got to get back to work."

Yes, the longest off-season of his football life is over. But the work is just beginning. The noise around him is deafening, but none of it is coming from Manning. And that's just the way he likes it.

Joe Thomas has big dreams for Browns

Joe Thomas is not taking his talents to South Beach.

He is more interested in what is swimming underwater than what is sunning on the sand. His favorite recent catch was a 5-pound Lake Erie smallmouth bass.

One star does a hit-and-run ESPN hour to tell the world he's dumping Cleveland for the sub-tropics. The other guy ice fishes on episodes of Ohio Outdoors.

Surely, Thomas is in the discussion of who is the favorite athlete of this heartland's pro sports fans now that LeBron James is in Heatland.

Mention this to Thomas and he says, "I can't say I really think about it too much.

"Josh (Cribbs) is certainly the most well known. He's certainly the guy that people think about when they think about the Cleveland Browns. I'm comfortable with that."

Point taken, but ...

Cribbs has been to two Pro Bowls in his five Browns seasons. Thomas is three-for-three.

Thomas is signed through 2011. In 2012, depending how the labor situation pans out, he could become the first Browns player to be slapped with the "franchise" tag, binding him to the Browns for another year.

Or, a contract extension could be worked out.

"I'm just taking it one year at a time," Thomas said Monday after the fourth practice of training camp. "When the time comes to talk about long-term, I'm sure the Browns will come to me."

That's as noncommittal as anything James said before he bolted. Thomas, though, provided something Browns fans can really sink their teeth into. He did so when he was asked if he still thinks about making it to Canton one day as a Hall of Famer — one of the first things he brought up when Cleveland made him the third pick of the 2007 draft.

"On a day-to-day basis," Thomas said, "no, I don't really think about it. Certainly, in the offseason when I'm working out, those are the motivations that go through your head. Trying to turn this team into a winner, take us to the playoffs, turn this into a dynasty.

"Those things go through your head ... keep playing well, keep improving. I think doing those sorts of things can get you to the Hall of Fame."

A football dynasty in Cleveland? Can you imagine?

This is real: Thomas is one of the best left tackles on earth. He and Denver's Ryan Clady were the two offensive tackles on last season's All-Pro team.

Football players wear out faster than basketball players, but Thomas is still young by any standard and should have at least five great years left. He's barely older than James, having been born Dec. 4, 1984. James was born Dec. 30, 1984.

The national media thinks the Browns still stink. ESPN sent its travel bus to Berea Monday, and the talking heads played smiley-face with players and coaches. The same network pegs the Browns at No. 28 in its current rankings.

Entering his fourth pro season, Thomas wants the team to be light years better than No. 28, and he wants it now.

He got a huge kick out of the four-game winning streak that enabled the 2009 Browns to finish at 5-11. He has been viewed as more finesse than smash-mouth, but his run blocking was superb during the 4-0 stretch when the team averaged 225 rushing yards. In the last three games, Jerome Harrison averaged 187 yards.

"We ran the ball extremely well at the end of the year," Thomas said. "I think Jerome is going to be better than he was last year. Hopefully, we'll give him the ball early and often and he'll continue what he did at the end of last season."

Thomas is protecting a new quarterback, 35-year-old Jake Delhomme.

"He has a very calm sense about him," Joe Thomas said. "He drops back and puts the ball where it's supposed to be. If the blitz is coming, he knows where it's coming from.

"He kind of makes everybody more comfortable on offense. He knows exactly what he's supposed to do.

"He's going to help everybody else around him get better."

Thomas said he intends to keep getting better. Funny thing, though ...

He came into the league saying he diligently studied his favorite left tackle, Walter Jones. At the time, Jones played for Mike Holmgren in Seattle.

Now, Holmgren is in Cleveland and Jones is retired.

Who is Joe Thomas supposed to study now that he has arrived at the top, and all the young left tackles are studying him?

Actually, he has an answer for that. He studies tapes of Hall of Famers. He studies current Pro Bowlers. He even studies the lot of young tackles who keep getting drafted way up there where teams are looking for the next Joe Thomas.

"You're always striving for perfection," he said.

LaRon Landry is probably the happiest defender in camp

LaRon Landry is probably the happiest defender in camp. Landry is being used closer to the line of scrimmage this season, much as he was for half of his rookie year in '07. Landry can be more aggressive in the new scheme and should be a factor against the run and on the blitz. The past two years, his job was mainly to stop big plays deep.

The Redskins on Monday released third-year quarterback Colt Brennan, a fan favorite who had hoped for a long career in Washington.

"I was totally surprised," Brennan said in a phone interview shortly after leaving Redskins Park. "I actually was walking off the field today and someone asked, 'How'd you do today?' I said I had a good day."

Brennan struggled in training camp and the Redskins acquired quarterback John Beck from the Baltimore Ravens for cornerback Doug Dutch earlier Monday. Brennan, however, said the Redskins' decision was based on their strong interest in Beck.

"To be honest with you, it was never a situation with me playing and how I did," Brennan said. "It was basically that they always had a real strong interest in John Beck."

"They told me they think I can play," he added, "So they just wanted to give me an opportunity to catch on somewhere."

Brennan hurt his left hip during the final 2009 preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The team put him on the season-ending injured reserve list and he underwent surgery. Brennan had surgery on his right hip before his rookie year.

Brennan had base salaries of $295,000 in 2008 and $385,000 last season. Although he became a fan favorite after his productive rookie debut in the 2008 Hall of Fame game, he has never appeared in a regular season game.

The former University of Hawaii standout quickly achieved cult status after LaRon Landry he went 9 of 10 for 123 yards and two touchdowns in a 30-16 victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Canton, Ohio, when the Colts were playing many rookies on defense.

If Brennan clears waivers in the next 24 hours, he would be free to sign with any team. "It's definitely a bummer because . . . I definitely love the area, and I can't say enough about how good the fans have been to me," he said.

Third-year free safety Kareem Moore had two interceptions in three plays Monday during the morning session at Redskins Park.

Moore, who has worked with the first-team defense since organized team activities, made a nice catch on a deep ball quarterback Donovan McNabb intended for wide receiver Joey Galloway. He then caught a pass McNabb threw to tight end Chris Cooley.

"Just trying to play the defense, to make plays," Moore said as he jogged off the field to lift weights. "Don't try to be too aggressive, man. Just when they come, just make them."

Considered the only true free safety on the roster, Moore, 25, is expected to start alongside strong safety LaRon Landry. The Redskins did not move Landry, who played free safety the past two seasons, to strong safety to create more playing time for Moore, but Moore is taking advantage of the opening, the team says.

"Kareem is a true free safety," said safeties coach Steve Jackson. "He was drafted to play free safety, and what happened was he was stuck behind LaRon."

The Indianapolis Colts won’t undertake their first practice of training camp

I saw the clip on NFL Network of the reasons why Steve Tasker is not in the Hall of Fame.  The arguments against him really hit me hard.  They suit up, they make plays, and they add points to the board, and they still don't get love from voters.

They ask a kicker to make game-winning field goals, they do that, and come on the field celebrating and saying, "You've won us Super Bowls."  The kicker will say, "Does that mean I'm going to the Hall of Fame?"  They'll say, "Nope".

The only pure special teams player to get into the Hall of Fame was Jan Stenerud, and he was selected on his first ballot.  How is it that after that, nobody else gets in?

Ray Guy helped the Raiders win games and has been highly recommended for the Hall of Fame.  That's been the case for many years.

If I were them, I'd go on strike, refuse to play any more NFL games until more special teams players get into the Hall of Fame.  If special teams players aren't as special as offensive and defensive players, then let's see teams win without them.  Let's see the Bears win without Robbie Gould!  Let's see the Browns win without Joshua Cribbs! Let's look at the Patriots of this decade and see if they could've won without Adam Vinatieri!

Will Reggie Wayne report?

The four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver would like a new contract. But he'll have to get in line, along with defensive end Robert Mathis, behind franchise quarterback Peyton Manning.

That fact didn't sit well with Wayne during the offseason, and he hinted in interviews with several Indianapolis media outlets last month that he might not report to training camp on time.

However, a post on his website this week talks about finding a good place to eat in Anderson and the impending end of his summer vacation.

How will players recovering from injury look?

Key starters Dwight Freeney, Adam Vinatieri, Anthony Gonzalez and Bob Sanders each are recovering from ailments of varying degrees.

Each has fared well in offseason training, and each is reportedly ready to report to Anderson University today.

But a forboding note appeared at the bottom of Michael Lombardi's column on NFL.com last week suggesting Sanders' injuries might be severe enough to end his career.

The Colts quickly denied it, but many eyes and ears will again be trained on Sanders' medical updates.

 What is the team's first impression of its once and future home?

Only Manning and center Jeff Saturday remain from the Colts roster during the last season they called Anderson their training camp home 12 years ago.

Several members of Indianapolis' front office already have gotten a good look at AU's renovations, but what will the players and coaching staff think?

Bet the 2010 Jacksonville Jaguars

The offense ranked 10th in rushing, 19th in passing and 24th in scoring for NFL betting odds  last season but now Dirk Koetter now has total control as offensive coordinator. Quarterback David Gerrard has taken heat for inconsistent play and a less than stellar work ethic as he enters his 4th year on the job. His job could be in jeopardy with a bad start and Luke McCown is the alternative. Maurice Jones-Drew had a fine season at running back with almost 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also caught 53 passes. Bet the 2010 Jacksonville Jaguars 75-1 as longshots to win the Super Bowl in NFL predictions with a 10% bonus.

It's the new home of the Jaguars, still right here in Jacksonville.

In a news conference this afternoon, Jaguars jerseys owner Wayne Weaver announced the signing of a five-year deal with Jacksonville-based EverBank.

This "important day for the Jaguars" has been a long one, according to Weaver, who said the deal was finalized at 1:22 this morning.

The Jaguars have played in unsponsored Jacksonville Municipal Stadium since the previous deal with Alltel expired after the 2006 season.

"Great partnerships...are essential for a sports franchise to be successful," Weaver said.  He also said the deal with EverBank is a sign that the team will "be here for many, many years to come."

EverBank Chairman and CEO Robert Clements called today, "Arguably one David Garrard of the most exciting milestones in the evolution of EverBank," a company that has been in Jacksonville for nearly 50 years.

Clements spoke about the importance of the team to the city, calling the Jaguars franchise "integral...to the continued growth and development of our city."

Mayor John Peyton was on a previously scheduled trip, but City Council President Jack Webb spoke on behalf of the city, saying the deal shows "the tremendous support for the Jaguars that we have seen in this offseason."

Financial terms of the deal have not been released yet.  Weaver said that will happen tonight at the city council meeting, but sources have said it is expected to be in the $3 million range each year for five years.

Misty Skipper with the mayor's office said today that the contract, which must be approved by the city council, calls for the city to forego its 25 percent, and that the Jaguars will get that money.

Skipper cited two reasons: It would help sustain the viability of the team, and they haven't gotten any money anyway for several years.  Also, she said the money would not be able to help city services such as libraries, but would have to go back to the sports complex.

Weaver also said the Jaguars have been "painted with a broad brush in the national media," and said this deal shows the commitment the team has to the area.

The city council will hold public hearings on the contract next week, and will vote on it in two weeks.

Clements also spoke about why the new name is "EverBank Field" and not "EverBank Stadium."

"We think it's pretty cool," he said, adding they talked about it at great length.

"I think it's great," Tony Boselli, a former Jaguar, said. "Really excited that a local company like Everbank would put their name on the stadium."

Boselli and others are hoping the new stadium sponsor will boost ticket sales.

Last year, slumping ticket sales met what Macky Weaver, Jags senior vice president for sales and marketing, calls the worst ticket sales in the team's history.

"It certainly will be a pat on Jacksonville's back to go from the negative publicity that we received last year, based on the decline in season tickets, to come back this quickly because of a community-based effort, local business effort, a company that's based out of Jacksonville stepping up to put their name on this building," Weaver said.

"I think the good news ... whether it reminds or encourages and just puts it at the top of mind again for people to get out there and buy their season tickets," Boselli added.

Boselli says this move sends a message that the team is here to stay.

The Kansas City Chiefs will expose a weak Charger run defense

Kansas City, meanwhile, has a strong backfield with emerging star running back Jamaal Charles and offseason acquisition of 1,300-yard rusher Thomas Jones.

It looks like Kansas City will try to return to the good ol' days when they gave the ball to running back Priest Holmes on pretty much every offensive play and everyone else blocked for him, resulting in one of the most productive offensive units in the past decade.

In addition, the Chiefs signed Charlie Weis as offensive coordinator, which should be good for second-year starter Matt Cassel. Weis has mentored some great quarterbacks in his past, including Tom Brady in New England from 2000-2004.

The real issue for the Chiefs is their defense. Last season, the Kansas City defense gave up over 26 points per game on average and ranked 31 st against the run.

The Chiefs jerseys acquired defensive mastermind Romeo Crennel in the offseason to help improve one of the worst defenses in the league in the 2009 NFL betting season.

On the upside, the Chargers don't look too threatening on the ground and with the suspension of pro bowl receiver Vincent Jackson for drinking and driving (again), Chargers quarterback Phillip Rivers will be looking for Antonio Gates every time down the field.

Chargers receiver Malcolm Floyd steps into the number one receiver option in Jackson's absence.

If Chiefs football jerseys lockdown corner Brandon Flowers can handle Floyd one-on-one (which he should be able to do), the new 3-4 defensive scheme in Kansas City will allow for help coverage from linebackers on Chargers tight end Antonio Gates. Deep ball coverage will come from new rookie starter, strong safety Eric Berry.

The Kansas City Chiefs will expose a weak Charger run defense, which gave up at least 100 yards rushing in six straight games (excluding a meaningless Week 17 game) to finish their 2009 NFL betting season.

The total attendace for the game was 52,424. This would include fans from 43 states and four different countries. This is a new record for a soccer game in Kansas City. The old record, 37,319, was set in April of 2001 when the US National Team played at Arrowhead.

The game started off with a bang as Kansas City would get on the board early as Captain Davy Arnaud would score the first goal at the 11 minute mark. He would be assisted by Kei Kamara and Teal Bunbury.

This would remain the score until the 41st minute. A red card would be handed Dwayne Bowe out after a hard foul by the Wizards' Jimmy Conrad. This would give the Red Devils a penalty shot. Dimitar Bebratov did not miss and the score was knotted at one. Still, the damage was done as the Wizards would have to play a man down for the rest of the game.

But just a minute later, Kansas City's Kei Kamara would score the winning goal on something of a controversial shot. Kamara's ball would go off the top of the cross bar and appear to land on the white goal line, but not go behind. Since there was no way to replay the goal, the referee immediately signaled goal.

There would be a lot of scoring chances for Manchester United, but no goals for them or for the Wizards. Both teams would also sub in many players as the time ticked off to a win for Kansas City.

The Jacksonville Jaguars signed the fourth of their six draft picks

On one hand, Jim Tanner is only 41 years old and he's already being named the head of the sports division at Williams & Connolly, the high-profile Washington, D.C., law firm that represents 14 current NBA players. On the flip side, Mr. Tanner—who took over after veteran agent Lon Babby left Tuesday to be the Phoenix Suns' head of basketball operations—has a lot more on his plate. He says the firm won't immediately hire anyone to fill the slack, so he's looking at 17-hour days for the near future. "I expect to be a little busier now," he says.

 The Bears also waived two undrafted free agents: WR Vic Hall and DT Jimmy Saddler-McQueen.

The Dallas Cowboys agreed to terms with sixth-round pick Jamar Wall (CB, 5-10, 204, Texas Tech). According to a source, Wall signed a four-year deal worth roughly $1.97 million, with a signing bonus worth roughly $97,000.

Wall was unable to participate in drills during the combine due to a hamstring injury, but his game tape was strong enough for Dallas to select him. Wall, who is known in scouting circles for his aggressive and physical play, figures to compete for a job as the team's fourth cornerback in training camp.

In addition to waiving WR John Matthews this week, the Indianapolis Colts waived undrafted free agent S Donye McClesky. When seventh-round pick Ray Fisher signs, they'll have nine safeties under contract.

The new Jacksonville Jaguars jerseys signed the fourth of their six draft picks, coming to terms with sixth-round pick Scott McGee (CB, 5-8, 182, James Madison). A source said he agreed to a four-year deal worth just over $1.87 million. The small-school product figures to compete for a roster spot in training camp as a slot cornerback.

The Jags also claimed WR John Matthews off waivers after he was waived by the Colts on Tuesday.

Veteran WR Eddie Kennison was placed on the Chiefs' Reserve/Retired list and David Garrard removed from the roster Tuesday, a day after he signed a ceremonial one-day contract.

 Kennison was selected by St. Louis in the first round of the 1996 Draft and last played in the NFL with the Rams in 2008. He also played for the Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints during his 13-year career.

Miami Dolphins placed veteran NT Jason Ferguson on the Reserve/Retired list the week after he announced his retirement after 13 seasons. Veteran DL Randy Starks will move from end in Miami's 3-4 defense to nose tackle to replace Ferguson. Fourth-year NT Paul Soliai also will compete for snaps.

The New England Patriots reeled in two more players from their Draft class Maurice Jones Wednesday: seventh-rounders Kade Weston (DT, 6-5, 315, Georgia) and Zac Robinson (QB, 6-3, 218, Oklahoma St.)

According to a source, Weston signed a four-year deal worth roughly $1.83 million with a signing bonus worth just shy of $40,000. Weston figures to compete against second-year DL Myron Pryor for the backup nose tackle job in training camp.

Robinson signed a four-year deal worth just less than $1.83 million. He struggled mightily Reggie Nelson with passing accuracy during Senior Bowl week practices, but rebounded quite nicely during his solid combine performance, as he threw the ball with better zip and accuracy. Robinson is projected to be the No. 3 quarterback.

Jacksonville Jaguars in Round 6 of this April's NFL draft

There's just some extra hanging around.

At last year's rookie combine, Monroe tipped the scales at 309 pounds. By the time he signed with the Jaguars and suited up for their first preseason game, he had bulked up to 329.

Again, not a bad build—just a little unnecessary flab. Watching Monroe play in tune-up games and as a 16-game starter at left tackle, his impressive quick feet, strong hands, and menacing demeanor were always on display.

As, unfortunately, was a hint of sluggishness.

According to Luke Richesson, Jacksonville's second-year strength coach, that won't be a problem anymore. On June 15, Richesson mentioned in an interview that Monroe has cut his weight down to 300 pounds.

"He's 17 percent body fat and he's brutally strong," Richesson said.

It's typical for an NFL player, especially one looking to earn a reputation, to put in heavy work on his physique in the offseason. But a 30-pound weight loss? That's nothing short of phenomenal.

For anyone other than 400-pound Arizona Cardinals guard Deuce Lutui , at least.

Considering that Monroe was likely working with the guidance of top-notch fitness Maurice Jones  professionals, it's safe to assume that most of his cut weight was fat, not muscle. Crunch the numbers, and his efforts amount to nearly a double-digit drop in body fat percentage.

Outstanding—and, when I read about it, a little close-to-home.

A couple of hundred kids, ages 8 through 12, learned things like stretching, agility exercises and engaged in fun competitions at the free clinic.

Owens, who played his college football at Maine and is now one of the top Reggie Nelson special teamers in the NFL, says this is something he's always wanted to do.


This January, I made a New Year's resolution to get in shape before the start of rugby season in March. At the time, I weighed close to 220 pounds and had been limited to playing as a forward when I tried out for the University of Virginia's club team.

Fast-forward to March, and I had turned myself into a 190-pound David Garrard inside center—a back and the main ball-carrier in my club's "crash ball" offense. In terms of body fat, I had dropped from nearly 20 to around 15 percent.

I wasn't (and still am not) in "perfect shape," but my legs were just as strong while pushing less weight around. The results were better explosiveness, better endurance, and all-around better in-game performance.

When Eugene Monroe lines up against the AFC South's fearsome pass rushers this season, that's exactly what he'll need, too.

But McGee, who was selected by the new Jacksonville Jaguars jerseys in Round 6 of this April's NFL draft, says a deal is close.

"We're finishing up," McGee said Monday by phone.

The Jaguars report for training camp July 29 at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium.

"It'll definitely be done by then," said McGee. "I'm just ready to go."

McGee was one of two players from James Madison taken in this year's draft. The other, defensive lineman/linebacker Arthur Moats, was drafted by the Bills earlier in Round 6.

Moats signed a four-year rookie deal with Buffalo in June that included a $112,000 signing bonus.

McGee is one of four unsigned draft picks on the Jaguars' roster. He says he's been busy working out in preparation for his rookie season.

Jacksonville Jaguars have done during the off season

In the last two seasons, Garrard has struggled as his turnover ratio has increased and his passer rating was 83.5. It simply isn't good enough for a quarterback who was awarded the richest contract in team history two seasons ago.

Garrard's leadership has been questioned as well. The 32-year old is the most experienced on a Jag's offense that has been mediocre. They have no threats at wide receiver.

The Jaguars best offensive weapon is running back Maurice Jones-Drew who rushed for 1,391 yards last season in his first year as a starter. Hopefully the Jaguars offensive line and receivers can improve with another year's experience under their belts.

Garrard has not shown that he has all the mechanics and wits to be a starter. His accuracy drops under pressure. His x-factor is that he's strong and can use his legs to get out of pressure. His limitations though prevent Jacksonville from being a legitimate threat to the AFC South.

Jones-Drew will be the main man on offence. Not just in the run game but all David Garrard around the offence. He is a tremendous pass blocker and he is a threat in the passing game as well, with his breakaway speed and his strong lower body. There aren't many other weapons the Jags can turn to after Jones-Drew. The remaining backs simply are nowhere near where Jones-Drew is.

Marcedes Lewis is a solid run-blocking tight end who is also helpful in the passing game.

The receiving corps features Mike Sims-Walker who was inconsistent last season, has the ability to attack the middle of the field. The Jags lost Tory Holt and will turn to newcomer Kassim Osgood and veteran Troy Williamson can help. However Williamson is unreliable and Osgood has spent most of his career on special teams.

On defence, the Jaguars have to hope that their recent draft picks will pay off, including Austen Reggie Nelson Lane, Larry Hart and Tyson Alualu. The Jags hope to bring pressure up the middle and improve their secondary.

Eighth year corner Rashean Mathis has barked for a new contract but he'll have to show he can stay healthy and help the Jags secondary.

When the new Jacksonville Jaguars jerseys traded defensive end/outside linebacker Quentin Groves to the Oakland Raiders, I quipped with a friend I was with when it occurred that "Maybe they fleeced Oakland and got Morrison, who I've heard they're peddling around the league." I said it entirely in jest, thinking the Jaguars eventually would get Clint Ingram under contract and roll with the same three linebackers.

Low and behold, on the third day of the draft the Jacksonville Jaguars did indeed fleece the Raiders. The Jaguars sent a fourth round pick to Oakland in exchange for a fifth round pick and linebacker Kirk Morrison, who became ultra-expendable once the Raiders selected Rolando McClain 8th overall. So in essence, the Jacksonville Jaguars traded a 4th round pick and Quentin Groves (whom they were likely to release) for two 5th round picks and Kirk Morrison (whom the Raiders would likely release).

Not too shabby.

"It's a new beginning for me,'' Morrison said. "I almost feel like I got drafted all over again.''

Ironically Morrison is joining a team that hit the pseudo-reset button last season. The Jaguars are in the process of starting all over again, so "drafting" a new middle linebacker made a lot of sense. Acquiring Morrison allows do-it-all and routinely underrated linebacker Daryl Smith to move back to the outside.

Since the loss of Mike Peterson to free agency, the Jaguars have been looking for that 100+ tackle force in the middle of the field.  Daryl Smith filled that role nicely, but taking him from his weakside linebacker position hurt the linebacking corps overall.  Adding Morrison adds a consistent force up the middle of the field for the Jaguars.

Kirk Morrison hasn't been on a winning football team since high school. At San Diego State, which now has 4 Jaguar players on it's roster, Morrison didn't have a winning season. In his five seasons with the Oakland Raiders, Morrison wasn't part of a single winning season. You can tell he's hungry for that, and that's what the Jacksonville Jaguars need in the middle of the field.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Mike Tomlin

Financial terms on the new deal are not yet available, but Bouchette points out that Arizona Cardinals jerseys coach Ken Whisenhunt negotiated a similar deal in February that pays him a hefty $5.5 million to $6 million annually.

Whisenhunt and Tomlin had very similar contracts before Matt Leinart their extensions. It remains to be seen whether they will continue to be on par with each other.

when the Steelers extended Bill Cowher's contract the terms of the new deal did not kick in until after the old deal expired.

Tomlin is 31-17 as coach of the Steelers and coached the team to a Larry Fitzgerald Super Bowl title in 2008.

After a rocky finish to their 2009 campaign, rumors surfaced that Tomlin could be on his way out the door. Those rumors, however, have been put to bed.

The Steelers head coaches seem to enjoy longevity in the position. A Anquan Boldin rarity in the National Football League.

Tomlin is no exception.

 

One thing that has been beaten into our heads the last three years is that rookies earn starting time on this team, regardless which round they were drafted in. Dan Williams will find this out soon, especially when training camp opens. Obviously the Cardinals  didn't draft Williams to ride the bench in 2010. They drafted him to learn and develop, which is why they also re-signed veteran Bryan Robinson. Robinson will teach Williams everything he can and expects the rookie to take his job in the near future. It's only a matter of time.

 

Williams - Seeing how the Cardinals run the 3-4 defense, this one is a no-brain-er to me. Williams' frame is built with a low center of gravity and he has massive tree-trunks for legs. He possesses the perfect size to man the middle of the defensive line in a 3-4. Robinson lacks the size to draw double teams.

 

Williams - One of Williams' strong suits coming out of college was his speed. He doesn't quit and will pursue the ball carrier well beyond the line of scrimmage. Robinson's speed has dwindled over the years.

 

Williams - Again, with his ability to explode out of his stance and draw double teams, Williams wins the athleticism battle. If I had to, I'd compare Williams to a monster truck and Robinson to a cement truck - very different athletes.

The Colts first used the franchise tag on Manning

Manning declined to talk about his contract status last month. Recently, Tom Condon, Manning's agent, and Colts jerseys president Bill Polian took a similar stance.

In an interview with a Boston radio station, Polian indicated a new deal for Manning might come later rather than sooner because of the NFL's labor uncertainty. If owners and the players union can't hammer out a new collective bargaining agreement, a lockout could threaten the 2011 season.

"We've been going slowly along with Tom Condon because we're trying to formulate some things that will fit no matter what the (new) system is," Polian told WEEI. "We can't get into the nitty-gritty because we don't know what the rules will be.

"It's not like you're going to get (a new CBA) in October, I don't think. If that happens, it would be great. But at least you can get a feel for the way things are going."

It's possible Manning's new contract won't be finalized until after the season. That happened in 2004 when his rookie contract expired. The new Indianapolis Colts jerseys first used the franchise tag on Manning, then signed him to a long-term deal. Whatever the NFL landscape is, his new contract could average $20 million a season and include $50 million guaranteed.

 

Walt Smith, director of campus police and security, said people hired will have to be able to withstand the heat and represent AU and the Colts football jerseys well. "They have to have good judgment, good people skills, have a helpful disposition and be friendly."

 

Separately, the city of Anderson's 2010 Training Camp Host Committee has made a call for volunteers to serve as ambassadors for the city and training camp.

According to a statement from Anderson public information officer Tammy Bowman, the goals of volunteers at the camp "are to draw record attendance to camp, to create a very hospitable experience for visitors, and to positively strengthen perceptions of Anderson."

 

Volunteers will have to fill out a short application, provide a photo identification and go through two-hour training sessions at AU.  

Paid staff will work with campus security, and Smith said AU is working in cooperation with Anderson Police and Colts staff.

 

Smith said University Boulevard through campus will be closed during camp from Nursery Road to College Avenue. It's a safety issue because people will park in the Church of God campground site and cross the boulevard. It's also being done for the protection of Colts players and because of the thousands expected daily on campus.

Some of those hired will be placed at road closing areas, Smith said.

"We hoped for a great response in the community and from visitors on campus, and we just want to have high visibility of people in parking and field security to be able to direct people and answer questions and make sure our guests know what to do and where to go and to have a good experience here on campus," he said.

 

Peyton's numbers are staggering in his career with the Colts since being drafted No. 1 overall in the 1998 draft.

 

He has started all 16 regular-season games for 12 straight seasons and earned eight straight Pro Bowl selections, 10 overall. The 10 nominations tie Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas for the most in club history and trail Brett Favre by one for the NFL record.

 

Peyton was MVP of Super Bowl XLI and became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 3,000 yards or more in the first 12 seasons of his career. He exceeded the 350 touchdown mark Nov. 15, 2009, against New England in his 185th career game, tying Hall of Famer Dan Marino for the fastest to reach the milestone.

Sun Life Financial secured the naming rights

Each nonprofit will, in turn, select a participating student to win a $5,000 scholarship. And each of the four winning nonprofits will be competing for an additional $50,000 from the Dolphins jerseys Foundation.

To be considered for funding, an organization must be designated as nonprofit and work with children under the age of 21 in the areas of education engagement and/or increasing high school graduation rates. In addition to grant money, each organization will receive training, materials and the curriculum necessary to develop and provide financial education for the youth in its program.

Several new Miami Dolphins jerseys players and Dolphins sponsors have purchased a large amount of youth football and cheer summer camp spots for the team's camp at Estero High School next week.

Spots normally cost $315 for the five-day summer camp. To get a code for one of the spots, send an e-mail to youthprograms@dolphins.com.

The football camp is for boys and girls ages 6-14. The cheerleading camp is for girls ages 5-14. The camp is July 12-16, from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. each day.

The football camp features appearances by both current and former Miami Dolphins' players and coaches. The camp focuses on football training, teamwork building and the importance of education.

The football camp includes: Two (2) jerseys, autographs and appearances by former Miami Dolphins players, a flag belt, and camp photo shoot.

In the cheer camp, girls will learn dances and cheers, and attend etiquette and glamour classes taught by both current and former Miami Dolphins cheerleaders. Age groups: 5-7, 8-10, 11-14.

LeBron James Signs With Minnesota Vikings

The Akron Beacon Journal also says that James may be placed into the Minnesota Twins farm system. However, ESPN's Buster Olney believes this is unlikely.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings have released quarterback Brett Favre in order to make rofom for LeBron on their roster.

Reports state that Favre is headed to Cleveland to replace James as the Cavaliers' superstar. The Browns' need for a decent quarterback may bring Brett back into the NFL for another season.

Unfortunately for Favre, quarterback Jake Delhomme stands in his way. On Favre's move to Cleveland, Delhomme said, "I don't think I have much to worry about. He [Favre] is the all-time NFL leader in career interceptions. Since I throw so few interceptions, it shouldn't be an issue."

Despite Delhomme's confidence, Favre is the projected starter for Cleveland.

Essentially, LeBron James has been traded for Brett Favre straight up, making Manny Ramirez's dugout forecast that he will be traded for Favre incorrect.

 

He met his son, Andrew, who's a Marine stationed there. But Childress didn't expect to see his son there, as he explained to SI.com's Peter King.

 

He told King that the Marines had the younger Childress stand in a line with his fellow soldiers whom the Minnesota Vikings coach greeted as he disembarked from a plane.

 

The Childresses embraced in a bear hug that lasted about 60 seconds, King reported.

 

Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress got an emotional surprise when he landed at a military base in Afghanistan during a USO trip last Friday.

 

The Mariners defensive end, 31, was born in Jamaica and came to the U.S. when he was 13. He lived in Jersey City, N.J., while attending high school. Wright said his mother, Paula, was responsible for making sure he and his brothers and sisters received their green cards and were able to stay and succeed in the U.S.

 

"She's the best mom in the world," Wright said. "She brought us to this country. I come from a poor background and was able to live my dream, so I have to give back and tell someone else, 'You can do this, too.'"

 

Wright's commitment was born out of a lesson he learned from his mother during his youth, and it continues to serve him to this day.

One day in high school, he came home and told her he had quit the football team.

 

"'I never raised a quitter,' I told him," Paula Wright said. "So, I said, 'When you come back in this house, make sure you're on the football team!' The next day, he came back and said, 'Mommy, I'm on the football team.'"

 

Conor Wall, resource coordinator for Sarah's Hope, said that while many who help out at an organization like Sarah's Hope are timid and quiet, Wright is not.

"

He's been great in the kitchen," Wall said. "He's friendly and open; he talks to all the kids. He's very helpful."

To See How The Chiefs Handle Jarrad Page

The safety was a liability at times in pass coverage but seemingly worked hard and got along with his teammates. Pollard went on to the Houston Texans, where he put up a solid year, drawing the praise of Houston Texans fans.

Chiefs GM Scott Pioli received some criticism for cutting Pollard, so Chiefs fans are watching anxiously to see how they handle the Jarrad Page situation.

I think the fans' perception of Page is about the same as Andre Johnson-- sure, he's got flaws, but overall he's a good player.

And the Chiefs are not in the market to be giving up good players.

So how will the Chiefs handle the Page trade request?

Chiefs fans are watching with curiosity not only because they might lose a good player such as Page, but also because they want to see if the Chiefs learned from their mistake (or the perception that it was a mistake) of cutting Pollard.

Steve McNair Remembered Once Again

Steve McNair was a famous American football player who was murdered along with his girlfriend

Steve McNair was a famous American football player who played for the wholesaleTampa Bay Buccaneers Jerseys. He died on the 4th of July and his death still remains a mystery as no proper investigation went into the matter and the best we have are guesses of what really happened.

Steve McNair was found dead alongside his girlfriend whose name was Saleh Kazemi. Steve McNair was found with four gunshots in his body; two in the body and two in the head while Saleh had one gunshot on her head. Their bodies were found by the police in Steve's Tennessee condo.

After some preliminary investigations, it was concluded that (wholesaleTampa Bay Buccaneers Jerseys) Steve McNair was killed by his girlfriend Saleh and after that she killed herself. This conclusion was reached after gun-powder was found on Saleh's hands but after that the case was closed and no more investigations were done.

Now it is going to be a year since Steve McNair died but his death will remain a mystery.

49ers' Carr not dwelling on the past

SANTA CLARA – David Carr's locker is sandwiched between Alex Smith's and Nate Davis in the 49ers' locker room, and it doesn't get the heavy traffic. Smith is the projected face of the offense. Nate Davis  is an intriguing project, a player with a unique ability to polarize Niners fans. Those two have been receiving a lot of interview requests the past few weeks, while Carr quietly goes about his business.

It wasn't always this way, of course.

During his first five seasons with the Houston Texans (2002-06), Carr played, and lived, under a high-powered microscope. As the first overall pick of the 2002 draft – and the first in the history of the Texans franchise – he was expected to lead the brand-new team to the big time. For five years he was celebrated, vilified, gossiped about, analyzed, quantified and generally picked clean.

Eight years after leaving Fresno State, Carr is in a much different place.

Generally considered a bust as the top pick, he has been reborn as one of those capable, unexciting backups who go from team to team and act as insurance should the starter go down with an injury.

It's not as glamorous as his former role, but Carr seems to have settled into a much more comfortable frame of mind.

"Now, it's so much about just football," he said after practice one day last week.

"All that other stuff I worried about when I was younger, how the perception was, how I came across to certain people, even my teammates ... If you master your football stuff and you go out there and you play like you're supposed to, everything will take care of itself."

Carr started only four games during one season in Carolina (2007), and none in his two years with the Giants (2008-09). He said he learned valuable lessons from veterans Vinny Testaverde and Jake Delhomme in Carolina, and from Manning, too.