We tend to not allow much room for vulnerability.

They are however, quite human and as such they to fall prey to the same statistics that provide a snapshot into the sample size of American life.

Mental health awareness is gaining more exposure as the taboos and stereotypes that are associated with these various disorders are either shattered or overcome.

Recently the plight of former Detroit Lions wide receiver Titus Young has forced even the hardest heart to pray for the young man’s welfare.

The behavior associated around his multiple arrests are not simple cries for help.

They are an illogical pattern of behavior that may date back to incidents that occurred during his freshman days at California’s University High School.

Young’s father claims that Titus developed an undisclosed disorder after he suffered a concussion during his rookie year in Detroit.

But Young’s pattern of reckless behavior caught up with him early and often at each stage of his career.

High school discipline led to college discipline when the talented Young once again fought the law and the law won at Boise State.

Either Young has a long term problem that has manifested itself continually or there were a series of coincidences that led up to the alleged concussion that the Detroit Lions never listed on their injury report.

According to the National Institute for Mental Health, Young is not alone.

“An estimated 26.2 percent of Americans ages 18 and older — about one in four adults — suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year.”

Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall has become an advocate for mental health awareness.

In 2011, Marshall began speaking publicly about his borderline personality disorder diagnosis.

Marshall told the Sun Sentinel that it was not until he began treatment at Boston’s McLean Hospital that his life made sense to him.

“It wasn’t till I got here that I understood why I was so unhappy, why I was so miserable,” Marshall said. “But understanding is merely the beginning of the journey.”

Marshall told ESPN, via the Mercury News that that he tried to help Young before his recent season of trouble.

“Months back, I wanted to get my hands on Titus, just sit down with him and possibly walk him into the doors of the same program I was in,” Marshall said. “But I think there were some things in the way that kept us both from moving forward. And I am disappointed in that because, since then, it’s just gotten worse and one of the things I stress was without the proper treatment, it’s just going to make things worse.”

The worst case scenario is a dark cloud hanging over the head of Buffalo Bills defensive end Mario Williams.

Williams is currently doing battle with his former fiancée, Erin Marzouki.

The public and legal exchange is over the ownership of a $785,000 diamond engagement ring.

In an ESPN report Marzouki’s attorney paints a bleak picture of what her life was like with Williams during their tumultuous relationship.

He shared texts messages that Williams allegedly sent her.

In one dated November 11, Williams was allegedly urged by Marzouki to get help after sending the message “No money in the world should leave me with suicidal thoughts.”

Her attorney also noted Williams alleged Hydrocodone use and his supposed “dramatic mood swings.”

Williams has come forth to refute the claims on his Twitter account.

The true character of someone is always revealed in times that we don’t typically agree with,” Williams tweeted using Twit Longer. “In these times it’s how you respond and portray yourself to others that shows the ethics, character and true morals of a person. What’s shown speaks for itself!”

“I’m still here and always will be,” Williams tweeted using Twit Longer. “I’m too strong for ridicule and the childish extremes those will do to try and taint a person’s name when in reality you make me stronger, hungrier and more determined.”

When monetary gain is involved, he-said-she-said accusations often come with the territory.

If there is any shred of truth to what this woman is saying, Williams is not alone.

If the 1-in-every-4 adults number is accurate, Williams actually would not be even close to alone.

There are 1,696 players in the NFL.

That would mean that there are approximately 424 players in the league that struggle with some form of mental health disorder.

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The wideout was fresh out of Baylor as RG3′s favorite target and ready to make a direct impact on the NFL.

His 64 catches for 626 yards and four scores were hardly the numbers of a bust.

But they were not set the world on fire stats either.

To combat the plague of the perception that he is a garden variety  middle-of-the-pack player, Wright has worked hard this offseason.

One of his areas of improvement is in his conditioning.

He used Baylor’s facilities when they were not in use during the weekdays.

“That’s what a receiver’s supposed to do to help me with everything, as far as getting in the breaks, running routes and getting back and making all the cuts that I need to make,” Wright said.

“I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been.”

He told the team’s website that he dropped 14 pounds just by cutting out junk food.

For the most part, it wasn’t about the running,” Wright said. “I just started taking care of my body and eating right. I wasn’t eating right at all. I was eating a lot of junk food because that’s what I like and that’s what I’d buy, but I cut down on that and just started eating right.

“When you don’t buy it, you’re not going to eat it, so I just stopped buying it,” added Wright, who said he still buys some junk food if he has company coming to town but still avoids eating it.

“I was just doing what’s right to keep my body right and do what I can to help the team by all means,” Wright said. “Losing weight, slimming up, I just had to do what I had to do to come back right and focus on working.”

If the Titans can keep quarterback Jake Locker upright, Wright may just get to that 85-90 catch zone that will cause plenty of people to say that he lived up to his draft status.

Together with rookie Justin Hunter, could Wright become one-half of a duo that could give the corners in the AFC South fits?

Yes, Kenny Britt was omitted.

Because if you are of sound mind, it only makes sense to say that unless it starts raining miracles in Nashville, Britt will be in the wind after his contract expires this season.

Sad but true.

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The New York Post is reporting that  the 25-year-old Goodson was arrested on drug possession and weapons charges on Friday morning.

Goodson, signed with the Jets in March was found intoxicated on a local route according to the report.

The Jets have issued the standard issue response.

“We are aware of the report and are gathering information,” the team said via statement.

While Goodson was being transported to the hospital, police found marijuana and a loaded 45-caliber handgun in his SUV.

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Yet in the new documentary DeSean Jackson, The Making Of A Father’s Dream that will come out around Father’s Day, it is revealed that Reid was apprehensive about working with Jackson because of his father Bill.

According to Philly Mag.com, Reid told DeSean Jackson on his draft day in 2008,  that his father who guided him to that point, was no longer a welcome part of his professional circle.

The report plays out a scene from the film.

“Hey, I just want to say one thing,” said Jackson, calling together his inner circle. “I was on the phone with Andy Reid. He said, ‘I don’t want your family to be a problem. I don’t want to deal with your dad.’ He said some bad things. I just wanted to let you know. That’s kind of messed up, though.”

Reid had been tipped off by DeSean’s coach at Cal, Jeff Tedford about Jackson’s father who died of pancreatic cancer just after his rookie NFL season came to a close.

“While I understood what Bill’s motives were he didn’t always go about it the right way,” said Tedford. “As far as alienating people or really being loud outside of the locker room and things like that. If DeSean only caught a couple balls in the game, he wanted him to catch 10. He was driven for DeSean to be successful.”

Bill Jackson stated in the film that there was a reason why he pushed his son so hard.

“I never gave him time off. People used to say, ‘Why are you doing him like that. You’re trying to kill him.’ Because he had so much energy, he would be running the streets.”

This small slice of DeSean’s journey to the NFL maybe the most headline worthy per se, but it certainly won’t be the most important.

The video below provides a little more insight to Jackson’s relationship with his dad.

Video: DeSean Jackson talks about his father

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Real Screen’s Adam Benzine is reporting that the show will be pretty light-hearted.

Finally, TBS is also developing Cheeseheads (working title), which looks at the fans of Wisconsin’s Green Bay Packers. Billing promises that the show “will take viewers into the hilarious subculture through the eyes of a group of proud Wisconsinites as they navigate life in the only way they know how – loud, proud and with lots of beer.”

It is being made by Good Clean Fun and the EP is Jason Carbone.

Watch out for the episode that features the return of former Packer Greg Jennings who according to Green Bay fans went to the darkside when he signed with the division rival Minnesota Vikings.

The emotion of that spot may rival anything that is seen on the field.

If Dick & Daisy (video below)  are not involved, that will be nothing short of a crime.

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Smith recently appeared on former teammate Muhsin Muhammad’s radio morning show on WFANZ.

“I wouldn’t let Mark Sanchez throw me a paper bag sandwich,” Smith said.

Ouch.

Now this is the same guy who not only worked with but defended Jake Delhomme during the last two years of his career in Carolina which can be summed as miserable at best.

In 2008, Delhomme accounted for 15 turnovers during the regular season and engineered that infamous one and done playoff appearance where he threw five interceptions in one game.

In 2009, Jake posted…well his QBR that year was a meager 31.1 with 18 picks and four fumbles.

One could even say that Delhomme wrote the book on how to screw up big under primetime lights.

Smith was still willing to catch balls from him.

Just saying that is a one of the biggest glass houses in recent memory.

Making mention of the fact that the Jets play the Panthers on December 15 is kind of a moot point.

Sanchez may not even be there despite David Garrard’s abrupt tap-out.

Smith was obviously just clowning around but the truth is that in some crazy world where Sanchez got traded to Carolina as backup and Cam Newton went down, Smith would gladly take of the challenge of being the guy that made him look good.

His ego would allow no less.

The interview can be heard below.

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This is why that their tag-team comments that are running on NFL.Com may be one of the last times that the general public is exposed to Mathieu’s THC-related war stories and their impact on his new life.

That is of course, until he sews two-to-three nice games together.

At which point, he will sit down with Deion Sanders and/or Michael Irvin for the obligatory comeback interview on the the leagues Sunday morning show.

But still, Arizona has a media relations department fora reason.

So what was said?

Well for one thing, Mathieu explained that he has spent a lot of time around shady people.

“I’ve been around the worst of the worst people, people you can’t trust on any level, people that take advantage of you,” Mathieu said. “I’ve always had that around, and what I’ve had to learn is that not everyone’s bad. I’m learning that people are smiling because they’re happy, not because they’re out to get you. I had all these stereotypes about people, because I’ve been mad, and I have to let some of those things go.

“What I’ve had to learn is that everyone isn’t out to get Tyrann.”

He also defended the core of his character.

“I’m not a bad person,” Mathieu said. “I smoked marijuana, but marijuana should not beat me. The only thing I’ve wanted to do since I was 8 years old is play football. Why would I let something like marijuana keep me from that? Football is my only focus now. People can say anything they want about me. Once this dies out, I know I can shoot for the stars.”

Cardinals GM Steve Keim stepped up to state that the Cardinals have the culture to handle any controversies that Mathieu may bring to the table.

“It goes back to the fact that if you have 53 guys in your locker room, and if 25 of them are character risks, you’d have a real problem,” Keim said. “We feel like we’ve done a good enough job drafting and going through free agency to build some character — not characters — in our locker room, so that we can surround a few guys who may have had some issues in the past that deserve a second chance and an opportunity to succeed.

“You look at your locker room, and you have to feel like you have some stability in place, so you can take a chance here or there.”

Keim put a huge exclamation point/vote of confidence behind what they feel Mathieu can do on the field.

“I don’t know if I’d go out on a limb and say he could become the best corner in the draft,” Keim said. “What I would go out on a limb and say is, he could be the best playmaker in the draft. He just has such unique skill, with instincts and getting his hands on the ball. He’s so opportunistic on the field.”

Let’s see if he has refrained from being opportunistic in life.

Video: Deion Sanders talks up Tyrann Mathieu

Catch up with all of the Arizona Cardinals fantasy football related information and games

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That may not be the case soon as the San Diego Chargers are bringing him in for a visit after they lost outside linebacker Melvin Ingram for the year during Tuesday’s practice activities.

Ingram tore his ACL and is not expected to contribute during the 2013-14 season.

Enter Dwight Freeney.

Freeney has spent most of his career playing as a defensive end.

Last year he morphed into a hybrid role with the Colts when the went to a 3-4 look.

He is the perfect solution after the Chargers watched their depth take a hit  with the loss of Shaun Phillips.

According to the Union-Tribune, Freeney will touch down with the Chargers on Wednesday.

With depleted reserves, the odds are that if Freeney is still in shape and he wants the gig, it will probably be his to be had.

Freeney has links to the new Chargers regime.

New GM Tom Telesco worked for the Colts personnel department for well over a decade.

He began his trip in the 3-4 under Chuck Pagano whose brother John is the current  defensive coordinator in San Diego.

More as it becomes available.

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Philadelphia Eagles legend/ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski owns a piece of the Philadelphia Soul franchise.

Jaworski told the Philadelphia Daily News that he and Soul coach Clint Dolezel sent Tebow a package of plays that would like for him to run should he decide to accept an offer to join their franchise.

“I haven’t heard back from him and I’m not going to push it,” Jaworksi said. “If he decides he wants to play Arena Football, we’ll make a spot for him.”

Jaws stated that the experience would help sharpen his skills.

“He would be forced to quicken it up in this league, and it would be good training for him,” Jaworski said. “You can learn a lot in this league. It’s about processing information and getting the ball out … or you get whacked.”

The AFL season is currently playing itself out, so Tebow will move quickly if he plans on heading in that direction.

Is there the possibility that Tebow could become as sound as Kurt Warner did while he used the AFL as a stop-gap before heading to the Rams?

“If Tim Tebow decides he wants to play in the Arena Football League,” Jaworski said, “I’d love to have him on the Philadelphia Soul.”

Add this to his short list of potential maybes.

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What they landed was a troubled young man whose issues are playing out in theater of the world.

Young’s father Richard spoke with the Detroit Free Press a day after they spoke with the homeowner that almost shot Young after he allegedly broke into his home.

The elder Young went through Friday’s events which eventually led to his felony charges of burglary and assault on a peace officer and a misdemeanor count of resisting arrest.

“We were really talking, and so I was loving it,” Richard Young said.“We get home, and he said, ‘Daddy, I left my phone in the car. Can I get my phone?’ ’Cause usually I give my wife the key to hold the key, ’cause he’s not supposed to be driving. And I gave him the key, he sat in the car for a minute, and he took off and we ain’t seen him since.”

Richard Young also stated that his son began the worst of his downward spiral after he was sent home by the Lions before their loss to the Colts last season.

“ [It] seemed like that snowball really, really started spiraling around” and “he really was depressed.”

Richard stated that he was talking to Titus as he laid on a bed and said “Daddy, I don’t know what’s going on with me.”

“He said, ‘I don’t feel good.’ He just started crying,” Richard Young said. “He said, ‘I just don’t feel good. I’m not myself, I don’t feel good, Dad. I don’t know what’s happening to me.’ ”

The Free Press article states that the Lions tried to persuade Titus Young to get help for his issues.  They would not state what those issues were specifically.

Richard Young just wants the world to understand that his son is not the monster that he appears to be.

“I hope they just forgive Titus because this ain’t none of Titus, it wasn’t none of his fault,” Richard Young said. “I look at my son right now, I don’t see my son. That’s not my son. I know my son. Titus is not the boy I really raised, I’m saying the way he act, the way he intermix in society right now. He shut down, he look through you, it’s like he’s depressed. He don’t like to watch TV, he don’t like to get involved with music that much. And these are the things that you’ve got to know what’s going on in the world. Cause we in the world, you’ve got to have a relationship with the world. You’ve got to deal with people. I don’t know, but we’ve been trying to get him help.”

The Young’s family desire is that a judge forces Young to stay consistent with his treatment “because he’s not staying with it and he needs that help.”

“We want y’all to pray for the Young family,” Richard Young said. “Ain’t nothing we can do, man, but pray. We just want Titus to get well, that’s all we’re doing right now. We ain’t thinking about football, we’re thinking about our son now because I don’t know what’s going on with him.”

There is a lot of mystery that is surrounding Titus Young and the war that he is waging within himself.

The one thing that is certain is that something is very, very wrong.

The post Titus Young’s father speaks out appeared first on Players View.

The Chiefs are now being coached by Andy Reid who led the team to numerous NFC championship games and a Super Bowl.

According to the Philadelphia Daily News, on that date, Reid’s mainstay quarterback Donovan McNabb will retire as a Eagle.

McNabb spent back-to-back years 2010 and 2011 under center for the Washington Redskins and Minnesota Vikings.

Both of those runs were crash and burn disasters.

McNabb recently went back to Syracuse University where he played his college ball.

“I will retire as an Eagle and I look forward to that opportunity and that day,” McNabb told ESPN, via Syracuse.Com

McNabb also talked up his relationship with Eagles fans.

“There was never any animosity from the Philly fans,” McNabb said.”The handful of fans that are the ones that are kind of being seen, they’re not a high percentage of fans who truly appreciate what you were able to do while you were there. I have nothing but love for the Philly fans, even the ones who were highly criticizing me or opinionated in any way. I can’t get upset at them because my job is to get out on the field and be productive. That’s what quarterbacking is all about.

McNabb discussed his Hall of Fame credentials.

“I didn’t play the game for the individual accolades,” he said. “I didn’t play the game to say, ‘Hey, I want to make the Hall of Fame.’ Yeah, that’s great. I think that’s a goal that you kind of write as a kid up on the sheet, you look at it like, yeah I wanna be like Warren Moon or I wanna be like Jim Kelly, Randall Cunningham. Those were guys I watched and tried to watch and take parts of their game out and add it to mine. And when I had an opportunity to compete against those guys, I wanted to be better. Now that I’m not playing, you look at my numbers, yes my numbers speak for themselves, but none of that would’ve been able to happen if I didn’t play with a great group of guys around me.

“If I’m rewarded by getting in the Hall of Fame, hey that’s great. But to me it’s like graduation. You step across the stage and say you know what, I made it, and I’m happy for it.”

More on this story as the ceremony details are released from the Eagles camp.

Video: Donovan McNabb Eagles highlights

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His latest round of  charges are felony counts of burglary and assault on a peace officer and a misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest.

The Detroit Free Press reported that Bill Palttos, who owns the California house that Young allegedly broke into Friday, told a local TV outlet that he grabbed his rifle and was about to shoot Young had he walked deeper into his home.

“I was by the door and, all of a sudden, the door opened up,” Palttos told KTLA. “I just yelled at him, ‘You better get the hell out of my house.’”

“I feel sorry for him, and I’m sure glad that he left and I didn’t have to find out what’s going to happen if he came in,” Palttos said, “because I’m afraid I would have shot him.”

Upon arrival, Young led the police on a brief foot race and was eventually taken down.

Not to be crass, but you would think a speed merchant like Young would have been able to out run the cops.

Sigh

We have spent an extensive amount of time discussing Titus Young.

He has gone from being a kid that less than a year ago we lauded as being a breakout star to the NFL’s latest unemployed headcase.

His downfall is sad and most likely will not end well unless he finds a way to get the obvious help that he needs.

As we just saw, tragedy is one step away from greeting anybody when they are running wild and making crazy moves.

Video: Titus Young during better days

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The defensive back  spoke with Sports Illustrated Peter King. 

Barber feels that now is the time to retire for multiple reasons.

“It was time,” Barber said. It was right for me, it was right for them. It had to be done. You never really want to retire. I kind of needed to. If I stayed the year, I’d have had to change my role, and that didn’t resonate with me.”

Barber’s resilience is a big part of his legacy. He explained why he was able to play so long without suffering a major injury.

“I think I was smart in how I hit people,” Barber said. “I absorbed tackles. I wasn’t like a missile out there. I absorbed the tackles, kept my head out of there, wrapped up the ball carrier, then just got ‘em on the ground. I was a smart player. I didn’t dive at guys very often. I didn’t hang around piles; that’s where a lot of guys get hurt, just hanging around piles and somebody caves in your knee. Some of it is good fortune. The only thing I couldn’t play through was a broken forearm, but that came in the last game of a season, so I was ready the next year.

When he was asked about hallmark moments of his career, Barber spoke about why Donovan McNabb’s mom questioned him.

“I think the play I will always remember came in Philadelphia [in the 2002 NFC Championship Game],” Barber said. “That’s the year we went to the Super Bowl. But it was the fourth quarter, and we’d been showing blitz a lot that day. I had a sack earlier in the game. So I came into a gap when Donovan was getting ready to get the snap. He saw me, and the ball got snapped, then I was back [into coverage]. I thought he’d throw hot to Antonio Freeman, and quick, that’s what he did. I saw him throw, I cut in front of Freeman and just said to myself, ‘Don’t drop it!’ And then, all that space in front of me [92 yards), and I scored. Just surreal. Two weeks later, we're in the Super Bowl. My wife still cries when she sees that play. And I saw Donovan's mom after the game. I had three touchdowns against him over the years, and she said to me, 'Why do you keep doing this to my boy?'"

Barber listed he opponents that gave him the biggest fits.

"I played a lot of great players," Barber said. The receiver position today ... so hard to match up now. Megatron [Calvin Johnson] was impossible to cover. Randy Moss in his prime: nothing you can do. But to me, Steve Smith was the toughest guy I faced. When I played him, he was just like me. He chose to outwork everyone else out there every day. That was me.”

Video: Ronde Barber highlight reel

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After years of hard work and dedication, the truth is that some people only want him for his money.

The explosive receiver spoke about the issue with the team’s website.

“Just people,” Austin said. “Everybody expects a lot of things from you as far as money. Everybody wants to be around you. My phone doesn’t stop ringing now. It feels like they’re counting my bank account now. So that’s probably the hardest thing for me right now, just people.

“I’ve got a lot of cousins now. The whole (city of) Baltimore is my cousin now. We’re going to just try to keep focused and let my mother and all of them handle it.”

Austin is wise to see these people for what they really are at the start of his career.

More than even gold diggers that score by way of pregnancy or divorce, the primary reason pro athletes go broke is because they take on the challenge of supporting a flock of people who feel entitled to their money by way of bloodline.

There are some that are some that are smart enough to limit the access given to their resources by helping in times of genuine need.

There are others that allow able-bodied folks to milk them out of everything.

Austin obviously has his head on right as he moved on to discuss what it will take to live up to his hype.

“There’s a little (bit of) high expectations for me because I went No. 8, but at the same time when I come up here I just have fun and pretty much try to do always what I do,” Austin said. “The No. 1 thing is to come up here and make some plays.”

Video: Tavon Austin Highlight Reel

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Poorly executed post-game press conferences and sideline sulk fests sent the wrong message to observers and the Panthers fan base.

For all of his talent, Cam Newton appeared to be hopping onboard the same train that sent Vince Young to the unemployment line.

Newton eventually pulled up and finished his sophomore season strong by learning from his mistakes and abandoning the attitude that was outshining his marquee talent.

But the lingering feeling is still there that he must be consistent.

No one understands that theory more than the Panthers new offensive coordinator Mike Shula.

Shula told the Associated Press, via the Washington Post, that Newton needs to level things out.

“Probably the biggest thing for him is maintaining that balance,” Shula said. “Because everything around you during the football season is going to be up and down.”

“The more you can continue to stay on an even plane and lead the group of guys around you, the more effective you are going to be as a quarterback.”

Strategically, Shula stated that Newton must help himself on the field by making the right moves.

“We want him to make quick decisions — and the right decisions — and get the ball out,” Shula said. “That helps the receivers and the offensive line and keeps people off of him. I think he’s gotten better each year. I feel better about him now than I did last year.

You can’t substitute anything for the experience he’s gotten. The ups and downs. You are going to be better because of it. As we feel like we have guys surrounding him that are poised to have really good years.”

Will Newton continue to mature and grow?

It’s very possible.

Since college, Newton has avoided legal trouble and other scandals that derail careers.

If we saw the worst of him last season, the best is yet to come.

Video: Cam Newton Documentary

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Signing either former Falcon John Abraham or former Colt Dwight Freeney seems like a no-brainer.

According to Titans head coach Mike Munchak, everything is not as easy as it seems.

The Titans have been linked as the next team to bring Abraham into their fold as far back as last offseason.

Just as it appeared as if he would be bound for Nashville, the Falcons swooped in and retained his services for what was thought to be a three year deal in 2012.

That won’t happen again according to Abraham.

After he was released by Atlanta to clear cap space, Abraham went on tour visiting or speaking with the 49ers, the Seahawks, the Patriots, the Broncos and the Titans.

Tennessee emerged as reportedly the best fit.

Yet a deal has yet to be completed for the veteran who bagged 10 sacks last season.

Munchak told the Titans website that as far as Abraham goes, the ball is pretty much in his court.

“We talked to him, spent some time with him. It’s looking at what he wants, what we want,” Munchak said. “We’ve been talking to him; nothing’s been done. He hasn’t obviously made a decision, and (I don’t know) how quickly he’s going to make the decision.”

“It’s a business thing, so we’re talking to him, Munchak said. “Obviously, we know what kind of player he is and has been. He’s going to be playing in this league. We all know that. It’s just a matter of where the best fit is going to be.”

The hangup with Abraham maybe that he wants the playing time that is afforded to a starting defensive end.

The Falcons were prone to limit the 35-year-old to a situational role, something that does not excite him now.

If Abraham does not pan out, Munchak also stated that the Titans have Dwight Freeney’s number on speed dial.

“I think we talk to everyone really, but we haven’t had him in obviously,” Munchak said. “We know what a great player he’s been, and it’s one of those things where you have to bring guys like that in because you have to see where they are physically and where they’re at mentally and what their thinking is.

There’s a lot more to it with the older guys, to see exactly what kind of situation they’re looking for. You really don’t know that until you bring them in.”

Video: The Best of John Abraham

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The issues surrounding their stadium situation has clouded the fact that they easily be the AFC’s most improved team.

In fact, they may be a dark horse candidate to snatch the AFC East crown from a wounded New England Patriots squad.

We’re not ready to commit to that assessment yet as camps and the preseason must conclude before we go into prediction mode.

So far so good, as quarterback Ryan Tannehill is enamored with his new wide receivers.

On working with big ticket free agent pickup Mike Wallace, Tannehill told the Miami Herald that Wallace blew him away when he asked him to slow down to half speed when they were practicing routes.

“I am going half speed,” Wallace responded, according to Tannehill.

“Everything I heard about him coming in has proved to be true – he’s as advertised,” Tannehill said. “He’s the fastest guy I’ve ever thrown to. It’s exciting.”

The second-year man QB out of Texas A&M is also a fan of newcomer Brandon Gibson, who last saw time with the St. Louis Rams.

“I really like Brandon,” Tannehill said. “He moves well. He’s a really natural pass catcher, catches with his hands [not his body]. Smooth in and out of routes. I’m excited we got him. And he really understands, so that you’re able to make a correction the first time and not worry about it again.”

Tannehill also called his own name for assessment.

“There were a lot of throws where my feet were not set, fundamentally not sound, and the ball isn’t as accurate as you want it to be,” he said. “You look at the reasons for that and I hope to correct it, so it’s not an issue going forward.”

It’s all good right now under the sun. Let’s see how this optimism will play itself out.

 Video: Ryan Tannehill Goes To Work

The post Ryan Tannehill is blown away by new receivers appeared first on Players View.

The reason for his discontent is his number 73 ranking on the NFL’s annual Top 100 players list.

The list is compiled  from votes by the players, so every year there are always feelings that get hurt after someone  feels dissed by their peers.

Gates told the NFL Network with a couple of sarcastic chuckles that more than a few guys need to watch more film.

“Apparently they don’t watch football,” Gates said. “I understand everyone’s opinion. Some people are stat guys, some people are into who catches the touchdowns, who has 100-something catches. A lot of people are not interested into what the game plan is about, what guys demand the game plan every single week, week in and week out, [and] what guys demand double teams.

I can go on down the list. It is funny to me because it is a joke, in a sense, so it is kind of funny. It is a voice of an opinion. I go out and do what I can do and try to help us win football games. It is always frustrating to see you placed so low. At the same time, it gives me a little chip on my shoulder to come back next year and prove I am one of the better tight ends in the league.”

To be honest, after failing to even catch 50 balls in 2012-13, Gates is being respected by even making the list at all.

His overall body of work makes him one of the greatest to ever to do it.

However, poor production and injuries certainly stymied his status as on of the best right now.

Video: Antonio Gates shares his life story

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The team announced a one-year deal with inside linebacker Karlos Dansby who spent his first six NFL seasons in Arizona red.

Dansby has been a free agent since he was unexpectedly cut by the Miami Dolphins after they won the Dannell Ellerbe bidding war.

Dansby was the hero of the classic 2010 playoff matchup that pitted the Cardinals against the Green Bay Packers in the Wildcard round.

Dansby returned a Aaron Rodgers fumble 17 yards for a overtime touchdown that sent the Cardinals to a 51-45 victory.

The combined score of that game made it the highest scoring postseason game in NFL history.

Moving forward, Dansby at 31-years-old can still ball.

Dansby told the team’s website that he loves the game of the player that they drafted to replace him a few years ago, Darryl Washington.

“He’s a dynamic player, what more can I say about him,” Dansby said. “He’s very athletic, very fast. He reminds me of myself. They did a great job of getting the guy to fill that void.”

But did they really do a great job?

Washington will start the year serving a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

Washington took ownership of his actions in April.

“I was always taught that when you make a mistake, you admit it, learn from it and face whatever consequences there are,” Washington said in a press statement released by the Cardinals. “I take full responsibility and I understand that I let down my teammates, the organization and fans. I apologize for that and promise that no one will work harder to make up for it.”

Washington has also been accused of domestic assault by young lady in Phoenix.

How the latest incident will impact his return date remains to be seen.

Regardless of how it works out, Dansby is a rock solid addition to a stout defense.

Video: Karlos Dansby returns a fumble in OT to defeat the Green Bay Packers

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Merriman confirmed via his Twitter account that he will be a contestant on Season 5 of American Ninja Warrior.

I can’t wait to compete on Season 5 of #AmericanNinjaWarrior this summer going to be crazy

— Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman) May 9, 2013

For the uninitiated, American Ninja Warrior is an obstacle course rooted game show that is similar to the American Gladiators franchise.

Merriman has a huge personality, so I am sure that will translate well into this type of venue for him.

The video below provides a taste of what Merriman is getting himself into.

American Ninja Warrior 2012  finals

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Case in point, Manning orchestrated a gag that saw right tackle Orlando Franklin take a televised pie to the face from Eric Decker while attending his first baseball game.

The video below showcases Franklin’s good nature during the prank after he figured out what was going on a split second after he was hit.

He initially grabbed Decker like a rag doll as he was being smashed with the pie.

Franklin vowed to get even with Manning according to the NFL’s website.

“I think a lot of guys are going to jump at that opportunity. So we’ve just got to plan something out real good for him and get him when it counts,” Franklin said.

“I wasn’t really paying attention to it. That was stupid on my behalf, but like I said, I’m looking forward to getting those guys back,” Franklin said. “He’s pretty much gotten everybody on the offense, so I was one of those guys — it was bound to happen sooner or later. I’m glad that we got it out of the way.”

Manning has done everything from scare Decker with a bill from his trip to Manning’s get together at Duke University to switching the language on cell phones to Chinese.

“I actually caught him in the middle of it,” tight end Joel Dreessen said.”I was in the shower and I get back to my locker and he was standing at my locker with a towel. I was like, ‘What the (heck) is he doing?’ He was trying to change the language on my iPhone.”

Dressen actually stuck back but called off his revenge before it was carried out.

“I tried to get him back. He was charging his iPad at my locker, so I set a dog barking alarm to go off at like 2 in the morning,” Dreesen said.

Thinking twice, he reached out to his quarterback.

“I got home that night and I was like, ‘Man, he’s got twin babies and I don’t want to wake his wife up. So I totally chickened out and I texted him that night, ‘Hey, I set your iPad to go off at 2 in the morning. Turn it off.’

It’s doubtful Franklin would have acted in the same manner.

Orlando Franklin gets smashed with a pie by Eric Decker.

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Shady McCoy told the NFL Network that when the teams square off on Week 3, there will be love and there will be battle.

“He means a lot to me and a lot of other players,” McCoy said. “We’ll give each other a big hug, and then once the game starts, I know how coach Reid is. He’s so focused. All in all, we always know it’s always love and mutual respect between each other, but we have a job to do.”

The last two years of Reid’s tenure with the team felt were messy.

The front office was clearly get frustrated with the results that were being generated on the field.

The 2011-12 season ended with mediocrity after starting with bountiful hope.

The 2012-13 season was for lack of a better word embarrassing for all parties involved.

The Eagles fan base wrestled with a love/hate/always respect relationship with Reid.

A change was needed and now former Oregon Ducks mastermind Chip Kelly is the man.

Much has been pinged about Kelly’s offense.

McCoy provided a bit of insight into what will make it tick.

[There are] “tons of different sets with different backs,” McCoy said. “You run so much. So many different fast-paced movements from motioning out, from running routes. It’s so open, trying to get guys in the open field. It’s a great offense. (But) you need some other backs to be productive because it’s so much running.”

Now we see why former Dallas Cowboy Felix Jones may get a look in Philly green.

It also appears that both McCoy and breakout backup Bryce Brown will see plenty of field time.

Check out this documentary on LeSean McCoy.

The post LeSean McCoy says that the Eagles care for Andy Reid appeared first on Players View.

The Geno Smith vs. Mark Sanchez battle will not be your average position battle.

We knew this the second that Smith was drafted.

What seemed sensible is the idea that that Jets owner Woody Johnson would have circled the wagons and put a gag order on the troops making negative statements.

It should not be that hard to say ‘ everybody play nice when talking to the media and don’t take a side. Both of these guys will fight for the spot and the best man will win.’

At the very least, that should have been communicated to resident lightning rod Santonio Holmes.

His reputation precedes him and it won’t take much for anything he says to get blown out proportion.

So why does Holmes have comments running in the Star Ledger that back Sanchez?

“Right now, it’s Sanchez and that’s who we’re going with and we’re going to continue on this road until time permits.”

Holmes also stated that his quarterback is focused on “being Mark Sanchez, the team leader.”

He also went on to say he and Sanchez are working on learning the new offense being installed by offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg.

The comments are not that serious on paper.

But the day is certainly on the horizon that Smith can and most likely will take the starter’s spot.

That is when and where these comments could start to play themselves out.

Holmes could have taken the high road and not picked a side.

He had no problem doing that in the same conversation when asked about departed backup Tim Tebow.

“That one I’m going to leave unanswered for that one. I have no answer for that one,” Holmes said. ”I didn’t get a chance to play with Tim Tebow so I can’t fully express myself on the situation,” Holmes continued when pressed.

Holmes was also assertive when asked about the controversial move to trade Darrelle Revis.

“I didn’t believe it, I was constantly getting text messages and phone calls asking me about the situation and all I can say is congrats to Rev, he deserves to get paid the way he’s playing and I hope he gets well with his injury to provide some great defense for the Bucs,” Holmes said.

It won’t take much for Geno Smith to crash Sanchez’s party.

The 2012-13 season, butt-fumble and all, was enough to humble any organization.

People lost their jobs because Sanchez crumbled under the weight of Tebowmania and the expectations that came with a fat new contract.

A new GM, offensive coordinator and a head coach fighting for his employment just need a televised mistake or two to yank him in favor of the kid with a future.

That brings us back to what Holmes said.

Smith can not be thrilled about Holmes’ support of Sanchez.

Smith has already proven that he can be petty and immature.

His game will get better as he is one hell of an athlete.

In all sincerity, how much can he grow up as a man in a couple of months?

If Holmes is open and  another kid with potential in sophomore wideout Stephen Hill is open, where do you think Smith ship the ball to?

Spite can get the best of anybody.

Smith is a master of the screen pass.

In that regard, new running back Chris Ivory will get plenty of looks.

Slot receiver Jeremy Kerley was one of the very few Jets that got it right last season.

There are certainly arguments as to why Smith could consistently check down to him.

All of this could lead to one of Holmes’ epic meltdowns that has derailed his career.

Holmes restructured his deal this off-season and has no guaranteed money after this year concludes.

The seeds are planted for the big top to shine brighter than ever.

Check out this Santonio Holmes documentary

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Earlier this week, Patriots owner Robert Kraft issued a statement that alluded to the idea that Gronk was just fine.

Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald is reporting that the worst case scenario has arrived.

As of this point, the plate that was inserted to hold his broken bone in place must be switched out.

The tissue that is inhabiting the infected area must be tested as well.

Gronkowski underwent a six-week cycle of antibiotics to cleanse himself of the infection but until the tests are done, there is no way to be sure that all of the traces of the infection are gone.

Gronkowski will face a 11-week recovery process which can easily impact his availability for the start of the 2013-14 season.

The new worst case scenario for the Patriots according to the report is that a fifth surgery may be required at some point which could deep-six his entire season.

To make matters worse, another Tom Brady target Julian Edelman is currently in a walking boot and the Pats other  starting tight end option Aaron Hernandez could miss up to four months as he mends from his shoulder surgery.

The post Rob Gronkowski requires fourth surgery,out 11 weeks appeared first on Players View.

Newton appeared on the NFL Network, via Pro Football Talk, where he discussed the new wave of quarterbacks such as RG3 and Colin Kaepernick that stepped up to the plate during their rookie year in 2012-2013.

When asked, Newton stated that he is not threatened by these new faces.

“No, by no means,” Newton said. “I’m a fan of those guys. Colin Kaepernick, I got an opportunity to know him well; we were roommates at the Combine when we were coming out. RG3, he’s won the Heisman. Andrew Luck – those guys came in this league and took it by storm.

Am I envious? No. If anything it challenges me to get better and just remember about this league that if you’re not getting better, you’re getting forgotten. So for this whole offseason I’ve been challenging myself, one, to lose weight, two, to become not a stronger player but a smarter player.

That’s one thing I’ve been focusing on with our quarterback coach Ken Dorsey and offensive coordinate Mike Shula. Those guys have been helping me progressing in those different areas.”

Newton went on to predict that the Panthers have a solid shot at winning the NFC South in 2012-13.

“Absolutely. Absolutely,” Newton said. “We’re not going to bat an eye for anybody, especially anybody in this division. We know that our conference is very challenging with seeing Tampa Bay twice a year, Atlanta twice a year, the New Orleans Saints twice a year. It’s going to make us better and it’s also going to let us know where we stand as a team come midway or during the latter part of the season.”

The Panthers are still a few offensive weapons away from keeping up with Atlanta and a revitalized Tampa Bay squad for the division title.

There are scenarios that exists where due to some love from the NFL scheduling team, they can squeak into the NFC Wildcard picture.

Either way, Cam will be Cam and his show doesn’t stop for anybody.

The post Cam Newton is a fan of the new wave of QBs. appeared first on Players View.

Together the pair generated back-to-back Super Bowl wins and sent Elway riding off into the sunset on top.

Elway and his director of player personnel Matt Russell are hoping that a hunch will yield Denver’s current field general Peyton Manning a similar fate.

The Broncos passed on Alabama’s Eddie Lacy in the 2013 NFL draft to reach for a player that reminds Elway of days gone by.

Elway has comments in the Denver Post that speak of how  feels about the team’s latest addition to their backfield, Montee Ball.

“His running style was a lot like Terrell Davis,” Elway said. “We hope that Montee has a career and even a longer career than Terrell had.”

Davis’ career was infamously cut short by a devastating string of knee injuries.

Russell stated that the team was fond of both Lacy and Ball.

“We liked both these backs, we had them very similar on the board,” Russell said. “The issue with Eddie Lacy was we were worried about a toe injury that he had which is probably what caused him to slip. And we really felt great about Montee Ball. We feel we have a career back in Montee Ball.”

Ball has also been compared to another Denver running back in Knowshown Moreno.

The truth is that it doesn’t matter who he looks like on paper.

To become the career back that the Broncos are hoping for, Ball will have to carve out his own lane that is sizable enough for future rookies to be compared to him.

Check out Ball’s attributes in the video below.

The post Montee Ball reminds John Elway of Terrell Davis appeared first on Players View.

The team traded him to the San Francisco 49ers over a money issue.

They now have the unenviable  task of replacing his production.

Boldin was a critical piece to the Ravens success especially in intermediate to long distance  third down situations.

The team’s assistant general manager Eric DeCosta met with the Baltimore Sun and fans on Monday in an open forum where he spent an extensive amount of time addressing the void left at wide receiver.

“I think the hunt goes on,” DeCosta said at The Baltimore Sun Sports Forum. “We’re still working. The roster is not set. We’re always evaluating. We’re always looking at guys. Guys get signed, guys get cut.

“Our pro personnel department looks at all available players and we’ll make a decision at some point of what we want to do at that position. There are definitely some players out there. We’ll consider all options.”

“We’re very excited about Jacoby and the progress he made throughout last season,” DeCosta said. “We think we’ve got some very good young players that can step up and contribute. Deonte Thompson isn’t a heralded name, but a guy we think is going to be a good player. We’re excited about Tandon Doss. David Reed is a guy who’s had a lot of injuries. He’s flashed in practice and made plays.

DeCosta also discussed the contribution that their tight ends may bring them.

“We’ve got some tight ends who can pick up the slack. Ed Dickson made some big plays last year in the Super Bowl, really played his best football in the playoffs. We’re excited to see him become what we thought he was going to be. We really think this is his chance to become a really good tight end in the NFL. Obviously, we’ve got Dennis Pitta, we’ve got Torrey Smith. We’ve got playmakers. We’re excited about what we can do on offense.”

Excited as they may be, Pitta is currently the Ravens best possession receiver.

Could a name such as Devery Henderson pop up on their radar ?

The post Baltimore Ravens filling the void left by Anquan Boldin appeared first on Players View.

Ryan Clark as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers secondary has fought a few battles with Brady during his time in the NFL.

Clark discussed Brady and the Patriots offense with CSNNE during a recent visit.

Clark started out by discussing the departure of wide receiver Wes Welker.

“I think what’s really underestimated is Wes Welker’s importance to not only the New England Patriots, but Tom Brady,” Clark said. “A lot of what they do is timing. A lot of what they do is option reads, when you’re working inside against that nickelback or against those linebackers. Losing him is huge.”

Patriots owner Robert Kraft has gone on the record as to why Welker is gone.

Now that he is in Denver, will this rattle his former quarterback?

Clark stated that Brady is easily spooked.

“When Tom Brady gets pressure and when you’re man-to-man and bumping those guys and making it hard for him to throw, he sees ghosts,” Clark said. “Even when guys aren’t around him, even when he’s not about to be sacked, when his clock goes off in his head that the ball should be out, we’ll see him duck, we’ll see him flinch. When you get Tom Brady doing that, the whole New England Patriots mystique goes away.”

The Patriots have reloaded with new faces such as running back LeGarrette Blount and Danny Amendola.

Will they prove to be enough?

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The Abraham talk has been heavy over the past 48 hours.

Rumors of his retirement and a possible union with the Tennessee Titans have run rampant.

One thing is certain is that the Predator will not be spending any new Sundays in the Georgia Dome.

Atlanta cut Abraham at the start of the league year along with Duanta Robinson and Michael Turner.

According to USA Today, the team kept the lines of communication open in the event that a new deal could be done.

Abraham was due to make $5.75 million with Atlanta on the second-year of a three-year deal with the team.

But in what the report called a “matter of principle,” Abraham has informed the Falcons that he will not return despite the locker room push to get him back into the fold.

The 35-year-old is now a situational pass rusher.

Each one of his 10 2012-13 sacks came at just the right time for a defense that had a gaping hole at the middle linebacker position.

However, the Falcons financial reasoning makes sense.

For the second year in-a-row, they have let Abraham test the market and returned to the party once a reduced value for his services had been set.

But, there is some thing that is also to be said for loyalty and principles.

Thus why Abraham may take reduced money to play for a team that really has a very small chance of playing in the 2013-14 Super Bowl next year.

Abraham should have been afforded the opportunity to play out his career in Atlanta without sacrificing his dignity to do so.

A late-season ankle injury could not have helped his cause.

But despite all of that, the NFL is a weird place and anything can happen  until a contract is signed.

The post John Abraham scoffed at Falcons reunion appeared first on Players View.

Kraft told the Boston Herald that everything seems to be fine with his progress from issues related to his left forearm injury.

“Everything I’ve heard is good,” Kraft said.  “I asked about it this morning and everything is good. He’s working hard.”

The Patriots are trying to avoid a scenario that would force Gronk to have a fourth surgery to remove the plate that is holding his broken bone in place.

The cause for concern centers around an infection that was treated by six-weeks on antibiotics.

With Wes Welker playing catch with Peyton Manning, Gronkowski is expected to become Tom Brady’s favorite target in 2013-14.

Another surgery would sidetrack him for at least 11 weeks and would put added pressure on newcomer Danny Amendola to immediately step up and steal the spotlight.

The Patriots have never been the best at providing the public with full disclosure, so this seems like a situation that is still worth monitoring.

The post Patriots owner Robert Kraft updates Rob Gronkowski’s status appeared first on Players View.

Mathieu has claimed that he has overcome his “marijuana addiction” since he has rededicated himself to football after spiraling out of control during his final stint with the Tigers.

The funny thing about the past is that it never goes away.

It can be hindered and put on the back-burner but it is never quite forgotten.

A local head shop in Phoenix, Arizona was bold enough to use Mathieu’s likeness in a pretty scandalous ad in the New Times to promote their business.

If he takes it in stride and laughs it off, he will be fine.

If he lets something like this get to him, the rookie will prove that he is ill-equipped to deal with the fallout from the mess that he made for himself.

The post Tyrann Mathieu taunted by Arizona smoke shop in ad appeared first on Players View.

Jason Witten has come to the rescue of his quarterback Tony Romo after team owner Jerry Jones publicly stated that Romo would be stepping up his game when it comes to pregame preparation.

Jones told the Dallas Morning News  that his expectation is that Romo will spend more time at work.

This was a part of the deal  when the Cowboys inked Romo to a $108 million contract extension.

“If Tony, for instance, would be here Monday through Saturday … from seven in the morning to six o’clock at night all over this place then that’s better than the way it’s been,” Jones said. “We’ll have more success, and [head coach] Jason [Garrett] believes that. It’s certainly at quarterback but he believes it at the other positions.

“Tony is going to have more time, more presence, not only in the offseason but when the season starts, beginning Monday, assuming we played Sundays. He’s going to have more time on the job. A part of what we agreed with was extra time on the job, beyond the norm. That doesn’t mean that he didn’t have a lot of time on the job, but extra time on the job, Peyton Manning-type time on the job.”

Witten talked to ESPN and rebutted the notion that Romo has not been as involved as he should have been.

“I’ve always felt like Tony was very involved in the process of the plays and our scheme, how we attacked,” Witten said. “I think in any organization where you have an elite quarterback like that, you want him to feel comfortable. I think that’s something we’ve always tried to do, and it sounds like we’re going to continue to do that.”

Witten also stated that maybe we are making a big deal out of nothing.

“Sometimes maybe more is made of that than it is,” Witten said. “I know he understands the expectations to play that position, probably even more so now after the contract than ever before. I think that’s something he embraces and says, ‘Hey, let’s get this started.’ I think we’re all excited. But we all know at this point, our actions will speak a lot louder than anything we say or talk about.”

The last sentence of Witten’s remarks say it all.

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In the midst of the departure of wide receiver Wes Welker and the uncertain immediate futures of tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, the Patriots are restocking their arsenal with wideout Danny Amendola and the recent trade for former  Tampa Bay running back LeGarrette Blount.

Head coach Bill Belichick told ESPN that he is happy with the trade that sent track phenom Jeff Demps to Florida in exchange for the power back.

“We felt like we got good value for Blount,” Belichick said. “He’s a guy that we basically gave up [Jeff] Demps for, and Demps, I’d say, is less of a proven player and there were some other issues with Jeff. With LeGarrette, he’s been a productive player. He didn’t play as much last year with the emergence of [Doug] Martin down there, so I can certainly understand that Tampa was in. We felt like he was a talented guy that we wanted to have on our team.”

The Patriots have lacked physicality in their running game for quite some time now.

Blount is a hammer that will provide a nice change of pace in a Patriots backfield that has traditionally had a hard time closing out games.

He was thrilled to head north to play with Tom Brady and company.

SUPER EXCITED TO BE APART OF #PATNATION!!LET’S GET THIS THING ROLLING AND NEVER LOOK BACK!! 1 GOAL IN MIND!! GRINDING TO GET IT!! #PATNATION

— LeGarrette Blount (@L_Blount27) May 3, 2013

Check out these career highlights from Blount.

The post Bill Belichick praises LeGarrette Blount trade appeared first on Players View.

On Thursday, Michael Vick smoked running back LeSean McCoy in the 40-yard dash heard round the world. 

On Friday rookie Matt Barkley spoke up on a much more serious note and cast a vote of confidence for himself.

Barkley has comments on Philly Mag.Com that point to his curiosity about the scheme that he will learn.

“I don’t exactly know what type of system it is going to be. I probably have similar questions that you do,” Barkley said. “Once we get into rookie camp next week I’ll have a better idea. But in terms of what style of quarterback he needs, I have heard him say multiple times both to the public and to me personally that he is going to make the personnel he has fit in the system.

So without a doubt I have confidence that I can come in right away and make an impact, or just help the team in whatever way I can.

“I don’t think it matters what people say about me and what type of quarterback I am, I think Coach Kelly will make it work.”

Each year rookies walk in the door and decide what number they will wear. More times than not, they try to stay consistent with what they wore in college and in some cases as far back as high school.

Barkley wore number seven at USC.

A large part of Vick’s brand revolves around the number seven, so the question ’will Barkley wear his high school number?,’ popped up.

Barkley stated that he will also abandon his high school number five out of respect for Eagles legend Donovan McNabb.

“I think that was too soon after Donovan [McNabb],” Barkley said. ”That would be a disrespectful to him and the quarterback play he had. I did want a single-digit number and 2 was really one of the only numbers that was available. The organization asked David Akers for permission, he complied and that was that.”

Barkley also discussed his shoulder injury and the critics that said he would never be the same.

“It feels great. It won’t bother me for the rest of my career,” he said. “It was something that took a little while just to get back to normal, but I am good to go. It should not affect the way I throw. It hasn’t hurt at all since I’ve been throwing recently. It feels strong.”

“Let ‘em keep talking, Barkley said. “I’m not going to talk a whole lot, I’m just going to come in and do work, and the way that I play this year I think will speak for itself. They can say what they want but I’m not listening.”

The post Matt Barkley won’t take Donovan McNabb’s number out of respect appeared first on Players View.

Ponder is currently preparing for his third year as the Vikings’ offensive leader.

Defensive leader/sack machine Jared Allen sat down with the Jim Rome Show and explained that he has high expectations for Ponder.

“I tell him all the time, you have to be the guy. Adrian (Peterson) can carry this team so far, our defense can carry this team so far,” Allen said.  “You know, you look at teams that historically win championships and they have consistent play from the quarterback position.”

“I hope he makes leaps and bounds,” Allen added “He’s a great dude.”

The defensive end with a cowboy’s heart feels that there is only one goal for that the Vikings must focus on.

“Just making the playoffs isn’t enough,” Allen said. “When we get there we got to make some noise and try to push for a Super Bowl.”

Allen is not wrong in his thought process.

But do the Vikings have the right guy to get the job done?

The post Jared Allen wants Christian Ponder to be the man appeared first on Players View.

Over the years, it has been speculated that Vick may not be as shifty as used to be.

When he entered the league as the number-one draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 2001, the 32-year old was known not just as Michael Vick.

The smoke that came off his cleats extended his name to the Michael Vick Experience.

Eagles safety Colt Anderson let it be known that Vick still has it after practice on Thursday morning.

Vick just beat Shady in a 40 yard race. @mikevick

— Colt Anderson (@AndersonColt) May 2, 2013

LeSean McCoy is 24 years-old and is a freak.

The running back is already spitting out team records with ease.

According to CBS Sports, Vick beat him by five yards during the challenge. 

Five yards in a 40?

Vick stepped up on Twitter to confirm the distance.

Beat him by a few yards too lol #SpeedKILLS

— Mike Vick (@MikeVick) May 2, 2013

The story is that McCoy has been riding Vick recently during team activities to the degree that he has called him a “old man.”

Vick got sick of the taunting and ask Eagles coach Chip Kelly if he could take out the youngster.

Kelly agreed and McCoy ate a fat slice of humble pie.

Sounds like the old grey man, just might be what he used to be.

Updated: Maybe not as McCoy has come out to playfully state that Vick cheated.

@nfl lol also make sure it’s FAIR …. My brother a cheater haha

— Lesean McCoy (@CutonDime25) May 2, 2013

The post Michael Vick burns LeSean McCoy in a 40-yard dash appeared first on Players View.

After spending four years in New England, Cassel was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs to assume the starter’s role in 2009.

Why?

Because Cassel led the Patriots to an 11-win season after he stepped in for an injured Tom Brady.

Fast forward past four pretty mediocre years with the Chiefs, and now Cassel is set to backup Christian Ponder literally and as something of a mentor to an emerging young quarterback.

Cassel told the Pioneer Press that he is more than up for the job after guiding a young Tom Brady back in the day.

“I taught Tom everything. I thought he really started to flourish after I got there,” Cassel laughed.”A lot of people don’t understand how much time we spend together. It’s important to be together and be good teammates. And when you have a good (quarterback) room, it makes everybody better in the room. That’s what it’s all about.”

Cassel may snicker at the absurdity of the first part of his statement, but he is dead on about how important it is for the quarterbacks to get on the same page.

The 2012-13  New York Jets are a perfect example of what can happen when there is drama among the signal callers.

The post Matt Cassel says he taught Tom Brady everything appeared first on Players View.

After being selected in the fourth-round of the 2013 NFL draft, Patton wasted zero time in his effort to get to work.

The rookie  threw caution to the wind and flew from his home town of Nashville to San Francisco unaware of the fact that he could not be at the facility until May 10.

The 10th is when rookie minicamps open.

49ers coach Jim Harbaugh discussed Patton’s recent move with the Mercury News.

“He’s already my favorite guy,” Harbaugh said.

“We had to go, ‘You’re where? What airport did you fly in to? You’re in a rental car driving here?’” Harbaugh said. “‘Yeah, coach, 20 minutes away.’ We go, ‘He can’t be here, he can’t come here. He’s not allowed to be at our facility.’”

“The fact that he would buy his own ticket, fly out here, just speaks volumes about him,” Harbaugh said of Patton, who last season at Louisiana Tech. “To be honest with you, he reminds me of me. That’s something I would have done. I love it.”

“If he plays for 10 or 15 years in this league, every time somebody talks about Quinton Patton, they’re going to recall the story, ‘He was so gung-ho to get his NFL career started that he flew out to San Francisco on his own dime,’” Harbaugh said.

If Patton gets a starting nod, expect a lot of rookies to burn through frequent flyer miles next year.

The post Quinton Patton flies into the heart of Jim Harbaugh appeared first on Players View.

Samuel told Fox Radio, via CBS Sports that sports talk needs to stick to just that…sports talk.

“Straight people are not announcing they’re straight, so why does everybody have to announce their sexuality or whatever? You know, what they prefer,” Samuel said. “So that’s just how I see it. That’s my opinion on things. All respect you know, I have nothing but respect for the people whoever decisions they make and whatever, but you know, you don’t have to show it and flaunt it like that. You know what I’m saying, we have kids out here too.”

That opinion is a popular one among the people that I have spoken with.

Samuel feels that we should be advanced enough to let the games speak for themselves.

“Who says you had to announce what you are and that has to be talked about because you’re playing a sport? Talk about the sport, how good you do in the sport,” Samuel said. “What you did the last game, keep that like that. You don’t have to go into detail about other things. Lets keep it about the touchdowns, the baskets made, the shots, the assists, the goals made.”

The post Asante Samuel:Why announce your sexuality? appeared first on Players View.

Despite the knee injury that left him broken down during Redskins’ playoff exit, Griffin feels so good about his rookie season that he took the time to taunt his division rival the Dallas Cowboys.

RG3 spoke to Redskins fans at the team’s draft event where he infamously did a set of jumping jacks to showcase the progress of his rehab.

According to the Dallas Morning News, when asked about his favorite moments of his rookie run, he fired shots at the Cowboys.

“You’ve got to start with the last game against the Cowboys,” Griffin told the crowd. “Alfred Morris runs for 200 yards, does a great job. Then we go back to the game on Thanksgiving and we spanked the Cowboys.”

“We made Cowboys Stadium our home,” Griffin said. “And that’s what we want to continue to do.”

Griffin and the Skins probably don’t have much to worry about in terms of keeping up with the Cowboys’ offense.

Tony Romo is their quarterback after all.

However, I would not want to taunt linebacker/menace DeMarcus Ware.

That’s just not a smart thing to do …at all.

Expect these words to be front and center at several points during the season when these teams square off again.

The post Robert Griffin III gloats about spanking the Cowboys on Thanksgiving appeared first on Players View.

The team’s head coach Tom Coughlin has comments running in the New York Post that expresses his continuous concern over the situation.

Cruz has yet to sign his restricted free agent tender or the long term deal that the Giants have placed on the table.

If Cruz were to chose the one -year tender, he would bank $2.879 million for the 2013-14 season. 

The Giants reportedly also have a multi-year deal for him that averages more than $7 million.

Cruz has yet to participate in team activities and that is where Coughlin comes in.

“It has to be a concern because when the restricted free agency period is over, you would hope that things would move fast. What we want is exactly what I said the other day. We want a win-win. We want Victor to be proud to be a New York Giant, proud of his contract,” Coughlin said.

“The New York Giants want him back as badly as we’ve ever wanted anybody,” Coughlin said, “And so we like the thing to be settled and over with and we wish it would be that way so that he could be in here working with the quarterback in the offseason. And the sooner it gets settled, the better off we will be.”

Team GM Jerry Reece is not the guy that will budge easily, so if he has a firm deal on the table, this may not end as quickly as everyone would like it to.

The post Tom Coughlin is concerned about the Victor Cruz situation appeared first on Players View.

Oklahoma’s Landry Jones brings youth to the spot that has been held down by a series of aging veterans that can no longer get it done.

One of which has come out to state that Jones is not only removing him from his spot, he may remove starter Ben Roethlisberger from his eventually.

Charlie Batch will go down in Steelers lore as a blue -collar guy that was there when needed and did a lot of wonderful things for his hometown.

On his way out of the door, he spoke about what Jones’ arrival could mean for his good friend Roethlisberger.

Batch told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that Jones’ selection in the 2013 NFL Draft goes goes “much deeper than what’s on the surface .”

“Maybe they weren’t happy with what they had behind Ben and [newcomer]Bruce Gradhowski. That could be. But ultimately, I think this isn’t about replacing me. Big picture, maybe they’re thinking, ‘Can we develop Landry Jones to be the starter? Maybe two years from now, he could be our guy for the next 10 years.’ We don’t know. But with the contracts for quarterbacks these days, he’d certainly be a heck of a lot cheaper than Ben at age 34 or 35 or 36.”

Although he made the what is sure-to-be-a-controversial statement, Batch said that he is thankful for what the team did for him.

” [They allowed me ]to live out my dream … I’m the only guy born and raised in Pittsburgh who played for the Steelers and won two Super Bowls,” Batch said.

When it was his turn to talk about Charlie, Big Ben could not say enough kind things about his backup and mentor.

“He was always the very first guy I talked to when I came off the field,” Roethlisberger said. “I’d ask him, ‘What did you see?’ I valued his opinion more than any other player or coach. And that’s no disrespect to anyone else. It’s just what I thought of Charlie. He never tried to impose himself on me. But he was always there when I needed him.”

“I feel like I could go on for hours about Charlie,” Roethlisberger said. “He meant so much to me. I told him numerous times, ‘You made me what I am today.’ From on the field to off the field, as a quarterback and as a man. He truly is one of the best guys I’ve ever been around.”

The post Charlie Batch: Pittsburgh Steelers will groom Landry Jones to start appeared first on Players View.

Jacksonville needs help in multiple slots why not go get a guy that can function as a gridiron Swiss Army Knife?

More times than not when a quarterback finds success at a D-I school such as Michigan, they balk at the idea of playing anything but signal caller.

Robinson has gone on the record stating that he is happy to get in where he can fit in.

That attitude working in tandem with his physical gifts can produce something special.

Jaguars GM David Caldwell feels  that way as he told the team’s website.

“I’ve been watching that guy for as long as he’s been playing,” Caldwell said. “Every time I go to Michigan it just amazes me about how passionate he is about football, how loved he is at that school amongst his teammates and how he just goes about his business. You watch that guy practice and he has fun. Not only does he have juice on the field in terms of his speed and play-making ability but just juice in the building. You’re going to love the kid. I’ve watched from afar for a long time. I got a call from Thomas (Dimitroff) and he’s like, ‘I knew you were going to end up getting him at some point in time,’ because we talked about him in Atlanta and I was really excited about that pick.”

Caldwell was chosen to run the Jags front office after spending time working with the Falcons. It’s obvious that had he chosen to stay in Atlanta that he would have pushed for Robinson at some point there.

The Jaguars did not have a serious contingency plan for what would happen to any of their skill players should they go down.

Now they do.

The post Jacksonville Jaguars have big plans for Denard Robinson appeared first on Players View.

Wallace posted ( and deleted) the following.

“I’m not bashing anybody don’t have anything against anyone I just don’t understand it.  All these beautiful women in the world and guys wanna mess with other guys SMH.”

Never said anything was right or wrong I just said I don’t understand!! Deeply sorry for anyone that I offended

— Mike Wallace (@Wallace17_daKid) April 29, 2013

The Dolphins acted quickly and issued a statement on the matter.

“Mike Wallace has apologized for his comments, and we have addressed the matter with him. Mike’s comments do not reflect the views of the Miami Dolphins. We believe in a culture of inclusiveness and respect, and any statements to the contrary are in no way acceptable to our organization. We will address the entire team about our policy of inclusion and make sure they all understand the importance of respecting individual choices.”

The predictable swirl of activity over Wallace’s comments is in it’s own way disheartening.

The positive to Collins’ move is that he had the courage to do what he did.

The athletic community at large has to discuss and adjust to the what is considered the norm for professional athletes.

It’s no longer an attraction that has a ‘coming soon’ sticker on it.

It has arrived.

There has to be tolerance and there has to be understanding.

Neither of which can come about when there is not education.

Wallace stated that he does not understand where Collins is coming from.

So educate him.

In everyone’s rush to support tolerance there has to be some sort of wiggle room for someone that states that they don’t understand.

Mike Wallace did not say anything that was rooted in hatred.

If the climate shifts to where straight males that don’t understand are forced to resent folks such as Jason Collins, that is where the real division will begin.

Here is a good opportunity for the gay & lesbian community to educate someone that does not understand their way of life.

If they could pull that off with the same tolerance that they are asking for, that would be their real victory of the day.

The post Miami Dolphins Mike Wallace draws heat for Jason Collins comment appeared first on Players View.

However, there is one name that can pan out and make a big time splash.

The Cowboys found true value in Oklahoma State running back Joseph Randle in the fifth round.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is speaking out on the team’s running back situation.

Jones told the Star-Telgram on Sunday that their backfield needed another back  to work with DeMarco Murray to get over the hump.

“To totally count on that would give you visions of 8-8, because the last two years, we’ve had games that we didn’t have [DeMarco] Murray, and we didn’t run the ball as well,” Jones said. “We didn’t have as good an offense within it. So if we have somebody that could possibly step up there and give you the respite that you need when you don’t have Murray, that’s a big deal for us.”

Translation, DeMarco is good and everything but he gets hurt a lot and we need to cover our bases.

On his way out of explaining the reasoning behind the Randle pick, Jones stated what he likes about Randle as a potential starter.

“We really could envision him coming in and having that many plays a game,” Jones said. “One of the advantages, one of the reasons, we wanted him was because he really mirrors a lot of what Murray is, relative to a complete three-down back.”

Randle does have a lot of upside.

But there are reasons why he is a fifth-round choice.

He is not the most physical back in the league and he has shown that he has issues getting yards after contact.

When you are shifty at the collegiate level, you can get away with some things.

But in the NFL, a feature back has to be prone to knocking heads and grinding out the blue -collar yards.

You can bulk a guy up, but you can’t give him attitude.

The highlight video below shows what he can do when he has open running lanes.

Randle thus far has yet to put it out there on tape, that he can lower his pads and turn nothing into something on his own.

And it’s been a long time since Dallas has fielded an offensive line that can blow defenses up from the first bang of the snap.

The post Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones talks DeMarco Murray and his new co-worker appeared first on Players View.

Here’s how it went down.

According to Yahoo Sports, Tomlinson spent sometime with the principles of the new front office at the scouting combine and they stated their case.

“I met [ general manager] Tom Telesco and [head coach] Mike McCoy at the combine, and they asked me to come back and play,” Tomlinson said.

“I saw [executive vice president] John Spanos at a restaurant in Indy, and he introduced me to them, and they brought it up. At first I thought they weren’t really serious, but they kept talking about it, and I realized it was real.

They said, ‘You can come back and carry it 10 or 12 times a game. We’d like to have you here.’ ”

LT stated that he never thought strapping on the uniform again.

“No, because when I made the decision to walk away, I wrestled with it long and hard, and I knew it was final. Once I retired, that was it. My mind is in a different place. Mentally, going back would have been too hard.”

The Chargers are working with Ryan Matthews who has yet to live up to his billing as the guy that can take Tomlinson’s place.

Matthews has had a myriad of issues that range from injuries to ball control mishaps.

Perhaps the Chargers wanted LT to come back not only as a Band Aid that would get limited reps.

Maybe, they wanted to rewind to what would have been the original common sense solution.

Let Tomlinson mentor this kid with all of this upside, so that he can show him how it’s done.

The post San Diego Chargers asked LaDainian Tomlinson to return appeared first on Players View.

The New York Post is reporting that Tebow was released early on Monday.

The Jets drafted West Virginia standout Geno Smith  in the second round of the NFL draft on Friday.

Smith’s addition to the team sparked an immediate public reaction that leaned towards the idea that Jets starter Mark Sanchez would be shown the door.

Not so.

It looks like Sanchez’s expensive price tag will provide him with the public perception that he has a chance to start going into the preseason.

Tebow’s contributions to the Jets were nil which may or not be his fault depending on who you ask.

“We have a great deal of respect for Tim Tebow,” coach Rex Ryan said in statement posted on ESPN. “Unfortunately, things did not work out the way we all had hoped.  Tim is an extremely hard worker, evident by the shape he came back in this offseason. We wish him the best moving forward.”

Ultimately, he proved to be the ultimate distraction for a team that does not handle distractions very well.

The Jets recently  transmitted mixed signals regarding Tebow when their first wave of team activities got underway.

“We’re happy to have Tim here,” New York general manager John Idzik told the New York Daily News. “He’s with the rest of the gang here.”

He followed that up by not committing to the idea that Tebow would be in the starting QB mix.

“I’m not saying he is, I’m not saying he isn’t,” Idzik said. “I’m just saying let’s let things play out.”

Did anyone buy that he would stick?

Not really.

Shedding him now makes all the sense in the world as it gives the Jets new signal caller a little less baggage to deal with.

In his 13 months with the team, Tebow’s experience was a visit to the theater of the absurd.

The only problem that remains for the Jets is figuring out how not to write a sequel.

As for Tim, his options moving forward are going to be limited at best.

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#1 Geno Smith Steals The Show

Geno Smith stole the show for two consecutive nights.

On Thursday, it was thanks to his quit exit after he felt a certain way about not getting drafted in the first round.

Smith predicted that he would be a first-round pick on Twitter and when it did not go down that way, he vowed not to to the green room on Friday night.

The Jets took him early and volia!, Smith darted out of the backstage crowd and made his way to the stage to bask in his draft glory.

After crapping out on his draft prediction, Smith issued another proclamation.

Smith stated that the New York Jets will make the playoffs…this year.

#2 Manti Te’o Stays On The West Coast

The San Diego Chargers were not on any of the hot lists to bring in former Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o.

Yet they made their move and Te’o will stay in the sunshine where he feels most comfortable.

The Chargers defense is desperate for a identity and this can actually be a good fit.

Let the completely baseless Junior Seau comparisons begin.

#3 Ryan Nassib and Matt Barkley Are Tripping

The fourth round has yet to begin and both of these signal callers are still professionally homeless.

One of them should become property of the Arizona Cardinals and the other may end up in Jacksonville.

Regardless of where they go, both of these projected top-tier picks have to be disappointed.

#4 So Unpredictable

In the past, with the proper research and funnels of information, a mock draft could put together that was at least 50-55% accurate.

There will always be draft day trades that sink those ships, but for the most part the basic foundation of the first three rounds could be put down with confidence.

Maybe it was the influx of new head coaches and general managers that made the spotlight rounds feel a purge of insanity.

It could be that there was not enough consistency within the scouting community regarding the kids that were involved.

The rhyme or reason why does not matter.

The first three rounds were full of oddball picks the set off a chain reaction of more of the same.

#5 Dallas Cowboys Drafted Horribly

The Cowboys for whatever reason standout as the team that walked away with the least amount of benefit thus far.

They reached in the first round for center Travis Frederrick.

In the second round they reached again with tight end Gavin Escobar.

They did make up some ground with safety J.J. Wilcox in the third, but it may not have been enough to salvage this year’s crop of new talent.

Jerry Jones may have officially entered his Al Davis phase.

#6 The St. Louis Rams Did It Again

The Rams have yet to pick up a running back that they desperately need but you can not help but be impressed with their draft for the second year in a row.

They finally went and got quarterback Sam Bradford a bonafide weapon in wide receiver Tavon Austion and they further solidified what is already a good defense with standout linebacker Alec Ogletree.

Both players are first day starters that will change the direction of this team.

#7 Quarterbacks Are On Notice

Both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Jets tipped their hands that they are looking for new offensive leadership.

One of the big off-season stories  for the Buccaneers is that this is Josh Freeman’s last chance to prove himself.

When the team chose Mike Glennon on Friday, they clearly made the statement that ‘objects in the mirror are closer than they appear.’

In the case of the Jets vs. Mark Sanchez, common sense dictates that they have come to the end of the road of their partnership.

Geno Smith will be the face of the franchise before training camp opens.

#8 The Chiefs Helped Keep The Curtain Closed

I for one, think that its a good thing that the Chiefs did not disclose who they were picking number one overall.

They may have been flip-flopping down to the wire.

At least five names were deeply connected with them since the Senior Bowl and Andy Reid’s new regime did a pretty good job of keeping their cards close to their chest.

It’s better for the fans to have a little bit of intrigue going into the telecast, even if by draft day it was well known that the smart money was on Eric Fisher.

#9 E.J. Manuel To The Bills Was Amazing

E.J. Manuel played the home stretch of the draft like a fiddle.

The kid got out in the media and respectively represented himself very well.

For the last 72 hours, the world got to know him as FSU highlights rolled on ESPN, the NFL Network and beyond.

If the Bills organization had any questions and about how he carries himself in front of the world-at-large, Manuel proved that he is the guy.

Kudos.

#10 Running Out Of Time

There are purists that feel as if running backs are no longer valued as highly as they used to be.

The first round of the 2013 draft gave them further ammunition.

Not a single pick was spent on a running back in the first round.

Were they that bad?

Or have we now truly arrived at the day where the NFL views runners as accessories?

The post New York Jets Geno Smith leads the Top 10 Takeaways from the NFL Draft appeared first on Players View.

According to Houston’s ABC affiliate KTRK-TV, Foster will play the role of Ray Jennings a potential draft pick in the movie Draft Day  that will start filming in New York City this week.

Kevin Costner will play the role of Sonny Weaver, the fictional Cleveland Browns GM that has a chance to “save football” in Cleveland by trading for the number one draft pick.

The dramedy is said to be a tale of morality as Weaver must decide just how far he is willing to go to find ” perfection.”

There’s a few Browns jokes to be made when the word perfection is thrown around, but we will leave them alone.

Foster is really taking acting seriously as he has also been featured in the television series  Hawaii 5-0.

For this role he has apparently shaved his beard.

Foster shaved his beard to look younger. The cast is shooting three days while draft is going on. Kevin Costner stars as Browns’ GM.

— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) April 25, 2013

The role could perhaps bring some sort of odd closure to Foster who went undrafted during his opportunity to shine allegedly due to some badmouthing from a former coach at Tennessee.

Foster will not be the only NFL personality in the film.

NFL players Demario Davis, James Brewer, Ramses Barden, Zoltan Mesko, and Stephen Hill, as well as broadcast analysts and reporters Jon Gruden, Mike Mayock, Deion Sanders, Rich Eisen, Mel Kiper and Chris Berman all appear in the film.

Former football player turned comedy star Terry Crews will also appear.

The post Houston Texans Arian Foster lands role in Kevin Costner football film appeared first on Players View.

Here is the story on Duron Carter.

He came out of high school with a high profile because he does have prodigy-like gifts at the wide receiver position.

He chose the same path that his father took and was accepted at Ohio State.

He tanked at Ohio State and was declared academically ineligible.

Next up, was the junior college route.

Duron’s second stop was at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College.

He fared well there for the most part.

Duron did however develop some sort of personal beef with his quarterback  Cayden Cohran who now plays for Valdosta State.

He took to Twitter in February to speak his peace on Duron.

That sounds like Cochran is either hating to the highest degree or has a legitimate reason to gripe.

After one season with Cochran, Duron made his way to Nick Saban and the University of Alabama where he did not play a single snap.

Why?

He was declared academically ineligible and was eventually dismissed from the team for what USA Today stated was “undisclosed reasons.”

Step four was a non-productive stint at FAU.

That brings us to now.

When Cris Carter spoke with USA Today, he did what he could to explain why his son made a mess of his opportunities at the collegiate level.

He also stated that none of that will impact him on the professional level if he is allowed to suit up for a NFL team.

“He didn’t commit a crime, he has no tattoos, he has no kids, and he’s a pleasant kid. His thing is he hates school, though,” Carter said. “And I’m his dad. He’s really bright; he’s got an IQ over 130. He just hates school. We gave him the pretest on the Wonderlic. He got a 28.”

“He. Just. Hates. (Expletive). School.”

The hating school part is obvious.

How many kids get that many chances to win and don’t?

If Nick Saban can’t get through to a kid, I’m not sure who can.

Carter said that Saban told them that Duron would be able to get a quick entry into the NFL by going through Alabama.

“Nick Saban thought he was going to go there, play one year and go into the league,” Cris said. “That’s what Nick told us.”

Fair enough, but I doubt Saban said ‘ tell the kid that his grades won’t matter much at a…school.’

Still, Cris is stating that all of those issues aside, his son is a NFL-caliber prospect.

“I know there aren’t a lot of better receivers than him in this draft. That’s not a guess; I know. I know wide receivers,” Cris said. “Yes, it might take him some time. I just believe in pro football, it’s all football. You get millions of reps. And what’s the worst-case scenario? Maybe it takes him 16 months.

“But when you see his talent, you’ll be like, ‘He’s a pro.’”

Here is the thing.

The NFL is the ultimate learning environment.

Doing the work on the field is not where it begins nor where it ends and Cris Carter certainly knows this.

Duron certainly has the physical gifts to play on Sunday.

But the attitude behind rejecting the process of education that much speaks loud-and-clear.

How can you expect him to excel in the classroom setting of meetings, film study and work with the position coach?

Like the cliche asks,’how bad do you want it?’

The post Cris Carter talks up son that bombed at Ohio St and Alabama appeared first on Players View.

His big play ability and solid hands can in the right system, be used to turn him into something special.

Before his big day comes on Thursday, Patterson spoke with  KCSP in Kansas City, via Sports Radio Interviews to shed some light on where his mind is at.

Patterson stated that he has heard the various rumors that have him heading to a variety of different teams.

He stated that he will take comfort no matter where he ends up.

“You hear different stuff from teams,” Patterson said. “Every time you visit a team they say how they need a receiver or such and such and they hope they land you. But you never know who’s just saying things just to get things going there. So I hope I get drafted in the first round, but if not, I know I’ll end up somewhere and I’m going to make the best out of it.”

Patterson also commented on the notion that it takes some time for wideouts to become impact players in the NFL.

“I try not to listen to that,” Patterson said.”I just, I have a mind set to go in and just compete with those other guys and just get better, and just try to be a starter out there and hopefully make a name for myself in my first year.”

He knows that he still has some work to do and has taken the constructive criticism that he has heard throughout this process.

“They told me I need to work on my route-running,” he said.”They’re just saying I’ve got all of the ability but need to focus on my routes.”

Patterson has his fair share of players that he admires and compares himself to.

“I’m like a lot of receivers out there,” he said. “I just pay attention to all of them, like Julio Jones and Percy Harvin. He’s quick, he do a lot of things like I do. Randy Moss. I look at all those types of guys; I don’t focus on one.”

Soon Patterson will consider these names to be peers.

Look for this kid to do big things.

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St. Louis found themselves swimming in murky financial waters after they resigned defensive end William Hayes and made large free agency splashes in the form of Jake Long and Jared Cook.

How murky is murky?

Before Chris signed off on his revamped deal the Rams only had $244,000 worth of cap space available with the 2013 NFL draft quickly approaching on Thursday.

Long did not throw himself of the financial sword, he just agreed to let the Rams “shuffle” the same amount of money around for “accounting” purposes according to the St. Louis Post Dispatch.

Long’s base 2013 salary was due to clock in at $13.25 million.

The Rams shaved $6 million from that amount and reshaped it into a pro-rated roster bonus that will paid throughout the year.

That same $6 million will count against the Ram’s cap over the last four years of Long’s contract in installments of $1.5 million.

That brings Long’s 2013 cap number down to $8.75 million.

This will now allow the Rams to sign their draft picks and maybe even add another veteran free agent to their 2013 roster.

The post Chris Long restructures his contract for the St. Louis Rams. appeared first on Players View.

In leaving the Jets via trade, he  signed a $96 million dollar deal with Tampa Bay that is worth zero dollars in guaranteed money.

It’s a risky move on his part as he has been prone to injury.

The high risk/high reward element to the deal is only magnified by his recovery from a ACL injury that ended his 2012 season.

We are going to assume that Revis will play up to his previous gold standard.

Looking at that best-case scenario, these are the five ways in which Darrelle Revis will help the Tampa Bay Buccaneers get back on track.

#1 Third Down Bailouts

Tampa Bay’s most serious woes has lied within their secondary.

In 2012, they were ranked 24th out of the NFL’s 32 defenses in third down conversion percentage.

Defenses that can not get off the field, get tired and when they get tired they start getting abused.

Revis can help button up this problem on third-and-long situations that are obvious passing downs.

The maximum impact rests not only with drives shut down early.

It will now be easier for Tampa’s defense to maintain their stamina well into the fourth quarter.

The Bucs issues with giving up leads in the fourth quarter might become a thing of the past.

#2 Makes the Defensive Line Better 

The Buccaneers have invested heavily in building up the depth of their defensive line.

A standout like Gerald McCoy will only grow stronger if he is allotted more time to get to the quarterback in passing situations.

But cutting off a quarterback’s number one option, Revis will forces division foes such as Drew Brees to work through his progressions to find other open targets.

In doing so, the Buccaneers will begin to generate more coverage sacks.

#3 Josh Freeman Should Be Better

How can Revis make his quarterback better?

Afterall, his prescence did not exactly do wonders for Mark Sanchez.

It’s simple.

If statements one and two are correct, the Buccaneers offense will be handed better starting field position.

By not forcing Freeman to work as many long drives, his scoring opportunities will rise.

Freeman built a lot of chemistry up with wide recevier Vincent Jackson in the 2012-13 season.

A 30-yard quick strike from mid-field places Tampa in field goal range.

That same pass from within deep in their own territory only removes their back from against the wall.

Freeman is still working out the kinks in his game, but with an easier road to walk, he should be able take that next step.

#4 Balance of Power 

The NFC South is not completely dominated by any single team.

The Atlanta Falcons have won the crown two out of the past three years but for the most part, the South has enjoyed a nice bout of parity.

Atlanta is the presumed favorite to do it again.

Tampa could now be the strongest threat to that prediction.

The Saints are not what they used to be and the Panthers still have to prove that they can take Cam Newton’s talents and use them to generate wins.

Revis will have his hands full bouncing back and forth between the Falcons’ receiving tandem of  Julio Jones and Roddy White.

There is no one that is currently on the Saints or the Panthers pre-draft rosters that Revis can not easily handle.

Dominance within the division is the first step to post-season entry and a shot at the division title

#5 Ticket Sales

There are very few markets that have an abundance of fans that are so dedicated to their team that they will show up win, lose or draw.

As they have struggled, Tampa’s ticket sales have been fairly bad.

Stars bring promise and promise sells tickets.

If Revis can deleiver on his promise, I don’t think anyone will be discussing Tampa-area television blackouts for some time to come.

Yes, it’s always about the money.

The post 5 Ways That Darrelle Revis will help the Tampa Bay Buccaneers appeared first on Players View.

Ware just expanded upon it.

In early April Ware told NFL Radio, via the Dallas Morning News that it was time for Romo to “put up or shut up.”

“I feel like everybody is deserving to whatever is given to him, but at the end of the day, to me it’s put up or shut up. I’m just being straight-up honest with you. Get out there and be productive, and that’s with any player. Whatever they get, they’re deserving of it. You just got to get out there and play and I know he can be and will be the quarterback that is going to be the quarterback that is going to take us to the next level.”

On Sunday, Ware set the record straight that he was not just talking about Romo.

“They’re going to twist the words that you can change,” Ware told the Dallas Morning News. “So I talked to Romo about that. It didn’t come across as it was personified as. I tell them when it’s time to play you put everything else behind you and put your best foot forward.”

“That’s everybody,” he said. “When you get out there it’s put up or shut up. It’s produce or don’t get on the field.”

Ware also discussed his status after recovering from a January surgery to repair the posterior torn labrum in his right shoulder.

“It feels really good now but I haven’t had any impact yet,” Ware said. “That’s the whole deal. How much impact can you take? You don’t want to have a [setback].

Ware will be at OTAs and other team related events without fail.

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Manning told 850 KOA in Denver, via NFL.Com that he requires that the youngsters get on his page by watching his favorite movies.

“The past few years, as I’ve reached my elder years as a quarterback in the NFL, I’ve kind of tried to get to know these rookies and try to get on the same page with them,” Manning said. ”But what I’m finding out is we don’t speak the same language because we don’t know the same favorite movies.

“In order to get on the same page with me, you need to watch these five movies so we can repeat lines and quotes.”

Manning went on to list the group of films that are on his must-watch list.

“I’ve changed it up over the years, but the main five are going to be “Vacation,” “Fletch,” “Stripes,” “Caddyshack,” and probably “The Jerk,” Manning said. “Most of these guys have never heard of these movies, and they really don’t think they’re funny because it’s different kind of humor. It’s ’70s, ’80s, ’90s humor, but whatever you can do to get on the same list.”

Maybe that is why Andre Caldwell was not invited to roll with Peyton and a group of the other wide receivers to play catch at Duke.

It’s all about the DVDs…well ok… those VHS tapes.

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Time is forcing the Jet’s hand if they plan on getting their paws on Tampa’s 13th pick in Thursday’s NFL draft.

According to insider/ESPN analyst Adam Schefter, the Buccaneers will have the chance to put Revis and his injured knee through a physical to make sure they’re not getting a lemon.

It’s time for Jets fans to make their peace with this. It looks like its going to happen.

Breakthrough: Jets have granted permission for CB Darrelle Revis to visit Tampa Bay and undergo a physical with the Buccanners, per sources.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 21, 2013

Permission for Darrelle Revis to undergo Bucs physical never would have been granted if NYJ and TB couldn’t work out trade. So there’s that.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 21, 2013

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Ryan is currently entering the final year of his rookie deal with Atlanta.

“The situation is, as we’ve mentioned, both parties, we’re in a very comfortable situation,” Falcons Thomas Dimitroff told the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “We are focused on the draft again. After the draft we’ll continue to discuss (Ryan’s contract) and I’m sure both parties, Matt and the Falcons are feeling good about making sure that this gets done at the right time.”

Dimitroff’s comments seem to point a scenario that this can still get done before training camp opens.

The Falcons would greatly benefit from getting a new deal on the table.

Ryan’s current cap number is $10 million.

If Atlanta can shave even four million off that number it would be a great help.

The Falcons need help at the middle linebacker, offensive line and cornerback positions.

If  Atlanta as suggested, ties multiple draft picks together to trade up at the NFL Draft  to land a specific player, the odds become almost nil that they can effectively address each area of need with rookie talent.

Another free agent pickup such as former Dolphins linebacker Karlos Dansby could go a long way in helping Atlanta get over the hump.

Thus, the timing of Matt Ryan’s new contract may hold a lot more weight than many may realize.

“There is no time frame on it right now and I don’t want to keep you hanging on it, but I feel confident that things are going to be taken care of when the time is proper,” Dimitroff said.

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With each new draft class of youngsters that come in with solid hands and speed to burn, Owens looks less and less like a viable option.

His ability as one of the league’s greatest pure route runners is over-shadowed by past incidents which have caught up with him.

Take all of that and factor in a murky preseason with Seattle in 2012 in which his penchant for dropping balls stepped it up a notch.

So, its time for the third annual Terrell Owens hopefully-I-can-get-somebody’s-attention-in-the-front-office press junket.

This year’s primary target?

The Chicago Bears.

Owens told CSN that he has both logic and strategy on his side.

“I played my first early years in San Francisco with [Bears head coach Marc Trestman] and shortly after that, he left to do some things,” he said. “I haven’t talked to Marc in a long while. I know he’s gone on and done some things, now he’s back in the NFL. So, I never really thought about it until myself and Napoleon were talking about it earlier, but I would definitely welcome it if they would give it some serious consideration. To think about [Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall] on the other side and me on one side, that’s really dangerous. I’m keeping myself in shape just for any opportunity that may come about.”

Let’s not be cruel but the obvious point can’t be overlooked here.

Marshall is an interesting well…character. Owens is the epitome of the interesting character.

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler is prone to his moments of acting out like an interesting character.

Running back Matt Forte has shown that he has the tendency to be a little sensitive at times.

A first year NFL head coach that is returning to the league after an extended stint in the CFL certainly does not want to flirt with that nervous breakdown waiting to happen.

Cutler and Marshall  cancel each other out because they have an understanding and fondness for each other that dates back to their time in Denver.

Cutler quickly bonded with Forte upon his arrival after being traded away from the Broncos.

Throwing Owens into the mix would be entertaining for us and potentially destructive for the accord of that locker room

In the long-term, the development of sophomore receiver Alshon Jeffery would be held hostage.

There are definitely more cons than pros with Owens landing in the Windy City.

The post Terrell Owens wants to play for the Chicago Bears appeared first on Players View.

His feelings for his now-former wideout Greg Jennings are still obviously a little bit raw based on his most recent dart.

Rodgers was a key figure at the Wisconsin Sports Awards on Thursday night.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he enjoyed a few marquee moments such as poking fun at for Wisconsin Badger-turned-Houston Texan J.J. Watt.

But nothing stood out like the barb he sent out to Jennings who used to be his favorite target.

Jennings left the Packers in free agency as was widely expected to join the division-rival Minnesota Vikings.

Rodgers took to the stage to accept the  Inspirational Player of the Year award for Packers receiver James Jones.

In doing so, he was  asked about the Packers “future” now that Jennings is out of the fold.

Rodgers replied with a simple “Who?”

Once the crowd responded, he added  “must be some Vikings fans in here,” before focusing on Jones and his achievements.

If Jennings can get his timing down with quarterback Christian Ponder, he may have an answer for Rodgers’ subtle dig/ question on November 24, when the Vikings pay a visit to Lambeau Field.

Maybe Rodgers is a little miffed that Jennings consulted with his sworn enemy Brett Favre during his most recent contract negotiations.

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He has fallen from being considered a competent game manager to being widely viewed as  a player that has a weak arm, weak leadership skills and an even weaker spirit.

As the Jets open the doors to a new league year, Sanchez spoke with Fox Sports Radio, via Sports Radio Interviews, to discuss his feelings and relationship with Tim Tebow, the disaster that was the 2012 season and his current outlook.

Sanchez was open when it came to just how distracting it can be to play with Tebow on the roster.

“For sure, more than anyone [in terms of being covered by the media],” Sanchez said. “I just don’t know if it was the best situation for either of us, but you play with the cards you are dealt with and do the very best you can. There’s a bunch of situations for me, personally, I wish I would have played a little better at times, but that’s part of playing this game and trying to develop your identity as an offense. And some of the injuries we sustained prevented us from doing that. That’s part of the game, too, so we really underachieved as a team. We’re looking to change that this year and we trust the front office to put us in a good position, and we’ll have a good year.”

Sanchez also said that for all of the attention that Tebow drew to himself, someone still had to open the gate.

“Well, I think part of that, too, is ESPN didn’t necessarily sneak in overnight at our training camp,” Sanchez said. “They had to get permission to go. You can avoid that stuff on your own if you like, in my opinion, but he’s a popular guy and people gravitate towards the guy. He’s a special person and a heck of a competitor, so people want to know what’s going on, but that’s all I got on that.”

Through it all, he states that he and Tebow are ” cool.”

“It’s cool,” Sanchez said. “We’re good. He’s a nice guy. He works hard and that’s good. It’s honestly, after the shock of the whole thing, was something you were going to have to deal with. I’m dealing with it the best way I can and trying to stay positive about the whole thing, and I think it’s not on my mind. I’m concerned right now with learning a new system and being the best quarterback I can be, and hopefully that helps the team.”

Sanchez cast a vote of confidence in his coach and his new general manager that replaced the man who gave him a lucrative extension Mike Tannenbaum.

“I honestly don’t think guys are thinking about[Tannenbaum being gone],” Sanchez said.”I think we enjoy playing for Rex. We know he’s a great motivator, and he’s passionate about what he does, and we’ve seen him be successful. We’ve seen him put this team in a good position and a successful position. I am confident in Rex. I know he’s going to get the best out of our team. I know Mr. John Idzik is going to make the right decisions come this draft and try and help this ball club, so I’m really positive and optimistic about the direction we’re heading. And it’s up to us to eliminate outside distractions, whether it’s about Tebow in the media or just anyone on the outside or anybody’s expectations and really just focusing on us and really trying to get the best of each other. That’s really what it’s about.”

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According to WSB-TV, Moore is being accused of grabbing a woman’s shoulder and throwing her cell phone on the ground in northwest Atlanta on Thursday.

“We are aware of the situation involving William Moore and are in the process of gathering more information,” a Falcons spokesperson said in a statement released to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Because this is now a legal matter, the club will have no further comment at this time.”

Moore is being held without bond until his initial hearing which is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Friday.

Moore recently signed a five-year extension with Atlanta that is worth $30 million.

in 2012 Moore racked up 75 tackles, four interceptions, two forced fumbles and one sack as a vital part of the Falcon’s defense that took a step forward under defensive coordinator Mike Nolan.

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The result was a playoff run that was inspired by his tough play, emerging leadership and the circumstances that surrounded the illness of head coach Chuck Pagano.

Moving into his second year, Luck is not comfortable with where he was or where he is at.

According to the Indianapolis Star, he wants to get better and reach new heights in every facet of his game.

“It’s incredibly cliché, but everywhere,” Luck said. “I think an example is accuracy. I’d love to complete more balls. I don’t think I did a good enough job of giving guys catchable balls in some situations.’’

To do that he has a list of ” a lot of areas” that he must upgrade himself at which includes improving in third-down scenarios, red-zone opportunities and cutting his interceptions in half.

The Stanford graduate understands exactly where that can take him.

“We’d love to win a championship,”Luck said.

The Colts quarterback is working out the kinks of the offense that is being installed by new offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton who worked with Luck at Stanford.

The familiarity is making the transition fairly easy.

“I feel fortunate I don’t have to learn a completely new offense,” Luck said. “There are words (that are the same), a lot of carryover.’’

Hamilton has deemed his scheme the No Coast offense to suggest that its borrows elements from more than just the West Coast system made famous by Bill Walsh.

“That’s how he presented it to us,” Luck said. “It’s taking ideas from here, from there, obviously from the West Coast (style) a bit.”

The Colts are once again presenting a legit challenge to AFC South crown that should be taken by either them or the Houston Texans.

How that ends up largely depends on just how many goals the sophomore can knock off his checklist.

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“It feels good,” Matthews said Wednesday during a press conference that was quoted by ESPN. “It’s funny, because not a whole lot has changed. I’m happy about it, but for me, it’s nice, it’s very humbling and it’s a blessing, but it’s business as usual for me. I’m glad that they have put their trust in me and belief in me in awarding me this, but at the same time you’re going to get the same type of unwavering perseverance on the field and dedication that I’m going to bring day in and day out. I feel good but not much has changed.

The terms of the deal were not released by the team but ESPN’s Darren Rovell reported that a source expressed that the explosive defender will cash in $22 million before 2013 ends and another $27 million “in  the next 12 months.”

Matthews adds five years to the deal that adds $65 million dollars of total ” new money” to his current pact.

He was previously set to enter into the final year of his rookie pact.

The Packers feel good about the deal despite the fact that they will hand him $49 million before the 2014-15 season starts.

“Clay has been a productive member of our team and we are pleased to be able to come to an agreement that will extend his Packers career,” general manager Ted Thompson said in a statement.

Matthews tweeted a picture of his contract signing.

Trivial amongst the recent tragic news, but happy to continue my career in Green Bay! twitter.com/ClayMatthews52…

— Clay Matthews III (@ClayMatthews52) April 17, 2013

The Packers have defensive issues and here’s to the hope that Matthews can spend more time of the field than he did in the 2012-13 season.

Matthews missed four regular season games with a hamstring issue.

Despite that, he ran down quarterbacks to generate 13 sacks last season.

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Rivers was so tied to former coach Norv Turner that he was a huge proponent in helping Norv get one final shot with the team in the 2012-13 season.

Per usual, Turner led the through highs, lows, dramatic crashes and fits of mediocrity.

Does that place Rivers fate in jeopardy now that he has a new coach in Mike McCoy?

Every coach wants his guy to lead his team.

Rivers took to the podium as the Chargers started off-season activities and told an audience that included U-T San Diego  that he has no concerns about his previous production or his job security.

“As far as whatever the numbers say over the last few years, and I say this humbly and respectfully, I played in 110 straight games or more, and have thrown a bunch of touchdowns, and over a seven-year period the ratio of touchdowns and interceptions is pretty dang good,” Rivers said.

“So, I don’t feel like, ‘Oh, man, I’m in a struggling mode,’ or ‘Gosh, if I don’t play (well) this year, I’m out of football.’ ”

Rivers understands what ultimately what needs to happen moving forward.

“I think this league’s about winning, more than anything,” he said. “And the bottom line is we’ve been a .500 team for three years. We’ve been out of the playoffs for three years. I look at it that way more than anything. I’m the leader of this group.”

“I want to play well because I want us to win. Our goal is to win the AFC West. Obviously everybody’s goal is to win a championship – but that’s the championship we want to win and focus on.”

There is a portion of River’s feelings that feels a little short-sighted.

To think that Rivers would consider the upcoming season a success if the Bolts take the AFC West and nothing else feels like his balloon has been deflated.

Rivers has always been one of the most competitive players in the NFL at any position.

Five years ago, he would not have stated that he is “focused on” winning the AFC West.

He would have been happy to pound his chest and state that its Super Bowl or bust.

The Chargers faithful certainly want more than a division title.

So, what about the interceptions?

If Tony Romo exclusively indulged his gold game and Mark Sanchez became a fulltime model, Rivers would have spent the past two seasons pegged as the game’s poster child for throwing the wrong ball at the wrong time.

Rivers understands why people look at his penchant for throwing jaw-dropping interceptions and question his abilities moving forward.

“I think it’s human nature to ask those questions at this juncture,” he said. “It doesn’t bother me one bit. Because I think in a lot of ways it can be justified. You have a new coaching staff. We’ve gone 24-24. Who gets questions asked? It’s the quarterback. I can handle that. I’m responsible for the lack of plays I’ve made and the plays I have made.

“I’m excited. I’m excited about what we can do and where we can go. We finished on a high note last year, other than the Carolina game. We’re excited about what we can be.”

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Canty got together with the Verizon Foundation and A Call to Men for a four-hour seminar on Tuesday at a local hotel to promote stronger and more respectful bonds with women by athletes.

The program named, “A Call To Coaches: Your Voice Counts,” was aimed at assisting the coaches that play a meaningful role in the development of young athletes at the middle school, high school and collegiate levels.

Canty told the Baltimore Sun that the message is paramount.

“The culture of football rewards physical aggression and violence, but that’s not the way you should work out your emotional issues or personal issues with peers, the opposite sex or people at home,” Canty said. “We want them to take out their emotions on the weights or conditioning, not in a negative way. You can show your emotions and  be vulnerable and you’re not being weak. We need to break that stigma.

“You can feel hurt and display your emotions. That’s healthy. It’s not healthy to hold that in when you have issues. When you do that, it can be dangerous and unhealthy.”

This program can be vital if can help prevent an incident such as the tragic events that unfolded with Jovan Belcher in 2012.

“I have a passion for working with young men in sports because I know the impact that coaches can have,” said Canty. “We have a mentoring program through my foundation and it hits home with these young men with the message coming from a football player of my stature. It hits home. I promote the same message every day in the locker room and am always available to give guidance.“

Canty feels that the entertainment industry is not doing young men any favors.

“Pop culture desensitizes kids,” Canty said. “There’s a lot of degrading material out there. Kids would be irate if someone treated their mother, sister or daughter that way. That kind of material is irresponsible, but it’s also profitable. We try to turn the light switch on for them and show them what’s real. It’s awesome to interact with the coaches and young men.”

Thankfully, we will never know just how effective Canty’s work in this area will be.

As what he is working to prevent, will change the culture in ways that incidents that will never be committed.

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Paul recently spoke with the New York Daily News and updated them on his view points.

When it came down to assessing his 2012-13 performance, he stated that he played better than people may have noticed.

“I was a major factor on the defense and I was putting pressure on the quarterbacks 24/7,” Pierre-Paul said. “I think I played very good last year. My numbers didn’t show for it but whenever I stepped on that field everybody knew that Jason Pierre-Paul was dominating that tackle or that tight end or playing the running game.”

Oh yes the numbers.

Last season, Paul contributed 43 solo tackles, 66 total tackles, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble and 6.5 sacks.

He did spend some time around the ball in the face of drawing double-team attention.

The Giants defensive line as a whole played poorly last year which made it very easy to contain JPP.

That is just the way that it is.

Despite that, Giants coach Tom Coughlin recently stated that he was bothered by the weight that JPP carried last year.

Pierre-Paul said the comments are not that serious to him.

“It never bothered me,” Pierre-Paul said. “People I know, they got mad and upset, but there’s nothing to get upset about. He’s my head coach. He saw in his eyes that I was overweight. But today, standing here today, I’m the same size I was last year.”

“Whatever I can do to help me be a better player, I’ll do it,” he said. “If that means dropping me to 265, I’ll do it. At the same time, you want to get better (production) than you got last year. You want to build up. Like I said, the numbers might not show it, but, in terms of getting to the quarterback, I do a great job of that and playing the run and everybody sees it.”

Although he felt good about his performance, he understands that there is room for growth.

“People would look and say Jason Pierre-Paul is one of the good players in the NFL right now,” he said. “But right now, I think I can do better. I can do better, and if that’s consistently training even harder, then I’m going to do that.

“But they haven’t seen nothing yet, trust me. When I say they haven’t seen nothing, they haven’t seen nothing yet.

The video below displays the rare physical gifts that Pierre-Paul was given.

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No invite to duke to run routes and catch passes DAMN right I took it personal…#Motivation #StillGrinding.

— Andre Caldwell (@Acaldwell17) April 12, 2013

This goes back to last week’s workouts at Duke University that was held by Manning.

The quarterback played catch with Wes Welker, Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas.

He told the media which included NFL.com, that Caldwell was not disrespected.

The university only had so much room and Manning elected to take his three starters.

He did appreciate Caldwell’s fire.

“I’m excited to see Bubba’s competitive attitude there,” Manning said. “And I hope he turns that into a productive offseason and can be a productive player for us this year.”

Caldwell caught one pass in eight games in 2012.

It’s understandable that he wants to sit at a certain table in the proverbial high school cafeteria in Denver.

Until he steps his game up to earn more opportunities in Denver to catch more than one pass in eight games, he might not want to take anything “personal.”

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Ryan’s $66 million rookie deal will expire at the conclusion of the 2013 season.

The Falcons are desperate for cap space yet the team has indicated that they are working on a new deal for Ryan that will put everyone at ease before the season starts.

Ryan told the Associated Press that the timing of the deal “is not something I worry about.”

“I understand the nature of the business and how everything operates,” Ryan said.

“At the same time, my focus has always been to just try to prepare myself to just play and let all the other stuff take care of itself. I’m not really too worried about it. My sole focus this offseason is to prepare myself, to work really hard and to try to give ourselves another chance like we had last year.”

“I want to be here in Atlanta,” he said. “I love this place. I love the organization and I’m sure it will take care of itself.”

Ryan is firmly entrenched as the team’s leader and will say each and every right thing as he looks to capture dollars similar to those of Tony Romo and Joe Flacco.

The fact that it’s his  locker room is not lost on even newcomers such as defensive end Osi Umenyiora.

The pass rusher attended the golf tourney despite never playing before and subsequently turning down similar invitations in the past.

“I’ve ducked it every single time,” Umenyiora said. “It took Matt Ryan to get me to come out here and swing the golf clubs. That shows how much respect I have for him and what he’s trying to do.”

Ryan is pleased with Umenyiora’s signing and the other moves that the team has made this off-season despite the collateral damage that came in the loss of familiar faces.

“I think Thomas and his staff have done a great job this offseason,” Ryan said. “You never like to see people go, especially when you have such great guys like Dunta, John Abraham and Michael Turner who have been extremely productive for us. You move on, that’s part of the business, and I think they’ve done a great job addressing some of the areas they felt like they needed to address.”

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The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted that Cruz was a no-show at Monday’s voluntary offseason conditioning workout.

Victor Cruz has not shown up for voluntary offseason conditioning with #Giants, I’m told. Not a surprise. Hasn’t signed RFA tender either

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 15, 2013

Is it a big deal?

Probably not.

The very nature of the word voluntary suggests that it’s not.

But what if it is?

One of the Giants’ leaders Justin Tuck put it out there that he expected Cruz to report as a sign of “good faith.”

Cruz is currently a restricted free agent that has a first-round tender placed upon his name.

As it stands, if another team wants to pay him and and cough-up a first round draft pick for him, he could be had if the Giants refuse to match said offer.

Cruz has boxed himself in somewhat in the negotiation as he has reportedly told his agents that he wants to stick with the Giants in order to be close to his new associate Roc Nation boss Jay-Z.

If it smells like a game of chicken is at hand, that may be the case.

His quarterback Eli Manning wants him back.

So does his coach Tom Coughlin.

This should still work out.

However, money does talk.

And if a slot-receiver thirsty team decides to part with a first rounder and a fist full of money before this thing is resolved, this could get really interesting.

The post New York Giants Victor Cruz skips voluntary workouts. appeared first on Players View.

At the University of Texas, McCoy set the NCAA record for highest single-season percentage record with 76.7-percent in 2008.

Once he went pro and was drafted by the Cleveland Browns he was treated like a mediocre piece of a mediocre program.

The Browns and McCoy have both moved on as McCoy was traded to San Fran to backup wunderkind Colin Kaepernick.

McCoy told the Star-Telegram that his assimilation into the 49ers world has been impressive and reminiscent of his days at Texas.

“That’s going to be really special,” McCoy said . “When I walked in the building in San Francisco, it was the same feel [as at UT]. It’s a great organization, and their only focus is: We want to win, and we want to win now. That’s obviously different than some of the things that I’ve been part of the last few years. I was really happy about that.”

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That does not mean that new general manager David Caldwell will trade him.

Caldwell told Pro Football Talk that the team will let the powerful running back play out the final year of his current deal and let the chips fall where they may afterward.

Jones-Drew who is recovering from a foot injury that was proceeded by a nasty contract dispute, told the NFL Network that he is almost ready for go-mode.

“I just got back to Jacksonville a couple weeks ago from school, just have been rehabbing every day and getting used to the offseason program,” Jones-Drew said. “I’ll be back at full speed by probably the end of May, beginning of June, and I just can’t wait to get back out there and play. I only had six weeks of football last year, so it’s just going to be exciting to get back and be with my teammates.”

Jones-Drew recently spent some time wrapping up a history degree at UCLA where he played his collegiate football.

A new boss and a new attitude can make a word of difference for one of the league’s strongest backs.

One road that will have to be crossed once this season is over is the cross-section of Pay Me St.and What I Am Due Ave.

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Would the Jets have won enough games with their best player on deck to secure the future of their previous administration?

That is a good question as now Revis prepares to report to the team to collect a healthy bonus so that they can presumably prepare him for trade.

There is one suitor that is the presumed landing spot for him.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can now begin to collect the data that they need to effectively assess how much immediate help Revis can be to their cause.

The Buccaneers secondary has been horrible over the past two seasons as their best DB Ronde Barber caught a date with Father Time.

If they are to give the Jets what they require to let go of Revis, the footage of him running and doing drills in the ongoing series by the NFL Network must be pushing them closer to doing the deal.

ESPN ran the comments which speak to Revis desire to just play football.

“I can’t wait until my name gets called, when I get to run out of the tunnel and just be where I usually [am],” he said. “My comfort zone is to go out there and just play ball. I’ve played six years. It went so fast. I’m just grateful. I just thank God I got a second chance.”

As for where he will play ball, Revis stated that his focus is on getting his recovery right in the short-term.

“There’s been a lot of talk,” he said. “We’ll see what happens — if I’m there or if I’m not. But that’s the next step. That’s the next phase for me in my career, these next couple of weeks.”

The post Darrelle Revis starts running after ACL injury appeared first on Players View.

This late into the game, Cruz has yet to find another suitor that is pursuing him with any real heat.

As a restricted free agent, a team would have to not only pay the man what he wants, they will also be forced to turn over a first round draft pick in the process.

So yes, the New York Giants hold all the cards in their ongoing negotiations.

So much so that defensive captain Justin Tuck plans on seeing Cruz at OTAs.

Tuck told the Star-Ledger that Cruz has yet to indicate that he won’t be the good soldier.

“He hasn’t said anything as far as why he wouldn’t be there, even though, obviously, the contract situation,” Tuck said. “But for me, I think the biggest way to get things settled is to be there in good faith, I guess. But I can’t answer questions for Victor, he has to do what’s best for him.”

Tuck ended his comments on Cruz definitively.

“And hopefully, when it’s all said and done, he’s doing a salsa in a Giants uniform this season. That’s all I’m worried about.”

Also working in the Giants favor is Cruz’s new association with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation firm.

According to Yahoo Sports, Cruz has told his people he wants to stay in New York to stay close to the mogul, so that he can develop his other ventures such as his clothing company.

“[Cruz] told his agents not to sign him with another team because he wants to work with Jay-Z,” a source said. “There might have been a couple of teams interested, but he didn’t want to go anywhere.”

Look for the Cruz deal to take care of itself sooner than later.

The post Victor Cruz sticking with the New York Giants…most likely appeared first on Players View.

My how things have changed.

When ESPN reported today that Hurd pled guilty attempting to buy cocaine and marijuana to set up a drug-distribution ring, the news felt really sad.

Hurd is on 27-years-old yet judging from the time-frame where he was a pro, you would expect him to be in his mid-30′s.

That’s what makes this whole thing pitiful.

At the time of his arrest, he had moved on the then receiver-starved Chicago Bears.

He was in the midst of another opportunity that could have made the most out of his talent and he decided to step into the role of a cliché.

Like I said, pitiful.

In court on Thursday, Hurd told U.S. District Judge Jorge Solis, “I’m sorry for everything I’ve done.”

The question is to who?

Hurd was allegedly caught with a kilo of cocaine, while playing out a contract that was worth up to $5.15 million.

The catch to this whole thing is that after his initial arrest that made headlines, Hurd failed two drug tests and was caught up in another failed drug buy.

Pitiful.

So instead of preparing for training camp, Sam Hurd is preparing for prison.

Hurd faces a minimum 10-year sentence for conspiracy to possess cocaine and marijuana with intent to distribute.

That means if he started his sentence today he would be released according to the letter-of-the-law  at 37-years-old.

Thus, he should look in the mirror and say ‘ I’m sorry’ for all he has done to himself.

The post Ex-Dallas Cowboy Sam Hurd pleads guilty to drug charges appeared first on Players View.

Sherman took to the screen of NFL AM to state his case.

“First off, I didn’t say that,” Sherman said about these quotes. “It’s just another case of these writers trying to gain a little notoriety in an interview. What I said was there’s a bunch of guys on prescription for Adderall. I’ve never seen people get prescribed a performance-enhancing drug, you know what I mean?….They go so crazy when guys test positive for it, but a bunch of guys have prescriptions for it, so it’s kind of misleading.”

The Vancouver Sun quickly came to their own defense and stated that Sherman did make the comments exactly as they reported.

The reporter who interviewed Sherman e-mailed Pro Football Talk a complete transcript of what was said.

Mike Beamish, Vancouver Sun: “Let me ask you about the suspension you were handed, and you appealed it. Have you left that behind? Do people ask you about that? Do you have to explain it a lot?”

Sherman: “Not really. It was what it was. I think the league made a mistake. Obviously, they cleaned up their mistake by repealing . . . repealing? . . . taking it away. That’s what it was to me. Obviously, I didn’t do anything. But you have to go through the process to prove you didn’t do anything. Once the process played itself out, it ended up being true.”

Beamish: “There are players who actually have to take Adderall, because people have ADD and ADHD.”

Sherman: “There’s about half the league that takes it, and the league has to allow it.”

Beamish: “It’s like you have a prescription, if you’re a diabetic.”

Sherman: “Exactly.”

Beamish: “So, are you on any medication that way?”

Sherman: “I’m not. But there are players that took it. We all got tested on the same day. There was kind of a little mix-up with that.”

Beamish: “So, it’s not like you’re flying around all the time and you have to take it in the morning. Did it embarrass you? You seem like a
guy who’s good with people. You’re very good with public relations. Even though you were absolved of it, it still kind of hangs with you. Does it bother you that way?”

Sherman: “Not at all. In the NFL, you always have people who don’t like you for any given reason. If you do anything well . . . If you’re the president, if you’re anybody of importance or with any kind of fame or notoriety, there are going to be a lot of people who don’t like what you do, who don’t support you. And you have to embrace it. You have to almost accept that there’s going to be naysayers for everything. If everybody says ‘I love you’ you’re probably not doing much.”

The NFL issued their own reaction Sherman’s original comments.

“The comments are ill-informed and inaccurate. Adderall is easily detected under current testing and will result in a suspension absent an approved therapeutic use exemption. If his statement were true, we would be seeing many more positive tests and suspensions. More importantly, his comments are irresponsible, as they ignore the serious medical risks and documented public health crisis associated with the improper use of Adderall and similar drugs.”

In the end, Sherman stuck to his script that he has never taken the drug despite having to fight back a drug test that stated otherwise.

Sherman was able to skate consequence from the issue after he was able to win a challenge about the method how his urine sample was collected.

“I’m not sure. I’ve never taken it,” Sherman said. “So I’m not sure. From what I’ve learned from this whole case and everything, it somehow slows it down for people that are sped up, like ADHD. Apparently the guys are too sped up and there are breaks in their attention that the Adderall kind of bridges the breaks…and allows them to stay focused on one thing at a time.”

What should be learned from this?

When it comes to the Adderall question, Richard Sherman should stick to ‘ no comment’ and keep it moving.

The post Richard Sherman refutes Adderall quote,interviewer stands by it appeared first on Players View.

When they drafted cornerback Alfonzo Dennard, they knew that he had some trouble to deal with after his then recent arrest for punching  a police officer in Nebraska.

He was recently convicted of the various crimes that stemmed from the incident and on Thursday he was sentenced to 30 days of jail time and 24 months probation according to the Boston Globe.

sentence for Dennard: probation for 24 months on each charge, to be served concurrently, but 30 days in jail starting March 1, 2014

— shalise manza young (@shalisemyoung) April 11, 2013

Dennard is not due to report for his sentence until March 1, 2014.

This will give New England another uninterrupted year with Dennard to gauge if he is a long-term buy.

He will be forced to perform 100 hours of “law-enforcement related” community service tasks according to NFL.com

The Patriots have high hope for him as the opposite corner away from Aqib Talib.

The post Alfonzo Dennard gets jail time after assaulting officer appeared first on Players View.

To change that Hernandez told the Boston Herald that he has to work now to be  designed for war later.

“Just been training, trying to get my body right, get my strength up so I can have a decent season next year,” Hernandez said. “I’d say more attention to specific muscles instead of just doing the basic bench, squat and all that other stuff. I’d say I started a little earlier this year to maybe try to get through 16 games this season.

“It’s away from everything else — away from my family, my friends, gives me time to focus on football, focus on my main priorities in life.”

He’s also painfully aware that his partner-in-crime Rob Gronkowski may miss a portion of the season thanks to a fourth surgery that may be required on his forearm.

For the Patriots to be successful their dual-tight ends have to carry the reception load for quarterback Tom Brady.

Hernandez said the new options like wide recicver Danny Amerndola should help out.

“As long as you have Tom Brady, no matter who is around him, it’s going to be a great offense,” Hernandez said. “We have a lot of weapons now. . . . I’m excited for this next season.”

The post Patriots tight end Aaron Hernadez steps up to full-season challenge appeared first on Players View.

The most intriguing point to all of this is not who will be there but who won’t.

USC’s Matt Barkley won’t be at Radio City Hall when his name is eventually called.

He may have good information that suggests that he won’t be taken on Thursday night.

Barkley certainly would like to avoid being this year’s Brady Quinn.

Quinn’s draft experience was marred by the cameras milling about his table where he and his girlfriend dejectedly watched him get passed over on multiple occasions.

Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te’o will not be in the house either. 2013 has thus far been a season of shame for him. It certainly makes sense for him to avoid the pageantry and focus on his immediate friends, family and team.

Utah defensive tackle Star Lotulelei has opted to simply stay home instead of attending the NFL draft.

The following will be at Radio City Hall to hug commissioner Roger Goodell.

Ezekiel Ansah- defensive end-Brigham Young

Tavon Austin-wide receiver-West Virginia

Jonathan Cooper-offensive guard-North Carolina

Eric Fisher-offensive tackle-Central Michigan

Sharrif Floyd-defensive tackle-Florida

D.J. Fluker-offensive tackle-Alabama

Luke Joeckel-offensive tackle-Texas A&M

Lane Johnson-offensive tackle-Oklahoma

Dion Jordan-defensive end-Oregon

Eddie Lacy-running back-Alabama

E.J. Manuel-quarterback-Florida State

Dee Milliner-cornerback-Alabama

Barkevious Mingo-defensive end-LSU

Cordarrelle Patterson-wide receiver-Tennessee

Eric Reid-safety-LSU

Xavier Rhodes-cornerback-Florida State

Sheldon Richardson-defensive tackle-Missouri

Geno Smith-quarterback-West Virginia

Desmond Trufant-cornerback-Washington

Kenny Vaccaro-safety-Texas

Chance Warmack-offensive guard-Alabama

Menelik Watson-offensive tackle-Florida State

Bjoern Werner-defensive end-Florida State

The post 23 NFL draft prospects to hit Radio City Music Hall for telecast appeared first on Players View.

Ryan Leaf’s renegade streak is the only thing that has kept him out of the number one spot.

Russell is attempting to make his big comeback after he milked the Oakland Raiders for $32 million

Can he do it?

After all, Russell was overweight, lazy and ineffective during his time with the Raiders and that is being kind.

He is working with former Pro Bowl quarterback Jeff Garcia on his road to redemption.

Garcia recently spoke with San Diego’s The Mighty 1900, via Sports Radio Interviews and said that things can work out for Russell in the NFL.

Garcia said that he saw first-hand in 2009 that Russell was as apathetic as advertised when he was given a shot in Oakland’s training camp.

“I could see that he just didn’t have that fire,” Garcia said.” It was one of those things where he was one of those guys who was always put on a pedestal, and he was the guy who was the very talented, very gifted individual. He was bigger than everybody else, always been that big-fish-in-a-small-pond type of scenario.

And now all of a sudden, hey, a lot of other big fish around you. Everybody’s trying to win that battle for that meal. You have to have a certain special something about you in order to survive at the highest, at the most elite of games. And unfortunately for him, he didn’t have the surrounding … people that could help him understand or see that. And he didn’t have that personal drive from within himself. And I think that’s why he had the shortness of the career that he has had. But the guy does have some tremendous tools, tremendous abilities.

Obviously he wouldn’t have been the first player taken in the draft if he didn’t have those type of tools, that type of potential. Now it’s really an understanding for him, how it feels to be on the outside looking in, and what it is going to take to get back on the inside. And whether he’ll even have that opportunity, who knows?

But I will say this: Over the past two months, now that he’s been out here in San Diego, he’s been training with our group, he’s been with us on the field, his personality, his worth ethic, his drive, his commitment is so much better than what I ever saw with him in Oakland in 2009.”

Garcia was also frank when it came time to answer if Russell’s comeback is being motivated by the feeling that he needs the money.

“It can’t be about the money,” Garcia said “And yes, unfortunately he probably is in a position where he doesn’t have what he had back a few years ago from a financial standpoint. Yes, people look at him as one of the all-time busts for a first pick in the draft. I mean, all of those things have to really be motivating factors.

More than anything else, though, it’s gotta come back to — how bad do you truly want it? How much does this game mean to you? How much do you miss playing this game? And if it means that much to you, then you’re gonna do everything within your realm to turn your life around, to turn yourself around and to prove to people that if they give you a chance, if they give you a shot, that you’re gonna prove to them that you’re worth taking the chance on.”

The magic question with Russell is and always will be about his weight. At his worst, there were days where he would have better served the Raiders by lining up as a nose tackle.

“He came with us three months ago and he weighed 312 pounds,” Garcia said. “Today, he’s about to break into the 270 mark. So, literally, he’s down 30 pounds.”

NFL.com is reporting that teams are requesting Russell to lose even more weight to get a look.

“Everybody’s kind of waiting to see where his weight is, and when he gets close to weight they want to bring him in and evaluate him,” TEST Academy CEO Brian Martin said.

The NFL has a crazy landscape that could permit Russell to get another gig somewhere else.

If he were to flourish for anyone other than the Raiders, the fans in the Black Hole would hate him even more than they do now.

The post JaMarcus Russell is praised by Jeff Garcia appeared first on Players View.

Jackson who reportedly flirted with retirement after posting 9 years of nice numbers with the St Louis Rams, signed a three-year contract with the Falcons in March.

In his time with t. Louis, Jackson only had one trip to the playoffs during his rookie year.

He feels that the Falcons give him his best chance at glory.

He also feels that he can help Atlanta  make it to the big show and win-it-all.

“You will not get anyone on the market — in the draft or free agency — that’s more hungry than I am and that has more to prove than I do,” Jackson told 790 The Zone. “I want to go out on top.

“Let’s be frank: I didn’t come here to make it to the playoffs. You guys have done that consecutively over the years. I’m here to help be a part of the puzzle, be a part of something that you guys have built over the years. I’m just a hope and a dream, but we frankly have the same hope and dream.”

Honesty is the best policy but results get it done.

The potential downside to this pact is that Jackson has only played three complete seasons in nine years.

Injuries are the only thing that has stopped Jackson from elevating from great to excellent.

If he can stay healthy for Atlanta, the sky could very well be the limit.

Click here to listen to Steven Jackson’s complete interview.

The post Steven Jackson wants to end his career with a championship appeared first on Players View.

Sherman is aggressive on the field. Sherman is aggressive with his mouth. And Sherman was aggressive in the classroom.

So when he went to speak to students at Vancouver’s Cambridge Elementary school as part of the NFL’s Play 60 program, his message was positive with the children but a shade off-color with the Vancouver Sun newspaper that covered the event.

Of the students Sherman took the high road.

“These (Cambridge) kids are innocent,” Richard said. “They don’t know how to be bad yet. They’re just awesome kids. They were so disciplined. It’s just amazing, They’re already out there playing 60 minutes a day, and eating the way they should. Sounds like they have great parents. It’s easy to deliver a message to kids like this.”

The tone of the interview turned cocky when he was asked about his run-in with the league regarding his near-suspension for Adderall.

“About half the league takes it (Adderall) and the league has to allow it,” Sherman said Tuesday. “The league made a mistake in my case. Obviously, I didn’t do anything, but you have to go through a process to prove you didn’t do anything. There are still naysayers out there who don’t believe me. But I accept it. If everybody loves you, it probably means you’re not much of a player.”

Humility is not really his thing and Sherman is near-elite at what he does.

If he can put together another season like he had in 2012-13 you have to call him elite.

But at some point, Sherman who is an extremely smart young man will figure out that he can catch more bees with honey than vinegar.

Taunting the league’s process just because he found a way to beat one case won’t do him any favors long-term.

The post Richard Sherman: Half the NFL takes Adderall appeared first on Players View.

I don’t think he would deny that especially in light of the pictures that he has posted on Instagram over the past 12 months.

His most recent featured a picture of him crushing a New England Patriots defender. The picture had a caption that read.

“Trying to get back in this uniform.”

That did not mean that there is or have been talks between Jacobs and his camp.

The New York Post reached out to the Giants for clarity and got a response.

“He’d love to return to New York, obviously,’’ an unnamed source told the Post.

The report stated that the Giants have ” not ruled out” bringing him back.

Jacobs himself took a direct shot at the report on his Twitter account on Tuesday morning.

Don’t know who these sources are but there is nothing going on people.

— Brandon Jacobs (@gatorboyrb) April 9, 2013

What does all of this mean?

Nothing that we did not already know.

It would be nice to see the Giants take him back into the fold.

However with other key pieces such as Chris Canty, Ahmad Bradshaw and Osi Umenyiora out of the band, its probably best if GM Jerry Reece move forward without nostalgia on his mind.

The story of Jacob’s roots is below.

The post Brandon Jacobs stirs the pot on Giant return appeared first on Players View.

His latest set of comments that ran in the Dallas Morning News on Tuesday let’s it be known that if you hate the Cowboys, he appreciates you for it.

“Yes sir. That’s the thing – you want to be right, and I feel like the greatest thing about being on the Cowboys [is] people love to hate the Cowboys,” Bryant said. “That makes you work 10 times harder. They put the big target on us or whatever, and speaking for myself, it doesn’t bother me. I’m pretty sure it doesn’t bother a lot of guys. They like that kind of pressure. It makes us want to work hard and makes you want to do what you want to do to get to that big game.”

Bryant also stated that he understands that he must clean up his act to function as a role model.

” It’s always a dream to be a positive figure,” Bryant said. “I know on my end it is. I understand that I have a lot of little kids looking up to me. Of course, I have my little boys. I want them to see me as a positive figure. I’m a great guy. You have to surround yourself around the right group of guys, and I feel like I’ve done that. You always change whenever you want to be different, you want to be positive, you want to make the right choices. You’ve got to put yourself in the position to do all of that.”

He also detailed that getting to this point has been a journey that was met with unfamiliarity.

“I just feel like it takes time,” Bryant said. “When I got into the NFL, a lot of things was new to me. I needed time, and I feel like I got the time that I needed. I got the support. And the guys continue to work with me. I couldn’t be more thankful for that. The reason I’m so confident going into this year – and just working out in the weight room or whatever – is because of those guys. I give them all the credit.”

Bryant has avoided getting himself involved in a major incident this offseason so perhaps he has started to find his way.

The post Dez Bryant enjoys the hate that is thrust upon the Cowboys appeared first on Players View.

The Players View 2013 NFL Mock Draft per usual sets out to paint the most accurate picture possible about what could happen on draft day.

A gumbo mix of common sense, front offense tendencies and shreds of intel have brought us here  to kickoff our NFL draft coverage in earnest.

Let’s plug-in and go.

#1 Kansas City Chiefs- Star Lotulelei-DT-Utah

The new consensus pick for the Chiefs is emerging as offensive tackle Luke Joeckel.

There is certainly evidence to support that theory.

The only problem with the Joeckel prediction is that it runs against the grain of how the new Chiefs administration has operated thus far.

The Chiefs have been fixing leaky pipes this off-season and currently nothing screams ‘fix me’ more than their defensive interior line.

The Utah product will instantly stand-up as a difference maker in the Chiefs run defense that was humiliated last season.

His strength, agility and sound footwork kept him in the backfield of opposing offenses, something that new coach Andy Reid will need in the 3-4 defense that his team is installing.

#2 Jacksonville Jaguars-Geno Smith- QB-West Virginia

The Jags are the only team in the NFL with a quarterback situation that is as dismal as the New York Jets.

The biggest moves that can be made via sensible trades or free agent pickups have been made.

Smith has box-office style and box office talent that will blossom in the NFL.

A trio of Justin Blackmon, Maurice Jones-Drew and Smith is enough to inspire hope in the land of the hopeless.

Jacksonville’s fan base deserves better than a Blaine Gabbert vs. Chad Henne position battle in training camp.

The Jags have indicated that they have a lot of interest in Smith and I think that he heads south to reboot what Gabbert could not.

#3 Oakland Raiders-Sharrif Floyd-DT-Florida

The Raiders are in such disarray that they just have to take the best player available and be done with it.

Floyd will cure the ills that Tommy Kelly left behind and will give the Raiders an anchor to build out from on their defense.

He’s long, quick and explosive.

He has dynamic run stopping and pass rushing ability which is a rare find in a DT.

The hype is there and Floyd has all the tools to live up to it.

#4 Philadelphia Eagles-Luke Joeckel- OT-Texas A&M

New Eagles coach Chip Kelly gets a gift tossed into his lap.

The Eagles need as much help as they can get to create running lanes for LeSean McCoy and to protect Michael Vick.

If Kelly’s system is anything vaguely like what he ran at Oregon, Joeckel will be the perfect fit as his tackles must be athletic enough to get to the second level on each down.

They also need to be strong enough to set a pocket when he calls for shots down field.

Vick is a lefty so it’s imperative that he has confidence in his right tackle.

#5Detroit Lions- Dee Milliner-CB-Alabama         

If we are being honest with ourselves, we don’t feel as if Milliner is the best all-around cornerback in this draft.

The only reason why is that he has issues that must be worked out in regards to his form tackling.

Larger wide receivers and running backs will be able to run through his tackles until he trusts his pads enough to stop arm tackling

BUT Milliner is a showman.

He can take down any ball that is in the air.

Make no mistake about it, he is a special case.

AND he is hyper-speed light years ahead of what the Lions have on their roster right now.

It is a crime against their front seven to continue to field Chris Houston as their best option at cornerback.

The whispers are that the Lions have figured out that if they want their front seven to wreak havoc, they better get them some secondary help.

Go ahead and give Milliner a cape.

#6 Cleveland Browns-Chance Warmack-OG-Alabama

This one is really simple. The Browns don’t have offensive guards that can protect whoever is going to be their quarterback next year.

Chance Warmack is so dominant and skilled that his addition can account for one additional score a game.

How is that for value?

#7 Arizona Cardinals-Eric Fisher-OT-Central Michigan

You can take the same thing that we just said about the Browns and Warmack and apply it to the Cardinals and Fisher.

The Cardinals offensive line has been so offensive that they get their skill players hurt.

Go back and watch the tape from 2012-13 and provide another reason as to why Arizona was nearly relegated posting flyers at local Walmart stores for quarterbacks and running backs.

Carson Palmer won’t save anyone’s day but at the very least give the man a chance to get out of every game alive.

#8Buffalo Bills-Cordarrelle Patterson-WR-Tennessee

We rode the Buddy Nix will draft a quarterback first train all the way up until the moment he gave Kevin Kolb descent money to reset with the Bills.

Look for wideout Stevie Johnson to get a playmate that can take the top off of every defense.

The Bills can run the ball with ease on just about anyone.

Patterson will make them dangerous despite the name pulling the trigger.

#9 New York Jets-Jarvis Jones-LB-Georgia

Medical doubts will nearly knock Jones out of the Top 10 but the Jets being the Jets will take the risk.

Jones is the best linebacker in this draft and he has been cleared to proceed with his career.

He will play with a chip on his shoulder and is setup to be the next linebacker to benefit from the one thing that Rex Ryan can do correctly: turn sane men into monsters.

#10Tennesee Titans-Kenny Vaccaro-S-Texas

Fact: Vaccaro had a strong pro day to cement his hype. Fact: The Titans need a safety in the worst way. Fact: Vaccaro visited with the Titans and enjoyed his time there. Fact: If Vaccaro is still available at the No. 10 spot, he will be moving to Nashville.

#11 San Diego Chargers-D.J. Fluker-OT-Alabama

If the Chargers are really intent on taking a step in the right direction they will work on the foundation of their house and avoid the sexy pick.

Fluker can help both quarterback Phillip Rivers and running back Ryan Matthews. Both of which could end up in different stripes next season if they do not shine in 2013-14.

#12 Miami Dolphins-Ezekiel Ansah-DE-BYU

Ansah is raw but he has more potential upside that maybe any other player in this draft.

He is 6’5 and runs a 4.63 forty yard dash.

He is said to be extremely coachable despite his lack of serious playing time.

He is the ultimate project player that has Hall of Fame measurable.

The Dolphins could use an edge rusher that is a prodigy now that they have shored up their offense.

#13 Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Xavier Rhodes-CB-Florida State

This is the part of the show that can get tricky. The Buccaneers are still expected to make a play on Darrelle Revis and thus this pick will not be there’s.

For chutes and ladders, we have to keep the Bucs in this position and go with another corner that they desperately need.

Rhodes plays with an old–school mentality. He is an excellent press corner that consistently keeps his hands on his competition.

Should he make it to the NFC South, he will be a good match-up against other young lions such as Julio Jones.

#14Carolina Panthers-Sheldon Richardson-DT-Missouri

Injuries and issues with academic eligibility have been the ‘yeah buts’ that have been attached to Richardson’s name.

He was a star at the JUCO level and returned to his home turf to put together the tape that has NFL scouts going nuts.

Richardson plays the interior tackle position with the speed and agility of a defensive end.

He does not get sucked up into misdirection plays and will bulk up a bit to add some more core strength.

#15 New Orleans Saints-Lane Johnson-OT-Oklahoma

The New Orleans Saints must get creative in protecting their quarterback Drew Brees.

Johnson gives them an athletic option after they lost OT Jermon Bushrod to free agency.

Johnson has played quarterback and tight end so he is mentally aware of what it will take to win.

#16 St. Louis Rams-DeAndre Hopkins-WR-Clemson

Sam Bradford needs a legit target to throw the ball to.

Now that Danny Amendola has joined the Patriots as Wes Welker’s stand-in, Hopkins is clear to take some of the magic that he made at Clemson and usher in a new era in St. Louis.

Hopkins can run every route on the route tree with relative ease and his size will give him the edge over smaller corner.

#17 Pittsburgh Steelers- Alec Ogletree-LB-Georgia

The Steelers will pluck Ogletree from down south despite his character issues.

Ogletree was a hammer last season for the Bulldogs and there is no reason to believe that he won’t continue to thrive in the right system.

Pittsburgh values discipline over all else and could gamble on their system being the right fit for this young man.

A former safety, Ogletree has no problem using his athletic ability to beat blocks and shut down plays in the backfield.

#18 Dallas Cowboys- Menelik Watson-OT-Florida State

Somebody has to step forward and protect Tony Romo. Watson is a British import that has played multiple sports.

He is the type of project that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones likes to work with and he is inspired to play well to support his family.

On the field, he could easily be considered an upgrade at right tackle where his strength and speed will come in handy.

#19 New York Giants- Manti-Te’o-LB-Notre Dame

The Giants are so desperate for a middle linebacker of the future that they will roll the dice on Te’o.

The drama has been discussed over and over again.

You know what it is.

After a redeeming pro day, the Notre Dame prospect earned some of his dignity back.

What cannot be escaped is that questions still hover over him regarding how well he will perform against next level competition.                                                                                                                                                               

#20 Chicago Bears-Arthur Brown-LB-Kansas State

The Bears will draft the heir-apparent to the departed Brian Urlacher.

Brown is a stable defenseman that can be counted on not to miss tackles.

There is not much flash to his game but Brown will get the job done.

#21 Cincinnati Bengals-Tavon Austin-West Virginia

The Bengals pieces are almost in place to consider themselves annual contenders.

Placing Austin in the slot with A.J. Green not only gives quarterback Andy Dalton options, it shifts the balance of power in the AFC North.

When Austin is discussed the immediate focus is usually on his formidable speed.

That is not his only area of excellence.

Austin can generate impressive extra yards after the catch which will help against frail safeties.

#22 St. Louis Rams-Eric Reid-S-LSU

The Rams can turn into a top 10 defense this season if they can just find the right safety.

Enter Reid who is one of two safeties that is worth a first round investment in this draft.

Reid was born to play in a secondary with a character like Courtland Finnegan.

He drills the life out of receivers coming into his territory and he has no problem making them aware of the fact that there is more where that came from.

The caveat to all of this is that Reid is academically brilliant which will make his transition into a man’s world that much easier.

#23 Minnesota Vikings-Barkevious Mingo-DE-LSU

With the departure of Percy Harvin, the feelings were raw. The Vikings proved that they can win on the pure virtue of Adrian Peterson’s back.

Where they struggled the most is when it came time to stop a team with a hot hand from putting points in the board.

They pick twice in the first and the putting a beast like Mingo opposite Jared Allen creates some serious issues for names like Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler.

The LSU pass rusher is a bit lean but time in a NFL-caliber strength and conditioning program will solve that issue.

He’s a mean kid that can turn the corner on a dime.

#24 Indianapolis Colts-Giovani Bernard-RB-North Carolina

The Colts have everything that they need to excel offensively except a running back.

The Band Aids that they have been using since Joseph Addai’s fall from grace have not gotten it done at a championship level.

Here is the thing about Bernard.

He might not have Eddie Lacy’s marquee status but he is a better fit for the Colts offense.

If he can stay off the trainer’s table, he has better straight line speed, pass catching ability and ball carrier vision than Lacy does.

That is saying a lot because Lacy is a remarkable talent in his own right.

Had Bernard played in the SEC instead of the ACC, he would already be trademarking some obnoxious nickname that the public slapped on him.

#25 Minnesota Vikings-Johnthan Banks-CB-Mississippi State

The Vikings need to replace Antoine Winfield.

This feisty ballhawk is not afraid to get up in the box and hit like a linebacker and he is always looking for a ball to snatch from somebody.

Our personal favorite at his position though popular opinion and rankings state otherwise.

#26 Green Bay Packers-Eddie Lacy-RB-Alabama

The Packers must draft the best running back that they can get their hands on.

Lacy has the talent that can get between the tackles and explode for large chunks of yards.

Both the interest and the need are there.

If Lacy s gone, don’t be surprised to hear Wisconsin’s Montee Ball’s name called here.

Although we would see that as a big-time reach.

#27 Houston Texans- Keenan Allen-WR-California

The Texans need to take some pressure off of their Pro Bowl wide receiver Andre Johnson.

Allen is a nice all-around route runner that can hoist the Texans offense to the next level.

#28 Denver Broncos-Bjoern Werner-DE-Florida State

Elvis who?

John Elway will flash some more teeth on draft day with this selection.

The German-born Werner is a nice run stopper.

For a pass rusher that is an added bonus.

Denver will see Jamaal Charles and Darren McFadden twice this season.

Werner’s motor is strikingly similar to that of Patrick Kerney’s.

He won’t just stop if his side is not playside.

He will push through and make plays just by simply being there when runners cut back into his waiting arms.

#29 New England Patriots-Damontre Moore-DE-Texas A&M

Moore has two things going for him that must endure him to the Patriots.

He plays the game with intelligence and discipline and those features allowed him to standout at Texas A&M

The Patriots like smart players and his field savvy has given him an uncanny ability to anticipate the snap count from opposing offenses.

I watched footage from three of his games and the one thing that stood out how quickly he uses his tall, lean frame to get off the snap.

He will be impressive and has the tools to become a hybrid.

#30 Atlanta Falcons-Jonathan Cooper-OG-North Carolina

Atlanta needs help in three major areas. They need a new cornerback to complement Asante Samuel. They need a new middle linebacker that can stop the run and own the middle of the field. They need to upgrade their offensive line now that Todd McClure retired and they cut Tyson Clabo.

Thanks to the Crimson Tide’s stranglehold on the first round of this year’s draft, Cooper has not risen to the top of this year’s class of offensive linemen.

Make no mistake about it, the North Carolina product is first round talent.

As a former wrestler, Cooper owns both feet and hand quickness that renders him hard for rushing defenders to mush and dominate.

This could become Matt Ryan’s new best friend.

#31 San Francisco 49ers-Jesse Williams-DT-Alabama

The 49ers are pinned as a group that will be looking for a safety but that market is thin.

Their next option is to upgrade their defensive line with this kid from Alabama that has blue-collar attitude.

Williams had an incredible Pro Day and would help the 49ers pass rush stay on track in the event of another injury to veteran Justin Smith.

#32 Baltimore Ravens Dion Jordan-DT-Oregon

Just because we have Jordan falling deep into the first round does not mean that he will.

Jordan has the ability to go in the top 10.

Based on how we see it, Ozzie Newsome and the Ravens will finally catch a serious break defensively with this kid that can change the game for them.

Jordan has the skills, the size and the speed to play on the interior line, outside on the fringe as a defensive end or even as a Will linebacker in a 3-4 defense.

His versatility would make him a very valuable piece on the Ravens chessboard.

The post Star Lotulelei to the Kansas City Chiefs headlines Players View’s April NFL Mock Draft. appeared first on Players View.

McFadden has for the most part lived up to his potential when has not been injured.

In 2012-12 he averaged 5.4 yards per carry through seven games played.

He also topped the five yards per tote mark in 2010-11 with 5.2 yards through 13 games played.

And then there was the disastrous 2012-13 campaign.

McFadden was plagued by both injuries and a poor performance.

In 12 games played, he only scraped together an average of 3.3 yards per carry.

Everyone around the Raiders are blaming that on the scheme of former offensive coordinator Gregg Knapp who was fired after just one year on the job.

Knapp had also been with the Raiders n 2007.

Knapp is his limited time with Oakland initiated a zone-blocking scheme that did not fit McFadden’s skill set.

To remedy those ills, the Raiders have installed a power blocking scheme under new OC Greg Olson and new offensive line coach Tony Sparano.

Raiders head coach Dennis Allen told the San Francisco Chronicle that McFadden should be good to go now.

McFadden’s “most effective years have been in a downhill, power scheme,” s Allen said. “That’s why Greg Olson and Tony Sparano are here.”

McFadden is buying into the changes.

“This is very exciting for me,” McFadden said. “I am the type of guy who likes to go downhill, make a cut and go; that’s my thing. We’ll mix it up like we used to, and get some zones in there, but for the most part, I will be keeping my shoulders toward the line of scrimmage.”

Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie agrees.

“I’m looking forward to Darren McFadden having a great season this year,” McKenzie said. He’s a “north-south runner, not a lateral mover.”

McFadden sounds like he is ready to prove himself all over again.

“I know what I can do,” McFadden said. “I do feel like I am still a top-five back.”

The Raiders have doubts at both quarterback and wide receiver so they will need him to be just that if they want any form of success.

The post Darren McFadden and the Raiders feel like this will be a breakout year appeared first on Players View.

Orlovksy who was picked up as a free agent during the 2012 offseason, played in only one game last year. He completed four of seven passes for 51 yards.

Ware was also a free agent that was picked up last offseason, with 51 rushing yards and 14 catches for 100 yards last season. There is no real need to keep him on the team any longer after the Bucs signed free agent Brian Leonard earlier in the week. Leonard is a strong pass catcher who is more than capable of taking Ware’s spot.

The team has been looking good with their current quarterback Josh Freeman, coming off a record-breaking season in which he threw 27 touchdowns with a combined 4,065 yards. However it seems that he had been struggling in the team’s last three games where he threw a total of nine interceptions. Freeman’s end-of-season troubles may mean that head coach, Greg Schiano, will be looking for another back up quarterback as a safety net.

The Bucs seem to have a plan of adding a quarterback during the upcoming Draft, but there are still some options that they need to look at during the free agency. Kellen Clemens, Matt Leinart, and Brady Quinn are all still available. They are all young players and each of them have starting experience that could prove useful. Hopefully the team will make the right decisions so they can come out strong in the 2013-14 NFL season.

Check out other great articles at Sports Media 101.

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“It was a great experience, a great learning experience,” Ross said. “I don’t regret the decision I made. It was a nice paid vacation to Florida, so I definitely wouldn’t take back the decision. I definitely wouldn’t.”

The “great experience” part of the comment was mostly overlooked in lieu of the anger inspired by the ” nice paid vacation to Florida,” part of the show.

As a result, Ross was forced to apologize and explain himself to ESPN.

“Jacksonville treated me and my wife with the utmost respect and I really appreciated what they did for me and did for us,” Ross said. “The only reason I said the vacation thing is because it was such a short turnaround for me to (come) back home with the Giants, it felt like (being away on) a vacation. I definitely didn’t mean any harm to Jacksonville city or the fans or disrespect to the organization. I have the utmost respect for that organization.”

“I really apologize if Jag nation took offense to it,” he added. “I loved the opportunity that they gave me, they gave me a second chance to live my dream. They accepted me and my wife (Sanya Richards-Ross) with open arms and they were a fun crowd to be around and the organization was first class and treated us really nice.”

Ross went on to to thank the team for allowing him to enjoy being a part of his wife’s Olympics experience last year in London.

“I didn’t mean literally on vacation as far as not working hard or taking advantage of the Jacksonville nation,” said Ross. “They allowed me to go to the Olympics [during training camp]which most organizations wouldn’t even consider that an option. I have no complaints… no regrets. If I had to make the decision again, I would definitely (sign that free agent deal with) Jacksonville.”

Ok, so that settles that.

The post Aaron Ross apologizes for Jacksonville Jaguars comment appeared first on Players View.

While we have all heard the buzz that Deion Sanders’ ex Pilar is dating a Cash Money Millionaire, apparently reports may have pegged the wrong one.

Most outlets, including BSO, have reported that Pilar is seeing YMCMB head Ronald “Slim” Williams, but VLADTV reports that an insider has said that it is in fact Birdman that has been entertaining the ex Mrs. Sanders and is footing the bill for her legal fees.

An insider revealed that she’s actually dating his brother Birdman.

Pilar posted a photo of her and Birdman on her Instagram page at his birthday bash a couple of months ago, but didn’t reveal that they were an item.

The insider also revealed that Birdman is being very generous with his wealth, paying for Pilar’s legal fees with Deion, paying her staff, and treating her to his luxurious lifestyle filled with yachts and private planes.

Birdman and Pilar have reportedly been friends for years, but have been seriously dating for just around a year.

Deion, Slim, 50 Cent, and now Birdman. I ain’t saying she’s a gold digger…well yeah…that’s exactly what I’m saying.

But seriously, Pilar has a young daughter that is watching her every move.

It seems like she needs to concentrate more on being a positive role model for her than finding her next millionaire match.

Check out other great articles at BSO.

The post Deion Sanders ex-wife is dating rap mogul Bryan” Birdman” Williams appeared first on Players View.

In his new position, he will represent those who tend to suffer similar fates.

According to the Associated Press, Tannenbaum is the new president of Priority Sports & Entertainment.

He will no longer be building teams and hiring coaches.

He will be on the other end of the deal as he negotiates on behalf of  professional and college coaches in basketball and football.

The agency has a new ” coaches, front office and broadcasters” stable and he will have the final say in every deal that falls underneath that umbrella.

Priority Sports CEO Mark Bartelstein was quoted as stating that importing Tannenbaum to his group was  ”an absolute home run” for the group that is based in Chicago.

Tannebaum will continue to work out of New York.

The post Ex-New York Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum is now an agent appeared first on Players View.

Now he is saying that the Baltimore Ravens cut him loose for speaking his mind.

“My bark is louder than my bite,” Ayanbadejo told Newsday, via ESPN. “I make a lot of noise and garner a lot of attention for various things off the football field. When that starts happening, why do you have that player around?”

“But, I don’t necessarily think that teams want this type of attention,” Ayanbadejo said.

The Ravens quickly countered his statement.

“We’re surprised that he would indicate this. We have always been respectful of Brendon’s opinions and his right to express those,” Ravens senior vice president for public and community relations Kevin Byrne said. “Our decision regarding his departure from the team has everything to do with football. Nothing else.”

The issue of gay players and players that support gay players and who will be the first openly gay player has played itself out to this.

Let us be clear here.

The Ravens have gotten rid of a lot of players this off-season for a variety of different reasons.

Money and ego seem to be the top two reasons headlining the team’s sudden overhaul.

One thing that they have not been is unsupportive of Ayanbadejo when it comes to his views on this issue.

When called upon by a political bully, the Ravens had is back.

When he chose to grandstand at the Super Bowl, there was not a visible attempt to slap a muzzle on him.

You can judge people more effectively by their actions and not their words.

On the subject of actions, Ayanbadejo is a 36-year-old defender that was primarily relegated to special teams duty.

At this stage of his career he has gone from being pretty good to fairly mediocre.

The tape does not lie.

I’m sure there are plenty of climates that would not be receptive to his views and actions regarding making sure those views are heard.

However, right now it seems that there is so much buzz around the issue that it will be a p.r. sweepstakes for the team that can host the first openly gay player.

Should it be?

No.

Somebody’s lifestyle is really not that serious.

But it will be.

And for a team as progressive as the Ravens have proven themselves to be, there does not seem much evidence there to support the idea of them not cashing in on a enviroment of tolerance that they helped establish.

The post Ex-Raven Brendon Ayanbadejo claims gay rights cost him job appeared first on Players View.

As a result, believe it or not he was not 100-percent for the 2012-13 run.

Watt was carted off-the-field during practice last summer with an elbow injury.

The team’s trainers popped his elbow back into place but he was forced to sit out most of the pre-season and wear a brace on his elbow last season.

Watt told Sports Radio 610 in Houston via ESPN that despite leading the NFL in sacks and winning Defensive Player of the Year, he was not completely healthy.

“In the beginning, it definitely affected me,” Watt said. “All the ligaments in there were torn, they were all gone, so they had to have time to recover and regroup. So obviously, I wasn’t at full strength.

“The brace helped a lot, but it was more of a mental thing, getting over the thought process of knowing that it was injured and making sure that I could still have confidence in it. As the season went on, I got more and more confidence in it, and obviously, it didn’t hinder me too much; I had some success out there. But [I'm] looking forward to a 100 percent full healthy season.”

To think that Watt accomplished so much while not completely healthy should scare every quarterback on the Texans schedule half-to-death.

Seriously.

The post J.J. Watt was not 100-percent last season. appeared first on Players View.

Clabo’s agent issued a Tweet about the move on Thursday.

Falcons have informed me that they are releasing starting RT Tyson Clabo today.

— Chad Speck (@a3Chad) April 4, 2013

Clabo was reached by the Atlanta Journal Constitution and he said that he was unprepared for the move.

“I’ve been with the Falcons for eight years,” said Clabo. “We’re really disappointed, but at the same time we’re excited about new experiences. We’ll have to see where we go from here. This was definitely unexpected.”

The general feeling is that Clabo was shipped out so that Atlanta can extend quarterback Matt Ryan’s contract.

If that is the case, this could prove to be a crucial misstep for a team that already struggles at times in pass protection.

Clabo did the dirty work for the Falcons and his $4.5 million cap hit was not seriously extravagant.

On Thursday, Atlanta bid adieu to the attitude that gave it’s offensive line it’s identity.

Clabo is 31-years old and the Falcons may have a younger face in mind that is either already in their locker room such as Lamar Holmes.

Sometimes as they say, you get what you pay for.

The post Tyson Clabo is released by the Atlanta Falcons appeared first on Players View.

Welker spoke with ESPN and talked up a recent dinner he had with his new quarterback Peyton Manning in Miami.

“We just kind of caught up and talked about the year and different things about the offense and stuff like that. I’ll be working with him next week and start to get that process going,” Welker said.

Welker stated that not to much shop was talked thanks to other members of their dinner party.

“We didn’t want to bore everybody else at the table,” Welker said.

Welker broke the silence on whether or not he has spoken with Tom Brady since he aligned himself with the Broncos.

“Tom’s one of my good friends and we stay in contact quite often,” Welker said.

Well then.

After the short answer, Welker also stated his technical reasons for working with both Manning and Brady.

“I think they’re both extremely accurate … they’re extremely smart players and have a good idea where the rush is, and moving around and buying time and getting the ball out quick and being smart and putting it right on the money.

“Not being the biggest guy out there, I definitely need a quarterback that can put it on you and just be able to read the defenses like I do and see it the same way, and I think both guys do that well,” he said.

As for whether or not he will play with an attitude this season after the drama that drove him to Denver, Welker said it is what it is and it has always been that way.

“I feel like I’ve been doing that for my entire career so I don’t see that changing,” he said.

The post Wes Welker sits down with Manning,has talked to Brady appeared first on Players View.

As such he only wants to discuss life as a 49er.

When asked by the Cleveland Plain Dealer about the trials and tribulations that he faced as a Brown, McCoy waved the subject off.

“I’d really rather stay away from that topic,” said McCoy. “There were some very positive, high moments there and there were also some low times. It was unfortunate kind of the way it all went down and ended, but I have no hard feelings toward those guys. I wish them nothing but the best.”

McCoy did visit the controversy surrounding his 2011 concussion that was inflicted by linebacker James Harrison.

McCoy’s father came out to the media after the injury and infamously took shots at the Browns for how they handled his son’s injury.

McCoy stated that its now all good.

“I don’t think anyone would intentionally put someone out there to harm them more,” McCoy said. “As a competitor, you always want to play. There’s been lots of talk about that. Obviously it was a long time ago. I’d rather not bring it up again.

“The most important thing is health-wise, I feel great. My body feels good.”

The post Colt McCoy waves off Cleveland Browns questions appeared first on Players View.

It is stated because he is such a good guy that mentors young players and troubled youth .

He rarely complains and even when it becomes public, it’s not in the form of an “I’m so entitled” temper tantrum.

He does loads of charity work and as a result of all that you want to see him get the best of what is coming to him.

So it is a this time of the year that the Cardinals make a move regarding this quarterback situation. And it is at this time that we state that we hope it works out because Larry is well…a good guy.

On Tuesday, the Cardinals traded away draft stock for Carson Palmer. As a result they cut John Skelton. One of those moves was a smart one and it wasn’t trading for Palmer.

You would have thought for sure that Arizona finally got the memo that need a true quarterback of the future and not a Band Aid.

The sad thing is that Palmer’s game at this point is not even Band Aid worthy.

Fitzgerald can make a mediocre quarterback look good and a god one look great, but Palmer’s lackadaisical run in Oakland and at the tail end of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals qualifies his him as none of the above.

Fitzgerald told Darren Urban from the Cardinals website all about his feelings toward Palmer and last year’s gruesome stretch of time.

.@larryfitzgerald on Carson Palmer: “I’m coming off the most disappointing season of my career and I’m in ‘prove it’ mode …

— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) April 2, 2013

More @larryfitzgerald on Palmer: “Anyone who can come to our team and help us reclaim the division I’m all for.”

— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) April 2, 2013

Reclaiming the NFC West is not as easy as it used to be.

The St. Louis Rams continue to make subtle moves that will help their franchise. We all know what both the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers are capable of now.

It’s highly doubtful that Carson Palmer can pull that off.

Even with the NFL’s most talented good guy on his squad.

The post Larry Fitzgerald calls 2012 the most dissapointing of his career appeared first on Players View.

Well that may not have been exactly the truth according to the Baltimore Sun.

It was interesting to see how the national media made it seem like the The Ravens were in a bidding war with Houston for former safety Ed Reed. The Ravens made it appear that way out of respect for Reed, and it certainly put more money in Reed’s pocket. But Ravens coach John Harbaugh wanted Reed back as much as he wants a root canal. It was the perfect time for both parties to go their separate ways

The Sun report did not get into the greasy details and out of respect of their access to the team they may not share exactly what they know. But they are always dead-on when it comes to all things Ravens. It makes the reports of the alleged mutiny among the defensive players regarding Harbaugh’s practice style seem that much more likely.

The Ravens brought in Michael Huff to bring stability to the last level of the defense that has been vacated by both Reed and Bernard Pollard.

Pollard was cut presumably in a salary cap move yet he has spoken out in regards to how he was treated after the mutiny report surfaced.

NFL.com reported in December that a player spoke off-the-record about a closed door meeting that went south.

“It was practically a mutiny,” the Ravens player said. “It came very close to getting out of control. But the way Coach Harbaugh handled it was amazing. He let people have their say, and he listened, and he explained himself, and pretty soon it was like a big group-therapy session. In the end, a lot of positive things were said. We didn’t practice in pads, but we came out of there stronger as a group.”

Pollard’s name was brought into the fray as was Reed’s.

“I’m offended by that, because we walked away from that situation thinking, ‘OK, everybody’s on the same page. We’re all good,’” Pollard said. “Like I said, I’m just a little offended that the coach never stepped up and said anything.”

Obviously, money was not the only issue in play when the Ravens decided to retool their roster.

Whether or not it was for the better, remains to be seen.

The post Report: Baltimore Ravens John Haurbaugh wanted Ed Reed out appeared first on Players View.

“We feel great about acquiring a talented player in Darrius Heyward-Bey,” said General Manager Ryan Grigson in a statement on the team’s website. “He’s big, strong and shows toughness in traffic and after the catch. He’s got elite finishing speed that’s as good as there is in the NFL. With this staff, this team and overall culture we’re building here in Indy, we felt strongly that he was the right player and person at the wide receiver position for us moving forward.”

Colts quarterback Andrew Luck is now armed with Reggie Wayne, playmaker T.Y. Hilton, Heyward-Bey and tight ends Coby Fleener and Dwayne Allen as viable targets.

If the Colts pull down a true every down running back, their offense is setup to make waves.

We may not know what separated the Colts from the Lions as Indy did not exactly give him the bank and a longterm commitment.

Deal for DHB and Colts is for one-year, up to $3 million.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 2, 2013

Whatever his motive, DHB once again has a chance to prove himself in the AFC.

The post Darrius Heyward-Bey joins the Indianapolis Colts appeared first on Players View.

The boisterous cornerback that never quite lived up tp his hype, has signed a one-year deal with the Skins.

Source: #Redskins and CB Deangelo Hall have agreed on a one-year deal that will bring the veteran defender back to Washington.

— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) April 2, 2013

Hall has deep personal ties to the area so his heart will be in another run at the post-season.

He may not be able to shutdown the big boys on the outside anymore.

But Hall still has a thieves mentality and can give the Redskins  a spark as a nickel corner.

If injuries roast their defense again and he is forced up the depth chart, the near 30 year-old will return to being a liability that gets lit up in coverage against elite talent.

The post DeAngelo Hall returns to the Washington Redskins appeared first on Players View.

The Raiders are not a team that needs a backup quarterback who had a couple of nice games a couple of years ago.

The Raiders need a  fresh-faced rookie that they can rebuild the culture around.

They have long been the land of the cast-aways and afterthoughts.

And that has gotten them nowhere.

365 days ago, Matt Flynn was among the hottest free agent names on the market after he performed well against the Detroit Lions in place of Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay.

Seattle wrote him a check and was smart enough to let things play out between him and the kid that they drafted named Russell Wilson.

That open competition showed a lot to people who watched it closely.

In one corner you had Wilson who would not be denied his day in the sun.

In the other you had Flynn who did not own much fire in his demeanor, his play or his leadership skills.

I’m not saying that Flynn was cool because regardless his check was still the same but he did very little on the field to take what was due to be rightfully his.

That is not good news for Raider nation.

Oakland has agreed to cough up to picks for Flynn according to ESPN.

The pick values are not immediately available but what is known is that they will ship a 2014 selection and a conditional pick in 2015 .

The only way this works out for Oakland is if they can dump Carson Palmer off on the Arizona Cardinals.

There is an eight million dollar difference between Flynn’s base salary and Palmer’s.

Palmer is not expected to restructure his deal.

That will force the Raiders to cut him and in doing so they will swallow a $9.3 million cap hit.

Between Palmer and Flynn, the Raiders will chew up nearly $15 million in cap space.

We have not even discussed Terrelle Pryor’s money.

Nor have we stated the obvious about the draft.

USC’s Matt Barkley has a similar skillset to Flynn’s yet he would be a lot cheaper, younger and he owns more leadership upside.

Now there is a thought.

The Raiders could likely have gotten him outside of the first round and gone on about their business.

Now, if they choose to work the draft for a quarterback, they simply making a messy situation messier.

The post Seattle trades Matt Flynn to the Oakland Raiders appeared first on Players View.

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