Week 10: A serious note and then back to the fun stuff.

Familiar face missing at Beaver Stadium

I don't really feel like writing about NFL stars and their ditzy, reality TV wives today.  I know everyone is sick of hearing about Coach Paterno, but I really want to ensure everyone knows the whole story.  My inner desire for truth and justice has been struggling these past few days.

I'll just say one little thing and be done: I understand getting justice for the victims is the most important thing and that is underway.  But only firing Coach Joe and not punishing the other coaches and witnesses is an injustice.  How about I just post some links and if you want to know the truth, you can, and if you want to live in ignorance, you can do that too.

Link to court document of Sandusky grand jury report

Link to ESPN coverage of Penn State scandal

Link to Penn State's news website


Wedding Bells

Mr. and Mrs. Kroy Biermann

Mr. and Mrs. Kroy Biermann.
Courtesy of Tom Briglia/FilmMagic.

Reality television and the National Football League are united in marriage yet again.  On Friday, Atlanta Falcons defensive end Kroy Biermann married Kim Zolciak, of "Real Housewives of Atlanta" fame.  They have one son together, Kroy Jagger Biermann, Jr., who was born on May 31, 2011.  The couple met at a charity auction and instantly clicked... probably because their names both begin with a K.

Biermann was drafted in the fifth round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the Falcons and played college football for the University of Montana.  I don't know how the new Mrs. Biermann earned her reality role, but a couple of years ago she attempted to be a recording artist by releasing a single entitled, "Tardy for the Party."  Maybe we'll see the happy family on their own reality show some day!

Mr. and Mrs. Ochocinco

Chad Ochocinco and fiance Evelyn Lozada are not going to be one of those couples who are engaged for five years.  They hired a wedding planner and have narrowed the date down to... Summer 2012.  OK, so they haven't decided on a date or location, (or anything else yet) but they have taken the next step toward walking down the aisle.  I wonder if the wedding planner knows how to convince Ochocinco to change his name back to Johnson.

Bibs & Burps = Babies

For someone who (unsuccessfully) tried hiding their baby bump with sweatshirts and large handbags, Jessica Simpson sure can't stop talking about it now.  Every tabloid is covered with the future Mrs. Johnson's food cravings, feelings about being a mom, etc.  The important thing is she's doing well and planning on getting married after the baby arrives.  Simpson is engaged to former NFLer Eric Johnson, who played from 2001-2007 for the 49ers and the Saints.

One of my favorite Vikings recently became a dad!  Minnesota's sack leader Jared Allen and his wife Amy brought home a little girl named Brinley Noel.  She arrived on October 29 and her devoted dad missed a couple days of practice to be present at her arrival.

P.S.  If you're watching the Cowboys game today, look for me up in the 400s.  I'll be the one in the pink Cowboys T-shirt!!

Week 9: My pals Suzy & Michele

The woman's role as a NFL reporter

As a journalism major in college, I shirked from any sports reporting because... I was afraid.  My excuse was that I didn't know the lingo, even though the AP manual has a whole section dedicated to it.  Sports reporting was the only type of news writing I wasn't forced to learn and I regret that I didn't force myself.

A scene from "All the President's Men," a film that
inspired me to study journalism.
Courtesy of influence-film.com.

This is unfortunate because sports news seems to be the only genre that is gathered in the traditional way I was taught in college.  Like the good ol' days, sports reporters actually attend the games in the press box, conduct interviews, do "stand-ups" in front of the stadium, and write stories for the "wire."  We still watch football games like we did in 1960 - camera shots accompanied with a commentator for the play-by-play (there are improvements, but you get the idea).

Those old fashioned methods are what I love about journalism - the textbook method of conducting an interview or attending a city council meeting and then informing the reader of something important that could affect their daily life.  The traditional news method that has almost disappeared except when it comes to sports.

Suzy Kolber at the Pro Bowl.
Courtesy of suzykolber.net.

Sports reporting is so traditional, women are still only featured as sideline reporters on all of the major networks.  I don't know if the male viewers pay any attention to these ladies besides their looks, but I most certainly do.  I think it would be exciting to collect bits of news along the sidelines, interview star quarterbacks, and get to be on the field during the games.  I understand it must a tough job being away from family in a different city every week and having to endure hours of hair and makeup while trying to prove yourself as a professional journalist in a man's world.

I'm definitely not a feminist (and I don't believe women should be in the locker room), but female journalists are definitely capable of more than sideline reporting and daytime ESPN variety shows.  I would love to see Suzy Kolber at the desk alongside Mike Tirico commentating during Monday Night Football.  Suzy and the other female sideline reporters like Michele Tafoya, Wendi Nix, and Pam Oliver all have degrees in journalism and years of experience.  Some of their male counterparts have "earned" their TV jobs from just having played the game for a few years.  Just because you played or coached pro football doesn't mean you're qualified to be a commentator - and that means you, Jon Gruden.

Week 8: I'm Tebowing for the Cowboys to win tonight!

Some of my fave Rangers: Murphy & Napoli.
Courtesy of zimbio.com/Christian Petersen.

NFL/MLB

For the past couple of weeks, my life has revolved around one thing: the World Series.  I know this blog is only supposed to be about the NFL, but I have been watching more baseball than football lately.  It was a very exciting time until the big loss on Thursday night.

I made a special celebratory dinner that night and had plans to buy World Series gear after the win.  But even though the Rangers had more than one chance to crush the Cardinals, they just couldn't pull it off.  We knew before it started that St. Louis was going to win Game 7.  I barely watched it.

The second the Cards starting running on the field to celebrate, I turned the TV off and our house was silent.  My husband and I didn't even talk that much until Saturday evening.  Our hearts were broken, but they're slowly on the mend.

The Cardinals are having their celebration parade later today and some of the players attended the Rams game.  Chris Carpenter, the winning pitcher, was part of the coin toss and the crowd cheered like crazy when the players were announced.  I hope the Cardinals enjoy it because they won't be there next year.  It will be our third time in the World Series and you know what they say... the third time's the charm!

Tebowing

Tebowing on top of a golf cart!
Courtesy of tebowing.com.

Tim Tebow is famous for more than being a talented football player.  Even in college, he was proud of his Christian faith and didn't shy away from his beliefs.  (Do you remember the controversial Super Bowl ad featuring Tebow and his mom promoting a pro-life organization?)  Now people seem to be embracing Tebow and his faith with a new web activity called "Tebowing."  It's the new thing after planking and owling.  To participate in Tebowing, you simply need to pose kneeled down in prayer even if everyone around you is doing something totally different.

Tebowing was inspired by Tim himself bowing down in prayer after last week's overtime win against Miami.  After the game, a Broncos fan and his friends posted a picture on Facebook copying Tebow and now there's a Website where you can participate.  Go to www.tebowing.com to view poses, post your own, or buy a T-shirt.

Bibs and Burps

This handsome couple is expecting their first baby!
Courtesy of bossip.com.

My favorite kind of news!  While doing a question-and-answer session at Cedar Hill High School this week, Tony Romo announced that his wife is pregnant!  A student from the school in the south Dallas area had asked if Romo had any kids and Tony first responded no.  The kids responded with a cheer but then Tony explained that Candice is expecting their first child.  The kids cheered again so I'm guessing they were excited about everything he said.  The local Fox news station in Dallas was present and zoomed in on Candice's mid-section but didn't detect a baby bump quite yet.  The two members of the Romo family annoyingly don't tweet, but hopefully I'll have more local news on this soon!

Week 6: So long, Hank

Are you ready for some... controversy?

As most of you know, the iconic Monday Night Football theme song by Hank Williams Jr. is officially part of NFL history.  ESPN and Williams Jr. have both declared the 20-year relationship is over.    

Hank singing his theme live.

The singer is active in the political arena and has contributed to campaigns and appeared at Republican rallies.  On Monday, Oct. 3, Hank Williams Jr. was a guest on the Fox News program, "Fox and Friends."  During the interview he discussed a golf game earlier this year where President Obama and Speaker of the House John Boehner played against Vice President Biden and Ohio Governor John Kasich.  

Williams Jr. compared Obama and Boehner to Adolf Hitler and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.  The singer says the comparison was supposed to compare the incapability of the two sides to work together.  ESPN pulled the song from that evening's telecast and then announced later that week that Williams Jr. and his opener would not be returning.   

On his website Williams Jr. posted, "I have always been very passionate about Politics and Sports and this time it got the Best or Worst of me. The thought of the Leaders of both Parties Jukin and High Fiven on a Golf course, while so many Families are Struggling to get by simply made me Boil over and make a Dumb statement and I am very Sorry if it Offended anyone."

Williams Jr.'s opening act has been a part of Monday Night Football since 1991.  The song was based on Williams Jr.'s 1984 hit, "All My Rowdy Friends are Coming Over Tonight."  The singer won four Emmy awards for the theme songs from 1991 to 1994. 

Hank has a lot of supporters including Kid Rock who wore a shirt the following Monday night that said, "If you don't like Hank Jr., you can kiss my (picture of an ass).  Williams Jr. also recorded a new song entitled, "Keep the Change," which was downloaded 180.000 times in the first two days.  The song includes lyrics like "this country is sure as hell goin' down the drain" and "I'll keep the government out of my business and you can keep the change."

The small little word that Hank should have never uttered is 'Hitler.'  Understandably, our country is sensitive to any comparisons to that evil leader.  Other celebrities have been fired or received negative press after mentioning Hitler.  Megan Fox, who was in the first two Transformers movies, compared director Michael Bay to Hitler in a magazine interview.  She was fired and did not appear in the third movie.  In a newspaper interview, filmmaker Oliver Stone claimed Hitler hurt Russians more than the Jewish people and had to issue an apology.

Here's the deal.  Anyone with a brain knows Hank did not say Obama is like Hitler or acts like Hitler or has done anything like what Hitler did.  He was using a metaphor to explain how the two political parties in our nation's capitol are having a difficult time working together and trying to get anything accomplished for the American people.  They can play golf and pretend to like each other, but it's a waste of time.  Instead of each side digging in their heels and trying to be right, they should work together and get something done.

The problem is that Hank issued a word that can never be forgiven.  And he said it on a nationally televised cable program so it can't be forgotten either.  ESPN had no choice but to pull the song and stop working with him.  You can't be a famous singer and talk about Hitler and the president in the same sentence on national television and then say he's the enemy.  Of course, everyone is entitled to say and believe what they want, but some Americans don't understand metaphors or similes.  ESPN had to protect themselves from all the dumb fans that weren't paying attention in English class.  Hopefully, Faith Hill has no political ties because I would really miss her on Sunday nights.


Two last thoughts... Green Bay and Detroit are the only two 5-0 teams.  I'm glad Detroit is doing well in order to bring some hope to that struggling city.  Like how the Saints were able to do that for New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.  Detroit's baseball team was also doing well until our Rangers beat them last night to make it to the World Series! Go Rangers!! 

Week 5: Happy Birthday to Me!

Ha!  Bet you were expecting my blog yesterday.  I decided to wait until my birthday to publish the latest edition of my fabulous writing (and Google-ing) skills.  What did I do for my birthday, you ask?  I got my hair done and in ten days I'm going home to celebrate in Minneapolis.  In honor of my birthday, you will be reading about the lives of two NFL greats.

RIP Raiders Owner Al Davis

Al Davis circa 1977.
Courtesy of nytimes.com.

The Oakland Raiders are mourning the loss of their long-time owner and manager, Al Davis.  Mr. Davis passed away on Saturday, Oct. 8 in his home in Oakland.  He is survived by his wife, son, and the entire Raiders family and fans across the nation.  To honor his memory, the players wore the word "AL" on their helmets and with a moment of silence before Sunday's game.  The Raiders beat the Houston Texans 25-20.

Davis was born in Massachusetts on July 4, 1929 and was raised in Brooklyn, New York.  He started coaching right after earning a degree in English from Syracuse University and then his first professional coaching position was with the Chargers from 1960-1962.

Davis joined the Raiders in 1962 as the head coach and general manager.  He spent a brief time in 1966 as the AFL Commissioner and then returned to the Raiders as the head of operations.  He eventually owned the majority of the team and helped the Raiders become one of the most successful teams in NFL history.  Davis was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1992.

Read a great article about his legacy from ESPN's website by clicking here.

NFL Star QB Aaron Rodgers

Green Bay's latest star QB.
Courtesy of eduinreview.com.

He won Super Bowl XLV and is doing well so far this season, so it's about time we learned all about him.  Rodgers is the NFL's all-time career leader in passer rating (which means he throws well) and he has the lowest career pass interception percentage for quarterbacks (which means not very many interceptions).

Destiny was a bartender in San Diego
before moving back home to Chico.
Courtesy of Pacific San Diego Magazine.

Aaron was the 24th pick in the first round of the 2005 draft and has played for the Green Bay Packers for his entire NFL career.  He was the backup to Brett Favre until Favre retired (but then was traded to the Jets when he decided to come back).  In college he played two seasons for the University of California Berkeley, known by most as simply Cal.  He wasn't recruited out of high school right away and spent his freshman year at a local junior college.

Rodgers is from Chico, California and is dating a hometown girl named Destiny Newton.  According to her mother in an interview with Radar Online, Rodgers and Newton met at church camp as teenagers and were close friends for years before the relationship became romantic in 2005.  She is currently finishing up a communications degree at California State University Chico.

Destiny's sister, Shawntel, was a contestant on "The Bachelor" with Brad Womack.  Since Shawntel made it all the way to the hometown date before being eliminated, we know the family business is operating a funeral home in Chico.  The Newton family is very close and probably wouldn't mind their daughter marrying a football star as long as they spend the off-season at home in Chico.

Week 4: Boobs & Cheeseheads

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The NFL supports breast cancer awareness month.
Courtesy of Perry Knotts.

If you watch any football games today, you will notice the color hot pink on some of the players and coaches.  Every year, the NFL shows its support of breast cancer awareness month in October by wearing pink ribbons on helmets and wearing pink equipment.

This year's campaign called, "A Crucial Catch," is being promoted with players using pink towels or wearing pink shoes or gloves.  Coaches will wear special hats and pink ribbons.  Even the officials have pink arm bands and pink lanyards for their whistles.  All the pink apparel worn by players and coaches, as well as special footballs and pink coins, will be auctioned with proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.  You can buy pink items, bid on the auction items, and read more about the campaign at www.nfl.com/pink.
   
The Mane Event

Brady downplaying his new haircut.
Courtesy of Chris Forsberg, ESPN Boston.

Tom Brady cut his hair!  You may remember last season when the Patriots' QB grew his hair long and was compared to Justin Bieber.  (The Biebs has long since cut his hair and caused pre-teen girls to mourn the loss.)  This spring Brady's hair was news again when he was spotted with a ponytail in Brazil with his supermodel wife.  Then last Wednesday, he appeared in a hat for a press conference and there was obviously neat, short hair underneath.  Not like his hair really matters, but I think no man should have long hair (except Troy Polamalu).

Big Ben Has Issues

If you know me and have read this blog, you know I'm not a fan of Ben Roethlisberger.  I would describe him with not-so-nice words that begin with a D and a B.  I have no idea how he convinced someone to marry him.

Case in point: he missed one day of practice this week to deal with an ongoing civil case in which he is a co-defendant.  Ben is accused of raping a former hostess in his hotel room while at a celebrity golf event in 2008.  The victim is asking for almost half a million dollars in damages.  Apparently, the NFL has asked him to settle the case but he maintains his innocence.  He says the case hasn't distracted him from playing football, but I'm sure his team would like any negative press toward the QB to be over.

The cheesehead still lingers.
Courtesy of Wisconsin State Journal.

News of the Weird

If you're driving to Lambeau Field on Highway 41, you'll see a billboard picturing the Grim Reaper discouraging the consumption of cheese due to fat and cholesterol.  On top of his head, there's a faint outline of a foam cheesehead.  The original design featured the cheesehead crowning Mr. Death's head.  When the company who makes the iconic cheeseheads found out, they threatened legal action against the physician group who sponsors the sign.  The cheesehead makers want it to be perfectly clear - they support the cheese industry in Wisconsin and don't want their trademarked products being used to send a negative message.

Personal Note

Now that Blogger tells me how many of you click on my blog, I feel so proud that people are reading this silly thing.  Last year I made my husband create a Google account so I could have at least one follower.  I hate when people do this, but could a few of you comment on the blog and tell me if you think I'm dumb, funny, or brilliant?  Thanks for reading and go Cowboys!

Week 3: Getting into the swing of things

So cute! Her shirt says
Mom's Little Kicker.
Courtesy of Brittany Pigrenet.

Bibs and Burps = Babies

Cowboys kicker David Buehler and his girlfriend Brittany Pigrenet are expecting their first baby!  Little Bryson is due very soon and will hopefully follow in his dad's footsteps.  The couple has been together for two years and was featured on last year's (one and only) season of "Football Wives" on VH1.  

Washington Redskins defensive end Stephen Bowen is expecting his son Stephen III to go home from the hospital this week.  Stephen III was born premature on June 28 and has been in the hospital ever since.  Dad didn't see to see his new son very much because he was traded to Washington and had to leave mom and baby in Dallas until little Stephen was well enough to move.  Bowen is going to play his old team in Dallas this week and hopefully mom, son, and older daughter will be together watching from home!

Wedding Bells

Big Ben gets another ring.
Courtesy of nydailynews.com.

Ben Roethlisberger is another star QB who was married this summer.  In July, he tied the knot with Ashley Harlan in a private ceremony at Christ Church at Grove Farm in Sewickley, Pa.  Security was tight and windows deeply tinted so onlookers with cameras couldn't see any VIP guests.  Even the reception site at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh was booked as a movie production to prevent any groupies from interfering with their big day.  After the wedding, the Pittsburgh Tribune got the scoop and you can read it here. 

Chirp chirp! News from Twitter

Social media enthusiasts across the web were surprised to see this post from Jay Cutler last Monday evening: 'Good luck babe “@KristinCav: Don't forget to vote tonight!!"'  Of course, this was in reference to her debut on DWTS.  Was this just a supportive gesture from a friend or are there still lingering feelings that could be re-ignited?  Personally, I say let her go back to dating surfer dudes in California and Jay should find someone better than a reality star who is struggling for another 15 minutes of fame.    

Mug shot of the week

Poor Cincinnati fans.  Their players are making headlines, but it's not because of touchdowns or charity work.  Wide receiver Jerome Simpson is a little bit of trouble and might not be playing today.  It seems as though he ordered 2.5 lbs. of marijuana from California and when the police followed the trail to his home in Kentucky, there was evidence of a "budding" business.  One of his teammates, Anthony Collins, was there when the police arrived but he is not considered a participant in any way.

You only live once

Chad on the set of 'Blue Mountain State."
Courtesy of sportsofboston.com.

I just can't have a week without including the escapades of Senor Ochocinco.  He had quite a summer riding bulls and driving race cars, and now this week he was on a non-reality, not created-and-named-after-himself television show.  Ochocinco had a guest starring role in Spike TV's "Blue Mountain State," a comedy about a fictional college football team.  I was busy watching CSI last Wednesday, but apparently his acting skills are not that bad.  Maybe that will be the next career move when his football playing days are over.  

Week 2: Summer - full of weddings and moving trucks

The NFL did not have a enjoyable off-season.  While we were working on our tans and enjoying drinks by the pool, the players and owners were battling over the players' association contracts.  I tried keeping up with the lockout, but it got confusing really fast.  All I really know is that it's over and we don't have to deal with it again for a long time.

Because of the lockout, all of the trades happened really quickly.  If I didn't follow Adam Schefter on Twitter, I would have been lost.  So here's an update as to where our favorite players now call home field and an introduction to some of the new guys.

Chad in his new, less flashy uniform.
Courtesy of zimbio.com.

Moving Trucks & New Uniforms

Chad Ochocinco is no longer with the Cincinnati Bengals.  He was traded to New England and is now receiving catches from Tom Brady.  His new coach Bill Belichick probably won't allow him to wear gold teeth - they don't match his new team colors.  Ochocinco's pal, Terrell Owens, is not with any team yet because his contract expired and he hasn't been signed by a new team.  Even though you can't see him on the field, you can watch the third season of the "T.O. Show" on VH1.

Kim Kardashian's ex Reggie Bush was released from New Orleans and picked up by Miami.  This summer he was reportedly dating Melissa Molinaro, a singer/actress/dancer from Canada.  There won't be any further mention of Kim K. this season unless she attends a game with her new husband, NBA benchwarmer Kris Humphries.  My last comment on Mrs. Humphries is I believe her previous relationships with NFL players didn't end well because they were more famous.  Now she's married to someone that doesn't steal the spotlight and that will work out as long as he doesn't mind.

My hometown team, the Minnesota Vikings have a new face in the role of QB.  Donovan McNabb, of Philadelphia Eagles fame, was with Washington last season and is now calling the plays in Minnesota.  Hopefully the strong silent types like Jared Allen and Jim Kleinsasser will work well with McNabb and start winning in the old Metrodome.

Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has moved from the rainy, coffee-loving city of Seattle to the home of country music in Tennessee.  Don't worry, Matt, there are coffee shops in Nashville too.

Wedding Bells & Breakups

Tony and Candice on their big day.
Courtesy of people.com.

There were wedding bells ringing in Dallas this summer when Cowboys QB Tony Romo married former Miss Missouri Candice Crawford.  Of course, her family and TV star brother, Chace Crawford, were in attendance along with former and current Cowboys players.  All of the team's star players are back in Dallas this season with the goal of winning a Lombardi trophy.

At the end of last season, Chicago's QB Jay Cutler was dating MTV personality Kristin Cavallari.  During the off-season, their relationship became serious.  They were engaged and planning a wedding, but shortly before the season started they announced the wedding was off and they were no longer together.  Kristin is moving on to an appearance on "Dancing with the Stars," which premieres tomorrow night at 8 EST on ABC.  I don't know about you, but I'll be watching MNF.

New Kids on the Block

Cam Newton on Draft Day.
Courtesy of sbrforum.com.

If you're like me, and your significant other loves college football too, then this rookie may be familiar to you.  Cam Newton is now the leading QB for the Carolina Panthers and broke the record last week for most yards thrown in his debut with 422 yards.  That record had been held since 1950!  You may have heard of Cam because he is the third player in history to win the Heisman Trophy, the BCS championship, and become the number one pick in the NFL draft in one years time.

Tim Tebow is starting his second year with the Denver Broncos, but is he is now the third-string QB.  He played in a few games last season and some experts and fans are not pleased with this demotion.

This season my husband and I are continuing our "picks" competition.  Last season he ended up beating me (shocker!) but so far this year we're tied.  I was almost talked into playing fantasy football for the first time this season but I think I'll learn from him first and then be fully prepared to crush him next year.  Go Cowboys (and Vikings)!!

Week 1: New Beginnings

As today is the tenth anniversary of 9/11, I am glad we will celebrate our country by doing something very American - watching professional football.  

Courtesy of John Skelson.

So much as changed since that fateful day.  This morning I was thinking about how I found out about the planes crashing into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the field in Pennsylvania.  I was a second year student at MCD and we were in our morning prayer time.  One guy's cell phone kept ringing and ringing.  Since it was his mom, he thought there was a family emergency.  There were no Facebook or CNN smartphone apps to send us a push notification about the breaking news.  He answered his phone and then broke the news to us.  I remember sitting in the pastor's office watching the only TV in the church and not really understanding what was I seeing on the screen.  It would take days and weeks to fully grasp what happened to the United States that day.  

I don't know anyone who died on 9/11/01 but I do have several friends who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan because of that day.  One of them is serving in Baghdad right now.  I am very proud to be an American and I'm glad we have a today like today where differences are set aside and we all tune in to cheer on our favorite team and remember those who fought and continue to fight for freedom.  

The Super Bowl Comes to NTX

Super Bowl XLV: It's More than A Game

Today is the day!  The Super Bowl XLV committee has been planning this day for four years and it's finally arrived.  The weather has been the big story in NTX and its affected everyone from little ol' me to John Madden sitting on the freeway for three hours.  But today is sunny and there's barely a cloud in the sky.  The ice is melting and I haven't seen the rain clouds that have been promised for game time.

Jarius Wynn with his newborn son.
Courtesy of Adam Schefter, ESPN.

A Super Bowl Baby

Green Bay DE Jarius Wynn is already having a super day.  His wife gave birth to a son this morning in a Dallas-area hospital.  Rumor is that he's considering "Super" has the middle name.

Today Show Interview with NFL Wives

Three members of "Off the Field", an organization for NFL player's wives, talk about life off the field and finding time to use their husband's celebrity to benefit those in need.  Watch the video clip by clicking here.


Who's Playing Again?

Sports Illustrated party shows the real
story of Super Bowl week.
Courtesy of @WFAASuperBowl.

First of all, let's talk celebrities.  It took the Super Bowl being in my city to realize that the game is not really the most important event of Super Bowl week.  The main events are the parties attended by actors, musicians, TV stars, and athletes.  The partying began last week and some of the celebrities and media have already left.  I have had the great fun of following local media assigned to attend such parties and post pictures on Facebook and Twitter.

The most frustrating part of this week's weather is that all of my celebrity stalking plans were literally rained and snowed out.  I planned on going to ESPN's temporary HQ in Fort Worth to watch live broadcasts and attending the NFL Experience but I couldn't do any of it.  I was stuck in my house because of the ice.  Since I don't have any personally obtained scoops, I'll share what I learned from Twitter and local media.  Enjoy!

Tony Romo, Matthew Morrison of Glee and Erin Andrews at the Audi party located at the Rachofsky House.  The North Dallas house is a contemporary art piece on its own and is the home of a private contemporary art collection.  Go to dallasobserver.com for the best insider pics of Super Week's events.
Courtesy of Dallas Observer.

Drew Brees pictured with local broadcaster Debbie Denmon, after receiving the Bart Starr award.  The award is given every year to the player who best exemplifies character at home, on the field, and in the community.  The award is given at the annual Super Bowl breakfast, which was at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas. 
Courtesy of @WFAASuperBowl.

Adrian Grenier of "Entourage" fame pictured at the Leather and Laces party.  This year's party was hosted by a Pussycat Doll on Friday and former Playboy Playmates on Saturday.  A popular party for celebrities during Super Bowl Week
Courtesy of @WFAASuperBowl.

Glee's Kevin McHale and Heather Morris at the Maxim Party.  Glee cast members were in town promoting the special post-game episode on Fox.
Courtesy of Dallas Observer.

Ashton and Demi with their friend Justin Timberlake at the Audi private party.  Amazing - this location is only 20 minutes from my house.  Could I have gotten in?  Of course not!
Courtesy of Dallas Observer.

My friends Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed hosted the Aces and Angels poker tournament that was a benefit for Iraq and Afghanistan soldiers.  Gene is my friend because he wrote a great song entitled, "Beth."
Courtesy of Dallas Observer.

Championship Week: Rivalries part of the journey to North Texas

Winner of rivalry game to come on down to Texas

We're ready for y'all!
Courtesy of wildbillswestern.com.

There is a lot of excitement here in North Texas about the upcoming Super Bowl XLV.  I live an estimated 30 minute drive from Cowboys Stadium if there isn't anything going on.  There is no way any visiting Super Bowl attendee will step foot or car in my town unless they are driving down I-35E on their way into the city.  But we have banners on the light poles in town with the Super Bowl logo proudly waving in the wind.  We have tons of commercials about Super Bowl events, the sports radio station has a countdown with an exciting moment in North Texas sports history for the 45 days before the game, and the Super Bowl experience event at the convention center is almost ready for visitors.  (I will at least go down and take my picture by the giant XLV outside.)  Needless to say, there's excitement in the air.

Packers vs. Bears 1941 Western Division Championship.
Courtesy of AP/NPR.

Today's championship games determine who will play in our beloved Cowboys Stadium.  The Steelers-Jets game will be exciting but it has none of the history and rivalry as the Packers-Bears game.

The Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers have the longest rivalry in NFL history beginning in 1921 and have played 181 games to date.  The one and only time the teams have met for a playoff game was Dec. 14, 1941 for the Western Division Championship with the Bears winning 33-14.  Chicago currently leads the all-time series 92-83-6.  NPR has an excellent article about the game here with an interview with a 95-year-old Packer fan.

All sports fans love to talk rivalries and there are lists of the greatest for every sport.  The writers always include the Yankees and Red Sox, Cowboys and Redskins, Celtics and Lakers, Texas and Oklahoma college football, Duke and UNC basketball, and Army and Navy college football.  I enjoy sports but, honestly, I got a little bored reading these lists while my husband was excitedly confirming the rivalries.

It would be interesting if rivalries extended beyond the world of sports.  If there were rivalries between actors, fashion designers, or magazines that were published and monitored, that would be more exciting for me.  I'm sure the editors of Marie Claire compete with Vogue for readership, but that's not published for the rest of us to cheer on our favorite magazine.

A (sort of) rivalry in recent news is a bet between Oprah and Piers Morgan on which talk show host will gain an interview with Michael Vick.  The Eagles QB was asked about the bet and said he thought Oprah would win because he's never heard of Larry King's replacement.

Social engagements of NFL players

A recent airport pic of
Kristin in a Bears hat.
Courtesy of a creepy fan's blog.

This week the media in Chicagoland has been discussing one important question that you may not have considered: will Kristin attend today's game?  The Kristin they are speaking of is QB Jay Cutler's girlfriend and reality show star Kristin Cavallari.  A friend of the couple told the local media that Kristin doesn't want to be another Jessica Simpson so she has been staying out of the spotlight at games.  The Chicago Tribune sighted the couple at a restaurant on Friday night, so she is in town!

Chad Ochocinco had a lovely birthday surprise when former president Bill Clinton stopped by his party in Miami.  Clinton was in Miami for speaking engagements on behalf of the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.  He stopped by Ochocinco's birthday after having dinner with Cameron Diaz and Alex Rodriguez.

Tom Brady's wife, Gisele Bundchen, just received the honor of "Best Body" in the 14th Annual Famed Hottest Looks survey of Beverly Hills plastic surgeons.  This honor reflects the fact her body shape is the most requested by those receiving plastic surgery.

Divisional Playoffs: Football + Family = Fun!

Big Ben is Getting Married to Lil' Ashley

A photo of Ashley Harlan from 2009.
Courtesy of ncnewsmedia.com.

Several sources say Ben Roethlisberger is engaged to Ashley Harlan, an employee of Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh.  The wedding is planned for July.  Harlan's hometown newspaper has the scoop here.  Local residents unnamed in the article said Ben asked for her hand in marriage on Christmas morning and an engagement party took place on New Year's Eve.

Harlan was a three-sport athlete in high school and earned a bachelor's degree in health science and also has a master's degree.  There are no official comments affirming this information by either party or their families.  Apparently Ben was advised to keep things quiet until after the season.  The Steelers will be playing in the AFC Championship next week.

Some of the lovely family I saw this weekend.

Let's Talk Family

I spent time with my wonderful family this weekend, so it's the perfect time to talk about the families in the NFL.  There are families who own and manage the teams, but I would like to talk about the fathers, sons, and brothers who compete against each other on the field and then sit at the same dinner table afterward.

Our new coach in Dallas has combined family and football for a long time.  Jason Garrett and his two brothers, John and Judd, played college football under their dad, Jim, at Columbia University.  The brothers all transferred to Princeton after their dad left Columbia.  Jason is now the head coach of the Cowboys while John is an assistant coach and Judd is the director of pro scouting.  Their dad, Jim, has held positions with several teams and was a scout for the Cowboys for several years.

Another member of an NFL family has recently joined the Cowboys coaching staff.  Rob Ryan is the new defensive coordinator in Dallas.  His twin brother, Rex Ryan, is the head coach of the Jets.  From the '70s to the '90s, their father, Buddy Ryan, spent time holding both of those positions with five different teams.  I can only hope Rob didn't get the "big mouth" gene like his brother.

The Manning family at home in New Orleans in 1996.
Courtesy of nytimes.com.

The most publicized NFL family is the Mannings.  Of course, Peyton is the starting QB for the Colts, Eli is the starting QB for the Giants, and their dad, Archie, played for the Saints.  The oldest Manning son, Cooper, does not play football because of a spinal condition and is a business man in New Orleans.  Everyone knows about these guys because they're in commercials together and have allowed the NFL to show family videos whenever the brothers face each other on the field.

Another set of QB brothers are the Palmers of Cincinnati: Carson and Jordan.  Carson was the second true freshman to ever start for USC in school history.  Carson earned the Heisman Trophy in 2002 and was the first player selected in the 2003 draft.  Younger brother Jordan played at UTEP (the University of Texas at El Paso, where I saw him play a few times) and was drafted in the sixth round of the draft in 2007.  Jordan is currently the backup QB to his big brother.

Bruce and Clay Jr. in the 80s.
Courtesy of wikipedia.com.

The Matthews family may be the only one who could be considered a dynasty.  It all began with Clay Matthews Sr., who played for the 49ers in the 1950s.  He played one season, left for the Army during the Korean War, and then played four more seasons.

His eldest son, Clay Jr., played 19 seasons and 278 games (16th most in history).  He was the 12th overall pick in the 1978 draft and a four-time Pro Bowler.  Clay II's sons are in the family business also.  Clay Matthews III was the 26th overall pick in the 2009 draft and is a key player for the Packers (you may have noticed his long blond hair).  He has been selected to the Pro Bowl for both of the seasons he has played.  If you watched the college national championship, you would have seen Clay's brother, Casey, playing for the Oregon Ducks.

Another one of Clay Junior's sons, Bruce, played for the Oilers/Titans franchise for 19 years.  Bruce was voted to the Pro Bowl 14 times and is considered one of the greatest offensive linemen in history.  He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007 and is a member of the 1990s All-Decade Team.  His son, Kevin, was signed as a free agent by the Titans in 2010.  A younger son, Jake, plays for Texas A&M.

Wild Card Weekend: The men with clipboards

Coaches: Big bucks but big blame

The talk near the end of the season is all about who's staying and who's going.  This week teams are proving they deserve to play for a championship, while coaches are struggling to prove they can lead a team to a Super Bowl.  The teams who are already done for the season are restructuring from the top to the bottom in order to gain the players and staff needed for a successful 2011 season.

My two teams have already decided to remove the word "interim" from head coach and make it official.  While some teams conduct interviews and job performance reviews, let's take a closer look at the men with headsets and clipboards.  I wanted to dig up some dirt about the coaches, but it's too dirty!  Google Rex Ryan or Bill Belichick if you really want to know.  I had to list accomplishments and say nice things this time.

Jeff FIsher

Jeff Fisher.
Courtesy of titansradio.com.

As the head coach of the Tennessee Titans, Jeff Fisher is the longest tenured head coach with one team among active coaches.  He has held the position since 1994, when the team was still the Houston Oilers.  Fisher played at USC and was a 7th round pick for the Bears in the 1980 NFL draft.  He earned a Super Bowl ring with the Bears but suffered a career ending leg injury at the hands of (future coach) Bill Cowher.  He is married to Juli and is the father of Trenton, Tara, and Brandon.

Bill Cowher.
Courtesy of cbssports.com.

Bill Cowher

Now Cowher is one of my favorite commentators, but he also holds the title of youngest coach to lead his team to a Super Bowl at age 38.  He coached the Steelers for 15 consecutive seasons.  He met his late wife, Kaye, while at North Carolina State University.  She was a basketball player in college and also played in the Women's Pro Basketball League in the late 1970s.  She died of skin cancer in 2010.  Coach Cowher has three daughters who all played basketball in college.

Tony Dungy

Tony Dungy.
Courtesy of tampabay.com.

In 2007, during his tenure with the Colts, Tony Dungy was the first black head coach to win the Super Bowl.  That win also made him the third man to win the Super Bowl as both a player and as a head coach.  The next season he set a record for most consecutive playoff appearances by a head coach.

Coach Dungy is known for being a successful leader on and off the field.  As a coach, Dungy thought of himself as a teacher and a role model to his players.  He didn't believe yelling and belittling players was the only method.  Dungy also believed that he should coach each player in the same way, no matter if they were a starter or a 3rd string player.

Dungy was appointed a member of the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation by President Bush in 2007.  President Obama invited Dungy to be a member of the Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, but he declined because he wouldn't have been able to attend all the meetings.  He agreed to participate as an informal adviser.

Coach Dungy is involved in several community and charitable organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Prison Crusade ministry, Mentors for Life, and Family First.  His memoir was the first NFL-related book to be No. 1 on the New York Times bestseller list.  Dungy also authored a Bible study based off the memoir, two leadership books, and a children's book.  He and his wife, Lauren, have seven children.

Jack Del Rio

Jack Del Rio.
Courtesy of nerdsonsports.com.

As the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jack Del Rio is currently the best dressed (in my opinion).  He has a Super Bowl ring as an assistant coach with the Ravens.  After high school, Del Rio was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team, but chose to attend USC instead.  As an All-American football player, Del Rio was voted MVP of the 1985 Rose Bowl.  On the USC baseball team, he played with future major leaguers Mark McGuire and Randy Johnson.  He was drafted into the NFL in the third round by the New Orleans Saints.  Del Rio became the head coach of the Jaguars in 2003.

One of Del Rio's claims to fame is that in 2006 he became the second coach to wear a suit on the sideline since 1993.  Coaches were required to wear Reebok clothing until another coach petitioned to wear a suit and the NFL ruled coaches could wear suits twice a season.  Del Rio and his wife Linda have four children, including one son who currently plays QB in high school.

Couples News

The tabloids have been reporting that Kendra and NFL hubby Hank Baskett are splitting up.  According to an interview with Kendra on people.com, this is just not true and the couple is happily married.  Baskett is still listed on the Vikings roster.

Justice News

The ESPN website reported this week a Nashville judge decided to put more than $1 million into trust funds for the two sons of the late Steve McNair and his wife Mechelle.  This is in addition to the $500,000 the boys received in October.  McNair was killed by his mistress in July 2009.  McNair died without a will and the $19 million estate is still being settled.

Week 17: Endings & Beginnings

Christmas & New Years - The Most Wonderful Time of the Year for Sports ...

Happy Holidays from Jason & Michelle
Witten.
Courtesy of dallasnews.com.

The holiday season is full of parties, events, family, and sports.  Christmas Day featured a special NFL game, a day full of NBA games, and a couple of college football bowl games.  Every day since then, there has been at least one bowl game on television.  New Years Day is the day for bowl games and the NHL Classic.  Does anyone actually have time to watch all of these games?

We had the pleasure of watching the Cowboys game on Christmas Day, even without NFL Network, thanks to the Dallas CW station.  Before the game, we watched "A Cowboys Christmas," which featured Tony Romo interviewing his fiancee and several other players with their families.  (Click here to watch part of the special.)  We also watched the Vikings game on Tuesday night with my parents.  It was great watching the Vikes beat the Eagles in spite of having to wait out the blizzard.

Today, of course, is the last week before the playoffs.  None of my favorite teams are going to make it.  So I'll wait to see what happens today and then pick someone to follow to Cowboys Stadium for the Super Bowl.

... Weddings and Babies Too

Apparently, the holiday season is a great time to get engaged, married, or to have a baby.  After Tony Romo and Candice Crawford were engaged, many other celebrities have been announcing engagements, surprise weddings, pregnancies, and the birth of babies.  No other NFL players have big news, but I'm hoping Michael Vick gets married or the Manning brothers become fathers in 2011.

Brett Favre to Retire (Again)

This is how we should remember Favre.
Courtesy of SI.

The Vikings are playing their last game of the season today and Brett Favre says it's also his last game (again).  Since it is his last game (for the fourth time), he wanted to play but will be inactive due to the concussion that occurred during the game at the University of Minnesota.  

I really hope that Favre stays retired this time.  Both his pride and body would have benefited from not getting on that plane this season, but he can't change the past.  He definitely needs to go home, recuperate from all of his injuries, and lay low for a while.  He is a talented player, but made the mistake of trying to play too long.

Hopefully, Jenn Sterger is done with Favre also.  I don't know if she was looking to make money or just hurt Favre's reputation, but she ended up doing neither.  The commissioner couldn't conclude that Favre did anything inappropriate and he was fined $50,000 for failing to fully cooperate with the investigation.