NFL Thread

[merylinkid]

2 hours ago, mojoween said:

I just cannot believe that a guy with no prior broadcasting experience is getting vaulted to the number one spot.  What a slap in the face to people who have been doing it for years and years.

You mean like the the former player who was CBS' number 1 guy until they hired Romo?    Simms had no prior broadcast experience before they immediately stuck him in the #1 slot.   Same with Aikman over on Fox.    These guys aren't hired for their broadcast ability.    As long as they can speak intelligibly they get the job.    It's based on their standings as a player.   It's the same reason ESPN keeps hiring and firing former players of all sports.   Built in audience.   Once the audience appeal fades, unless they are really awesome, they are replaced with the new hot guy.    

[mojoween]

You make sense.  However, I am not inclined to give Romo the benefit of the doubt under any circumstance so I can handwave what happened with Simms and Aikman even if Troy is a former Cowboy.  I'm not rational in the least.

I mean, I would rather watch 6,437 Peyton Manning commercials than one minute of Romo calling anything.

[Carey]

13 hours ago, merylinkid said:

You mean like the the former player who was CBS' number 1 guy until they hired Romo?    Simms had no prior broadcast experience before they immediately stuck him in the #1 slot.   Same with Aikman over on Fox.    These guys aren't hired for their broadcast ability.    As long as they can speak intelligibly they get the job.    It's based on their standings as a player.   It's the same reason ESPN keeps hiring and firing former players of all sports.   Built in audience.   Once the audience appeal fades, unless they are really awesome, they are replaced with the new hot guy.    

Simms went to ESPN in his first year post NFL.  Then after 1994 he went to NBC, as part of a 3-man booth for the final three years of the AFC era on NBC.  Not really much, but no one stuck him into a two-man booth right after he was done.

Personally, it is what it is and I'm okay with Phil being gone (though I would have been okay had he remained).  Just a bit surprising since Phil was an original (AFC era on CBS). While I think Romo should have been paired with a HC or someone else in his first year, he'll be okay.  He's with Nantz, and to be fair, I'd rather listen to Romo before making any negative (or positive) opinions about his calls

[Artsda]

I kind of expected this since that NYTimes article.  Aaron Rodgers broke up with his GF. Maybe he can now mend things with his family.  

 http://www.tmz.com/2017/04/07/aaron-rodgers-olivia-munn-break-up/

[Crs97]

We will see.  The way his family decided to go public about it all with quotes like, "Fame changes people" -- they may have burned that bridge.  I know even if we could make up, I would never be able to trust them with private matters.

[MarkHB]

On 4/5/2017 at 8:04 AM, mojoween said:

You make sense.  However, I am not inclined to give Romo the benefit of the doubt under any circumstance so I can handwave what happened with Simms and Aikman even if Troy is a former Cowboy.  I'm not rational in the least.

I mean, I would rather watch 6,437 Peyton Manning commercials than one minute of Romo calling anything.

Just rejoice that he's going to be over on CBS where I will probably hear him call a lot of Pats games. It doesn't bother me as I have no real opinion of the man one way or the other.

[nowandlater]

On 4/7/2017 at 8:41 AM, Artsda said:

I kind of expected this since that NYTimes article.  Aaron Rodgers broke up with his GF. Maybe he can now mend things with his family.  

 http://www.tmz.com/2017/04/07/aaron-rodgers-olivia-munn-break-up/

 

I posted this elsewhere:

 

In the 3 seasons before Rodgers dated Olivia Munn, the Packers went:

34-13-1 during the regular season.

1-3 in the playoffs.

Rodgers was named league MVP once.


In the 3 seasons Rodgers dated Olivia Munn, the Packers went:

32-16 during the regular season.

4-3 in the playoffs, including 2 NFC Championship games.

Rodgers was named league MVP once.

Rodgers threw 3 hail mary's.

Rodgers was awarded the best play of the 2015 season.

Rodgers backed up his "R-E-L-A-X" statement after a 1-2 start to the 2014 season.

Rodgers backed up his "run the table" statement after a 4-6 start to the 2016 season.

Also, during their 3 years together, only 2 QBs won the Super Bowl: Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.

 

----

Maybe Munn is responsible for the family friction. Maybe not.

My speculative take: Rodgers got tired of his hangers-on brothers, and his parents sided with them. After all, Luke and Jordan's identities are wrapped up in football, even though neither took a snap in the NFL. Luke is an "NFL Insider" for CBS Sports and Jordan failed to catch on in the CFL and NFL, and now works for the SEC Network.

And Olivia, of course, sided with Rodgers. (Also: Let's not forget that Jordan Rodgers dated Olivia's best friend/trainer, who accused him of cheating on her.)

I also -- again, I'm speculating -- think  that Rodgers, through his relationship with Olivia and in living in West Hollywood the past few offseasons, became more liberal -- not exactly a liberal.

Of course, Rodgers played college football in the liberal city of Berkeley.

But his brothers and, apparently, his parents, seem to be more like Christian conservatives. (Both Luke and Jordan Rodgers wear  their Christianity on their sleeves, in contrast to their brother.)

In a 2-hour podcast last year with the HBO star Pete Holmes -- who barely knew who Rodgers was since he didn't follow football, something that Rodgers actually appreciated -- Rodgers expressed some frustration with some of the Christianity he was raised with, particularly toward the homophobic aspects. Now, yes, there have been gay rumors, but let's just ignore that and look at the fact that Rodgers has been living in West Hollywood, one of the gayest cities, the past few offseasons, and has been hobnobbing with Olivia Munn's Hollywood pals, which of course includes many gay people. (Jordan Rodgers, by the way, has a history of making anti-gay comments.)

While dating Munn, Rodgers also did "liberal" things like denouncing a Packer's fans anti-Muslim slur and golfing with President Obama (which was made possible through his friendship with astronaut Mark Kelly, the husband of Gabby Giffords.)

 

I'm just saying that this whole family feud is probably really complex.

And since it was Rodgers' entire family who made the feud public, rather than lie or say "no comment," I don't think the end of his relationship with Olivia will end hard feelings with his family anytime soon.

[Silver Raven]

Marshawn Lynch, James Harrison and other players are participating in the Pro Football Arm Wrestling Championship, which will be aired on CBS.  The event is taking place at the MGM Grand Casino in Las Vegas.  This is in violation of league rules about players participating in events at casinos.  The league is investigating.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2702638-nfl-investigating-las-vegas-arm-wrestling-event-involving-marshawn-lynch-others?

[xaxat]

And at the same time guys like Jerry Jones and Robert Kraft are major investors in daily fantasy leagues and the owners were perfectly fine with Davis trying to get financing from casino magnate Sheldon Adelson.

[mojoween]

NFL Mobile breaking news - "NFL releases 2017 preseason schedule.  Chargers at Rams in prime time August 26 is among the highlights of this year's 65 game slate."

Hmm.  NFL, you might want to look up the definition of the word "highlight."

[merylinkid]

The NFL spent 20 years threatening other cities that their teams would move to LA if they didn't cough up for new stadiums.   Now they have two teams in LA and have to act like this is what the NFL really wanted.

[DrSpaceman73]

Even worse than moving the Raiders to Las Vegas and still publically claiming to be anti-gambling is two of the richest owners, Kraft and Jones, being actively involved in owning in the rise of Daily fantasy, which is basically gambling, and the NFL as well actively promoting them too. 

Everyone blames Goodell as the face of the league, but lets not pretend the league owners are any better than him about this sort of things. 

[Moose135]

10 hours ago, DrSpaceman73 said:

Everyone blames Goodell as the face of the league, but lets not pretend the league owners are any better than him about this sort of things. 

People forget that he is simply the hired help of the owners, he works for them.

[AimingforYoko]

R.I.P Dan Rooney. However you feel about the Steelers, the Rooneys were a class act.

[mojoween]

The Rooney's, Mara's and...the ones who owned the Bears are the names I think of when I think of the history of the NFL.  The Young's too.

Time marches on and they are leaving us.  It's sad no matter how old they may be.

[roamyn]

7 minutes ago, AimingforYoko said:

R.I.P Dan Rooney. However you feel about the Steelers, the Rooneys were a class act.

I agree.  I hate the Squealers as a matter of Cleveland vs. Pissburgh principle, but as an organization they are one of the best in all Pro Sports.

[Silver Raven]

Actress Rooney Mara has the names of both sides of her family.

[AimingforYoko]

6 minutes ago, mojoween said:

the ones who owned the Bears

George Halas was Papa Bear. I believe it's the McCaskeys now (George's daughter Virginia married Ed McCaskey.)

[Popples]

R.I.P. Mr. Rooney, you were such a great owner and will definitely be missed.

I have to go break out some Super Bowl DVDs to watch later.

[mojoween]

Eli Manning may be involved in scheme to sell fake game-worn memorabilia.

What the ever-loving holy fuck.

Edited April 13, 2017 by mojoween

[xaxat]

I'm not saying Eli is innocent, but that single sentence quoted from an email doesn't seem close to being the smoking gun the Post claims it is.

[ketchuplover]

Former Ravens and Cardinals player Todd Heap has accidentally run over his 3 year old daughter with his vehicle :(  May she rest in peace.

[Silver Raven]

Hall of Fame baseball player Rod Carew has had a heart and kidney transplant from former NFL player Konrad Reuland, who died of a brain aneurysm.

[DrSpaceman73]

Yes that eli Manning story seems completely overblown.  Its based it seems on one line in an email where he asks a giants staff member to find two jersyes that ".......can pass as game worn".  Thats it, from the articles I have read, the only evidence he did anything wrong.  And you can interpret that one line in many ways.  And he likely never gave it another thought after he wrote that email. 

[ketchuplover]

Aaron Hernandez has apparently killed himself

[mojoween]

That is unbelievable.  I mean he was just acquitted of the other two murders even though he was serving life for the one he did. I have to admit, I'm shocked by this.

Wow.  Today is also apparently Patriots White House visit day.

Edited April 19, 2017 by mojoween

[ketchuplover]

A.J. Hawk is retiring as a Packer.  Best wishes moving forward

[DrSpaceman73]

Aaron Hernandez story is just shocking and unbelievable. 

Just when I thought it couldn't get any more weird. 

[BitterApple]

Wow, I am shocked. I can't believe Hernandez killed himself. It seemed like things were going in his favor as far as his recent acquittal and his hopes for an appeal. This is a huge turn of events.

[MargeGunderson]

4 hours ago, mojoween said:

That is unbelievable.  I mean he was just acquitted of the other two murders even though he was serving life for the one he did. I have to admit, I'm shocked by this.

The timing, coming right after his acquittal in the other trial, is what made this so surprising to me.

[topanga]

Which begs the question, was it really suicide? 

[Fukui San]

6 minutes ago, topanga said:

Which begs the question, was it really suicide? 

A replay flag has been thrown. They're going to review the tape.

[DrSpaceman73]

Already has come out it may not have been suicide

[ganesh]

How? He was in a cell by himself.

[mojoween]

I am so beyond over Rob Gronkowski's idiocy and do not understand why he is celebrated for being a fool.

Yes I get in the scheme of things it's harmless but no one else would get away with that shit.  But it's him and it turns into "oh that's just Gronk being Gronk tee hee."  It's infuriating.

[Ohwell]

Rob Gronkowski is a fucking meathead.

[BitterApple]

1 hour ago, mojoween said:

I am so beyond over Rob Gronkowski's idiocy and do not understand why he is celebrated for being a fool.

Yes I get in the scheme of things it's harmless but no one else would get away with that shit.  But it's him and it turns into "oh that's just Gronk being Gronk tee hee."  It's infuriating.

I'm a diehard Pats fan, but yeah, his shtick is getting old. I think he's a good-hearted guy, but someone needs to tell him he's aged out of that range where those types of antics are endearing. 

[xaxat]

2 hours ago, Ohwell said:

Rob Gronkowski is a fucking meathead.

For their sake, I kind of hope the whole "Gronkowskis are meatheads" (which is now the brand for the entire family) is a carefully calculated marketing plan.

Otherwise, we will be seeing him in the 2022 ESPN 30 For 30 documentary "Broke, Part II".

Edited April 19, 2017 by xaxat

[stealinghome]

6 hours ago, BitterApple said:

I'm a diehard Pats fan, but yeah, his shtick is getting old. I think he's a good-hearted guy, but someone needs to tell him he's aged out of that range where those types of antics are endearing. 

Agreed. I think the best description of Gronk ever is the "patron saint of meatheads." That said, he's never been in trouble for drugs, violence, guns, etc, so while he's immature as hell, I can live with it. I wonder how long the Pats can/will though.

Quote

For their sake, I kind of hope the whole "Gronkowskis are meatheads" (which is now the brand for the entire family) is a carefully calculated marketing plan.

The article I linked above claims that Gronk lives off endorsement money and invests his salary, fwiw. I think it's somewhere in the middle--I do think he's a meathead, but I also think he plays it up for the media and isn't quite as dumb as the image he projects.

[Carey]

9 hours ago, ganesh said:

How? He was in a cell by himself.

Exactly. OTOH, only God knows (and whomever was there).  It's a little odd that this would happen right after the non-guilty verdict for the double-murder as opposed to some other random time.  The man and the defense team were looking hopeful that they'd have a chance at winning an appeal.  Which they probably don't.  But maybe it goes from life to 25-to-life (plus the 4-5 years for whatever else).  Still a lot of time, but in the end, can't really bad since he doesn't get the benefit of the doubt.

Meanwhile, the other TE from that early 2010s era...well it's a complete 180 in terms of how one's life is fairing.  Totally have no issues with Gronk.  What a guy!

 

Can't wait for the schedules to be released tomorrow.  If you're San Francisco, you probably are hoping that the Pats don't host the Texans (I can't think of any other team that New England can host that would have the Niners travel on 5 days rest to the team that lost the NFL Opener).  Either way, maybe put someone else on MNF other than the 49ers for Week One's double on ESPN

[ganesh]

49 minutes ago, stealinghome said:

Agreed. I think the best description of Gronk ever is the "patron saint of meatheads." That said, he's never been in trouble for drugs, violence, guns, etc, so while he's immature as hell, I can live with it. I wonder how long the Pats can/will though.

And apparently TO is the worst teammate ever because he flaps his gums and sometimes whined. Kap is also an alleged domestic terrorist because he kneeled during the anthem.

Eh, killed some dude driving drunk, whatevs. 

[Silver Raven]

So I'm now seeing that, because of the state law which overturns his convictions if he died during appeal, the Patriots owe his estate all of his back pay and bonuses.  And the victim's family may sue the Patriots to keep that from happening.

[Artsda]

I'm shocked about Hernandez. With the recent court proceedings going in his favor plus being able to see his family more. Seems like it didn't make sense for him to commit suicide now. After just being exonerated in the one case, you'd think he'd be feeling more upbeat about his future. 

[xaxat]

After yesterday, it's nice to read about a retired NFL player who is doing positive things after his career by running for Congress.

Quote

This week, Colin Allred, a former NFL player and current civil-rights lawyer, announced that he plans to paint the Dallas suburbs blue next year.

“I was born and raised in this district by a single mother who taught in Dallas public schools for 27 years,” Allred, whose résumé includes stints with the Tennessee Titans and Obama-era Housing department, told the Dallas Morning News Wednesday. “This community — my mom, my teachers, and my coaches — gave me the opportunity to succeed, play in the NFL, become a civil-rights attorney, and work for President Obama. I want to make sure future generations have the same opportunities and to make sure those values are being represented in D.C.”

Edited April 20, 2017 by xaxat

[BitterApple]

12 hours ago, Silver Raven said:

So I'm now seeing that, because of the state law which overturns his convictions if he died during appeal, the Patriots owe his estate all of his back pay and bonuses.  And the victim's family may sue the Patriots to keep that from happening.

I have a feeling this is going to get really messy. If the conviction is vacated, are the Pats automatically liable to pay out the bonus money? Or can they fight it? For someone on Kraft's level of wealth it would almost make more sense to just pay it and be done with the whole mess, but who knows.

I'm still wondering why he chose to off himself. People are saying he did it to set his daughter up for life, but I don't buy that. Hernandez was a selfish, narcissistic prick. If he cared so much about his child he wouldn't have been living a wannabe gangsta life in the first place. I'm 50/50 on his death being a set-up by gang members, guards or whoever.

[Crs97]

Any money that goes to the estate will end up going to the Lloyd family in a wrongful death settlement.  I assume they are suing him.

[ketchuplover]

On 4/19/2017 at 2:27 PM, Ohwell said:

Rob Gronkowski is a fucking meathead.

hmmmmmm  I see All in the Family being remade.  

[Silver Raven]

And now the Hernandez family is talking about suing the state because it's holding on to his brain.  Don't now why they're holding it, but the family wants it examined for CTE.

[Jx223]

The NFL has released the 2017 regular season schedule. The season will kick off with the Patriots vs the Chiefs on Thursday Sept 7. The Thanksgiving games will be Cowboys vs. Chargers, Vikings vs Lions and Redskins vs. Giants.

http://www.nfl.com/schedules/2017/REG1

Edited April 21, 2017 by Jx223

[Bastet]

2 minutes ago, Jx223 said:

The Thanksgiving games will be Cowboys vs. Chargers,

Oh look, the league has found a way to get me to root for the Chargers.