NFL FanHouse http://nfl.fanhouse.com NFL FanHouse http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/media/feedlogo.gif NFL FanHouse http://nfl.fanhouse.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/James Harrison, Environmentalist, Admits He Guessed on Super Bowl Pick-Sixhttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/08/02/james-harrison-environmentalist-admits-he-guessed-on-super-bow/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/08/02/james-harrison-environmentalist-admits-he-guessed-on-super-bow/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/08/02/james-harrison-environmentalist-admits-he-guessed-on-super-bow/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Cardinals trailed the Steelers 10-7 when linebacker Karlos Dansby intercepted quarterback Ben Roethlisberger at the Pittsburgh 34-yard line with two minutes to go in the first half of Super Bowl XLIII.

Seven plays and 1:42 later, Arizona had a first-and-goal from the 1. Best case: the Cards headed to the locker room with the lead. Worst case: a tie. Unimaginable case: NFL Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison pick-six'ed Kurt Warner (video after the jump), resulting in a 10-point swing that had as much to do with the game's ultimate outcome as the Big Ben-to-Santonio pass-and-catch in the back of the end zone during the last drive.

But here's the thing: Harrison was supposed to blitz on the half-ending, game-changing play. If he had, Boldin would have been wide open, Warner would have hit him in stride and the Steelers might still be sitting on five Super Bowl titles.

Sometimes it's better to be lucky.
"I actually wasn't supposed to drop on that play, I was supposed to blitz," Harrison said Friday. "All night, we were a step late. We had an all-out blitz and I figured if I stepped (out) I could hold my tackle ... (then) I would drop off and they would have to do a quick slant." ...

"Technique, opportunity and all that other stuff met (on that play) - and a little bit of luck," Harrison said. "Sometimes you just feel that might be the play that does it. I guess coach LeBeau didn't mind it too much."
In addition to having a knack for big plays, Harrison is also an environmentalist. At least that's his explanation for rolling into Latrobe for Pittsburgh's training camp in a Smart Car. Harrison told SteelCityInsider.com's Jim Wexell that it's "Not that much on gas. Other than that, there's a lot of room, but not for the suitcases. It's fast, too. It'll go 90, 95.... I just want to help the environment."

I think there might be a marketing opportunity in there somewhere for the Smart Car folks. James Harrison, Smart Car spokesman, gives the company all sorts of credibility with the 18-34 male demographic that they'd otherwise never, ever (ever ever) get. And, of course, it's good for the environment.

James Harrison, Environmentalist, Admits He Guessed on Super Bowl Pick-Six originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 02 Aug 2009 11:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Anquan BoldinAnquanBoldinBen RoethlisbergerBenRoethlisbergerDick LeBeauDickLebeauJames HarrisonJamesHarrisonKarlos DansbyKarlosDansbyKurt WarnerKurtWarnerRyan WilsonSun, 02 Aug 2009 11:50:00 EST Barret Robbins' Road to Recovery the Subject of HBO's 'Real Sports'http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/07/20/barret-robbins-road-to-recovery-the-subject-of-hbos-real-spor/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/07/20/barret-robbins-road-to-recovery-the-subject-of-hbos-real-spor/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/07/20/barret-robbins-road-to-recovery-the-subject-of-hbos-real-spor/#commentsFiled under: , ,

One of the greatest NFL tragedies of the past decade is the story of former Raiders center Barret Robbins, a Pro Bowl player whose career was destroyed and his personal life ruined by a mental illness that took far too long to diagnose.

Robbins' untreated bi-polar disorder, or manic depression, caused him to experience wildly alternating mood swings marked by intense, psychotic highs and devastating, depressing lows. It opened doors to alcohol and drug abuse, ended his NFL career, derailed his marriage and nearly got him killed by Miami police during a psychotic episode in January 2005, when Robbins attacked officers after they confronted him breaking into the manager's office of a South Beach bar.

Shot in the lungs and heart, Robbins lay in a coma for nearly two months. He's been in and out of jail and substance abuse facilities ever since.

In an upcoming episode of HBO's Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel debuting Tuesday at 10 PM ET/PT, correspondent Andrea Kremer gives us an in-depth look at Robbins' infamous disappearance two days before the Raiders' Super Bowl XXXVII loss to the Buccaneers, and what has happened to him since.


It's a well-done piece. Kremer's questions to Robbins and his estranged wife, Marisa, are sensitive to his illness, but elicit remarkably candid answers from a family torn apart by a crippling mental disorder that affects millions of Americans.

"The last couple of games before the Super Bowl, I was in a manic episode during both of those [playoff games]," Robbins told Kremer in an interview taped about three weeks ago. "I probably played some of my best games like that."

Kremer asked him to describe how he would play during those episodes.

"Fast. Real fast," Robbins said. "And real strong. Real precise. Things were so much more vivid.

"You know, when you're going through a manic episode, you feel like you're on top of the world, that nothing can harm you. But it's such a false hope. It's not real. What's going on in your head is not real. And that's what makes it so dangerous."

Robbins' bi-polar disorder went undiagnosed for years, and he describes efforts to alleviate his severe mood swings by self-medicating with alcohol, marijuana, cocaine and steroids.

When he felt "up," Robbins said he turned to booze or pot. When he felt down, he looked to cocaine to light a spark.

But while Robbins' mental breakdown and disappearance two days before Super Bowl XXXVII is acknowledged as one of the factors in Oakland's crushing loss to Tampa Bay, the toll has been far greater on the former Pro Bowl center's family -- in particular, his college sweetheart, Marisa, and his daughters Marley and Madison.

"There would be weeks on end where he would not even be able to function. He'd eat, and he'd go back and sleep,'' Marisa Robbins told Kremer. "And I would cover for him. I'd just tell the girls that Daddy is tired or Daddy is sore, long day at work, and we'll get him up tomorrow."

Robbins said he was in manic episodes "for weeks at a time" leading up to Super Bowl XXXVII week in San Diego and that the festivities were hell for him.

Super Bowl - Where Are They Now?

    Then: Barret Robbins, Center, Raiders (Super Bowl XXXVII) | Accomplishments: Robbins anchored Oakland's offensive line during its playoff run, but then went AWOL in the days leading up to the game. Once he returned -- after a reported trip to Tijuana -- the Raiders suspended him and he wound up in the hospital for bipolar disorder treatment.

    David Stluka, Getty Images

    Now: Robbins, seen here after an arrest in 2005, recently checked into a halfway house following rehab and is trying to get his life back on the right track. "When you get to a point where you are sick of jails, institutions, near-death experiences, things of that nature, God allows you to see things in a different light and he has for me," Robbins said.

    J. Pat Carter, AP

    Then: Bruce Smith, Defensive end, Bills (Super Bowl XXV, XXVI, XXVII, XXVIII) | Accomplishments: Smith was part of Buffalo's four Super Bowl teams, and earned a rare safety in Super Bowl XXV with a sack of Jeff Hostetler in the end zone in the Bills' narrow loss to the Giants.

    John J. Gaps III, AP

    Now: Smith was left in tears after being selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The ex-star now lives in Virginia Beach, Va., and works as a large-scale hotel designer.

    Chris O'Meara, AP

    Then: Doug Williams, Quarterback, Redskins (Super Bowl XXII) | Accomplishments: Williams made history in 1988 as the first black quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl. He torched the Broncos defense for 340 yards and four touchdowns in Washington's 42-10 win and earned Super Bowl XXII MVP honors.

    Manny Rubio, WireImage

    Now: Williams, who spent time coaching at Grambling, now works for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers personnel department. He also presented the New York Giants with their Super Bowl trophy following their win over New England in Super Bowl XLII.

    Elsa, Getty Images

    Then: Carl Eller, Defensive End, Vikings (Super Bowls IV, VII, IX, XI) | Accomplishments: Eller appeared in the Super Bowl four times with Minnesota, but wasn't able to get a ring as the Vikings lost every trip to the big game.

    Manny Rubio, NFL / Getty Images

    Now: Eller recently filed a lawsuit against the Minneapolis Police Department, stemming from his arrest in April 2008. At that time, Eller was charged with two felonies and two gross misdemeanors after allegedly driving recklessly and then becoming combative with officers. Eller, who has acknowledged his substance abuse, claimed that his civil rights were violated in the incident.

    Hennepin County Sheriff's Office / AP

    Then: Timmy Smith, Running Back, Redskins (Super Bowl XXII) | Accomplishments: Smith had a career game on the big stage for the Redskins in 1988, rushing for 204 yards and a pair of touchdowns as Washington won its second Super Bowl title with a thrashing of the Broncos.

    Bob Galbraith, AP

    Now: Smith was released from federal prison in March 2008. He pleaded guilty in 2006 after attempting to sell cocaine to an undercover police officer in Denver, and served 2 1/2 years behind bars.

    Ed Andrieski, AP


Robbins' disappearance before the game is traced step-by-step, starting with Marisa -- fearing her husband was dropping into a manic state -- dropping off Barret at the Raiders' team hotel Friday before the 11 PM curfew.

The next morning, Marisa said she received a phone call from former Raiders executive Bruce Allen, asking about Robbins' whereabouts. When the center turned up at the team hotel at 7 PM Saturday after a night and day spent partying in nearby Tijuana, Mexico, Robbins was "out of my mind, out of control,'' he told Kremer.

"In my mind, we had already won the Super Bowl and we were celebrating," Robbins explained. "That's how delusional I was."

Banished by the team before the game, Marisa described Super Bowl Sunday as "tragic." She checked him into a San Diego hospital, where Robbins was finally diagnosed as bi-polar.

Did Robbins' breakdown and road trip to Mexico cause Oakland to lose that game? As a former daily beat writer who covered that 2002 Raiders team for the San Francisco Chronicle, I can say Robbins' game-day absence was a contributing factor, but certainly not the reason for such a lopsided 48-21 defeat.

In truth, Robbins' breakdown that Super Bowl week, and his banishment on game day by the team after it discovered he had been partying in nearby Tijuana, Mexico for almost 24 hours, was more distraction than anything. Adam Treu had been taking snaps in practices all week for the injured Robbins, and Treu did a solid job starting at center in the game.

More than anything, the Raiders were simply outfoxed in that contest. Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden, who had spent the previous four seasons as head coach of the Raiders, was still intimately familiar with Oakland's defensive scheme, and he knew all of quarterback Rich Gannon's tendencies. That better explains Gannon's five sacks and five interceptions, three of which were returned for touchdowns.

Still, Robbins blames himself for the Super Bowl loss. He says he's been clean and sober for about seven months after spending time in a Houston halfway house, and told Kremer, "I can't take any more shortcuts."

His motivation to get well, he said, is his two daughters, who now live with Marisa in Southern California. "Just to be able to be in their lives again," he said.

Barret Robbins' Road to Recovery the Subject of HBO's 'Real Sports' originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>barret robbinsNancy GayMon, 20 Jul 2009 21:15:00 EST New Orleans to Host 2013 Super Bowlhttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/05/19/new-orleans-to-host-2013-super-bowl/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/05/19/new-orleans-to-host-2013-super-bowl/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/05/19/new-orleans-to-host-2013-super-bowl/#commentsFiled under:

SuperdomeFORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- NFL commissioner Roger Goodell just announced that New Orleans will be the host city for Super Bowl XLVII in 2013.

It will be New Orleans' 10th Super Bowl, which will tie it with Miami for the most ever. Miami will host its 10th in 2010.

"I think this is a great statement about the spirit of the people of New Orleans and the great relationship the NFL and the Saints have with that community," Goodell said.

"We're just thrilled about what's going on," Saints owner Tom Benson said. "We're getting a new Superdome, now we're getting a Super Bowl. New Orleans is back."

It will be the first Super Bowl in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina devastated that city, and the announcement comes as the Saints are finalizing arrangements to stay in Louisiana at least through the year 2025. Benson said the reaction the community had to the Saints' post-hurricane return in 2006 "was just small compared to what's happening here now."

"I don't even think I'll need a plane to fly home tomorrow," Benson said.

New Orleans to Host 2013 Super Bowl originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 19 May 2009 16:54:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>new orleansNewOrleanssuper bowlSuperBowltom bensonTomBensonDan GrazianoTue, 19 May 2009 16:54:00 EST NFL Owners Continue to Debate Expanding Regular Seasonhttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/05/19/nfl-owners-continue-to-debate-expanding-regular-season/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/05/19/nfl-owners-continue-to-debate-expanding-regular-season/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/05/19/nfl-owners-continue-to-debate-expanding-regular-season/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The NFL continues to debate whether to expand its regular season from 16 games to 17 or 18.FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Roger Goodell wants to expand the NFL regular season to 17 or 18 games. Team owners, who would presumably profit from such an arrangement, seem to favor it. However, enough issues remain with the plan that Goodell doesn't foresee an owners' vote on it before their meetings conclude at noon Wednesday.

"Right now I do not anticipate a vote on that, but I do anticipate a full discussion," the commissioner said at a media briefing while the owners broke for lunch between their morning and afternoon meetings.

Goodell and NFL General Counsel Jeff Pash said the league would begin negotiations on the new collective bargaining with the players' union next month, and that the plan is to deliver to the players a report on the idea of expanding the regular season. While they'd like to get the players on board with the plan, it's also clear the league doesn't feel it needs its players' approval to put it in place.

"I think at some point in time the owners may decide that one of these alternatives is the best, and then we would move forward on that," Goodell said.

Earlier in the day, union chief DeMaurice Smith cited the extra toll that additional games would take on the players' health and stated his desire to know how much each team would profit from the additional games. It's clear he intends to make this part of the CBA negotiations, and justifiably so. If the players are being asked to play more, it's more than reasonable that they ask to be compensated accordingly.

Goodell also announced the NFL Network's new deal with Comcast, as well as two-year extensions of the current deals with NBC and CBS. The new deals include provisions that allow for the expansion of the regular season.

He also said there has been some discussion about expanding the size of active rosters should the league expand the regular season to 17 or 18 games.

Latest NFL Images

    Former NFL football player Joe Namath smiles on his way to accept a 2009 Ellis Island Family Heritage Award in New York May 19, 2009. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson (UNITED STATES ENTERTAINMENT SPORT FOOTBALL)

    Reuters

    Former football player Michael Strahan and Nicole Murphy attend the 2009 Fox upfront after party in New York on Monday, May 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer)

    AP

    Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel threw a pass during team practice on Monday, May 18, 2009, at the Arrowhead practice facility in Kansas City, Missouri. (David Eulitt/The Kansas City Star/MCT)

    MCT

    Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, right, and defensive end Tamba Hali, center, listened to defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast, left, during team practice on Monday, May 18, 2009, at the Arrowhead practice facility in Kansas City, Missouri. (David Eulitt/The Kansas City Star/MCT)

    MCT

    Kansas City Chiefs defensive end and 2009 first-round draft pick Tyson Jackson worked out during voluntary team practice on Monday, May 18, 2009, at the Arrowhead practice facility in Kansas City, Missouri. (David Eulitt/The Kansas City Star/MCT)

    MCT

    Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel stretched out during voluntary team practice on Monday, May 18, 2009, at the Arrowhead practice facility in Kansas City, Missouri. (David Eulitt/The Kansas City Star/MCT)

    MCT

    Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley spoke to his team during voluntary team practice on Monday, May 18, 2009, at the Arrowhead practice facility in Kansas City, Missouri. (David Eulitt/The Kansas City Star/MCT)

    MCT

    In this Aug. 14, 2006 photo, new ESPN Monday Night Football television broadcast analyst Tony Kornheiser poses for a photo before the Oakland Raiders-Minnesota Vikings game in Minneapolis. On Monday, May 18, 2009, Monday Night Football announced that former Tampa Bay coach Jon Gruden is replacing Kornheiser on ESPN's Monday Night Football broadcast team. Kornheiser cited a fear of flying in his decision to leave after three years. Gruden will be in the booth with Mike Tirico and Ron Jaworski when the show starts its 40th season this fall. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)

    AP

    Buffalo Bills' Terrell Owens (81) hits a blocker held by wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert during the NFL football team's practice in Orchard Park, N.Y., Monday, May 18, 2009. (AP Photo/David Duprey)

    AP

    Buffalo Bills' Terrell Owens waves to the crowd after accepting the key to the City of Buffalo from Mayor Byron Brown, not shown, in Buffalo, N.Y., Monday, May 18, 2009. (AP Photo/David Duprey)

    AP


Some other topics Goodell addressed at his briefing:

- The league approved the deal that will keep the Saints in Louisiana through 2025. No big surprise here, and Goodell said there's no concern about the deal getting through the Louisiana state legislature. The announcement came hours before the league will award the 2013 Super Bowl, most likely to New Orleans.

- He disputed the notion that changes to the league's pension policies were the reason some high-profile assistant coaches were stepping down from their jobs. "The reality is that benefits are changing for everybody," Goodell said. "These kinds of programs that the coaches and front office people have had, where they were basically defined benefits, don't exist anywhere else anymore."

- In the wake of Delaware's legalizing sports gambling, he reiterated the NFL's opposition to the idea of people betting on its games. The NFL does seem poised to approve a plan to allow league and team logos to be used on state lottery game tickets, but "that's a far from and a complete distinction from betting on the outcomes of games."

- A discussion of the league's anti-tampering rules is set for tomorrow, with one possible outcome that the league allow teams to talk to free agents before free agency actually begins. This happens now, of course, and the policy that prohibits it is poorly enforced. Legalizing it would, presumably, solve any problems.

NFL Owners Continue to Debate Expanding Regular Season originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 19 May 2009 14:51:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>comcastdemaurice smithDemauriceSmithnfl expanded seasonNflExpandedSeasonroger goodellRogerGoodellDan GrazianoTue, 19 May 2009 14:51:00 EST James Harrison to Skip White House Visithttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/05/16/james-harrison-to-skip-white-house-visit/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/05/16/james-harrison-to-skip-white-house-visit/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/05/16/james-harrison-to-skip-white-house-visit/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Throughout the course of recent memory, the President of the United States has hosted major championship teams' visits to the White House. It's become a sort of American tradition. You win the championship in baseball, football, basketball or hockey, you meet with the President.

Apparently James Harrison, the NFL's reigning Defensive Player of the Year and a key cog in the Steelers' Super Bowl victory over the Arizona Cardinals, doesn't understand the concept. He's going to skip the White House visit. That's his right and there's nothing at all wrong with not going. His rationale, however, is a bit self-important (and by "a bit," I mean "ridiculously").
"This is how I feel -- if you want to see the Pittsburgh Steelers, invite us when we don't win the Super Bowl. As far as I'm concerned, he [Obama] would've invited Arizona if they had won," said Harrison.
Um, dude ... that's not just how you feel. That's an absolute fact, and it's common knowledge. The White House visits are for teams who win the championship. If you don't want to go, just don't go. You don't have to pontificate about your selfish and irrational reason. What is the President -- who has a few more things to be worried about -- supposed to do? Just arbitrarily invite teams to visit the White House every once in a while? It wouldn't be special anymore, nor would it serve any purpose. I guess that's the way Harrison thinks it should be, though.

For the record, this isn't in any way related to politics. Harrison skipped a meeting with then-President Bush in 2006 after the Steelers won the Super Bowl. Sounds like he just thinks he's so important, world leaders should routinely clear their schedules for him -- even if his team misses the playoffs.

Latest NFL Images

    Kenny Britt from Rutgers, first round, 30th pick by the Tennessee Titans, is photographed as National Football League draft pick rookies posed for NFL trading card photographers, at the Los Angeles Coliseum Saturday, May 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

    AP

    Pat White of West Virginia, second- round pick by the Miami Dolphins, is seen as National Football League draft pick rookies posed for NFL trading card photographers, at the Los Angeles Coliseum Saturday, May 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

    AP

    New York Jets first-round draft pick, quarterback Mark Sanchez, from Sourthern California, is photographed by Scott Clarke for Top Deck as National Football League draft pick rookies posed for NFL trading card photographers, at the Los Angeles Coliseum Saturday, May 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

    AP

    New York Jets first-round draft pick, quarterback Mark Sanchez, from Sourthern California, is photographerd by Scott Clarke for Top Deck as National Football League draft pick rookies posed for NFL trading card photographers, at the Los Angeles Coliseum, Saturday, May 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

    AP

    Matthew Stafford of Georgia, (9), the No 1 overall first pick of the NFL draft, joins fellow Detroit Lions rookies Derrick Williams (12) of Penn State, and Brandon Pettigrew (84) of Oklahoma State, as they are photographed by Scott Clarke for Top Deck as National Football League draft pick rookies posed for NFL trading card photographers, at the Los Angeles Coliseum Saturday, May 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

    AP

    Baltimore Ravens football coach John Harbaugh, left, speaks with trainer D. Wayne Lukas before the 134th running of the Preakness Stakes horse race at Pimlico Race Course on Saturday, May 16, 2009, in Baltimore. Lukas has two entries in the Preakness. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

    AP

    CONCORD, NC - MAY 15: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team owner and NFL wide receiver Randy Moss speaks during a press conference following practice for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 15, 2009 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Randy Moss

    Getty Images for NASCAR

    CONCORD, NC - MAY 15: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team owner and NFL wide receiver Randy Moss speaks during a press conference following practice for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 15, 2009 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Randy Moss

    Getty Images for NASCAR

    CONCORD, NC - MAY 15: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team owner and NFL wide receiver Randy Moss speaks during a press conference following practice for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 15, 2009 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Randy Moss

    Getty Images for NASCAR

    CONCORD, NC - MAY 15: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team owner and NFL wide receiver Randy Moss speaks during a press conference following practice for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 15, 2009 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Randy Moss

    Getty Images for NASCAR

James Harrison to Skip White House Visit originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sat, 16 May 2009 13:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>james harrisonJamesHarrisonMatt SnyderSat, 16 May 2009 13:20:00 EST Patriots Super Bowl Ring Auctioned on eBay, Received No Bidshttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/05/05/patriots-super-bowl-ring-auctioned-on-ebay-received-no-bids/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/05/05/patriots-super-bowl-ring-auctioned-on-ebay-received-no-bids/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/05/05/patriots-super-bowl-ring-auctioned-on-ebay-received-no-bids/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Super Bowl XXXVI RingI'm one of the 10 people in the world that has yet to make a purchase on eBay, mainly because I have no use for a potato chip that looks like Jesus (that's what people sell on eBay, right?). However, if I had an extra $50,000 burning a hole in pocket, I probably would have jumped at the chance to own a piece of NFL history, as a member of the Super Bowl XXXVI champion New England Patriots recently auctioned his ring on eBay. It received no bids.

According to USA Today's NFL blog, The Huddle, the ring belonged to a player who was on all three Super Bowl-winning Patriots teams.

The eBay description, via The Huddle:
The ring is a size 11. Since it is 14K white gold it can be re-sized by any reputable jeweler. It weighs approximately 68.3 grams. It is one of the largest Super Bowl rings made. This is an authentic players ring. It is not a salesman sample or staff ring. This player received his first of three rings in Super Bowl 36 against Kurt Warner and the St. Louis Rams. He also has rings from Super Bowl 37 and Super Bowl 39. In order to protect the player's privacy his name will only be revealed to the winner after the ring is paid in full.
Even though we don't have a name, it shouldn't be all that difficult to narrow it down to a group of players. All we need to do is track down the members of all three Super Bowl winning teams, and find the guy that has a size 11 ring finger (probably a lineman).

The players, from what I can find, that were members of all three championship teams: Tom Brady, Tedy Bruschi, Kevin Faulk, Larry Izzo, Matt Light, Richard Seymour, Mike Vrabel, Troy Brown, Roman Phifer, Willie McGinest, David Patten, Ty Law, Lonie Paxton, Adam Vinatieri, Patrick Pass, Je'Rod Cherry, Matt Chatham, and Joe Andruzzi.

Super Bowl Rings

    The Steelers will soon receive their Super Bowl XLIII rings. Pictured is the Super Bowl XLII version presented to the N.Y. Giants after a 17-14 win over New England at University of Phoenix Stadium. Eli Manning was MVP. Click through to see all the previous Super Bowl rings.

    NFL / WireImage.com

    Super Bowl XLI: Indianapolis 29, Chicago 17 at Dolphins Stadium in Miami. Peyton Manning was MVP.

    NFL / WireImage.com

    Super Bowl XL: Pittsburgh 21, Seattle 10 at Ford Field in Detroit. Hines Ward was MVP.

    NFL / WireImage.com

    Super Bowl XXXIX: New England 24, Philadelphia 21 at ALLTEL Stadium in Jacksonville. Deion Branch was MVP.

    Jostens, Inc.

    Super Bowl XXXVIII: New England 32, Carolina 29 at Reliant Stadium in Houston. Tom Brady was MVP.

    NFL / WireImage.com

    Super Bowl XXXVII: Tampa Bay 48, Oakland 21 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego. Dexter Jackson was MVP.

    NFL / WireImage.com

    Super Bowl XXXVI: New England 20, St. Louis 17 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. Tom Brady was MVP.

    NFL / WireImage.com

    Super Bowl XXXV: Baltimore 34, N.Y. Giants 7 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Ray Lewis was MVP.

    NFL / WireImage.com

    Super Bowl XXXIV: St. Louis 23, Tennessee 16 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. Kurt Warner was MVP.

    NFL / WireImage.com

    Super Bowl XXXIII: Denver 34, Atlanta 19 at Pro Player Stadium in Miami. John Elway was MVP.

    NFL / WireImage.com

Patriots Super Bowl Ring Auctioned on eBay, Received No Bids originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 05 May 2009 14:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Adam VinatieriAdamVinatieriDavid PattenDavidPattenJeRod CherryJerodCherryJoe AndruzziJoeAndruzziKevin FaulkKevinFaulkKurt WarnerKurtWarnerLarry IzzoLarryIzzoLonie PaxtonLoniePaxtonMatt ChathamMatt LightMattChathamMattLightMike VrabelMikeVrabelPatrick PassPatrickPassRichard SeymourRichardSeymourRoman PhiferRomanPhiferTedy BruschiTedyBruschiTom BradyTomBradyTroy BrownTroyBrownTy LawTyLawWillie McGinestWillieMcginestAdam GretzTue, 05 May 2009 14:40:00 EST For 2nd Time in a Week, NFL Denies Reports of London Super Bowlhttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/05/03/for-2nd-time-in-a-week-nfl-denies-reports-of-london-super-bowl/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/05/03/for-2nd-time-in-a-week-nfl-denies-reports-of-london-super-bowl/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/05/03/for-2nd-time-in-a-week-nfl-denies-reports-of-london-super-bowl/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Last Friday, a day before the NFL Draft, commissioner Roger Goodell denied reports that the league was considering hosting a future Super Bowl in London. In fact, he stated unequivocally that the NFL "has never looked at London or Mexico City" as potential Super Bowl destinations, adding that "There is not an international city ... Maybe New Orleans is considered an international city."

Today rumors surfaced again, this time courtesy of The Guardian. The paper contends that "Talks have been ongoing with the NFL, who have identified London as the outstanding candidate city to host the event outside of the United States," which is vague enough to insinuate that the league is actively seeking to move the Super Bowl overseas while leaving plenty of room for misinterpretation.

And that's exactly what has happened. NFL fans are predictably incensed by the possibility, and the public outcry probably had something to do with the league's swift response. Via the ubiquitous Twitter Machine:
Re: story from UK. We are not pursuing idea of putting a Super Bowl in London or anywhere outside US. Reports last week/today inaccurate.
That was Brian McCarthy, Twitter handle "NFLprguy." His comments echo those issued by Goodell nine days ago: the Super Bowl ain't going anywhere.

But maybe, as the Telegraph suggested Saturday, this is a ploy by Goodell "... to persuade the league's franchise owners that any such move would not be rushed - their blue-riband event has until now always been staged in a franchise-owned venue."

Seems unlikely. Goodell has made his share of unpopular decisions, but he's always owned up to them. If he's seriously considering moving the Super Bowl out of the country, I'd expect something other than an outright denial. Goodell's a savvy politician who knows how to control the message. That he can't be bothered to spin the story makes me think there's nothing to it.

Or who knows, maybe somebody in the league office floated the story as a trial balloon, and once it was quickly shot down, that was that. Of course, given Goodell's grand plans to internationalize the game, it wouldn't surprise me if the Super Bowl eventually ended up overseas. For now, though, it's just speculation. In the meantime, if London wants another NFL game, I'd like to volunteer the Pro Bowl. Hey, you gotta crawl before you can walk.

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    SAN DIEGO - MAY 03: Defensive tackle Rashaad Jackson #77 of the San Diego Chargers participates in a drill during minicamp at the Chargers training facility on May 3, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rashaad Jackson

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    SAN DIEGO - MAY 03: Guard Louis Vasquez #65 of the San Diego Chargers prepares to block during minicamp at the Chargers training facility on May 3, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Louis Vasquez

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    SAN DIEGO - MAY 03: Running back LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the San Diego Chargers runs upfield during a practice drill at minicamp at the Chargers training facility on May 3, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** LaDainian Tomlinson

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    SAN DIEGO - MAY 03: Linebacker Larry English #52 of the San Diego Chargers runs upfield in pursuit during minicamp practice at the team's training facility on May 3, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Larry English

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    SAN DIEGO - MAY 03: Linebacker Larry English #52 of the San Diego Chargers runs upfield in pursuit during minicamp practice at the team's training facility on May 3, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Larry English

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    ENGLEWOOD, CO - MAY 03: First round draft pick linebacker Robert Ayers #56 participates in Denver Broncos Minicamp at the Broncos training facility on May 3, 2009 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Robert Ayers

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    SAN DIEGO - MAY 03: Wide receiver Legedu Naanee #11 of the San Diego Chargers runs upfield as defensive end Jaques Cesaire #74 chases in pursuit during minicamp at the Chargers training facility on May 3, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Legedu Naanee;Jaques Cesaire

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    SAN DIEGO - MAY 03: Wide receiver Legedu Naanee #11 of the San Diego Chargers catches a pass during minicamp at the Chargers training facility on May 3, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Legedu Naanee

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    SAN DIEGO - MAY 03: Running back Gartrell Johnson #33 of the San Diego Chargers runs away from linebacker Larry English #52 during a practice drill in minicamp at the Chargers training facility on May 3, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Gartrell Johnson;Larry English

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    SAN DIEGO - MAY 03: Running back Gartrell Johnson #33 of the San Diego Chargers runs upfield during a practice drill in Chargers minicamp at the team's training facility on May 3, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Gartrell Johnson

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For 2nd Time in a Week, NFL Denies Reports of London Super Bowl originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 03 May 2009 16:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Brian McCarthyBrianMccarthyRoger GoodellRogerGoodellRyan WilsonSun, 03 May 2009 16:30:00 EST London Wants the Super Bowlhttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/05/03/london-wants-the-super-bowl/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/05/03/london-wants-the-super-bowl/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/05/03/london-wants-the-super-bowl/#commentsFiled under:

The NFL is holding a regular-season game in London this year for the third time. But England's capital city has its sights set on a much bigger event. According to a report in The Guardian, London has launched a bid to host the Super Bowl at some time in the next eight years.

The next three Super Bowl sites are set, with Miami scheduled to host the game in 2010, Arlington, Tex. in 2011 and Indianapolis in 2012. While I'm sure the league has good ($$$$) reasons for those latter two sites, at first glance they make it look as if the NFL is running out of U.S. cities in which to hold the game. In that case, let's go to London!
"We are looking at 2014, 2015 or 2017," David Hornby, the commercial director for Visit London was quoted as saying.

Talks have been ongoing with the NFL, who have identified London as the outstanding candidate city to host the event outside of the United States.
The only thing wrong with this idea is weather. Northern Super Bowls (the two in Detroit and one in Minneapolis) have been held in domed stadia, and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis has a retractable roof. London's Wembley Stadium, which would presumably host a London Super Bowl, has a roof that doesn't fully enclose the place, though every seat is under cover. So fans would be fine, but maybe a little cold.

The average February high temperature in London is 44 degrees Farenheit (7 Celsius). The average low is 33 (1).

Latest NFL Images

    SAN DIEGO - MAY 03: Defensive tackle Rashaad Jackson #77 of the San Diego Chargers participates in a drill during minicamp at the Chargers training facility on May 3, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rashaad Jackson

    Getty Images

    SAN DIEGO - MAY 03: Guard Louis Vasquez #65 of the San Diego Chargers prepares to block during minicamp at the Chargers training facility on May 3, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Louis Vasquez

    Getty Images

    SAN DIEGO - MAY 03: Running back LaDainian Tomlinson #21 of the San Diego Chargers runs upfield during a practice drill at minicamp at the Chargers training facility on May 3, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** LaDainian Tomlinson

    Getty Images

    SAN DIEGO - MAY 03: Linebacker Larry English #52 of the San Diego Chargers runs upfield in pursuit during minicamp practice at the team's training facility on May 3, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Larry English

    Getty Images

    SAN DIEGO - MAY 03: Linebacker Larry English #52 of the San Diego Chargers runs upfield in pursuit during minicamp practice at the team's training facility on May 3, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Larry English

    Getty Images

    ENGLEWOOD, CO - MAY 03: First round draft pick linebacker Robert Ayers #56 participates in Denver Broncos Minicamp at the Broncos training facility on May 3, 2009 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Robert Ayers

    Getty Images

    SAN DIEGO - MAY 03: Wide receiver Legedu Naanee #11 of the San Diego Chargers runs upfield as defensive end Jaques Cesaire #74 chases in pursuit during minicamp at the Chargers training facility on May 3, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Legedu Naanee;Jaques Cesaire

    Getty Images

    SAN DIEGO - MAY 03: Wide receiver Legedu Naanee #11 of the San Diego Chargers catches a pass during minicamp at the Chargers training facility on May 3, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Legedu Naanee

    Getty Images

    SAN DIEGO - MAY 03: Running back Gartrell Johnson #33 of the San Diego Chargers runs away from linebacker Larry English #52 during a practice drill in minicamp at the Chargers training facility on May 3, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Gartrell Johnson;Larry English

    Getty Images

    SAN DIEGO - MAY 03: Running back Gartrell Johnson #33 of the San Diego Chargers runs upfield during a practice drill in Chargers minicamp at the team's training facility on May 3, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Gartrell Johnson

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London Wants the Super Bowl originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Sun, 03 May 2009 10:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>londonnflsuper bowlSuperBowlwembley stadiumWembleyStadiumDan GrazianoSun, 03 May 2009 10:45:00 EST Neutral Sites for Title Games? Bad Ideahttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/03/31/neutral-sites-for-championship-games-an-awful-idea/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/03/31/neutral-sites-for-championship-games-an-awful-idea/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/03/31/neutral-sites-for-championship-games-an-awful-idea/#commentsFiled under: ,

Championship GamesIf the NFL decides to extend the season, it will almost assuredly push the playoffs back, which means the Super Bowl would be played in mid-February while the AFC and NFC Championship games would move from their current January dates into February.

That's good news for the television networks since February is a sweeps month, and it's one of those deals that will also be fine for fans. It's a simple formula: More football = good.

But one of the possible side effects of such a move could end up being one of the dumber decisions the NFL could make. According to the Sports Business Journal, there's a possibility the NFL might move the championship games to neutral sites, because of the potential for bad weather in northern cities in early February.

Reading that, the only thing I could think of was who in the NFL thinks that bad weather is a bad thing? Maybe a couple of corporate ticket buyers will be upset, but who cares? The Ice Bowl is just a good football game without frostbite-inducing cold. The Patriots' run to their first Super Bowl title wouldn't have been nearly as interesting without the blizzard that covered the field in the Tuck Rule game. Football fans love to watch games in snow and sleet.

And beyond that, such a move would further diminish the already dwindling importance of the regular season. The NFL lives on the fact that every single Sunday is crucial, not only because your team is striving to make the playoffs, but also because seeding in the playoffs is important.

In recent years, we've already seen that belief system take a hit. Wild-card teams seem to have just as much of a chance to make it to the Super Bowl as the No. 1 seed (as proven in recent years by the 2008 Cardinals, 2007 Giants and 2005 Steelers). By going to neutral sites for the AFC and NFC Championship games, the league would be eradicating one of the few remaining advantages that comes with being the best in the league during the regular season.

Not only does a home-field advantage give the top seed a loud crowd that might force a visiting team to go to a silent count, but it also allows a cold-weather club to choose to build its team to win at home, knowing that come playoff time, they can beat up on teams built for speed.

If the league goes to neutral sites for the championship games, all of that is thrown out the window. There's no reason to build for cold weather (strong running games and a defense that can stop the run) if you know that you're likely to play only one home playoff game if you earn a first-round bye.

Hopefully this is all just a false rumor, but if they take away home-field advantage for the championship games, the NFL has truly gone soft.

Neutral Sites for Title Games? Bad Idea originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>JJ CooperTue, 31 Mar 2009 21:50:00 EST LeBron Calls Holmes' Fine 'Disgusting'http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/20/lebron-calls-super-bowl-fine-disgusting/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/20/lebron-calls-super-bowl-fine-disgusting/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/20/lebron-calls-super-bowl-fine-disgusting/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Santonio Holmes recently got tattooed by the NFL to the tune of $10,000 for his Super Bowl touchdown celebration that imitated LeBron James' traditional pregame powder-toss.

It was a logical penalty according to the NFL rules, but that doesn't make it any less annoying that amusing NFL celebrations get fined. James apparently agrees too, because when he was informed of the NFL's fine on the Super Bowl MVP, he wasn't very impressed.
"Did he?" James asked. "That's disgusting."

Asked if he thought such celebrations make the game more fun for the fans, James said "absolutely."

"Fun for the fans - fun for me," James said. "I was watching. Us Ohio State Buckeyes, we're alums, man. We've got to stick together."
I'm not entirely sure about the whole "Buckeyes" thing, but I certainly do stand firmly in James' corner here: celebrations in the NFL are awesome as long as they're kept under wraps a little bit. Joe Horn and the cell phone hidden in the goal post a few years back? Probably a bit much, and a touch contrived. Chris Johnson and his impromptu bongo session? Just flat out awesome.

And frankly, it would be nice if Roger Goodell would see the light, a la James, and understand that fans are, by definition, what make football so popular. And, for the most part, we love post-touchdown celebrations as long as they're clever and in somewhat good taste.

LeBron Calls Holmes' Fine 'Disgusting' originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 22:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>chris johnsonChrisJohnsonjoe hornJoeHornlebron jamesLebronJamesroger goodellRogerGoodellsantonio holmesSantonioHolmesWill BrinsonFri, 20 Feb 2009 22:30:00 EST Santonio Holmes Fined $10K for Super Bowl Celebrationhttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/18/santonio-holmes-fined-10k-for-super-bowl-td-celebration/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/18/santonio-holmes-fined-10k-for-super-bowl-td-celebration/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/18/santonio-holmes-fined-10k-for-super-bowl-td-celebration/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Santonio Holmes could have, in theory, cost the Pittsburgh Steelers a Super Bowl victory. After making an amazing catch against the Cardinals a few weeks ago, he imitated LeBron James in the celebratory aftermath.

He was not penalized (but probably could have been) and the Steelers ended up winning. The meaningless aftermath has been handed down from the NFL, and it will cost Holmes $10,000. (Update: LeBron calls the fine "disgusting.")
Within the past few days, Holmes received notification from the NFL that the league was fining him $10,000 for using the ball as a prop, a league source said Wednesday.

Though Holmes' violation did not draw a 15-yard penalty that could have been crucial for Arizona, the league admitted it was reviewing the Steelers wide receiver's transgression. And once it did, it found that he violated the rule for using the ball as a prop.
See, this story is beaten nearly dead; it's why no one's really chatting about Holmes. After all, the Steelers won, the Cardinals lost and there's nothing that will change that. (You hear that ref-haters? NOTHING.) But, yes, it's still annoying that the league deemed he violated a rule that clearly (right?) should have resulted in a penalty.

All of that is mainly to say that the league needs to re-evaluate how they handle touchdown celebrations. I understand the point of the current setup was to eliminate any "questionable" situations (goodwill on behalf of the player, yet a clear abuse of the rules, etc.) but if the referees in the biggest game of the season can whiff on that rule, is it really working out well? I think not.

Santonio Holmes Fined $10K for Super Bowl Celebration originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:50:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>lebron jamesLebronJamessantonio holmesSantonioHolmesWill BrinsonWed, 18 Feb 2009 21:50:00 EST Ben Roethlisberger Played Super Bowl With Broken Ribshttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/09/ben-roethlisberger-played-the-super-bowl-with-broken-ribs/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/09/ben-roethlisberger-played-the-super-bowl-with-broken-ribs/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/09/ben-roethlisberger-played-the-super-bowl-with-broken-ribs/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ben Roethlisberger was playing with broken ribs when he led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a victory at Super Bowl XLIII, Peter King of SI.com is reporting.

Roethlisberger's ribs were the subject of much speculation during Super Bowl week, with Pro Football Talk reporting that the ribs had been X-rayed and the Steelers refusing to confirm or deny. King reports that those X-rays actually didn't pick up on the small rib fractures, but that they were diagnosed when he got an MRI in Pittsburgh last week.

Roethlisberger didn't look particularly affected by the rib injury during the game. On what turned out to be the last play of the Steelers' first drive he didn't hesitate to stick his head down and try to get into the end zone, and throughout the game he passed well, even when the Cardinals' pressure forced him to throw on the move. He was accurate throughout and finished the game completing 21 of 30 passes for 256 yards.

Here's what Roethlisberger told King:
"Fractured ribs. Luckily, in the game, I didn't take any big hits to make 'em hurt. But I knew all along there was something wrong. There wouldn't have been anything they could have done about fractured ribs anyway. It was just suck it up and play.''
Still, the odd secrecy shown by the Steelers in the week leading up to the game indicates that they were at least concerned about it. Rather than simply answering questions about whether Roethlisberger had been X-rayed, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin just said that he didn't know where the report came from. As it turned out, the ribs were hurt, but Roethlisberger was just fine.

Ben Roethlisberger Played Super Bowl With Broken Ribs originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 09 Feb 2009 09:34:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Ben RoethlisbergerBenRoethlisbergerMichael David SmithMon, 09 Feb 2009 09:34:00 EST Darnell Dockett Credited With Third Sack, Tying Super Bowl Recordhttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/06/darnell-dockett-credited-with-third-sack-tying-super-bowl-recor/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/06/darnell-dockett-credited-with-third-sack-tying-super-bowl-recor/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/06/darnell-dockett-credited-with-third-sack-tying-super-bowl-recor/#commentsFiled under: ,



Cardinals defensive tackle Darnell Dockett walked off the field at Raymond James Stadium on Sunday with two sacks of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. But four days after Super Bowl XLIII, Dockett was credited with sacking Roethlisberger on the play shown above (which was first ruled a touchdown and then changed via instant replay to a zero-yard run), and he has now tied the Super Bowl record with three sacks in one game.

The official box score now shows Dockett with three sacks, because the league ruled that even though Roethlisberger did get across the line of scrimmage on the play in question, he didn't actually gain a yard. That would make it a zero-yard run -- except that when a quarterback drops back to pass and then runs for zero yards, it's a sack. Complicated? Perhaps, but that's the way the official stats work.

Aaron Schatz of Football Outsiders comments further:
Dockett can thank Football Outsiders for his sack record. I noticed the 0-yard scramble when I was breaking the PBP down on Sunday night, and e-mailed my NFL contact about it. Technically, there is no such thing as a 0-yard scramble -- any pass play where a quarterback tries to run and does not gain yardage is a sack. Thus, the change.
Dockett and Reggie White are now tied for the most sacks in one game in Super Bowl history.

Darnell Dockett Credited With Third Sack, Tying Super Bowl Record originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:20:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Ben RoethlisbergerBenRoethlisbergerDarnell DockettDarnellDockettMichael David SmithFri, 06 Feb 2009 13:20:00 EST Phil Ivey Bet $800,000 on Cardinals +3.5 In First Half, Story Ends Badlyhttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/05/phil-ivey-bet-800-000-on-cardinals-3-5-in-first-half-story-en/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/05/phil-ivey-bet-800-000-on-cardinals-3-5-in-first-half-story-en/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/05/phil-ivey-bet-800-000-on-cardinals-3-5-in-first-half-story-en/#commentsFiled under:

Every football fan in the country has two stories that nobody really likes hearing: a bad fantasy football week (Dude, I can't belieeeeve I benched Thomas Jones!) and a horrible beating they took gambling.

I dare you, however, to find a buddy that has landed as bad a beating as Phil Ivey did with his first half Super Bowl bet.

Ivey, who obviously treats money like most of us treat fingernail clippings, put $1.6 million on the Super Bowl spread out in two bets, one on the first half and one on the game. His game bet, the Cardinals getting seven points, covered easily. The first half bet? Well, I think you know how that went.
"The point is it was a 14-point coaching error, and it cost me about 800," Ivey told Barry Greenstein.
Yeah, not $800, but $800,000, with the Cardinals getting 3.5 points at half. Driving near the end zone, everyone in the world figured the game would, at worst, be 10-10 at the half, but that nasty interception from Arizona followed by the "this really can't be happening" return for 100 yards by James Harrison meant Ivey would not be cashing a ticket for more money than most people see in a lifetime.

I know I'll never have the chance to feel what it's like to do , certain things in the world. I have no idea how it might feel to do one of the things LeBron James does on a night-in, night-out basis. I couldn't tell you what Joe Carter must have felt when he jacked that home run to win the World Series. I wish I could taste the electricity that must have been flowing when Tiger Woods' "chip that couldn't have gone in" went in on 16 at the 2005 Masters, but I know I never will.

I do, however, know how much it sucks to lose money. It sucks. A lot. I just wonder how it feels when a play goes the other way on you and you lose the equivalent of three Bentleys. Probably a hint more horrible than a bad beating at the $5 blackjack table.

h/t Deadspin

Phil Ivey Bet $800,000 on Cardinals +3.5 In First Half, Story Ends Badly originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:49:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>James HarrisonJamesHarrisonPhil IveyPhilIveyShane BaconThu, 05 Feb 2009 16:49:00 EST Playing in Super Bowl May Mean Ward Needs Surgeryhttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/04/playing-in-super-bowl-may-mean-ward-needs-surgery/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/04/playing-in-super-bowl-may-mean-ward-needs-surgery/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/04/playing-in-super-bowl-may-mean-ward-needs-surgery/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hines Ward may have hurt his knee more by playing in the Super Bowl, not that he wouldn't trade a trip to the surgeon for another Super Bowl ring.

Ward told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review that he'll have to see if he further damaged his medial collateral ligament by playing in the Super Bowl, and he thinks he may have to have arthoscopic surgery to fix the ligament.

The good news is that with more than six months until training camp, Ward has plenty of time to heal. Eventually Ward's recurring knee injuries may end his career, but as she showed in the Super Bowl, even at less than 100 percent, he's still a pretty valuable guy out on the field. Ward was not effective in the passing game as the game wore on, but he was still a dominating blocker and a pretty good decoy.

Ward himself is quite OK with risking his knee to play in the Super Bowl, as he explained it, the Super Bowl title helps him compare more favorably with the other top receivers in Steelers history--John Stallworth and Lynn Swann.
"I'm always compared to (Lynn) Swann and (John) Stallworth," he said. "(Sunday) I kind of felt like I belonged in that class, having two Super Bowl rings."
Hopefully Ward will get two more rings before he's done, which would allow him to truly compare to Swann and Stallworth. But already, he's shown he's in their class.

Playing in Super Bowl May Mean Ward Needs Surgery originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:19:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Hines WardHinesWardJJ CooperWed, 04 Feb 2009 09:19:00 EST GM Awards MVP Car on the Slyhttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/03/gm-hands-out-mvp-car-on-the-dl/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/03/gm-hands-out-mvp-car-on-the-dl/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/03/gm-hands-out-mvp-car-on-the-dl/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The MVP of the Super Bowl traditionally receives the Cadillac of their choice. It's a grand, post-game spectacle, really, because General Motors loves the attention and PR.

This year, however, there was no such pomp for Santonio Holmes. Was it because the car company needed several billion dollars from taxpayers to stay afloat and decided giving away free cars to rich athletes was a bad idea? Or was it because the company simply didn't want anyone to know that's exactly how they were spending their money?
Holmes picked out Cadillac's most expensive model Monday as his reward for winning the MVP: the Escalade Hybrid Platinum with an $85,200 sticker price, according to Cadillac spokeswoman Joanne Krell.

There was no mention of Cadillac or of Holmes winning the car at the news conference. It was at the request of Cadillac, commissioner Roger Goodell told the Daily News Monday. When asked if Cadillac asked not to be mentioned, he said, "Yes."
Wow. It certainly comes off as a little awkward. After all, no portion of the taxpayers' nearly $10 billion should be going directly into Holmes' garage. It is worth noting, however, that Cadillac and GMC purposely stayed away, citing the decision not to "actively participate" based on the current economic climate.

Additionally, Krell mentioned that the company had to "live up to the contract we negotiated," implying that they were still required to give the MVP a car, even though it makes horrible fiscal sense. That being said, it's kind of hard to imagine Cadillac breaking the contract with the NFL -- any legal tit-for-tat that ensued would end up costing everyone way more than $83,000.

The good news is that apparently GM at least learned to stop flaunting their expenses to the public. And that, um, it's a hybrid.




GM Awards MVP Car on the Sly originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:45:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Roger GoddellRogerGoddellSantonio HolmesSantonioHolmesWill BrinsonTue, 03 Feb 2009 21:45:00 EST Comcast Offers $10 Credit for Porn Gaffehttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/03/comcast-offers-customers-10-rebate-after-porn-incident/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/03/comcast-offers-customers-10-rebate-after-porn-incident/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/03/comcast-offers-customers-10-rebate-after-porn-incident/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

On Sunday, Comcast broke a long-standing rule of running a publicly broadcast television station: "do not accidentally show your customers pornography." It's a pretty simple rule, really, and definitely one you don't want to break in the middle of the Super Bowl.

But, should you happen to screw up and show your customers some peen, you can always make up for it. But an apology in this sort of thing should almost always be better than "Here's a $10 gift card." So, yeah, Comcast failed again.
Corporate affairs manager Kelle Maslyn said the cable company has "some leads" and will "aggressively pursue" them "until we come to a resolution."

The incident affected only customers not watching the high definition broadcast. It's not known how many customers saw the porn clip, she said.

Comcast is offering $10 credits to any customer in Tucson "who was impacted," she said in a statement issued Monday afternoon.
Well, gee golly! What an amazing way to reach out to your customer base and say "We're sorry you saw naked people." It's not shocking, though, to see a large corporation manage to bungle this even more than necessary; I say give everyone a free month of cable; they're non-HD subscribers, so at most it's going to cost you $45 per person with the profit already built in.

That's the nice thing to do. The humorously ironic thing would be to give everyone a free month of Showtime or Cinemax. But hey, I'm not in corporate affairs. What do I know? Other than the fact that if I tried to calculate how rich I'd be for $10 multiplied by every 30 seconds of porn over the duration of my life my head would explode.

Comcast Offers $10 Credit for Porn Gaffe originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Super Bowl Pornsuper bowl porn flickSuper Bowl Porn InterruptionSuperBowlPornSuperBowlPornFlickSuperBowlPornInterruptionWill BrinsonTue, 03 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST Super Bowl Draws 95.4 Million Viewers; <em>M*A*S*H</em> Cast Pops Champagnehttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/03/super-bowl-draws-95-4-million-viewers-mash-cast-pops-champagn/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/03/super-bowl-draws-95-4-million-viewers-mash-cast-pops-champagn/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/03/super-bowl-draws-95-4-million-viewers-mash-cast-pops-champagn/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Super Bowl viewersThere are some records that may never be broken: Joe DiMaggio's hit streak, Wayne Gretzky's 92 goals in one season, Warren Moon's 161 career fumbles.

And, while it's not a sports records, the stranglehold that the finale of M*A*S*H has over the Neilsen ratings record book deserves a tip of the cap as well. The February 1983 series finale drew 106 million viewers -- a mark that's still untouched, though the NFL is closing in.

Super Bowl XLIII drew an average of 95.4 million viewers, making it the third most-watched television program ever, behind the M*A*S*H farewell and the Giants-Patriots Super Bowl XLII classic.
"The Super Bowl once again proved its ability to captivate America," Dick Ebersol, chairman of NBC Universal Sports & Olympics, said in a statement.

NBC estimated that 147 million viewers watched at least six minutes of the game. However, TV analysts and advertisers typically use average viewership as a more reliable yardstick of a program's true popularity.
The Super Bowl pull was so strong that even The Office, which aired immediately after the postgame coverage concluded, drew its largest audience ever. There's basically no way to keep people from watching the Super Bowl, and having a team like the Steelers -- with their massive fan base -- along with an entertaining story like the Cardinals' rise certainly helped to draw viewers.

As reported earlier, NBC made a record amount of dough on ad revenue for Super Bowl XLIII, and it looks like the advertisers got their money's worth.

Super Bowl Draws 95.4 Million Viewers; M*A*S*H Cast Pops Champagne originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:40:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Chris BurkeTue, 03 Feb 2009 15:40:00 EST Pats Enter '09 as Super Bowl Favoriteshttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/03/new-england-patriots-enter-2009-as-super-bowl-xliv-favorites/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/03/new-england-patriots-enter-2009-as-super-bowl-xliv-favorites/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/03/new-england-patriots-enter-2009-as-super-bowl-xliv-favorites/#commentsFiled under: , ,


With, presumably, a healthy Tom Brady at quarterback, the New England Patriots will head into the 2009 NFL season as the favorites to win the Super Bowl.

Bodog has released its odds for Super Bowl XLIV, and the Patriots check in as the favorites. Here are Bodog's top 10:
Odds to win the 2010 Super Bowl XLIV
New England Patriots 8/1
Dallas Cowboys 9/1
New York Giants 10/1
Pittsburgh Steelers 10/1
Indianapolis Colts 12/1
San Diego Chargers 12/1
Baltimore Ravens 14/1
Tennessee Titans 16/1
Carolina Panthers 18/1
Philadelphia Eagles 18/1
I'm a little surprised to see that the Cowboys are the favorites to represent the NFC, and I'm very surprised that the Cardinals, at 30-1, aren't even close. But overall, that looks about right.

And the bottom of the list looks about right, too. The teams with the longest odds are the Lions and Chiefs, both at 100-1.

Pats Enter '09 as Super Bowl Favorites originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 07:18:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Super Bowl XLIVSuperBowlXlivTom BradyTomBradyMichael David SmithTue, 03 Feb 2009 07:18:00 EST Detroit's Channel 4 Hasn't Forgiven Matt Millen for What He Did to Lionshttp://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/02/detroits-channel-4-hasnt-forgiven-matt-millen-for-what-he-did/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/02/detroits-channel-4-hasnt-forgiven-matt-millen-for-what-he-did/http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/02/02/detroits-channel-4-hasnt-forgiven-matt-millen-for-what-he-did/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



I have to say, Matt Millen, television analyst, is much more likable than Matt Millen, president and general manager of an NFL franchise, and infinitely more competent. Maybe that's because there are no real consequences to sitting in front of a camera and making stuff up for a couple hours a week. Not until yesterday, anyhow.

The fine folks of Detroit haven't forgotten what Millen did to the hometown team. During NBC's pregame Super Bowl coverage, the guy responsible for setting the Lions back 40 years was on set discussing Kurt Warner's many attributes. (Which is ironic since he spearheaded the "Draft Charles Rogers and Mike Williams!" campaign.) While Millen made his case, Detroit's Channel 4 ran this crawl on the bottom of the screen:
"Matt Millen was president of the Lions for the worst eight-year run in the history of the NFL. Knowing his history with the team, is there a credibility issue as he now serves as an analyst for NBC Sports? ..."
As the Detroit Free Press' Steve Schrader writes, Channel 4 ran the message "Every time a certain familiar face showed up on camera Sunday during NBC's Super Bowl pregame show." Nah, nobody's bitter about Millen's reign of terror. Oh, and I'm pretty sure he's responsible for this, too.

Detroit's Channel 4 Hasn't Forgiven Matt Millen for What He Did to Lions originally appeared on NFL FanHouse on Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

 

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]]>Kurt WarnerKurtWarnerMatt MillenMattMillenRyan WilsonMon, 02 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST