Please Comment or Become a Follower, Make Ryan Stop Crying Himself to Sleep

First of all, thats a lie, I'll still cry myself to sleep...however

Nobody comments. I know it's pretty much just my mom reading this, but MOM, COMMENT! COME ON! somebody......hello? I'm thinking that even Mom is lying to me about reading this, haha...you know it's bad when your Mom lies to you about it....

So the plan is, I'm definitely gonna have like 8 readers built up by next year, a solid 8 hopefully, and when I no doubt get injured doing this, THOSE 8 CAN SPREAD THE WORD OF THIS LEGENDARY STORY...and it's failure...

The injury will no doubt occur in entertaining fashion though, perhaps getting jacked up by a rather large dude, so stay tuned in morbid fascination at least...

Last Week around Philly

First off, I'm back up to 167...that was fast. Feeling better about myself working out and stuff, went to physical therapy again today and I'm coming along really well. Still can't really walk correctly, but am limping along, little worried about Syracuse ice f'ing my day up, but lets hope for a temperate Syracuse winter....HAHA

Some random thoughts:

-I'm filming a faux highlight and standup tomorrow back at Films for my demo reel thingie. Slightly nervous to be in those sweet studios on camera, but nobodys watching anyway (kinda like hopelesswalkon.com, where nobody is reading, so who cares anyway) ...dance like nobodys watc......no, no no...stop that

-In the Air Tonight...isn't it just timeless?

-Goin to the Mike Vick Debut...really looking forward to the people protesting and whatnot, it's going to be riotous and entertaining, no doubt. I'm rooting for the guy, not because I like him, but because he represents the anti-hero at this point, against all the sort of douchebags that I hate trying to dictate someone else's life. It's gone too far, Mikey (see previous posts) Show em all up, please.

-I got some football cleats, since previously in my vaunted flag football days I was using soccer cleats, and these were on sale and pretty damn cheap. I stare at them often.

-I'm looking forward to getting back up to 'Cuse and getting a look at our team. There is a walk-on meeting this week, which I will be going to, even though I clearly can't play this year. I'm going to see if I can get involved though in some capacity this year, whatever they need.

-Comments on the Ben Roethlisberger case to come tomorrow most likely. And more stuff. Come back and read. Please....please come back....

-Feeling good tonight, another good workout today. 10/4 over and out

Last Day at NFL Films, moving forward

Definitely was weird leaving NFL Films today. I worked my ass off at that place all summer. I hope that I made some sort of impact, I really do. There are a lot of great people there and it's just a class organization all the way. I was lucky to have interned there. I'm gonna miss it. Maybe some day I'll be back, who knows.

Some notes about whats going on in the life of your favorite (only) hopeless walk on:

-Leaving for Cuse on Friday -classes start Mon.

-Gotta buy a bed, and all other applicable furniture during next weekend. Anyone have a bed for cheap? I do mean cheap. I'm cool with peed on stuff.

-Have tickets to Birds preseason game vs. Jacksonville on Thursday (thanks Lindsay) and if anyone is going and wants to tailgate........I'll be tailgating........oh I'll be tailgating

-Working out again today (day 3 in gym) as well as Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning before I leave for school. Making minor progress, not being able to lift while standing or do any legs stuff is hurting me badly.

-In terms of my health I'm walking around a tiny bit more, gimping, and it still hurts like hell. Not much to report in terms of a serious breakthrough I CAN USEEE MY LEGGGSSS AGAINNNN........not just yet. stay on the line

Gym Round 2 and Eagles vs. Colts

Leaving NFL Films a bit early today to make sure I have time for the gym before Eagles vs. Colts tonight at 8.

Gonna try a few more things than I did on Monday. I'm still completely sore but I'm just gonna man up on this one. Still all upper body stuff, not taking any chances with my legs.

Leaving for school next week. Last day at NFL Films tomorrow. There is a lot going on and a lot of changes. I'll post thoughts tomorrow.

20 Rookies to Watch in 2009

One thing that I'm actually half decent at for some reason is picking rookies that will have successful first seasons. I'll list 20 that I think will break out in their rookie seasons.

In no particular order...

1. Paul Kruger- OLB- Baltimore Ravens

Should get plenty of opportunities to rush the passer, especially on 3rd down. 6-7 sacks as a rookie. A big, tough dude.

2. Jarius Byrd- S/CB - Buffalo Bills

Dude is a straight up playmaker. Might not have the pure speed to play CB, but mark my words he will be a baller somewhere on the field.

3. Duke Robinson- G - Carolina Panthers

Carolina lacks depth on the interior line. After an injury or two, the Duke will shine.

4. Everette Brown- DE - Carolina Panthers

I thought this guy was going top-10. He'll struggle at times, but end up with 8+ sacks.

5. Alex Mack- C - Cleveland Browns

Getting your ass kicked around all of training camp by Shaun Rogers will get you good and ready, if you weren't already.

6. James Davis- RB- Cleveland Browns

Guy has early round talent, the fact that he went in the 6th was a steal. He'll spell Jamal Lewis and be beastly.

7. Alphonso Smith - CB- Broncos

Nickel Corner right now, I think he'll start opposite of Champ Bailey by the time the season is out.

8. Louis Delmas -FS- Detroit Lions

He's so fast. He reminds me of Bob Sanders, only bigger. I think he's gonna be the best player on this defense as a rookie, and this includes Ernie Sims.

9. B.J. Raji -NT/DE- Green Bay Packers

They are trying to get him on the field with Ryan Pickett right now the starter at NT, by putting Raji at DE in their new 3/4. That is a good sign. He'll be dominant at DE from day 1.

10. Fili Moala - DT- Indianapolis Colts

He's the big body the Colts have really needed in the middle for a long time. I think he'll fill what they were looking for with Corey Simon a while back.

11. Rashad Jennings - RB - Jacksonville Jaguars

Anytime Jones-Drew comes off the field, expect Jennings to shine. Why he lasted until the 7th round I will never understand.

12. Sean Smith -CB- Miami Dolphins

A 6' 4" cornerback? What the hell...imagine him going up against Straight Cash Moss twice this year. What a country. Oh, he just won the starting job too over Vontae Davis...

13. Percy Harvin- WR/RB - Minnesota Vikings

The guy, if he can stay healthy, is my pick for Rookie of the Year. He is just such an obscene athlete and has awesome instincts too.

14. Darius Butler - CB - New England Patriots

They have very little depth at corner, so look for him to see the field and excel, also due to the Pat's pass rush.

15. Malcolm Jenkins CB/FS - New Orleans Saints

Just returned a 60 yard pick in practice off Drew Brees. This guy was highly touted, highly regarded, and well deserving of all of it. I don't care if he's at FS or CB.

16. Clint Sintim -OLB- NY Giants

Another ridiculous pass rusher for the Giants, awesome...my only question is how many snaps he's going to get with the talent they have from a pass rushing standpoint.

17. Lesean McCoy -RB- Philly Eagles

He'll get plenty of time behind Westbrook, and he's the real deal. Amazing burst and cutting ability, and top end speed is reasonable enough.

18. Glen Coffee -RB- San Francisco 49ers

They will run a run-heavy attack, and Gore cannot handle every carry. They will have an excellent ground game to compliment an awful passing game, so look for Coffee to get passes out of the backfield as well as plenty of carries.

19. Jared Cook -TE- Tennessee Titans

He has probably the most ridiculous body and measurables of anyone in this past year's draft. He also has giant hands and plays hard. I expect him to be a top 5 TE in the next 2 years.

20. Kenny Britt - WR- Titans

If he can stay healthy, he is going to be a steal at the bottom of the 1st. With a non eye-popping receiving core, he'll get his chances.

Back to the Gym

So I lifted on Monday, the first day I tried to walk. On this day of first-in-a-whiles, I drove for the first time (not supposed to for another 5 weeks), walked for the first time (not supposed to for another 2 weeks), and lifted weights (god knows). I also went to physical therapy for the first time, with the greatest PT in history Colleen O'Hara.

I'm a retard because I did all this the first day I tried to walk, I think I got all excited about it and went a little far because I'm hurting pretty bad still, and it's Wednesday. I felt alive again though for the first time in a while and lifted pretty well, considering. I was putting up a lot less weight than I was doing before I left though.

So FOR THE RECORD, this is the starting pont. I weighed in at 160 lbs. I was 174 before the injury, so I'm hoping to get those pounds back on pretty quickly.

My entire upper body has that first-time-lift-in-awhile pain, and I can barely half crutch around and can I just say I feel fucking incredible. It's on....slowly.

NFC Predictions and Players to Watch

ANDDDDDDDDDDDD your NFC predictions. Keep in mind these are 100% factual and WILL happen, especially considering my track record picking games. I'm basically a guru. Enjoy.

NFC North: Vikings, Packers, Bears, Lions

I really thought long and hard (about 30 seconds) about whether to put the Pack on top or the Vikings. Certainly the Favre storyline, although really a dead horse at this point, will be actually exciting once the games actually start. I just think that with the addition of The Great One (not Gretzky), you would be nuts to not pick the Vikings to win. Whether it turns out that way is anyone's guess. I think Aaron Rodgers is going to have a monster season, and establish himself as a top 5 QB without question. My only issue with the Packers is their switch to the 3-4. In one season, can they have the mastery of the scheme, as well as the correct personnel to execute it? I doubt it. They're gonna give up some points, even with the quality starters that D has. The Bears pretty much suck, in my opinion. Even with my boy Cutler. The Lions will improve vastly this year, and I really do mean that. I have a lot of faith in Jim Shwartz, and I expect a lot from their rookies too, which I'll talk about later.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB AP, QB Aaron Rodgers, WR Greg Jennings, WR Jordy Nelson, NT Ryan Pickett, MLB Larry Foote, TE Greg Olsen

NFC South: Falcons, Saints, Panthers, Bucs

I picked the Falcons because I think Matt Ryan is the next superstar QB and that he can will that team to victory. With the addition of Tony G I think that they will be a dynamic offense. Their D will be just good enough. Next, I have the Saints. I think their D will be much improved and Brees will do his thing, as usual. Will Jesus in Cleats, Reggie Bush, actually perform this year? Who knows, but the Saints O is too much to keep down this year. Everyone else seems to be picking the Panthers to win this division, but I have them third because of questions about their interior D-line and their QB situation. Their running game will be sick, but in this tough division it will be good for second or third. Lastly, the Bucs, with their new head coach and young roster, are just too inexperienced to take this one. Their running game should be excellent, however, and I think Earnest Graham is a beast. Whether it's Freeman or Leftwich or whoever under center, they're just not good enough, and the D is young and talented, but not good enough right now.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: LT Donald Penn, RG Davin Joseph, RG Jahri Evans, CB Tracy Porter, LB Jonathan Vilma, QB Matt Ryan, CB Chris Houston, LB Jon Beason

NFC East: Eagles, Giants, Cowboys, Redskins

In the interest of full disclosure, I fucking love the Eagles. That said, I think the Birds will win the division because they are the most complete team in the NFC East. My only question is the pass rush, which will be solved by blitzing (RIP Jim Johnson) and like every year, Donovan McNabb. The losses suffered in training camp thus far will be overcome, and the Eagles win the division barely over the Giants. The Giants are arguably just as complete as the Eagles, this ones really a crap shoot. Eli is overrated but solid, and their young receiving core will get some well deserved credit this year after stepping up in the wake of Plax's departure. They just have SO MANY good pass rushers, it's frightening. They can keep a ridiculous rotation and have everyone in there be excellent. The Cowboys are lacking in receivers (imagine saying that same thing at the beginning of last year) and in the secondary. Their corners will get torched, mark my words, torched, if Newman goes down with injury like he has in the past. Even with him, it won't be pretty. They better pray Demarcus Ware has a monster season rushing the QB. Lastly, the Redskins just aren't good. They're not. They have the players to do it, but they won't do it. They just won't. Jason Campbell is average, unimaginative, uncreative, boring, and not gonna get the job done.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: TE Jason Witten, FS LaRon Landry, WR Desean Jackson, SS Quintin Mikell, DT Broderick Bunkley, DE Marcus Spears, DE/DT Chris Canty, WR Steve Smith

NFC West: Cardinals, 49ers, Seahawks, Rams

The Cardinals get it done again. They are far, far more complete than any of the other teams in this division. Their pass rush only improves with their young front 7 gaining a year of playoff experience. Normally, I would pick them to finish at least second due to the Superbowl loser stigma, which has the Superbowl loser sucking it up the next year almost always, but this division just lacks the talent to have someone take it from them. Also I have faith in Fitz and the Whiz. The 49ers challenge for the division, but the offense holds them back. Their D, however, kicks some ass this year. The Seahawks run game improves immensely, but they just don't have the talent anymore. Walter Jones is old, Hasselbeck is injury prone, and Deion Branch was a bust of a trade. Housh will not provide the big-play threat that one would expect from a contract of his magnitude. The Rams, although improved, have a longgggg way to go (kind of like me trying to make the Syracuse team) before they can be competitors. Their new head coach, Steve Spagnuolo, will do a fine job, however, and I expect quality in a year or two as their WR's mature.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: WR Donnie Avery, CB Tye Hill, TE John Carlson, T Levi Brown, CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, WR Josh Morgan, DE Kentwan Balmer

Walking

"...And as I come, you see no fear in my eyes, for I have nothing to lose, and my heart is full"
-Allen Kirk


So on my third day of walking (gimping), albiet with a crutch on one side, I feel renewed energy to fight, not only to play ball, but to wake up for work, to not settle, to live hard, to not quit. There are too many days of wasted youth, potential, and opportunity in my rearview mirror.

But there are plenty of good ones ahead.

AFC Predictions, NFC, rookies, and Big East to come later

So every goddamn news outlet and their mother predict the results of the year in football. I will quickly do this for the AFC and NFC separately, as well as my predictions for the top rookies in another post. I'm tempted to offer no explanations for my picks, a la Kige Ramsey ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtoF0BReRNc )but although hilarious to offer no explanation for picks, I will explain anyway.

AFC East: Pats, Jets, Dolphins, Bills

The Pats will be dominant once again. Straight Cash Moss on the loose. My only issue with this squad is their corners, who are young, but come highly drafted and highly touted. They have gotten by with next to no corners for years and been fine though. Their ILB depth is improving and getting younger. Look for Mayo to have a breakout season. The Jets will play looser and better on defense with Rex Ryan, who I believe is a truly excellent coach, but a rookie under center in a tough division will make it difficult to leapfrog the Pats this year. The Dolphins will continue to run the option (wildcat) with success, with Pat White getting his feet wet, along with Ronnie Brown having a monster season. They found an equalizer to let them compete against far more talented teams last year with this scheme, but what will they do this year to compete again? The roster is slowly getting upgraded, however (Tuna!). Lastly, the Bills just don't have the offensive line to compete against the monster Jets and Pats lines, and face a tough schedule and sure implosion from TO.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Ronnie Brown, Sean Smith (CB), Jerod Mayo, Terrance Wheatley, Leon Washington, Marcus Stroud

AFC North: Steelers, Bengals, Ravens, Browns

Pittsburgh overcomes a porous (though improved) offensive line to kick the shit out of the entire division. Tomlin is the best young coach in the league, by far. The guy was born to coach. The team also lost almost no one after their Super Bowl win. There will be no hangover with this team. The Bengals, if Palmer can get over his ankle issue and whatever the issue of the day is thereafter, have the talent now on both sides of the ball to be impressive. I'm predicting a big year for them. The Ravens have lost too much personnel wise on defense to win this division, and with Rex Ryan gone as well, that D will not be as dominant as years past. Can I just say that Ray Lewis is downright fat now? The dude is a shadow of his former self. Just because he can still talk the talk doesn't mean that he is the same player he once was. He had no business at the Pro Bowl last year. Not saying that he isn't probably the best motivational leader on the field in the last 10 years, but still. Don't act like he's Jesus on the field still. Lastly, the Browns. Oh, the Browns. Mangini now, too. Ha, ha ha. I will say that their 3-4 has the potential, and SHOULD improve greatly this year under Mangini.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Braylon Edwards will be back, Cedric Benson, Shaun Rogers, D'Quell Jackson, Jared Gaither.

AFC South: Titans, Colts, Texans, Jaguars

The Titans take this division because their personnel at this point far exceeds that of the Colts. The Titans will run the ball effectively all year, particularly the zone cutback run they did all of last year. My pick for MVP is Chris Johnson, and I think Lendale will have himself a huge year as well. Add in super rookie Kenny Britt and it's gonna be lights out. The Colts flounder with the regime change and changing of the guard at receiver with Manning's timing off. He will carry the team, but it won't be enough. Donald Brown does not have the giant season that many talking heads are predicting. The defense gets shredded. The Texans are good, but not good enough. Mario Williams destroys people all year. Lastly, the Jaguars will simply be held back by QB play. They have way more talent than most give them credit for, but I think Garrard will hold his team back this year in a tight AFC South. Torry Holt just won't be enough to fix the problem.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Rashean Mathis' return to the top of the CB ranks, Derrick Harvey (DE), Mario Williams (DE), Frank Okam (DT), Gary Brackett (LB, Chris Johnson (MVP), the Titans O-line.

AFC West: Chargers, Raiders, Broncos, Chiefs

I actually think the Raiders have a shot to win the division if Russell plays even marginally OK. Or if they put in Garcia. I think they have 3 of the dirtiest running backs in the league in Fargas, McFadden, and Michael Bush. Fargas is underrated, but if it were me I would trade him if at all possible to get value for him, to get Michael Bush more time. I'm just really excited about the Raider run game. When it comes down to it though, the Chargers have entirely too much talent and will take this one. The Chiefs and the Broncos will be two of the biggest embarrassments in the league and warrant no further mention. Glenn Dorsey is now in entirely the wrong scheme for him, so I'll be interested to see if he can adapt or how they will use him.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Michael Bush, Darren McFadden, Nnandi Asomugha, Larry Johnson, Mike Goff, DJ Williams

NFC to come later, as well as my favorite, rookie predictions, and a BIG EAST PREVIEW

Vick Substitution......

OK so realizing that like half my posts thus far have been about Michael Vick, and that the first one was that I was tired of talking/hearing about him, and I continue to talk about him, I have a quick point on Mike Vick with regards to substituting him into the game. (It's a FOOTBALL thing at least)

To clarify the rule for one of my most devoted readers, (dad) if Vick was listed as the 3rd QB behind McNabb and Kolb/Feely, he would not be able to enter the game for a series, or a play or two without forcing the Eagles to keep him in the game until the 4th quarter. This is because of a little-known NFL rule which says that if the 3rd QB enters (3rd QB decided by what is turned in prior to the game by the team) then the starter and backup cannot return until the 4th quarter.

So if the Eagles intend to use Vick, which they obviously intend to do, then he will most likely have to be listed as a WR on the gameday roster.

Last Week at NFL Films, ETC

I've had the opportunity to intern at NFL Films this summer, and it's been an equally surreal and humbling experience. I've learned a ridiculous amount. I'm staying on this one extra week to help train the new interns who will be replacing me.

As I sit in the Playbook war room, my home for the past 3-4 months (minus the time I was in the hospital, doctors offices, and staring at my ceiling at home in recovery) I'm thankful.

Just a few short years ago I was not where I should be in life, and although theres a longgggggggg way to go, it feels good to be moving in the right direction.

In a health update, I'm walking around without crutches today. By walking, I mean really, really slow limping, a la Frankenstein. It hurts like hell but I just can't stand the crutches anymore. I'm gonna try to do half the day like this (already been a few hours) and maybe crutch later on.

So, after an uncharactaristicly serious moment here at hopelesswalkon, let us get back to our regularly scheduled idiocy, with a story about falling down in the shower a couple weeks ago.

It's true, I tipped over in the shower while still in the cast, banging the top of my forehead into the wall as I was trying to get in. I really wanted to sort of hop over the edge of the shower, and I'm a retard because I tried it sort of nonchalantly, and in my nakedness at 6:30 AM ate shit against the wall of my shower. I've only told one or two people of this nugget of idiocy, so enjoy my misery.

I say this in celebration because I STOOD IN THE SHOWER TODAY...what a country, what a world, I stood up in the shower like a normal person again and man I am not 84 years old anymore baby!!

More updates to come about me falling over in various other situations.

Injury Update

So I've been bebopping around without my cast, having a good old time. I'm a fucking healing beast. No actually it's been pretty painful, and swells up everyday, but with the aid of crutches still I'm sorta walking around. I'm pretty much spiting my body and just trying to walk on it a bit. It's hard not to when there's no cast there.

I'm wearing a supporter boot kind of thing. My foot can be shoved into a shoe, but it looks all fat, like the leg and foot belong to a 400 pound guy who had to squeeze into the shoe. This entetains me and I sometimes make BUM BUMBUM noises as I walk around, like Godzilla or something.

One day at a time. Soon enough I'll be running around...did I mention the doctor said that I could expect to begin running by the spring? Like Februaryish? Thats laughable. November. Or maybe my trying to run by November is laughable...whatever. We'll see what happens.

BUM BUM BUM BUM BUM..Godzilla out...

1st Half Eagles Thoughts + Mike Vick? What?

Some first half thoughts on the Birds/Pats game and thoughts on the Mike Vick signing.

First, Vick. It's a 2 year deal, good call by the team. They can trade him after this year and get ridiculous value for him if he stays on the right side of the law this season and shows that he is the same athlete he once was. Giving up nothing and getting possibly as high as a first round, though more likely a 2nd or 3rd round draft pick is pretty damn good value. Also, whatever team who trades for him, assuming this scenario happens, will not face nearly the firestorm that the Eagles will, since this will have all basically died down by then.

However, for this value that the Eagles are getting, they must endure:
1. Losing a few fans (who needs those fans anyway, get over it, see previous Vick post)
2. National media partial firestorm
3. Going with that, a media circus at camp and during the season for AT LEAST his reinstatement game.

Not a big deal, really, considering how many distractions the Birds have dealt with in the last several years. Also, the Eagles enjoy a fanbase which is dedicated basically no matter what, so this signing will not affect popularity of the team. They have a lot more to gain than to lose. They are one of those franchises which is just money in the bank right now, no matter what. There's like a 20 year wait for season tickets.

I'm just in shock, basically. I'm not anti-Vick, as my earlier post said, or pro-Vick. Actually, thats a lie, I'm trying to become pro-Vick as we speak now. But moving on... (for now...god I'm tired of this Vick business and BAM we sign em, naturally)

1st half thoughts:

1. Jason Peters sucks right now. He needs more reps in practice.

2. Our revamped/now injured line sucks right now. They need more reps in practice. Actually these guys just need to get healthy so they can freakin all play together for 5 minutes. Winston Justice, haha, same old guy. Terrible. I really hope he can get his act together, I cheered when we picked him initially. Thought he was a steal in the second. Silly, silly me.

3. Desean Jackson is going to have a monster year. He ran just a gorgeous slant under the safety which Dmac hit him perfectly on, and looks to be improving his route running in general.

4. The Pats will have 2007 all over again. They will own the NFL again. God, I hate them, mostly because I want to be them. Straight Cash Randy Moss is still obscene, and apparently ageless.

5. I wonder if we're going to run some option with Vick in. Him, McCoy, and Westy in the backfield at the same time, or with DMAC back there with Westy and Vick. Oh, the possibilities. I wouldnt put it past Reid to run some crazy spread option business once in a while. I'm rambling now. Back to the game.

What a Country

I am cast free and loving it. The incision is still bleeding a bit, the leg is halfway useless, and I don't care. Let me just say that the smell was nearly unbearable when that cast came off. It literally smelled like my leg was rotting off or something.

Charming. I'm in an air cast thingy and am gimping around on crutches still. I'm not supposed to try walking for a while (I'm trying several times a day). Life is good, man. Good good.

I will be posting some comments on Syracuse Football, Philadelphia Eagles Football (preseason vs the Pats) and the mighty gimp-leg over the next day or two.

2 Days Left

2 more days left until this cast comes off. It's been a long 5 weeks. It was supposed to be six, but apparently I'm a champion healer so it's coming off a bit early. Also, I think the doctor was slightly confused on the dates. I'm about ready to gnaw this thing off, so thats cool by me.

More to come on this when it actually happens, but man. Let me just say that I'm excited. Excited to get my new big giant walking boot and flaunt it around, walking around like a normal person. No more sympathy looks, baby! 2 days.

Michael Vick

Can I just say that I'm really, really tired of hearing about Mike Vick? REALLLLLLLLLY tired.

I'm mostly tired of the douches being like, "he must show that he's really and truly changed, and is a reformed and better person..."

Reallllly. I forgot that to play in the NFL, you must be a model citizen. For years, the NFL has prided itself on letting only quality individuals (and never sick, twisted motherfuckers) play in the League. GODDDDDDDDDD forbid that Mike Vick not show complete and utter contrition for his behavior. Especially because there are guys in the NFL who have killed ACTUAL PEOPLE. One is playing DE at this very moment for the St. Louis Rams. I know we all love our dogs, me being a huge dog lover, and can't possibly imagine someone killing a dog but lets be honest here. Can we take a step back from this hoopla drama BS and just see this for what it is? The guy spent 20 some months imprisoned for this already. IN JAIL. Think about what thats really like for a few minutes.

The point is, it doesn't take an exceptionally quality individual to play in the NFL. I'm aware that playing in the League is a privledge, not a right. As it should be. That said, a man should be able to make a living. Just not neccessarily playing football, since that is a privledge and all. But shutting him out of the game at this point is just downright hypocritical, considering the model citizens that have occupied the sport since it's inception. It takes a crazy dude sometimes to play a crazy, violent sport.

So at this point, if a team wants to sign him, can we please leave the signs stating what a horrible person he is at home? We already know. Get over it, and go back to thinking that all the guys on your team are model citizens.

(I dont even like Michael Vick, just to be clear. This is more of an outcry to some of the idiots on sports talk radio, websites like PFT, and ESPN)

Some Background Info

So I figured it would be a decent idea to post some background information about me and a bit of why I'm doing this. I'm 24, and go to Syracuse University. I started school at 21 at Montgomery Country Community College in the suburbs outside of Philly, continued school at Santa Monica College (CA) in ...Santa Monica...and again to Montgomery before going to Syracuse.

I've done a lot of retarded stuff thus far in my life, so this should continue a tradition of idiocy that dates back to around age 12. Football has been a passion of mine since I was 18, and became fed up with soccer, which I had played my whole life. Also, I was on drugs, which led me to become fed up with a whole lot of things at the time. (No longer on drugs, do enjoy a beer or two)

Anyway, I got tired of just dreaming about playing football. I figured that I could try out, and if I get my ass kicked all over, which most likely will happen, thats cool, I can say I tried. The experience was there. If I succeed, I get to play football. There would be nothing worse than looking back and thinking, I really could have tried that, and never did.

Really, there's no decision making process here for me, it just needs to happen. I love the game. I've spent the entire summer interning at NFL Films and I go home and read football rumors and X's and O's after being in the mecca of football for 8-9 hours already. This definitley is something that just needs to happen.

I'm pretty sure no one is paying attention to this yet, or knows of it's existence, BUT if there are any questions, all you readers can feel free to post them in the comments. (That means you, Mom)

Hall of Fame Inductions

I'm watching the NFL Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Hell of a class. Watching these guys talk tonight has picked me up considerably.

Watching this has renewed me a bit. The values that they upheld in terms of dedication, work ethic, and determination make you feel like you can do it too.

I know Chris Jarmon over at The D3 Experience liked Randall McDaniel's speech. The quintessential lineman. Team, team, team. Don't you feel like after hearing him speak, he is so much more suited to his current teaching job than being in the NFL? These guys never cease to surprise me, some of them at least, with how well-rounded they are. Pre conceived notions certainly are dangerous.

Just a good night all over watching the HOF stuff. I was drinking beers just feeling like crap during the day. I certainly lack the inherent drive and fire that these guys possess. I've felt lower than I've ever felt, with a few exceptions, during this process of being laid up. Bruce Smith would probably be running sprints and beating the shit out of someone by now.

3 days until this cast comes off. It's been a long process already, and I've barely even begun. I got surgery for a broken fibula in 2 places, and torn ligaments. Surgery required a plate and 6 screws to hold the bone together. BUT...I'm healing on up here and I'll be starting this journey in no time. I'll be posting a bunch of things over the next few days detailing plans to accomplish this psychotic feat.

So it begins...

About one month ago, hopped up on painkillers after ankle surgery, I devised a plan.

It made a lot more sense at the time than it does now, after the painkillers wore off.

But like the idiot I am, I'm doing it anyway.

I'm going to try out for the Syracuse Football Team next season. In the meantime, I'll be training and working my ass off to try to actually make the team. Oh yeah, I've never played football before, unless flag football somehow counts. I'm also short, skinny, and clearly not a D-1 football caliber athlete.

Follow my exploits over the course of the next year and expect:
1. To be entertained
2. To get an inside look at what it's like to try out for a D1 Football Program unsolicited
3. To hopefully be inspired at least a little bit.
4. To be able to tell your kids another thing NOT to do
5. To laugh at the ridiculousness of my behavior, and possibly my ambition


Come back often, and I hope you enjoy my pain along the way. Although I'm not doing this for anyone but myself, hopefully you can at least get a kick out of the experience.