Category Archives: NFL

Do you remember Super Bowl XLII?

It was the most-watched Super Bowl in NFL history. More than 91 million viewers tuned in to see if Tom Brady and the New England Patriots could complete a perfect season by defeating Eli Manning and the New York Giants. The Giants entered the game as a 12 point underdog and won three road games in order to advance to the Super Bowl.

Ultimately, the Giants won the Super Bowl XLII on a pass from Manning to Plaxico Burress with less than one minute to go. The victory brought joy to Giants fans who last celebrated a championship in 1991 (Super Bowl XXV). As for Patriots fans, there’s no doubt that the loss still stings today.

Fast forward to 2012, the Giants and Patriots survived the NFL lockout and they are back in the Super Bowl to face each other in a much anticipated rematch.

Super Bowl XLVI is the clash of the owner titans. Kraft vs. Mara and Tisch – Winner Takes All.

Here’s the Tale of the Tape…

Mara and Tisch Families

If you had the chance to invest $500 ($6165 inflation adjustment) in a risky business and after 87 years of blood, sweat, and tears it would be worth $1.3 billion, would you do it? Yes, of course. That’s the story of the Tim Mara and the New York Giants.

In 1925, he took a chance and purchased the team when football operated in the shadow of other sports, and the United States was on the verge of its first economic meltdown: The Great Depression.

Mara probably had no idea that his investment would grow exponentially, and today his grandson, John Mara, is fulfilling the family legacy by serving as the President and CEO of the franchise. He’s joined by co-owners, Jonathan Tisch and Steve Tisch, who stepped into the Treasure and Chairman & Executive Vice President roles respectively in 2005 (Their father Preston Robert Tisch purchased 50% of the team in 1991).

The Giants have the second-longest tenured family in the NFL, and they have won one Super Bowl under the current Mara and Tisch ownership team. Together they constructed the $1.4 billion MetLife Stadium and weathered the “seat license” storm; groomed a QB who is no longer known as “Peyton’s little brother”; stood by their head coach countless times when fans wanted him out; and worked long hours to ensure that football would be played this season.

Robert Kraft

How do you become a sports legend without stepping foot on the field? Figure out how to turn a bad team into a good one, and save it from being moved out of town.

When Robert Kraft purchased the Patriots in 1994, he paid a record $172 million. What was once a brave business move, has transformed into a sound business investment as the team is now valued at $1.4 billion.

Since buying the Patriots, Kraft built a 68,756 capacity stadium with a $325 million price tag; hired one of the smartest and toughest coaches in the league; advanced to five Super Bowls and won three (2002, 2004, 2005); signed a 199^th draft  QB who turned out to ; and helped end the 4 ½ month lockout with class and integrity.

And The Winner Is…

It’s estimated that the NFL is a $10 billion-a-year business, and 110 million viewers will watch the game on Sunday. Just looking at those numbers alone, it’s clear that both owners will certainly win this weekend. However, we all know that professional sports isn’t just about business, there are glorious wins and defeating losses. The battle will be settled on the field Super Bowl Sunday.

This week New England Patriots owner, Robert Kraft, is featured as the cover story for sports illustrated. (Last week Tom Brady, Patriots QB, was on the cover with the headline Rematch.)  

Peter King, wrote a great piece about Kraft and his bold leadership, which transformed the Patriots from the laughingstock of the league into a model franchise.

Generally, I’m not superstitious but you can’t deny the fact that after gracing the cover of sports illustrated many athletes and teams have fallen victim to the SI Jinx.

Game 1 of the Wildcard weekend is officially in the records books. The 7-9 Seahawks not only managed to make it to the playoffs, but they had a home game. Seattle won the NFC West division with a losing record. They took down the defending Super Bowl champs – their defense just looked horrible today especially on the 67 yard touchdown by Marshawn Lynch. Eight different Saints touched him, but they still couldn’t take him down. I’m sure Saints owner, Tom Benson, is going to want some answers about this loss.

Check this video out just in case you missed it.

 I’m a little very concerned about how sports are being played lately. Recently, accusations of cheating and direct evidence of cheating have hit the NFL. Along with that we’ve seen unsportsmanlike conduct and just horrible unprofessional behavior.

The New York Jets organization has struggled with this lately and it just can’t seem to get out of the spotlight. Over the summer, Jets head coach Rex Ryan was criticized by Tony Dungy, former head coach for the Indianapolis Colts, for his repeated use of profanity. Initially, I shrugged my shoulders to the entire incident. Personally, I don’t use profanity but I know others do. I understand that in a sport like football you have guys that need a little more than just a pat on the back. Plus these are grown men out there, not little boys. Right? Wrong.

Yesterday in the Dolphins-Jets game, Nolan Carroll, Dolphins Rookie CB, was tripped as he was running down the sideline by, Sal Alosi, Jets strength and conditioning coach. I know what you’re thinking. Isn’t that school yard behavior? Yup, it is and certainly should not be happening in “pro” sports. The actions NFL fans witnessed yesterday was one of a string of incidents that have occurred within the Jets organization. During training camp we saw the Ines Sainz cat call controversy. That was followed by the Brett Favre Jenn Sterger alleged cell phone scandal. And tucked into between all of that was Braylon Edwards’ drunk driving arrest.

Where’s the integrity and professionalism? Where are the true sportsmen? And whatever happened to “it’s not whether you win or lose, it’s how you play the game?”

Needless to say everyone is responsible for what’s happening in sports – the fans, players, coaches, front office staff, and the owners.

Now I see why Tony Dungy was so critical of Rex Ryan. If you get the little things right, you won’t get the big things wrong.  I hear you coach. It is time to bring civility and honor back into the game.

Good night sports fans,

Alana

Winter just isn’t winter without a good old fashion snow day (technically winter doesn’t start until December 21st, but who’s counting).  Over the weekend the Midwest was blanketed with a snow storm that hit in Minnesota the hardest. With over two feet of snow it was the worst snow storm that Minnesota has seen in years. All of that snow (roughly 2,000 tons) blanketed the top of the Metrodome (home of the Minnesota Vikings) and caused the roof to collapse. Yikes! A collapsed roof meant no Sunday afternoon football in Minnesota.

What does any good owner do in that situation? Find another place for the game to be played. Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail - shall keep the NFL football from being played. Tonight the Minnesota Vikings will play its home game against the New Gaints at Ford Field in Detroit. Detroit fans came out in the fridged temperatures this morning to get their hands on the free tickets. And some turned their free tickets into a money making opportunity — who said business was dead in Detroit.  

My brother and his best friend will be at the game tonight. They didn’t score the free tickets, but they managed to find another set for $40 and get interviewed by NPR.  They’ve been downtown since 9:00 am this morning, and I don’t blame them. How many times does something like this happen?

Ahhh…For the love of the game.

People of faith believe that people journey into one’s life for a reason.

                                                                                            -- Carolyn Henry Glaspy

2010 has been a great year. I started a new job, gained a new member of my family, and declared my dream of becoming a professional sports owner. I am so incredibly thankful for all of my blessings, and I have to admit that I’m often too busy to take a moment and give thanks for my greatest blessing – Life!

On Thanksgiving Day, Carolyn Henry Glaspy shared the story of the life and death of her son, NFL player Chris Henry. This remarkable story of faith and courage reminded me of how precious life really is.

Last December, Chris was projected from the back of a moving truck. He sustained serious head injuries, and ultimately was placed on life support. His injuries were so severe that his family was forced with the difficult decision to let him go. His NFL family honored him with moments of silence and by placing decals with #15 on their helmets. This is where we all thought Chris’s story ended.

We now know that Chris’s mother made the brave choice to donate his organs, which included his lungs, liver, pancreas and kidneys. One of the recipients of Chris’s kidneys spent years on dialysis and said “I couldn’t make plans for the future because I was too busy living for today.”

Today I am giving thanks for Chris Henry’s legacy and for his mother’s courage to share the lesson of life with the rest of us.

Good night sports fans,

Alana 

The Dallas Cowboys lost again today. Jerry Jones was not happy about his team’s performance and apologized to the fans for being “1-7.”  They are actually 1-6 so maybe Mr. Jones is anticipating that the team will lose again next week. Either way you look at it the Cowboys organization is not happy about the way this season is turning out.

I will say that I appreciate the fact that Mr. Jones to taking responsibility for the poor record. He’s not blaming Romo, Wade Phillips, or any of the other players. That’s not to say behind closed doors he’s not pitching a fit, but in front of the camera he’s doing it the right way.

Nicely done Mr. Jones.

Good Night Sports Fans,

Alana

Have you heard of Madieu Williams? He’s a Safety for the Minnesota Vikings and a true humanitarian. He’s working to educate and bring health care to the young children in his native Sierra Leone.

All too often we hear about athletes buying expensive cars and jewelry or flossing in the limelight, but here’s a guy that want to make a difference.

Hello Sports Fans it’s week 2 of the 2010-2011 NFL season and week 2 of the inaugural I Want To Be An Owner fantasy football league. Week 1 had plenty of winners and losers and here they are….{drum roll please}

The WINNERS:

Arian Foster and the Houston Texans. Arian rushed for 231 yards and had 3 touchdowns, which was the most yardage ever allowed by the Colts defense. The Texans have had the talent for 3 or 4 years and finally they were able beat their AFC rivals. The Texans’ offensive line completely bullied the Colts and if they keep playing like this they’ll be knocking on the playoffs doorstep.

Tom Brady, Wes Walker, and the New England Patriots. Tom Brady showed that he is worth every penny of his new contract. He threw for 258 yards and led the Patriots to their 21^st straight regular season win at home. Wes Walker is back from a torn MCL & ACL in his left knee. He scored 2 TD’s and is back in action. I love a happy ending.

Pittsburg Steelers.The Steelers are playing four games without their starting QB, Ben Roethlisberger. The entire team shouldn’t have to suffer because of one players bad choices. The Steelers are showing that they’re moving forward with our without Roethlisberger.

Michael Vick.I haven’t been a huge fan of “Ron Mexico.” He’s made one bad decision after another and to be honest if I was an NFL owner he probably wouldn’t be on my team. But I have to get it to him. He scored 1 TD and put up 17 points in the second half. Even though the Eagles lost, he showed some of his old form. Once Kevin Kolb recovers there will certainly be a QB controversy in Philly.  

The LOSERS:

Randy Moss.The post-game press conference is always the worst place to air dirty laundry. Ok, we get it – you’re made that you don’t have a new contract. Win or lose it’s not a good look to share your displeasure with the front office in the media. This upset just might be a distraction this season.

NFL Rules Committee.Ok, so I don’t know if there is a “rules committee.” But whoever is in charge of the crazy rule that caused the Lions a win – is on my list. That was a great catch by Calvin Johnson and he had control over the ball. Let’s just hope for the “rules committee’s” sake that the loss doesn’t end up being the difference between going to the playoffs and staying home for the Detroit Lions. Otherwise there’s going to be a whole lot of angry Honolulu Blue fans.

San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers lost 31-6 against the Seattle Seahawks. And to make matters worse there’s “a rat” within the organization. Word on the street is that Offensive Coordinator, Jimmy Raye, had trouble with the play calling. And as usual someone within the organization shared this information “anonymously.” Coach Singletary isn’t happy about this and said that there’s a rat! (check out the video below and you can see it for yourself) This is NOT a good way to start the season. Let’s hope that they can turn this around.   Continue reading →

This evening I was reading “10 predictions for the NFL season” by Peter King from CNNSI. So after looking into my crystal ball I thought I would quickly jot down my own predictions for the NFL season. Here’s what I quickly came up with…what are yours? 

1. Ocho Cinco will pay at least $100K in fines. It’s all going to charity…right?

2. TO and Ocho will clash. Sorry but it’s bound to happen. And there’s only room for one VH1 diva in the NFL – let alone the Cincy.

3. Tony Romo will be watching the Superbowl in the Big D from…the stands. I just don’t see Dallas going to the Superbowl this year. But it would be super cool if Dallas could play a superbowl home game.

 4. The Lions will go .500. Hey, I gotta believe. Alright so maybe not .500 but their record will be a whole lot better than last year.

5. SUH will bring pride back to Detroit’s defense and go to the pro bowl as a rookie.

6. Revis will prove to the Jets that his holdout was worth it. I want to see this guy have another big year and show that he was worth the media circus.

7. Favre will make it to the Superbowl. You’ve gotta believe in happy endings. And maybe if he makes it to the Superbowl it will be the end.

8. At least four coaches will be out of jobs by week 4. I wish I could guess who is on the chopping block, but my crystal ball is a bit fuzzy right now…lol.

9. Mike Tomlin will whip Big Ben and the Steelers back into shape. Have you Coach T on the sidelines? He’s too cool.

10. I will win the fantasy football challenge. Hey, I had to throw that in here.

 Good Night Sports Fans,

 Alana