Thursday, April 24, 2014

NFL Weekly Whip Around



A few hits on the week, many dates, and events with holidays, announcements, anniversaries and even celebrations all through out the league and world. Busy week all around, voluntary workouts commence, the 2014 NFL schedule, Earth day, Chicago’s Wrigley’s Field celebrated 100 years, MLB has its first instant replay, the first American since 1983 wins the Boston Marathon and only 12 days till the 2014 NFL Draft is here.
Hope you all had an amazing holiday weekend whether it was Easter or Passover and that it was filled with special family and friends. Before I plummet into a sea of dates numbers and events, essentially go into full football tourettes, I wanted to pause or venture back a little more than a week ago on some do-gooding, charity events continue to happen mostly off the media radar, but I had the opportunity to be at two different events Saturday before last, here a quick look.
John Carney, Steve Weatherford ©desireeastorga

Kick’n it with the Pros Dinner
Jerseys clad, aprons secured, as Dinner with the Pros was an amazing scrimmage of trays, plates, players and celebs serving food to a ballroom of guests.  All benefiting 5 different organizations with an emphasis on church, youth and the community. John Carney and Steve Weatherford hosts of the amazing fun filled event.
Fan for Life
brockington2up1
The meaning of love was defined at Seaport Village in San Diego, I was fortunate to be in attendance for this years #FFL, an amazing event put on by the John Brockington Foundation, essentially Diane and John Brockington who started this phenomenal organization, organs and tissue donation. This issue has even greater value when you hear their beautiful story.
The mission of the John Brockington Foundation is to create a culture in which organ donation is commonplace; to provide financial and resource support for those donating, awaiting, and/or receiving organs; and to promote health education to minority communities who are disproportionately represented on the transplant waiting list.
Former Charger and Giant, Pete Shaw was there to support his friends,
Pete Shaw, screen grab desiree astorga
"John and Diane Brockington are very close personal friends of mine
if you don't know their story, Diane donated one of her kidneys to John and they wound up getting married it's one of the greatest love stories ever made
her donating her organ to John helped save his life……………..
If it helps save lives and it did save a friend of mine's, I'm all in!"

Celebrations
Congratulations to Meb Keflezighi the 2014 Boston Marathon winner, the first American to win since 1983 and what an amazing thing especially after last years bombings, grateful it was a smooth day for all. NFL’s Daniel Jeremiah has ties as well, his brother-in-law and Meb are best friends, they train together in Mammoth, CA.  I know a little stretch, but he was in the wedding.
Happy 100th Birthday Wrigley’s Field with numerous historical moments in baseball along with football ties as most of you know, the Chicago Bears we’re there from 1921-1970. CBS Sports, Matt Snyder put out a fun piece on what facts you might not know, definitely worth a gander.
One more special occasion, Colts LB, Andy Studebaker and wife Mallory welcomed home their new baby girl.

Its Starting!
Phase 1; this week 19 teams started voluntary workouts on April 21. Followed by the same versed sound bites, but it has commenced. One reminder per the Collective Bargaining Agreement,
"Phase One activities shall be limited to strength and conditioning and physical rehabilitation only. ... No footballs shall be permitted to be used (only "dead ball" activities), except that quarterbacks may elect to throw to receivers provided they are not covered by any other player. Players cannot wear helmets during Phase One."
Who started;  Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams, San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks.
Next stop the Radio City Music Hall, may 8th thru the 10th, the delay this year due to scheduling conflicts however the NFL will continue to calendar the event in May in the future. What does the extra few weeks time do for teams, is it good or is there too much attention to the 6th-7th round now? I guess we will find out. Some bold predictions hover now with Johnny "Football"Manziel one that Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys will take him if available at 16th, another that he will win 9 games as a starting QB, somewhere? Clowney stays on top of the board however, that hasn’t changed, but any given Sunday.
  Schedule, YES!! Yahoo! It’s here! The 2014 schedule for all 32 NFL teams was released Wednesday at 8 PM EST and yes, if you forgot, Saturday as you know are back! Along with Flex games as early as week 5, incept from NFL.com, The "cross flex" mechanism will serve a similar purpose. Select games can be flexed between CBS and FOX. In the past, a game with two NFC teams had to be on FOX and a game with two AFC teams had to be on CBS. Now, the league can theoretically move an all-NFC game to CBS or an all-AFC game to FOX in select cases. This will help balance out the television schedule, especially in a week where one network has all the most intriguing games. Protocol remains the same and in the hands of The NFL in decision making factors after consultations with the TV Networks.
Season opener with a bit of deja vu as we've known the SB48 Champions the Seattle Seahawks would host at Century Link field, however its become a reunion game vs the Green Bay Packers, the game that brought the replacement refs situation to a stop. Many variables will of course be different; one that stands out is that that the receiver of the controversial catch, Golden Tate, will be in Detroit.
Sunday, August 3, 2014 ,NFL Hall Of Fame Game. Wide receiver , Andre Reed  (who played for the Bills for 15 of his 16 years) along with defensive end, Michael Strahan (who spent his entire 15 year career with the Giants) will both be inducted for the 2014 HOF, a special special night !
Thats a wrap for this week!
Remember Earth Day is and can be every day, reduce, reuse, recycle, replenish and restore. Let's all protect our world!
Desiree
Photographer, producer, host, reporter, radio & TV, One-man-army, artist, skateboarder Time out with Desiree, the silver linings An optimistic realist with intermittent football tourettes all the while searching for the 3rd dimension. TheDesireeSHOW

Monday, April 21, 2014

Kick’n it Dinner with the Pros


Host John Carney and Steve Weatherford photo ©desiree astorga

Carlsbad, California

John Carney and Steve Weatherford kicked off the 8th Annual Kick'n it Dinner with the Pros at the renowned Omni La Costa Resort and Spa presented by Kim Blickenstaff.
photo ©desireeastorga
Nick Novak, Brain Stahovich, Roberto Wallace photo ©desiree astorga
The hosts share many ties, kickers, GiantsSuper Bowl Champs, along with having the love and support of many peers along with the charity event of the evening.  Both, professional athletes and celebs clad in aprons' serving guests a 3-course dinner Saturday.  Although many kickers were placing plates the wait staff was filled with an amazing array, Hall of Famers, current and former NFL players, free agents, radio personalities and even celebrities all in personalized jersey's bustling like a game day all around the Casa del Sol Ballroom.
Scott Kaplan, Mike Goff & Billy Ray Smith photo ©desiree astorga
Scott Kaplan, Mike Goff & Billy Ray Smith photo ©desiree astorga
 Billy Ray Smith “I can’t even estimate how much fun we had”
Throughout the evening, all the boys celebrating Andre Reed’s Hall of Fame the “best after catch” receiver will be inducted August 2, 2014 in Canton, OH.
Andre Reed & daughter Auburn Reed ©desireeastorga  LA Costa
Andre Reed and daughter Auburn Reed ©desireeastorga
Autograph signing, silent auctions filled with priceless sports memorabilia, travel and wine packages, a personal encounter with players and even a phenomenal live auctioneer who also served as entertainment not to mention a live band.  All in attendance we're there to support not one but five different beneficiaries, the event benefits All for God (Youth Ministries), Blessed Sacrament Parish School, Mary’s Mercy Center, Veronica’s Home of Mercy and the Rockne Heritage Fund.
One of the unique assets of this event is the outpour of admiration and support from friends all over the league to rally behind anything that John Carney is doing.  I asked Scott Kaplan of the Mighty 1090's Scott and BR why do you jump at anything John asks?
 “John Carney is the reason Billy Ray and I are together in the first place, so when John invites us, we are flattered to help!”
Congratulations on another successful event to all!
 
Desiree

Photographer, producer, host, reporter, radio & TV, One-man-army, artist, skateboarder.  Time out with Desiree, the silver linings An optimistic realist with intermittent football tourettes all the while searching for the 3rd dimension.TheDesireeSHOW
 

Thursday, April 10, 2014

NFL Weekly Hits


Dates, Countdowns, Moves & Movies

Hawaii swapped for Arizona, one college dominates on the courts, Draft Day premier and draftee predictions continue, all a few of this weeks quick hits.  NFL announced that the 2015 Pro Bowl is going west for a year to Glendale, but back to the islands in 2016.  One week before SB49, The Pro Bowl is slated to be in Arizona at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday January 25, 2015.  It’s the first time since 2010 that the same venue will host both.

In other sports

Hoops to start, UCONN athletes dominates in all genders The Huskies take home their 4th NCAA Championship in 16 years one day later the women finish 40-0 and clinch their 9th title. It’s safe to say that UCONN has dynamite Basketball Program.  Congrats to all the Huskies! All the while Kentucky head coach, John Calipari is pursued by one of the biggest notable franchises in the NBA. The diamond is up and running full force with 150 plus or minus regular seasons games remaining barely making a dent into the long hall of a season. America’s past time is here, quote-un-quote, baseball is in full swing!

To the Draft

mockdraft
But hold your horses!! May 8-10 is less than a month away; yes the long anticipated NFL Draft is just around the corner. What we know is who has the first 3 picks , at least at the moment,             1. Texans 2. Rams 3. Jaguars.   But who'll be the first 3 picks? Trying to predict a teams picks is almost like guessing how many jelly beans are in a bowl, you can get ball park close but in actuality it simply a ton of predictions. Mock drafts, predictions vs. needs, through in trades, phone calls, coaches vs. GM’s, the saying “Your guess is as good as mine” has a lot of validity.
JC_Copeland photo ©desireastorga
J.C. Copeland, Nationals MVP at NFLPA Bowl ©desireeastorga
But as always quote un quote it's a QB driven league btw I hate that I’m a minority I like defensive low scoring battles, smash mouth football. The role of the almost forgotten full back breaks my heart. People said that Ladainian Tomlinson had lost it after averaging 1,546 yards a year with 91 TDs in the 5 years that Lorenzo Neal was leading him and after that 1,100 and 11 TDs while Drew Pinnock paving lanes, but they failed to address the loss of a fullback, sure they had a “FB” truly a halfback, not a true FB, along with the loss of the O line. There has to be a run! I did pre-warn you! With that rant out of the way, I reached out to former NFL QB and current college analyst, Kevin O'Connell and asked him my random unpopular question, FB's?
CRAIG "Buster" Davis ©désiréeastorga
Craig "Buster" Davis #FBF 2007 Chargers Rd 1 pick Photo ©desireeastorga.com
You can’t predict the multiple phone calls deals & trades going on even minutes before a pick, just like you can’t pick the bust either.
#FBF Chargers first pick in the 2007 draft was Craig "Buster" Davis, who inevitably was plagued with injuries. Following him at #30 were Sydney Rice and Steve Smith.  Coaches want to get the best 53 players on their football program, period, point blank, but picking the winning choice is a multi dimensional one that is much like a chess match throw in a little fortune telling to and you might be close.
Rams GM Les Snead, “I think the way to get it right is you make the right decision for the organization, and I like to say you make the best decision long term because the short term is by definition short—it won’t last as long,” Snead said. “But because this draft is really good, it’s a good chance for us to take some shots with picks in this draft to improve the team. Not only tomorrow and opening day, but also four and five years down the road.”
Changing positions? Recently the conversation came up with 2 draft prospects, 6’6” 260 pd Logan Thomas from Virginia Tech, who had a 35 vertical jump and ran a 4.6 flat at the Combine a few teams having him out to be a TE. Also, Troy’s 6’1” 208 pd QB, Corey Robinson whom at 30-32 broke Steve Sarkasian’s NCAA record for completions last season, Robinson is being sought after as a WR. I tend to think of Tim Tebow someone I never saw fit to be a QB but had an amazing magical precedence, leadership and a TE/RB physique. I think these assets could of brought a long-term spot as a TE on a roster for him. Is this what Teams scouts are seeing? Or am I completely of base?

Draft Day coming to a theatre near you......Friday!

No, its not May 8th yet and your not in New York, you remember all the movie PR going nuts at all week at SB48, well the long anticipated premier of Draft Day is here, Friday April 11.  Rookie screenwriter Rajiv Joseph makes his film debut, starring no other than Kevin Costner. It's actually bizarre how much football media has covered the movie,
” Costner talks new film” – ESPN.


Finally an extended happy 78th birthday wish to the one and only John Madden, HOFer, legend, Super Bowl Champ and my favorite all time color analyst.
johnmaddenI always dreamed to work with him and Al Michaels on MNF and wipe away his wax diagram and ask what about this John, as I took his wax crayon and did my own diagram.
Thanks for running around with me for a few minutes, only fitting to leave you with this.
“Coaches have to watch for what they don't want to see and listen to what they don't want to hear.” John Madden
Desiree
Photographer, producer, host, reporter, radio & TV, One-man-army, artist, skateboarder Time out with Desiree, the silver linings -An optimistic realist with intermittent football tourettes all the while searching for the 3rd dimension. TheDesireeSHOW
 

Friday, April 4, 2014

THIS WEEK'S NFL ODDS & ENDS


Dates, Days, Numbers & Miles 
Along with a few more odds and ends this week; NFL draft order, compensatory picks, schedules, continued pro days while a media frenzy exploded on DeSean Jackson and even some humor.
MLB Opening Day, Cesar Chavez Birthday, April Fools Day, April 2nd; Jackson joins Skins and South Carolina Pro day, April 3rd, Colt McCoy signs with Skins, Final 4 NCAA April 5th, April 16th last Pro Day at Georgia, May 8th first day of the 2014 NFL draft, kick off for the 2014 NFL season, September 4 and if you’re really amping you can mark your calendar for SB49 for February 1, 2015 even book your flight to Phoenix.
First and foremost, especially in my book, 154 days till the 2014 NFL Kickoff!  I know who’s counting, right?  Yeah, that would be me........... every hour even.!!  Match-ups have already been sorted, however the actual schedules will be forthcoming in the next few weeks, we hope.

2014 Compensatory choices were announced March 24th, 13 teams get 32 selections. This year the picks will be positioned within the third through the seventh rounds.  Ravens, Jets with 4 apiece, followed by:  Falcons, Cowboys, Texans, Steelers and Rams each with 3.
 On Wednesday, all 32 teams were accounted for at the Gamecocks’ Williams-Brice Stadium for South Carolina’s 6-6 266 pd, DE, Jadeveon Clowney music bumping while cementing his top 2-3 in the Draft, no broom stats, though. 
Also making a presence Gamecocks' leader, 6-1, 209 pd, 
QB Conner Shaw.


Jackson having a history with stats of being a great player along with some showboating and a little me-me-ism. I do remember when he was headed for USC until a signing day switch with all kinds of different speculations, one being he wanted to be the star, Trojans don’t have their names on the backs of their jerseys, they have a history of having many talents at each position as well and a motto of we and what’s best for the team.
NJ.com stated,

"Rather, sources close to Jackson and within the Eagles' organization say, it originally was Jackson's off-field behavior that concerned the front office. A bad attitude, an inconsistent work ethic, missed meetings and a lack of chemistry with head coach Chip Kelly were the original reasons for his fall from grace, sources told NJ.com."
But after being released from the Eagles, all kinds of allegations, references being thrown along with gang affiliation, even somehow found its way into racism, this screamed uproar all over social media.  I tend to think the issues I mentioned prior have more warranting, but do remember, ONE,  this is a business and TWO, there is no “I” in team, (at least most of the time). 

Jason Whitlock expressed, “What the Eagles did to Jackson isn't remotely unprecedented, racist or unfair. Coaches don't like lazy, disrespectful, cancerous massive headaches.”





Alas, humor with witty Michelle Beadle and comedy from
Bernard Berrian posting this image on his Insta with the 
Mikes throwing up gangs signs with gang members.  
He must be a gang member."



Hurrah!! A new home! Jackson joins forces with the enemy NFC East and moves 129 miles southwest to the Capital and joins the Skins with a three-year deal for $24M, $16M guaranteed. He will also be clearing things up in an interview with ESPN. Colt McCoy also joins forces with Washington, but what does this mean for Kirk Cousins?


Changing Gears
Just like the horrific weather this winter, more prayers continue for all of Buffalo, as earlier this week doctors delayed Jim Kelly’s chemo-radiation program for a 1-week high fever with antibiotics, with hopes to begin 2nd battle this coming Monday.
The NFL Insta posted this emotional image with a  "Double-tap and remind everyone to please keep Jim Kelly in your thoughts and prayers.  #prayforJK."
Mary Wilson becomes controlling owner of the Buffalo Bills
Mary Wilson said, “I have complete confidence in Russ Brandon, our President and CEO, to continue his duties of running the organization. General Manager Doug Whaley and Head Coach Doug Marrone remain empowered by Russ to run the football operation.”

However impeding doom at least in my heart with news that Donald Trump has interest, actually heart broken with the highly possibility of the Bills being purchased in the next 2 years to anyone, I hate change and I love tradition.

Shifting into anticipated excitement




Pete Carroll agrees with contract extension with his Seattle Seahawks as he was entering his final season of his existing 5-year deal, locking him in through the 2016 season.
Pete's opening words of gratitude at the presser, “Well This is a very special day for Glenn and myself and the family and that we have demonstrated our willingness to be here and be part of this and then followed up with a tremendous commitment from the club starting with Paul and working right through the organization………”
and concluded with  "This doesn't count against the cap does it?" 
John Schneider: "It does not. Thank God." 
Thanks for a few minutes of my views and recounts of this week. I'll leave you with this.
"The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall."   Vince Lombardi
Cheers!

Photographer, producer, host, reporter, radio & TV, One-man-army, artist, skateboarder Time out with Desiree, the silver linings An optimistic realist with intermittent football tourettes all the while searching for the 3rd dimension.  TheDesireeSHOW