Gender: Male
Status: Single
Age: 32
Sign: Sagittarius
City: PITTSBURGH
State: PENNSYLVANIA
Country: US
Signup Date: 4/25/2006
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Sunday, July 02, 2006
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Category: Sports
Saturday, July 1, 2006
 QB: Ben Roethlisberger [QB2: Charlie Batch]
FM(The Scoop): Big Ben Roethlisberger has been in the news lately, and seemingly for all the wrong reasons (motorcycle accident). Since entering the league two years ago, Big Ben has posted a 26-5 record and already has a Super Bowl ring for his finger. FM(+): Heading into 2006, Roethlisberger is a prime candidate to take his game to an entirely new level. The Steelers run through the playoffs last season showcased his ability as a passer, and offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt opened up the playbook, turning the normally run-oriented Steelers into a passing machine. FM(-): With the injuries suffered in the accident, its possible Roethlisberger will miss some training camp, and the likelihood of him starting the regular season opener is still in doubt. Bottom Line: Big Ben is the type of QB who holds more value as a real-life QB than as a fantasy QB, but when healthy, can still post solid numbers as a decent QB1, or a great QB2.
RB: Willie Parker [RB2: Duce Staley, RB3: Verron Haynes]
FM(The Scoop): Willie Parker enters the 2006 season as the unquestioned starter in Pittsburgh, and with the retirement of Jerome Bettis, it will be interesting to see how things shake down given the Steelers propensity to pound the ball once they grab the lead. FM(+): Parker has the ability to score from anywhere on the field (as seen in his 75 yard TD run against Seattle in the Super Bowl). Parker put up over 1200 rushing yards on 255 carries last season, though he wasnt much of a factor in the passing game (18 catches, 218 yards, 1 TD), mainly because Pittsburgh does not throw many passes to their backs. FM(-): The TDs might be on the lower side since backups Duce Staley and Verron Haynes will likely be in around the goal-line, so Parker will need to score from outside the 5 yard-line to get his points. Bottom Line: He makes a pretty good RB2 if you decide to go WR with one of your first two picks, but makes for a better RB3 unless he starts seeing the goal-line love.
WR:Hines Ward, Cedrick Wilson [WR3: Santonio Holmes, WR4: Willie Reid]
FM(The Scoop): Hines Ward finished the year as the #10 ranked fantasy WR, and played a big role in the Steelers run to the Super Bowl last season. Wilson slides into the #2 WR role for now, taking over for the departed Antwan Randle El. He will likely split time with 1st round draft choice Santonio Holmes. Though rookie WRs dont usually make an immediate impact, Holmes is positioned well to at least see some opportunities to show what he can do. If successful early on, Holmes could easily vault past Wilson into the #2 role. Willie Reid and Quincy Morgan round out the WR depth chart, though neither have much (if any) fantasy value. FM(+): Ward tallied 11 TDs, marking the thid time in the last four years he has scored double-digit touchdowns. Ward is the unquestioned #1 WR in this offense, though he will probably lose some redzone looks to Heath Miller. FM(-): Ward saw his receptions and receiving yards fall for the third consecutive year. With the Steelers often jumping out to an early lead, Ward and the passing game were often rendered meaningless in the second half as the gameplan called for lots of running and stout defense. Bottom Line: We see Ward rebounding and posting better reception and yardage totals, though the TDs might slip a little bit. Wilson and Holmes will split the #2 WR stats, so neither makes a good fantasy play, though Holmes has more upside and could be worth a look as the year progresses.
TE: Heath Miller [TE2: Jerame Tuman]
FM(The Scoop): Heath Miller was the Steelers first round draft choice in 2005 (pick #30 overall), and certainly lived up to the expectations with his performance during his rookie campaign. Miller had 459 yards receiving along with 6 TDs, and finished the season as the #11 TE overall. FM(+): Miller also proved to be a big factor near the endzone, finishing 2nd to Hines Ward in redzone targets. With good size and soft hands, Miller should continue to be a big part of the Steelers passing game. FM(-): Of concern, however, is the fact that Miller was held to 2 or fewer catches in half of his regular season games (8 times), including 3 games where he was shutout completely. Bottom Line: The Steelers are a run-first team, so opportunities will be limited, but there should be enough to make Miller a top-10 TE this year.
PK:Jeff Reed [No competition]
FM(The Scoop): Jeff Reed kicks in a tough place for kickers (Heinz Field), but his numbers indicate that he has a pretty good handle on the conditions (namely wind, sometimes rain/snow). FM(+): Reed nailed 24/29 field goals in 2005, and converted all of his PATs (45/45). Reed has no competition and it would take several poor performances to even make the Steelers consider other options. FM(-): The offense can be conservative in the 2nd half and might not move the ball as effectively, thus limiting his FG opportunities. Bottom Line: Though he might not have the name recognition of other top fantasy kickers, you can nab Reed late in your draft after most of the top kickers are off the board and still have a shot at having a top-5 kicker.
D:3-4 Scheme [#4 Fantasy D in 2005]
FM(The Scoop):The Steelers defense has been known to wreak havoc on opposing offenses, and 2005 was no exception. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau loves to zone-blitz. FM(+): Pittsburgh finished 3rd in the league in sacks (47), tied for third in fewest points allowed (258), and caused 30 turnovers. They have several playmakers on defense, including Troy Palamalu and Joey Porter. FM(-): The D plays much better with a lead, so its important for the Steelers to get ahead early. If they fall behind, the defense wont be able to take the risks that make them so successful. Bottom Line: They are a top-5 fantasy defense, and theres no reason to see them finish anywhere but inside the top-10 in 2006.
FM Player Projections:
Ben Roethlisberger: 2900 yards passing, 22 TDs, 10 INT (1-2 games missed)
Willie Parker:280 carries, 1250 yards, 6 TD (24 receptions, 250 yards, 1 TD)
Hines Ward: 77 rec., 1055 yds, 8 TD
Cedrick Wilson: 40 rec., 575 yds, 4 TD
Santonio Holmes: 37 rec., 520 yds, 3 TD
Heath Miller: 46 rec., 545 yds, 6 TD
Jeff Reed: FG: 26/31 | XP: 42/42
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Thursday, June 29, 2006
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Category: Sports
Roethlisberger's recovery: 'He is awake, alert, oriented. . .'
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
By Joe Fahy and Anita Srikameswaran
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was upgraded to fair condition and could be released from Mercy Hospital by the end of the week, his doctor said yesterday.
He was also transferred from the recovery room to an undisclosed unit at the hospital, said Dr. Larry M. Jones, chief of the multisystem trauma division.
"He is awake, alert, oriented and is resting with family by his side," the doctor said. "If all goes as planned, Mr. Roethlisberger could be released from the hospital in the next three to five days."
Dr. Jones listed the quarterback's injuries: fractures of the upper and lower jaws, facial bones and nose; a mild concussion; multiple head lacerations, and multiple abrasions and contusions; and two lost teeth and several chipped teeth.
His knees were not damaged, and a CT scan indicated there was no brain injury.
"Our continued observation shows that his brain is functioning normally," Dr. Jones said.
On Monday, a team of surgeons repaired the broken bones in Mr. Roethlisberger's face during a seven-hour surgery.
Dr. Daniel Pituch, who led the surgical team, "did a beautiful job putting him back together ... with tremendous artistry and detail," said Dr. Guy Stofman, Mercy's chief of plastic surgery. "My hat is off to him."
Mr. Roethlisberger will probably need to eat a soft diet for four to six weeks "to rest his jaw," Dr. Stofman said, and probably should not be involved in "high velocity contact" for seven to eight weeks.
He said that if Mr. Roethlisberger needs to undergo rehabilitation, it likely "will not be very intense."
"When we're satisfied that he's capable, he can start working out. That could be weeks," said Dr. Stofman, who has been involved in Mr. Roethlisberger's care.
"For the next four to six weeks, he will be closely watched and his activity level will be geared toward his progress."
Asked if he could have a full recovery, Dr. Stofman said, "that's what we're hoping for. He's a very brave and very strong-willed, super young man."
Team sources said Roethlisberger should be ready to participate in training camp, which starts in July, although he may not play in the first preseason game Aug. 12. But they are confident he should heal and be ready to play in the season opener Sept. 7 against the Miami Dolphins.
The biggest unknown in terms of his recovery is "what the future brings," Dr. Stofman said, noting there is "a physical, psychological and emotional component" to his injuries. "Only time will tell."
Dr. Stofman did not rule out the possibility that the Steelers quarterback could develop memory deficits or other cognitive problems that can sometimes occur after a traumatic head injury.
"I've seen tremendous head injuries that have had no long-term effects at all," he said, "yet I've seen bumps on the head that appear to be very innocuous or benign, if you will, turn into major, major problems."
Mr. Roethlisberger's doctors are pleased with his progress, but he will have to take one day at a time.
On the positive side, "early on, he knew where he was, was answering appropriately," Dr. Stofman said. "If he heals without significant complications and all the chips fall into place, his prognosis will be great. But none of us plays God. None of us predicts the future."
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Thursday, June 22, 2006
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Category: Sports
Santonio Holmes Could Face Punishment From NFL
No. 1 draft pick Santonio Holmes may be in violation of NFL policy as well as the laws of Ohio and Florida, which could impact the outset of his career with the Steelers, including his impending contract negotiations with the team.
Holmes' arrest early Monday morning in Columbus, Ohio, demands a league review, which could result in a disciplinary response under the NFL's personal conduct policy.
Such discipline could range from "clinical evaluation" to "suspension."
"It's a zero-tolerance policy," Pittsburgh-based agent Ralph Cindrich said Tuesday.
According to the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy, as it's presented on NFLmedia.com, "engaging in violent and/or criminal activity is unacceptable."
Unsigned rookies such as Holmes are considered covered by the policy once they're drafted.
Under the policy, it is considered conduct detrimental for "covered persons to engage in (or to aid, abet or conspire to engage in or to incite) violent and/or criminal activity. Examples of such prohibited conduct include, without limitation: any crime involving the use or threat of physical violence to a person or persons."
Covered persons charged with prohibited conduct "will be required to undergo a clinical evaluation and, if appropriate, additional counseling or treatment as directed. Failure to comply with evaluation and counseling obligations (including being arrested for or charged with additional criminal activity during the evaluation and counseling period) shall itself be conduct detrimental to the National Football League and shall be punishable by fine or suspension at the discretion of the commissioner."
Covered persons "convicted of or admitting to a criminal violation (including a plea to a lesser included offense; a plea of nolo contendere or no contest; or the acceptance of a diversionary program, deferred adjudication, disposition of supervision, or similar arrangement) will be subject to discipline as determined by the commissioner."
Holmes, a former Ohio State wide receiver, was arraigned Monday on charges of domestic violence by assault and assault, both first-degree misdemeanors, as well as an outstanding charge for speeding from a traffic accident on Oct. 18, 2005.
The domestic violence by assault and assault charges are punishable by a maximum of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Holmes pleaded not guilty on all three charges.
Holmes was released on his own recognizance Monday afternoon from the Franklin County (Ohio) jail and reported to the Steelers' South Side practice facility yesterday morning. He was put through his paces on the field by wide receivers coach Bruce Arians, spent some time in the weight room with conditioning coach Chet Fuhrman and met with director of football operations Kevin Colbert.
Holmes did not speak with reporters, but the Steelers issued the following statement from him:
"I understand that being a Pittsburgh Steeler carries along with it the demands for responsible behavior off the field. I want to apologize for the negative attention that my arrest on Monday has brought upon the Pittsburgh Steelers organization, especially in light of my previous arrest in May."
Holmes was arrested for disorderly conduct over the Memorial Day weekend in Miami Beach, a charge a Miami Beach police spokesman dismissed as "nothing."
Holmes has a pre-trial hearing scheduled for July 7 in Ohio and another impending court date July 12 in Florida.
His agent, Joel Segal, declined comment yesterday. Steelers management also declined comment.
Cindrich anticipates that Holmes' troubles with the law will affect his upcoming contract negotiations with the Steelers.
"I don't think there's any question that any clause for protection they can get in there, they'll get in there," Cindrich said. "Almost assuredly, the club is going to force as much of a good conduct policy (into the contract) as possible.
"It's highly unlikely he'll receive a signing bonus in the same manner and fashion as other draft choices (with the majority being paid up front). It'll likely be spread out more (over several years) and contain a few more conditions."
The severity of any discipline handed out by the NFL would depend upon how violent it estimates Holmes to have been, Cindrich said.
Holmes' attorney, Sam Shamansky, wouldn't rule out the Ohio misdemeanor charges being dropped eventually.
"It's always possible," Shamansky said. "There's no sort of protocol on these things. Each case is unique, but as domestic violence charges go, they're all serious."
Cindrich said the league wouldn't necessarily wait for a conviction before administering its penalty.
Calls to the NFL yesterday were not returned.
"It may be a reprimand, may be a warning," Cindrich said. "If it got into a situation where there are just gruesome facts, I would see it happening right away."
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Monday, June 12, 2006
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Category: Sports
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Ben Roethlisberger
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PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was badly hurt in a motorcycle crash Monday. Pittsburgh media are quoting police as saying Roethlisberger suffered multiple injuries, including the loss of most of his teeth, fractured left sinus cavity, 9" laceration on the back of his head, broken jaw, and severe injuries to both knees.
Roethlisberger was in serious but stable condition, said Dr. Larry Jones, chief of trauma at Mercy Hospital. "He was talking to me before he left for the operating room," Jones said before the surgery. "He's coherent. He's making sense. He knows what happened. He knows where he is. From that standpoint, he's very stable."
Steelers president Art Rooney said the team was "encouraged by the early reports from the medical team" at the hospital. "I am sure Ben knows that we are praying for his complete recovery," he said.
The 24-year-old Roethlisberger likes to ride without a helmet, a habit that once prompted coach Bill Cowher to lecture him on the dangers. Police say Roethlisberger was not wearing a helmet when he crashed.
The crash happened at an intersection at the edge of downtown at about 11:30 a.m. A pool of blood was still visible there by early afternoon. Police spokesman Lt. Kevin Kraus said police and homicide units were investigating the crash, something standard when there is an accident with critical injuries. Kraus would give no details on the extent of Roethlisberger's injuries or if anyone else was injured.
Steelers backup quarterback Charlie Batch was at the emergency room. He had no comment.
A silver Chrysler New Yorker with damage to the front passenger fender was removed and Roethlisberger's bike was loaded onto a flatbed truck. Police were detouring traffic around the crash scene as onlookers and media gathered.
In only his second year in the NFL, Roethlisberger became the youngest quarterback to lead a team to the Super Bowl championship. He was 23 when he did it last February.
Roethlisberger has said in the past that he prefers not to wear a helmet. He has pointed out Pennsylvania's 35-year-old state law requiring helmets to be worn was amended to make helmets optional.
In May 2005, Cowher warned him about safe riding after Cleveland tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. was injured in a motorcycle accident. Winslow tore knee ligaments and was lost for the season.
"He talked about being a risk-taker and I'm not really a risk-taker. I'm pretty conservative and laid back, but the big thing is to just be careful," Roethlisberger said at the time. "I'll just continue to be careful. I told him we don't ever ride alone, we always ride in a group of people, and I think it makes it even more safe."
Roethlisberger continued to ride after Winslow's accident and that angered Terry Bradshaw, who quarterbacked the Steelers to four Super Bowl victories during the 1970s. Visiting the Steelers' training camp last summer, Bradshaw remarked: "Ride it when you retire."
PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers star Ben Roethlisberger, who last season became the youngest quarterback in NFL history to lead his team to a Super Bowl title, was injured Monday morning in a motorcycle accident and was taken to a local hospital with head injuries of unspecified severity.
A doctor told the Associated Press that Roethlisberger was in serious but stable condition in an operating room.
"He was alert and conscious," said Ernie Roman, shift commander for the Allegheny County emergency service, told AP.
ESPN.com's John Clayton reports that Roethlisberger was conscious while undergoing treatment for gashes on his forehead -- and that early indications are the injuries are not life-threatening.
Roethlisberger, the team's first-round choice in the 2004 draft, was transported to the trauma unit of nearby Mercy Hospital, but his condition is unknown.
Witnesses told authorities that Roethlisberger's motorcycle collided with a car near a downtown intersection and that Roethlisberger's head hit the windshield and was bleeding.
Steelers officials have confirmed the accident, which occurred on Second Avenue near the intersection of 10th Street in Pittsburgh, around 11:30 a.m. The route is one often taken in traveling to the Steelers' facility in the Southside section of the city.
The Associated Press reported a silver Chrysler New Yorker with damage to the front passenger fender was removed and Roethlisberger's bike was loaded onto a flatbed truck. Police were detouring traffic around the crash scene as onlookers and media gathered.
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported that Roethlisberger wasn't wearing a helmet.
In the wake of a motorcycle accident sustained by Cleveland Browns tight end Kellen Winslow last spring, Roethlisberger spoke about his own fixation with motorcycles and his penchant for riding without a helmet.
Roethlisberger continued to ride after Winslow's accident and that angered Terry Bradshaw, who quarterbacked the Steelers to four Super Bowl victories during the 1970s.
Visiting the Steelers' training camp last summer, Bradshaw remarked: "Ride it when you retire."
In May 2005, Steelers coach Bill Cowher lectured Roethlisberger on the dangers of riding without a helmet.
"He talked about being a risk-taker and I'm not really a risk-taker. I'm pretty conservative and laid back, but the big thing is to just be careful," Roethlisberger said at the time. "I'll just continue to be careful. I told him we don't ever ride alone, we always ride in a group of people, and I think it makes it even more safe."
One of his agents, Ryan Tollner, is in route to Pittsburgh for what was supposed to be a pre-planned trip and will arrive later Monday.
One witness told KDKA-TV that Roethlisberger was conscious but appeared disoriented before he was taken from the scene to Mercy Hospital.
ESPN.com writers John Clayton and Len Pasquarelli contributed to this story. Information from The Associated Press was also used in this report.
NFL.com wire reports
PITTSBURGH (June 12, 2006) -- Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been in a motorcycle accident in Pittsburgh this morning.
Witnesses are telling authorities that the player's motorcycle collided with a car near a downtown intersection and that Roethlisberger's head hit the windshield and was bleeding.
Roethlisberger has said in the past that he prefers not to wear a helmet when riding.
One witness told KDKA television that Roethlisberger was conscious but appeared disoriented before he was taken from the scene to Mercy Hospital. A Steelers spokesman is at the hospital and confirmed Roethlisberger is being treated there, but wouldn't provide additional details.
Q and A
rudy: Jerry how bad is it?
Jerry Micco: The question of the day, Rudy. We're not sure the exact extent of injuries, though reports are coming in as we speak. It's probably bad enough that he'll miss some time and take several weeks to recover, but nothing appears to be life-threatening at this point. But it's a head injury and one never knows how those can progress.
Ryan: Has anyone heard anything about the extent of Ben's head injuries?
Jerry Micco: No one knows the extent of his injuries, yet. I'd imagine we'll have this shortly.
Penzrule: Is there any talk about possible brain damage?
Jerry Micco: With any head injury, you could have brain damage. A concussion could cause brain damage. I think once the surgery is finished, and a day or so passes, doctors will have a better assessment of that.
StillerfaninDC: Is there any truth to the rumors that Ben seriously injured both knees?
Jerry Micco: Nothing I've heard all day from folks says knees were involved.
(AS of 5pm. They say its BOTH KNEES)
Rosie: Do you think this will cause the legislature to retract the "no helmet" law?
Jerry Micco: Probably not, but if folks don't want to use a helmet to ride, they'll avoid it at all costs. Maybe the publicity from this will convince some folks that wearing a helmet is a safe thing to do. I don't know if it would have helped in this situation, but it certainly couldn't hurt.
wjas: Will the Steelers now demand that Roethlisberger wear a helmet? Can this be something that can be negotiated at his next contract?
Jerry Micco: The NFL can and does use broad language in contracts saying players can't engage in "dangerous activities." Describe what dangerous is? Riding a motorcycle might fit the bill. Hang gliding. Water skiing? A lot of things can hurt folks. It's a pretty ambiguous part of any contract, but I don't think the Steelers will insist on this. I think Roethlisberger may have gotten the message the hard way, though.
SouthernSteel: Unbelievable... how can someone who the franchise depends on be so irresponsible? Maybe now hillbilly boy from NW Ohio can think about wearing a darn helmet. Thank god for the Steelers that he should be fine after the short-term. He could have easily been killed.
Jerry Micco: Well, sometimes it's hard to convince people that what they want to do individually isn't always in the best interests of their team. he's a young guy and has a mind of his own. Sometimes people learn from mistakes. Usually they don't wind up in a hospital, but sometimes they do.
Charlotte: Is Ben out of surgery yet?
Jerry Micco: Not to my knowledge. We have Gene Collier at Mercy Hospital to give us updates, though.
StillersfaninDC: The bike was a Suzuki Hyabusa! There are pictures of it on espn.com
Jerry Micco: I stand corrected then. It's a Suzuki.
Albert_in_DC: Any news about the driver of the car involved in the accident?
Jerry Micco: The only news we have is that it's a woman and the car had Maine tags on it. We're working on that story, too.
cwilliam14: Is the broken jaw the most serious injury that Ben has?
Jerry Micco: I've heard about the jaw, but I'm not sure of his other injuries. We'll have to see once he gets out of surgery.
rhino: why was there nothing in his contract specifically against riding a bike?
Jerry Micco: I'm not sure that a team can tell a person not to ride a motorcycle. There are certain things that a team can and cannot do. They could try to put that into a contract, but my guess is Ben and his agent would fight it. Maybe next time around they'll do it, we'll see.
JeorgeD: What are Steelers options for quarterback, I know it's too early. But are we going to have to look for a possible trade?
Jerry Micco: Right now, Charlie Batch is option one. A trade may be in the offing, but that's a ways down the road. I heard he may be out for seven weeks, which puts him back into play in early August.
Bitsarama: Any word on who was charged at fault in the accident?
Jerry Micco: The police have not released that information as of yet.
CoreyC443: Thank goodness it's not life threatening. Has anyone at the PG spoken with trauma experts or physicians regarding the extent of the reported injuries and whether they would ever clear someone with those injuries to resume a football career?
Jerry Micco: We are doing a story on the injuries and talking to medical folks about how injuries like the ones Ben has apparently received, could curtail his career or not. We'll be looking at stories like this for the next couple of days.
matt1996: I heard in an extrodinary move of team unity Coach Cowher has graciously agreed to donate his jaw to Ben's recovery. Can you confirm that?
Jerry Micco: At least someone can find humor, dark as it is, from this accident. Let's just hope that Ben learns from the experience.
Susie12101: Has it been confirmed that Ben was not wearing a helmet?
Jerry Micco: I believe it has been confirmed that he was not wearing a helmet.
Spaceman: Do you think he'll continue to ride his biker after this?
Jerry Micco: I think he'll continue to ride his bike. Now, he may wear a helmet, but Ben seems like his own man. But things like this can put a scare into someone. We'll have to see.
Bruce: Jerry, I'll blame Ben for not wearing a helmet. That's an easy one. But that helmet law....it would've helped him in this case. This will certainly be publicity to that effect.
Jerry Micco: I'm sure some legislator may use this incident to bring the law back up in the legislature.
seese34: Rumor has it a plastic surgeon was summoned. Do you know what exactly this was for?
Jerry Micco: I have no information that a plastic surgeon was summoned. But considering he went head first into the windshield, then, apparently, hit the pavement with his head and/or face, that's a real possibility.
CharlotteSteelerFan: When the Steelers drafted Omar Jacobs do you think this may have been in the back of their minds? -- Honestly no helmet it was only a matter of time before something happened ...
Jerry Micco: I don't think this specific incident was in the backs of their minds, but they needed a No. 3 QB and Jacobs was a good fit for the round he was drafted.
slug863: Jay Williams, Kellen Winslow, now Roethlisberger. Do you think athletes can be convinced to put away cycles until their careers are over?
Jerry Micco: I think a lot of athletes, particularly young gifted ones, see themselves as invincible. I think they'll always push the envelope of what they can and cannot do. Maybe they'll wake up a bit more based on these injuries you cited, but people get busted for drugs, etc., all the time. And it still keeps happening.
Susie12101: Has the Steeler organization or Bill Cowher made any comments about Ben's situation?
Jerry Micco: Art Rooney II made a statement to the media saying they are encouraged by the intial reports from the medical team at Mercy.
sburr11: Lets pretend its worst case scenerio, do the Steelers go into the season with Batch as their starter? or do they trade for someone else?
Jerry Micco: I think they'd use Batch, but look for a No. 2 from a group of guys who might be cut during camp. Hey, is Tommy Maddox still on the market? And I'm only kidding just a bit.
sburr11: How long do you think before we will actually get concrete answers to the severity of the injuries?
Jerry Micco: I'm going to say that by 5 or 5:30 we should have something up on Post-Gazette.com. As soon as we get anything, we get it up on the Website.
dwb6622: Rooney II and the comments from Bettis are positive, should we feel comfortable about that?
Jerry Micco: I think everyone is cautiously optimistic. He may have dodged a bullet here, but it's going to take a couple of days to know for sure.
sburr11: Any word on Ben's family? Are they handling it well?
Jerry Micco: I believe they are on their way here or may already be here. We're working to get reaction from them as soon as we can.
Rick_: I can't believe Ben was in a bad accident and people are talking about contracts and legislation. How about we just hope he will be ok?
Jerry Micco: That's a good though, Rick. But even those who ask those questions probably are all keeping Ben in their thoughts. He's a very popular athlete in this area, and I think everyone wants to see him under center for the opener against the Dolphins.
Rosie: As a former rider, and looking at the photos, this was one of the worst type accidents to be involved in without a helmet.
Jerry Micco: That's my understanding, too, Rosie. I've never ridden, but I know people how have and it's the one that's most common and one they fear.
mackhammer: Jerry, did you speak with Jerome Bettis today? He reportedly expressed his relief that Ben will be fine.
Jerry Micco: I didn't speak with Jerome, but Ed Bouchette is attempting to contact him and other Steelers.
cedise: Is Coach Cowher or anyone from the organization at the hopital?
Jerry Micco: I believe some teammates have made it to the hospital. I'm not sure about Cowher, but I'm sure if he's anywhere close by he'll be there. He really cares about those guys.
Joe1: Do you think this stop him from starting the season?
Jerry Micco: I think he'll start the season on time unless the head injury is more serious than we originally thought. But first, let's see how he does the next couple of days. He's going to go slow for a while here.
Jerry Micco: I'm sorry folks, I need to attend our 4:30 editorial meeting. I tried to get to as many questions as I could and I appreciate all of you taking the time to talk. We'll be posting news as soon as we get it on Post-gazette.com, and we'll have many stories in tomorrow's P-G. Thanks for taking the time!
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Monday, June 05, 2006
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Category: Sports
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The 30 Best Players in Steelers History |
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1. Terry Bradshaw: My primary reason for selecting Bradshaw for the #1 slot on this list is simple: I am certain that Pittsburgh could've done without any one player on their roster and still won all 4 Super Bowls...except for Terry Bradshaw. In spite of his early growing pains, he was the one indispensable player on a team that was a veritable who's who in the Hall of Fame. His list of credentials is long, but a number of key attributes stand out in my mind. Without question, Bradshaw was among the best pure athletes to ever play QB in the NFL. Frankly, the guy probably could've played RB or LB at a pro level had he not had that rocket for an arm. . . an arm that was unquestionably the strongest in the league (and one of the strongest of all time, for that matter). Terry's special knack for the bomb sometimes overshadows the fact that he also possessed fantastic mobility & speed, great field presence, superb touch and accuracy, and in spite of some ridiculously bad press that labeled him otherwise, was a very savvy QB (remember, he called his own plays!). Bradshaw was also among the league's best running QBs during the early part of his career (though not in the agile style of Kordell Stewart -- Terry's method of running more closely resembled Earl Campbell's than Kordell's) who could simply bulldoze defenders when he ran with the ball. And talk about TOUGH! Consider that Bradshaw played 11 games in '77 with a cast on his broken left wrist (and won his first of back-to-back team MVPs that year, to boot). While his stats for the most part are not terribly impressive (especially early in his career), his numbers in the playoffs & Super Bowls are outstanding (was voted MVP of Super Bowls XIII and XIV, one of only two QBs to win back-to-back MVP honors). Statistics, however, don't come close to accurately portraying Bradshaw's greatness. There are just too many intangibles with Terry. . . he was truly a special player, and the key to Pittsburgh's success during the '70's. CLICK HERE to visit "Bradshaw's Bullet", our Terry Bradshaw tribute website.
2. Joe Greene: Four Super Bowls... Ten straight Pro Bowls... A slot on the NFL's All-Time Roster... a Hall of Fame Inductee... The list goes on and on. As new head coach Chuck Noll's first draft choice in 1969, Joe Greene was the foundation upon which the greatest dynasty in NFL history (perhaps sports history) was built. One of the greatest defensive linemen ever to play the game, Greene also possessed great leadership qualities that allowed him to continue to be a key figure on the team even when his abilities began to fade. "Mean Joe" was without question Pittsburgh's heart and soul throughout the "glory years". I didn't become an avid fan as a kid until about '75, so I unfortunately missed seeing Greene during much of his prime. Even so, I remember him as being the best of the best and always, above all else, a class act. People often mention Joe as being a somewhat of a shadow of his former self by the time he collected his 4th Super Bowl ring. I disagree. He was incredible during the post-season battles of '78 and '79, especially in his manhandling of Houston's Earl Campbell in the '79 AFC Championship game. If that was the play of a man who was over the hill, I can only imagine what a terror he must've been in his prime!
3. Jack Lambert: The man who loudly proclaimed that "all QB's should wear dresses", Lambert was the centerpiece of the best linebacker corps in NFL history! How can I possibly say enough about Lambert? This guy was just plain scary! Dubbed "Count Dracula in cleats" by the Cowboy's "Hollywood" Henderson, Lambert was a player who was undersized for a MLB and, incredible as it may seem, was not selected until the 2nd round of the '74 draft. But the rest of the NFL soon discovered what the Steelers already knew. . . "Splat" Lambert, toothpick legs and all, was IMMENSE when it came to heart. Right from the start, Lambert served as the enforcer and intimidator for the Steelers, and quickly became their emotional leader on defense. Smart, quick, and unbelievable against both the run and the pass, Lambert was, to quote Joe Greene, "always the most focused person on the field." For me, living in Ohio in the heart of what was formerly known as "Browns Country", some of my most cherished childhood memories are of watching Lambert absolutely demolish Brian Sipe! Lambert was truly one of my all-time favorite players. To quote another of Lambert's former teamates (I'm not sure who to credit this one-liner to),"Lambert is so mean, he doesn't even like himself!" Maybe so, but he LOVED football. CLICK HERE to visit our Jack Lambert tribute.
4. Jack Ham: A sharp contrast to Lambert's emotional style of play, Ham was Pittsburgh's humble poster child for calm. A cerebral LB, Ham was perhaps a notch higher on a personal performance level than Lambert game in and game out because of his unparalleled consistency. In addition to being superb at containing the rush (it was nearly impossible to run outside on Ham), he was the absolute best LB I have ever seen against the pass. His performance in the '74 AFC Championship game was a masterpiece which immediately comes to mind. He was without question the key player in that contest (which was probably the most pivotal game in franchise history), intercepting two critical Stabler passes and terrorizing Oakland all afternoon, almost to the point that Madden must have wondered if Ham was somehow sneaking into the Raider's huddles! While he lacked the emotional fire of Lambert (which is why Lambert is rated slightly above Ham for total impact), Ham was a true student of the game and perhaps the best prepared LB to ever suit up. "Dobre Shunka" (Polish for "the Great Ham") simply didn't make mistakes!
5. Franco Harris: It all fell together for the Steelers when Franco arrived as a first round draft pick in '72. I must confess, however, that while I liked him, I was never a huge Franco fanatic as a kid. I guess I always cringed a little when chose to run out of bounds instead of putting his head down and just blasting people the way Earl Campbell (my favorite runner of all time) did. But watching those old games again as an adult, my perspective has changed a little. What I've come to realize is that Franco was almost ridiculously consistent (due in large part to his durability afforded by not taking all of those unnecessary hits), and missed games were few and far between. In hindsight, it was certainly much better to have Franco healthy and playing than to have him using his body as a battering ram and either cutting his career short as Campbell did, or just flat out missing action constantly because of nagging injuries (as Barry Foster did). And perhaps more than any other player on the team, Franco took things to a higher level in the post season. From the time Franco arrived in '72, the Steelers made the playoffs a record eight straight times (a truly incredible feat when you consider that most of those appearances came in an era when there was only ONE wildcard card team allowed into the playoffs, not three like today). Coincidence? Not likely.
6. Lynn Swann: Perhaps the most eclectic blend of athleticism, grace, class, and style that the sports world has ever seen! Without question one of the top handful of WR's to ever play the game. It is simply DISGRACEFUL that this guy has not yet been inducted into the Hall of Fame (thanks to IDIOTS like Peter King). Lynn Swann could dominate a game like few other receivers I've ever seen. He was unstoppable, even though he drew constant double and sometimes triple teaming. Of course, we all remember Swann's legendary performance in Super Bowl X (who can forget the "Levitating Leap"), not to mention his great performances in other HUGE games (of course, Super Bowls XIII, and XIV come to mind). But one of the games that really sums up Swann's power over enemy defenses is the '78 playoff game vs. Denver in which Lynn had only two catches while his counterpart John Stallworth amassed ten catches in that game, setting a new post season record. TEN catches, folks! And still, Denver was so afraid of Swann that they refused to stop double and triple teaming him to take away Stallworth. That is RESPECT! When they finally did leave Swann in man-to-man coverage midway through the 4th quarter, he made a TD grab that is one of the great catches in playoff history. Swann was absolutely the most acrobatic and best clutch wide receiver of all time. Unfortunately, multiple concussions (along with a fat contract offer from ABC Sports) persuaded Lynn to end his career somewhat prematurely, or he would've already been enshrined in Canton.
7. John Stallworth: So who was better? Swann or Stallworth? The joy of the question is that one even has to ask it! Not before nor since has a team been blessed with a tandem of wide receivers comparable to Swann and Stallworth. John came of age a few years after Lynn (largely due to a string of nagging injuries early in his career and the presence of Frank Lewis), and consequently ended up spending much of his time somewhat unjustly playing second fiddle to Swann. Stallworth was a superb route runner and had incredible hands, but it was his consistency, his ability to break tackles and turn short passes into long gains, and his unparalleled long ball skills that set him apart. While I consider Swann to be the better of the two (by a narrow margin) due to some of his singular abilities, Stallworth's performance in '79 has got to be regarded as the finest single season by a Steelers wide receiver ever. Why is this guy not in Canton?
8. Mel Blount: At 6'4", 205 lbs., his guy would be a huge CB even by today's standards; in the 70's, he was an absolute giant! Blount was so good that the NFL made rule changes in '78 (a.k.a., the Mel Blount rule) in an effort to contain his supremacy of the "bump and run" technique. The new rules didn't effect Blount in the slightest, much to the chagrin of QB's around the league, and he was every bit as effective in the new "pass-happy" era that followed. One has to wonder what his career interception totals would've been had other teams been willing to throw the ball his way more often. Not that Blount was immune to being burned occasionally. He was actually benched for his poor performance against Cliff Branch in the '74 AFC Championship game and Brian Sipe (Cleveland) had a knack for catching Blount out of position. But any truly great CB is going to get toasted now and then simply because they are so frequently left in man-to-man coverage with wide receivers. And Blount was among the best at single coverage that I've ever seen. And Dallas fans, don't give me this Dione Sanders crap. .. Dione can't tackle to save his life, and his run support is pitiful. Blount, on the other hand, frequently body slammed RB's (not just puny WR's) and was well known for his great open field tackles, something few corners can claim. He played the most difficult position in the game as well as anyone in NFL history.
9. Rod Woodson: As the sign at Three Rivers has read for several years (and sadly will say no more), "Rod is God". Without a doubt, the best pure athlete in Steelers history. How does he stack up to Blount? Blount has the edge by the sheer length of his career and his incredible durability. But healthy and in his prime, my personal choice would be Woodson. I have never seen a DB with the ability to so completely dominate a game as Rod. Some games that come to mind are the '93 match up with New Orleans (the best performance I have EVER seen by any DB) and the '94 Monday Night game vs. Buffalo. Rod was (it kills me to talk about the guy in the past tense) head and shoulders the best player of the last 10 years for the Steelers, and I am truly going to miss him. In the dismal late 80's and early 90's, Rod WAS the team. While his play at CB alone is enough to earn him a spot on the list, his fantastic kick return ability adds even more punch to his resume'. As Sam Wyche once said, "Rod Woodson is the best punt returner I'll EVER see." Sadly, Rod's '95 ACL tear will prevent us from ever knowing what heights he might've reached had he remained healthy as Blount did. Even so, Rod is certain to one day reside in Canton.
10. Mike Webster: The hardest working man in team history! The prototypical center for the late 70's and early 80's. It's stunning in light of today's elephant-sized offensive linemen that "Iron Mike" was only 6'1" and only weighed in at a petite 250 lbs., somewhat small even by 70's standards! A icon of consistency, the guy never missed a game until quite late in his career (Webby played in 177 consecutive games before missing the first four games of the 86 season with a dislocated elbow) and set franchise records for most seasons (15) and games (220) before finishing his career with KC (egads!) in 89-90. Webster relied on outstanding mobility and quickness and was a superb pass protector as well as being an excellent straight-ahead blocker and trap blocker. Was a student of the game, and in addition to calling the offensive line adjustments at scrimmage, I can remember numerous times when he would turn to Bradshaw and suggest plays and even occasionally call a time out before the play clock expired. The ultimate NFL center.
11. L.C. Greenwood: Part 3 of the best left side in NFL history (along with Greene and Ham) and hopefully a future Hall of Fame member. Definitely the Steelers best pass rusher during the 70's and the most consistent member of their incredible front four. At 6'6" and 250 lbs., "Hollywood Bags" seemed a bit too lanky to be a defensive end. But what L.C. lacked in mass he made up for with surprising quickness and agility, preferring to sidestep his adversaries rather than trying to overpower them. And he used his unusual height with great effectivenessjust ask Fran Tarkenton. Greenwood could've very easily been named the MVP in Super Bowl IX, batting 3 passes, terrorizing Tarkenton all afternoon, and generally creating mayhem in the Viking backfield.
12. Donnie Shell: Ah, the Torpedo. This guy could HIT! Probably my most vivid memory of Shell was his vicious hit on Earl Campbell in '78. It was a game late in the season, the playoff implications were heavy, and Shell was in his first full season as a starter. Houston had already beaten the Steelers on Monday Night earlier in the year in a brutally physical game (weren't all Pittsburgh/Houston games brutal back then?), but Shell's hit surpassed anything seen in that previous meeting. Campbell crashed through the line for nice yardage, spun off the tackle of another Steeler (can't remember whom), and POW!!! Shell came flying out of nowhere and planted his helmet firmly in Cambell's ribcage, lifting Cambell off of his feet and slamming him into the turf. Campbell left the game with sore ribs (and if memory serves, they might have even been broken), and the Steelers went on to win 13-3. Shell played his entire career with the same intensity, and also racked up a huge number of interceptions (51). This guy deserves real consideration for Canton.
13. Dermontti Dawson: More Hall of Fame potential from the current crop. In all honesty, I know very little about Dermonti Dawson. I know nothing of his personal life. I know nothing of his beliefs. I know nothing of his personality. What I DO know is that he has without question been the best center in the league for the last 5 years or so. Here's a guy who absolutely refuses to make mistakes. He's not the "pancake" blocker that some guys arehe just always seems to be in the right place at the right time. The most vivid example of his style in my mind came in the '94 playoff game against Cleveland. From the center position, Dawson pulls to the outside, then proceeds to run down the sideline almost stride for stride with Barry Foster for a huge gain. While trotting along next to Barry, Dawson puts 3 Browns defenders on their butts. THAT'S impressive!
14. Greg Lloyd: Speaking of guys who can hit, Greg Lloyd's level of rage was rivaled only by that of Jack Lambert! In hisprime, he was strong against the run, but was an incredible pass rusher with a knack for slapping the ball out of the QB's hand. This guy caused more fumbles than anyone I've ever seen (with the possible exception of the great L.T.). The emotional heart and soul of for the Steelers during most of the 90's, his stock dropped a bit in '97 when he failed to ever truly recover from his '96 ACL tear and then suffered thorough a subsequent season-ending staff infection late in the '97 campaign. Although the infection literally threatened to end Greg's life, he fought back & returned to pro football. The Steelers released Lloyd before the '98 season, and he went on to play for the Panthers.
15. Carnell Lake: Another victim of free agency (who left Pittsburgh for huge bucks in Jacksonville), Carnell was a total team player (as demonstrated by his alternation between from safety and corner during the '95 through '98 campaigns--should've won team MVP in '95 instead of O'Donnell). Superb speed and athleticism, textbook tackling technique, a vicious hitter, and overall, intelligence. I'll never forget the play he made vs. Cinci when he raced down the field to catch WR Carl Pickens (who was on his way to a certain TD) from behind, and rather than just tackle him in the end zone, he punched the ball out of Pickens' grasp at the 2 yard line. The ball bounced out of the back of the end zone and the Steelers took over possession at the 20. That play knocked the wind out of Cinci and the Steelers went on to win the game. I find it simply amazing that Carnell was a linebacker in college, and now he's playing corner the majority of the time! If he keeps up his current level of play for another year or two, he'll pave his way to Canton.
16. Andy Russell: Why is Russell rated below Greg Lloyd? Perhaps it's because Russell was at the twilight of his career when I was at the dawn of my fan-dom. Perhaps it's because he played next to Ham and Lambert. Then again, Russell made the Pro Bowl year after year even while toiling on LOUSY Steeler teams, so what do I know? I remember Russell as making very few mistakes. The guy was very "Ham-like" in a lot of ways, and my research tells me he was possibly even more of a student of the game than Ham. While I'm not necessarily comfortable with his placement this low on my list, I'll suffer the consequences.
17. Dwight White: A key ingredient of the "Half Ton of Trouble". Perhaps Mad Dog's most memorable moment came in Super Bowl IX when, suffering from pneumonia, he somehow dragged himself out of his hospital bed and proceeded to kick butt for the rest of the afternoon (and recorded the first safety in Super Bowl history). Unfortunately, I missed much of White's prime playing years, and by '78 he was sharing time at DE with John Banaszak, but Dwight was still among the angriest men in pro football.
18. Ernie Holmes: This guy was incredible. In many ways, I think he was best defensive lineman in the NFL in '75, even better than Greene and Greenwood. The guy was absolutely relentless! But "Arrowhead" was just too crazy to endure. The guy actually shot at a police helicopter in '71 or '72 (among other things). By '78 he was overweight and was traded away surrounded by scandal. From things I've read his life is still pretty much a mess, unfortunately. Nonetheless, the guy was incredible for a few frightening years.
19. Levon Kirland: Pedro, thanks for pointing out Kirkland's absence from this list! Jeez! I can't believe I overlooked him... a HUGE mistake. Then again, until the last season or two, most of the NFL has overlooked him as well. With the likes of Lloyd and Green and Brown grabbing the headlines, reserved Mr. Kirkland was always simply labled as "the other linebacker". Two consecutive Pro Bowls (and a 3rd one he should've gone to) have changed all that. One could easily make the argument for Kirkland as the Steelers' defensive MVP (along with Lake), and frankly, Levon deserved real consideration for team MVP the last couple of years. Size, speed, consistency, and above all, intelligence have made Kirkland the new heart and soul of Pittsburgh's defense. Undeniably the best run-stopping MLB in the league, and arguably the best overall at his position. His ranking on this list is climbing with each passing season. Thank God he's on our side!
20. Jon Kolb: Another somewhat smallish offensive lineman that just "trapped the crap" out of opposing defenders. The only offensive lineman I could name as a kid other than Mike Webster (I didn't give O-linemen much credit as a child... I just didn't understand), Kolb really became a standout in '78 after consecutively destroying Lyle Alzado, Elvin Bethea, and Harvey Martin in the playoffs and Super Bowl. Equally adept at both run and pass blocking.
21. Larry Brown: Okay, I guess I also knew Larry Brown's name when I was a kid, but that was mostly due to the fact that he caught a TD pass as a tight end in Super Bowl X. As a marginally wiser adult, I've watched game after game and it has become very clear to me that Brown was probably the best pass protector in Steelers history. I can't honestly recall Brown ever personally being responsible for allowing a sack. He also was called for very few holding penalties. Desirable qualities for a tackle, eh?
22. Sam Davis: I've gotta keep all of these linemen together as a group. After all, that's really the way I viewed them growing up. It wasn't "John Kolb this" and "Larry Brown that". . . we always spoke of the line collectively (with the exception of Webster). Sam Davis was outstanding at both run and pass blocking and was an incredible pulling guard. In typical Steelers fashion, he was an undersized offensive lineman with exceptional quickness.
23. Louis Lipps: I feel a little sorry for this guy. A great WR in his own right, Lipps had the misfortune of following the tough act of Lynn Swann and sharing top billing with John Stallworth. Louis won team MVP twice, is second on the team's all-time receiving list, and still his name very rarely comes up when discussing great Steelers of the past with fellow fans. While he's not on the same level with the Swann's and Stallworth's of the world (who is?), he's without a doubt the 3rd best WR in team history.
24. Mike Wagner: One of the 70's unsung heroes. I have two lasting images of Wagner...the first and most obvious is his brilliant interception in S.B. X which set up the FG that gave the Steelers their first lead, and next to Swann's performance and Harrison's punt block, was probably the key play of the day. The other image is from the '78 AFC Championship. Mike Barber beat his man and was wide open in the middle, but Pastorini got pressure and threw it over Barber's head. Wagner was so totally focused on coming up and making the tackle that he didn't realize the ball went about 5 yards over his head and he just destroyed Barber. Ripped his knee to shreds. Barber is carried off the field shaking his fist at Wagner (who he repeatedly called "Webster" in a post game interview) like it was a cheap shot. But on the replay, you could see that Wags was focused on the tackle the whole time (since Barber was so wide open) and the shot was absolutely clean. That makes two more points about Wags...he had a spotless reputation as a tough but clean player, and most people seem to have no idea who he was! Sound familiar, Mr. Gekko?
25. Rocky Blier: It's not Rocky's mind-boggling statistical accomplishments or overwhelming physical talents (he didn't possess any) or even incredible big game performances that win him a top twenty-five spot on my list. In fact, it's precisely his lack of any of these attributes (although he did have some notable moments in big games) that so totally endears him to me. Rocky did it on nothing but heart, guts, and courage. Blier's personality permeated the whole organization during the 70's, and in many ways he was a reflection of "the Chief" himself. If I were making a list based on depth of character, Rocky would win hands down.
Okay, now for the oldsters. I'm sure I've left a number of great players out and I didn't place them in their rightful order within the list because frankly, I'm not the least bit knowledgeable about these guys. I never saw them play and have very little information about their careers, but in order to give them their just due (and avoid crucifixion for leaving them out), I've at least named them!
26. Ernie Stautner: A Hall of Famer. From what I've read, Stautner was an incredible defensive lineman (2nd only to Joe Greene in team history) who also played on the offensive side of the ball in the 50's and early 60's. The quote that sticks in my mind is "the first truly dominant defensive Steeler". (from "The Pittsburgh Steelers-The Official Team History" by Abbey Mendelson)
27. Jack Butler: Another outstanding player from the 50's. Intercepted a staggering 52 passes in his 9 year career. Also holds the team record for most picks in a game with 4.
28. John Henry Johnson: Hall of Fame running back from the '60's. It's difficult for me to make statistical comparisons because the numbers are so different, but by all accounts, he was a great one.
29. Bobby Layne: Hall of Fame QB (and apparently a HOF carouser). Played with the Steelers from '58 to '62. Finished his career with 196 TD passes!
30. Bill Dudley: Hall of Fame halfback, tailback, and kicker. In '42 alone, he led the NFL in rushing, and led the team in passing yards and TD's.
And just one more. . .
31. Gary Anderson: Tough to put a kicker on this list, but Anderson was superb. Gotta give credit where credit is due.
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Sunday, June 04, 2006
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Category: Sports
Life in the NFL - BigBen7.com
Ben's college coach, Terry Hoeppner, now at Indiana University, took a moment to write-up his thoughts, post-Super Bowl:
"Back in Bloomington (Ind.) after my first Super Bowl. Watching Ben play in his first Super Bowl was an incredible experience. From a coach's perspective, it was a good defensive game by both teams. Both the Steelers and the Seahawks had extra time to prepare and they both said you're not going to do what you did to get here offensively.
"We call that making them beat you 'left-handed.' The Seahawks were able to contain the Steelers running game (except for one play) and play Cover 2 which made it difficult for Ben to make the throws he has been making in recent weeks.
"I don't want to get too technical, but that is a simplified version of what Ben and the offense was up against. Of course when Ben scrambles, stops before he crosses the LOS and heaves it to Hines at the 3 yard line, it doesn't matter what coverage you are in--and Steeler fans have many years to enjoy plays just like that. I saw him do it for three years at Miami and that ability to make plays that no one else can make separates him from the rest of the QB's in the NFL.
"The post Super Bowl party back at the team's hotel was a chance for the players and their families to relax and really enjoy what had just happened. World Champions!
"For Ben, the youngest QB to win a Super Bowl. That could be a mark that stands for a long time. I appreciate Ben for including me in his family. I know he'll always be a part of mine. Go Steelers! Go #7."
- Coach Terry Hoeppner
The family taking in the pre-game festivities in Detroit:
SATURDAY
The game is just around the corner, so I'll have to keep this brief. We had a standard walkthrough today, and feel like we're ready to play. This has been a great week for us. The accomodations have been nice, and the people have been extremely friendly. We have had a loyal group of fans around the hotel everyday, often out in the cold, supporting us and waiting for autographs. We are well aware of the many Steelers fans who have made the trip to Detroit to be here with us, and we feed off that energy. The team is staying in a different hotel Saturday night that is a secret to everyone. This should help us avoid all distraction. For obvious reasons, you won't hear from on Sunday on my website, but maybe you will hear from me on TV. I will do my best to use all your thoughts, prayers and support for our team to make you proud. The outcome is yet to be determined, but it will not effect how honored I feel to be the quarterback of this team. Thank you for being with me this week, and for being my friends on BigBen7.com. I plan to have exciting changes to come on my site, so please stay tuned. Time to go. I've got a game to play... God bless. -Ben
FRIDAY
Friday was our last real day of practice, as tomorrow will just be a walkthrough and Sunday is, well... you know what Sunday is. We had another good workout Friday. We reached the Silverdome by 8:30am, and were back to hotel by 2pm. I went to a late lunch with my agent, Ryan at one of my favorite spots, PF Changs. Not too many recognized me, which was nice. Afterward, Ryan and I shot pool again back at the hotel. I was planning on paying a quick visit to my friends at Nike, as they were hosting a party Friday night, but I felt it was better for me to stay in the hotel and relax with my teammates. As I mentioned before, we are staying in Pontiac, which is a ways from downtown Detroit, and that's where all of the corporate parties are. My apologies to everyone at Nike, under other circumstances I would make every effort to be there. So that was pretty much it for Friday. The game on Sunday is near - my chance to live a dream. Thank you all for continue to read this stuff this week. I do actually read through many of the comments, and appreciate all of them. You guys are very loyal and much appreciated.
-Ben
THURSDAY
As the game gets closer, our focus narrows. Thursday's practice was a good one. We were able to accomplish what we needed to, as our coaches have done a great job preparing. The media requirements were a little less today (but always some), and most of the team is choosing to relax at night. Not much to report on my end unfortunately... just trying to soak it all in and do what I need to do to be ready for Sunday. It's a fun atmosphere in Detroit. You can really sense an excitement in everyone, just being here. I am looking forward to seeing my family soon. Tomorrow will be a lighter practice, and Saturday is a walkthrough. Okay, enough for today. I know, not terribly insightful, but I guess I'm daydreaming about some big game or something... ha ha. I hope you all are getting ready for Sunday. If your having a party, stock up on some of my BBQ sauce or Beef Jerky. You can buy them both from my site, and their the best you'll find. At least I think so. Gotta go. Your friend, Ben
Wednesdays are always important practice days for us. We started the morning early with again, another press conference. I usually have to be in there first with Coach Cowher to field the most questions. We have a big media tent set up outside our hotel. Other teammates come in about 20 minutes later.
Usually I get done before they are done, so today I decided to go around and mess with the guys a bit. I was being a sniper photographer, taking pictures of them when they were least expecting it. I got some good shots of Heath, Hines, Deshea and bunch more. Joey was sitting down, surrounded by media and looking over his shoulder to answer a question.
I snuck in from the other side and grabbed this one guys microphone, which was on the end of a long pole. I slowly put crept the microphone up to Joey's face until it was about a half inch from his face. He finally turned and saw and started laughing, saying he was two seconds from swatting the microphone to the ground. It was hilarious.
Practice went well. It was nice to get back to football, throwing the ball and running plays, and not dealing with the hype. All in all I'm enjoying the experience, but I just want to win this game more than anything. I am keeping a low profile out here, getting rest and studying up.
I will have to start to taper these blogs down as we get closer to the game, so hopefully you understand. A bunch of teammates and I went to Jerome's parents' house for dinner. It was unreal. So much great food, and so many great people. I send a special thanks out to Jerome's parents for the hospitality. They are awesome.
From there we went to the Pistons game and sat courtside. There were a lot of other NFL players there, and they were all excited for us this week. From there, I returned to the hotel and shot some pool with Ryan, then went to bed. Talk to you again tomorrow. Go Steelers.
TUESDAY -
Sorry for getting a bit behind on this. As you can imagine, my schedule has been crazy out here in Detroit. So Tuesday was a day off, like our usual Tuesdays during the season, but during Super Bowl week that just means I didn't throw any passes. Tuesday before the Super Bowl is traditionally media day, and let me tell you, it's a spectacle. I didn't really know what to expect, but now I understand where the hype around this game comes from. We got on the buses from our hotel at 7:45am and went to the Stadium. Ford Field will always be special to me, because that's where I played my first NFL game, in the preseason last year. We went into our locker room and put on our game pants and jerseys. Yes, we are wearing white jerseys, and yes, that is fine by me. It's pretty funny to see football players in their uniform without pads on. Not the most figure flattering sight. We did some short tapings and photo shoots for promotional stuff and the game telecast. From there, we went onto the field, and some of us had to sit individually at podiums and answer questions for about an hour. As we walked onto the field, what seemed like thousands of media people poured down from the stands to the field. I answered questions for the entire hour - many of which were repeated - but none that were too crazy. Lots of questions about my beard and hair. For the record, the hair will stay after the game, the beard will go, most likely on Monday. There were lots of questions about my family and Findlay and things that I enjoy talking about. Following the media day, we returned to the hotel and grabbed lunch with my agent, Ryan. I then rested for a while. I met up with Ryan again later, did a magazine interview, then went downtown to meet up with Warren Moon, Fox Analyst James Brown (JB) and few others for dinner. Warren is a partner with my agents and someone I can turn to for advise. This is a big week for him, as he awaits the final vote this weekend on his induction into the Hall of Fame. He is a great guy and was such a great quarterback and football pioneer - I really hope he gets in this year. Apparently it's a loaded ballot, so if not this year, I'm sure it will happen soon. JB is someone I've gotten to know and really admire. He is a quality human being. We had a fun dinner and shared some great stories. So far, it's been unreal to see what revolves around the Super Bowl. For us as a team, we want to take time to enjoy it, but our real focus is lining up on Sunday and playing a tough football game. I look forward to the start of the game, because all of the hoop-la goes away and regardless of how many millions of people are watching around the world, there are only so many in the stands and 11 on 11 on the field. Wednesday is important day of practice for us. I will report more when I can. Thanks again for the support. -Ben
Is everybody ready for this?? Hello to you all and thanks for the continued support. I find myself in Detroit, MI this Monday, January 30th, 2006, preparing to play in the Super Bowl on Sunday in great part to fans like you.
You guys inspire me to give my all, and your passion for Steelers victories has gotten us to this point. Now we need just one more push to finish this season right. My hope is to give something back to you by sharing my experiences from this exciting week. I figure we got to this point together, so let's take this step together as well.
..>..>
So this morning, we departed Pittsburgh with an awesome send off from supportive fans. Our team had a nice surprise for Bussie (that's Jerome, obviously) when we got on the plane... about half the team was decked out in his green throwback #6 Notre Dame jerseys. Jerome is the greatest guy and means so much to this team, and taking him home to Detroit has been an emotional ride for all of us.
Upon arriving in Detroit, we were welcomed by tons of media. We checked into the hotel then immediately went over to the Pontiac Silverdome for a walk through. That's where the Lions used to play, and the place is enormous. They just installed field turf for us, similar to Ford Field, and basically everything we'll need to prepare for the game is already set up in the Silverdome.
Our locker rooms, training room, meeting rooms, workout facility, everything looks great and should allow us to prepare the same way as our facility in Pittsburgh.
After that we returned to the hotel and just settled in. Our only team commitment was an evening meeting, and basically we're free to explore the city and the restaurants. Coach Cowher obviously talked to us about being responsible and professional, and taking time to enjoy the experience but remaining focused on why we're here.
We have a tight team with a lot of respect and admiration for each other. It's truly an honor to be a part of this group, and I value my role amongst these great guys. The weather here is similar to Pittsburgh, so we'll probably never think about it, especially since our practices and the game will be indoors.
All in all, it's been a low-stress day, similar to a normal Monday during game weeks. Tomorrow is the official media day, so the importance of this whole event will probably set in. Not that I need to be reminded of the importance of the Super Bowl... I've been thinking about it my whole life!
For now, I'm just happy to be here, with this group of guys, representing this organization and the best fans in the world. I am headed out to dinner now with Jerome, Hines and a group of guys, so we'll get back to more of this tomorrow. Jerome knows his way around this city, so I'll stick close to him. Have a great night and thanks again for supporting me. I feel so blessed in so many ways.
~~~~~
This is the first installment of Ben's daily blog during Super Bowl week in Detroit. These are Ben's direct thoughts and reflections on the day, as transcribed by his agent, Ryan Tollner. Ryan is with Ben in Detroit all week. Ben will continue to provide photos from his cell phone for everyone to enjoy.
..>..>
Hello all,
As you can imagine, Ben's very busy preparing for Seattle the next few weeks. However, he wanted us to send along his best to everyone and thank you for your support. He'll blog again as soon as he can find the time ... which we hope won't be till mid-February sometime. :-)
As always, feel free to leave comments for Ben. He enjoys reading them in his free time. Please remember to keep it clean, as kids visit this blog frequently.
Thanks,
BigBen7.com Team
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Sunday, June 04, 2006
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Category: Sports
The Ben Roethlisberger StoryMuch of Ben Roethlisberger's history has yet to be written. However, if history is truly an indication of the future, then Ben and his fans are in for one exciting ride. 
What will the future hold? One only needs to look at Ben's past.
Born on March 2, 1982, Ben grew up in the small Ohio town of Findlay. Surrounded by the love and support of his family, Ben became very active in sports at a young age, focusing primarily on basketball and football.
"Some kids just rise above the rest, and Ben was one of them," said Findlay Mayor Tony Iriti, who was Ben's fifth and sixth grade football coach and a volunteer assistant at Findlay High School (FHS). "You usually don't expect a kid to make every play, but Ben always seemed to make things work. He has a lot of God-given talent and natural ability."
Before becoming a nationally known phenomenon, Ben was a thin, lanky wideout at FHS. It wasnt until the fall of 1999, his final high school season, that Ben earned a chance to be a No. 1 quarterback after the graduation of the starting QB one grade ahead of him.
But Ben's talents werent a secret to the Miami (Ohio) University staff, which invited him to its summer camp before his senior season. Ben performed well but left with no scholarship offer.
"We waited until he played a game," Miami head coach Terry Hoeppner said. "I didnt want to be the genius to offer this guy who never played quarterback a scholarship." 
In that first game, Ben threw six touchdowns. "I said, Thats good enough for me," Hoeppner said.
The Ohio State University also went after Ben, who set state high school records for yards (4,041) and touchdowns (54) playing in a high-powered offense similar to Miamis.
 In the end, Miami won. Ben saw a shot at being a four-year starter after then-No. 1 QB Mike Baths eligibility expired. "It came down to what would be comfortable for me and what felt right," Ben said. "I prayed a lot about it, talked to my family about it, and it seemed like the right fit."
Ben took a redshirt season in 2000, but won the starting job in 2001. After struggling in his first two games - trips to Michigan and Iowa - he fared better in his first home game, completing 20-of-25 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns as the RedHawks beat rival Cincinnati.
"It might have helped to be thrown into the fire that early vs. Michigan and Iowa," Miami offensive coordinator and QB coach Shane Montgomery said, "because really, the light turned on." 
Ben threw for 3,105 yards with 25 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He followed that with a solid second season as a starter in '02, throwing for 3,238 yards and 22 TD's. It was as a redshirt sophomore that he said he "started to feel comfortable with the way things were going in the offensive system and everything that was unfolding at Miami."
Ben's junior season represented a "quantum leap forward" with regard to his comfort and command of the offense, according to Hoeppner.
After a season-opening loss at Iowa, Ben was dominant. He completed nearly 70 percent of his passes and set just about every Miami passing record, some of which he had broken before. The RedHawks rolled to the Mid-American Conference championship.
Next stop, the NFL.
 "My No. 1 goal was to win a championship," he said. "And after we won the championship, it was (like), Ive accomplished everything I wanted to accomplish at Miami, so thats when it was a reality that Im going to get a chance to hopefully make it to the NFL."
Ben announced he would file for the draft after the RedHawks dispatched Louisville in the GMAC Bowl on Dec. 18.
The now 6-foot-5, 240-pound QB is blessed with a strong arm and athleticism that is rare for his size. Seeing such a prize, the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Ben in the first round of the 2004 NFL draft with the 11th pick.
On drafting Ben, Steelers Coach Bill Cowher said, "If you have an opportunity to get a good, young quarterback who has a tremendous upside, it's too golden of an opportunity to pass."
Ben's fans couldn't agree more. 
On August 4, 2004 Ben signed his first contract with the Steelers, a 6-year, $14 million contract with an $8 million 2009 roster bonus, and was touted by Steelers coach Bill Cowher in a press conference as a franchise quarterback.
He took over from Steelers starting quarterback Tommy Maddox after he was injured during a game against the Baltimore Ravens. As of January 19, 2005, Ben was 14-0 as a rookie starting quarterback, surpassing former Steeler Mike Kruczek for the record for the best start by a rookie (5-0), and exceeding the mark for total wins as a rookie set by Joe Ferguson and Chris Chandler.
Ben has received much praise from coaches in the NFL, including Dallas Cowboys coach Bill Parcells, who compared him to legendary QB Dan Marino. On January 5, 2005 Roethlisberger was unanimously selected as The NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year by the Associated Press (AP), the second quarterback to achieve the honor.
 So far, Ben's most accomplished feat has been leading the Steelers to a 34-20 victory over the defending Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots, ending their NFL-record 21-game winning streak. He completed 18 of his 24 pass attempts, including a 47-yard touchdown "bomb" to Plaxico Burress, and racked up 196 yards to go with two touchdowns; there were zero interceptions. The week after that game the Steelers defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, another unbeaten team, 27-3. This was the first time a team had beaten two undefeated teams in a row mid-season. Ben was 11 for 18, with two touchdowns and one interception.
In the AFC Divisional Playoffs against the New York Jets, Ben threw one touchdown and two interceptions. One interception was returned for a touchdown, and the other was thrown with 2 minutes left in the fourth quarter, which set up a potential game-winning field goal by Jets kicker Doug Brien. He missed the kick as time expired, and forced the game into overtime. In overtime, Ben led the Steelers down the field and put them in position for the game winning field goal, a 33-yard attempt that was made by Jeff Reed, sending the Steelers into the AFC Championship Game for the 4th time in 10 years.
In the January 23, 2005 AFC Championship Game in Pittsburgh, Ben completed 14 of 24 pass attempts for 226 yards and two touchdowns. The Steelers lost the game to the New England Patriots by a score of 41 - 27.
On February 3, 2005, Roethlisberger was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
In Roethlisberger's rookie season, he set many rookie passing records, including best passer rating (98.1), and highest completion percentage (66.4%).
Records
- Most career touchdowns by a Miami University quarterback - 84
- Most wins by an NFL rookie quarterback (2004) - 15
- Highest quarterback rating by an NFL rookie quarterback (2004) - 98.1
- Highest completion percentage by an NFL rookie quarterback (2004) - 66.4%
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Saturday, June 03, 2006
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Category: Sports
Cowher's Mug Shot
Super Bowl champ to grace cover of NFL Head Coach.
March 28, 2006 - You know the look. The one where Coach Cowher looks so mad that spit is dripping down his chin as he runs down the sidelines to find a ref to yell at. Now that mug is being immortalized on the cover of EA Sports' new videogame, NFL Head Coach.
Cowher, the longest-tenured head coach in the NFL, is fresh off his first Super Bowl title with a 21-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL in Detroit. In 14 seasons under the leadership of Cowher, the Steelers have earned 10 postseason berths, captured nine division titles, advanced to six AFC Championship games and have made two Super Bowl appearances. The Pittsburgh-area native is one of only six coaches in NFL history to claim at least eight division titles and ranks ninth in NFL history for longest head coaching service with one team. "With NFL Head Coach there is finally a game that gives true football fans the chance to strategize and become the head coach of their favorite team," said Cowher. "Coaching is about leadership and everyone will now see how difficult, but also how rewarding coaching can be."
NFL Head Coach is the first-ever 3D coaching sim, challenging gamers to build and manage every aspect of an NFL franchise. As head coach, you develop a team strategy, execute it on and off the field, and try to build a winning organization year after year. Your status as a coaching legend will rise and fall based on all of your actions as you strive to become the greatest head coach of all time. Look for the game to hit stores June 20 for the PS2, Xbox, and PC, and be sure to check back to IGN for all of the latest on this game, straight from the makers of Madden.
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Saturday, June 03, 2006
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Category: Sports
Omar Jacobs Interview
How can a man with these stats still be a draft sleeper?
April 17, 2006 - When you think quarterbacks, are you thinking MAC? If not, maybe you should. Ben Roethlisberger. Byron Leftwich. Chad Pennington. Charlie Frye.
Who's next? Try Omar Jacobs of Bowling Green. Jacobs is the kind of player fans like to say they "discovered". "Did you see that kid from Bowling Green play? He's better than Leinart. Better than Young." That's what the converts say. It's like finding that great restaurant across town then telling friend after friend to try the Friday Special. There's something about Jacobs that has his fans talking non-stop about his play. Something about the kid that catches your attention the instant you watch him throw. Something you want to tell everyone who watches football to look out for at the next level. Something that tells you he's more than just the flavor of the week. IGN Sports caught up with Jacobs to talk about the upcoming draft. He gives us his take on why he's the best quarterback on the board, Bowling Green, and the combine. Here's what he had to say IGN Sports: Convince me why you're the best quarterback in the draft?Omar Jacobs: Like I tell everybody, I'm the total package. I've got the height, speed, accuracy, and arm strength. You want to talk production, how about 70/11 touchdown/interception ratio in two years. Good teammate. Good person on and off the field. Coachable. Willing to learn. That's why I'm the best quarterback in the draft.
IGN Sports: With the stats you threw up, why are so many people still calling you a sleeper?Omar Jacobs: That's the question I'm trying to figure out. I don't know. When I came out, I was the number two quarterback in the nation, then I got hurt and missed two games. I guess when I missed those two games, I lost all of the skills I had. [laughs] I hurt my left shoulder at thatmy non-throwing shoulder. The thing is, I did well at the combine, did well at my Pro Day, so we'll see what happens on draft day. IGN Sports: Do you think it's because you played at a smaller school?Omar Jacobs: I don't even think that's an issue. Your eyes should be on the MAC quarterbacks. Look what they've been able to do. Roethlisberger. Leftwich. Pennington. They should be looking at those MAC quarterbacks by now. IGN Sports: It seems like everybody who watches you play is not only an instant fan, but tries to covert their friends into your fans by watching you play. What's it like to have such devoted followers?Omar Jacobs: It's cool because a lot of guys don't get to watch me, then when they finally see a tape or a game, they realize my talent. When I am on TV against big schools, I've been able to play my best against the biggest schools we played. I think that should show people that I can get it done at the next level. IGN Sports: For people who haven't seen you play, who would you compare your style of play to?Omar Jacobs: I don't like to compare myself to anybody, but a lot of people like to compare me to Daunte Culpepper. I'm trying to create my own identity right now. I try to take a little bit from everybody I watch. I want to be command like Peyton. I want to be a leader like Brady. I want to be strong like Culpepper. I want to be elusive like McNabb. That's what I'm trying to do. IGN Sports: Did you have a favorite player growing up?Omar Jacobs: I was a Bills fan growing up, so I was into Thurman Thomas and Bruce Smith. I'm still a fan. IGN Sports: Did you go out and get the Thurman Thomas throwback?Omar Jacobs: Man, throwbacks cost too much money. You gotta have throwback money. When you're in college, living off that college budget, you want to eat, you're not searching for throwbacks. [laughs] IGN Sports: At 6-4, 232, are people surprised how damn big you are for a QB?Omar Jacobs: Oh yeah. I'm 6-4, but even at that, I seem to have a bigger presence than some people. My agents tell me that Kyle Orton is also 6-4, but they say when I walk up on them, I'm a lot bigger than him. When I walk around and meet people, everyone is always telling me that they didn't realize I'm this big. That's the way it is in the league. The defenders keep getting bigger, so I need to get bigger.
IGN Sports: Out on the field, you don't seem like the type of player who gets rattled easily. What is it about your personality that enables you to keep your cool?
Omar Jacobs: I'm a laid back dude. It's never over. It's never the end of the world. If you throw an interception, you can make it up. You need to have a short memory at quarterback because you're rarely going to play perfect game. Something is always going to happen where you need to overcome adversity. You need to overcome something, and you can't show your team that it got to you because you are the leader, you are the general out on the field. Basically, if you're cool, they're cool. They're cool, we're straight. IGN Sports: What about the combine. You said you did well out there. Did any of those crazy tests get you rattled?Omar Jacobs: That stuff was crazy. I'm a junior, so I've never seen these tests before. A lot of these guys who are seniors, they've taken some of these tests back at school. For me, I took a semester off, so I wasn't even thinking about going to the combine and figuring out math problems. It took me a second to get my mind right for these tests. They give you practice tests, but my mind was about trying to go in there and perform on the field. I wasn't thinking about taking tests. They'll give you things like sand, pebble, rock, boulder. Compare the four. The first three are small, the boulder stands out as the big item. You get a lot of questions like that. IGN Sports: While you were watching the different drills, did anyone's performance blow you away at the combine?Omar Jacobs: I already had high expectations for everyone going in, so nobody really blew me away. I have high expectations for myself just the same. As a quarterback, you only get a few throws at the combine. I was trying to take advantage of every throw, and I surprised myself personally. Just going through the warm-ups, then waiting around and throwing two times per turn, it's tough. Quarterbacks like to get in a rhythm, and the combine never really lets you find that rhythm. They want to see you perform in the toughest circumstances with all of the pressure on you.
IGN Sports: How did you like your character in NCAA Football last year? Omar Jacobs: They had me tight on there. I was a 97 passer, so I was pretty good. 80 speedI was straight. IGN Sports: What advice do you have for EA Sports when making your character for Madden NFL 07?Omar Jacobs: My Madden character, that's going to be my screensaver. [laughs] I just hope they do me some justice. Capture my dreads and my accuracy and I'm going to be on that game all nightwhen I'm not studying my playbook, that is. [laughs]
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Friday, May 19, 2006
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Category: Sports
STEELERS TRAING CAMP SCHEDULE
CAMP SCHEDULE
Practice at Steelers training camp is open to the public on the following days:
Sunday, July 31 -- Rookies and veterans report by 6 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 1 -- Run test (time to be announced)
Tuesday, Aug. 2 -- 3 p.m. (Steelers experience 2-6 p.m.)
Wednesday, Aug. 3 -- 3 p.m. (Steelers experience 2-6 p.m.)
Thursday, Aug. 4 -- 3 p.m. (Steelers experience 2-6 p.m.)
Friday, Aug. 5 -- 3 p.m. (Steelers experience 2-6 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 6 -- 12:15 p.m. (Steelers experience 11-3 p.m.)
Monday, Aug. 8 -- 3 p.m. (Steelers experience 2-6 p.m.)
Tuesday, Aug. 9 -- 3 p.m. (Steelers experience 2-6 p.m.)
Wednesday, Aug. 10 -- 7 p.m., Latrobe High School (autographs, 6:45 p.m.)
Thursday, Aug. 11 -- 3 p.m. (Steelers experience 2-6 p.m.)
Friday, Aug. 12 -- 3 p.m. (Steelers experience 2-6 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 13 -- 12:15 p.m.(Steelers experience 11-3 p.m.)
Monday, Aug. 15 -- First preseason game vs. Philadelphia
Wednesday, Aug. 17 -- 3 p.m. (Steelers experience 2-6 p.m.)
Thursday, Aug. 18 -- 3 p.m. (Steelers experience 2-6 p.m.)
Saturday, Aug. 20 -- Second preseason game vs. Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 22 -- 3 p.m. (Steelers experience 2-6 p.m.)
Tuesday, Aug. 23 -- 3 p.m. (Steelers experience 2-6 p.m.)
Wednesday, Aug. 24 -- 3 p.m.(Steelers experience 2-6 p.m.)
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Thursday, May 18, 2006
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Category: Sports
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2006 NFL Draft- Day 2 results...
Category: Sports
WILLIE COLON
Offensive Tackle
Hofstra University Pride
6:03.0-315
Bronx, New York
Cardinal Hayes High School
4th Round 131st Overall
OVERVIEW
Colon, who anchored a line for an offense (429.8 ypg) that ranked second in the Atlantic 10 and 15th in I-AA in 2005, was named third-team All-American by Don Hansen's Football Gazette and also was an All-Atlantic 10 first-team selection, a first-team I-AA All-American as selected by both the Walter Camp Foundation and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), and a third-team Sports Network I-AA All-America pickColon was also named to the Don Hansen's Football Gazette Northeast Regional First Team as well.
2005 SEASON
Anchored a line for an offense (429.8 ypg) that ranked second in the Atlantic 10 and 15th in I-AA in 2005named third -team All-American by Don Hansen's Football Gazettehas also been named an All-Atlantic 10 first team selection, a first team I-AA All-American as selected by both the Walter Camp Foundation and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), and a third team Sports Network I-AA All-America pickColon was also named to the Don Hansen's Football Gazette Northeast Regional First Team as well.
2004 SEASON
Started all 11 games at right tackleVoted to the All-Atlantic 10 second teamReceived the Hofstra Hard Hat Award as the Offensive Lineman of the Year...Recorded one tackle on an interception return against Rhode IslandReceived game balls in victories over Rhode Island and Richmond.
2003 SEASON
Started all 12 games at offensive tackle.
2002 SEASON
Played in one game (versus Rhode Island) at defensive tackleRecorded one solo tackle.
2001 SEASON
Redshirted and did not play.
HIGH SCHOOL
Played four years of football, three years of basketball and was a member of the track team for one year at Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx, New YorkPlayed on the Cardinals CHSAA "A" championship teamReceived the Cardinal Hayes Outstanding Defensive Player Award as a seniorRecorded 12 sacks as a senior and eight in each of his sophomore and junior seasonsWas voted Most Valuable Player in the Catholic High School All-Star game
PERSONAL
Born April 9, 1983Has one brother and one sisterWas recruited by South Carolina, Massachusetts, Buffalo and St. John'sIs an active member of the Big Brothers AssociationEnjoys basketball and swimming in his spare timeAspires to have a career in television or radioInterdisciplinary studies major.
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ORIEN HARRIS
Defensive End
University of Miami Hurricanes
6:03.0-302
Newark, Delaware
Newark High School
4th Round 133rd Overall
OVERVIEW
The heart and soul of the Hurricanes' defense, Harris replaced Vince Wilfork as the team's dominant force in the middle of the field as a sophomoreBlessed with an incredible wing-span and large hands, Harris simply engulfs quarterbacks and ball carriers when attacking in the backfieldHe hopes that his productive career at Miami will see him follow his brother, Kwame, (San Francisco) as an early NFL Draft selectionHarris was rated the nation's top defensive line prospect and earned All-American honors from Football News and Super Prep as a senior at Newark High SchoolHe was named Delaware's Gatorade Player of the Year, Lineman of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year and earned a National Top 100 selection by The Dallas Morning NewsRivals.com rated Harris the third-best defensive lineman in the prep ranksHarris recorded 130 tackles (95 solos), 9.5 quarterback sacks and a whopping 70 stops for losses as a seniorThat season, he guided the team to a 12-0 record and the 2000 Division I State ChampionshipHe finished his career with 496 tackles (331 solos), 33 quarterback sacks and 252 stops behind the line of scrimmage (51 percent of his total)He also excelled in the classroom, graduating with a 3.28 grade-point averageHarris redshirted in 2001 at MiamiHe appeared in thirteen contests the following year, coming up with 36 tackles (14 solos), a quarterback sack, fourteen pressures and a fumble recoveryAs a sophomore in 2003, he teamed with Vince Wilfork to form a punishing tackle tandemHarris collected 39 tackles (14 solos) and ranked second on the team with eight stops for losses and 18 pressuresHe also registered four sacksAs a junior, Harris made 55 tackles (16 solos) with 1.5 sacks, 12 stops behind the line of scrimmage and 14 pressures while starting every game. He continued to man the right defensive tackle position in 2005Harris finished sixth on the team with 40 tackles (18 solos) and delivered 3.5 sacks, 11 stops for losses and nine pressuresHe also recovered a fumbleIn 48 games with the Hurricanes, Harris started 34 timesHe recorded 159 tackles (63 solos) with 11 sacks for minus 56 yards and 30 stops for losses of 108 yardsHe was credited with 54 quarterback pressures, deflected two passes and recovered two fumbles.
CAREER NOTES
Started 34 of 48 games during his careerExcels at pushing the pocket, registering 54 quarterback pressures during his career21 of his 30 stops behind the line of scrimmage came during his final two seasons.
2005 SEASON
Associated Press second-team All-American selectionEarned All-Atlantic Coast Conference honorable mentionStarted every game at right defensive tackleRanked sixth on the team with 40 tackles (18 solos)Produced 3.5 sacks for minus 15 yards and eleven stops for losses of 34 yardsCredited with nine quarterback pressures and also recovered a fumbleServed as one of the team's four captains.
2004 SEASON
All-Atlantic Coast Conference honorable mentionNamed the team's Defensive Lineman of the YearStarted every game at right defensive tackleRecorded 44 tackles (17 solos) with 2.5 sacks for minus 11 yards and 10 stops for losses of 33 yardsCredited with 13 quarterback pressures and deflected two passes.
2003 SEASON
Appeared in 11 games, starting 10 contests (came off the bench vs. Rutgers) at right defensive tackleCollected 39 tackles (14 solos) with four sacks for minus 23 yardsHad eight stops for losses of 34 yards and 18 quarterback pressures.
2002 SEASON
Played in every game as a reserve defensive tackleRecorded 36 tackles (14 solos) with a seven-yard sack and 14 quarterback pressures.
2001 SEASON
Redshirted as a freshman.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Newark (Del.) High School, playing football for head coach Butch SimpsonRated the nation's top defensive line prospect and earned All-American honors from Football News and Super Prep as a seniorNamed Delaware's Gatorade Player of the Year, Lineman of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year and earned a National Top 100 selection by The Dallas Morning NewsRivals.com rated Harris the third-best defensive lineman in the prep ranksRecorded 130 tackles (95 solos), 9.5 quarterback sacks and a whopping 70 stops for losses as a seniorThat season, he guided the team to a 12-0 record and the 2000 Division I State ChampionshipFinished his career with 496 tackles (331 solos), 33 quarterback sacks and 252 stops behind the line of scrimmage (51 percent of his total)Also excelled in the classroom, graduating with a 3.28 grade-point average.
PERSONAL
Criminology majorBrother, Kwame, was an All-American offensive tackle at Stanford who presently plays for the San Francisco 49ersThe 49ers selected Kwame in the first round of the 2003 NFL DraftBorn Orien J. Harris on 6/03/83Resides in Newark, Delaware.
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OMAR JACOBS
Quarterback
Bowling Green State University Falcons
6:03.7-224
Delray Beach, Florida
Atlantic Community High School
5th Round 164th Overall
OVERVIEW
Jacobs possesses the quickness of a tailback and the strength and size of a linebackerHe is an accurate long-range passer and also shows good touch on his short throwsJacobs was a standout quarterback at Atlantic Community High SchoolHe was named the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel and Boca News Offensive Player of the Year, adding Palm Beach County Amateur Athlete of the Year honorsJacobs was a second-team All-Florida pick, who also earned first- team All-Conference and All-County accoladesHe was named to the "Super 11 Squad" after he threw for 2,670 yards, completed 63 percent of his passes and connected on 28 touchdowns as a seniorHe also gained more than 1,000 yards passing during the playoffs that year, helping the team to a regional championshipJacobs also lettered in basketball and baseballHe was a first-team All-County and All-Conference performer in baseballHe also excelled academically, being named to the Vocational National Honor Society and also was the Rotary Student of the Month in 2001He redshirted in 2002 and then saw limited action in four games during the 2003 campaignHe showed enough flashes of brilliance in the Eastern Kentucky and Liberty games that year to convince the coaches he would be a capable replacement for Harris in 2004Jacobs led the nation with 41 touchdown passes, breaking the old school record of 27 by Josh Harris in 2003 and the MAC mark of 39 by Marshall's Chad Pennington in 1999That season, Jacobs hit on 309 of 462 passes (school record 66.9%) for 4,002 yards and four interceptionsHe added 300 yards and four scores rushingHis 45 touchdowns responsible for established a new conference season-recordHis 165.47 passing efficiency rating ranked third in the nationHis touchdown-to-interception ratio (41-4) was the best ever in a season by an NCAA playerHe also led the nation in points scored, averaging 22.5 per gameHoping to continue on his 2004 success as a junior, Jacobs ranked second in the nation in points responsible for (18.44), 12th in pass completions (21.67 pg) and passing efficiency (150.89) and 14th in total offense (294.67) in 2005He gained 2,591 yards with 26 touchdowns and only seven interceptions, hitting on 195 of 321 passes 60.7%)He also scored once on 40 carries, finishing with 2,653 yards in total offenseIn 25 games with the Falcons, Omar completed 523 of 811 passes (64.5%) for 6,938 yards, 71 touchdowns and 11 interceptionsHe also gained 451 yards with seven scores on 153 carries (2.9 avg), finishing his career with 7,389 yards in total offenseHis pass completion percentage set a school career-record and ranks second on the MAC record chart behind Bruce Gradkowski (71.2%, 2002-present)His 71 scoring tosses established another BGSU all-time record.
CAREER NOTES
In just 25 games with the Falcons, Jacobs ranks fifth in school annals with 523 pass completions, topped only by Brian McClure (900, 1982-85), Josh Harris (627, 2000-03) and Rich Dackin (591, 1986-89)His 6,938 yards passing is surpassed only by McClure (10,280) and Harris (7,503) on the school's all-time record chartHis 71 touchdown passes broke the old Falcons career-record of 63 by McClureCompleted 64.5% of his passes, the second-best career total in Mid-American Conference history behind Toledo's Bruce Gradkowski (71.2%, 2002-05) and broke the old school mark of 63.1% by McClureHolds the school record and tied the NCAA Division 1-A season-record in 2004 by attempting 224 consecutive passes without throwing an interception, matching a figure first set by Matt Blundin of Virginia in 1991His four interceptions in 2004 are the lowest figure of any starting quarterback in Mid-American Conference historyHis 2004 ratio of touchdowns-to-interceptions (41-to-4) established an NCAA Division 1-A season-record (previous record was held by Billy Volek of Fresno State, with 30 scores and three interceptions in 1999)His 2004 total of 41 touchdown passes broke the old MAC season-record of 39 by Chad Pennington of Marshall in 1997His 45 touchdowns responsible for that year also set a conference season-record, surpassing the previous mark of 40, set by Pennington in 1997, Josh Harris of Bowling Green in 2003 and Ben Roethlisberger of Miami, Ohio in 2003Ranks third in school annals with 7,389 yards in total offense, topped only by McClure (9,774) and Harris (9,976).
2005 SEASON
All-Mid American Conference second-team selectionSemi-finalist for the Davey O'Brien Award, given to the nation's top quarterbackRanked second in the nation in points responsible for (18.44 pg), 14th in total offense (294.67 ypg) and second in both passing efficiency (150.89) and pass completions per game (21.67 avg)Completed 195 of 321 passes (60.7%) for 2,591 yards, 26 touchdowns and seven interceptionsHis 26 scoring strikes rank third on the school's season-record list behind Omar's 41 in 2004 and 27 by Josh Harris in 2003Added 62 yards and a score on 40 carries (1.5 avg)Gained 2,653 yards in total offenseThrew for over 300 yards in five games, twice gaining over 400 yardsHad 33 of his 321 pass attempts deflected by the opposition.
2004 SEASON
All-American second-team choice by The NFL Draft Report, adding honorable mention from CNN/Sports IllustratedFirst-team All-Mid American Conference first-team pick and named MAC Offensive Player of the YearLed the team to a 9-3 record, as he led the nation and set school and conference season-records with 41 touchdown passes, topping the old school mark of 27 by Josh Harris in 2003 and the MAC mark of 39 by Marshall's Chad Pennington in 1999His 41 touchdowns are surpassed by only seven players in the history of NCAA Division 1-A football, ranking behind David Klingler of Houston (54 in 1990), B.J. Symons of Texas Tech (52 in 2003), Jim McMahon of Brigham Young (47 in 1980), Tim Rattay of Louisiana Tech (46 in 1998), Andre Ware of Houston (46 in 1989), Kliff Kingsbury of Texas Tech (45 in 2002) and David Carr of Fresno State (42 in 2001)Threw for 4,002 yards on 309 of 462 passesHis 4,002 yards set a school season-record, topping the previous mark of 3,813 yards by Josh Harris in 2003He also joined Byron Leftwich of Marshall (4268 in 2002 and 4132 in 2001) as the only players in Mid-American Conference history to throw for over 4,000 yards in a seasonHis pass completion percentage of 66.9 broke the previous Bowling Green record of 65.8% by Josh Harris in 2003Ranked third in the nation with a 165.47 passing efficiency ratingOnly Chad Pennington of Marshall (171.4 in 1999) and Ben Roethlisberger of Miami of Ohio (165.8 in 2003) had a better passing efficiency rating in a season by a MAC quarterbackHis 4,302 yards in total offense was the 17th-best season total in Division 1-A history and ranks third in MAC annals behind Harris (4643 in 2003) and Roethlisberger (4597 in 2003)Attempted 224 consecutive passes without an interception, tying the NCAA Division 1-A record first set by Matt Blundin of Virginia in 1991His four interceptions thrown was the lowest season total by a starting quarterback in school annalsAdded 300 yards and four scores on 95 carries (3.2 avg)Registered 218 of the team's 322 first downs for the season (200 passing, 18 rushing)His scrambling ability allowed him to escape the pass rush all year, as he was sacked only ten timesHis average of 358.5 yards per game in total offense ranked second in the nationThrew for at least 300 yards in 10 games and had at least four touchdown passes in eight contestsHad 44 of his 462 pass attempts deflected by the opposition.
2003 SEASON
Played in four games, serving as the back-up quarterback to Josh HarrisCompleted 19 of 28 passes (67.9%) for 345 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptionsCarried 18 times for 89 yards (4.9 avg) and two scoresAccounted for 14 first downs passing and six more rushing.
2002 SEASON
Redshirted as a freshman.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Atlantic Community (Delray Beach, Fla.) High School, playing football for coach Keith TillmanStandout quarterback who was named the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel and Boca News Offensive Player of the Year, adding Palm Beach County Amateur Athlete of the Year honorsSecond-team All-Florida pick, who also earned firs- team All-Conference and All-County accoladesNamed to the "Super 11 Squad" after he threw for 2,670 yards, completed 63 percent of his passes and connected on 28 touchdowns as a seniorGained more than 1,000 yards passing during the playoffs that year, helping the team to a regional championshipAlso lettered in basketball and baseballFirst-team All-County and All-Conference performer in baseballAlso excelled academically, being named to the Vocational National Honor SocietyNamed Rotary Student of the Month in 2001.
PERSONAL
Behavioral Science with an emphasis in Physical Therapy majorSon of Barbara Bean and Frank JacobsBorn Omar T. Jacobs on 3/03/84Resides in Delray Beach, Florida.
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CHARLES DAVIS
Tight End
Purdue University Boilermakers
6:06.0-260
Fraser, Michigan
St. Mary's High School
5th Round 167th Overall
OVERVIEW
Davis played in 49 career games for Purdue and made 33 startsFinished his career with 78 receptions for 865 yards (11.1 avg.) with four touchdownsHad most productive season as a junior, posting 34 catches for 416 yards with three touchdownsAlso played on the Boilermakers' basketball team.
2005 SEASON
Played in all 11 games for the Boilermakers, starting sevenFinished the season third on the team in receptions with 26 catches for 311 yards (12.0 avg.)...Had one touchdown on the season, a season-best 49-yard reception at Minnesota on Sept. 24Finished with five catches for 100 yards against the GophersTallied six catches (tied career high) for 84 yards in the win over Michigan State on Nov. 5...Was named to the John Mackey Award (nation's top tight end) Watch List prior to the season.
2004 SEASON
Named second team All-Big Ten by media and honorable mention by coachesAcademic All-District VAcademic All-Big TenAppeared in all 12 games, including eight startsFourth on team with 34 receptions for 416 yards (12.2 average) and three touchdownsCaught five passes for 47 yards vs. Ball State on Sept. 11Had two receptions for 60 yards, including 55-yarder, at Penn State on Oct. 9Caught first career touchdown pass from eight yards out vs. Wisconsin on Oct. 16Finished with career highs of six receptions and 74 yards at Northwestern on Oct. 30Had two catches for 68 yards, including career-long 61-yarder for a touchdown, vs. Indiana on Nov. 20.
2003 SEASON
Academic All-Big TenAppeared in all 13 games, including seven startsHad six receptions for 36 yards (6.0 avg.)Caught season-high two passes for 10 yards at Michigan on Oct. 25.
2002 SEASON
Appeared in all 13 games, including 11 startsHad 12 receptions for 102 yards (8.5 avg.)Caught a season-high three passes for 29 yards at Notre Dame on Sept. 7Equaled season high of three receptions for 27 yards vs. Indiana on Nov. 23.
2001 SEASON
Did not play.
HIGH SCHOOL
Ranked as No. 55 tight end nationally by Rivals.comRuptured tendon in finger limited him to four games as seniorCaught five passes for 75 yards (15.0 average)Team captainAs junior caught 23 passes for 317 yards (13.8 avg.) with three touchdownsPlayed for two state championship teams...Coach was George PorrittAlso played basketball...Academic all-state...Member of National Honor Society.
PERSONAL
Given name is Charles Suonne Davis Jr.Born March 13, 1983Organizational communication majorPlayed for Purdue men's basketball team upon return from 2004 Sun BowlAveraged 2.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 19 games off the benchNamed "Player you'd least want to meet in a dark alley" in poll of Big Ten players conducted by Champaign News-Gazette.
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MARVIN PHILIP
Center
University of California Golden Bears
6:01.0-307
Cameron Park, California
Oak Ridge High School
6th Round 201st Overall
OVERVIEW
Philip has been the anchor of Cal's offensive line the last two years and was largely responsible for the team producing a 2,000-yard rusher in 2004 (J.J. Arrington) and two 1,000-yard runners in 2005 (Marshawn Lynch, Justin Forsett)He was a welcomed addition to the team, having played with the Bears in 2000 before leaving for a Mormon Church mission that kept him away from the game of football for two yearsPhilip started on both sides of the ball at Oak Ridge High SchoolHe registered 60 tackles, including three sacks as a seniorPhilip earned Super Prep All-Far West honors as the No. 78 prospect in the region and also garnered first-team All-County recognition in 1999He was also a superb rugby player who earned team MVP accoladesPhilip enrolled at California in 2000, starting several games at center before he was sidelined late in the year by a knee injury, missing the final three contestsHe then left for a Mormon mission and did not return to the team until 2003 spring drillsHaving reclaimed his starting job in 2004, Philip earned All-American honors from Sports IllustratedHe registered 67 key blocks for an offense that averaged 492.42 yards per game, ranking fifth nationallyHe was named All-Pac 10 Conference in 2005 and was a finalist for the Rimington TrophyPhilip recorded 57 key blocks with twelve touchdown-resulting blocks as the team ranked ninth in the nation with an average of 235.25 yards per game rushing.
CAREER NOTES
Led the team in key blocks/knockdowns in each of his last two years, earning All-American recognition twiceWas twice a finalist for the Rimington Trophy, given to the nation's premier center.
2005 SEASON
All-American first-team selection by the Associated Press, earning third-team honors from The NFL Draft ReportAll-Pac 10 Conference first-team choiceFinalist for the Rimington Trophy, given to the best center in college footballNamed team MVPStarted every game at center, helping the offense rank ninth in the nation in rushing, averaging 235.25 yards per gameRated the best center in college football by The Sporting NewsPosted a team-high 57 key blocks/knockdowns.
2004 SEASON
Earned All-American honors from Sports IllustratedAll-Pac 10 Conference first-team choiceOne of seven finalists for the Rimington TrophyRecipient of the Brick Muller Award as Cal's Most Valuable Offensive Lineman...Led the team with 66 key blocks/knockdowns, paving the way for a team that ranked fifth in the nation in total offense (492.42 ypg), sixth in rushing (256.75 ypg) and seventh in scoring (36.75 ppg).
2003 SEASON
Bestowed the Bob Tessier Award as the team's most improved offensive lineman...After serving as Nolan Bluntzer's understudy at center for the first nine games, Philip reclaimed the starting job he held as a freshman before leaving on his mission, after Bluntzer suffered an ankle sprain, staring the final three contests...Led all Cal linemen in pancake blocks and knockdowns during the season (47).
2001-02 SEASONS
Served on a Mormon church mission.
2000 SEASON
Started several games as a true freshman, gained his first starting assignment just three games into his career at Fresno State...Also started vs. Arizona State.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Oak Ridge (Eldorado Hills, Cal.) High School, playing football for head coach Mark WatsonStarted on both sides of the ball, registering 60 tackles, including three sacks as a seniorEarned Super Prep All-Far West honors as the No. 78 prospect in the regionAlso garnered first-team All-County recognition in 1999Superb rugby player who earned team MVP accolades.
PERSONAL
American Studies majorSon of Luseane and John Philip...Born 2/03/82 in Redwood City, CaliforniaResides in Cameron Park, California.
*All information courtesy of www.steelers.com
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CEDRIC HUMES
Running Back
Virginia Tech
6.01.0-233
Virginia Beach, VA
Princess Anne High School
Career Stats:
Yaer Att. Yards Ave. TD's
2005 162 752 4.6 11
2004 130 605 4.7 5
2003 65 380 5.8 5
2002 16 68 4.3 0
Career 373 1,805 4.8 21 |
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Thursday, May 18, 2006
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Category: Sports
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STEELER QUOTES
"Now that I'm here, I don't want to just be here, I want to be here for a long time." Hines Ward, 1998 4th round draft pick.
"If that boy billionaire thinks he can shut me up, he should stick his head in a can of paint." Steelers announcer Myron Cope, after Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder sent someone into the broadcast booth during a game to tell Cope to stop referring to his team as the "Wash Redfaces" (2000).
"It's like what they said about the raptor in Jurassic Park - one of us gets your attention, the other one gets you." Greg Lloyd.
"Chuck and I hit it off the first day we met. We had an argument." Art Rooney.
"Who is Joe Namath? This is a guy who, if he played in the league today, I'd probably just go hit him late and see what he did, just for the hell of it. Joe Namath can go to hell; he can kiss my ass." Greg Lloyd, after NBC commentator Joe Namath accused Lloyd of playing dirty (1991).
"I am very aggressive and very physical. On the field I guess I am just plain mean." Jack Lambert.
"I want to bring back the pride and tradition long associated with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and more importantly, with the people of Pittsburgh." Bill Cowher.
"We're coming from everywhere. We play with 15 guys in the huddle. We have guys parachuting from airplanes, fans coming from out of the stands to help us go after people." Kevin Greene.
"I hated putting on that purple uniform, and I hated that raven bird. What really ticked me off is when we played Pittsburgh our whole stadium seemed to be filled with Pittsburgh fans." Tackle Orlando Brown, on playing in Baltimore for Art Modell's Ravens (1999).
"If I could start my life all over again, I would be a professional football player, and you damn well better believe I would be a Pittsburgh Steeler." Jack Lambert, 1990 HoF Introduction.
"Going after the QB is like playing king of the mountain. When you get the QB, you're on top of the mountain." Joe Greene.
"To be honest, the fans pay our bills. They pay my bills. They pay for my house and everything else. That's the best feeling in the world to come out and see 60,000 people at a football game." Lee Flowers, on what motivates him (1998).
"I believe the game is designed to reward the ones who hit the hardest. If you can't take it, you shouldn't play." Jack Lambert.
"He had no teeth, and he was slobbering all over himself. I'm thinking, 'You can have your money back, just get me out of here. Let me go be an accountant." I can't tell you how badly I wanted out of there." Denver rookie QB John Elway, on Jack Lambert, after Lambert and the Steelers knocked Elway out of his first game as a pro (1983).
"I'm not out there to pussyfoot or be your friend. I have a lot of friends around the league. But I don't know you when you're on the field. I play the game." Greg Lloyd
"They say that when you're the champs, everybody will try to beat you. Well, I'm glad we're champs, so bring 'em on, bring 'em all on. If we die, we ain't gonna die running. It's gonna be a fight." Joe Greene
"It's time to plant some seeds. What that means is, hit them in the mouth. Ya know, plant some seeds. Show 'em what time it is." Levon Kirkland
"The Steelers drafted guys who were bigger, stronger and faster than I, but they never found one who could take my job away from me." Jack Lambert
"The only thing I want to see different is that there were a lot of Steelers fans there, which is great for the Steelers, but this is our home." Mike Holmgren, Seahawks/Steelers Game (2003) |
IF YOU KNOW MORE POST 'EM!!!!!
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Wednesday, May 17, 2006
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Category: Sports
2006 NFL Draft- Day 1 draft results...
Category: Sports
FIRST ROUND
SANTONIO HOLMES
Wide Receiver
Ohio State University Buckeyes
5:10.5-189
Hollywood, Florida
McArthur High School
1st Round 25th Overall
OVERVIEW
Holmes has been a consistent deep threat for the Buckeyes since stepping into the starting lineup during the later stages of his redshirt freshman seasonHe is a fluid runner with the burst to get to top speed instantlyHe began his career as a flanker, but came into his own as a junior after shifting to split endHolmes was a three-year starter who helped Glades Central High School to state titles his sophomore and junior years and a 12-1 record his senior campaignHe had 33 receptions for 970 yards (29.3 avg) and 10 touchdowns during his final season (2005)Santonio was named the MVP of the Outback Steakhouse All-Star Game, after making five catches for 121 yards and a scoreHe also played in the California-Florida All-Star GameThe three-sport star also lettered in basketball and ran trackThe track team won the state title his junior year and the basketball team was runner-up his senior seasonHis 4x400 meter relay team won the state title his junior and senior yearsHolmes committed late to Ohio State in 2002He saw minimal action during the first half of the 2003 campaign before a season-ending injury to Drew Carter forced the staff to insert Santonio at flanker for the final four gamesHe responded with 32 catches for 549 yards (17.2 avg) and seven touchdowns, adding 30 yards on seven punt returns. Santonio started every game at flanker in 2004He led the team with 55 receptions for 769 yards (14.0 avg) and seven touchdowns, earning All-Big Ten Conference second-team honorsHe averaged 23.2 yards on eight kickoff returns and 10.7 yards on 20 punt returns with a scoreHe amassed 1,188 all-purpose yards and recorded a pair of solo tacklesHolmes collected first-team All-Big Ten honors as a juniorHe shifted to split end and again led the Buckeyes with 977 yards and 11 touchdowns on 53 grabs (18.4 avg)He totaled 141 yards on eleven punt returns (12.8 avg) and 239 yards on 11 kickoff returns (21.7 avg)Santonio also registered 1,357 all-purpose yards per gameIn 36 games at Ohio State, Holmes started 28 timesHe finished fifth in school history with 140 receptions for 2,295 yards and third with 25 touchdown grabsHe returned 38 punts for 385 yards (10.1 avg) and a score, adding 19 kickoff returns for 425 yards (22.4 avg)Santonio rushed three times for 18 yards and recorded three solo tacklesHe touched the ball 200 times during his career, gaining 3,123 all-purpose yards Is the cousin of Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor.
CAREER NOTES
Ranks fifth in school history with 140 receptions, topped only by David Boston (191, 1996-98), Cris Carter (168, 1984-86), Michael Jenkins (165, 2000-03) and Gary Williams (154, 1979-82)His 2,295 yards receiving rank behind Jenkins (2,898), Boston (2,855), Williams (2,792) and
Carter (2,725) on Ohio State's all-time record listHis 25 touchdown catches are surpassed only by Boston (34) and Carter (27) in school historyGained 3,123 all-purpose yards, becoming the 12th Buckeye to gain over 3,000 yards in a careerHad at least two receptions in 30 consecutive games.
2005 SEASON
All-Big Ten Conference first-team selectionShifted to split end, staring every gameLed the team with 53 receptions for 977 yards (18.4 avg) and eleven touchdownsOnly David Boston (1,436 in 1998), Terry Glenn (1,411 in 1995), Cris Carter (1,127), Michael Jenkins (1,076) and Dee Miller (981 in 1997) gained more yards receiving in a season for the BuckeyesHis 11 scoring grabs are topped only by Boston (14 in 1997 and 13 in 1998) and Glenn (17 in 1995) on the school's season-record listReturned 11 punts for 141 yards (12.8 avg) and 11 kickoffs for 239 yards (21.7 avg)Scored 66 points and amassed 1,357 all-purpose yardsGained over 100 yards receiving in the Michigan State, Indiana and Notre Dame (Fiesta Bowl) contests19 of his receptions were good for 20 yards or longer.
2004 SEASON
Second-team All-Big Ten Conference choiceStarted all year at flanker, leading the team with a career-high 55 receptions, good for 769 yards (14.0 avg) and seven touchdowns Rushed twice for 19 yards and scored 48 pointsReturned 20 punts for 214 yards (10.7 avg) and a scoreAdded 186 yards on eight kickoff returns (23.2 avg), finishing with 1,188 all-purpose yardsGained over 200 yards receiving vs. MarshallEight of his receptions were for 20 yards or longer.
2003 SEASON
Saw mop-up duty most of the season, but took over at flanker for the team's final four games when starter, Drew Carter, was lost for the season with a knee injuryFinished with 32 receptions for 549 yards and a team-high 17.2-yard average, producing seven touchdownsCarried once for a 1-yard loss, recorded a solo tackle and returned seven punts for 30 yardsHad nine catches for 20 yards or longer.
2002 SEASON
Redhirted as a freshman, performing on the scout team.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Glades Central (Belle Glade, Fla.) High School, playing football for head coach Willie BuenoThree-year starter who helped Glades Central to state titles his sophomore and junior years and a 12-1 record his senior campaignHad 33 receptions for 970 yards (29.3 avg) and ten touchdowns during his final seasonNamed the MVP of the Outback Steakhouse All-Star Game, after making five catches for 121 yards and a scoreAlso played in the California-Florida All-Star GameThe three-sport star also lettered in track and basketballThe track team won the state title his junior year and the basketball team was runner-up his senior seasonHis 4x400 meter relay team won the state title his junior and senior years.
PERSONAL
General Studies majorSingle, has two sons: Santonio III and Nicori...Son of Patricia Brown and Santonio Holmes, SrSecond cousin of Jacksonville Jaguars All-Pro running back Fred Taylor...Born 3/03/84Resides in Belle Glade, Florida.
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ANTHONY SMITH
Free Safety
Syracuse University Orange
5:11.4-192
Hubbard, Ohio
Hubbard High School
3rd Round 83rd Overall
OVERVIEW
Smith was an All-Midwest Region selection by Prep Star, adding first-team NEO Island All-District, All-Trumbull County and The Herald 22 honors as a senior and junior at Hubbard High SchoolHe was also named the team's Best Offensive Back during his final two seasonsAnthony had six interceptions, rushed for 1,787 yards and scored 29 touchdowns for an 11-1 team as a seniorHe posted 45 tackles, six interceptions, 10 pass break-ups and rushed for 1,475 yards and 26 touchdowns to garner All-State honors as a juniorOriginally recruited as a running back, Smith appeared in eight games as a reserve free safety for Syracuse in 2002He led the team's reserve unit with 31 tackles (18 solos), including two stops for losses and a fumble recoveryHe took over free safety duties full-time in 2003, ranking third on the squad with a career-high 106 tackles (68 solos)He recovered and caused a fumble, deflected three passes and intercepted five moreHe also proved to be a valuable special teams performer, blocking two punts and returning one for a scoreSmith was given second-team All-Big East Conference honors as a juniorHe again ranked third on the team with 85 tackles (49 solos) and caused a fumble while blocking three punts, returning one for a touchdownHe also had three interceptions, including one for a score and four pass break-upsAnthony earned first-team All-Big East honors as a senior, ranking third on the squad for the third consecutive season with 71 tackles (50 solos), adding three sacks and five stops for lossesHe deflected six passes, recovered three fumbles and caused two othersHe had six interceptions and blocked one kickIn 46 games at Syracuse, Anthony started 35 timesHe ranks third in school history among defensive backs with 293 tackles (185 solos), adding three sacks for minus 17 yards and eight stops for losses of 24 yardsHe recovered five fumbles and caused four othersAnthony ranks third in school annals with 14 interceptions for 171 yards in returns and a touchdownHe deflected 17 passes and set a school career-record with six blocked kicks, gaining 113 yards on returns with a pair of touchdowns.
CAREER NOTES
Recorded 293 tackles during his career, the third-best total by a Syracuse defensive back behind Donovin Darius (379, 1994-97) and Quentin Harris (327, 1998-2001)His 14 interceptions rank third in school history, topped only by Markus Paul (19, 1985-88) and Tommy Myers (18, 1969-71)Holds the school career-record with six blocked kicks, surpassing the previous mark of five, first set by David Tyree (1999-2002) and matched by Steve Gregory (2002-05).
2005 SEASON
All-Big East Conference first-team selectionStarted every game at free safety, coming up with 71 tackles (50 solos), three sacks for minus 17 yards and five stops for losses of 19 yardsRecovered three fumbles and caused two othersDeflected eight passes and had six interceptions for 73 yards in returnsAlso blocked a punt, recovering the ball for a 22-yard return.
2004 SEASON
All-Big East Conference second-team selectionStarted all year at free safety, finishing third on the team with 85 tackles (49 solos)Had a stop for a 2-yard loss and a forced fumbleDeflected four passes and intercepted three others for 62 yards in returns, including a touchdownBlocked three kicks for a total of 47 yards in returns, including a score.
2003 SEASON
Moved into the starting lineup at free safety, ranking third on the team with a career-high 106 tackles (68 solos), the sixth-highest total in a season for a Syracuse defensive backCaused and recovered a fumbleRanked third in the Big East Conference with five interceptions for 37 yards in returnsDeflected four passes and blocked two kicks, returning one for a score.
2002 SEASON
Played in every game, leading the special teams coverage units with 31 tackles (18 solos) and two stops for losses of 3 yardsRecovered a fumble and deflected a pass as a reserve free safety.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Hubbard (Oh.) High School, playing football for head coach Jeff BayukAll-Midwest Region selection by Prep Star, adding first-team NEO Island All-District, All-Trumbull County and The Herald 22 honors as a senior and juniorNamed the team's Best Offensive Back during his final two seasonsHad six interceptions, rushed for 1,787 yards and scored 29 touchdowns for an 11-1 team as a seniorPosted 45 tackles, six interceptions, ten pass break-ups and rushed for 1,475 yards and 26 touchdowns to garner All-State honors as a junior.
PERSONAL
Retail and Consumer Studies majorSon of Charlotte and Homer SmithBorn Anthony B. Smith on 9/20/83Resides in Hubbard, Ohio. Be sure to tune in to Team Pass today for live and archived coverage of the Steelers press conferences - including players and coaches press conference.
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WILLIE REID
Wide Receiver/Halfback/Return Specialist
Florida State University Seminoles
5:10.2-186
Kathleen, Georgia
Warner Robins High School
3rd Round 95th Overall
OVERVIEW
As a freshman, Reid arrived in Tallahassee as a tailback but was moved to receiver before breaking his leg and missing the entire 2001 seasonHe played tailback and earned playing time returning kickoffs during his redshirt freshman seasonThe following season, he moved back and forth from receiver to tailback while continuing to return kicksAs a junior, he earned most of his playing time at receiver, continued to return kicks and was thrust into the role of returning puntsReid nearly moved back to the running back position when the need for an experienced player at that position aroseDuring his final year, he finally became the team's full-time starter, performing at split end.He has, during his Seminole career, gained yards from four different positions in a single game numerous times during his careerReid was voted the Offensive Player of the Year in the state of Georgia as a senior at Warner Robins High SchoolHe was named to the All-Southern team by the Orlando Sentinel and earned a BorderWars.com top 100 selectionHe ran for 5,346 yards and scored 65 touchdowns during his outstanding prep careerReid gained 1,864 yards on the ground as a senior and rushed for over 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns his junior seasonHe was also a standout punt returnerReid selected Florida State over Georgia and FloridaHe appeared to have won a starting job as a true freshman in 2001, but suffered a fractured left fibula in August campHe was granted a medical hardship and was forced to sit out the seasonHe appeared in 10 games in 2002, missing three contests with a shoulder injuryReid carried 27 times for 130 yards (4.8 avg) and a touchdown, adding 37 yards on six catches (6.2 avg) and a 12-yard kickoff return as a redshirt freshman tailbackReid was on the field for every contest in 2003He rushed for 159 yards and two touchdowns (4.7 avg) and ranked fourth on the squad with 20 catches for 189 yards and a scoreHe also had three kickoff returns for 80 yards (26.7 avg)A sprained ankle in preseason and a pulled hamstring at midseason lingered throughout the year for Reid in 2004He shifted to the receiving unit, seeing action in 11 games as a reserveReid caught 15 passes for 186 yards (12.4 avg) and a touchdownHe gained 15 yards on a reverse and 67 yards on four kickoff returns (16.8 avg)Reid also averaged 13.7 yards on 38 punt returns, good for 522 yardsReid started 11 times at split end in 2005 and ranked second on the team with a career-high 50 receptions for 634 yards (12.7 avg) and a touchdownHe gained 145 yards on eight kickoff returns and 5 yards on a reverseHe ranked fourth in the nation with 31 punt returns for 541 yards (17.5 avg) and tied school season and career records with three runbacks for scoresIn 45 games, Reid started only 13 times for the Seminoles, but collected 91 catches for 1,046 yards (11.5 avg) and three touchdownsHe carried 53 times for 309 yards (5.8 avg) and three scores, adding 304 yards on 16 kickoff returns (19.0 avg)Reid holds the school career record with a 15.4-yard average on punt returns, the third-best career figure in Atlantic Coast Conference historyHe had 69 punt returns for 1,063 yards and three touchdownsHe touched the ball 239 times, gaining 2,722 all-purpose yards.
CAREER NOTES
One of only a handful of Seminoles to score touchdowns running, catching and returning the ballGained 1,063 yards on 69 punt returns, joining Deion Sanders (1,429 yards, 1985-88) as the only players in school history to gain over 1,000 yards in a careerHis 1,063 yards rank fourth in Atlantic Coast Conference annals behind Steve Suter of Maryland (1271, 2001-04), Ledel George of North Carolina State (1191, 1990-93) and Kelley Rhino of Georgia Tech (1135, 1999-2002)His punt return average of 15.4 yards broke the old school career record of 14.0 yards by Buddy Blankenship (1964-65) and placed him third in ACC annals behind Bobby Bryant of South Carolina (17.1 avg., 1964-66) and Fred Coombs of North Carolina State (15.5 avg., 1965- 67)His three punt returns for touchdowns in 2005 tied the school season-record first set by Joe Wessel in 1984 and equals the FSU career-record held by Wessel, Deion Sanders and Terrell Buckley (1989-91)He broke the school season record with 522 yards on punt returns in 2004, topping the old mark of 503 yards by Sanders in 1988 and Reid then broke his own season record by totaling 541 yards in 2005His 541 yards rank second in ACC history behind Steve Suter of Maryland (771 in 2002)He is the only player in Atlantic Coast Conference annals that gained over 500 yards in punt returns twice in a careerHis 180 yards on punt returns vs. Penn State in the 2006 Orange Bowl topped the previous ACC game-record of 167 yards by Don Kelley of Clemson vs. Maryland in 1970 and the old school mark of 159 yards by Leon Washington vs. Wake Forest in 2003.
2005 SEASON
Member of The NFL Draft Report's All-American Dream Team as a multi-purpose backStarted 11 games at split end, missing The Citadel and Boston College games and most of the season opener vs. Miami with a knee sprainStill managed to finish second on the team with 50 receptions for 634 yards (12.7 avg) and a touchdownRanked second in the Atlantic Coast Conference with an average of 5.0 catches per game and sixth with an average of 63.4 yards per game receivingGained five yards on a reverse and 145 yards on eight kickoff returns (18.1 avg)Led the conference and ranked fourth in the nation with 31 punt returns for a school season-record 541 yards and a school record-tying three touchdownsRanked second in the ACC with an average of 120.45 all-purpose yards per gameDid not fumble once and gained 100 yards receiving for the first time in his career vs. Virginia.
2004 SEASON
Played in 11 games as a reserve receiver, missing the Syracuse contest with a right hamstring pullGained 790 all-purpose yards as he ranked sixth on the team with 15 catches for 186 yards (12.4 avg), including a touchdown, adding 15 yards on a rushing attempt and 67 yards on four kickoff returns (16.8 avg)Ranked 19th in the nation with a 13.7-yard average on 38 punt returns for a school season-record (since broken by Reid in 2005) 522 yards, topping the previous mark of 503 yards by Deion Sanders in 1988Did not fumble the ball all season.
2003 SEASON
Played in every game, earning a start at tailback vs. VirginiaBegan the year at receiver, but moved to tailback after Leon Washington and Lorenzo Booker were injured early in the season...Also saw time as a kickoff returner...Carried 34 times for 159 yards (4.7 avg) and a pair of touchdownsRanked fourth on the team with 20 receptions for 189 yards (9.4 avg) and a scoreReturned three kickoffs for 80 yards (26.7 avg) and totaled 428 all-purpose yards on 57 touches (32.92 ypg).
2002 SEASON
Named the team's Most Improved Player by the coaching staffSpent the season as a running back and was the Seminoles' sixth leading rusher with 130 yards on 27 carries (4.8 avg.) with a touchdown while appearing in 10 gamesAlso caught six passes for 37 yards and returned one kickoff for 12 yards...Suffered a shoulder injury vs. Georgia Tech that would sideline Reid for the North Carolina, North Carolina State and Florida contests.
2001 SEASON
Redshirted as a freshman.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Warner Robins (Ga.) High School, playing football for head coach Richard FendleyVoted the Offensive Player of the Year in the state of Georgia as a senior Named to the All-Southern team by the Orlando Sentinel and earned a BorderWars.com top 100 selectionRan for 5,346 yards and scored 65 touchdowns during his outstanding prep careerGained 1,864 yards on the ground as a senior and rushed for over 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns his junior seasonWas also a standout punt returner.
PERSONAL
Graduated in December 2005 with a degree in Social Science majorBorn 9/19/82...Resides in Kathleen, Georgia.
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Tuesday, May 16, 2006
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 Steelers 2006 Schedule |
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* Times and TV network may change due to flexible scheduling |
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Tuesday, May 16, 2006
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Category: Sports
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Grade: C
What they did: Picked up two solid wide receiver prospects amongst their first three picks in Santonio Holmes and Willie Reid, and added some needed size and versatility at safety with Anthony Smith. They drafted a little bit of everything.
Woulda, coulda, shoulda: Bringing in some size and skill at cornerback might have been wise, but the Steelers passed on all the big, high-upside corners in this draft.
Why this grade: It's hard to argue against the selection of a polished and game-ready wideout like Holmes, especially with Antwaan Randle El now gone. Still, the Steelers have a hard time stopping the deep pass and they really could have used some of the cornerbacks who were available. They also didn't add any elite talent at any position, and final pick (RB Cedric Humes) isn't exactly a replacement for the retiring Jerome Bettis. It wasn't a stumble of a draft for the defendng Super Bowl champs, but it also wasn't exactly a winner either.
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