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by Al-Hassan Sheriff 09-03-2011 06:10 PM
Athlete Weekly Rundown
29634 Views
Athlete Development
- Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and loved ones of former NHL player Wade Belak, who died on Wednesday. His death, the third from professional hockey since May, has many wondering if the NHL should remove fighting from the sport, just as the NFL has repealed much of the gratuitous violence in its sport to protect their players. [Deaths of NHL Players Raises A Deadly Riddle]
- One of my favorite quotes is “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.” The following reinforces why that statement holds value. For unsigned NFL players, also known as “street” free agents among GMs and coaches, it’s become increasingly important to be prepared, as the lockout and increased injuries have caused many teams to look their way. [Giants Pluck Cornerback From His Living Room]
- A famous cliché that is losing traction is that “an athlete knows their body better than anyone else." While many of today’s athletes are physical specimens, there are many illnesses and conditions that are not widely known. Tennis star Venus Williams discusses one such condition: Sjogren’s syndrome, a chronic autoimmune disease that she has battled for years. [Venus Williams Describes Fight With Fatigue]
- The New York Times recently released a video highlighting Men’s Tennis star (and my favorite player) Rafael Nadal’s amazing forehand, arguably his most dominating weapon on the courts. From one southpaw to another, enjoy. [Speed and Spin: Nadal's Lethal Forehand]
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by Al-Hassan Sheriff 08-31-2011 12:54 AM
Athlete Weekly Rundown
25005 Views
Athlete Development
- As many athletes—professional and amateur alike—are constantly searching for new ways to train, they must be careful not to injure themselves in the process. 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Justin Gatlin arrived at the World Championships with frostbite on his feet as a result of his personal training methods. [Justin Gatlin Dealing with Frostbite]
- Former Chiefs and Penn State running back Larry Johnson, who signed with the Miami Dolphins, must now prove he can both contribute and stay out of trouble. The following quote sums it up: “It's kind of hard to convince anybody with my colorful background that, yeah, I've changed. But you change with every situation you go through. You know that you can't get many more shots. You do the best you can with your opportunity and ride on out to the sunset." [Larry Johnson Signs with Dolphins]
Business
- For those of you aspiring to be the face of a franchise, please take into consideration factors other than your physical tools and knowledge of your sport. For example, your physical appearance may also be a factor. Ask No. 1 overall pick Cam Newton. [Cam Newton Told To Be Tattoo-Free]
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by Matthew Allinson 08-21-2011 11:57 PM
Athlete Weekly Rundown
34829 Views
Athlete Development
- Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you can reach the top. Aaron Rodgers' Super Bowl run is case in point. This article has excellent insight about an athlete having the allusive zone experience. After suffering his second concussion of the season and being forced to take some time off, Rodgers had this to say about last season: "So when I got an opportunity to get back to my preparation, get back to my football team, I just wanted to make the most of that and be a better leader, be more prepared, be a better practice player, so all that kicked in and I went on a run and the rest is history.” [Week off helped Rodgers see the light]
- Free agent wideout Terrell Owens recently told ESPN.com that he is healing ahead of schedule while preparing for the start of this NFL season. Owens, who once played in Super Bowl XXXIX seven weeks after breaking his fibula, must be fully healthy for any teams to have an interest in signing him. While teams seem weary of signing the 15-year vet, Owens is confident in his abilities and focused on proving all the doubters wrong: "This is another challenge for me. Another opportunity to show people that age is nothing but a number. You can do anything you put your mind and body to. I don't allow naysayers to deter me from my goal." [T.O. 'way ahead of schedule' in surgery rehab]
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Since NFL lockout rules prohibited contact between players and team personnel, many rookies and veteran players could not learn their new offensive and defensive assignments, especially on teams that had significant coaching changes. Yet, Browns starting QB Colt McCoy thought outside the box by spending the offseason learning about the West Coast offense from future Hall of Famer Brett Favre. It's always smart to find mentors who have tons of experience and success to guide you through your athletic development. [
Brett Favre tutored Colt McCoy]
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by Al-Hassan Sheriff 08-13-2011 07:48 PM
Athlete Weekly Rundown
108920 Views
Athlete Development
- Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald recently allowed Yahoo! Sports the chance to see a glimpse of his unusual, but highly effective training techniques. The All-Pro wideout incorporates track and field, plyometrics and other training styles into his routine. While they are intense, the numbers don’t lie: according to NFL.com, Fitzgerald has totaled more than 600 receptions and 8,000 yards to go with 65 TDs since 2004. Oh, and he’s only missed four games and fumbled a whopping five times during that same span. [Larry Fitzgerald: Elite Athlete of the Week]
- If all QBs aren’t created equal, then why should they continue to be graded as if they are? This week, ESPN launched a new QB rating system. Led by former NFL QB and Super Bowl XXXV champ Trent Dilfer, ESPN’s Total Quarterback Rating (TQR) measures the overall effectiveness of a team’s signal-caller. My opinion: this new rating will be a major upgrade from the current QB Rating. TQR accounts for other factors besides yards, touchdowns and interceptions: decision-making, how many sacks a QB takes, 3rd & 4th down conversions and more. If ESPN’s TQR becomes a hit on Monday Night Football, expect it to trickle down to other NFL broadcast providers (Fox, CBS) and perhaps the NCAA. [Total Quarterback Rating Shifts the Way We See the Position]
- On the ESPN program, Outside The Lines, the subject of high school 7-on-7 football leagues was discussed. These summer leagues, similar to summer clubs track and field or AAU basketball, are becoming more prevalent. The collegiate governing body and high school coaches are concerned that these leagues may become opportunities for major NCAA violations. While the benefit for a high school athlete would be more chances for development and exposure, the cost for the NCAA, as well as high coaches, appears too steep, as agents, scouts and other individuals affiliated with college football programs may use these teams as illegal pipelines. [7-on-7 High School Football Draws Scrutiny of NCAA, High School Coaches Over Fears of Third Party Influence]
- Washington Nationals pitching phenom Stephen Strasburg had such a great start to his career last season: his starts were so good for an underperforming Washington squad that they were named “Strasmas." Yet, unfortunately the pitching holiday season, and Strasburg’s, were cut short when the rookie suffered an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery. Now, the human strikeout film himself started his 1st rehab start in 11 months. The former No. 1 overall pick appeared sharp, striking out four and allowing one run in 1 and 2/3 innings of work for the Class A Hagerstown Suns. While he has yet to return to the majors, a lot of credit is due to the Nationals for being patient and making sure their ace of the future is fully healed before returning. [Stephen Strasburg Looks Sharp In Return]
- With the NFL becoming the 1st of the “Big Four” American sports to have random testing for HGH, a popular new drug may make the testing more difficult to track. Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), a chemical found in deer antlers, has been used for healing by ancient Asian cultures. While the chemical is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency and all major sports, it’s one form of HGH that is currently untraceable by the tests administered by MLB, and those soon to be implemented by the NFL. While the HGH testing included in the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement was a step in the right direction, IGF-1 may have pushed its impact back a couple of steps. [Deer Antler Supplements Might be a Major Challenge for Pro Sports' Drug Policies]
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by Al-Hassan Sheriff 08-06-2011 04:04 PM
Athlete Weekly Rundown
110164 Views
Athlete Development
- As the majority of the country faces an unusual heat wave, several football players and coaches from high school and college teams have died due to heat-related conditions. Yet, many athletic physicians and medical professionals have openly stated that many of these tragedies are preventable, regardless of the temperature increase. [Experts: Heat Deaths Are Preventable]
- In his prime, Patriots DT Albert Haynesworth was arguably the most dominant defensive lineman in the NFL. However, his failed season with the Washington Redskins—marred with holdouts, failed conditioning tests and gross underperformance—left many fans and pundits wondering if his better years are behind him. So far, Haynesworth has impressed coaches and observers at Patriots camp and appears motivated to an All-Pro-caliber season. [Albert Haynesworth Looks to Restore Name]
- This week the NFL officially ratified its collective bargaining agreement, thus completely ending the labor talks between the owners and newly-recertified NFLPA. Included within the 10-year CBA was testing for HGH, making the country’s most popular sport the first of the four major leagues to take such a stance. While the NFL has taken precautions for player safety, with increased rules on concussions, fewer two-a-day practices, HGH testing could possibly reduce NFL athletes from using these substances, which are used to quickly heal from injury. [Source: HGH Test Part of CBA]
- Eagles DT Mike Patterson was informed that he may need to undergo surgery for a brain condition, a day after being hospitalized for having a seizure at training camp practice. The seven-year veteran was diagnosed with arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a condition that affects the blood flow or certain blood vessels near the brain. Eagles athletic trainer said AVM is not a football-related injury. Patterson will receive a second-opinion on diagnosis, but his timetable to returning to the Eagles is uncertain. [Eagles DT Patterson Could Require Surgery for Brain Condition]
Business
- “When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.” Excuse the cliché, but in the case of former Michigan State basketball player Delvon Roe, it’s fairly accurate. After several knee injuries forced him to abandon his once likely dream of the NBA, he pursued an acting career, which recently landed him a role in an independent film. Now, as he prepares for his final season at Michigan State, the 25-year old also much decide whether to pursue his first passion, or his promising new career. [When Basketball Ends, Spartans' Roe Preparing for Next Act]
- Milwaukee Bucks star Brandon Jennings is living the good life, and it has nothing to do with pro basketball. Sort of. The rising young star is in the midst of an sports marketing internship with athletic apparel company Under Armour, the same company who signed him to an endorsement deal to be its ambassador for their new basketball line. With the NBA lockout shaping to be a lengthy one, the 21-year old is taking advantage of the opportunity to gain valuable work experience. That and access to his boss’ tricked-out jeep. [Jennings Lands Perk-Filled Internship]
- Now that the NFL is finally open for business again, many folks are feeling the fast and furious rush of cramming nearly four months of free-agent deals, trades, workouts and preparation in half the time. NFL players, coaches and other employees are trying their best to adjust to the crunch. What about those who provide services to these individuals? Our friend Chris Dingman is the head of The Dingman Group, a company that specializes in relocating pro athletes and their families who have been traded or have signed with other teams. With so much wheeling and dealing this offseason, The Dingman Group is as busy as ever. [A Busy Time of Year]
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by Al-Hassan Sheriff 07-29-2011 06:42 PM
Athlete Weekly Rundown
107521 Views
Athlete Development
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is on a short list of the greatest NBA players of all time, and one would think most folks looking to improve their basketball skills and IQ would heed the Hall of Famer’s advice. Enter former No. 1 overall pick, Michael Olowokandi. The NBA all-time career scorer still harbors some frustration with the former Los Angeles Clippers center, claiming the “Kandi man” was “a player who fits the description of ‘talented but uncoachable’” after his coaching stint with the Clippers. [Kareem Abdul Jabbar says a former NBA first round pick can’t take constructive criticism]
- After a breakout season with the Houston Texans, NFL rushing-leader Arian Foster answers questions about his journey from being an undrafted rookie in 2009, to becoming one of the league’s premiere running backs. [Q&A with Texans Pro Bowler Arian Foster]
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by Matthew Allinson 05-20-2011 11:38 PM
Athlete Weekly Rundown
42808 Views
Athlete Development
- Inspiring story about Michael Jasper, 7th round draftee for the Buffalo Bills. The 6-foot-5 nose tackle, who now weighs in the 370-pound range, has such a positive attitude and hunger to succeed. I really look forward to seeing him on the field soon (after the lockout ends of course). [Jasper overcomes enormous odds on journey to NFL]
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by Matthew Allinson 02-01-2011 10:40 PM
Athlete Weekly Rundown
36689 Views
Athlete Development
- The adventures of former Va Tech standout Zabian Dowdell as he tries to survive the NBA's 10-day contract. [10 Days To Live]
Business
- Ngum Suh is the director of operations for the Ndamukong Suh Family Foundation and is also responsible for handling her little brother's business ventures, appearances and nonfootball related activities. [Sister leads 'Team Suh']
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by Matthew Allinson 01-25-2011 12:24 AM
Athlete Weekly Rundown
22067 Views
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by Matthew Allinson 01-18-2011 12:41 AM
Athlete Weekly Rundown
34333 Views
Athlete Development
Business
- The NFL's Outside Counsel gives a rundown of the status of negotiations with the NFLPA. Whether you agree with the League's positions or not, this is a fantastic read for those who are interested in labor law. [Transcript of Bob Batterman interview with AP]
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