QB Weekender

I’ve been a little slack on my posting this week, but I have a good excuse.  This is my birthday week and I have been on vacation (and otherwise celebrating).  I did a little research for this “birthday” post and it turns out that Virgo is an unpopular zodiac sign for today’s NFL quarterbacks.  Other unloved signs are Gemini, Leo, Scorpio, and Pisces.  Hmmm…why do you think that is?  Below are the more popular ones and what that sign “might” say about them.  Now excuse me while I go polish my dancing shoes – it’s party time!

 

NFL QUARTERBACK BIRTHDAYS

 

ARIES (March 21 – April 19): Pioneer, assertive

(St. Louis Rams) Marc Bulger’s birthday is April 5, 1977

 

TAURUS (April 20 – May 20): Practical, sensual

(Chicago Bears) Jay Cutler’s birthday is April 29, 1983

(Atlanta Falcons) Matt Ryan’s birthday is May 17, 1985

(Dallas Cowboys) Tony Romo’s birthday is April 21, 1980

 

CANCER ( June 21 - July 22): Intuitive, emotional

(Arizona Cardinals) Kurt Warner’s birthday is June 22, 1971

 

LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 22): Artistic, diplomatic

(Minnesota Vikings) Brett Favre’s birthday is October 10, 1969

(Seattle Seahawks) Matt Hasselbeck’s birthday is September 25, 1975

 

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21): Philosophical, broad-minded

(Green Bay Packers) Aaron Rodger’s birthday is December 2, 1983

(Philadelphia Eagles) Donovan McNabb’s birthday is November 25, 1976

 

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19): Cautious, hardworking

(Carolina Panthers) Jake Delhomme’s birthday is January 10, 1975

(New Orleans Saints) Drew Brees’s birthday is January 15, 1979

(Tampa Bay Buccaneers) Byron Leftwich’s birthday is January 14, 1980

(New York Giants) Eli Manning’s birthday is January 3, 1981

(Washington Redskins) Jason Campbell’s birthday is December 31, 1981

(San Francisco 49ers) Shaun Hill’s birthday is January 9, 1980

 

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18): Individualistic, altruistic

(Detroit Lions) Daunte Culpepper’s birthday is January 28, 1977

Terry Bradshaw

In my circle of friends, we use the term “Outback wings” to describe anything that receives so much hype that the reality can’t live up to it.  This expression came about because a few of us have deep respect for the chicken wings at Outback Steakhouse.  And why shouldn’t we?!  They are well seasoned, crunchy, not greasy, and meaty.  I DO NOT care what anybody says, Outback makes some great wings!  The fact that I expressed this opinion so admittedly has made some of my friends insist that those very yummy wings are merely average.  I don’t know what it is about something being anointed “great” or “the best” that just makes people want to scrutinize it more.

This is definitely the case in football too.  Terry Bradshaw was the first player selected in the 1970 NFL draft.  Usually this tends to bring on the “Outback wings” syndrome and the player never really lives up to the hype.  I can think of numerous examples of this but the one that is sticking out at the moment is Courtney Brown.  Brown was the first pick of the 2000 NFL draft.  This was the same year Tom Brady was drafted #199.  Brown was plagued by injury his entire career and was ultimately cut from the Denver Broncos in 2007.  Terry Bradshaw on the other hand, lived up to every expectation (and then some).  He won four Super Bowls while quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers.  He was a two-time Super Bowl MVP and obviously he resides in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  Now maybe the story of a #1 draft pick becoming a hall of famer lacks the kind of dramatic tension we like in the movies, but sometimes the obvious answer is the best answer.

This brings me to the top mentioned “best gift” story from women – the spa day.  Sure it seems SO obvious, but that doesn’t change the fact that most women really enjoy the pampering.  I can’t express how important it is the keep your woman relaxed.  As the expression goes, “If Mama’s not happy, nobody’s happy.”  Trust me – a spa day is a gift for both of you.  You’re the quarterback; I’m just here to protect you.

QB Weekender

You know what time it is!  This weekend’s question: Who would make the best NFL crossover player?  If you feel up to the challenge – put your pick in the comments.  Adding a position and/or team selection is extra credit.

 

USAIN  BOLT: Track & Field

DWIGHT HOWARD: Basketball

ALEX OVECHKIN: Hockey

DAVID “BIG PAPI” ORTIZ: Baseball

QUINTON “RAMPAGE” JACKSON: Mixed Martial Arts

Jim Nance

These aren’t just players; these are people. 

One of my oldest friends recently brought to my attention the Patriots Hall of Fame induction of Jim Nance.  Nance was a two-time AFL All-Star.  He was the first player to eclipse the 1,400 yard mark in a single Patriots’ season.  He also still holds the highest yard per game average in Patriots’ history – a record he has held for 43 years.  These are amazing accomplishments and there is no doubt that Nance has meant a lot to the Patriots.  Jim Nance won’t be at the induction ceremony today.  He passed away in 1992.  His family will be there instead.  Football is a way of life, but it isn’t life.  Often we forget that after the big plays are over – these men are sons, husbands, and fathers.  I salute Jim Nance today for all he accomplished – on and off the field.

I feel very fortunate to still have my father’s presence, guidance, and laughter in my life.  We recently shared a chuckle over his “best gift ever” story.  My father grew up in Southwestern Virginia.  Following family harvests, he was often promised a bicycle.  When it didn’t arrive after a few years, he simply gave up and assumed it would never come.  One day, he arrived home from school and found a brand new bicycle sitting in front of the family store.  You have to hear how he tells the story – even after all this time.  “Oh man, it was nice!  It had everything – chrome and tassels!”  He even likened it to the iconic bicycle in the movie “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure.”  My father’s mother died when he was nine years old so it is amazing that he found so much joy from events that took place only a short time afterwards.  In the true spirit of giving, he passed on his bike to a cousin when the family moved to New York City. 

Men might not be as emotional as women, but the passion my father had around this story tells me that a great gift affects everyone the same.  If you can, drop everything and go ask your father what his best gift ever was.  There is no time like the present!  Besides, it might give you some additional insight.  You’re the quarterback; I’m just here to protect you.

Dan Marino

I’m all for swimming with dolphins, but sting rays?!  Isn’t that what killed “The Crocodile Hunter”?  I like a little water excitement, but I draw the line at swimming with sting rays or sharks.  I really don’t want to swim with anything living in the water unless it is a dolphin.

People love dolphins, but they have always struck me as a strange sports name.  The Miami Dolphins are the home of Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino.  This is the guy who has held the most passing yards in a season record for 25 years!  Seems like he deserves a stronger team name than the “Dolphins”.  Don’t get me wrong, they are super cute.  It’s just that cute is not what I think of for football names.  How would you feel about the Green Bay Bunnies or the Philadelphia Puppies?

Still, I got four different stories about swimming with the dolphins being someone’s best gift ever.  This makes me think I need to try it!  When I think of all the stories I received, more were about experiences than actual gifts.  Giving an experience allows the recipient the opportunity to hold on to memories long after the value of an item has faded.  I’m not going to lie – big experiences usually don’t come cheap.  Here is a list of the one’s I have received, plus some ideas of my own.  I’d be happy to help if you want to do any of these and need help figuring out some of the details.  You can always reach me at giftqb@yahoo.com.  You’re the quarterback; I’m just here to protect you.

BIG TICKET EXPERIENCE IDEAS

1. Swimming with the dolphins
2. Helicopter ride
3. Adult space camp
4. Bungee jumping
5. Hot air balloon ride
6. White water rafting
7. Skydiving
8. Stock car racing
9. Snorkeling/scuba diving
10.  Horseback riding

QB Weekender

Ok, it’s time for a weekender!  This week we’re focusing on “pimp suits”.  Pimp suits are extra customized, sometimes extra colorful, and in the minds of those wearing them – extra fly.

If there was a Super Bowl of NFL pimp suits, that game would be a battle between former players turned commentators Deion Sanders and Michael Irvin.  Who do you think wins?

 

Deion Sanders

 

Michael Irvin

Vince Lombardi

Seven Things Vince Lombardi Quotes Can Teach You About Gift Giving?

1. “Show me a good loser, and I’ll show you a loser.”  Don’t just be ok with giving crappy gifts.  Step up your gift hustle!

2. “The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have.”  It doesn’t have to be expensive, just make it good.  Here are some ideas.

3. “I firmly believe that any man’s finest hour, the greatest fulfillment of all that he holds dear, is that moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle – victorious.”  Ugggh…get her some lingerie.

4. “Fatigue makes cowards of us all.”  This sounds like someone needs a spa day!

5. “Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence.”  I already told you – get over yourself and give some dance lessons.

6. “The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall.”  Have you committed some gift unforgiveable crimes? Keep your head up and keep trying.

7. “Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.”  This is why I’m here for you – giving you my best thoughts and suggestions.  You’re the quarterback; I’m just here to protect you.

John Madden

I don’t know what’s worse, imagining someone making this game or imagining someone buying this game!  Either way, “John Madden” and “strip poker” are two things that really should never go together.  Madden has had a Hall of Fame career coaching the Oakland Raiders, followed by an iconic sports casting presence, and of course his infamous video game branding.  Luckily, the game pictured above comes from a rejected video spoof.  The real Madden NFL series is not only a best seller; it is a reality TV show where participants play in Madden video game championships.  I’ve watched that show on the edge of my seat!  No really, I’m just kidding but it was interesting to watch.  Those guys were SERIOUS about that video game.  It was just like when I used to play Duck Hunt.

I got a number of best gift stories that were about someone’s first video game system.  Here are some of the ones mentioned.  Don’t throw these away if you find them in your parent’s attic!  They can be worth something to collectors (depending on the condition).  You’re the quarterback; I’m just here to protect you.  Now enjoy the walk down memory lane.

 

OLD SCHOOL VIDEO GAME SYSTEMS 

Commodore 64

Atari

ColecoVision

IntelliVision

Ninetendo

 Sega Genesis

Joe Gibbs

Are you ready for some football??!!  I sure am!  I can not remember a time when I have been so excited to watch a preseason game.  Last night’s “Hall of Fame” game between the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans allowed me my first taste of this year’s NFL season.  In this game, I caught a peek of the Trent Edwards and Terrell Owens chemistry (looks promising) and Vince Young throwing for a touchdown (yes, he also threw an interception but I’d rather look on the bright side).  There was something rare about watching this game, but I couldn’t put my finger on it until now.

Living in the DC metro area, you get to see a lot of the Redskins.  I have never been a Redskins fan, but I may know more about them than I know about my own team (the Cowboys).  This was a little more interesting during the Joe Gibbs’ era.  There was something about Joe Gibbs’ presence that made me feel like I actually knew him.  Some coaches just have that personal quality (like Tony Dungy) and others definitely seem more like distant sports personalities (like Bill Parcells).  Neither style is right or wrong, but I’d definitely rather live next door to Gibbs than Parcells.  And like it or not, I had to live through Gibbs’ Hall of Fame career because Washington channels don’t give you any other choice.

If you don’t have Direct TV, you are stuck watching whatever games are available in your market.  For me that means I am watching the Redskins or Baltimore when my favorite team and/or fantasy quarterback are playing in other games.  It really sucks!  Every year, I wonder aloud if I should get rid of my cable (which works great) and switch to satellite just to gain access to every game through NFL Ticket.  I ponder it all year long, but ultimately don’t do anything.  One great gift story sent to me recently explained how one man’s wife gave him the NFL Ticket as a birthday present.  Like me, they already had cable.  She had to call the cable company and cancel the service.  Disconnect and drop off all the cable boxes (and remotes).  Call Direct TV and schedule an appointment.  Make sure she timed things right so there would be minimal TV access downtime.  Be home to get set up for Direct TV.  Be home another day when it wasn’t working correctly and it had to be fixed.  Then she had to actually pay for the NFL Ticket package.  Finally, she put a green and yellow bow (he is a Packers fan) around the remote and gave the gift to her husband.  Lucky for her, he was on work travel the week she accomplished all this, otherwise it would be really hard to surprise someone.  Needless to say, he came home super surprised and very grateful.  He said this was hands down the nicest (and most useful) thing anyone had ever done for him.  So think about doing this for a sports fan you love (maybe even yourself).  You’re the quarterback; I’m just here to protect you.

QB Weekender

Here’s your dose of weekend fun!  Check out these cool tricks from NFL.com Fantasy Files.  Let me know which one you think is the best.  My vote is for Chris Chambers.  And remember not to try this yourself (especially the Maroney trick).  It’s the weekend, but let’s NOT get crazy!

 

 

THE TRICKS

Chris Cooley (Washington Redskins): Breaking down walls

Jason Campbell (Washington Redskins): Double play

Marques Colston (New Orleans Saints): Back breaking

Marc Bulger (St Louis Rams): Hitting target

Chris Chambers (San Diego Chargers): Three-peat

Mason Crosby (Green Bay Packers): Ringing the bell

Laurence Maroney (New England Patriots): Jumpin for clunkers