Merlin Olsen, NFL Hall of Famer tackle, died early Thursday at a hospital in Duarte, Calif. He was 69.
Olsen’s brother Orrin, announced his death and said he had been treated for mesothelioma, a deadly form of lung cancer. Olsen was also a longtime color commentator for NBC’s pro football and Rose Bowl telecasts, working along side Dick Enberg.
Olsen also acted on television in NBC’s “Little House on the Prairie” and in his own series, “Father Murphy.” (more…)
The NFL announced the 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees last weekend and, as always, a couple of names drew the most attention. Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith, two of the greatest players of all-time, headline the list of inductees along with Floyd Little, Dick LeBeau, Russ Grimm, Rickey Jackson and John Randle.
I’m especially happy for Floyd Little, who was up until this weekend the most deserving running back not in the Hall of Fame. Little was the first running back to win a NFL rushing title on a last-place team. He earned five Pro Bowl berths and was a versatile all-purpose player with more than 12,000 yards.
I actually have a personal connection to Little. He was the first professional athlete I ever met. He lived next door to my uncle, and one year when my family came out to Denver to go skiing, my uncle took me next door to meet him. This was during the peak of his career and he was larger-than-life to a 10 year old. I remember holding his trophies and getting his autograph. He’s an extremely nice man…. (more…)
I should have bet on the Super Bowl. After all, I did predict the New Orleans Saints would win, 24-20. I also wrote the Saints had a chance if they could protect Drew Brees. That’s pretty much what happened.
Brees has replaced Archie Manning as the city’s most popular sports figure. “Who Dat?” has just taken on a whole new meaning.
The Saints overcame a 10-point first-half deficit to defeat the favored Indianapolis Colts, 31 – 17. In so doing, the Saints won the Super Bowl for the first time in the team’s 43 year history and unleashed a celebration in New Orleans that’s going to last long beyond Mardi Gras… (more…)
After getting off to a slow start, Drew Brees went on to lead the New Orleans Saints to their first NFL World championship over the Indianapolis Colts 31-17. The Saints were down by 10 points but came back at the start of the third quarter with a gutsy onside kick that their coach Sean Payton called. (more…)
NFL star quarterbacks Drew Brees and Peyton Manning will face off this weekend on Super Bowl Sunday, February 7, 2010, in Miami Florida for the ultimate showdown. The big question everyone’s asking this week is “Who’s going to win the Super Bowl?”
Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints meets Peyton Manning of the Indiana Colts in the ultimate showdown on Super Bowl XLIV Sunday, February 7, 2010, in Miami Florida.”
It’s hard not to pick the Indianapolis Colts with Peyton Manning leading the charge. Manning is one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history with a record-setting four MVP awards and one Super Bowl title. Should he lead the Colts to victory this weekend, he may very well solidify himself as the greatest quarterback ever, past John Elway, Joe Montana and Dan Marino. Manning gives the Colts experience, leadership and poise that’s impossible to discount… (more…)
Tim Tebow, who won the Heisman Trophy in 2007 and led the University of Florida to two BCS championships, will attend the National Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, his agent reports.
Politico reports that when asked if he would be speaking at the breakfast, Tim Tebow’s agent, Susan Vanderlinde, said, “Yes, I believe he is.”… (more…)
I’ve been fortunate to have attended many great sporting events over the years. With the Super Bowl fast approaching, let’s take a look at the Top 10 events which I believe every avid sports fan should see in-person. (more…)
Focus on the Family, a conservative Christian organization that places emphasis on marriage and parenthood, has purchased an ad spot featuring Tim Tebow that will air on Super Bowl Sunday on Feb. 7th and some say the ad’s message is bound to spark controversy.
The Associated Press reported this week that the ad’s theme will be “Celebrate Family, Celebrate Life,” with Pam Tebow sharing the story of her difficult 1987 pregnancy — instead of getting an abortion she decided to give birth to Tebow, the now-famous quarterback who went on to become a Heisman Trophy winner, leading the Gators to two BCS wins.
Gary Schneeberger, Focus on the Family spokesman, told ABC News he couldn’t comment on the content of the ad. However, he said his organization has always viewed the Tebows as “strong, committed Christians” who have inspirational family stories to tell. (more…)
GLENDALE, AZ — After the Arizona Cardinals unprecedented 51-45 victory over the Green Bay Packers yesterday, rumors started circulating that Kurt Warner may retire next season.
Usually after winning every home game, Warner would celebrate with his family in the stands. However, last night he went back on the field and waved to the fans first. This gesture sparked rumors that Warner, who was already considering retirement, was saying goodbye to the fans. (more…)
The Super Bowl is the biggest single sporting event in the United States each year. It’s become an unofficial holiday and tens of millions of people tune in not only for the game but also the commercials, halftime musical performance and all the other revelry surrounding the game. Even non-sports fans become fans for a day around the Super Bowl. The upcoming game will be played in Miami, FL on Sunday, February 7, 2010.
Miami has been the host of The Super Bowl nine other times, starting with Super Bowl II in 1968 and most recently Super Bowl XLI in 2007. Miami seems to be favored often for the site of The Super Bowl because of their ideal weather conditions during the winter season along with a variety of outdoor activities that Miami offers its visitors. (more…)