Greatness or Green Bay ... what do you think?

FINAL UPDATE: The guys over at MidwestSportsFans.com were skeptical too, so they reached out to the Packers organization to verify Tiki’s claim … and this is what they found:

Update 2/6/11: The Packers’ Assistant Director of PR and Corporate Communications had the following to say: “There’s nothing in our history that suggests there’s any truth to this. The Packers Hall of Fame archivist said the same thing.”

So that should put an end to that debate.

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Media Day at the Super Bowl rarely delivers any real groundbreaking information, but with thousands of media personalities from all over the world on-hand looking for every angle imaginable, occasionally you find out something new and interesting. And here’s one I bet you didn’t know, courtesy of our old friend Tiki Barber.

According to this video report filed to Yahoo by Barber on Tuesday, the “G” in the Green Bay Packers logo actually stands for “greatness” … not “Green Bay”, like most of us probably assumed. Watch here as Tiki quizzes the Packers players on their team’s history as a ploy to deliver this surprising piece of info:

Cool, huh? The story has taken the internet by storm this week, with blogs and websites everywhere fascinated by this newfound bit of NFL trivia.

The only problem is, it probably isn’t true. In doing a little bit of research, there seems to be no legitimate source to back up Tiki’s claim anywhere online. Nothing from Brashier, who created the logo, and nothing on record from Lombardi … nothing from any reputable news source that suggests the “G” actually stands for “Greatness”. Every single reference to this on the web has shown up recently, and leads back to either Tiki or Wikipedia. And it’s not like there hasn’t been enough research and documentation of the Packers team history over the years. Were it true, we probably would have heard about this before now, don’t you think?

After doing some more digging, it appears that the Packers Wikipedia page was edited on July 7, 2010 to include the “Greatness” reference. In looking at the history of the user who made the change, you can see that the same person edited the Wikipedia page for the Minnesota Vikings on June 25 to read: “The Vikings have never won a Super Bowl, therefore, they suck!” So it’s clear that this guy is a Green Bay fan … and probably not the most credible source on the planet.

UPDATE: The guys over at PackersUniforms.com – who I would expect to be experts on the subject –  are shooting down Tiki’s claim too. And we’re putting out the call. If anyone out there has any evidence that supports the idea that the “G” stands for Greatness, please post it in the comments section.

UPDATE #2: The Packers’ Wikipedia page has now been updated with Barber as the source of the “Greatness” reference, which would appear to be circular since he got it from Wikipedia in the first place. And if you look at the Wikipedia discussion of this entry, this “fact” is certainly still in dispute.

Some have suggested that it was originally Lombardi’s idea. And while I can easily envision Lombardi telling his players that the “G” on their helmets stands for “Greatness”, that was most likely a motivational tactic rather than a factual statement about the design of the logo. Without any more credible support, this could at best be categorized an urban myth.

This is the "journalist" we're trusting on this info? (Image: NBC)

Knowing Tiki’s journalistic integrity, which was fostered in the trenches of the Today Show (and CBS New York’s morning show before that), I can’t help but wonder if he just took the Wikipedia entry – created by a hopped-up cheesehead – as fact, and decided to flaunt his little nugget of info around media day like he had really discovered something great here.

C’mon Tiki. Really? Has it come to this? I mean, we all know that your post-NFL TV career has been a monumental flop, but have we really resorted to Wikipedia factoids for our stories? That’s bush. That is bush league. And I hope I’m wrong … maybe some Packers historian will come forward to support Barber’s story. But until that happens, let’s just say that I’ll elect not to trust the “research” of the guy pictured above.

Feel like starting over again? Me neither. (Source: gridironfans.com)

In a season where four NFL head coaches have been fired heading into Week 17, it doesn’t look good for Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini.

There was a sense midseason that the tenuous connection between president Mike Holmgren and Mangini could work — and should be forced to work — after the Browns consecutively dismantled the New Orleans Saints and New England Patriots, only to lose to the hyped-up New York Jets by a hair.

All the talk about Holmgren’s coaching roots not jiving with the Belichick/Parcells tree seemed half-baked, as the team was suddenly worth three hours of your Sunday. For a shimmering moment, the Browns were the team nobody wanted to face.

Problem is, down the stretch, the same Browns team that had played far beyond expectation during a brutal stretch in the schedule — led by galvanizing rookie quarterback Colt McCoy — dissembled against soft opponents when McCoy became the third starting passer this season to suffer a high ankle sprain. Jake Delhomme took over, the offensive line took some hits, and the attack never recovered.

Had the Browns stayed relatively healthy after the Patriots win, and polished off the few teams they were favored against, Holmgren would have nothing to point to in firing Mangini. This is a coaching staff that’s enthused large segments of the Browns’ faithful — downtrodden fans who’ve watched this team closely since its return in 1999, and finally see signs of progress.

Colt McCoy, the first legitimate quarterback prospect in Cleveland since Bernie Kosar, could be a factor in Holmgren's coaching decision. (Source: Cleveland.com)

Some feel that losses to Buffalo and Cincinnati rightfully marked the end of Mangini by giving Holmgren something to hang his hat on in making a change.

If Holmgren is truly committed to playing the role of president and not, at some stage, coach of the Browns, it’s hard to imagine that those losses, taken in context, mean much of anything.

Holmgren sees that Mangini and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan have gotten this Browns team to fight to the end in nearly every game this season. Cleveland’s garnered — for the first time since Reagan was in office — respect around the league with its gritty style of play, despite a poor talent base.

When McCoy plays the Steelers for the second time this season, it will mark the first time under Mangini that the same quarterback has faced a division opponent more than once.

Bottom line: Mangini, perhaps to his discredit, has been saddled with some of the worst NFL quarterbacks around (read: Derek Anderson, Brady Quinn, Delhomme), and still managed to keep games close. In McCoy, the Browns feel they have something special.

But it’s McCoy’s emergence that might work against Mangini. Holmgren lives to develop quarterbacks. His (to be fair, distant) reputation for doing so does not come without its fair share of ego and need for control.

Holmgren has shown poise and grace as president of the Browns, and he has done a tremendous job in adding value to a previously floating franchise, but not unlike that ever-drunk friend you have — who, despite promises of sobriety, is guaranteed to show up hammered and surly to your wedding, despite his intentions — Holmgren is fighting, utterly struggling, against the urge to dispatch the entire coaching staff and take over. Screw this president thing — GET ME THE HEADSET.

I wonder what was floating through Holmgren’s mind watching McCoy out-chess-match Tom Brady on the field, only to trot off to visit with — Brian Daboll.

These days, Holmgren spends portions of his week deciding what concessions will be sold at the stadium — while the coaching staff down the hall holds the fate of his team in their hands.

Had McCoy not hit the scene with such verve — and had the season plodded along with the excruciating Delhomme under center — Mangini would likely be swept out of town with full support from the fanbase.

Now, with the quarterback piece perhaps in place, Holmgren’s left questioning: do I trust anybody but myself with this kid?

None of this bodes well:

“One of my greatest challenges is I’m up there, and … I try not to get too boisterous up there,” Holmgren told reporters in November. “You’ll see things and you’ll go, ‘Aw, gee.’ That’s the coach in me talking and I apologize for that right now. Whether it’s Rob Ryan, who’s a wonderful coach, they’re fine coaches, but when we start moving around on defense and do all of those things, it drives me crazy, but it works. I’m not used to that. This first year in many ways, I’m getting used to a certain style, if you will. I do not question their work ethic and how hard they’re trying to get this done. They are working very hard at this.”

And this:

“I’m doing okay. Does it sound like I want to coach? No, I’m doing okay,” Holmgren said. “The challenge of this is really something for me and I’m enjoying the challenge.  I’d be less than honest if I didn’t say I get fired up watching the games, I mean I did that for too long not to react sometimes the way I do, but I also recognize what I was hired to do and that’s what I’m trying to do.”

Followed by this enigmatic gem:

“I made a promise and I’m going to stick with it. Now, if I keep wearing a suit or not, we’ll see,” he said, adding: “You are catching me at a weak moment. I just came off vacation (joking). I love coaching. I am doing what I am doing now and that’s what I plan to be doing. My commitment is to get the Browns going in the right direction and having people feel good about their football team in my role as the president. When I talk to Randy (Lerner) honestly about those things, I am being honest about it. Right now, that’s what I am going to do.”

Right now.

Less coaching-tree symantics. More patience. (Source: waitingfornextyear.com)

There has been hideous discussion about Holmgren firing young Eric Mangini for the likes of John Fox, whose contract will not be renewed by the 2-13 Carolina Panthers. That should galvanize the fanbase.

Oh, and then there’s word that Holmgren is hot on his boy Marty Mornhinweg. I’m not going to waste another sentence on that.

Of course, you get the Jon Gruden talk — another Holmgren guy.

None of it feels right. Mangini, despised last season, and unfairly portrayed in the media, has been a gentleman. This is someone who seems to genuinely care about his players, his coaches, his organization — and even the media covering him, who have slowly come to see that there may be more to this coach than last season’s rough start.

Mangini had the courage to take apart a Browns team that was diseased in 2009 — and it nearly cost him his job. One year later, there is no question the squad has begun to reflect his philosophy of “team first.” The lack of wins are an issue — and there must be results next season, if there is one, but the Browns are not a smoke-and-mirrors team. They are beginning to resemble, in the early stages, an organization built to last.

There is an AP story out today about Belichick’s work in New England this season, perhaps his finest as a coach. Impossible to name another mid-season, shifting-gears rebuilding job that resulted in 13 wins. The article talks about the “Patriot Way,” really just another phrase for the “Belichick Way.”

Belichick, who 20 seasons ago today was guiding the New York Giants defense to a Super Bowl win over the Buffalo Bills — days before becoming the Browns head coach, where he worked alongside Ozzie Newsome, the rising personnel man — on a team that was moved to Baltimore.

Had Art Modell not sold his soul, and endured less riches to keep the Browns in C-Town, I would not be writing this column tonight.

Still, all of this is yesterday. The franchise has a chance this week to exhibit patience and allow a young coach to develop — this time with the Browns.

Dumping Eric Mangini — especially to address a personal need to return to the sideline — will be Mike Holmgren’s greatest mistake.

Win or lose against Pittsburgh on Sunday, it time for this team to stop the cycle of tearing down — only to half-rebuild and then do it all over again.

It is my hope that Mangini will be afforded something Holmgren was given in his time with both the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks — a third season.

(Image via Deadspin)

Yeah, I’d hoped we would never have to ask that question either. But the boys at Deadspin are at it again, drawing our attention to another video that could potentially cast Jets head coach Rex Ryan – and more specifically his wife Michelle - in, shall we say, an … interesting light.

The video was originally posted a few years ago by YouTube user “ihaveprettyfeet”, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Michelle Ryan. There are several videos with awesome names like “Hot Mature Feet” in which she shows off her tootsies, but this one in particular also features the voice of an off-screen cameraman who sounds an awful lot like Rex.

Check it out for yourself … don’t worry, its safe for work:

Apparently, “ihaveprettyfeet” was something of a celebrity in the foot fetish world until she recently pulled all of her videos down, causing her freaky fans to wonder where she went.  And judging by this video, the answer is that she moved to New York with her bombastic NFL head coach husband. From the NY Daily News:

Like Michelle Ryan, the 47-year-old woman is a housewife with a master’s degree, a Virgo and once lived in Ellicott City, Md., which is where the Ryans lived before they moved to New York, Deadspin said.

Reached for comment, a Jets spokesman said only: “This is a personal matter and Rex will have no comment.”

I don’t know about you, but I prefer to know as little about this as possible … what the guy does with his wife in his personal life is his own business. And besides, if I have to think about Rex and whatever freaky-deaky s#!t he might be into any more, I’ll probably get the night terrors.

Long simmering, the feud between the Jets and Patriots is set to explode Monday night. (Source: New York Daily News)

(Ed. note: This article was originally posted last week, but with the impending Monday night match-up on everyone’s mind today, we thought it deserved another look)

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The word “rivalry” is tossed around a lot in the NFL. You hear announcers, desperate for market share, describe a pedestrian Seahawks-Chiefs tilt as a rivalry. Who’s buying that? Most “rivalries” unfold without so much as a breadcrumb on the line.

The history between the New York Jets and New England Patriots is a messy, entangled war by contrast. With both franchises notched at 9-2 atop the AFC East, you have to go back to the 1990 Monday-night meeting between the 10-1 49ers vs. the 10-1 New York Giants to find a late-season prime-time bout with equal appeal.

The lifetime record between these two teams stands at 51-50-1 in New York’s favor. Records aside, the Patriots are the Goliath, having dominated the last decade with three Super Bowl wins under the leadership of a once-per-generation quarterback talent in Tom Brady.

The Jets, after years of struggle, are at the threshold — but the long-time Jets fanatic is still haunted by ghosts: “When will the other shoe drop? When will the S.O.J.s appear from behind the Wizard’s curtain?”

A season sweep over the Patriots would send a statement league-wide: These Jets are for real.

Two long-suffering teams emerge to control the East

“My favorite thing is the drunk Jets fans,” NFL.com’s Adam Rank told us on Tuesday. “And that they couldn’t schedule this Monday night game at the new Meadowlands Stadium because they wouldn’t be allowed to sell beer. Seriously, you can buy a mixed cocktail at a UNLV basketball game, but if you go to a late-night Jets game — no booze. Which, of course, does not stop them from drinking in the parking lot. Or sneaking it in. … My only wish is that the Patriots wear those glorious, glorious red throwback uniforms.”

There was chatter of the Patriots’ demise earlier this season, especially after the Jets took care of the Pats 28-14 in Week 2. That talk was premature. In the course of a few months — in the middle of an NFL season — Bill Belichick has transformed this team, parting ways with Randy Moss and going with youth — nurturing younger role players to emerge around Brady. The defense is young and beginning to gel into a play-making unit.

“The Patriots are for real. That young defense is growing before our eyes,” Rank said. “But I’m reminded of something that Michael Irvin told me: That the Patriots look like they can be exposed by running right at them. We’ll certainly see that this week. And it’s the one thing that I’m looking for. If the Jets can run the ball and get the ground game going, then we have the proverbial blueprint of how to attack the Patriots going forward. That said, I really like where this team is headed.”

Belichick liked the AFC East better before Big Rex. (Source: CBSBoston.com)

Along with the Patriots, the Jets have evolved since that Week 2 meeting. They have grown up before our eyes.

Mark Sanchez and his boys are not a dominating club — the league has no such thing this season — but the Jets know how to win, and they keep finding new ways to do it, new ways to overcome harsh obstacles, new ways to inch closer to the AFC Championship, which they lost last season to a Colts team they have fully outgrown in the 11 months since.

“I think it is pretty clear that if the Jets win this, they are going to win the division,” R&R’s C-O-U-R-T-N-E-Y told us, from his Boston law office. “So, in that sense, this game is bigger for the Patriots. More importantly: America needs the Patriots to win. If not, we are going to have to brace ourselves for 88 retrospectives on Rex Ryan and his ‘irreverent’ coaching style.”

The Patriots are being tested by the Jets in a way that few division opponents have been able to do on Belichick’s watch. Ryan went right at the Pats in 2009, leaving a recorded message for Jets fans to come out in droves for the Week 2 game against New England, making it clear that Ryan’s Jets weren’t satisfied playing doormat to Brady and the Pats. New York won that game 16-9. Sanchez threw for 163 yards and a touchdown in his second start, while Ryan’s defense befuddled the Patriots, holding them to three field goals. The Patriots won the second meeting 31-14, but it was the Jets who went on to play Cinderella in the postseason.

“I’ll be honest about Rex Ryan, I thought he was going to be the failure his dad was in Arizona,” Rank said. “I remember Buddy Ryan taking over in Phoenix and proclaiming that there was a new sheriff in town. I was in Anaheim Stadium that day when our Rams ushered in the Buddy Ryan era with a 14-12 win. And this was the 1994 we-know-we-are-moving Rams, for the record. However, I’m growing fond of Rex Ryan’s antics. We all know that super-serious guy who will never lighten up about anything — and it’s fun as hell trying to get under his skin. Belichick is like that guy in college who wants to study on Wednesday night, but Ryan’s trying to drag him out to $1 shooter night at Baxter’s. It’s hilarious. You almost want to see the Jets win because of it.”

Ryan’s Jets, emblazoned with his cocksure attitude and having cast away their second-fiddle, doomsday mentality, appear to infuriate Belichick and Brady. The normally affable Patriots quarterback, talking with Boston radio station WEEI in September, stated: “I hate the Jets.”

This is one of the Jets’ magical powers: Getting under the skin, annoying established rivals, upsetting the balance. On some level, setting their own pace week to week. In a league that respects its elders, the Jets aren’t afraid of anyone. They flat-out disregard everything in their way — and that makes them the most dangerous team in football, even if the Patriots are still its best.

VIDEO: Earlier days of the Jets-Pats rivalry

Asked if Ryan has thrown Belichick off balance, C-O-U-R-T-N-E-Y disagreed: “Your question assumes Belichick has skin. Do robots have skin? Belichick has been secretly taping Ryan for years: nothing Rex does or says irritates Bill at this point.”

Brady told WEEI this week: “Playing them (a) fourth time (under Ryan), I have a lot more confidence than the first time we played them. It’s going to be a hell of a game. I’m excited for it.”

Two wearied fighters, now revived

The two teams first met just over 50 years ago, in September 1960, when they were known about town as the Boston Patriots and New York Titans. Boston won that first game 28-24 at the old Polo Grounds.

The Titans were renamed the Jets in ’63, and generally handled the Patriots with ease, going 11-2-1 over the next decade against Boston — largely due to the presence of Joe Namath and a roster that won Super Bowl III.

In ’71, the Patriots topped the Jets 20-0 in their first encounter after the Patriots adopted the “New England” moniker. The two have been at each other twice a season ever since, going punch for punch like two wearied fighters.

It’s often the personalities involved that create genuine rivalry, and that’s true today with these two teams. While they went head-to-head twice a season because the schedule ordained it, it was an act of betrayal that created blood-feud between the fanbases.

“The rivalry has existed since Bill Parcells left New England for the Meadowlands after the Pats’ Super Bowl berth in ’96,” said NFL.com news editor Dan Hanzus, a lifelong Jets fan. “There have been several layers to it over the years (Curtis Martin, Belichick, and Eric Mangini switching sides; the ’06 playoffs; and SpyGate), but I don’t think the rivalry has really mattered until now. This is the first year the two teams are squaring off as true Super Bowl favorites at the same time. It’s taken 10 years into the Brady era for the Jets to put together a legitimate contender, and for the first time you don’t feel that big brother-little brother vibe. This is two heavyweights standing toe-to-toe.”

VIDEO: A female Pats fan gets the treatment from Jets fans

When Belichick stunned the Jets with his resignation in 2000, in order to replace Pete Carroll as the Patriots head coach, the Jets never could have imagined how it would change the AFC East, and pro football. Few predicted Belichick’s success, but it’s only added to the disdain between these two teams. Since Belichick’s arrival, the Patriots lead the series 14-8, including a 37-16 playoff win in January 2007 (Belichick’s first postseason head coaching victory since his Cleveland Browns beat Parcells’ Pats in ’94).

The Patriots bloomed under Belichick, with an embattled Drew Bledsoe handing the starting role over to Brady who, outside of missing the 2008 season, has been a constant for the Pats ever since.

In contrast, since 2000, these have been the Jets starters: Vinny Testaverde, Chad Pennington, Quincy Carter, Brooks Bollinger, Kellen Clemens, Brett Favre and Sanchez. The list is equally disorienting from 1980-2000, with dead weight mixed in with serviceable arms, none able to make the Jets relevant for long: Richard Todd, Pat Ryan, Ken O’Brien (or, as Namath would say, “Kay-knee O’Bray-en”), David Norrie, Tony Eason, Kyle Mackey, Browning Nagle, Jack Trudeau, Bubby Brister, Frank Reich, Neil O’Donnell, Glenn Foley, Ray Lucas and Rick Mirer — a who’s who of journeymen, something the Patriots could relate to.

For decades, it was impossible to hate the Patriots. From 1980 on, outside of its 1985 Super Bowl run, New England endured a wretched string of seasons. Their quarterbacks were lambs to the slaughter — men now likely huddled away in a cube farm selling insurance premiums in Hadley, Mass. Names like: Matt Cavanaugh, Tom Owen, Tom Ramsey, the odd couple: Tony Eason and Steve Grogan, Bob Bleier, Marc Wilson, Tom Hodson, Hugh Millen, Scott Zolak, Jeff Carlson, Scott Secules and mighty mite Doug Flutie.

“I’m not really bothered by the Pats, because I respect Brady as a player so much,” Hanzus said. “Like the Jets, the Pats went through the 70s, 80s, and the better part of the 90s as a total afterthought, so there’s a silent kinship there. If anything, I think a Jets fan looks at what the Pats have managed to accomplish in the past decade and it gives us hope. That said, Belichick … total dick.”

VIDEO: Rex and the Jets after beating the Pats 28-14 in Week 2

“I feel a near kinship with Jets fans,” said Rank, who rooted for the bygone Los Angeles Rams. “You’re the No. 2 team in a major media market. Your only championship came before many of the fans were born. Yeah, that was a lot like the Los Angeles Rams. The only thing we could hang our hat on was a championship from the 1950s. Yet, you had the Raiders winning the Super Bowl. NWA was wearing Raiders gear. Us Rams fans had dudes wearing watermelons on their head, Georgia Frontiere and Eric Dickerson, who was traded away on Halloween ’87. Jets fans are also probably Mets fans, and the same goes here — just like Rams fans rooted for the Angels. So, I know the Jets fans’ angst all too well. But cheer up, Jets fans. It’s not like your owner mysteriously died, the widow moved the team to some Dust Bowl town and your best years are being played out 2,000 miles away. So, enjoy it.”

Jets fans recognize that their team hasn’t completed its masterwork 12 weeks into the regular season. They haven’t supplanted the Patriots — they’ve merely matched them, a feat in itself, but ultimately dust if it doesn’t amount to a championship.

The Patriots have been doing this for a decade — this week’s game is not the mountain top for a team that’s repeatedly won Super Bowls. “I’ve been around a little while,” Brady told WEEI on Monday. “Look, we’re 9-2, we haven’t accomplished anything. These games that we’re playing, yeah, they’re important, but a lot of guys on this team have played in much bigger games … I’m trying to express to teammates: ‘We haven’t done anything. Nine wins is nothing.’”

Jets fans know there’s a ways to go, but deserve to relish the teams success after lifetimes of despair.

“I think the Jets still have a lot to prove to show me that they’re going to become the perennial powerhouse the Pats have been for years now,” Hanzus said. “And even if New York wins on Monday night, I don’t count out Brady and Belichick even a little bit. In fact, I just soiled myself a little bit at the prospect of having to beat them for a third time if they met in the postseason.”

Adam Rank is a writer and editor with NFL.com and can be seen weekly on NFL Network’s Fantasy Live at 11:30 a.m. EST.  His NFL.com fantasy football blog can be found here. Follow Adam on his website and on Twitter @adamrank.

Dan Hanzus is a news editor with NFL.com, and a frequent contributor to Bleacher Report. Follow Dan on his Yankees’ blog, River & Sunset, and on Twitter @danhanzus.

(AP Photo via examiner.com)

Yesterday, we posted this story, which put forth the rumor that Josh McDaniels ran Peyton Hillis out of Denver because Hillis had put the moves on McDaniels’ wife. The rumor was originally attributed to 104.3 the Fan in Denver by a Broncos message board. Knowing that internet forums aren’t exactly the most reliable sources, we reached out to the station to confirm whether or not Mark Schlereth and/or Alfred Williams actually said such a thing on their radio show (The Drive) earlier this week.

D-Mac (the host of the show) wrote back to let us know that it is absolutely untrue, and they have no idea where that rumor got started. We’re not really in the business of rumor mongering, so we apologize for any part we had in perpetuating this one.

But regardless, we still have to question McDaniels’ handling of Hillis during their time together. And we still want to know why the coach seemingly disliked Hillis so much when he got to Denver. At the very least, the Broncos have to seriously examine McDaniels’ eye for talent, and whether or not he should be handling the personnel decisions for the team.

(Image via Esquire.com)

The latest rumor  to make the rounds about Tom Brady is that he’s been growing out his hair to cover up a bald spot.  Esquire has even gotten in to the mix, presenting their 10 top haircut styles for Brady and other balding men. We don’t know if this is true, and we don’t really care … I mean, the guy is married to Gisele. He wins.

But our old friend Carl from Aqua Teen Hunger Force – a proud member of the follically-challenged tribe – empathizes with what Tom might be going through, and believes that balding is something to be proud of. A sign of masculine strength, if you will …

“All the classic heroes throughout history are bald: David Wells, Vin Diesel, Uncle Fester, and the radiated monster guy from The Hills Have Eyes.

Hair is a liability. Ask Marion Barber how it felt to get yanked down by his Predator braids?

He makes some fine points, but despite all this, Carl still picks the Jets to win Monday night’s AFC East match-up … which probably means the Patriots are a good bet this week.

VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP

UPDATE: We have confirmed with 104.3 the Fan in Denver that this rumor is 100% False. See here for more details.
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Could that really be why McDaniels’ has seemingly hated Hillis since the two were both in Denver together? Its that why the brash young head coach was so eager to jettison such a talented running back from his team without ever letting him see the field?

That was the word on the street according to BroncosForums, where it was falsely reported that a Denver radio station said it was common knowledge around the Broncos organization that Hillis made the moves on McDaniels wife … Josh supposedly got wind of it, and that was it for Hillis.

And even though this report turned out to be false, for Broncos fans, it’s a legitimate question to wonder why Hillis never got a shot under McDaniels. I mean, there had to be something that blinded McDaniels to the guy’s obvious talents and nearly give Hillis away to Cleveland, right?

Let’s face it, McDaniels hasn’t exactly won over a lot of new fans this season, in leading the Broncos to a 3-8 record and continuing to make some seriously questionable decisions since his arrival on the scene in Denver. And one of the strangest scenarios of his short tenure has revolved around Hillis, who led the Broncos in rushing with 353 yards in 6 starts during his rookie year in 2008.  But he never really got a chance to show his stuff once McDaniels took over for Mike Shanahan the following year. Denver drafted Knowshon Moreno to be the feature back, and Hillis seemed to be planted firmly in McDaniels’ doghouse, carrying the ball only 13 times in 2009. McDaniels then cut ties entirely with Hillis, trading him to the Cleveland Browns for Brady Quinn and a draft pick. The only thing close to an explanation McDaniels ever gave was that Hillis “didn’t fit the system”.

Now that he’s finally gotten his chance, we’ve all watched in awe as Hillis has exploded onto the NFL this year. The former Arkansas FB has racked up over 1300 yards and 13 touchdowns combined in just 10 starts with the Browns.  He’s turned into a nearly unstoppable force, causing Broncos’ fans everywhere to rightly wonder what exactly happened that caused McDaniels to dislike Hillis so much.

And no matter what, you still have to question McDaniels’ judgement after the way he has handled talented players like Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, and now Hillis. And as is the case with both of those players, the Broncos could certainly use a guy like Hillis toting the rock right now.

Staubach, Landry and the 'Boys faced the Vikings outdoors in frigid Metropolitan Stadium. Could an outdoor venue be next for the Vikes? And, if so, will it be in Minnesota? (Source: knowyourdallascowboys.com)

With the Minnesota Vikings’ Metrodome lease ending after the 2011 season, ownership is sorting through a laundry list of potential suitors. The team could stay put at the Metrodome — or they could break ground on a brand new Minneapolis-area stadium. Those options rest on the stable end of the spectrum. The remaining possibilities are unsettling.

It’s enough to give Vikings fans pause, and history would suggest reason for concern, as stadium issues have historically been central to franchise relocation. Any discussion along those lines is speculation at this stage, and the Vikings appear committed to Minnesota, but Tuesday’s partial transcript includes the revelation that a Los Angeles-based group has approached Vikings ownership.

Sections of the transcript are below — and the Los Angeles issue is brought up after the jump.

Q: How did the recent election results affect the Vikings stadium effort?

Lester Bagley: This is a good question to start. The 2011 Legislative Session is a critical session for the Vikings, the NFL and our fans. Leadership of the new house and senate majorities as well as the new Governor have indicated that this issue needs to be addressed and will be on the agenda.

While there are certainly tremendous challenges and other priorities, the one issue that brought candidates for office together was creating jobs and as you know, this will create 13,000 jobs, including 7,500 construction jobs.

The Vikings will have only 10 games remaining at the Metrodome when the session convenes. We have a strong bi-partisan support at the legislature. When we left last session, we were given the directive to go put together a package that includes an ideal site, cost projections and funding options. That’s what we’ve been working on since that session ended.

Q: Why cant the Stadium use the MoA  (Mall of America) site?

Lester Bagley: In terms of where we’re at with sites, we are completing our due diligence on a number of potential stadium sites. Some in Minneapolis and one suburban site. No conclusions have been reached and we’re working to bring forward a package with a single site as soon as our work is completed and as soon as the new legislature and the new governor are ready.

Q: I keep reading about different groups in LA trying to lure an NFL team to relocate and that the Vikings are on a list of potential teams. Have you been approached by these groups?

Lester Bagley: Yes, we have been approached by 2 different groups in Los Angeles — the Ed Roski group and more recently by former Timberwolves CEO Tim Leiweke and AEG. In 2009 when the NFL had an Owners’ meeting in southern California, Mr. Wilf and Vikings management toured LA Live to try to get ideas on building a similar sports/entertainment district in Minnesota. Clearly, the Vikings stadium issue is being followed nationally and it’s no secret that we’re down to the last year on our lease. We’ve told those groups that we are focused on resolving the issue in Minnesota. We feel solid momentum and feel we’re well-positioned with the new legislature and governor. Instead of spending energy speculating on other markets, let’s keep the focus on building a world-class facility for the community and the State of Minnesota.

Q: Where would the Vikings play their games while the new stadium is being built?

Lester Bagley: That issue would only be in play if it is determined that the Metrodome site is the ideal site. If that’s the case, we would need to engage in conversations with the University of Minnesota about access to TCF Bank Stadium. Again, we are completing our due diligence on sites and no conclusions have been reached. Stay tuned.

Q: What about a grassfield, outside where football was meant to be played? Are we getting an out door field?

Lester Bagley: There is strong support across the State for a multi-purpose, year-round facility. Adding a roof makes this a state-wide asset and benefits the State of Minnesota – we need to have the important conversation about how to pay for the roof. While it might be great to have outdoor football again, we need to look at maximizing use of this publicly-owned facility – a facility that would host high schools sports, amateur sports, a Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, etc.

Q: When’s the earliest we can expect to have a resolution?

Lester Bagley: As noted, 2011 is a crucial year. The Legislature runs from early January to late May, and this is likely to be resolved later in the Legislative Session. In terms of next steps, we need to continue our productive discussions and forward progress with State and local leaders, we need to complete our due diligence and bring forward an ideal site, specific project costs and a funding plan. Again, the State has significant priorities but we need to move this forward. We need your help to build the public support that it’ll take to push this over the top.

Here’s a little clip from old Metropolitan Stadium:

just to clarify, the artist renderings of NFL uniforms floating around ARE NOT from the league or Nike. stand down

Apparently, folks on the forum equipped with the Pro Combat template made their own designs for fun … because that what Internet geeks do.  Gotta’ hand it to them for doing such a good job, and regardless, we still find the designs interesting.

Chiefs looking very Florida St. (Source: lulzimg.com)

ORIGINALLY POSTED 11.18.10: Nike will serve as the designer of NFL uniforms beginning with the 2012 NFL season.

These unofficial and rumored concept sketches for some teams around the league.

What are your thoughts?

49ers
Colts 1/Colts 2
Cardinals
Chiefs 1/Chiefs 2
Bills
Bears
Bengals 1/Bengals 2
Cowboys
Jaguars 1/Jaguars 2
Eagles
Giants
Steelers

Steelers don't look so intimidating all of a sudden. (Source: lulzimg.com)

CONTINUE AFTER THE JUMP FOR THE REST OF THE FAKE UNIFORM DESIGNS

Falcons
Titans
Seahawks
Vikings
Raiders
Saints
Redskins
Jets
Patriots
Lions
Rams
Bucs
Browns
Dolphins
Panthers
Ravens
Texans
Broncos

Wait, is this Denver or Boise? (Source: lulzimg.com)

I used to think this photo was altered for comedic effect ... now I'm not so sure

Adam Schefter is reporting that QB JaMarcus Russell reported to the Oakland Raiders facilities yesterday, tipping the scales at 290 lbs.  Apparently this is part of Al Davis’ new and exciting plan to have Russell run the Wildcat offense from the Left Tackle position.  Schefter tweets:

Two people reported that Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell returned to Oakland and tipped the scales at 290 pounds. At least he was under 3 bills.

This news comes in stark contrast to earlier reports that the former #1 overall pick was working hard to transform his body, and was said to be in much better shape this year.  Russell, who at 6′-6″ was listed at 260lbs on last year’s roster, was by many accounts pushing 300 during the season. And if this latest report is true, it appears that Russell is doing everything he can to solidify his place in history as the NFL’s biggest all-time draft bust.

Way to go, JaMarcus.  Nevermind that $68 million you’re being paid.  Whatever you do, don’t drive past that In-N-Out on your way home and hit the gym for a few hours.