[QUOTE="KFrandsen2"]ya i see cincy being a better fit than NO, i think it would be tough to get all of those guys playing time if Alexander signedspeedjunkie4

If Alexander does sign with NO, then all of the NFC South will have to watch out.

Because they'd sign an old guy who's on his last legs?

Cowboys To Be Featured Again In HBO's "Hard Knocks"

DALLAS -- CBS 11 Sports has learned that the Dallas Cowboys training camp will once again be featured as part of the NFL films series "Hard Knocks."

The show, which will be aired nationally on HBO this summer, documents the day to day process of training camp in the NFL.

This will mark the second time the Cowboys will be featured on the show.

The last time NFL film cameras ascended on the Cowboys camp was in 2002, when Dave Campo was head coach. The extra attention did not help Cowboys that season as Dallas finished the year 5-11.

The Cowboys will open training camp in Oxnard, California in late July.

© CBS Broadcasting Inc.

JackBurton

[QUOTE="speedjunkie4"]

[QUOTE="KFrandsen2"]ya i see cincy being a better fit than NO, i think it would be tough to get all of those guys playing time if Alexander signedgeaux321

If Alexander does sign with NO, then all of the NFC South will have to watch out.

Because they'd sign an old guy who's on his last legs?

Yeah, I'd rather see how Reggie Bust plays out... WILL HE LEARN TO RUN INSIDE?!?!?? We'll see!!!

[QUOTE="geaux321"][QUOTE="speedjunkie4"]

[QUOTE="KFrandsen2"]ya i see cincy being a better fit than NO, i think it would be tough to get all of those guys playing time if Alexander signeddetroitpistons0

If Alexander does sign with NO, then all of the NFC South will have to watch out.

Because they'd sign an old guy who's on his last legs?

Yeah, I'd rather see how Reggie Bust plays out... WILL HE LEARN TO RUN INSIDE?!?!?? We'll see!!!

Lemme guess, it is going to be war? Nah, i was joking.

[QUOTE="geaux321"][QUOTE="speedjunkie4"]

[QUOTE="KFrandsen2"]ya i see cincy being a better fit than NO, i think it would be tough to get all of those guys playing time if Alexander signeddetroitpistons0

If Alexander does sign with NO, then all of the NFC South will have to watch out.

Because they'd sign an old guy who's on his last legs?

Yeah, I'd rather see how Reggie Bust plays out... WILL HE LEARN TO RUN INSIDE?!?!?? We'll see!!!

The Saints still won't use him as an inside runner, that's what Deuce is for, and if he's not healthy they'll give it to Pierre Thomas or Aaron Stecker. Reggie is an all-around threat, he'll never be an every down inside runner, but he'll hurt you catching the ball out of the backfield or being a decoy.

Bears release veteran safety Archuleta

(AP) - The Chicago Bears released veteran strong safety Adam Archuleta on Tuesday, ending a brief and disappointing tenure with the team.

The Bears acquired Archuleta from the Washington Redskins in March 2007 for a sixth-round draft pick.

When he joined Washington in 2006, he received the largest contract ever given to a safety: $30 million for six years, with a $10M bonus. But he flopped, starting seven games while playing mostly on special teams and finishing the season as a third-stringer.

St. Louis drafted Archuleta with the 20th overall pick in 2001.

[QUOTE="detroitpistons0"][QUOTE="geaux321"][QUOTE="speedjunkie4"]

[QUOTE="KFrandsen2"]ya i see cincy being a better fit than NO, i think it would be tough to get all of those guys playing time if Alexander signedgeaux321

If Alexander does sign with NO, then all of the NFC South will have to watch out.

Because they'd sign an old guy who's on his last legs?

Yeah, I'd rather see how Reggie Bust plays out... WILL HE LEARN TO RUN INSIDE?!?!?? We'll see!!!

The Saints still won't use him as an inside runner, that's what Deuce is for, and if he's not healthy they'll give it to Pierre Thomas or Aaron Stecker. Reggie is an all-around threat, he'll never be an every down inside runner, but he'll hurt you catching the ball out of the backfield or being a decoy.

That's a good reason Reggie will get you in the open field, more times, then anything, and also with Bush being such a threat I wouldn't be surprised if he get double teamed some of the time. IMO

i agree geaux reggie will never be that inside threat no matter how many times you run him there, they need to keep letting him do what he does best and get someone else for that job. just like they are doing now with duece

Ellis: Roy Williams doesn't think defense fits him

Greg Ellis made some pretty interesting statements about Roy Williams during an appearance on Sirius NFL Radio this afternoon. Ellis said that Williams doesn't feel like he fits in Wade Phillips' scheme and has been isolating himself from teammates.

Ellis said Williams first expressed concerns about the Phillips 3-4 during training camp in San Antonio.

"He said, 'Greg, this defense does not fit me. I don't fit in well with this defense at all,'" Ellis said. "So when he told me that, I was like, 'Well, man, it's still new. Get used to it and it'll probably be fine for you.'" And obviously I think it came to be true. Just like he said, he doesn't fit what's going on here in Dallas right now.

"Now maybe this year, if they decide to keep him for this season, Wade and them will kind of adjust some things to fit him better."

Um, Greg, Wade and them did adjust some things to fit Williams better last season. He put him closer to the line of scrimmage in obvious passing situations so he wouldn't be toasted for big play after big play, like he was in Bill Parcells' scheme. Williams recently said on Michael Irvin's radio show that he needs more time to get comfortable with Phillips' scheme.

Ellis went on to say that he was bothered by the way Williams has isolated himself from his teammates. He said Williams is still working out at Valley Ranch, but he's leaving the facility by 7:30 a.m., so he's not spending any time with his teammates.

Ellis said he thinks Williams wants to stay in Dallas, but it's just a bad football fit.

Ellis: Roy Williams doesn't think defense fits him

Greg Ellis made some pretty interesting statements about Roy Williams during an appearance on Sirius NFL Radio this afternoon. Ellis said that Williams doesn't feel like he fits in Wade Phillips' scheme and has been isolating himself from teammates.

Ellis said Williams first expressed concerns about the Phillips 3-4 during training camp in San Antonio.

"He said, 'Greg, this defense does not fit me. I don't fit in well with this defense at all,'" Ellis said. "So when he told me that, I was like, 'Well, man, it's still new. Get used to it and it'll probably be fine for you.'" And obviously I think it came to be true. Just like he said, he doesn't fit what's going on here in Dallas right now.

"Now maybe this year, if they decide to keep him for this season, Wade and them will kind of adjust some things to fit him better."

Um, Greg, Wade and them did adjust some things to fit Williams better last season. He put him closer to the line of scrimmage in obvious passing situations so he wouldn't be toasted for big play after big play, like he was in Bill Parcells' scheme. Williams recently said on Michael Irvin's radio show that he needs more time to get comfortable with Phillips' scheme.

Ellis went on to say that he was bothered by the way Williams has isolated himself from his teammates. He said Williams is still working out at Valley Ranch, but he's leaving the facility by 7:30 a.m., so he's not spending any time with his teammates.

Ellis said he thinks Williams wants to stay in Dallas, but it's just a bad football fit.

Ryder004

Isolating himself is not the way to help his status with the team.

[QUOTE="Ryder004"]

Ellis: Roy Williams doesn't think defense fits him

Greg Ellis made some pretty interesting statements about Roy Williams during an appearance on Sirius NFL Radio this afternoon. Ellis said that Williams doesn't feel like he fits in Wade Phillips' scheme and has been isolating himself from teammates.

Ellis said Williams first expressed concerns about the Phillips 3-4 during training camp in San Antonio.

"He said, 'Greg, this defense does not fit me. I don't fit in well with this defense at all,'"Ellis said. "So when he told me that, I was like, 'Well, man, it's still new. Get used to it and it'll probably be fine for you.'" And obviously I think it came to be true. Just like he said, he doesn't fit what's going on here in Dallas right now.

"Now maybe this year, if they decide to keep him for this season, Wade and them will kind of adjust some things to fit him better."

Um, Greg, Wade and them did adjust some things to fit Williams better last season. He put him closer to the line of scrimmage in obvious passing situations so he wouldn't be toasted for big play after big play, like he was in Bill Parcells' scheme.Williams recently said on Michael Irvin's radio show that he needs more time to get comfortable with Phillips' scheme.

Ellis went on to say that he was bothered by the way Williams has isolated himself from his teammates. He said Williams is still working out at Valley Ranch, but he's leaving the facility by 7:30 a.m., so he's not spending any time with his teammates.

Ellis said he thinks Williams wants to stay in Dallas, but it's just a bad football fit.

wallymartin

Isolating himself is not the way to help his status with the team.

• I'd like to know in which NFL scheme Roy thinks he fits.
• As 'complete safeties', Williams is only slighty better than Adam Archuleta.
• Assessing Roy's career to date, I think I'd rather have George Teague
• It could be argued that (undrafted) Bill Bates > Williams

Roy needs to shut-up and play. If he actually has any game. If not, get outta town.

Packers release veteran receiver Robinson

The Green Bay Packers released Koren Robinson on Friday, the latest setback for the veteran wide receiver trying to resurrect his career after serving an NFL suspension and jail time.

However, it appears Robinson may not be out of work for long. The Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs are interested in signing Robinson, reports NFL Network's Adam Schefter. LINK

Packers release veteran receiver Robinson

The Green Bay Packers released Koren Robinson on Friday, the latest setback for the veteran wide receiver trying to resurrect his career after serving an NFL suspension and jail time.

However, it appears Robinson may not be out of work for long. The Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs are interested in signing Robinson, reports NFL Network's Adam Schefter. LINK

JackBurton

Halo and HT, your thoughts?

A story of a small-town boy out of a broken family's first week as a rookie

I think it's a nice story. I, personally, can't at at all imagine myself having brothers and having 2 of them die... He's got some personality that I think is worth a lot of respect.

[QUOTE="JackBurton"]

Packers release veteran receiver Robinson

The Green Bay Packers released Koren Robinson on Friday, the latest setback for the veteran wide receiver trying to resurrect his career after serving an NFL suspension and jail time.

However, it appears Robinson may not be out of work for long. The Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs are interested in signing Robinson, reports NFL Network's Adam Schefter. LINK

speedjunkie4

Halo and HT, your thoughts?

NFL Power Rankings: May 2008 edition

ESPN.com

The air is heavy with pollen. The American presidential campaign drags on, nearly six months away from the finish. Gas is $4 a gallon and it's not yet summer.

We know what you're thinking: What better time to debate the NFL hierarchy? Welcome to the May 2008 edition of our Power Rankings.

Has it been three months since the New York Giants, who finished ninth in the 2007 final edition of the Power Rankings, completed an unlikely run to the Super Bowl title by upsetting the New England Patriots? Wasn't it just yesterday when the Patriots, our 2007 Power Rankings titlists, were putting the wraps on an unprecedented 16-0 regular season by beating those same Giants?

Even as rookies and free agents acquaint themselves with their new teammates at minicamps around the league, we speculate. Are the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints really headed for rebound seasons after lackluster 2007 campaigns? Are the Green Bay Packers -- who, you might have heard, will have a new starting quarterback in 2008 -- Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans destined to take steps back?

And what do you make of the Washington Redskins, a surprise playoff team last season but one of several teams adjusting to a new head coach in 2008?

To take a look at teams during the offseason, we've called upon some of our voting members to provide the team-by-team commentary. Thus, for your reading pleasure, you'll have:

· Mike Sando on the AFC East and NFC West

· James Walker on the AFC North and NFC North

· Pat Yasinskas on the AFC South and NFC South

· Bill Williamson on the AFC West

· Matt Mosley on the NFC East

Our voters, who also include staff writer John Clayton and Scouts Inc. Insiders Jeremy Green and Keith Kidd, had diverse takes on what offseason moves mean to various teams. The Titans ranked as high as 10th in one voter's opinion, but rated only 22nd in another's. The defending champion Giants are the best team in the league, according to one selector; another ranks nine teams ahead of Big Blue.

BIGGEST RISE: N.Y. Jets from 30th (final finish in 2007) to 21st. BIGGEST DROP: Green Bay Packers from fifth to 10th; Tennessee Titans from 11th to 16th; Detroit Lions from 24th to 29th.

Suspects in Taylor case won't face execution

(AP) - Prosecutors said Monday they will not seek the death penalty against four people charged with murdering Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor because the accused shooter was a minor when the crime was committed. LINK

Suspects in Taylor case won't face execution

(AP) - Prosecutors said Monday they will not seek the death penalty against four people charged with murdering Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor because the accused shooter was a minor when the crime was committed. LINK

JackBurton

Wait, how long are they to be put away? (I hopefor long enough so that they will never get a real future)

Also, when the hell is the Darrent Williams case gonna be resolved?

Suggs Case Results in New Category for Franchise Tenders

Terrell Suggs entered his franchise free agency with a debate over whether he was a linebacker or a defensive end.

Thanks to an agreement by the Ravens, Suggs' agent, the Management Council and the NFLPA, Suggs gets the best of both worlds. The settlement, which is being finalized by lawyers for the NFLPA and the Management Council, creates a new position in Franchise designations -- a defensive end-linebacker. LINK

Long Standing NFL/NCAA agreement will keep Baltimore Rookie QB Joe Flacco out of passing camp

.

Dan Morgan announced retirnment...to tired 2 give link its on the sains main site.

Dan Morgan announced retirnment...to tired 2 give link its on the sains main site.

Ryder004

Poor guy. His NFL career was a series of concussions.

Here's a link.

Go figure it was the leg injury that made him hang it up. Looks like the LB corps won't be revamped.

[QUOTE="Ryder004"]

Dan Morgan announced retirnment...to tired 2 give link its on the sains main site.

haloraider

Poor guy. His NFL career was a series of concussions.

Iam not surprised. All he has been is a guy who always seems to get injuried.

Andre Johnson Out Until Training Camp After Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Associated Press

HOUSTON -- Andre Johnson recently had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee that will keep the wide receiver from practicing with the Houston Texans until training camp in July.

Johnson injured his knee early last season and missed seven games with what the team called a knee sprain. He returned for the last seven games, but said he had a nagging pain in his knee when he ran.

-------------------
Hopefully this won't be a recurring theme.
----------------------

Pro Bowlers Barber, Newman Agree to Extensions With Cowboys
NFL.com Wire Reports

The Dallas Cowboys locked up two key members of the team to long-term deals on Tuesday.

The Cowboys reached agreement on extensions with running back Marion Barber and cornerback Terence Newman, reports NFL Networks' Adam Schefter.

-----------------

Falcons, Ryan Reach Terms on Six-year, $72 Million Contract
NFL.com Wire Reports

The Atlanta Falcons agreed to terms with quarterback Matt Ryan on a six-year contract on Tuesday.

NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports the contract is valued at $72 million, with $34.75 million guaranteed.

Ryan was the third overall choice, and the first quarterback selected, in the 2008 NFL Draft out of Boston College. He becomes the second first-round draft pick to sign, following top overall choice Jake Long, who signed a five-year contract worth $57.75 million.

------------------

Indianapolis Beats Out Houston, Arizona to Host First Super Bowl
NFL.com Wire Reports

Indianapolis has been awarded Super Bowl XLVI, which will be played on Feb. 5, 2012, it was annouced at the annual NFL Spring Meeting being held in Atlanta.

This will be the first Super Bowl held in Indianapolis, and the first one held in a cold-weather city since Detroit held Super Bowl XL.

That's crazy to hear Matt Ryan signing this early, seems like it took forever for the first 1st rounder (I'm not including Jake Long) to sign last year.geaux321

Yeah, the PTI guys were saying Aruthur Blank really wants to get the Michael Vick fiasco behind him.

Raiders release S Schweigert, LB Gbaja-Biamila

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders released safety Stuart Schweigert on Tuesday, cutting ties with a former starter who lost his job late last season.

Schweigert, a third-round pick out of Purdue in 2004, became the starter at free safety midway through his second season in Oakland and started 37 consecutive games before being replaced last season.

Schweigert lost his job to Hiram Eugene when he was forced to miss a game with an injured calf and then played as a backup in the final five contests of the season.

Schweigert struggled at times last season as a run-stopper and the Raiders set out to improve their tackling at safety this offseason by signing Gibril Wilson from the Super Bowl champion New York Giants.

Wilson lined up mostly as a strong safety during last week's practice open to the media, with former first-round pick Michael Huff shifting to his more natural position of free safety. That left little room for Schweigert, who missed the open practice with a leg injury.

Schweigert had 215 tackles and four interceptions in 63 games with the Raiders. He also had 20 passes defensed, four fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles.

The Raiders also released linebacker Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, signed as a free agent earlier this offseason.

The Raiders began their second week of offseason practices Tuesday in a session closed to the media. It was the first time running back Darren McFadden and quarterback JaMarcus Russell got to work together.

McFadden, the No. 4 overall pick in last month's draft, was not allowed at last week's practices because he is a rookie. Russell, the No. 1 overall pick in 2007, was not at the rookie minicamp the previous week.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

_______________________________________

Ah, Stu was a real fan favorite. He just couldn't tackle though. Tough loss on the morale front but not much talent-wise.

THat's KGB's brother or something, right?

LOL Akbar... What a cool name... "IT'S A TRAP!!!!!!"

THat's KGB's brother or something, right?

LOL Akbar... What a cool name... "IT'S A TRAP!!!!!!"

detroitpistons0

Yeah, that's his brother. He sucked though. Never saw much playing time besides a lil' bit on special teams.

Oh, looks like it was a trap.

"CONCENTRATE ALL FIREPOWER ON THAT SUPER STARDESTROYER!!!!!!!"

Bilama...the guy i know as "The guy with the unpronucbile name"

Saints DE Grant indicted in Georgia on charge of involuntary manslaughter

New Orleans Saints DE Charles Grant has been indicted on a charge of involuntary manslaughter stemming from a February altercation at a nightclub. LINK

In order for a person to be found guilty of involuntary manslaughter the (State) government must prove that someone was:

(1) killed as a result of an act by the person;

(2), in the circumstances existing at the time, the person's act either was by its nature dangerous to human life or was done with reckless disregard for human life; and

(3), the person either knew that such conduct was a threat to the lives of others or knew of circumstances that would reasonably cause the person to foresee that such conduct might be a threat to the lives of others.

Manslaughter is a distinct crime and is not considered a lesser degree of murder. The essential distinction between the two offenses is that malice of forethought must be present for murder, whereas it must be absent for manslaughter.

voluntary manslaughter requires an intent to kill or cause serious bodily harmwhileinvoluntary manslaughter does not.

Some states have abandoned the use of adjectives to describe different forms of the offense and, instead, simply divide the offense into varying degrees.

Browns CB Holly injures knee, may miss all of '08

Browns cornerback Daven Holly suffered a "serious" knee injury during practice at organized team activities Tuesday, according to head coach Romeo Crennel and general manager Phil Savage.

Crennel said there is damage to both ligaments and cartilage but did not specify anything more.

Dolphins coach doesn't expect Taylor at training camp

When a reporter asked Tony Sparano for his reaction to Jason Taylor saying he wouldn't attend this weekend's workouts because he was returning to Los Angeles, the Dolphins head coach took things further than anyone expected.

"This is my reaction with the Jason Taylor situation. I'm going to answer this question one time, I'm not going to answer another question about the Jason Taylor situation after I answer it.

"What I know is that Jason Taylor -- and I'm glad we know this, we've gotten the information and that's important -- I know that Jason is not going to be at any OTAs, I know that Jason is not going to be at any minicamps, and I know that right now Jason is not going to be at training camp.

"Jason's a player under contract with the Miami Dolphins. He knows that. Both parties are well aware of the information. That's all I'm going to say about it. I want to talk about our players now."

Vikings waive DE James

The Vikings on Friday waived Erasmus James, the former first-round draft pick who had a series of knee injuries during his time with Minnesota.

The defensive end was one of the top-rated pass rushers in 2005 when Minnesota chose him out of Wisconsin with the 18th overall pick. But after notching four sacks in 15 games during his rookie season, James tore the ACL in his left knee in Week 2 of the 2006 season.

James returned last season and played sparingly in six games. He suffered a similar injury to the same knee in Week 13 against Detroit and again landed on injured reserve.

Stiff arms to the face by an offensive player with the ball will now be enforced with a penalty for 15 yards? I love to see when a running back stiff arms a diving defender to the face and breaks free for a big one. Weaksauce.=/LINKloco

Stiff arms to the face by an offensive player with the ball will now be enforced with a penalty for 15 yards? I love to see when a running back stiff arms a diving defender to the face and breaks free for a big one. Weaksauce.=/LINKloco

What? Lame... Unless they mean if the hand actually reaches into the helmet or something... Now that's worth some penalty.

Pittman Joins Broncos

Michael Pittman to the Broncos

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Petrino: Leaving Falcons 'hardest thing of my life'
Arkansas coach says abrupt departure unavoidable

By TONY BARNHART
Published on: 05/27/08

Destin, Fla. - Bobby Petrino knows he won't be getting Christmas cards from the Falcons, their fans, or their management this year. But the Arkansas coach insisted Tuesday that his abrupt departure from the NFL team last December could not be avoided.

"It was an unfortunate thing because of the timing," Petrino said as he arrived for his first SEC Spring Meetings as the coach of the Hogs. "The timing of it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life."

On Dec. 11, with three games left in the 2007 season, Petrino suddenly resigned as the Falcons' coach at about 5:30 p.m. Six hours later Petrino was on ESPN being introduced as the new coach at Arkansas in a news conference in Fayetteville. The move touched off charges and countercharges between Petrino's agent, Russ Campbell, and the Falcons, led by owner Arthur Blank, who said he felt "betrayed" by Petrino.

Over the next few days the vitriol levied at Petrino was not coming from Atlanta alone. Talk shows and newspaper columnists from around the country skewered Petrino for leaving his team before the season was over.

Petrino said that he threw himself into the Arkansas job and was not aware of the media beating he was receiving.

"It was hard on my family. It was hard on my wife and my kids, but I didn't hear a lot of it," Petrino said. "That was probably good."

For months Petrino declined to be interviewed except for the local media that covers Arkansas football. But when he arrived at the SEC meetings he agreed to meet with the media contingent that regularly covers the league.

Petrino was pressed on whether, in hindsight, he could have handled his departure from Atlanta differently.

"Not that I know of," he said. "Because of the timing of it and both sides of the fence, that is kind of how it worked out. It was a situation where you have no other choice."

Petrino's position is that the Arkansas job was on the table and that it had become clear to him that he wanted to go back to college football. In an interview with the AJC in December, Campbell said he had made that clear to Blank and then-general manager Rich McKay in the now-famous meeting on the day before the Falcons' Monday night game with the Saints on Dec. 9. Blank, however, came out of that meeting thinking that his coach would ride out the storm.

"It [college football] was just the right fit for me. It's where I belong," Petrino said. "In college you're coaching young men who are aspiring to reach their dreams. In the NFL you're coaching a lot of guys who have reached their dreams. There's a difference. There is no question about that."

Petrino made it clear in the interview session that he would not be entertaining questions on Michael Vick, whose arrest on dogfighting charges changed the entire future of the Falcons franchise. He was also asked when he knew he had made a mistake in taking the Falcons job and when he decided he would go back to college football.

"I really don't want to get into that," Petrino said. "If we could bypass that one it would be good."

Petrino insists that he is not the bad guy who has been portrayed in the media.

"When people know me, they understand how I am," he said.

But Petrino also admits that he lets very few people know him well.

"I've always guarded myself a little bit," he said.

Petrino also insists that he has mended fences with Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville. With Tuberville in trouble during the 2003 season, Petrino secretly met with Auburn officials at an airport near Louisville. When the meeting was made public, Petrino and Auburn received a major national flogging in the media.

"We're fine," Petrino said of his relationship with Tuberville.

Petrino did leave room for a little humor before he left. One media member suggested that his Falcons experience was like a bad dream sequence from a television show like "Dallas."

"That's not the show I thought of," Petrino said. "Did you ever see the movie 'Misery?' "

Vince Young very nearly quit football

For the first time this year, the people at EA Sports elected to put a retired player on the cover of their Madden video game. Unbeknownst to them, they almost did the same thing last year. Vince Youngwas ready to quit football after his rookie year.

He doesn't go into great detail about the reasons, but he did tell Thomas George of NFL.com that things were once so bad for him that retirement was a viable option.

"I really thought long and hard about it. There was so much going on with my family. It was crazy being an NFL quarterback. It wasn't fun anymore. All of the fun was out of it. All of the excitement was gone. All I was doing was worrying about things.

If nothing else, it's a reminder that we never, ever really know what's going on with our favorite athletes. Or anyone, really. Being rich, being famous, being idolized, being on the cover of Madden ... none of it guarantees that a guy won't be sitting at home crying his eyes out and listening to, I don't know, Elliott Smith albums or something.

If he even considered walking away from life in the NFL, whatever pain or frustration he was experiencing had to be pretty profound. It's probably Merril Hoge's fault.

Young's feeling better about things now, though.

"My teammates helped lift me out of it. I prayed really hard. And I began to focus on God's calling for me. Play football. Be a role model."

That's good to hear. And I suppose this post wouldn't be complete without mention of these pictures that made the rounds recently. I never paid them much attention here, because I didn't think they were that big of a deal. He's sweaty, he's shirtless, he's drinking. He's allowed. More than half of the posts I'll make today will be in the same condition.

It's odd to think, though, that if the same pictured had surfaced a year ago, and they got the same attention, it might have been the thing that pushed Vince Young into an extremely early retirement.