Bruschi Holds Camp
The Boston Globe reported that Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi held his own football camp today at Gillette Stadium for fifty-four lucky children.
The kids were reportedly all dressed in No. 54 jerseys and were participating in the second annual Kids Football Clinic with Tedy Bruschi, sponsored by insurance company SBLI (Savings Bank Life Insurance Co. of Massachusetts).
The campers were chosen based on essays they had to write about their “game-plan” for being healthy and doing well in school.
Video: OL Sebastian Vollmer
While surfing YouTube tonight I came accross a workout video of Patriots offensive lineman and draft choice Sebastian Vollmer.
According to the description in the video, Vollmer trained under the direction of Mike Gough at athletic Edge Sports in Bradenton, Florida, and lead all offensive linemen in the country with a 37.5″ vertical jump.
For anyone who would like, you can watch a video of Vollmer below.
Wes Welker, Matt Cassel reunite at camp for kids
Here’s a good article published this afternoon in the Boston Herald talking about New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker and former Pats QB Matt Cassel reuniting at Welker’s high school at a charity football camp.
“Looking at it from when I was younger, this is like a once in a lifetime type of opportunity that a lot of kids wouldn’t have that opportunity,” Welker said.
“So, getting to have this camp for them, it’s fun for me. A lot of times when you do paid camps, the kids don’t appreciate it as much as these kids. They really appreciate it, and they really kind of grasp onto you and they’re very grateful for what you’re doing.”
For more on this article CLICK HERE
Michael Jackson Dies at 50
I’d be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to acknowlege the passing of Michael Jackson, who joined Farrah Fawett with his sudden death today at the age of 50.
As someone who grew up during the 80’s, love him or hate him the guy was a legend. I’m sure now that he’s passed away we’ll finally learn more about his strange behavior – although it’s sad that it takes someone’s death to find out more about who they really were. Nevertheless the guy had a major impact on music and during his peak was one of the greatest entertainers in the business.
He also played a part in Patriots History as pointed out by Chad Finn of the Boston Globe, citing a Forbes.com article from a couple of years ago.
Michael Jackson: August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009
Patriots Sweep All Decade Honors
ESPN.com has announced that the Patriots swept the Team, Coach, and MVP categories in ESPN’s All-Decade selections, ending the debate of who the “Team of the Decade” is in the NFL.
According to the announcement ESPN.com selected Belichick as its “all-decade coach” for guiding New England to three Super Bowls and four AFC championships, while also at least tying for the AFC East’s best record each year since 2001.
The article also went on to say that ESPN chose Tom Brady as its MVP and the Patriots as its team of the decade. The honors were bestowed with consultation from NFL general managers, coaches, scouts and players.
“You have to recognize championships because, ultimately, that’s what we’re playing for,” Belichick said when informed of ESPN.com’s selections.
Rodney Harrison Tired of Favre Saga
Former Patriot Rodney Harrison was on the Dan Patrick show earlier today, and had some choice words for quarterback Brett Favre.
Favre, who recently underwent surgery on his bicep) is reportedly poised to join the Minnesota Vikings and extend his career another season. The vast majority of fans are tired of this saga, and Harrison appears to agree with them.
“From the player’s I’ve talked to, a lot of them seem to think Brett Favre is pretty selfish,” Harrison said. “Each and every offseason bringing so much attention to himself. It’s just really a disappointment to hear that time and time again.
“If you’ve been in the league 13, 14, 15 years or so you know if you want to play. The circus shouldn’t have to go on for three to four years. It’s just a disappointment. Then the media they’re just so caught up and in love with Brett Favre … It’s ridiculous because a lot of guys are doing good, positive things in the National Football League and those keep things keep getting overlooked.”
Harrison also said he would take Matt Cassel over Favre to quarterback his team. Harrison said Cassel is a “young stud,” while Favre’s interceptions (22 last season with the Jets) are a big problem.
Patriots fans shouldn’t expect a return by Harrison this year. Dan asked Harrison if Bill Belichick called him midseason, would he consider going back to New England. Harrison said “no way … even for $10 million.”
Peppers Signs Franchise Tender
This should end any further talk of Julius Peppers being a possible candidate for playing here in New England.
The Panthers official site reported Wednesday afternoon that Julius Peppers signed his franchise tender, ending months of speculation of a trade. Peppers had been rumored to have been headed to New England, which later ended up being untrue. By signing the tender he’ll receive a one-year, $16.7 million guaranteed salary.
“Over the past few months we have had regular communication with Carl Carey, Julius’ representative, and all indications were that Julius would be signed to report to training camp,” General Manager Marty Hurney said. “Julius obviously is a very valuable member of our team and we look forward to the 2009 season.
Light, Woody in Philly
The Patriots reported via their Twitter channel this morning that offensive lineman Matt Light and former New England center Damien Woody are among players at a Philly Sports Authority today as part of the field reporting portion of Broadcast Boot Camp.
Light was part of a Broadcast Boot camp yesterday and also appeared on Serius radio yesterday afternoon.
Manning Over Brady For All Decade Team?
Former Boston Globe columnist and one of my favorite guys Michael Smith puts Peyton Manning over Tom Brady for the “All Decade” team for quarterbacks.
No offense Michael…but I think you’re out of your mind. Three Super Bowl rings, an undefeated regular season, and breaking Manning’s touchdown record should say enough to end this discussion.
Smerlas and DeOssie Say Eating Chocolate Helps Weight Loss
According to former Patriots Steve DeOssie and Fred Smerlas, apparently you can eat chocolate and lose weight.
The former players told the Boston Herald that they are convinced it works, and have launched their latest venture – selling bite-size chocolates that promise to trim your waistline at their site www.fredandsteveschocolate.com.
“I don’t have a scale, but I can tell by my clothes that I’ve lost weight,” DeOssie told the newspaper. “I’ve been up and down in my weight for years, but this chocolate seems to be working.”
At their website you can purchase “Tru Chocolate”, which according to the site is an “organic, sugarless chocolate sweetened with natural sweeteners and a proprietary herbal formula that boosts the health benefits of simple cocoa.”
The secret? Eat one wafer with 8 ounces of water before meals. They claim that if the plan is followed, dieters can lose a pound a day.
It’s not inexpensive. A bag, which contains just 15 individually wrapped chocolate pieces, costs $21.50 and requires an enrollment fee of $10.
Smerlas also claims that it’s worked for him.
“It definitely helped eliminate cravings,” Smerlas told the Herald. “I weighed 320 pounds when I started the Atkins (diet) a while ago and it brought me to 280, but I gained back 10 pounds and the Tru Chocolate brought me back down to 280.