League Lowdown

May 16, 2009:

I'm checking in with the latest NFL stories and updates. There has been a lot of league news and team happenings in the past week that will shape the upcoming season. We have everything from salary cap news to possible former quarterback returns to cover. So, without further adieu, here is your league lowdown.

Salary Cap Increase for 2008
NFL teams will not feel the effects of the national recession during the 2008 season; at least not in their salary caps. The cap has been increased by $12 million for the 2009 season, giving teams a total of $128 million to spend on their rosters. This is the largest increase in three years. Much of this is due to a decrease in team spending on players last year. That figure was below 59.5% of the total league revenue.

However, things still remain up in the air for the 2010 season. Owners opted out of the Collective Bargaining Agreement last year and if another CBA isn't agreed upon, the NFL will go without a salary cap next season.


Michael Vick Preparing For Football

Mike Vick has decided to work with a trainer on football related workouts upon his release from prison on May 20th. Vick was convicted of felony dog fighting charges and was sent to prison in the fall of 2007. He still has two months left in his prison term, which he will serve out in home confinement. Still technically a member of the Atlanta Falcons, Vick has eyes on getting back into the NFL. As of now, he is indefinitely suspended from the league and is at the mercy of commissioner Roger Goodell.

Goodell has expressed his views on Vick's return. "Before I make my decision, it will be up to Michael to demonstrate the genuineness of his remorse and how he plans to be a positive influence" the commissioner has said. There is no indication that Vick will make it back to the NFL for the upcoming season. The Falcons want to trade him, but have received no interest from any NFL teams in obtaining Vick thus far.


Favre...... Again.

This story just doesn't want to go away. After reiterating his desire to retire in a phone conversation with Minnesota head coach Brad Childress, former Packer QB Brett Favre is getting his throwing arm checked out; just in case. It has been reported that Favre is seeking the opinion of world renown orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews regarding his throwing arm.

By most accounts, Favre wants to avoid surgery if at all possible. The arm is still giving him trouble though, so Favre and Andrews are implementing an exercise regimen that would allow the arm to naturally heal, sans surgery. Viking team officials are keeping things close to the vest, but do not deny their continued interest in obtaining Favre for their roster. As we the fan (and, of course the media) speculate about Favre's heart and head in making a decision to return to the sport of football, it would appear that the final decision will be made by his arm.


Ocho-cinco On Jersey-O

In the ridiculousness that is Chad Johnson, the league has decided that he can actually wear the name Ocho Cinco on his jersey next season. Johnson legally changed his name to the Spanish number moniker last August. However, when he changed it, he wrote it down as Ochocinco, not the two word phrase he previously (and shamelessly) promoted. So the league is obliging the man formerly known as Chad Johnson. However, his jersey will read "Ochocinco" just as he wrote on his name change form in Florida.

Bruce Smith Charged With DUI

The NFL's all-time sack leader Bruce Smith was charged with driving under the influence on Friday in Virgina Beach. Smith was stopped for speeding and refused a breath test. Smith has been charged for DUI twice before, although he has never been convicted. No news of a hearing date for the hall of famer at this time.



That's the lowdown on the league for the week. You are up to date on most of the league news and happenings. My next post will be on Tuesday for your weekly top ten.

My Top Ten Scariest Players In NFL History

This week's top ten Tuesday will focus on the scariest guys to ever take the field. These are the guys who give quarterbacks nightmares. Most of these guys are pass rushing monsters; players who rack up sacks and tackles with an unforeseen fury. You don't want to meet these players in a dark alley. You don't ever want to get on their bad side. If you ever make them angry, its time to relocate. These are my top ten scariest players in NFL History:

10) Larry Allen, Offensive Lineman (Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers)

Larry Allen is a sight to behold. At 6'3" and 325 lbs., the veteran offensive lineman could intimidate by simply standing up. The highly competitive guard and tackle was known for protecting his quarterback. Anyone wanting a sack was going to have to go through Larry Allen, and that was nearly impossible.

The man has bench pressed 700 lbs. (assisted) and dead lifted over 900 lbs. (unwitnessed). With 11 pro bowls to his credit and a Super Bowl ring, Allen was good at his job. In a league where getting to the quarterback is highly rewarded, Larry Allen made the notion highly unlikely. The Dallas Cowboys had their greatest success when Allen was on the front line, and he carried his reputation to the 49ers in the last two seasons of his career.

9) Larry Csonka, Fullback/Runningback (Miami Dolphins, New York Giants)

Csonka is synonymous with tough. At 6'3" and 235 lbs., he was big for a full back and even bigger for a running back. But, he loved to run with the ball. You might say it was the game itself that made Larry scary. He started off his professional career with concussions. He also cracked an ear drum and broke his nose about 10 times on the field. But, none of that stopped him from running with the ball. Even with his nose permanently deformed and often with blood pouring out of it, Csonka was a guy who would stay in the game; blood and all.

Csonka was probably the scariest running back in the NFL in the 1970's. He actually received a personal foul once for unnecessary roughness while running with the football. Tackling this fullback was nearly impossible, as he would just drag defenders behind him. The man could dish it out, but he could also take it. During the Dolphins perfect season in 1972, Csonka took a vicious blow from a linebacker and had to crawl off the field. He would later shake off the hit and return to the game to help the Dolphins maintain perfection.

8) John Randle, Defensive Tackle (Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks)

John Randle was scary on purpose. As a Minnesota Viking, Randle was known to take the field with face paint across his eyes like a mask. He would taunt and scream on the defensive line, causing quarterbacks to be distracted and yes, very scared. The man would outright heckle opposing players throughout the game. One player in particular felt Randle's fury. John Randle made his dislike for quarterback Brett Favre public knowledge and Favre would eventually became the defensive tackle's favorite victim.

John Randle went so far as to shoot a commercial in which he chased a chicken wearing a Favre jersey. He was shown barbecuing that chicken at the end of the commercial. Besides his theatrical antics, Randle was always a dominating defensive force in the game. He ended his career with 556 tackles and 137.5 sacks. With 7 pro bowls to his credit, John Randle left a legacy of excellence, as well as fear.

7) Jack Lambert, Linebacker (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Jack Lambert was known as "Count Dracula in Cleats". If that's not scary enough, he was also a linebacker in one of the greatest defenses of all time. Known for his intensity and his ability to intimidate opposing teams, Lambert was a force to be reckoned with. Missing 4 front teeth from an old high school injury, Lambert was known to remove his partial dentures during football games. Wearing his Steelers helmet and displaying "fang" like teeth, earned him the Dracula moniker.

The 1976 "Steel Curtain" defense dominated all defensive NFL statistics. After struggling to a 1-4 start that year, Jack Lambert knew that they were going to have to win the next 9 games to make the playoffs and he physically threatened any teammate who did not give full effort. They went on to win all of those games; allowing only 2 touchdowns and boasting 5 shutouts. It would appear that even his own teammates were afraid of the Dracula in Cleats.

6) Ray Lewis, Linebacker (Baltimore Ravens)

Ray Lewis. You either love him or hate him. If you're a quarterback, you probably loathe the guy. If you're a pure lover of the sport of football.... you adore him. Ray Lewis is pure football, through and through. The unstoppable linebacker out of the University of Miami is known for his relentless pursuit of the QB; or anyone with the ball for that matter. Lewis is the guy you want on your team and the guy you fear the most if he isn't.

With his intimidating pre-game dance and his pension for trash talk, Ray Lewis knows how to put on a show. Opposing teams feared him for the humiliation he would bring almost as much as the hits he would deliver. He has been to 10 pro bowls, has won a Super Bowl and was even Super Bowl MVP. His infamous 2000 Ravens will forever be compared and discussed as one of the best defenses in the history of the NFL.

5) Mike Singletary, Linebacker (Chicago Bears)

Also in the discussion for one of the greatest defenses ever, is the 1985 Chicago Bears. Mike Singletary will always be known as "The Heart of the Defense". That may sound warm and fuzzy, but he was also known as "Samurai Mike". No one matched the intensity of Mike Singletary. Arguably, the best linebacker to play the game, Singletary would eat quarterbacks for lunch. And maybe go back for seconds.

In that magical 1985 season for the Bears, Singletary recorded 109 solo tackles and 3 sacks. He was easily the NFL defensive player of the year. The Bears went on to win the Super Bowl and Samurai Mike had two fumble recoveries in that game. He went on to have 10 Pro Bowl appearances and has been inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame. Now the head coach for the San Francisco 49ers, Coach Sing (as he is now called) continues to bring his intensity to a new generation of linebackers.

4) "Mean" Joe Greene, Defensive Tackle (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Also a part of that Steel Curtain defense was "Mean" Joe Greene. He had the nickname for a reason. The man could not stand to lose and he would take his anger out on the football field. Needless to say, soon after Joe Green was drafted by the Steelers, they began to win. He won 4 Super Bowls with the Steelers and was defensive player of the year twice. He was intense and could lay the big hit. But, he was also quick and moved through the line with ease.

In the 1970's, quarterbacks shuttered at the thought of Joe Greene. But it was Greene's belief that he was neither the strongest or the fastest player on the field. He truly believed that he had a stronger desire to win than anyone else in the game. Teams needed to double and even triple team Green in order to contain him and he still found a way to get to the QB. With 78.5 sacks to his pro football credit and a bust in the NFL Hall of Fame, one could say that it pays to be mean.

3) Ronnie Lott, Strong Safety, Safety, Cornerback (49ers, Raiders, Jets, Chiefs)

Ronnie Lott was one of the best in the business. And that business was laying hits on offensive players in the NFL. Business was good. Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, Lott won his starting job in his very first training camp. That first year he brought down 7 interceptions; 3 of which were for touchdowns. He was only the second rookie in history to accomplish that feat. He also managed to win a Super Bowl in his first year in the NFL.

During the 1985 season, Ronnie Lott injured his pinkie finger on the helmet of an opposing player. Legend has it that he had the finger amputated during a game. The truth is, Lott had the tip amputated at the end of the season. What is true, is that Ronnie Lott did it to keep it from hampering his game. Ronnie's love for the sport was almost as scary as his hits. No one on the field wanted to win more than Lott and it showed in his stats. After 10 Pro Bowls and 730 interception yards, Ronnie Lott retired. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

2) Lawrence Taylor, Linebacker (New York Giants)

The great L.T. was one of the most feared men to ever grace a uniform. As the leader of the Giants defense known as the "Big Blue Wrecking Crew", Taylor put terror in the hearts of offensive players around the league. As a rookie, his reputation started in training camp and spread throughout the NFL. Before he even played a regular season down, L.T. was known as a hard hitting monster and he was to be feared.

One of his biggest and most damaging hits came in the 1985 season on Monday Night Football. Taylor laid a sack on Redskins QB Joe Theisman that resulted in a compound fracture on Theisman's leg. Taylor scared himself with that hit. He was the one to yell for paramedics on the field that night and has never watched the tape of the hit that ended Theisman's career. He continued his defensive dominance and went on to win 2 Super Bowls. He amassed 132 sacks in his NFL career with an astonishing 1088 tackles.

1) Dick Butkus, Linebacker (Chicago Bears)

In 1970, Dick Butkus appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. The tag line was: "The Most Feared Man In The Game." Basically, if you were a quarterback and Dick Butkus was on the field, you knew with 100% certainty that you were going to end up on your back. Then, you would pray that afterward, you would be able to get up. Butkus wouldn't just tackle you. He would slam you to the ground with emphasis to make sure that you knew you were tackled.

Butkus once stated that during warm-ups he would "manufacture things to make me mad. If I saw someone on the other team laughing, I would pretend he was laughing at me...". Fierce and tough were the words Butkus would use to describe his childhood views on what he thought a football player should be. Those are words used to describe him to this day.

Butkus even has an award named after him. Created in 1985, the Dick Butkus award is given every year to the top linebackers in college football. In 2008, the award also expanded to the high school and pro football levels in an effort to discourage steroid use.



Although these players are deemed scary, they helped make the game what it is today. Guys like "Mean" Joe Green and "Samurai" Mike brought intensity, fierce competition and heart to the game of football. These are the guys I grew up admiring and yes, fearing. I would fear for the offensive players that had to face them on the field. But, mostly I would fear that I would miss even a glimmer of brilliance that each of them displayed in the games on Sunday.

What To Expect From The 2009 Detroit Lions

One of the hardest things for an NFL team to accomplish in a season is to go from worst to first; that is to turn a dismal season around and go from last in the division to the divisional winner and earn a playoff berth. It was accomplished by the 2008 Miami Dolphins who narrowly escaped infamy in 2007 by winning just one game, but then somehow turned things around the following year and won the AFC South. The 2008 Detroit Lions did not escape infamy; they became the only team in league history to lose 16 regular season games in a row and end the season winless. The Lions have made some major changes, from the front office to the field in an effort to turn the organization around. But can they realistically win their division and make a playoff run?

It all starts in the division in question; the NFC North. It is made up of 4 NFL teams: the Chicago Bears, the Green Bay Packers, the Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit. The last time the Lions won the division was in 1993. Back then it was called the NFC Central and included the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Out of the 4 current NFC North teams, Detroit has the fewest divisional titles and no Super Bowl wins or appearances.

I cannot think of any team that would have a tougher time going from worst to first than Detroit. But for argument's sake, lets discuss their chances. They started off the rebuilding by firing GM Matt Millen and head coach Rod Marinelli. Martin Mayhew replaced Millen and Jim Schwartz, the former Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator, was hired as head coach. The Lions received the #1 pick in the 2009 draft and used it to acquire QB Matthew Stafford, out of Georgia. Other notable picks from the draft include TE Brandon Pettigrew from Oklahoma State and Louis Delmas from Western Michigan University.

The Lions also are trying to ignite a tired and weary fan base in Detroit. In addition to the heart break of a 0-16 season, the city of Detroit and the entire state of Michigan has been in economic peril for the past few years. With the auto industry suffering a downward spiral, many citizens are struggling to recover from financial difficulties and football tickets are not in their agenda. The Lions had 4 blackout games last season due to low attendance at Ford Field. A new campaign to get fans fired up again is underway. New uniforms and the heavy promotion of the new head coach and their #1 draft pick Stafford is hitting the airwaves. But, Stafford's hefty rookie contract (almost $42 million guaranteed) is getting major backlash from fans who have continued to suffer in Michigan's long economic recession.

In order for the Lions to have any chance at winning the division, they would have to win some games vs. their divisional competition. Last season's divisional winner was the Minnesota Vikings with a 10-6 record. The Vikings have the best running back in football in Adrian Peterson. Their defense, led by Jared Allen, was ranked 13th last season. By most accounts, the Vikings look like the team to beat in the NFC North. However, the Chicago Bears added QB Jay Cutler in the famous trade made with the Broncos. Cutler adds a component to the Bears that most feel was needed for them to make another Super Bowl run. The Green Bay Packers are always a tough opponent for any team they play and Detroit has always struggled to beat them.

The Lions must also find a way to win on the road. Detroit has become notorious for having long road win droughts. They went 3 straight seasons without a road win (2001-2003). The 24 game streak was the longest in NFL history. Of course with their winless season last year, Detroit again failed to win one on the road.

With a lackluster fan base, a new front office, and a new coaching staff, Detroit's chances of going from worst to first are very slim. However, both the Lions and the state of Michigan have the characteristics to turn things around; toughness and resilience. It may take a few seasons and a few more key position changes, but the Lions will find a way to bounce back and make a return appearance to the playoffs. Just don't look for that to happen next season.

Rumors Run Rampant, But Favre Stays Retired

I honestly think that Brett Favre must love this time of year. Not because the fishing is good in Mississippi or because he's sure to get a farmer's tan. If you ask me, Favre loves the attention he draws every late spring regarding his football status. The "will he? or won't he?" kind of speculation probably makes him feel important and wanted; something the Packers got tired of doing this time last year.

Last year's buzz about Favre's return was surrounded by the spectacle that came with his retirement from Green Bay and his subsequent return and eventual trade to the Jets. Although a trade to the Minnesota Vikings was never in the works, the Vikings were accused of having improper communication with Favre . Even though they were eventually cleared of tampering, the Vikings have never denied their interest in having Brett Favre on their roster. Once released by the Jets, rumors ran hot of Favre's possible return to the game and to the NFC North with the Vikings.

This time however, the out of control rumor mill is starting to slow its spin. According to Steve Mariucci from the NFL network, Favre has not been throwing or working out since his last regular season game with the Jets. That fact is not too surprising. It was June of last year that Favre committed to his training program to make his return to football. But a major development today reported by Yahoo Sports stated that a source close to the Vikings confirms that Favre will choose to stay retired.

Apparently, Favre spoke to Vikings head coach Brad Childress via telephone and informed him that this time his retirement is for real. It is expected that Favre will officially put the rumors and innuendo to rest with a formal statement in the near future.

It looks like the Vikings will be left out in the cold again in their pursuit of Brett Favre. The Vikings are determined to improve from last season's respectable finish of 10-6; even though they made a trip to the playoffs. Many feel that they are only a pro bowl quarterback away from a Super Bowl run. The quarterbacks currently on their roster are Tarvaris Jackson, Sage Rosenfels, and John David Booty. Last year, Jackson might have shown flashes of greatness, but he also showed inconsistency and was benched for veteran QB Gus Frerotte in week 2.

Although they have the best running back in the league in Adrian Peterson, it is the quarterback position that they obviously feel the need to upgrade. With mini camps underway and training camp around the corner, it would appear that the Vikings will be forced to go with what they have on their roster. As for Favre, maybe some good ol' Mississippi fishing and a well earned Farmer's tan can suffice. For now.

My Ten Favorite NFL Catch Phrases

For this top ten Tuesday, I chose to have a bit of fun. Every football fan has their little catch phrases that they have picked up from analysts, coaches, and players. I am no different. All of these phrases are very memorable for the moments that they represent. When I hear someone use these terms, I always think back to when they were said and the circumstances that led up to those words. Whether they were said during a highlight reel, or a game, or even a meltdown at the coaches podium, their words became part of fan culture and continue to be used daily in sports conversations everywhere.


10) "You Play To Win The Game!" - Coach Herman Edwards

As the head coach of the New York Jets, Herm Edwards had just 39 wins (41 losses). So his frustration with his team was understandable. On October 30, 2002, the Jets had just lost to the Browns and dropped to 2-5 on the season. During Edwards' press conference following the game, a reporter asked him about the team's ability to win. The coach responded with his most famous quote.

While obviously annoyed and frustrated with the question, Herm Edwards started off calm by saying "This is what's great about sports...". Then without much warning the Coach began to shout "You play to win the game! Hello? You play to win the game!" Here is a coach who is never at a loss for words. I mean, he has even published his own book of quotes. But this rant, at this press conference became Herm's most memorable quote and later became a part of fan culture. Fans continue to use these words when their team displays lackluster or half-hearted effort.

9) "Is This Fun Or What?!" - Coach Steve Mariucci

Steve "Mooch" Mariucci loved being the coach of the San Francisco 49ers. He loved the bay area and displayed his emotions all over the side lines. But, before every game, he would look at various players and staffers and ask "Is this fun or what?". He wasn't really looking for an answer to the question. It was just his way of letting his team know how much he enjoyed game day.

Mariucci compiled a 60-43 winning record as 49er head coach. However, Coach Mooch was fired after the 2002 season and went on to coach for the Detroit Lions. I don't know if his famous catch phrase followed him. But I do know that some 49er fans still use it on game day Sundays. There has even been a highlight reel made only of Steve Mariucci saying his catchy phrase.

8) "Boom!" - John Madden

Whether he was talking about a big hit on the field, a Thanksgiving Turducken, or tough actin' Tenactin, John Madden loved using the word "boom!". It was probably his most popular Maddenism (phrases or ramblings contributed to John Madden). He retired from sports broadcasting a few weeks ago, but his signature catch phrase will undoubtedly live on. We may not get to see him use his telestrator or hear his burly voice. But, television's most colorful color commentator left us one word to describe excitement in football and it will be used with pride.

7) "The Bears Are Who We Thought They Were!" - Coach Dennis Green

Poor Denny Green. That's how you felt after that loss to the Bears. The Bears entered the game 5-0 and were heavily favored over Green's Arizona Cardinals. But this was Monday Night Football and the Cards came into that game pretty pumped up. Coach Denny Green had them prepared and they showed up and embarrassed the Bears for 40 mins. They sparked off a 20 point lead on the undefeated Bears on national television in Arizona. If the story ended there, it would have been a major highlight in the season for the Cardinals. The fact is, football games last for 60 mins.

The Bears rallied back to win 24-23 and Coach Green created one of the most memorable press conferences for any coach in resent memory. "The Bears are who we thought they were! They're who we thought they were!" exploded the Head Coach. There were a few expletives and lots of shouting about their previous preseason game and crowning the Bears. The coach went on to say "But they are who we thought they were, and we let 'em off the hook!". Green's rant became infamous and fans and analysts everywhere jumped on the phrase. It has been used throughout the following seasons and even in a Coors commercial.

6) "Oh, What A Bonanza!" - Joe Starkey

Joe Starkey, the long time voice of the San Francisco 49ers, was always fun to listen to. He served as the play-by-play announcer for the 9ers for over 20 years, as well as the commentator for the University of California, Berkeley Golden Bears since the mid '70's. During that time, Starkey is known for many famous calls including Cal's game vs. Stanford in which the band stormed the field.

But it is his tag line of "Oh, what a bonanza!" that became his signature call. Today, players, commentators, and fans alike use Starkey's signature call to indicate a big play on the field. More specifically, a big play that ends up in the end zone. The "bonanza" had to be a dynamic, successful, ESPN-highlight worthy of a play to earn Starkey's signature catch phrase. Every player that ever heard the line during their highlight undoubtedly felt honored.

5) "Get Your Popcorn Ready!" - Terrell Owens

The first time I heard Terrell Owens, aka T.O., spout off "Get your popcorn ready!", I had no idea what he was talking about. I was watching my 49ers get whipped by the Atlanta Falcons during the 2001 season. T.O. had no catches, for 0 yards at the time. While on the sidelines, he kept saying "That's okay. Just get your popcorn ready!" While I thought, "why don't you shut up and catch something already!". In any case, he went into half time with no catches, no yards, and no touchdowns. But, he did have one heck of a catch phrase.

In the second half, T.O. caught 3 touchdowns. One of those touchdowns was to tie the game and send it into overtime. There was 17 seconds left on the game clock at the time. His third touchdown was in that overtime; a 52 yard game winner. The lesson I learned? When T.O. says to get your popcorn ready, you better have some popping in the microwave; because he is ready to put on a show.

4) "That's Why They Play The Game." - Chris Berman, ESPN Analyst

Chris "Boomer" Berman is one of ESPN's most popular analyst. So it's no wonder that he would have a couple of catch phrases in this countdown. This particular phrase from Berman is used when a team who is highly favored to win that week's game, actually gets beaten by the underdog. Berman likes use the line during his NFL Primetime show which shows the highlights from that week's games.

He usually sets it up by talking about the favored team and how dominate they have been. He mentions their stats, their markee players, and why it is virtually impossible for them to lose to the team they were scheduled to play that week. Right before the highlight he gives the line "That's why they play the game." Basically, all the hype, stats, streaks, and previous performances in the world cannot determine the game's outcome. Only the game itself can. Couldn't have said it better myself, Boomer.

3) "Playoffs? Playoffs! Don't Talk About Playoffs! You Kiddin' Me?" - Jim Mora

On November 25, 2001, then head coach of the Indianapolis Colts Jim Mora had just lost to the San Francisco 49ers. But, it wasn't the loss that upset him. It was how the team lost that sent him into one of the most famous coach tirades in NFL history.

The team had turned the ball over to San Francisco 5 times; 1 for a touchdown and 3 others in great field position. The coach entered into that press conference pretty steamed. His rant started with a run down of how badly his team performed. Someone interrupted him and asked about making the playoffs. The rest is sound byte history. Mora answered "Playoffs? Playoffs! Don't talk about playoffs! You kidding me? Playoffs? I just hope we can win another game!".

That rant became the catch phrase for NFL fans, analyst, players and anyone talking about playoffs. It also became a Coors beer commercial. The sound byte can be heard around the country on radio shows, NFL highlight shows, and anywhere playoffs are mentioned. That reporter probably gave Jim Mora a headache that day. But, Mora gave us the gift of his rant that will forever be repeated.

2) "How 'Bout Them Cowboys!" - Jimmy Johnson

As a 49er fan, four words invoked nausea in me for years. You see, the Cowboys had just beaten the 49ers (again) in the NFC Championship (again) and there they were, in the locker room gloating (again!!!). What added salt to the deep, deep wound was the famous catch phrase that came out of that locker room celebration. Former head coach Jimmy Johnson looked at his team, beaming with pride and shouted "How bout them Cowboys!" to a roaring Dallas team with cameras capturing every gut wrenching second.

But, here is the beauty of time. Although Dallas went on to win the Super Bowl that year, the 49ers eventually got their revenge and finally beat them. Dallas' team would later grow old and have to rebuild. As the team began to have some down seasons, the 49er fans stole their famous catch phrase and used it to mock them. As recent as last season when the Cowboys imploded and even stars such as Tony Romo, Jason Witten, and Terrell Owens couldn't get them to the playoffs, the catch phrase came in handy for us 49er fans. When and if the Cowboys find a way back, I am sure those words will invoke the same sickening feelings it did back in the early '90's. But for now, the Cowboys are actually the one team cringing when they hear it.

1) "And He Could... Go... All... The... Way!" - Chris Berman & Howard Cosell

This has got to be one of the most famous catch phrases in sports. The originator is the late, great Howard Cosell, so most of the credit goes to him. But, once again, Chris "Boomer" Berman of ESPN shines here with another catch phrase he helped to make famous.

Berman uses the line during highlight reels on the shows NFL Primetime, Sunday NFL Countdown, and Monday Night Countdown when describing a player who is taking the ball to the house. That is, getting a touchdown for you laymen out there. "And he could go all the way!" is used by fans, analysts, players and even video games. Needless to say, it is my favorite NFL catch phrase of all time.


This top 10 list was a fun look at the fun we have while watching our favorite games. Catch phrases has become a staple in fan culture; an inside joke between the die hards who know how they originated. Not only are they a part of fan culture, they are also a part of pop culture and even a part of American culture as we see them being used in our everyday lives. Go ahead and yell "Playoffs?!" Ala Jim Mora, or tell someone to "Get your popcorn ready!" just like T.O. It might make you feel like you're ready for some football.

Will Divisional Revenge Woo Favre Back?

Is Brett Favre really gone? It seems as though this time his retirement is for real. But what sparks debate is that the New York Jets released him last Tuesday, making him a free agent. All of the stipulations regarding Favre's trade from the Packers last season are not in effect now that he was released. That means that Brett Favre can play wherever he wants. However, Favre insists that this time his retirement is for real. "At this time, I am retired and have no intention of returning to football" Favre said in a statement. I don't know about you, but it sounds to me that certain circumstances could change Favre's mind.... again.

Far be it from me to question the word of Brett Favre. Its not like he has retired before and has changed his mind. Its not like he waits until the very last minute of the off-season and all of a sudden decides he has to play football come fall. Its not like... well... actually... its exactly like that! He has changed his mind in the past. And, when you make a statement with words like "at this time" and "have no intention", to me it would indicate that given the right time and situation, his intentions would change.

Favre left the Packers last season in a huff. The Packers didn't want him, even though he wanted to come back and play for another year. But, the Packers were in their right to reject Favre's return. He had already retired and had an emotional send off. The Packers had handed down their team to Favre's heir, Aaron Rogers. They had moved on with their lives when Favre decided that retirement was not something he wanted. Brett Favre did not expect the Packers to deny him the team he quarterbacked for 16 seasons. The Packers traded him out of the NFC to the Jets, but the sting from the Packers rejection seemed to still be in Favre's mind.

Now, Favre has a chance to sting the Packers. The Minnesota Vikings, a divisional rival of Green Bay, appears to be just a quarterback away from making a true run for the Super Bowl. There was talk of tampering from the Vikings when Favre was reconsidering retirement last year. Now, that Favre is a free agent, the rumor mill is running hot with talk of Favre returning to football and returning to the NFC North division with the Vikings. In Minnesota, he would face the Packers twice a year, which could be just enough motivation to lure Favre out of retirement.

I'm not sure that I can believe that Brett Favre is completely done with football. Not with him using words like "at this time" and "have no intention". It is definitely possible that at another time, say when the Vikings offer a deal, his intentions would be to finally stick it to the Packers. Even the Vikings head coach Brad Childress acknowledged on Friday that they will assess their interest in the retired QB. Keep in mind that Brett Favre asked to be released from the Jets. Which is a bit odd, considering he's retired and all.

Still No Deals For Edwards or Boldin

The 2009 Draft has come to a close and there was plenty of excitement surrounding a number of high profile picks. What was missing on draft day was the high profile trade between teams of current NFL players (i.e. the Randy Moss trade of 2007).

The elements were in place for such a trade to occur. Two receivers: Anquan Boldin of the Arizona Cardinals and Braylon Edwards of the Cleveland Browns are high profile players who wanted to be traded to different teams. There are a number of teams in the league with voids at wideout. So, why hasn't a deal come through for either receiver?

The Arizona Cardinals initially wanted substantial compensation for the services of Anquan Boldin. The deal sought from the onset was in line with what the Cowboys paid the Lions for Roy Williams; a pick in the 1st, 3rd, and 6th round of the draft. Now that the draft has come and gone and no offers for Boldin were ever even close to the deal the Cardinals wanted, Boldin's future remains uncertain.

The Cardinals front office and several players have indicated that they would like to have Anquan back for the 2009 season. Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald even stated a belief that Boldin wants to stay as well. Without an overwhelming interest in making a deal for Boldin, Arizona may look at restructuring a contract for the wideout in the near future.

They have already made some big salary cap moves by releasing their cornerback Rod Hood, linebacker Travis LaBoy, and disgruntled running back Edgerrin James. Arizona officially decided to part ways with James after picking up former Ohio State running back Chris "Beanie" Wells in the draft on Saturday.

The Browns, on the other hand, seem to have a plan in place to deal with the loss of Braylon Edwards in the event of a trade. They moved down repeatedly in last week's draft in an attempt to find good players at a better value. They picked up two receivers in the second round; Brian Robiskie, also from OSU and Mohammed Massaqoui out of Georgia. Both wideouts look promising as future starters.

It looked as if the New York Giants would make a play for Edwards on or near draft day. It made sense at the time. The Giants had parted ways with embattled receiver Plaxico Burress and were in dire need of a playmaker at the receiver position. But the Giants were smart enough to draft two receivers of their own last weekend.

They picked up Hakeem Hicks in the first round and Ramses Barden in the third. Both players are big, strong receivers who will make excellent targets for QB Eli Manning. Especially Hicks, who has great hands and top receiver potential. Without either team desperate at the receiver position, Edwards appears to be in limbo without any clear indication of where he will be playing next season.


With teams wanting a lot of compensation for these two receivers and the value found in the draft, these potential trade talks may just flicker out. Boldin has had limited interest at best and the Cardinals are intent on keeping him. Braylon Edwards' stock plummeted when both the Browns and Giants took good receivers in the draft. As mini camp nears, teams are tightening their rosters. As the economy compels us all to monitor our spending, NFL teams are not as willing to pay top price for just one player.