On a recent Move the Sticks podcast, Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks were at the Pac-12 Media Day talking to some of the head coaches and players. Those interviews got me thinking about the Pac-12's head coaches. It's an interesting group.
Cal: Justin Wilcox
Stanford: David Shaw
USC: Clay Helton
UCLA: Chip Kelly
Oregon: Mario Cristobal
Oregon State: Jonathan Smith
Washington: Chris Petersen
Washington State: Mike Leach
Utah: Kyle Whittingham
Colorado: Mel Tucker
Arizona: Kevin Sumlin
Arizona State: Herm Edwards
As a Cal fan and alum, I was thrilled with the hire of Justin Wilcox in 2017. Despite his playing for Oregon I thought of him as a Cal original due to his being a part of Jeff Tedford's coaching staff in the 2000s. His hire felt like a return home. If I had any doubts about his head coaching prospects they were put to rest when I saw the effort from his players on defense in 2017. Cal hadn't played a bit of defense for the four years Sonny Dykes was the head coach. Despite having Jared Goff, the Golden Bears were a painful watch on a weekly basis. The tackling was terrible. The effort was embarrassing. The head coach didn't care about defense so the players played no defense. With most of the same players that flailed around for Dykes, Wilcox put a respectable defense on the field in 2017. The Cal offense over the last two years hasn't been good. If Wilcox's tenure at Cal is to be longer than that of Dykes that has to change.
As for the other 11 coaches. David Shaw, Chris Petersen, Kyle Whittingham, and Chip Kelly are among the best coaches in college football. Some might put Mike Leach in there as well. Herm Edwards and Leach are two of the biggest personalities at any level of the coaching profession. A press conference/interview with either is never boring. In a short period of time Mario Cristobal has brought Oregon back to the cusp of Chip Kelly-like success. His head coaching future looks really bright. If nothing else, Kevin Sumlin has a big name in college football. If he can bring the sort of success to Arizona that he had at times at Texas A&M he'll be more than just a big name. Mel Tucker has had assistant coaching success at the pro and college level for about 20 years. There was a time when he was my top choice to be the defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings under Leslie Frazier. That's why he's been on my coaching radar for a while and why I'm curious to see how he does with his first real shot (he was once the interim head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars) as a head coach. Jonathan Smith is the least known. I only really know him from his playing days at Oregon State. He has experience and some success at Washington as Chis Petersen's QB coach and offensive coordinator. Clay Helton's seat at the Pac-12 coaching table is probably the hottest. Coaches at USC don't last long if they don't go to bowl games. And at USC any bowl game isn't good enough. Big bowl games are the objective. National titles are the objective. Right now, USC isn't really close to either.
The Pac-12 teams haven't been getting a lot of national attention in recent years. USC and/or Oregon probably have to get back to national title contention for that to change. I expect the Pac-12 to get much more national attention in the coming years. If for no other reason than a roster of coaches that's as interesting as any conference in the country.
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Vikings Centers
The Minnesota Vikings might be best known for the receivers and defensive linemen that they've had over a franchise history that dates to 1961. Among the receivers, Cris Carter and Randy Moss are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. If Ahmad Rashad had played his entire career in Minnesota he might be honored in Canton as well. Gene Washington, John Gilliam, Sammy White, Anthony Carter, and Jake Reed add to the receiver tradition. Current receivers, Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen, continue it. Alan Page, Carl Eller, Chris Doleman, and John Randle are the Vikings' Hall of Famers from the defensive line. Jared Allen and Kevin Williams should/could join them. Many say that Jim Marshall should as well. Keith Millard would be in Canton if injuries hadn't derailed his dominant career. As with Diggs and Thielen continuing a receiver tradition, a well-stocked current defensive line continues the Vikings' strong tradition at the position.
It might not be as star-studded as receiver and defensive line but the Vikings have a fine tradition at the center position. It's a position tradition that is boosted, if not simply made, by the Hall of Fame career of Mick Tingelhoff. In short, he played forever. Actually, he played, started, starred (as much as centers star) for 17 years. In football years that's forever for an offensive lineman. Every Vikings center since has had Tingelhoff as their model. None have quite reached that level of play. Some have come close for short stretches. Matt Birk made the Pro Bowl six times. Jeff Christy made it three times. The main strength of the Vikings center tradition is consistency and durability. Over 58 years, the Vikings' center position has been capably, at times superbly, manned by ten players.
Joe Berger bounced between the three interior line positions over his seven years with the Vikings.
It might not be as star-studded as receiver and defensive line but the Vikings have a fine tradition at the center position. It's a position tradition that is boosted, if not simply made, by the Hall of Fame career of Mick Tingelhoff. In short, he played forever. Actually, he played, started, starred (as much as centers star) for 17 years. In football years that's forever for an offensive lineman. Every Vikings center since has had Tingelhoff as their model. None have quite reached that level of play. Some have come close for short stretches. Matt Birk made the Pro Bowl six times. Jeff Christy made it three times. The main strength of the Vikings center tradition is consistency and durability. Over 58 years, the Vikings' center position has been capably, at times superbly, manned by ten players.
| Games | Player | Years Played |
| 240 | Mick Tingelhoff | 1962-78 |
| 123 | Matt Birk | 1998-2008 |
| 101 | Dennis Swilley | 1978-83, '85-87 |
| 93 | John Sullivan | 2008-15 |
| 92 | Jeff Christy | 1993-99 |
| 86 | Kirk Lowdermilk | 1985-92 |
| 48 | Joe Berger | 2011-17 |
| 27 | Pat Elflein | 2017-present |
| 17 | Adam Schreiber | 1990-93 |
| 13 | Bill Lapham | 1961 |
Joe Berger bounced between the three interior line positions over his seven years with the Vikings.
For 53 of the franchise's 58 years, seven players handled the center position for the Minnesota Vikings.
I've always been intrigued by the Vikings strong, consistent center tradition. That's one of many reasons why I'm so excited to see rookie Garrett Bradbury continue it. Despite this long, strong center tradition the Vikings have never had one with this sort of obvious potential. Tingelhoff was undrafted at a time when the draft went 20 rounds. Birk was a seventh-round tackle out of Harvard. John Sullivan was selected in the fifth round. The Vikings haven't taken many offensive linemen in the first round. They've never taken a center that high. Centers typically aren't taken that high. From his athletic ability to his intelligence to his leadership to his work ethic, Bradbury is the sort of center that is taken in the first round. He looks like the sort of center around which an offensive line is built. He looks like the sort of center that will continue a strong Vikings tradition at the position.
| Player | Years |
| Mick Tingelhoff | 17 |
| Matt Birk | 10 |
| Dennis Swilley | 7 |
| John Sullivan | 7 |
| Jeff Christy | 6 |
| Kirk Lowdermilk | 6 |
I've always been intrigued by the Vikings strong, consistent center tradition. That's one of many reasons why I'm so excited to see rookie Garrett Bradbury continue it. Despite this long, strong center tradition the Vikings have never had one with this sort of obvious potential. Tingelhoff was undrafted at a time when the draft went 20 rounds. Birk was a seventh-round tackle out of Harvard. John Sullivan was selected in the fifth round. The Vikings haven't taken many offensive linemen in the first round. They've never taken a center that high. Centers typically aren't taken that high. From his athletic ability to his intelligence to his leadership to his work ethic, Bradbury is the sort of center that is taken in the first round. He looks like the sort of center around which an offensive line is built. He looks like the sort of center that will continue a strong Vikings tradition at the position.
Monday, July 29, 2019
Vikings Training Camp Thoughts
Here are some thoughts after three full squad practices, one of which was in pads.
Injuries. Injuries will always be an unfortunate part of football. Five Vikings players arrived at camp unable to practice and were placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) or Non-football injury (NFI) lists. The PUP list is generally for players that are rehabbing injuries from the previous season. The NFI list is for players with injuries that happened outside the scope of football. Players can be removed from either list at any time.
PUP
Mike Hughes, CB
David Morgan, TE
Brandon Zylstra, WR
Mike Hughes tore his ACL, and at least one other ligament, early last season. He's been rehabbing all offseason and his return is eagerly anticipated and widely speculated. The "more than one ligament was torn" news wasn't known until last week when Mike Zimmer casually mentioned it in a press conference. The fan and media reaction was as expected. It was as if he'd suffered the injury all over again. His condition now is the exact same as it was before this was known. David Morgan injured his knee late last season and had some surgical procedure during the offseason. The procedure was more likely of the scope variety than the far more invasive reconstruction variety. It's been reported that Brandon Zylstra is dealing with hamstring issues from OTAs. Even though hamstrings can be quite problematic and lingering, I expect Morgan's and Zylstra's PUP time to be fairly short. But then I thought that center Pat Elflein would return to practices long before Week 3 last season. Hughes will obviously return as soon as he's able.
NFI
Shamar Stephen, DT
Tashawn Bower, DE
As far as I know, Shamar Stephen's reason for being on the NFI hasn't been released. According to Zimmer, Stephen's time away from practice should be short. Tashawn Bower is a whole other story. He injured an Achilles tendon while working out on his own. While the severity hasn't been released, Bower's status for the season is easily the most in question of the five players placed on these injury lists.
Other injury notes.
Nose tackle Linval Joseph isn't participating in team drills as he recuperates from an offseason surgery, or more. Seeing as he wasn't placed on any of the injury lists it shouldn't be long before he's available for full practice work.
Receiver Jeff Badet is, of course, on the sideline for practices. Everyone wants to see that speed but he always seems to be hampered by some injury.
In Saturday's practice, defensive tackle Jalyn Holmes limped off the field. It reportedly didn't look serious.
Other than Bower's Achilles injury and Hughes well into continuing to rehab his knee injury, none of the Vikings' injury issues seem to be long-term.
That's enough with the injuries.
Holder Tryouts!
You know it's a quiet start to training camp when the biggest news is a holder competition. It's been so long since the Vikings have used a player other than a punter to hold for place kicks that I can't even remember the last one. Hall of Fame safety Paul Krause was the holder of my youth. I'm sure that a quarterback or two or more have done it since then but I can't think of any. Kicking has been a disaster in Minnesota since Blair Walsh missed that kick in the playoffs. The Vikings have juggled kickers since with little consistent success. Now, they are looking at the entire place-kicking battery. They selected long snapper Austin Cutting in the seventh round of April's draft. The early days of training camp have brought a holder tryout. Receivers Adam Thielen and Chad Beebe gave it a whirl on Saturday. They were at it again on Sunday along with tight end Kyle Rudolph and quarterbacks Sean Mannion, Kyle Sloter, and Jake Browning. Of those, the thought of Thielen doing the job is the most appealing. He's certainly got the hands but his football awareness and general athletic ability feel like nice qualities to have in a holder.
Vikings beat writer Ben Goessling wrote a terrific article about undrafted rookie fullback Khari Blasingame. I highly recommend checking it out.
The Vikings are looking at a bunch of punt returners too.
Ameer Abdullah, RB
Jordan Taylor, WR
De'Angelo Henderson, RB
Chad Beebe, WR
Craig James, CB
Holton Hill, CB
Adam Thielen, WR
Stefon Diggs, WR
I believe it's a long shot that either of the last two gets the job.
Kick returner is another open competition. I hope that Vikings fans realize how fortunate we've been over the past decade with the quality of returners the Vikings have had on the field. Cordarrelle Patterson is arguably the best kick returner in league history. The sad fact that he's in Chicago now costs me needed sleep. Percy Harvin was nearly Patterson's equal. Marcus Sherels was always reliable and sometimes explosive as a punt returner. All three were a blast to watch play for the Vikings. It feels a little weird to have the return game a complete unknown. Maybe something fun will come out of the competition.
"Laquon Treadwell has been amazing in special teams drills so far." Someone said it. I still have nearly every fan's favorite "punching-bag" making the roster. Despite much evidence to the contrary he has quality receiver talent and he might be the team's best gunner.
Not to dig back into the injury situation, but with Shamar Stepehen and Jalyn Holmes presently out (hopefully for little time) it gives everyone's favorite underdog Hercules Mata'afa some time with the first team. With Mata'afa being an undersized defensive tackle (listed at 6'2" and 254 but reportedly up to the 280s) seeing him compete against the first team offensive line will be very interesting. As an undrafted free agent in 2018 he tore his ACL during OTAs so he hasn't seen any NFL-level contact.
One of the immediate positives of this Vikings training camp is a set offensive line.
The above line was set the moment Garrett Bradbury was selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. In recent training camps there was a lot of mixing and matching of players along the line. When there was a fairly settled line injuries often took it apart. Let's hope that last apart stays away the current line. Training camp competitions are always a good thing. Allowing a set offensive line the time to get comfortable with each other is a better thing. No other position group on a football team requires as much coordination with the players next to them as the offensive line. I look forward to this offensive line working together this season.
Injuries. Injuries will always be an unfortunate part of football. Five Vikings players arrived at camp unable to practice and were placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) or Non-football injury (NFI) lists. The PUP list is generally for players that are rehabbing injuries from the previous season. The NFI list is for players with injuries that happened outside the scope of football. Players can be removed from either list at any time.
PUP
Mike Hughes, CB
David Morgan, TE
Brandon Zylstra, WR
Mike Hughes tore his ACL, and at least one other ligament, early last season. He's been rehabbing all offseason and his return is eagerly anticipated and widely speculated. The "more than one ligament was torn" news wasn't known until last week when Mike Zimmer casually mentioned it in a press conference. The fan and media reaction was as expected. It was as if he'd suffered the injury all over again. His condition now is the exact same as it was before this was known. David Morgan injured his knee late last season and had some surgical procedure during the offseason. The procedure was more likely of the scope variety than the far more invasive reconstruction variety. It's been reported that Brandon Zylstra is dealing with hamstring issues from OTAs. Even though hamstrings can be quite problematic and lingering, I expect Morgan's and Zylstra's PUP time to be fairly short. But then I thought that center Pat Elflein would return to practices long before Week 3 last season. Hughes will obviously return as soon as he's able.
NFI
Shamar Stephen, DT
Tashawn Bower, DE
As far as I know, Shamar Stephen's reason for being on the NFI hasn't been released. According to Zimmer, Stephen's time away from practice should be short. Tashawn Bower is a whole other story. He injured an Achilles tendon while working out on his own. While the severity hasn't been released, Bower's status for the season is easily the most in question of the five players placed on these injury lists.
Other injury notes.
Nose tackle Linval Joseph isn't participating in team drills as he recuperates from an offseason surgery, or more. Seeing as he wasn't placed on any of the injury lists it shouldn't be long before he's available for full practice work.
Receiver Jeff Badet is, of course, on the sideline for practices. Everyone wants to see that speed but he always seems to be hampered by some injury.
In Saturday's practice, defensive tackle Jalyn Holmes limped off the field. It reportedly didn't look serious.
Other than Bower's Achilles injury and Hughes well into continuing to rehab his knee injury, none of the Vikings' injury issues seem to be long-term.
That's enough with the injuries.
Holder Tryouts!
You know it's a quiet start to training camp when the biggest news is a holder competition. It's been so long since the Vikings have used a player other than a punter to hold for place kicks that I can't even remember the last one. Hall of Fame safety Paul Krause was the holder of my youth. I'm sure that a quarterback or two or more have done it since then but I can't think of any. Kicking has been a disaster in Minnesota since Blair Walsh missed that kick in the playoffs. The Vikings have juggled kickers since with little consistent success. Now, they are looking at the entire place-kicking battery. They selected long snapper Austin Cutting in the seventh round of April's draft. The early days of training camp have brought a holder tryout. Receivers Adam Thielen and Chad Beebe gave it a whirl on Saturday. They were at it again on Sunday along with tight end Kyle Rudolph and quarterbacks Sean Mannion, Kyle Sloter, and Jake Browning. Of those, the thought of Thielen doing the job is the most appealing. He's certainly got the hands but his football awareness and general athletic ability feel like nice qualities to have in a holder.
Vikings beat writer Ben Goessling wrote a terrific article about undrafted rookie fullback Khari Blasingame. I highly recommend checking it out.
The Vikings are looking at a bunch of punt returners too.
Ameer Abdullah, RB
Jordan Taylor, WR
De'Angelo Henderson, RB
Chad Beebe, WR
Craig James, CB
Holton Hill, CB
Adam Thielen, WR
Stefon Diggs, WR
I believe it's a long shot that either of the last two gets the job.
Kick returner is another open competition. I hope that Vikings fans realize how fortunate we've been over the past decade with the quality of returners the Vikings have had on the field. Cordarrelle Patterson is arguably the best kick returner in league history. The sad fact that he's in Chicago now costs me needed sleep. Percy Harvin was nearly Patterson's equal. Marcus Sherels was always reliable and sometimes explosive as a punt returner. All three were a blast to watch play for the Vikings. It feels a little weird to have the return game a complete unknown. Maybe something fun will come out of the competition.
"Laquon Treadwell has been amazing in special teams drills so far." Someone said it. I still have nearly every fan's favorite "punching-bag" making the roster. Despite much evidence to the contrary he has quality receiver talent and he might be the team's best gunner.
Not to dig back into the injury situation, but with Shamar Stepehen and Jalyn Holmes presently out (hopefully for little time) it gives everyone's favorite underdog Hercules Mata'afa some time with the first team. With Mata'afa being an undersized defensive tackle (listed at 6'2" and 254 but reportedly up to the 280s) seeing him compete against the first team offensive line will be very interesting. As an undrafted free agent in 2018 he tore his ACL during OTAs so he hasn't seen any NFL-level contact.
One of the immediate positives of this Vikings training camp is a set offensive line.
| LT | Riley Reiff |
| LG | Pat Elflein |
| C | Garrett Bradbury |
| RG | Josh Kline |
| RT | Brian O'Neill |
The above line was set the moment Garrett Bradbury was selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. In recent training camps there was a lot of mixing and matching of players along the line. When there was a fairly settled line injuries often took it apart. Let's hope that last apart stays away the current line. Training camp competitions are always a good thing. Allowing a set offensive line the time to get comfortable with each other is a better thing. No other position group on a football team requires as much coordination with the players next to them as the offensive line. I look forward to this offensive line working together this season.
Through three days of full squad practices, observers have seen no quarterbacks in shotgun.
It's still early but it sure looks like the Vikings are going to find ways to get rookie tight end Irv Smith Jr. on the field. That's really no surprise as they selected him in the second round to add some versatility to the offense. In an 11 personnel formation, Smith was seen bunched with receivers Adam Thielen and Chad Beebe to the left and Stefon Diggs split wide to the right. In 12 personnel, Thielen and Diggs were wide right, tight end Kyle Rudolph in line to the right, and Smith split wide left. It looks like there's going to be a decent amount of "Where's Irv?" this season. That should be fun.
Vikings football is back. That's a very good thing.
I was saddened to see that former San Diego Chargers running back Keith Lincoln passed away on Saturday. He was one of the best running backs in Chargers history and might be better remembered if he hadn't played in that other league, the AFL. In the 1963 AFL title game against a stout Boston Patriots defense, Lincoln put on one of the most ridiculous offensive performances at any level. He amassed 329 yards from scrimmage (206 rushing and 123 receiving) and two touchdowns (a 67-yard run and 25-yard reception) as the Chargers blasted the Patriots 51-10. In the AFL's fourth season the Chargers put a team on the field that had some people felt could compete with the best in the NFL. A lot of that had to do with Lincoln's ability and versatility. In the 1964 AFL title game it looked like Lincoln and the Chargers would do the same thing to the Buffalo Bills that they did to the Patriots the year before. The Chargers opened the game with a touchdown drive that included 58 yards from scrimmage from Lincoln. On the Chargers second possession Bills linebacker Mike Stratton leveled Lincoln with a hit so hard that it came to be known as "the hit heard round the world." The hit was the AFL's version of Chuck Bednarik's destruction of Frank Gifford in 1960. Stratton's hit broke Lincoln's ribs, knocking him out of the game. The Bills would go on to win 20-7. Lincoln's play was never quite the same after that injury. After his playing career, Lincoln was an assistant coach at Idaho and Washington State, his alma mater. After coaching, he worked as director of alumni relations at Washington State.
RIP Keith Lincoln.
I was saddened to see that former San Diego Chargers running back Keith Lincoln passed away on Saturday. He was one of the best running backs in Chargers history and might be better remembered if he hadn't played in that other league, the AFL. In the 1963 AFL title game against a stout Boston Patriots defense, Lincoln put on one of the most ridiculous offensive performances at any level. He amassed 329 yards from scrimmage (206 rushing and 123 receiving) and two touchdowns (a 67-yard run and 25-yard reception) as the Chargers blasted the Patriots 51-10. In the AFL's fourth season the Chargers put a team on the field that had some people felt could compete with the best in the NFL. A lot of that had to do with Lincoln's ability and versatility. In the 1964 AFL title game it looked like Lincoln and the Chargers would do the same thing to the Buffalo Bills that they did to the Patriots the year before. The Chargers opened the game with a touchdown drive that included 58 yards from scrimmage from Lincoln. On the Chargers second possession Bills linebacker Mike Stratton leveled Lincoln with a hit so hard that it came to be known as "the hit heard round the world." The hit was the AFL's version of Chuck Bednarik's destruction of Frank Gifford in 1960. Stratton's hit broke Lincoln's ribs, knocking him out of the game. The Bills would go on to win 20-7. Lincoln's play was never quite the same after that injury. After his playing career, Lincoln was an assistant coach at Idaho and Washington State, his alma mater. After coaching, he worked as director of alumni relations at Washington State.
RIP Keith Lincoln.
Sunday, July 28, 2019
Where They Started
ESPN.com recently posted an interesting column, written by something called NFL Nation, about the first football job of each of the 32 NFL head coaches. Due to the recent trend of hiring bright, young offensive coaches I was surprised to find that about 2/3 of the coaches got their football starts in the previous century. There are even five (Mike Zimmer, Pete Carroll, Bruce Arians, Bill Belichick, and Vic Fangio) that made football their life's work in the 1970s. And four of those five are defensive coaches.
Perhaps this interests only me. The respective coaching trajectories of the Vikings' first head coach and current head coach couldn't be more different. Norm Van Brocklin went from the league's MVP and leading the Philadelphia Eagles to an NFL title in 1960 to the head coach of the expansion Vikings in 1961. Mike Zimmer coached an absurd 35 years before getting his first head coaching job in 2014.
Zimmer isn't the only coach to wait a ridiculously long time for his first head coaching shot. Pete Carroll and Bill Belichick are two of the most successful head coaches in the league. Carroll waited 21 years for his first head coaching opportunity. Belichick waited 16 years. For reasons that still baffle, the New York Jets fired Carroll after a single season for Rich Kotite. Also, Carroll's five years as a graduate assistant (four with Pacific, one with Arkansas) must be some kind of record.
Anyway, here are the football coaching starts for all 32 NFL head coaches from ESPN.com's article.
Mike Zimmer, Minnesota Vikings
First football job: Assistant at Missouri from 1979 to 1980
Matt Nagy, Chicago Bears
First football job: Coaching intern with the Eagles in 2008
Matt Patricia, Detroit Lions
First football job: Graduate assistant/assistant offensive line coach at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York in 1996
Matt LaFleur, Green Bay Packers
First football job: Offensive assistant at Saginaw Valley State in Michigan in 2003
Pat Shurmur, New York Giants
First football job: Graduate assistant at Michigan State in 1988
Doug Pederson, Philadelphia Eagles
First football job: Head coach of Calvary Baptist Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 2004
Jay Gruden, Washington Redskins
First football job: Student assistant/graduate assistant at the University of Louisville in 1989
Jason Garrett, Dallas Cowboys
First football job: Quarterbacks coach for the Dolphins in 2005
Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints
First football job: Graduate assistant at San Diego State in 1988 and 1989
Dan Quinn, Atlanta Falcons
First football job: Volunteer assistant defensive line coach at William & Mary in Virginia in 1994
Ron Rivera, Carolina Panthers
First football job: Volunteer for the Bears going into minicamp in 1997
Bruce Arians, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
First football job: Graduate assistant at Virginia Tech in 1975
Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks
First football job: Graduate assistant at the University of the Pacific in California from 1974 to 1976
Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers
First football job: Graduate assistant at UCLA in 2003
Kliff Kingsbury, Arizona Cardinals
First football job: University of Houston under Kevin Sumlin as the offensive quality control coach in 2008 and 2009
Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams
First job in football: Buccaneers offensive assistant in 2008
Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers
First football job: Wide receivers coach at Virginia Military Institute in 1995
John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens
First football job: Started his coaching career in 1984 at the age of 21 as a graduate assistant for his father, Jack, at Western Michigan
Freddie Kitchens, Cleveland Browns
First football job: Offensive assistant at Glenville State College in 1999
Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals
First football job: Texas A&M University, where he served as offensive graduate assistant and tight ends coach from 2008 to 2011 under head coach Mike Sherman.
Bill Belichick, New England Patriots
First football job: Staff assistant position with the Baltimore Colts in 1975. At the age of 23, he was named special assistant to head coach Ted Marchibroda.
Sean McDermott, Buffalo Bills
First football job: Graduate assistant at William & Mary in 1998
Adam Gase, New York Jets
First football job: Undergraduate assistant at Michigan State from 1996 to 1999, under head coach Nick Saban
Brian Flores, Miami Dolphins
First football job: Joined the Patriots as a scouting assistant in 2004; one of his first roles was being "The Turk" or, as he calls it, the "Grim Reaper," telling players to bring their playbook to the head coach on cut-down day
Frank Reich, Indianapolis Colts
First football job: Volunteer coach at Wingate University in North Carolina in 2005
Doug Marrone, Jacksonville Jaguars
First football job: Tight ends coach at Cortland State in New York in 1992
Bill O'Brien, Houston Texans
First football job: Assistant coach of the freshman team at St. John's Prep in Danvers, Massachusetts, in 1988
Mike Vrabel, Tennessee Titans
First football job: Linebackers coach at Ohio State in 2011
Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs
First football job: Graduate assistant coach at Brigham Young University in 1982
Jon Gruden, Oakland Raiders
First football job: Graduate assistant at the University of Tennessee in 1986
Anthony Lynn, Los Angeles Chargers
First football job: Offensive assistant and assistant to special teams with the Broncos in 2000
Vic Fangio, Denver Broncos
First football job: Assistant coach (running backs, linebackers) at Dunmore High School in Pennsylvania in 1979
Perhaps this interests only me. The respective coaching trajectories of the Vikings' first head coach and current head coach couldn't be more different. Norm Van Brocklin went from the league's MVP and leading the Philadelphia Eagles to an NFL title in 1960 to the head coach of the expansion Vikings in 1961. Mike Zimmer coached an absurd 35 years before getting his first head coaching job in 2014.
Zimmer isn't the only coach to wait a ridiculously long time for his first head coaching shot. Pete Carroll and Bill Belichick are two of the most successful head coaches in the league. Carroll waited 21 years for his first head coaching opportunity. Belichick waited 16 years. For reasons that still baffle, the New York Jets fired Carroll after a single season for Rich Kotite. Also, Carroll's five years as a graduate assistant (four with Pacific, one with Arkansas) must be some kind of record.
Anyway, here are the football coaching starts for all 32 NFL head coaches from ESPN.com's article.
Mike Zimmer, Minnesota Vikings
First football job: Assistant at Missouri from 1979 to 1980
Matt Nagy, Chicago Bears
First football job: Coaching intern with the Eagles in 2008
Matt Patricia, Detroit Lions
First football job: Graduate assistant/assistant offensive line coach at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York in 1996
Matt LaFleur, Green Bay Packers
First football job: Offensive assistant at Saginaw Valley State in Michigan in 2003
Pat Shurmur, New York Giants
First football job: Graduate assistant at Michigan State in 1988
Doug Pederson, Philadelphia Eagles
First football job: Head coach of Calvary Baptist Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 2004
Jay Gruden, Washington Redskins
First football job: Student assistant/graduate assistant at the University of Louisville in 1989
Jason Garrett, Dallas Cowboys
First football job: Quarterbacks coach for the Dolphins in 2005
Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints
First football job: Graduate assistant at San Diego State in 1988 and 1989
Dan Quinn, Atlanta Falcons
First football job: Volunteer assistant defensive line coach at William & Mary in Virginia in 1994
Ron Rivera, Carolina Panthers
First football job: Volunteer for the Bears going into minicamp in 1997
Bruce Arians, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
First football job: Graduate assistant at Virginia Tech in 1975
Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks
First football job: Graduate assistant at the University of the Pacific in California from 1974 to 1976
Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers
First football job: Graduate assistant at UCLA in 2003
Kliff Kingsbury, Arizona Cardinals
First football job: University of Houston under Kevin Sumlin as the offensive quality control coach in 2008 and 2009
Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams
First job in football: Buccaneers offensive assistant in 2008
Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers
First football job: Wide receivers coach at Virginia Military Institute in 1995
John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens
First football job: Started his coaching career in 1984 at the age of 21 as a graduate assistant for his father, Jack, at Western Michigan
Freddie Kitchens, Cleveland Browns
First football job: Offensive assistant at Glenville State College in 1999
Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals
First football job: Texas A&M University, where he served as offensive graduate assistant and tight ends coach from 2008 to 2011 under head coach Mike Sherman.
Bill Belichick, New England Patriots
First football job: Staff assistant position with the Baltimore Colts in 1975. At the age of 23, he was named special assistant to head coach Ted Marchibroda.
Sean McDermott, Buffalo Bills
First football job: Graduate assistant at William & Mary in 1998
Adam Gase, New York Jets
First football job: Undergraduate assistant at Michigan State from 1996 to 1999, under head coach Nick Saban
Brian Flores, Miami Dolphins
First football job: Joined the Patriots as a scouting assistant in 2004; one of his first roles was being "The Turk" or, as he calls it, the "Grim Reaper," telling players to bring their playbook to the head coach on cut-down day
Frank Reich, Indianapolis Colts
First football job: Volunteer coach at Wingate University in North Carolina in 2005
Doug Marrone, Jacksonville Jaguars
First football job: Tight ends coach at Cortland State in New York in 1992
Bill O'Brien, Houston Texans
First football job: Assistant coach of the freshman team at St. John's Prep in Danvers, Massachusetts, in 1988
Mike Vrabel, Tennessee Titans
First football job: Linebackers coach at Ohio State in 2011
Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs
First football job: Graduate assistant coach at Brigham Young University in 1982
Jon Gruden, Oakland Raiders
First football job: Graduate assistant at the University of Tennessee in 1986
Anthony Lynn, Los Angeles Chargers
First football job: Offensive assistant and assistant to special teams with the Broncos in 2000
Vic Fangio, Denver Broncos
First football job: Assistant coach (running backs, linebackers) at Dunmore High School in Pennsylvania in 1979
Saturday, July 27, 2019
Minnesota Vikings Coaching Staff
Most of the focus of training camp is on the players. New players, old players, all players receive most, if not all, of the attention. It only seems right to take a training camp look at the Minnesota Vikings' coaches that will be on the field with the players. One of the Vikings' most intriguing moves of the offseason was a coaching hire, or a Costco-like bulk coaching hire. When Gary Kubiak was hired as Assistant head coach/offensive adviser three additional coaches came with him.
Klint Kubiak
Rick Dennison
Brian Pariani
The junior Kubiak actually got his coaching start in the NFL with the Vikings as a quality control coach in 2013. It was there that he befriended then assistant quarterbacks coach, and current offensive coordinator, Kevin Stafanski. The two have remained close and it's been reported that it was that friendship that led to this 4-coach addition. Rick Dennison and Brian Pariani have been coaching with the senior Kubiak since leather helmets were in fashion. Dennison will coach the offensive line and coordinate the run game. Pariani will coach the tight ends.
The addition of Gary Kubiak, and the coaches that came with him, is one of the sneaky strong offseason additions in the league. As a player, assistant coach, and head coach he's reached seven Super Bowls. He's been on the coaching staff of four Super Bowl champs. He was the head coach of the Denver Broncos team that won Super Bowl 50. He's assisted or coached some of the most efficient and proficient offenses of the past 30 years. Some of the talking heads that cover the team have questioned what his actual role with the Vikings is, or will be. Well, I'm guessing that his title provides a hint. He'll assist Mike Zimmer. He'll advise Stefanski and the offensive coaches. Simple. The Vikings lost so much when Tony Sparano passed away last year. Zimmer lost a friend and a coaching confidant. From Norv Turner to Sparano to Kubiak it seems that Zimmer enjoys having a coach with similar career and life experiences in the building. Someone to chat with. Someone to talk football with or whatever. When asked about his interactions with Kubiak, Zimmer seems to light up. Or light up as much as Zimmer ever lights up. As for the offensive adviser part, Kubiak's influence will be all over the offense but Stefanski is the offensive coordinator. Anyone that thinks otherwise isn't being fair to Stefanski. There are sensitive, insecure football coaches. Stefanski doesn't appear to be one of them. If he felt that his new, long-sought offensive coordinator position was threatened by the addition of Kubiak, why did he encourage and embrace it? The media so often creates the drama in things. There is zero evidence of issues among the Vikings' coaches yet there are some talking heads that have suggested it. I always thought that the media's job was to report the news, not create it. Stick to the football stuff. The football stuff is always far more interesting than some pathetic locker room soap opera. Until proven otherwise, I happily endorse Kevin Stefanski running the Vikings offense and Gary Kubiak adivising. As the titles of each clearly state.
There are quite a few changes on the Vikings coaching staff since this time last year.
Gary Kubiak
New Offensive Coordinator
New Special Teams Coordinator
New Quarterback Coach
New Offensive Line Coach
New Tight Ends Coach
Drew Petzing switched from QB assistant to receivers coach
Nate Kaeding added as a Kicking Consultant
The defensive coaches remained the same!
Minnesota Vikings Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Mike Zimmer
Coordinators
Offensive Coordinator: Kevin Stefanski
Defensive Coordinator: George Edwards
Special Teams Coordinator: Marwan Maalouf
Offensive Assistants
Assistant head coach/offensive adviser: Gary Kubiak
Quarterbacks: Klint Kubiak
Running Backs: Kennedy Polamalu
Offensive Line/Run Game Coordinator: Rick Dennison
Receivers: Drew Petzing
Tight Ends: Brian Pariani
Assistant Offensive Line: Andrew Janocko
Offensive Quality Control: Christian Jones
Offensive Quality Control: A. C. Patterson
Defensive Assistants
Defensive Line: Andre Patterson
Assistant Defensive Line: Robert Rodriguez
Linebackers: Adam Zimmer
Defensive Backs: Jerry Gray
Assistant Defensive Backs: Jeff Howard
Defensive Quality Control: Nick Rallis
Special Teams Assistants
Assistant Special Teams: Ryan Ficken
Kicking Consultant: Nate Kaeding
Strength and Conditioning
Head Strength and Conditioning: Mark Uyeyama
Assistant Strength and Conditioning: Chaz Mahle
Klint Kubiak
Rick Dennison
Brian Pariani
The junior Kubiak actually got his coaching start in the NFL with the Vikings as a quality control coach in 2013. It was there that he befriended then assistant quarterbacks coach, and current offensive coordinator, Kevin Stafanski. The two have remained close and it's been reported that it was that friendship that led to this 4-coach addition. Rick Dennison and Brian Pariani have been coaching with the senior Kubiak since leather helmets were in fashion. Dennison will coach the offensive line and coordinate the run game. Pariani will coach the tight ends.
The addition of Gary Kubiak, and the coaches that came with him, is one of the sneaky strong offseason additions in the league. As a player, assistant coach, and head coach he's reached seven Super Bowls. He's been on the coaching staff of four Super Bowl champs. He was the head coach of the Denver Broncos team that won Super Bowl 50. He's assisted or coached some of the most efficient and proficient offenses of the past 30 years. Some of the talking heads that cover the team have questioned what his actual role with the Vikings is, or will be. Well, I'm guessing that his title provides a hint. He'll assist Mike Zimmer. He'll advise Stefanski and the offensive coaches. Simple. The Vikings lost so much when Tony Sparano passed away last year. Zimmer lost a friend and a coaching confidant. From Norv Turner to Sparano to Kubiak it seems that Zimmer enjoys having a coach with similar career and life experiences in the building. Someone to chat with. Someone to talk football with or whatever. When asked about his interactions with Kubiak, Zimmer seems to light up. Or light up as much as Zimmer ever lights up. As for the offensive adviser part, Kubiak's influence will be all over the offense but Stefanski is the offensive coordinator. Anyone that thinks otherwise isn't being fair to Stefanski. There are sensitive, insecure football coaches. Stefanski doesn't appear to be one of them. If he felt that his new, long-sought offensive coordinator position was threatened by the addition of Kubiak, why did he encourage and embrace it? The media so often creates the drama in things. There is zero evidence of issues among the Vikings' coaches yet there are some talking heads that have suggested it. I always thought that the media's job was to report the news, not create it. Stick to the football stuff. The football stuff is always far more interesting than some pathetic locker room soap opera. Until proven otherwise, I happily endorse Kevin Stefanski running the Vikings offense and Gary Kubiak adivising. As the titles of each clearly state.
There are quite a few changes on the Vikings coaching staff since this time last year.
Gary Kubiak
New Offensive Coordinator
New Special Teams Coordinator
New Quarterback Coach
New Offensive Line Coach
New Tight Ends Coach
Drew Petzing switched from QB assistant to receivers coach
Nate Kaeding added as a Kicking Consultant
The defensive coaches remained the same!
Minnesota Vikings Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Mike Zimmer
Coordinators
Offensive Coordinator: Kevin Stefanski
Defensive Coordinator: George Edwards
Special Teams Coordinator: Marwan Maalouf
Offensive Assistants
Assistant head coach/offensive adviser: Gary Kubiak
Quarterbacks: Klint Kubiak
Running Backs: Kennedy Polamalu
Offensive Line/Run Game Coordinator: Rick Dennison
Receivers: Drew Petzing
Tight Ends: Brian Pariani
Assistant Offensive Line: Andrew Janocko
Offensive Quality Control: Christian Jones
Offensive Quality Control: A. C. Patterson
Defensive Assistants
Defensive Line: Andre Patterson
Assistant Defensive Line: Robert Rodriguez
Linebackers: Adam Zimmer
Defensive Backs: Jerry Gray
Assistant Defensive Backs: Jeff Howard
Defensive Quality Control: Nick Rallis
Special Teams Assistants
Assistant Special Teams: Ryan Ficken
Kicking Consultant: Nate Kaeding
Strength and Conditioning
Head Strength and Conditioning: Mark Uyeyama
Assistant Strength and Conditioning: Chaz Mahle
Assistant Strength and Conditioning: Derik Keyes
Friday, July 26, 2019
Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Roster
The Minnesota Vikings rookies, the quarterbacks, and some young veterans have been going through training camp practices for a week. The full team is on the field today. Minnesota Vikings football is back.
The Vikings made a couple tweaks this week to a roster that had been stable for a few weeks. Running back De'Angelo Henderson and guard Tiano Pupungatoa are in. Running back Roc Thomas and safety Micah Aberbathy are out. Perhaps due to cornerback Holton Hill's now eight-week suspension, the Vikings worked out cornerbacks Orlando Scandrick and Dexter McDonald this week. Maybe there are more roster tweaks in the coming days. Until the next tweaks, this is the Vikings' 90-man training camp roster.
Offense (44 players)
Quarterbacks (4)
1 Kyle Sloter
3 Jake Browning
4 Sean Mannion
8 Kirk Cousins
Running Backs (7)
23 Mike Boone
25 Alexander Mattison
30 C.J. Ham
31 Ameer Abdullah
33 Dalvin Cook
46 Khari Blasingame
32 De'Angelo Henderson
Wide Receivers (11)
11 Laquon Treadwell
12 Chad Beebe
13 Jeff Badet
14 Stefon Diggs
15 Brandon Zylstra
16 Davion Davis
17 Dillon Mitchell
18 Jordan Taylor
19 Adam Thielen
81 Olibasi Johnson
85 Alexander Hollins
Tight ends (6)
82 Kyle Rudolph
83 Tyler Conklin
84 Irv Smith Jr.
86 Brandon Dillon
87 Cole Hikutini
89 David Morgan
Offensive Tackles (6)
69 Rashod Hill
71 Riley Reiff
72 Storm Norton
74 Olisaemeka Udoh
75 Brian O'Neill
76 Aviante Collins
Guards (6)
63 Danny Isidora
64 Josh Kline
65 Pat Elflein
73 Dru Samia
78 Dakota Dozier
79 Tiano Pupungatoa
Centers (4)
52 John Keenoy
56 Garrett Bradbury
61 Brett Jones
67 Cornelius Edison
Defense (42 Players)
Defensive Ends (9)
62 Anree Saint-Amour
68 Ade Aruna
74 Stacy Keely
79 Karter Schult
90 Tashawn Bower
91 Stephen Weatherly
95 Ifeadi Odenigbo
97 Everson Griffen
99 Danielle Hunter
Defensive Tackles (8)
51 Hercules Mata'afa
60 Tito Odenigbo
66 Curtis Cothran
92 Jalyn Holmes
93 Shamar Stephen
94 Jaleel Johnson
96 Armon Watts
98 Linval Joseph
Linebackers (9)
40 Kentrell Brothers
42 Ben Gedeon
43 Reshard Cliett
45 Greer Martini
50 Eric Wilson
54 Eric Kendricks
55 Anthony Barr
57 Devante Downs
59 Cameron Smith
Cornerbacks (10)
20 Mackensie Alexander
21 Mike Hughes
24 Holton Hill
26 Trae Waynes
29 Xavier Rhodes
34 Duke Thomas
36 Craig James
38 Kris Boyd
44 Nate Meadors
49 Terrance Alexander
Safeties (6)
22 Harrison Smith
27 Jayron Kearse
35 Isaiah Wharton
37 Derron Smith
39 Marcus Epps
41 Anthony Harris
Special Teams (4 Players)
Kicker
5 Dan Bailey
Punter
6 Matt Wile
Long snapper
The Vikings made a couple tweaks this week to a roster that had been stable for a few weeks. Running back De'Angelo Henderson and guard Tiano Pupungatoa are in. Running back Roc Thomas and safety Micah Aberbathy are out. Perhaps due to cornerback Holton Hill's now eight-week suspension, the Vikings worked out cornerbacks Orlando Scandrick and Dexter McDonald this week. Maybe there are more roster tweaks in the coming days. Until the next tweaks, this is the Vikings' 90-man training camp roster.
Offense (44 players)
Quarterbacks (4)
1 Kyle Sloter
3 Jake Browning
4 Sean Mannion
8 Kirk Cousins
Running Backs (7)
23 Mike Boone
25 Alexander Mattison
30 C.J. Ham
31 Ameer Abdullah
33 Dalvin Cook
46 Khari Blasingame
32 De'Angelo Henderson
11 Laquon Treadwell
12 Chad Beebe
13 Jeff Badet
14 Stefon Diggs
15 Brandon Zylstra
16 Davion Davis
17 Dillon Mitchell
18 Jordan Taylor
19 Adam Thielen
81 Olibasi Johnson
85 Alexander Hollins
Tight ends (6)
82 Kyle Rudolph
83 Tyler Conklin
84 Irv Smith Jr.
86 Brandon Dillon
87 Cole Hikutini
89 David Morgan
Offensive Tackles (6)
69 Rashod Hill
71 Riley Reiff
72 Storm Norton
74 Olisaemeka Udoh
75 Brian O'Neill
76 Aviante Collins
Guards (6)
63 Danny Isidora
64 Josh Kline
65 Pat Elflein
73 Dru Samia
78 Dakota Dozier
79 Tiano Pupungatoa
Centers (4)
52 John Keenoy
56 Garrett Bradbury
61 Brett Jones
67 Cornelius Edison
Defense (42 Players)
Defensive Ends (9)
62 Anree Saint-Amour
68 Ade Aruna
74 Stacy Keely
79 Karter Schult
90 Tashawn Bower
91 Stephen Weatherly
95 Ifeadi Odenigbo
97 Everson Griffen
99 Danielle Hunter
Defensive Tackles (8)
51 Hercules Mata'afa
60 Tito Odenigbo
66 Curtis Cothran
92 Jalyn Holmes
93 Shamar Stephen
94 Jaleel Johnson
96 Armon Watts
98 Linval Joseph
Linebackers (9)
40 Kentrell Brothers
42 Ben Gedeon
43 Reshard Cliett
45 Greer Martini
50 Eric Wilson
54 Eric Kendricks
55 Anthony Barr
57 Devante Downs
59 Cameron Smith
Cornerbacks (10)
20 Mackensie Alexander
21 Mike Hughes
24 Holton Hill
26 Trae Waynes
29 Xavier Rhodes
34 Duke Thomas
36 Craig James
38 Kris Boyd
44 Nate Meadors
49 Terrance Alexander
22 Harrison Smith
27 Jayron Kearse
35 Isaiah Wharton
37 Derron Smith
39 Marcus Epps
41 Anthony Harris
Special Teams (4 Players)
Kicker
5 Dan Bailey
Punter
6 Matt Wile
Long snapper
47 Kevin McDermott
58 Austin Cutting
58 Austin Cutting
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Throwback Thursday: Dorais Meets Rockne
I started reading Gus Dorais by Joe Niese with Bob Dorais. Gus Dorais and Knute Rockne were roommates all four years that they attended the University of Notre Dame. There's no doubt about that. There appears to be a lot of doubt about the particulars of their college lives. In Rockne's autobiography, he said that he lived in Brownson Hall as a freshman. In an interview, Dorais recalled that they lived in Sorin Hall basement. According to Niese, Hall directories and the Notre Dame yearbook, The Dome, corroborate this account. I like this account as it falls in line with this recollection by Dorais of his first meeting with Rockne. It was written by Dorais for Street & Smith's Sport Story Magazine:
I knocked on the door, and a voice shouted, "Come on in!"
So I opened the door, and saw about as tough-looking a guy as I had ever seen in my life.
He was wearing a faded blue jersey and an old pair of corduroy pants, and he had a shapeless cap pulled down over one eye. Somehow, his nose had been mashed sort of flat, and he was walking up and down the room like a lion in a cage.
"My name's Dorais," I said. "I've been assigned to this room."
"Mine's Rockne," he told me. He took another turn and walked away from me.
"Better have 'em send up your trunk," he said, with his back to me.
I pushed my suitcase into the room and closed the door. "Haven't got a trunk, "Everything I own is in the suitcase."
He turned around again by that time, and was coming toward me. He gave me a grin that was to become known to, and be loved by, a million or so football fans all over America.
"I haven't got a trunk, either," he said. "We're starting even."
This meeting just makes me smile.
I knocked on the door, and a voice shouted, "Come on in!"
So I opened the door, and saw about as tough-looking a guy as I had ever seen in my life.
He was wearing a faded blue jersey and an old pair of corduroy pants, and he had a shapeless cap pulled down over one eye. Somehow, his nose had been mashed sort of flat, and he was walking up and down the room like a lion in a cage.
"My name's Dorais," I said. "I've been assigned to this room."
"Mine's Rockne," he told me. He took another turn and walked away from me.
"Better have 'em send up your trunk," he said, with his back to me.
I pushed my suitcase into the room and closed the door. "Haven't got a trunk, "Everything I own is in the suitcase."
He turned around again by that time, and was coming toward me. He gave me a grin that was to become known to, and be loved by, a million or so football fans all over America.
"I haven't got a trunk, either," he said. "We're starting even."
This meeting just makes me smile.
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Some Football Thoughts
Here are some football thoughts that have been rattling about my head as we finally hit the opening of NFL training camps.
1. Football is back. Well, training camp football is back. Happy Days! Football is fun! So fun!
2. In my opinion, there isn't a single manifestation of an 18-game NFL season that works. The suggestion of 18 games with players only playing in 16 of them is simply idiotic. I can't believe that ever grew from an idea to something that's being discussed. It's even more idiotic than every player playing 18 games. Expanding the season isn't for the betterment of the league. It's a money-grab by the owners. They want the projected 2+ billion dollars that they can grab from an extra two weeks of NFL games. It's an extra three weeks of game if teams get an added bye week with the scheme. More football doesn't necessarily mean better football. The Thursday Night games are often proof of that. Most of those games are a mess. The league can't keep pretending that they care about the welfare of the players. Thursday Night games, 18 game seasons. Those money-grabbing ideas put profits over the welfare of the players. Players have been a disposable commodity for the owners since 1920. Owners rely on the fact that there will always be more players so every elusive dollar is far more precious.
And, I've yet to see anyone mention that with an 18-game schedule two teams might have to play a 22-game season. 22 NFL games over five-plus months. There's no way to wrestle that into a narrative that's a positive for the continued health of the players.
3. Tyreek Hill. Where to start on this one? The NFL sure hacked up this investigation and punishment. Investigation? What investigation? The investigation into deflated footballs was more thorough and that was a shitshow. It's an absolute mystery as to how the league can claim that this investigation took four months. Hill never even traveled to New York for a sit down with Roger "the Goods" Goodell. As Ezekiel Elliott did earlier this year for bumping into a security guard. One more time, Elliott had a sit down with "the Goods" for bumping into a security guard. Hill did not in the domestic abuse of his child. Nearly every player facing consequences from the NFL has had one of these sit downs. Hill's offense is more serious than most. One might say that Elliott's past was reason for the sit down. Hill has a similar past. Actually, he was a worse past. Tyreek Hill may have/may not have harmed his child. Despite not having access to all of the evidence in the case, the NFL did have two things. A chilling recording of Hill threatening his partner and the child's mother with physical harm AND the fact that the care for the child is being directed and monitored by the Johnson County District Court and the Johnson County Department for Children and Families. Either one of these should've been enough for the NFL to punish Hill. The league has often handed out significant suspensions based on far less. Adrian Peterson lost all but two games for disciplining his child. He was honest about all of it. Hill has yet to be honest about anything. There has been no concern over Peterson being with his child since the incident or moving forward. Again, care for Hill's child is is being directed and monitored by the Johnson County District Court and the Johnson County Department for Children and Families. The NFL needs to spend less time thinking about an idiotic 18-game season and more time thinking about it's haphazard joke of a player conduct program.
I'm so glad that training camps are opening. I'm already sick of this off-field nonsense.
4. Just to get away from the recent nauseating off-field football news I turn to this little college football nugget found in a tweet from Albert Breer. Cleveland.com journalist Doug Lesmerises polled 33 writers covering the Big 10 and asked who the best coach in the conference is. The results:
1. Pat Fitzgerald (14)
2. Scott Frost (9)
3. Jeff Brohm (4)
4. James Franklin (2)
4. Jim Harbaugh (2)
When talking heads honk about college coaches that might be at the top of an NFL team's head coaching want list, Stanford's David Shaw is often the first name mentioned. I have a feeling that Fitzgerald's high on that list as well. As with Shaw, I think that the biggest obstacle to prying either from the college game is the love that each has for where they are. Fitzgerald especially. He played at Northwestern. He is Northwestern. I also feel like he's a college football coach and will always be a college football coach. I'm not sure that I can say the same for Shaw.
So, the above results leave two unaccounted for votes. There are nine remaining Big 10 coaches.
Mark Dantonio, Michigan State
Kirk Ferentz, Iowa
Paul Chryst, Wisconsin
P.J. Fleck, Minnesota
Ryan Day, Ohio State
Lovie Smith, Illinois
Tom Allen, Indiana
Mike Locksley, Maryland
Chris Ash, Rutgers
I'm guessing that Mark Dantonio received both or split them with Kirk Ferentz.
5. I started watching the fourth season of All or Nothing. This season covers the 2018 season of the Carolina Panthers. With Ron Rivera, Cam Newton, Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, and Greg Olsen it's bound to be fun. Olsen describing the musical Hamilton to Newton in the first episode is hilarious. Then you have NFL Films doing what they do. Turning everything into incredible art is what they do. Watching Panthers' running back Christian McCaffrey got me thinking about how many football analysts immediately labeled him as a back that couldn't run between the tackles. When I heard those criticisms I figured that they hadn't watched him play at Stanford. I saw too much of him at Stanford. When I saw him step through Cal tacklers as a freshman in the 2014 Big Game I'd already seen enough of him. That nightmare was just getting started. He has some of the best feet I've ever seen from a running back. He has Jerome Bettis-like feet. He combines that with Le'Veon Bell-like patience. His unique feet were most on display when he was running between the tackles. I was thrilled when he decided to leave Stanford after three seasons and I knew that an NFL team was going to be thrilled to have him. I know that excelling at the college level isn't always a guarantee of excelling at the NFL level. But McCaffrey looked like one of those special football players that would. And running between the tackles was very much a part of his game.
6. More All or Nothing. It appears that David Tepper will be a positive addition to the NFL's ownership. I was more than a little skeptical of a man that made his billions as a hedge fund manager.
7. Even more All or Nothing. I've always thought that Cam Newton was a little wacky. He's much more of a team leader than I thought. "Face of the Franchise" is often forced on a player. Newton's draft status and position forced that handle on him but it doesn't feel forced to me.
8. Since last season many of the Minnesota Vikings' beat writers, and many national peeps, have been barking about how Mike Zimmer wants to run the ball more. Run, run, run, and run some more. Gotta run the ball. If Zimmer called the offensive plays he'd run the ball on every down. Or damn near. Something like that. This insistence about Zimmer's supposed fixation on running the ball has gotten annoying. The beat writers, in particular, have turned it into some sad joke. If Zimmer stated a desire to run the ball with a frequency anywhere near as much as these barkers say that he did, I sure missed it. I think that his desires for the run game are far more modest. I think that he wants to run the ball more efficiently. I think that he wants to run the ball with less predictability. I think that he wants to be able pound out short yardage plays with the run. I don't care if the Vikings average yards per carry in 2018 was similar to what it was in 2017. The run game was a mess last year. It was predictable. There was no continuity between the run and pass games. In fact, it felt like there was a run offense and then there was a pass offense. The intentions of each were advertised to the defense as each trotted on and off the field. That's no way to run the football or an offense.
9. I'm certainly not the first to say this but I think that the addition of Gary Kubiak and his gang of coaches (Rick Dennison, Klint Kubiak, and Brian Pariani) is one of the sneaky strong offseason additions in the NFL. Kevin Stefanski is taking his first swing as an NFL offensive coordinator. At 37, he's one of the youngest coaches on the staff. He's also the longest-tenured coach on the staff. Kubiak is a terrific mentor for a first time offensive coordinator. Seeing as he suggested the addition of Kubiak it's apparent that Stefanski only sees the benefit of it. He isn't threatened by it. I believe that both Stefanski and Kubiak see this offense as a group effort. I'm really looking forward to seeing it play out this season.
10. Football's back!
1. Football is back. Well, training camp football is back. Happy Days! Football is fun! So fun!
2. In my opinion, there isn't a single manifestation of an 18-game NFL season that works. The suggestion of 18 games with players only playing in 16 of them is simply idiotic. I can't believe that ever grew from an idea to something that's being discussed. It's even more idiotic than every player playing 18 games. Expanding the season isn't for the betterment of the league. It's a money-grab by the owners. They want the projected 2+ billion dollars that they can grab from an extra two weeks of NFL games. It's an extra three weeks of game if teams get an added bye week with the scheme. More football doesn't necessarily mean better football. The Thursday Night games are often proof of that. Most of those games are a mess. The league can't keep pretending that they care about the welfare of the players. Thursday Night games, 18 game seasons. Those money-grabbing ideas put profits over the welfare of the players. Players have been a disposable commodity for the owners since 1920. Owners rely on the fact that there will always be more players so every elusive dollar is far more precious.
And, I've yet to see anyone mention that with an 18-game schedule two teams might have to play a 22-game season. 22 NFL games over five-plus months. There's no way to wrestle that into a narrative that's a positive for the continued health of the players.
3. Tyreek Hill. Where to start on this one? The NFL sure hacked up this investigation and punishment. Investigation? What investigation? The investigation into deflated footballs was more thorough and that was a shitshow. It's an absolute mystery as to how the league can claim that this investigation took four months. Hill never even traveled to New York for a sit down with Roger "the Goods" Goodell. As Ezekiel Elliott did earlier this year for bumping into a security guard. One more time, Elliott had a sit down with "the Goods" for bumping into a security guard. Hill did not in the domestic abuse of his child. Nearly every player facing consequences from the NFL has had one of these sit downs. Hill's offense is more serious than most. One might say that Elliott's past was reason for the sit down. Hill has a similar past. Actually, he was a worse past. Tyreek Hill may have/may not have harmed his child. Despite not having access to all of the evidence in the case, the NFL did have two things. A chilling recording of Hill threatening his partner and the child's mother with physical harm AND the fact that the care for the child is being directed and monitored by the Johnson County District Court and the Johnson County Department for Children and Families. Either one of these should've been enough for the NFL to punish Hill. The league has often handed out significant suspensions based on far less. Adrian Peterson lost all but two games for disciplining his child. He was honest about all of it. Hill has yet to be honest about anything. There has been no concern over Peterson being with his child since the incident or moving forward. Again, care for Hill's child is is being directed and monitored by the Johnson County District Court and the Johnson County Department for Children and Families. The NFL needs to spend less time thinking about an idiotic 18-game season and more time thinking about it's haphazard joke of a player conduct program.
I'm so glad that training camps are opening. I'm already sick of this off-field nonsense.
4. Just to get away from the recent nauseating off-field football news I turn to this little college football nugget found in a tweet from Albert Breer. Cleveland.com journalist Doug Lesmerises polled 33 writers covering the Big 10 and asked who the best coach in the conference is. The results:
1. Pat Fitzgerald (14)
2. Scott Frost (9)
3. Jeff Brohm (4)
4. James Franklin (2)
4. Jim Harbaugh (2)
When talking heads honk about college coaches that might be at the top of an NFL team's head coaching want list, Stanford's David Shaw is often the first name mentioned. I have a feeling that Fitzgerald's high on that list as well. As with Shaw, I think that the biggest obstacle to prying either from the college game is the love that each has for where they are. Fitzgerald especially. He played at Northwestern. He is Northwestern. I also feel like he's a college football coach and will always be a college football coach. I'm not sure that I can say the same for Shaw.
So, the above results leave two unaccounted for votes. There are nine remaining Big 10 coaches.
Mark Dantonio, Michigan State
Kirk Ferentz, Iowa
Paul Chryst, Wisconsin
P.J. Fleck, Minnesota
Ryan Day, Ohio State
Lovie Smith, Illinois
Tom Allen, Indiana
Mike Locksley, Maryland
Chris Ash, Rutgers
I'm guessing that Mark Dantonio received both or split them with Kirk Ferentz.
5. I started watching the fourth season of All or Nothing. This season covers the 2018 season of the Carolina Panthers. With Ron Rivera, Cam Newton, Luke Kuechly, Thomas Davis, and Greg Olsen it's bound to be fun. Olsen describing the musical Hamilton to Newton in the first episode is hilarious. Then you have NFL Films doing what they do. Turning everything into incredible art is what they do. Watching Panthers' running back Christian McCaffrey got me thinking about how many football analysts immediately labeled him as a back that couldn't run between the tackles. When I heard those criticisms I figured that they hadn't watched him play at Stanford. I saw too much of him at Stanford. When I saw him step through Cal tacklers as a freshman in the 2014 Big Game I'd already seen enough of him. That nightmare was just getting started. He has some of the best feet I've ever seen from a running back. He has Jerome Bettis-like feet. He combines that with Le'Veon Bell-like patience. His unique feet were most on display when he was running between the tackles. I was thrilled when he decided to leave Stanford after three seasons and I knew that an NFL team was going to be thrilled to have him. I know that excelling at the college level isn't always a guarantee of excelling at the NFL level. But McCaffrey looked like one of those special football players that would. And running between the tackles was very much a part of his game.
6. More All or Nothing. It appears that David Tepper will be a positive addition to the NFL's ownership. I was more than a little skeptical of a man that made his billions as a hedge fund manager.
7. Even more All or Nothing. I've always thought that Cam Newton was a little wacky. He's much more of a team leader than I thought. "Face of the Franchise" is often forced on a player. Newton's draft status and position forced that handle on him but it doesn't feel forced to me.
8. Since last season many of the Minnesota Vikings' beat writers, and many national peeps, have been barking about how Mike Zimmer wants to run the ball more. Run, run, run, and run some more. Gotta run the ball. If Zimmer called the offensive plays he'd run the ball on every down. Or damn near. Something like that. This insistence about Zimmer's supposed fixation on running the ball has gotten annoying. The beat writers, in particular, have turned it into some sad joke. If Zimmer stated a desire to run the ball with a frequency anywhere near as much as these barkers say that he did, I sure missed it. I think that his desires for the run game are far more modest. I think that he wants to run the ball more efficiently. I think that he wants to run the ball with less predictability. I think that he wants to be able pound out short yardage plays with the run. I don't care if the Vikings average yards per carry in 2018 was similar to what it was in 2017. The run game was a mess last year. It was predictable. There was no continuity between the run and pass games. In fact, it felt like there was a run offense and then there was a pass offense. The intentions of each were advertised to the defense as each trotted on and off the field. That's no way to run the football or an offense.
9. I'm certainly not the first to say this but I think that the addition of Gary Kubiak and his gang of coaches (Rick Dennison, Klint Kubiak, and Brian Pariani) is one of the sneaky strong offseason additions in the NFL. Kevin Stefanski is taking his first swing as an NFL offensive coordinator. At 37, he's one of the youngest coaches on the staff. He's also the longest-tenured coach on the staff. Kubiak is a terrific mentor for a first time offensive coordinator. Seeing as he suggested the addition of Kubiak it's apparent that Stefanski only sees the benefit of it. He isn't threatened by it. I believe that both Stefanski and Kubiak see this offense as a group effort. I'm really looking forward to seeing it play out this season.
10. Football's back!
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Vikings Rookies
The Minnesota Vikings rookies step on an NFL training camp field for the first time today. Exciting times. In honor of those times, here are the rookies that I'm most interested in seeing progress over the remainder of the summer and into the season.
1. Garrett Bradbury, C
2. Dru Samia, G
3. Oli Udoh, T
4. Dillon Mitchell, WR
5. Irv Smith Jr., TE
6. Armon Watts, DT
7. Alexander Mattison, RB
8. Jake Browning, QB
9. Olabisi Johnson, WR
10. Austin Cutting, LS
11. Kris Boyd, CB
12. Cameron Smith, LB
13. Marcus Epps, S
14. Davion Davis, WR
15. Nate Meadors, CB
As I was thinking about this list I realized that it was a little silly. That didn't slow me. I'm interested in seeing how all 26 of the rookies progress. Perhaps undrafted Alexander Hollins outplays the three receivers that I did put among the 15 rookies listed above.
By drafting three offensive linemen in the 2019 NFL Draft the Vikings took a significant swing at improving the weakest position group on the team. Garrett Bradbury is only the third offensive lineman selected in the first round this century (Bryant McKinnie and Matt Kalil). Bradbury has already by named the starting center. Between him, left guard Pat Elflein, right tackle Brian O'Neill, and Dru Samia the Vikings now have the foundation for a strong, talented offensive line. Oli Udoh is a raw, small school project. He has NFL size and natural talent. If he can develop he will join that foundation. It's been a while since the Vikings have had high-end, home-grown draft talent on the offensive line.
Due to the simple fact that the offensive line has to improve, the rookie offensive linemen are at the top of my rookie watch list. From there, I'm interested in seeing all of the rookies. All 26 of them.
1. Micah Abernathy
2. Terrence Alexander
3. Khari Blasingame
4. Kris Boyd
5. Garrett Bradbury
6. Jake Browning
7. Austin Cutting
8. Davion Davis
9. Brandon Dillon
10. Marcus Epps
11. Alexander Hollins
12. Olabisi Johnson
13. Stacy Keely
14. John Keenoy
15. Alexander Mattison
16. Nate Meadors
17. Dillon Mitchell
18. Tito Odenigbo
19. Tiano Pupungatoa
20. Anree Saint-Amour
21. Dru Samia
22. Irv Smith Jr.
23. Cameron Smith
24. Olisaemeka Udoh
25. Armon Watts
26. Isaiah Wharton
1. Micah Abernathy
2. Terrence Alexander
3. Khari Blasingame
4. Kris Boyd
5. Garrett Bradbury
6. Jake Browning
7. Austin Cutting
8. Davion Davis
9. Brandon Dillon
10. Marcus Epps
11. Alexander Hollins
12. Olabisi Johnson
13. Stacy Keely
14. John Keenoy
15. Alexander Mattison
16. Nate Meadors
17. Dillon Mitchell
18. Tito Odenigbo
19. Tiano Pupungatoa
20. Anree Saint-Amour
21. Dru Samia
22. Irv Smith Jr.
23. Cameron Smith
24. Olisaemeka Udoh
25. Armon Watts
26. Isaiah Wharton
The Vikings' rookies are on the field today. Welcome to the 2019 season.
Monday, July 22, 2019
Remembering Tony Sparano
A year ago today a family lost a husband, father, and grandfather. The Minnesota Vikings lost a coach, mentor, confidant, and friend. A year ago today Tony Sparano passed away. It remains as stunning now as it was then. Andrew Krammer wrote this terrific article for the Minneapolis Star Tribune remembering Coach Sparano.
Bits and pieces of Tony Sparano’s persona remain, but Vikings’ void is still palpable
The sandy shores of Hilton Head don’t attract many NFL coaches with preciously short summers. But the Caribbean or Europe never fit Tony Sparano, a man loyal to family routines.
Sparano needed Jeanette, his wife of 34 years, and their three children — Tony Jr., Andy and daughter Ryan Leigh — with him during the few days away from football, even after the kids had families of their own. Three decades of getaways to the same island off the coast of South Carolina prompted fellow coaches to question Sparano’s downtime decisions.
“People would be like, ‘Well, don’t you want to travel?’ ” Jeanette Sparano said. “And he’d say I just want to be with my wife, my kids and my grandbabies. I’m just going to sit myself in Hilton Head until it’s time to get back here and do what I do.”
A devoted 56-year-old father, masterful Vikings offensive line coach and irreplaceable confidant, Sparano died a year ago from heart disease in his Eden Prairie home. Tony and Jeanette Sparano, married 34 years, kept family as close as possible, whenever possible.
A hole as big as the Northeasterner’s personality was left in the Sparano family and Vikings coaching staff just ahead of a 2018 season that fell far short of Super Bowl expectations.
Coach Mike Zimmer said the loss of Sparano put the team, which missed the playoffs, into a downward spiral.
As the first players report Monday to Vikings training camp, Sparano’s passion and colorful expressions live on. Sparano spent two seasons in Minnesota, and players and coaches still hear echoes of his voice during practices and meetings. But his unlikeliest of football legacies, from elementary school gym teacher to the only Dolphins head coach to take the AFC East from the Patriots dynasty, is just a sliver of how those closest remember him.
“Papa” was what his four grandchildren called the nurturing Sparano, who surprised his own kids with how he melted around the grandkids. Behind a gruff exterior mistaken for a “Sopranos” extra — with the dark sunglasses, gold chain and barrel chest — Sparano was a devoted Catholic who read his Bible by candlelight at 5 a.m. in his Vikings office.
An undeterred morning person, Sparano awoke his children before sunrise with unwelcomed lyrics and dances while beckoning them to sing along. He loved music, movies and whistling. He saw “Motown: The Musical” four times on Broadway in his one season with the New York Jets.
Those memories lead to laughs, making “impossibly hard days” a little easier to handle for the Sparano family, said Tony Jr., the oldest of three children.
“He just had the best way about him,” Tony Jr. said, “the best spirit about him.”
Playing for Tony
Sparano was a 16-year-old wisecracker in West Haven, Conn., with early visions of a coaching career when he met Jeanette. She was a 13-year-old freshman when she walked by without hesitation and heard him say, “That’s OK, I’ll just stand here and talk to myself.” He had a way of making her laugh with whispered zingers, only to look astonished when her giggling disrupted a quiet room.
“He’d just shrug,” Jeanette said, “and he’d be like, ‘I don’t know what she’s doing. I can’t take this woman anywhere.’”
Their first date was a movie, and movies became a Friday night routine, from 1980s VHS rentals to theaters in the Eden Prairie mall. Sparano secretly loved dance movies. The 2006 teen drama “Step Up,” which Jeanette had to temporarily ban at home, was a favorite.
He often reviewed the date-night movie for his Vikings players. Jeremiah Sirles, now a Buffalo Bills guard, remembered Sparano unleashing a takedown of Guillermo del Toro’s “The Shape of Water.”
“He’s like, ‘It made no sense. This lady is dating a frog person,’ ” Sirles said. “The way he went about the whole thing had the whole room in tears.”
Early on, Sparano supplemented part-time coaching hours at the University of New Haven with jobs as a gym teacher and basketball coach at nearby elementary schools. Chris Palmer was the first to give Sparano a full-time coaching job — in 1986, leading New Haven’s offensive line — and years later his first NFL job, as quality control coach with Cleveland in 1999.
“He told the truth ,” Palmer said. “Kids trusted him, and his offensive line really played hard for him. That would be true in pro football also.”
Hard and soft
Perception of an overly intense Sparano peaked in a 2011 Sporting News poll. During Sparano’s last year with the Dolphins, NFL players voted him second as the coach they’d least like to play for. First was Tom Coughlin, who won the Super Bowl that season with the Giants. Third was Bill Belichick.
“It was great company,” said Andy Sparano, offensive coordinator at Feather River College in Quincy, Calif. “We always joked that the media had this perception of him that was half true and half a creation.”
“Grumpy Tony,” with his mobster look and unmistakable howl heard across practice fields, was just an outer shell. His family and his players knew both sides.
There was the regional qualifier for the 2002 Little League World Series. Before Andy Sparano’s team played at 9 a.m., his father wanted to pitch some batting practice at 5:30 a.m. Andy didn’t want to be there, and Sparano told his son to toughen up, in so many words.
Sparano’s next pitch was sent screaming back at him. Because Sparano hated the protective L screens, Andy’s line drive hit and broke his collarbone.
“That might’ve been the most proud I’ve ever made him,” Andy said.
There was the Dolphins’ 2011 opener against the Patriots. Sparano underwent hernia surgery a week before the game. When stitches split open during the first half, Sparano had the team doctor plug him with gauze at halftime. Nobody knew but coaches and players, Andy Sparano said, “because he was bleeding through his shirt.” He would need another operation after the game.
Former lineman Joe Berger, who played for Sparano on three NFL teams, learned the trick: Ask about his grandchildren. They softened Sparano’s edge.
Players begged Jeanette to bring the grandkids to training camp. It became a running joke. “She could name her price,” Berger said.
Sparano otherwise was a burly ball of fire, rarely willing to hear a player’s excuses.
“You realize what he’s doing is he legitimately wants the best out of you,” Berger said. “You start to really respect that, which is why I went to Miami when I had the opportunity to play for him.”
Sparano was equally demanding as a father, and an unlimited resource. Sparano’s morning ritual included texts or calls to his three kids. Mornings this past year may have been the most trying hours for them. They yearned for those messages that never came.
“We’d text constantly,” said Tony Sparano Jr., the Jaguars assistant offensive line coach who wears his father’s gold chain. “There are things that remind you of him everywhere. But the thing that focuses me the most is, I want to make him proud.”
Irreplaceable
The Vikings’ 2018 season never reached towering expectations, set by a trip to the NFC title game and subsequent addition of quarterback Kirk Cousins. Sparano’s absence is believed in some corners of the organization to be a big reason why a Lombardi Trophy chase ended short of the playoffs.
“Quite honestly, the death of Tony Sparano really kind of threw things into a little bit of a downward spiral,” Zimmer said Jan. 3 at his season-ending news conference. “This guy was a type-A personality. He was very innovative in the running game, had a strong voice in that room and had a strong voice with me.”
The week before training camp, Sparano texted Zimmer “all good, see you Monday” after a doctor’s visit for chest pains. He died two days later.
Sparano’s funeral was held at St. Bartholomew’s Church in Wayzata and attended by prominent NFL coaches, from the Saints’ Sean Payton to Rex and Rob Ryan.
Then, the Vikings had an impossible task of moving on, six weeks before the season opener.
“It was a major impact on this organization,” General Manager Rick Spielman said, “not only from a football perspective but who he was as a person.”
Sparano was a confidant to Zimmer and a mentor to first-year offensive coordinator John DeFilippo. Aside from masterfully pulling strings for the offensive line, Sparano coordinated a Vikings rushing attack that finished seventh during the 13-win 2017 season.
Last season, the Vikings’ 30th-ranked run game became an untenable problem between Zimmer and DeFilippo. Without Sparano, who had considerable equity with both of them, there to serve as an emissary, the differences turned into a rift that culminated in DeFilippo’s firing in December.
“[Sparano] had been a head coach before,” Zimmer said. “That and he got here early in the mornings, so I’d go sit in his office and we’d talk football. Sometimes it wasn’t football, but a lot of times it was.”
Sparano also held influence in the front office. Spielman often saw Sparano reviewing potential draft picks and free agents, adding gravity to Sparano’s already strong voice in meetings.
“Tony was never afraid to express his opinion and how he felt,” Spielman said. “All his experience and years of knowledge on players and coaching players, what’s fitting in the system and what’s not, those things are invaluable.”
Sparano’s office was left untouched throughout the season.
Books of Tony
Sparano created themes for each game week in 2017, with clues dispersed around the offensive line room. He’d reveal the week’s motivator — like how Nordic Vikings burned their boats before heading into the grandest battles — during Friday’s address.
Bite-size catchphrases were his calling card. A “Game of Thrones” saying, “When the snow falls and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives,” was on the back wall of the O-line room. One-liners were “Tony-isms” — some recognizable, some just wacky. They’re legendary among family and players, who text them to each other now.
“You can’t snow the snowman,” Sirles said. “The classic: I didn’t fall off the turnip truck yesterday. He had two raccoons fighting in a wool sock. A horse apiece. A blind dog in a meat house.”
Sirles was the last to keep records, writing down Tony-isms in the back of his notebook and tallying each time he said one. From one NFL team to the next — Sparano coached for nine NFL teams, and logged 34 years of coaching overall — the books of Tony multiplied. There is a catalog in Dallas, where he coached from 2003 to 2007, according to Jeanette.
“Some of my favorite ones aren’t printable,” Andy Sparano said.
Jeanette leaned on one particular saying during this difficult year: “We drive the bus.”
The saying helped her fulfill a promise, one Tony made her swear to after arriving home from their daughter’s wedding. Sparano wanted the whole family, all 12, to go to Disney together this summer. Two weeks before he died, she made the reservations.
Jeanette followed through, taking the Sparanos’ healing hearts on their first trips without Tony. They felt his absence at Disney and again at Hilton Head. She knew Tony would want traditions to continue.
To commemorate his life, the Sparano family watched together this summer as they released balloons from a Hilton Head beach.
The balloons faded away. Tony Sparano’s voice has not.
“Every time I think I can’t do this — I can’t do this without him — I would just think, he’s kind of looking at me going, ‘No, nuh-uh, you have to drive the bus.’ I can hear him saying it to me,” Jeanette said. “That’s been really helpful, because I know what he’d want.”
GUIDING LIGHTS
Bits and pieces of Tony Sparano’s persona remain, but Vikings’ void is still palpable
The sandy shores of Hilton Head don’t attract many NFL coaches with preciously short summers. But the Caribbean or Europe never fit Tony Sparano, a man loyal to family routines.
Sparano needed Jeanette, his wife of 34 years, and their three children — Tony Jr., Andy and daughter Ryan Leigh — with him during the few days away from football, even after the kids had families of their own. Three decades of getaways to the same island off the coast of South Carolina prompted fellow coaches to question Sparano’s downtime decisions.
“People would be like, ‘Well, don’t you want to travel?’ ” Jeanette Sparano said. “And he’d say I just want to be with my wife, my kids and my grandbabies. I’m just going to sit myself in Hilton Head until it’s time to get back here and do what I do.”
A devoted 56-year-old father, masterful Vikings offensive line coach and irreplaceable confidant, Sparano died a year ago from heart disease in his Eden Prairie home. Tony and Jeanette Sparano, married 34 years, kept family as close as possible, whenever possible.
A hole as big as the Northeasterner’s personality was left in the Sparano family and Vikings coaching staff just ahead of a 2018 season that fell far short of Super Bowl expectations.
Coach Mike Zimmer said the loss of Sparano put the team, which missed the playoffs, into a downward spiral.
As the first players report Monday to Vikings training camp, Sparano’s passion and colorful expressions live on. Sparano spent two seasons in Minnesota, and players and coaches still hear echoes of his voice during practices and meetings. But his unlikeliest of football legacies, from elementary school gym teacher to the only Dolphins head coach to take the AFC East from the Patriots dynasty, is just a sliver of how those closest remember him.
“Papa” was what his four grandchildren called the nurturing Sparano, who surprised his own kids with how he melted around the grandkids. Behind a gruff exterior mistaken for a “Sopranos” extra — with the dark sunglasses, gold chain and barrel chest — Sparano was a devoted Catholic who read his Bible by candlelight at 5 a.m. in his Vikings office.
An undeterred morning person, Sparano awoke his children before sunrise with unwelcomed lyrics and dances while beckoning them to sing along. He loved music, movies and whistling. He saw “Motown: The Musical” four times on Broadway in his one season with the New York Jets.
Those memories lead to laughs, making “impossibly hard days” a little easier to handle for the Sparano family, said Tony Jr., the oldest of three children.
“He just had the best way about him,” Tony Jr. said, “the best spirit about him.”
Playing for Tony
Sparano was a 16-year-old wisecracker in West Haven, Conn., with early visions of a coaching career when he met Jeanette. She was a 13-year-old freshman when she walked by without hesitation and heard him say, “That’s OK, I’ll just stand here and talk to myself.” He had a way of making her laugh with whispered zingers, only to look astonished when her giggling disrupted a quiet room.
“He’d just shrug,” Jeanette said, “and he’d be like, ‘I don’t know what she’s doing. I can’t take this woman anywhere.’”
Their first date was a movie, and movies became a Friday night routine, from 1980s VHS rentals to theaters in the Eden Prairie mall. Sparano secretly loved dance movies. The 2006 teen drama “Step Up,” which Jeanette had to temporarily ban at home, was a favorite.
He often reviewed the date-night movie for his Vikings players. Jeremiah Sirles, now a Buffalo Bills guard, remembered Sparano unleashing a takedown of Guillermo del Toro’s “The Shape of Water.”
“He’s like, ‘It made no sense. This lady is dating a frog person,’ ” Sirles said. “The way he went about the whole thing had the whole room in tears.”
Early on, Sparano supplemented part-time coaching hours at the University of New Haven with jobs as a gym teacher and basketball coach at nearby elementary schools. Chris Palmer was the first to give Sparano a full-time coaching job — in 1986, leading New Haven’s offensive line — and years later his first NFL job, as quality control coach with Cleveland in 1999.
“He told the truth ,” Palmer said. “Kids trusted him, and his offensive line really played hard for him. That would be true in pro football also.”
Hard and soft
Perception of an overly intense Sparano peaked in a 2011 Sporting News poll. During Sparano’s last year with the Dolphins, NFL players voted him second as the coach they’d least like to play for. First was Tom Coughlin, who won the Super Bowl that season with the Giants. Third was Bill Belichick.
“It was great company,” said Andy Sparano, offensive coordinator at Feather River College in Quincy, Calif. “We always joked that the media had this perception of him that was half true and half a creation.”
“Grumpy Tony,” with his mobster look and unmistakable howl heard across practice fields, was just an outer shell. His family and his players knew both sides.
There was the regional qualifier for the 2002 Little League World Series. Before Andy Sparano’s team played at 9 a.m., his father wanted to pitch some batting practice at 5:30 a.m. Andy didn’t want to be there, and Sparano told his son to toughen up, in so many words.
Sparano’s next pitch was sent screaming back at him. Because Sparano hated the protective L screens, Andy’s line drive hit and broke his collarbone.
“That might’ve been the most proud I’ve ever made him,” Andy said.
There was the Dolphins’ 2011 opener against the Patriots. Sparano underwent hernia surgery a week before the game. When stitches split open during the first half, Sparano had the team doctor plug him with gauze at halftime. Nobody knew but coaches and players, Andy Sparano said, “because he was bleeding through his shirt.” He would need another operation after the game.
Former lineman Joe Berger, who played for Sparano on three NFL teams, learned the trick: Ask about his grandchildren. They softened Sparano’s edge.
Players begged Jeanette to bring the grandkids to training camp. It became a running joke. “She could name her price,” Berger said.
Sparano otherwise was a burly ball of fire, rarely willing to hear a player’s excuses.
“You realize what he’s doing is he legitimately wants the best out of you,” Berger said. “You start to really respect that, which is why I went to Miami when I had the opportunity to play for him.”
Sparano was equally demanding as a father, and an unlimited resource. Sparano’s morning ritual included texts or calls to his three kids. Mornings this past year may have been the most trying hours for them. They yearned for those messages that never came.
“We’d text constantly,” said Tony Sparano Jr., the Jaguars assistant offensive line coach who wears his father’s gold chain. “There are things that remind you of him everywhere. But the thing that focuses me the most is, I want to make him proud.”
Irreplaceable
The Vikings’ 2018 season never reached towering expectations, set by a trip to the NFC title game and subsequent addition of quarterback Kirk Cousins. Sparano’s absence is believed in some corners of the organization to be a big reason why a Lombardi Trophy chase ended short of the playoffs.
“Quite honestly, the death of Tony Sparano really kind of threw things into a little bit of a downward spiral,” Zimmer said Jan. 3 at his season-ending news conference. “This guy was a type-A personality. He was very innovative in the running game, had a strong voice in that room and had a strong voice with me.”
The week before training camp, Sparano texted Zimmer “all good, see you Monday” after a doctor’s visit for chest pains. He died two days later.
Sparano’s funeral was held at St. Bartholomew’s Church in Wayzata and attended by prominent NFL coaches, from the Saints’ Sean Payton to Rex and Rob Ryan.
Then, the Vikings had an impossible task of moving on, six weeks before the season opener.
“It was a major impact on this organization,” General Manager Rick Spielman said, “not only from a football perspective but who he was as a person.”
Sparano was a confidant to Zimmer and a mentor to first-year offensive coordinator John DeFilippo. Aside from masterfully pulling strings for the offensive line, Sparano coordinated a Vikings rushing attack that finished seventh during the 13-win 2017 season.
Last season, the Vikings’ 30th-ranked run game became an untenable problem between Zimmer and DeFilippo. Without Sparano, who had considerable equity with both of them, there to serve as an emissary, the differences turned into a rift that culminated in DeFilippo’s firing in December.
“[Sparano] had been a head coach before,” Zimmer said. “That and he got here early in the mornings, so I’d go sit in his office and we’d talk football. Sometimes it wasn’t football, but a lot of times it was.”
Sparano also held influence in the front office. Spielman often saw Sparano reviewing potential draft picks and free agents, adding gravity to Sparano’s already strong voice in meetings.
“Tony was never afraid to express his opinion and how he felt,” Spielman said. “All his experience and years of knowledge on players and coaching players, what’s fitting in the system and what’s not, those things are invaluable.”
Sparano’s office was left untouched throughout the season.
Books of Tony
Sparano created themes for each game week in 2017, with clues dispersed around the offensive line room. He’d reveal the week’s motivator — like how Nordic Vikings burned their boats before heading into the grandest battles — during Friday’s address.
Bite-size catchphrases were his calling card. A “Game of Thrones” saying, “When the snow falls and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives,” was on the back wall of the O-line room. One-liners were “Tony-isms” — some recognizable, some just wacky. They’re legendary among family and players, who text them to each other now.
“You can’t snow the snowman,” Sirles said. “The classic: I didn’t fall off the turnip truck yesterday. He had two raccoons fighting in a wool sock. A horse apiece. A blind dog in a meat house.”
Sirles was the last to keep records, writing down Tony-isms in the back of his notebook and tallying each time he said one. From one NFL team to the next — Sparano coached for nine NFL teams, and logged 34 years of coaching overall — the books of Tony multiplied. There is a catalog in Dallas, where he coached from 2003 to 2007, according to Jeanette.
“Some of my favorite ones aren’t printable,” Andy Sparano said.
Jeanette leaned on one particular saying during this difficult year: “We drive the bus.”
The saying helped her fulfill a promise, one Tony made her swear to after arriving home from their daughter’s wedding. Sparano wanted the whole family, all 12, to go to Disney together this summer. Two weeks before he died, she made the reservations.
Jeanette followed through, taking the Sparanos’ healing hearts on their first trips without Tony. They felt his absence at Disney and again at Hilton Head. She knew Tony would want traditions to continue.
To commemorate his life, the Sparano family watched together this summer as they released balloons from a Hilton Head beach.
The balloons faded away. Tony Sparano’s voice has not.
“Every time I think I can’t do this — I can’t do this without him — I would just think, he’s kind of looking at me going, ‘No, nuh-uh, you have to drive the bus.’ I can hear him saying it to me,” Jeanette said. “That’s been really helpful, because I know what he’d want.”
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Draft Pick Signings Update
This is the last weekend before all 32 teams will have kicked off their training camps. Unlike the frustrating draft pick signing days before the 2011 CBA, nearly all of the 254 picks in the 2019 NFL Draft are signed.
Only eight draft picks are unsigned.
Those eight unsigned draft picks break down like this:
4 first round picks
1 second round pick
2 third round picks
1 seventh round pick
A 7th-rounder? There's a perfectly good explanation for that.
There are only six teams with unsigned picks.
Here's how the four unsigned first round picks stand in the grand scheme of the entire first round:
1. Arizona Cardinals-Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma-Signed
2. San Francisco 49ers-Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
3. New York Jets-Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
4. Oakland Raiders-Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson-Signed
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Devin White, LB, LSU-Signed
6. New York Giants-Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
7. Jacksonville Jaguars-Josh Allen, LB, Kentucky-Signed
8. Detroit Lions-T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa-Signed
9. Buffalo Bills-Ed Oliver, DT, Houston-Signed
10. Pittsburgh Steelers-Devin Bush, LB, Michigan-Signed
11. Cincinnati Bengals-Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama-Signed
12. Green Bay Packers-Rashan Gary, Edge, Michigan-Signed
13. Miami Dolphins-Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson-Signed
14. Atlanta Falcons-Chris Lindstron, G, Boston College-Signed
15. Washington Redskins-Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State-Signed
16. Carolina Panthers-Brian Burns, Edge, Florida State
17. New York Giants-Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson-Signed
18. Minnesota Vikings-Garrett Bradbury, C, N. C. State-Signed
19. Tennessee Titans-Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State-Signed
20. Denver Broncos-Noah Fant, TE, Iowa-Signed
21. Green Bay Packers-Darnell Savage, S, Maryland-Signed
22. Philadelphia Eagles-Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State-Signed
23. Houston Texans-Tytus Howard, OT, Alabama State-Signed
24. Oakland Raiders-Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama-Signed
25. Baltimore Ravens-Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma-Signed
26. Washington Redskins-Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State-Signed
27. Oakland Raiders-Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State-Signed
28. Los Angeles Chargers-Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame-Signed
29. Seattle Seahawks-L.J. Collier, DE, TCU-Signed
30. New York Giants-Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia-Signed
31. Atlanta Falcons-Kaleb McGary, OT, Washington-Signed
Here's how the eight unsigned picks break down by team.
Minnesota Vikings: 11/12 signed
Only unsigned pick:
7. Austin Cutting, LS, Air Force
The only reason that Austin Cutting wasn't signed two months was because of his service commitment to the Air Force. He has finally been cleared by the military to play in the NFL. It's being reported that he will sign his four-year rookie deal when he reports to training camp tomorrow.
New York Giants: 8/10 signed
Unsigned picks:
1. Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
3. Oshane Ximines, DE, Old Dominion
Carolina Panthers: 6/7 signed
Unsigned pick:
1. Brian Burns, DE, Florida State
San Francisco 49ers: 6/8 signed
Unsigned picks:
1. Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
2. Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina
Baltimore Ravens: 7/8 signed
Unsigned pick:
3. Miles Boykin, WR, Notre Dame
New York Jets: 5/6 signed
Unsigned pick:
1. Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
Of the eight, only the AFC guys (Quinnen Williams and Miles Boykin) are currently holdouts. The clock is ticking on the other six. As with the Buccaneers and Devin White agreeing to a deal yesterday and Cutting and the Vikings only waiting to put pen to paper tomorrow, I'm guessing that most of the remaining six will get something done before their respective training camps open. If the Joey Bosa-Chargers negotiations of 2016 are a precedent, the Nick Bosa-49ers situation is the one to watch.
Only eight draft picks are unsigned.
Those eight unsigned draft picks break down like this:
4 first round picks
1 second round pick
2 third round picks
1 seventh round pick
A 7th-rounder? There's a perfectly good explanation for that.
There are only six teams with unsigned picks.
Here's how the four unsigned first round picks stand in the grand scheme of the entire first round:
1. Arizona Cardinals-Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma-Signed
2. San Francisco 49ers-Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
3. New York Jets-Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
4. Oakland Raiders-Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson-Signed
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Devin White, LB, LSU-Signed
6. New York Giants-Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
7. Jacksonville Jaguars-Josh Allen, LB, Kentucky-Signed
8. Detroit Lions-T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa-Signed
9. Buffalo Bills-Ed Oliver, DT, Houston-Signed
10. Pittsburgh Steelers-Devin Bush, LB, Michigan-Signed
11. Cincinnati Bengals-Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama-Signed
12. Green Bay Packers-Rashan Gary, Edge, Michigan-Signed
13. Miami Dolphins-Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson-Signed
14. Atlanta Falcons-Chris Lindstron, G, Boston College-Signed
15. Washington Redskins-Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State-Signed
16. Carolina Panthers-Brian Burns, Edge, Florida State
17. New York Giants-Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson-Signed
18. Minnesota Vikings-Garrett Bradbury, C, N. C. State-Signed
19. Tennessee Titans-Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State-Signed
20. Denver Broncos-Noah Fant, TE, Iowa-Signed
21. Green Bay Packers-Darnell Savage, S, Maryland-Signed
22. Philadelphia Eagles-Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State-Signed
23. Houston Texans-Tytus Howard, OT, Alabama State-Signed
24. Oakland Raiders-Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama-Signed
25. Baltimore Ravens-Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma-Signed
26. Washington Redskins-Montez Sweat, DE, Mississippi State-Signed
27. Oakland Raiders-Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State-Signed
28. Los Angeles Chargers-Jerry Tillery, DT, Notre Dame-Signed
29. Seattle Seahawks-L.J. Collier, DE, TCU-Signed
30. New York Giants-Deandre Baker, CB, Georgia-Signed
31. Atlanta Falcons-Kaleb McGary, OT, Washington-Signed
32. New England Patriots-N'Keal Harry, WR, Arizona State-Signed
Minnesota Vikings: 11/12 signed
Only unsigned pick:
7. Austin Cutting, LS, Air Force
The only reason that Austin Cutting wasn't signed two months was because of his service commitment to the Air Force. He has finally been cleared by the military to play in the NFL. It's being reported that he will sign his four-year rookie deal when he reports to training camp tomorrow.
New York Giants: 8/10 signed
Unsigned picks:
1. Daniel Jones, QB, Duke
3. Oshane Ximines, DE, Old Dominion
Carolina Panthers: 6/7 signed
Unsigned pick:
1. Brian Burns, DE, Florida State
San Francisco 49ers: 6/8 signed
Unsigned picks:
1. Nick Bosa, DE, Ohio State
2. Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina
Baltimore Ravens: 7/8 signed
Unsigned pick:
3. Miles Boykin, WR, Notre Dame
New York Jets: 5/6 signed
Unsigned pick:
1. Quinnen Williams, DT, Alabama
Of the eight, only the AFC guys (Quinnen Williams and Miles Boykin) are currently holdouts. The clock is ticking on the other six. As with the Buccaneers and Devin White agreeing to a deal yesterday and Cutting and the Vikings only waiting to put pen to paper tomorrow, I'm guessing that most of the remaining six will get something done before their respective training camps open. If the Joey Bosa-Chargers negotiations of 2016 are a precedent, the Nick Bosa-49ers situation is the one to watch.
Saturday, July 20, 2019
Pro Football Hall of Fame Presenters
All of the presenters for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019 have been announced. That announcement and the upcoming enshrinement festivities prompted a look at every presenter of every Pro Football Hall of Famer. Here they are broken down by Class.
Class of 2019
Champ Bailey – Jack Reale, Champ's agent
Pat Bowlen – Steve "Greek" Antonopulos, longtime Broncos trainer
Gil Brandt – Jerry Jones, Cowboys Hall of Fame owner
Tony Gonzalez – Dennis Allen, Tony's cousin and best friend
Ty Law – Byron Washington, Ty's friend
Kevin Mawae – Tracy Mawae, Kevin's wife
Ed Reed – Edward Reed, Sr., Ed's father
Johnny Robinson - Bob Thompson, Johnny's stepson
Class of 2018
Bobby Beathard – Joe Gibbs, Hall of Fame coach
Robert Brazile – Robert Brazile Sr., father
Brian Dawkins – Troy Vincent, friend and former teammate
Jerry Kramer – Alicia Kramer, daughter
Ray Lewis – Diaymon Lewis, daughter
Randy Moss – Thaddeus Moss, son
Terrell Owens – George Stewart, former wide receivers coach with 49ers
Brian Urlacher - Bob Babich, former assistant coach with Bears
Class of 2017
Morten Andersen – Sebastian Andersen, Morten’s son
Terrell Davis – Neil Schwartz, Terrell’s agent & friend
Kenny Easley – Tommy Rhodes, Kenny’s high school coach
Jerry Jones – Gene Jones, Jerry’s wife
Jason Taylor – Jimmy Johnson, Jason’s coach with Dolphins
LaDainian Tomlinson – Lorenzo Neal, LaDainian’s teammate with Chargers
Kurt Warner – Brenda Warner, Kurt’s wife
Class of 2016
Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. - Lisa DeBartolo, Edward's daughter
Tony Dungy - Donnie Shell, Tony's Steelers teammate
Brett Favre - Deanna Favre, Brett's wife
Kevin Greene - Dom Capers, Kevin's coach with Steelers & Panthers
Marvin Harrison - Jim Irsay, Indianapolis Colts owner
Orlando Pace - Justin Pace, Orlando's son
Ken Stabler - John Madden, Hall of Fame coach
Dick Stanfel - Marv Levy, Hall of Fame coach
Class of 2015
Jerome Bettis - John Bettis III, Jerome’s brother
Tim Brown - Donald Kelly, Tim's brother
Charles Haley - Edward DeBartolo, Jr., former San Francisco 49ers owner
Bill Polian - Marv Levy, Hall of Fame coach
Junior Seau - Sydney Seau, Junior's daughter
Will Shields - Adrian Lunsford, friend
Mick Tingelhoff - Fran Tarkenton, Mick's teammate & HOF quarterback
Ron Wolf - Eliot Wolf, Ron's son
Class of 2014
Derrick Brooks - Decalon Brooks, Derrick’s son
Ray Guy - John Madden, Ray’s former head coach
Claude Humphrey - Cheyenne Humphrey-Robinson, Claude’s daughter
Walter Jones - Walterius Jones, Walter’s son
Andre Reed - Marv Levy, Andre’s former head coach
Michael Strahan - Jay Glazer, Michael’s friend and colleague
Aeneas Williams - Lawrence Williams, Aeneas’s father
Class of 2013
Larry Allen - Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager
Cris Carter - Duron Carter, Cris’ son
Curley Culp - Chad Culp, Curley’s son
Jonathan Ogden - Ozzie Newsome, Baltimore Ravens Executive Vice President/General Manager
Bill Parcells - George Martin, former New York Giants player
Dave Robinson - David Robinson, Dave’s son
Warren Sapp - Mercedes Sapp, Warren’s daughter
Class of 2012
Jack Butler - John Butler, Jack's son
Dermontti Dawson - Steve Parker, Dermontti's high school football coach
Chris Doleman - Evan Doleman, Chris’ son
Cortez Kennedy - Dixie Fraley Keller, widow of Cortez's former agent Robert Fraley
Curtis Martin - Bill Parcells, Curtis' former coach
Willie Roaf - Clifton Roaf, Willie's father
Class of 2011
Richard Dent - Joe Gilliam, former Tennessee State coach
Marshall Faulk - Rocky Arceneaux, Faulk’s agent
Chris Hanburger - Chris Hanburger, Hanburger’s son
Les Richter - enshrined posthumously. Represented by his son Jon Richter.
Ed Sabol - Steve Sabol, Ed’s son
Deion Sanders - Eugene Parker, Deion’s agent
Shannon Sharpe - Sterling Sharpe, Shannon’s brother & former Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Class of 2010
Russ Grimm - Joe Bugel, former Washington Redskins assistant coach
Rickey Jackson - Tom Benson, New Orleans Saints Owner/President
Dick LeBeau - Bob LeBeau, Dick's brother
Floyd Little - Marc Little, Floyd's son
John Randle - John Teerlinck, former Minnesota Vikings defensive line coach
Jerry Rice - Eddie DeBartolo Jr., former San Francisco 49ers owner
Emmitt Smith - Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys Owner, President, and General Manager
Class of 2009
Bob Hayes* - Roger Staubach, Hall of Fame teammate
Randall McDaniel - O.K. Fulton, McDaniel’s high school athletic director & asst. principal
Bruce Smith - Ted Cottrell, former Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator
Derrick Thomas* - Carl Peterson, former Kansas City Chiefs President
Ralph Wilson, Jr. - Chris Berman, ESPN personality
Rod Woodson - Tracy Foster, friend & business associate
* Deceased at time of enshrinement (Hayes represented by his son Bob Hayes, Jr.; and Thomas represented by his son Derrion Thomas).
Class of 2008
Fred Dean - Eddie DeBartolo Jr., former San Francisco 49ers owner
Darrell Green - Jared Green, Darrell’s son
Art Monk - James Monk, Jr., Art’s son
Emmitt Thomas - DerekThomas, Emmitt’s son
Andre Tippett - Robert Kraft, New England Patriots Chairman & CEO
Gary Zimmerman - Pat Bowlen, Denver Broncos President & CEO
Class of 2007
Gene Hickerson - Bobby Franklin, Former Teammate
Michael Irvin - Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys Owner, President, and General Manager
Bruce Matthews - Mike Munchak, Former Teammate, Hall of Famer Class of 2001
Charlie Sanders - William Clay Ford, Detroit Lions Owner and Chariman
Thurman Thomas - Marv Levy, Former Coach, Hall of Fame Class of 2001
Roger Wehrli - Larry Wilson, Former Teammate, Hall of Fame Class of 1978
Class of 2006
Troy Aikman - Norv Turner, Former Dallas Cowboys Assistant Coach and Longtime NFL Head Coach
Harry Carson - Donald Carson, Harry's son
John Madden - Al Davis, Owner, Oakland Raiders and Hall of Fame Class of 1992
Warren Moon - Leigh Steinberg, Sports Agent and Longtime Friend
Reggie White* - Jeremy White, Reggie's Son
Rayfield Wright - L.J. "Stan" Lomax, Former Head Coach at Fort Valley (GA) State University
*Deceased at time of enshrinement
Class of 2005
Benny Friedman* - Don Pierson, sportswriter, Chicago Tribune
Dan Marino - Daniel Marino, Dan’s son
Fritz Pollard* - Fritz Pollard, III
Steve Young - LeGrande “Grit” Young, Steve’s father
* Deceased at time of enshrinement (Friedman represented by his nephew, David Friedman; Pollard represented by his grandson, Steven Towns.)
Class of 2004
Bob Brown - Robert Brown, Jr., Bob’s son
Carl Eller - Regis Eller, Carl's son
John Elway - Jessica Elway, John's daughter
Barry Sanders - William Sanders, Barry's father
Class of 2003
Marcus Allen - Harold “Red” Allen, Marcus’ father
Elvin Bethea - Hornsby Howell, college coach
Joe DeLamielleure - Larry Felser, sportswriter, Buffalo News
James Lofton - David Lofton, James’ son|
Hank Stram - Len Dawson, Hall of Fame player
Class of 2002
George Allen* - Deacon Jones, Hall of Fame player
Dave Casper - John Madden, Former Raiders’ head coach
Dan Hampton - Ed O’Bradovich, Former Chicago Bears player
Jim Kelly - Marv Levy, Hall of Fame coach
John Stallworth - John Stallworth, Jr., John’s son
* Deceased at time of enshrinement (Allen represented by his son, Senator George Allen, Jr.)
Class of 2001
Nick Buoniconti - Marc Buoniconti, Nick’s son
Marv Levy - Bill Polian, Former Bills’ GM
Mike Munchak - Bruce Matthews, Former Oilers’ teammate
Jackie Slater - John Robinson, Former Rams’ Head Coach
Lynn Swann - John Stallworth, Former Steelers’ teammate
Ron Yary - John Michels, Former Vikings’ assistant coach
Jack Youngblood - Merlin Olsen, Former Rams’ HOF teammate
Class of 2000
Howie Long - Earl Leggett, Former Raiders’ def. line coach
Ronnie Lott - Roy Lott, Ronnie’s father
Joe Montana - Eddie DeBartolo, Jr., Former 49ers owner
Dan Rooney - Joe Greene, Steelers’ Hall of Famer
Dave Wilcox - Mike Giddings, Former 49ers linebacker coach
Class of 1999
Eric Dickerson - Jackie Slater, Former Rams’ teammate
Tom Mack - Ken Iman, Former Rams’ teammate
Ozzie Newsome - Calvin Hill, Former Browns’ teammate
Billy Shaw - Ed Abramoski, Retired Buffalo Bills’ trainer
Lawrence Taylor - Lawrence Taylor, Jr., Lawrence’s son
Class of 1998
Paul Krause - Jerry Burns, Former Vikings Head Coach and Krause’s college coach at Iowa
Tommy McDonald - Ray Didinger, Philadelphia sports writer
Anthony Muñoz - Michael Muñoz, Anthony’s son
Mike Singletary - Kim Singletary, Mike’s wife
Dwight Stephenson - Don Shula, Hall of Fame coach
Class of 1997
Mike Haynes - Howard Slusher, Haynes’ former player agent
Wellington Mara - Frank Gifford, Giants’ Hall of Famer
Don Shula - David and Mike Shula, Don’s sons
Mike Webster - Terry Bradshaw, Former Steelers’ teammate
Class of 1996
Lou Creekmur - Doak Walker, Former Lions’ teammate
Dan Dierdorf - Jim Hanifan, Off. Line Coach, Head Coach
Joe Gibbs - Don Coryell, Former head coach
Charlie Joiner - Eddie Robinson, college coach at Grambling
Mel Renfro - Tom Landry, former Dallas HOF Head Coach
Class of 1995
Jim Finks* - Edward W. McCaskey, Chairman of the Board, Chicago Bears
Henry Jordan* - Don Kovach, Long-Time Friend
Steve Largent - Gary Wright, VP/Administration, Public Relations-Seattle Seahawks
Lee Roy Selmon - Dewey Selmon, Lee Roy’s brother and Tampa Bay teammate
Kellen Winslow - Cornelius Perry, Winslow’s coach at East St. Louis, IL High School
* Deceased at time of enshrinement (Finks represented by his son, Jim Finks, Jr. and Jordan represented by his son, Henry Jordan, Jr.)
Class of 1994
Tony Dorsett - Tom Landry, Dorsett’s HOF Coach with Dallas
Bud Grant - Sid Hartman, Sports Editor Minneapolis Star
Jimmy Johnson - Rafer Johnson, Jimmy’s Brother and Decathlon Gold Medalist, 1960 Olympics
Leroy Kelly - Chuck Heaton, Retired sports writer, Cleveland Plain Dealer
Jackie Smith - Mark Vittert, Long-Time Friend
Randy White - Ernie Stautner, Former Def. Coordinator, Dallas
Class of 1993
Dan Fouts - Don Coryell, Fouts’ Head Coach with Chargers
Larry Little - Don Shula, Head Coach, Miami Dolphins
Chuck Noll - Dan Rooney, President, Pittsburgh Steelers
Walter Payton - Jarrett Payton, Walter’s son
Bill Walsh - Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. , Owner, 49ers
Class of 1992
Lem Barney - Jim David, Former Defensive Coach, Lions
Al Davis - John Madden, Former Head Coach, Raiders
John Mackey - Jack Kemp, Former Pres., AFL Players Assoc.
John Riggins - Paul Tagliabue, NFL Commissioner
Class of 1991
Earl Campbell - Bum Phillips, Campbell’s Head Coach with Oilers and Saints
John Hannah - Herb Hannah, John’s Father
Stan Jones - Bob Kilcullen, Former Bears Teammate
Tex Schramm - Pete Rozelle, Former NFL Commissioner
Jan Stenerud - Hank Stram, Stenerud’s Head Coach with Kansas City Chiefs
Class of 1990
Buck Buchanan - Hank Stram, Buchanan’s Head Coach with Kansas Chiefs
Bob Griese - Don Shula, Head Coach, Miami Dolphins
Franco Harris - Lynn Swann, Former Steelers Teammate
Ted Hendricks - Al Davis, Pres. of the General Partner, Raiders
Jack Lambert - Dennis Fitzgerald, Lambert’s Asst. Coach at Kent State University and Pittsburgh Steelers
Tom Landry - Roger Staubach, Former HOF Cowboys QB
Bob St. Clair - Dave Beronio, columnist/ Illustrator, Vacaville (CA) Reporter
Class of 1989
Mel Blount - Dan Rooney, President, Pittsburgh Steelers
Terry Bradshaw - Verne Lunquist , CBS Announcer
Art Shell - Al Davis, Managing General Partner, Los Angeles Raiders
Willie Wood - Phil Bengston, Wood’s Head Coach with Green Bay Packers
Class of 1988
Fred Biletnikoff - Al Davis, Managing General Partner, Raiders
Mike Ditka - Ed O’Bradovich, Former Bears Teammate
Jack Ham - Joe Paterno, Head Football Coach, Penn State
Alan Page - Willarene Beasley, North Community High School Principal, Minneapolis
Class of 1987
Larry Csonka - Don Shula, Head Coach, Miami Dolphins
Len Dawson - Hank Stram, Dawson’s Head Coach with K.C.
Joe Greene - Chuck Noll, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers
John Henry Johnson - Arthur J. Rooney, Chairman of the Board, Pittsburgh Steelers & HOFer
Jim Langer - Don Shula, Head Coach, Miami Dolphins
Don Maynard - Joe Namath, Former Jets Teammate
Gene Upshaw - Al Davis, Managing General Partner, Raiders
Class of 1986
Paul Hornung - Max McGee, Former Packers Teammate
Ken Houston - Wally Lemm, Houston’s Head Coach with Oilers
Willie Lanier - Lamar Hunt, Owner, Chiefs
Fran Tarkenton - Max Winter, President, Vikings
Doak Walker - Bobby Layne, Former Lions Teammate
Class of 1985
Frank Gatski - Abe Gibron, Former Browns Teammate
Joe Namath - Larry Bruno, Namath’s Coach at Beaver Falls HS
Pete Rozelle - Tex Schramm, President and GM, Cowboys
O.J. Simpson - Lou Saban, Simpson’s Head Coach with Bills
Roger Staubach - Tom Landry, Head Coach, Cowboys
Class of 1984
Willie Brown - Al Davis, Managing General Partner, Raiders
Mike McCormack - Paul Brown, McCormack’s Head Coach with Browns
Charley Taylor - Tom Skinner, Long-Time Advisor and Friend
Arnie Weinmeister - Hon. John A. Cherberg, Lt. Governor, State of Washington and Weinmeister’s Coach at the University of Washington
Class of 1983
Bobby Bell - Hank Stram, Bell’s Head Coach with Chiefs
Sid Gillman - Joe Madro, Long-Time Coaching Associate
Sonny Jurgensen - Edward Bennett Williams, President, Redskins
Bobby Mitchell - Edward Bennett Williams, President, Redskins
Paul Warfield - Gene Slaughter - Warfield’s Coach at Harding HS
Class of 1982
Doug Atkins - Edward W. McCaskey, Vice President, Bears
Sam Huff - Tom Landry, Head Coach, Cowboys and Huff’s Defensive Coach with Giants
George Musso - George Halas, CEO, Bears and Musso’s First NFL Coach
Merlin Olsen - Tony Knap, Olsen’s Coach at Utah State
Class of 1981
"Red" Badgro - Mel Hein, Former Giants Teammate
Willie Davis - Eddie Robinson, Davis’ Coach at Grambling
George Blanda - Al Davis , Managing General Partner, Raiders
Jim Ringo - Willard “Whiz” Rinehart, Ringo’s Coach at Phillipsburgh (NJ) H.S.
Class of 1980
Herb Adderley - Willie Davis, Former Packers Teammate
"Deacon" Jones - George Allen, Jones’ Head Coach with Rams and Redskins
Bob Lilly - Tom Landry, Lilly’s Head Coach with Cowboys
Jim Otto - Al Davis, Managing General Partner, Raiders
Class of 1979
Dick Butkus - Pete Elliott, Butkus’ college coach
Yale Lary - Buster Ramsey, Defensive Coach with Lions
Ron Mix - Joe Madro, Mix’s Off. Line Coach with Chargers
Johnny Unitas - Frank Gitschier, Unitas’ QB Coach at Louisville
Class of 1978
Lance Alworth - Al Davis, Managing General Partner, Raiders and former Chargers End Coach
Weeb Ewbank - Paul Brown, General Manager, Bengals, Browns Coach Who Gave Ewbank His First Coaching Job
"Tuffy" Leemans - Peter Guzy , Former Coach at East H.S. (Superior, WI)
Ray Nitschke - Phil Bengston, Former Head Coach Packers and Defensive Coach Through Most of Nitschke’s NFL Career
Larry Wilson - Jack Curtice, A.D. at Santa Barbara and Wilson’s College Coach at Utah
Class of 1977
Frank Gifford - Wellington T. Mara, President, Giants
Forrest Gregg - Mrs. Marie Lombardi , Widow of Vince Lombardi
Gale Sayers - George Halas, Chairman of the Board, Bears
Bart Starr - Bill Moseley, Former Coach at Lanier HS
Bill Willis - Paul Brown, General Manager, Bengals and Willis’ coach at Ohio State and Browns
Class of 1976
Ray Flaherty - James R. Barber, Former Redskins Player
Len Ford* - Theodore W. McIntyre, Ford’s Coach at Armstrong H.S.
Jim Taylor - Marie Lombardi, Widow of Vince Lombardi
* Deceased at time of enshrinement (Ford represented by his daughter, Debbie Ford).
Class of 1975
Roosevelt Brown - Talmadge L. Hill, Brown’s Coach at Morgan St.
George Connor - George Halas, Connor’s Coach with Bears
Dante Lavelli - Paul Brown, Lavelli’s Coach with Browns
Lenny Moore - Andy Stopper, Moore’s Coach at Reading H.S.
Class of 1974
Tony Canadeo - Richard O. Bourguignon, VP, Packers
Bill George - Edward W. McCaskey, VP/Treasurer, Bears
Lou Groza - Paul Brown, Head Coach/GM, Bengals and Groza’s Coach with Browns
"Night Train" Lane - W.E. Pigford, Lane’s Coach at Anderson H.S.
Class of 1973
Raymond Berry - Weeb Ewbank, Head Coach/GM, Jets and Berry’s Coach with Colts
Jim Parker - W.W. (Woody) Hayes, Head Football Coach, Ohio State
Joe Schmidt - William Clay Ford, Owner/Pres. Lions
Class of 1972
Lamar Hunt - William H. Sullivan, Jr., President, Patriots
Gino Marchetti - Carroll D. Rosenbloom, Owner, Rams and former owner of Colts
Ollie Matson - Joseph L. Kuharich, Matson’s Coach, at Univ. of San Francisco, Cardinals, and Eagles
"Ace" Parker - Jack White, GM, 49ers
Class of 1971
Jim Brown - Ken Molloy, Manhasset, LI, Attorney and Long-Time Associate
Bill Hewitt* - Upton Bell, GM, Patriots
"Bruiser" Kinard - Jack White, GM, 49ers
Vince Lombardi* - Wellington T. Mara, President, Giants
Andy Robustelli - J. Walter Kennedy, Commissioner, NBA
Y.A. Tittle - Wellington T. Mara, President, Giants
Norm Van Brocklin - Rankin M. Smith, Chairman of the Board, Falcons
* Deceased at time of enshrinement (Hewitt was represented by his daughter, Mary Ellen Cocozza; Lombardi was represented by his son, Vince, Jr.)
Class of 1970
Jack Christiansen - Buddy Parker, Former Lions Coach
Tom Fears - Harold “Hal” Dean, Former Rams Teammate
Hugh McElhenny - Louis G. Spadia, President, 49ers
Pete Pihos - Howard Brown, Former Teammate at Indiana
Class of 1969
"Turk" Edwards - Mel Hein, Former Teammate at Washington St.
"Greasy" Neale - Chuck Bednarik - Former Eagles player
Leo Nomellini - Mrs. Victor Morabito, Co-Owner, 49ers
Joe Perry - Mrs. Tony Morabito, Co-Owner, 49ers
Ernie Stautner - Art Rooney, President, Steelers
Class of 1968
Cliff Battles - Edward Bennett Williams, President, Redskins
Art Donovan - Jim Mutscheller, Former Colts Teammate
Elroy Hirsch - Hamp Pool, Former Coach, Rams
Wayne Millner - Ray Flaherty, Former Coach, Redskins
Marion Motley - Bill Willis, Former Browns Teammate
Charley Trippi - Paul Shebby, Former High School Coach
Alex Wojciechowicz - Earle “Greasy” Neale, Former Eagles Coach
Class of 1967
Chuck Bednarik - Earle “Greasy” Neale, Former Eagles Coach
Charles Bidwill, Sr.* - Art Rooney , President, Steelers
Paul Brown - Otto Graham, Former Browns Quarterback
Bobby Layne - Buddy Parker, Former Lions & Steelers Coach
Daniel F. Reeves - Bob Waterfield, Former Rams Quarterback
Ken Strong - John “Chick” Meehan, Former Coach, NYU
Joe Stydahar - Dan Fortmann- - Former Bears Teammate
Emlen Tunnell - Father Benedict Dudley, Chaplain, Giants
* Deceased at time of enshrinement (Represented by his son, Charles Bidwill, Jr.)
Class of 1966
Bill Dudley - Bob Waterfield, Hall of Fame player
Joe Guyon - Jimmy Conzelman, Hall of Fame coach/player
Arnie Herber - Clarke Hinkle, Hall of Fame player
Walt Kiesling* - Justice Byron R. White, former NFL player
Steve Owen* - Mel Hein, Hall of Fame player
George McAfee - Dick Gallagher, former high school coach
"Shorty" Ray* - Dan Tehan, NFL official
"Bulldog" Turner - Ed Healey, Hall of Fame player
* Deceased at time of enshrinement (Kiesling represented by John Blood McNally; Owen represented by Jim Lee Howell; Ray represented by Hugh L. Ray)
Class of 1965
Guy Chamberlin - Wallace Elliott, member, Canton Bulldogs
"Paddy"Driscoll - Jimmy Conzelman
Daniel Fortmann - Andy Kerr, Colgate Head Coach
Otto Graham - Paul Brown, Browns Coach
Sid Luckman - Lou Little, Coach, Columbia University
Steve Van Buren - Clarke Hinkle
Bob Waterfield - Pat O’Brien, Actor
Class of 1964
George Trafton - Ernie Nevers
Ed Healey - Harry Stuhldreher, Member of Notre Dame’s Four Horsemen
Jimmy Conzelman - Justice William O. Douglas, United States Supreme Court
"Link" Lyman - William E. Umstattd, Advisory Committe, Hall of Fame
Mike Michalske - L.C. “Cap” Timm, Professor, Iowa State
Clarke Hinkle - Bronko Nagurski
Art Rooney - Honorable David Lawrence, Special Asst. to the President
Class of 1963
Sammy Baugh - Harry Stuhldreher, Member of Notre Dame’s Four Horsemen
Bert Bell* - David McDonald, President, United Steelworkers of America
Joe Carr* - Earl Schreiber, President, Pro Football Hall of Fame
Dutch Clark - Philip A. Hart, U.S. Senator, Michigan
"Red" Grange - Jimmy Conzelman
George Halas - David L. Lawrence, Special Asst. to President
Mel Hein - Frank T. Bow, Congressman, Canton
"Pete" Henry* - E.E. “Rip” Miller, U.S. Naval Academy
Cal Hubbard - Paul Kerr, President, Baseball Hall of Fame
Don Hutson - Dante Lavelli, Cleveland Browns
"Curly" Lambeau - Jimmy Crowley , Member of Notre Dame’s Four Horsemen
Tim Mara* - Arthur Daley, New York Times
George Preston Marshall** - Major General Harry W. Abendroth
"Blood"McNally - Justice Byron “Whizzer” White, United States Supreme Court
Bronko Nagurski - Don Miller, Member of Notre Dame’s Four Horsemen
Ernie Nevers - Elmer Layden, Member of Notre Dame’s Four Horsemen
Jim Thorpe* - Henry A. RoemerCla Chairman, Exec. Committee of Sharon Steel
* Deceased at time of enshrinement (Bell represented by Art Rooney; Carr represented by Dan Tehan; Henry represented by his former Canton Teammate Harry Robb; Mara represented by his son John V. Mara; Thorpe represented by Pete Calac, Thorpe’s former teammate with Carlisle Indians and Canton Bulldogs). ** Marshall represented by his friend Milton W. King.
Some presenter thoughts:
Al Davis has often been at that Hall of Fame podium. Nine times as a presenter and once for his own induction in 1992. John Madden did the honors when it was Davis' turn to be inducted.
Presenter:
Lance Alworth, 1978
Jim Otto, 1980
George Blanda, 1981
Willie Brown, 1984
Gene Upshaw, 1987
Fred Biletnikoff, 1988
Art Shell, 1989
Ted Hendricks, 1990
John Madden, 2006
It's an emotional day to start but it must've been especially emotional to see Marie Lombardi present Jim Taylor in 1976 and Forrest Gregg in 1977.
Speaking of emotions, it warms me the most when inductees choose their fathers, kids, and high school coaches to present them. That's just me. For the inductee, each choice is the right choice.
One of my favorites, Steve Sabol presenting Ed Sabol in 2011. Steve should be honored in Canton with his father. But I think for Steve, his father's induction was all that he ever wanted.
I find it curious that each of Notre Dame's Four Horsemen were presenters in 1963.
Harry Stuhldreher presented Sammy Baugh
Jim Crowley presented Curly Lambeau
Don Miller presented Bronko Nagurski
Elmer Layden presented Ernie Nevers
Stuhldreher also presented Ed Healey in 1964.
Perhaps my favorite presenter-inductee combo of them all:
Bronko Nagurski presenting Clarke Hinkle in 1964. Nagurski and Hinkle together again is simply football to me.
Class of 2019
Champ Bailey – Jack Reale, Champ's agent
Pat Bowlen – Steve "Greek" Antonopulos, longtime Broncos trainer
Gil Brandt – Jerry Jones, Cowboys Hall of Fame owner
Tony Gonzalez – Dennis Allen, Tony's cousin and best friend
Ty Law – Byron Washington, Ty's friend
Kevin Mawae – Tracy Mawae, Kevin's wife
Ed Reed – Edward Reed, Sr., Ed's father
Johnny Robinson - Bob Thompson, Johnny's stepson
Class of 2018
Bobby Beathard – Joe Gibbs, Hall of Fame coach
Robert Brazile – Robert Brazile Sr., father
Brian Dawkins – Troy Vincent, friend and former teammate
Jerry Kramer – Alicia Kramer, daughter
Ray Lewis – Diaymon Lewis, daughter
Randy Moss – Thaddeus Moss, son
Terrell Owens – George Stewart, former wide receivers coach with 49ers
Brian Urlacher - Bob Babich, former assistant coach with Bears
Class of 2017
Morten Andersen – Sebastian Andersen, Morten’s son
Terrell Davis – Neil Schwartz, Terrell’s agent & friend
Kenny Easley – Tommy Rhodes, Kenny’s high school coach
Jerry Jones – Gene Jones, Jerry’s wife
Jason Taylor – Jimmy Johnson, Jason’s coach with Dolphins
LaDainian Tomlinson – Lorenzo Neal, LaDainian’s teammate with Chargers
Kurt Warner – Brenda Warner, Kurt’s wife
Class of 2016
Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. - Lisa DeBartolo, Edward's daughter
Tony Dungy - Donnie Shell, Tony's Steelers teammate
Brett Favre - Deanna Favre, Brett's wife
Kevin Greene - Dom Capers, Kevin's coach with Steelers & Panthers
Marvin Harrison - Jim Irsay, Indianapolis Colts owner
Orlando Pace - Justin Pace, Orlando's son
Ken Stabler - John Madden, Hall of Fame coach
Dick Stanfel - Marv Levy, Hall of Fame coach
Class of 2015
Jerome Bettis - John Bettis III, Jerome’s brother
Tim Brown - Donald Kelly, Tim's brother
Charles Haley - Edward DeBartolo, Jr., former San Francisco 49ers owner
Bill Polian - Marv Levy, Hall of Fame coach
Junior Seau - Sydney Seau, Junior's daughter
Will Shields - Adrian Lunsford, friend
Mick Tingelhoff - Fran Tarkenton, Mick's teammate & HOF quarterback
Ron Wolf - Eliot Wolf, Ron's son
Class of 2014
Derrick Brooks - Decalon Brooks, Derrick’s son
Ray Guy - John Madden, Ray’s former head coach
Claude Humphrey - Cheyenne Humphrey-Robinson, Claude’s daughter
Walter Jones - Walterius Jones, Walter’s son
Andre Reed - Marv Levy, Andre’s former head coach
Michael Strahan - Jay Glazer, Michael’s friend and colleague
Aeneas Williams - Lawrence Williams, Aeneas’s father
Class of 2013
Larry Allen - Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager
Cris Carter - Duron Carter, Cris’ son
Curley Culp - Chad Culp, Curley’s son
Jonathan Ogden - Ozzie Newsome, Baltimore Ravens Executive Vice President/General Manager
Bill Parcells - George Martin, former New York Giants player
Dave Robinson - David Robinson, Dave’s son
Warren Sapp - Mercedes Sapp, Warren’s daughter
Class of 2012
Jack Butler - John Butler, Jack's son
Dermontti Dawson - Steve Parker, Dermontti's high school football coach
Chris Doleman - Evan Doleman, Chris’ son
Cortez Kennedy - Dixie Fraley Keller, widow of Cortez's former agent Robert Fraley
Curtis Martin - Bill Parcells, Curtis' former coach
Willie Roaf - Clifton Roaf, Willie's father
Class of 2011
Richard Dent - Joe Gilliam, former Tennessee State coach
Marshall Faulk - Rocky Arceneaux, Faulk’s agent
Chris Hanburger - Chris Hanburger, Hanburger’s son
Les Richter - enshrined posthumously. Represented by his son Jon Richter.
Ed Sabol - Steve Sabol, Ed’s son
Deion Sanders - Eugene Parker, Deion’s agent
Shannon Sharpe - Sterling Sharpe, Shannon’s brother & former Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Class of 2010
Russ Grimm - Joe Bugel, former Washington Redskins assistant coach
Rickey Jackson - Tom Benson, New Orleans Saints Owner/President
Dick LeBeau - Bob LeBeau, Dick's brother
Floyd Little - Marc Little, Floyd's son
John Randle - John Teerlinck, former Minnesota Vikings defensive line coach
Jerry Rice - Eddie DeBartolo Jr., former San Francisco 49ers owner
Emmitt Smith - Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys Owner, President, and General Manager
Class of 2009
Bob Hayes* - Roger Staubach, Hall of Fame teammate
Randall McDaniel - O.K. Fulton, McDaniel’s high school athletic director & asst. principal
Bruce Smith - Ted Cottrell, former Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator
Derrick Thomas* - Carl Peterson, former Kansas City Chiefs President
Ralph Wilson, Jr. - Chris Berman, ESPN personality
Rod Woodson - Tracy Foster, friend & business associate
* Deceased at time of enshrinement (Hayes represented by his son Bob Hayes, Jr.; and Thomas represented by his son Derrion Thomas).
Class of 2008
Fred Dean - Eddie DeBartolo Jr., former San Francisco 49ers owner
Darrell Green - Jared Green, Darrell’s son
Art Monk - James Monk, Jr., Art’s son
Emmitt Thomas - DerekThomas, Emmitt’s son
Andre Tippett - Robert Kraft, New England Patriots Chairman & CEO
Gary Zimmerman - Pat Bowlen, Denver Broncos President & CEO
Class of 2007
Gene Hickerson - Bobby Franklin, Former Teammate
Michael Irvin - Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys Owner, President, and General Manager
Bruce Matthews - Mike Munchak, Former Teammate, Hall of Famer Class of 2001
Charlie Sanders - William Clay Ford, Detroit Lions Owner and Chariman
Thurman Thomas - Marv Levy, Former Coach, Hall of Fame Class of 2001
Roger Wehrli - Larry Wilson, Former Teammate, Hall of Fame Class of 1978
Class of 2006
Troy Aikman - Norv Turner, Former Dallas Cowboys Assistant Coach and Longtime NFL Head Coach
Harry Carson - Donald Carson, Harry's son
John Madden - Al Davis, Owner, Oakland Raiders and Hall of Fame Class of 1992
Warren Moon - Leigh Steinberg, Sports Agent and Longtime Friend
Reggie White* - Jeremy White, Reggie's Son
Rayfield Wright - L.J. "Stan" Lomax, Former Head Coach at Fort Valley (GA) State University
*Deceased at time of enshrinement
Class of 2005
Benny Friedman* - Don Pierson, sportswriter, Chicago Tribune
Dan Marino - Daniel Marino, Dan’s son
Fritz Pollard* - Fritz Pollard, III
Steve Young - LeGrande “Grit” Young, Steve’s father
* Deceased at time of enshrinement (Friedman represented by his nephew, David Friedman; Pollard represented by his grandson, Steven Towns.)
Class of 2004
Bob Brown - Robert Brown, Jr., Bob’s son
Carl Eller - Regis Eller, Carl's son
John Elway - Jessica Elway, John's daughter
Barry Sanders - William Sanders, Barry's father
Class of 2003
Marcus Allen - Harold “Red” Allen, Marcus’ father
Elvin Bethea - Hornsby Howell, college coach
Joe DeLamielleure - Larry Felser, sportswriter, Buffalo News
James Lofton - David Lofton, James’ son|
Hank Stram - Len Dawson, Hall of Fame player
Class of 2002
George Allen* - Deacon Jones, Hall of Fame player
Dave Casper - John Madden, Former Raiders’ head coach
Dan Hampton - Ed O’Bradovich, Former Chicago Bears player
Jim Kelly - Marv Levy, Hall of Fame coach
John Stallworth - John Stallworth, Jr., John’s son
* Deceased at time of enshrinement (Allen represented by his son, Senator George Allen, Jr.)
Class of 2001
Nick Buoniconti - Marc Buoniconti, Nick’s son
Marv Levy - Bill Polian, Former Bills’ GM
Mike Munchak - Bruce Matthews, Former Oilers’ teammate
Jackie Slater - John Robinson, Former Rams’ Head Coach
Lynn Swann - John Stallworth, Former Steelers’ teammate
Ron Yary - John Michels, Former Vikings’ assistant coach
Jack Youngblood - Merlin Olsen, Former Rams’ HOF teammate
Class of 2000
Howie Long - Earl Leggett, Former Raiders’ def. line coach
Ronnie Lott - Roy Lott, Ronnie’s father
Joe Montana - Eddie DeBartolo, Jr., Former 49ers owner
Dan Rooney - Joe Greene, Steelers’ Hall of Famer
Dave Wilcox - Mike Giddings, Former 49ers linebacker coach
Class of 1999
Eric Dickerson - Jackie Slater, Former Rams’ teammate
Tom Mack - Ken Iman, Former Rams’ teammate
Ozzie Newsome - Calvin Hill, Former Browns’ teammate
Billy Shaw - Ed Abramoski, Retired Buffalo Bills’ trainer
Lawrence Taylor - Lawrence Taylor, Jr., Lawrence’s son
Class of 1998
Paul Krause - Jerry Burns, Former Vikings Head Coach and Krause’s college coach at Iowa
Tommy McDonald - Ray Didinger, Philadelphia sports writer
Anthony Muñoz - Michael Muñoz, Anthony’s son
Mike Singletary - Kim Singletary, Mike’s wife
Dwight Stephenson - Don Shula, Hall of Fame coach
Class of 1997
Mike Haynes - Howard Slusher, Haynes’ former player agent
Wellington Mara - Frank Gifford, Giants’ Hall of Famer
Don Shula - David and Mike Shula, Don’s sons
Mike Webster - Terry Bradshaw, Former Steelers’ teammate
Class of 1996
Lou Creekmur - Doak Walker, Former Lions’ teammate
Dan Dierdorf - Jim Hanifan, Off. Line Coach, Head Coach
Joe Gibbs - Don Coryell, Former head coach
Charlie Joiner - Eddie Robinson, college coach at Grambling
Mel Renfro - Tom Landry, former Dallas HOF Head Coach
Class of 1995
Jim Finks* - Edward W. McCaskey, Chairman of the Board, Chicago Bears
Henry Jordan* - Don Kovach, Long-Time Friend
Steve Largent - Gary Wright, VP/Administration, Public Relations-Seattle Seahawks
Lee Roy Selmon - Dewey Selmon, Lee Roy’s brother and Tampa Bay teammate
Kellen Winslow - Cornelius Perry, Winslow’s coach at East St. Louis, IL High School
* Deceased at time of enshrinement (Finks represented by his son, Jim Finks, Jr. and Jordan represented by his son, Henry Jordan, Jr.)
Class of 1994
Tony Dorsett - Tom Landry, Dorsett’s HOF Coach with Dallas
Bud Grant - Sid Hartman, Sports Editor Minneapolis Star
Jimmy Johnson - Rafer Johnson, Jimmy’s Brother and Decathlon Gold Medalist, 1960 Olympics
Leroy Kelly - Chuck Heaton, Retired sports writer, Cleveland Plain Dealer
Jackie Smith - Mark Vittert, Long-Time Friend
Randy White - Ernie Stautner, Former Def. Coordinator, Dallas
Class of 1993
Dan Fouts - Don Coryell, Fouts’ Head Coach with Chargers
Larry Little - Don Shula, Head Coach, Miami Dolphins
Chuck Noll - Dan Rooney, President, Pittsburgh Steelers
Walter Payton - Jarrett Payton, Walter’s son
Bill Walsh - Edward J. DeBartolo, Jr. , Owner, 49ers
Class of 1992
Lem Barney - Jim David, Former Defensive Coach, Lions
Al Davis - John Madden, Former Head Coach, Raiders
John Mackey - Jack Kemp, Former Pres., AFL Players Assoc.
John Riggins - Paul Tagliabue, NFL Commissioner
Class of 1991
Earl Campbell - Bum Phillips, Campbell’s Head Coach with Oilers and Saints
John Hannah - Herb Hannah, John’s Father
Stan Jones - Bob Kilcullen, Former Bears Teammate
Tex Schramm - Pete Rozelle, Former NFL Commissioner
Jan Stenerud - Hank Stram, Stenerud’s Head Coach with Kansas City Chiefs
Class of 1990
Buck Buchanan - Hank Stram, Buchanan’s Head Coach with Kansas Chiefs
Bob Griese - Don Shula, Head Coach, Miami Dolphins
Franco Harris - Lynn Swann, Former Steelers Teammate
Ted Hendricks - Al Davis, Pres. of the General Partner, Raiders
Jack Lambert - Dennis Fitzgerald, Lambert’s Asst. Coach at Kent State University and Pittsburgh Steelers
Tom Landry - Roger Staubach, Former HOF Cowboys QB
Bob St. Clair - Dave Beronio, columnist/ Illustrator, Vacaville (CA) Reporter
Class of 1989
Mel Blount - Dan Rooney, President, Pittsburgh Steelers
Terry Bradshaw - Verne Lunquist , CBS Announcer
Art Shell - Al Davis, Managing General Partner, Los Angeles Raiders
Willie Wood - Phil Bengston, Wood’s Head Coach with Green Bay Packers
Class of 1988
Fred Biletnikoff - Al Davis, Managing General Partner, Raiders
Mike Ditka - Ed O’Bradovich, Former Bears Teammate
Jack Ham - Joe Paterno, Head Football Coach, Penn State
Alan Page - Willarene Beasley, North Community High School Principal, Minneapolis
Class of 1987
Larry Csonka - Don Shula, Head Coach, Miami Dolphins
Len Dawson - Hank Stram, Dawson’s Head Coach with K.C.
Joe Greene - Chuck Noll, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers
John Henry Johnson - Arthur J. Rooney, Chairman of the Board, Pittsburgh Steelers & HOFer
Jim Langer - Don Shula, Head Coach, Miami Dolphins
Don Maynard - Joe Namath, Former Jets Teammate
Gene Upshaw - Al Davis, Managing General Partner, Raiders
Class of 1986
Paul Hornung - Max McGee, Former Packers Teammate
Ken Houston - Wally Lemm, Houston’s Head Coach with Oilers
Willie Lanier - Lamar Hunt, Owner, Chiefs
Fran Tarkenton - Max Winter, President, Vikings
Doak Walker - Bobby Layne, Former Lions Teammate
Class of 1985
Frank Gatski - Abe Gibron, Former Browns Teammate
Joe Namath - Larry Bruno, Namath’s Coach at Beaver Falls HS
Pete Rozelle - Tex Schramm, President and GM, Cowboys
O.J. Simpson - Lou Saban, Simpson’s Head Coach with Bills
Roger Staubach - Tom Landry, Head Coach, Cowboys
Class of 1984
Willie Brown - Al Davis, Managing General Partner, Raiders
Mike McCormack - Paul Brown, McCormack’s Head Coach with Browns
Charley Taylor - Tom Skinner, Long-Time Advisor and Friend
Arnie Weinmeister - Hon. John A. Cherberg, Lt. Governor, State of Washington and Weinmeister’s Coach at the University of Washington
Class of 1983
Bobby Bell - Hank Stram, Bell’s Head Coach with Chiefs
Sid Gillman - Joe Madro, Long-Time Coaching Associate
Sonny Jurgensen - Edward Bennett Williams, President, Redskins
Bobby Mitchell - Edward Bennett Williams, President, Redskins
Paul Warfield - Gene Slaughter - Warfield’s Coach at Harding HS
Class of 1982
Doug Atkins - Edward W. McCaskey, Vice President, Bears
Sam Huff - Tom Landry, Head Coach, Cowboys and Huff’s Defensive Coach with Giants
George Musso - George Halas, CEO, Bears and Musso’s First NFL Coach
Merlin Olsen - Tony Knap, Olsen’s Coach at Utah State
Class of 1981
"Red" Badgro - Mel Hein, Former Giants Teammate
Willie Davis - Eddie Robinson, Davis’ Coach at Grambling
George Blanda - Al Davis , Managing General Partner, Raiders
Jim Ringo - Willard “Whiz” Rinehart, Ringo’s Coach at Phillipsburgh (NJ) H.S.
Class of 1980
Herb Adderley - Willie Davis, Former Packers Teammate
"Deacon" Jones - George Allen, Jones’ Head Coach with Rams and Redskins
Bob Lilly - Tom Landry, Lilly’s Head Coach with Cowboys
Jim Otto - Al Davis, Managing General Partner, Raiders
Class of 1979
Dick Butkus - Pete Elliott, Butkus’ college coach
Yale Lary - Buster Ramsey, Defensive Coach with Lions
Ron Mix - Joe Madro, Mix’s Off. Line Coach with Chargers
Johnny Unitas - Frank Gitschier, Unitas’ QB Coach at Louisville
Class of 1978
Lance Alworth - Al Davis, Managing General Partner, Raiders and former Chargers End Coach
Weeb Ewbank - Paul Brown, General Manager, Bengals, Browns Coach Who Gave Ewbank His First Coaching Job
"Tuffy" Leemans - Peter Guzy , Former Coach at East H.S. (Superior, WI)
Ray Nitschke - Phil Bengston, Former Head Coach Packers and Defensive Coach Through Most of Nitschke’s NFL Career
Larry Wilson - Jack Curtice, A.D. at Santa Barbara and Wilson’s College Coach at Utah
Class of 1977
Frank Gifford - Wellington T. Mara, President, Giants
Forrest Gregg - Mrs. Marie Lombardi , Widow of Vince Lombardi
Gale Sayers - George Halas, Chairman of the Board, Bears
Bart Starr - Bill Moseley, Former Coach at Lanier HS
Bill Willis - Paul Brown, General Manager, Bengals and Willis’ coach at Ohio State and Browns
Class of 1976
Ray Flaherty - James R. Barber, Former Redskins Player
Len Ford* - Theodore W. McIntyre, Ford’s Coach at Armstrong H.S.
Jim Taylor - Marie Lombardi, Widow of Vince Lombardi
* Deceased at time of enshrinement (Ford represented by his daughter, Debbie Ford).
Class of 1975
Roosevelt Brown - Talmadge L. Hill, Brown’s Coach at Morgan St.
George Connor - George Halas, Connor’s Coach with Bears
Dante Lavelli - Paul Brown, Lavelli’s Coach with Browns
Lenny Moore - Andy Stopper, Moore’s Coach at Reading H.S.
Class of 1974
Tony Canadeo - Richard O. Bourguignon, VP, Packers
Bill George - Edward W. McCaskey, VP/Treasurer, Bears
Lou Groza - Paul Brown, Head Coach/GM, Bengals and Groza’s Coach with Browns
"Night Train" Lane - W.E. Pigford, Lane’s Coach at Anderson H.S.
Class of 1973
Raymond Berry - Weeb Ewbank, Head Coach/GM, Jets and Berry’s Coach with Colts
Jim Parker - W.W. (Woody) Hayes, Head Football Coach, Ohio State
Joe Schmidt - William Clay Ford, Owner/Pres. Lions
Class of 1972
Lamar Hunt - William H. Sullivan, Jr., President, Patriots
Gino Marchetti - Carroll D. Rosenbloom, Owner, Rams and former owner of Colts
Ollie Matson - Joseph L. Kuharich, Matson’s Coach, at Univ. of San Francisco, Cardinals, and Eagles
"Ace" Parker - Jack White, GM, 49ers
Class of 1971
Jim Brown - Ken Molloy, Manhasset, LI, Attorney and Long-Time Associate
Bill Hewitt* - Upton Bell, GM, Patriots
"Bruiser" Kinard - Jack White, GM, 49ers
Vince Lombardi* - Wellington T. Mara, President, Giants
Andy Robustelli - J. Walter Kennedy, Commissioner, NBA
Y.A. Tittle - Wellington T. Mara, President, Giants
Norm Van Brocklin - Rankin M. Smith, Chairman of the Board, Falcons
* Deceased at time of enshrinement (Hewitt was represented by his daughter, Mary Ellen Cocozza; Lombardi was represented by his son, Vince, Jr.)
Class of 1970
Jack Christiansen - Buddy Parker, Former Lions Coach
Tom Fears - Harold “Hal” Dean, Former Rams Teammate
Hugh McElhenny - Louis G. Spadia, President, 49ers
Pete Pihos - Howard Brown, Former Teammate at Indiana
Class of 1969
"Turk" Edwards - Mel Hein, Former Teammate at Washington St.
"Greasy" Neale - Chuck Bednarik - Former Eagles player
Leo Nomellini - Mrs. Victor Morabito, Co-Owner, 49ers
Joe Perry - Mrs. Tony Morabito, Co-Owner, 49ers
Ernie Stautner - Art Rooney, President, Steelers
Class of 1968
Cliff Battles - Edward Bennett Williams, President, Redskins
Art Donovan - Jim Mutscheller, Former Colts Teammate
Elroy Hirsch - Hamp Pool, Former Coach, Rams
Wayne Millner - Ray Flaherty, Former Coach, Redskins
Marion Motley - Bill Willis, Former Browns Teammate
Charley Trippi - Paul Shebby, Former High School Coach
Alex Wojciechowicz - Earle “Greasy” Neale, Former Eagles Coach
Class of 1967
Chuck Bednarik - Earle “Greasy” Neale, Former Eagles Coach
Charles Bidwill, Sr.* - Art Rooney , President, Steelers
Paul Brown - Otto Graham, Former Browns Quarterback
Bobby Layne - Buddy Parker, Former Lions & Steelers Coach
Daniel F. Reeves - Bob Waterfield, Former Rams Quarterback
Ken Strong - John “Chick” Meehan, Former Coach, NYU
Joe Stydahar - Dan Fortmann- - Former Bears Teammate
Emlen Tunnell - Father Benedict Dudley, Chaplain, Giants
* Deceased at time of enshrinement (Represented by his son, Charles Bidwill, Jr.)
Class of 1966
Bill Dudley - Bob Waterfield, Hall of Fame player
Joe Guyon - Jimmy Conzelman, Hall of Fame coach/player
Arnie Herber - Clarke Hinkle, Hall of Fame player
Walt Kiesling* - Justice Byron R. White, former NFL player
Steve Owen* - Mel Hein, Hall of Fame player
George McAfee - Dick Gallagher, former high school coach
"Shorty" Ray* - Dan Tehan, NFL official
"Bulldog" Turner - Ed Healey, Hall of Fame player
* Deceased at time of enshrinement (Kiesling represented by John Blood McNally; Owen represented by Jim Lee Howell; Ray represented by Hugh L. Ray)
Class of 1965
Guy Chamberlin - Wallace Elliott, member, Canton Bulldogs
"Paddy"Driscoll - Jimmy Conzelman
Daniel Fortmann - Andy Kerr, Colgate Head Coach
Otto Graham - Paul Brown, Browns Coach
Sid Luckman - Lou Little, Coach, Columbia University
Steve Van Buren - Clarke Hinkle
Bob Waterfield - Pat O’Brien, Actor
Class of 1964
George Trafton - Ernie Nevers
Ed Healey - Harry Stuhldreher, Member of Notre Dame’s Four Horsemen
Jimmy Conzelman - Justice William O. Douglas, United States Supreme Court
"Link" Lyman - William E. Umstattd, Advisory Committe, Hall of Fame
Mike Michalske - L.C. “Cap” Timm, Professor, Iowa State
Clarke Hinkle - Bronko Nagurski
Art Rooney - Honorable David Lawrence, Special Asst. to the President
Class of 1963
Sammy Baugh - Harry Stuhldreher, Member of Notre Dame’s Four Horsemen
Bert Bell* - David McDonald, President, United Steelworkers of America
Joe Carr* - Earl Schreiber, President, Pro Football Hall of Fame
Dutch Clark - Philip A. Hart, U.S. Senator, Michigan
"Red" Grange - Jimmy Conzelman
George Halas - David L. Lawrence, Special Asst. to President
Mel Hein - Frank T. Bow, Congressman, Canton
"Pete" Henry* - E.E. “Rip” Miller, U.S. Naval Academy
Cal Hubbard - Paul Kerr, President, Baseball Hall of Fame
Don Hutson - Dante Lavelli, Cleveland Browns
"Curly" Lambeau - Jimmy Crowley , Member of Notre Dame’s Four Horsemen
Tim Mara* - Arthur Daley, New York Times
George Preston Marshall** - Major General Harry W. Abendroth
"Blood"McNally - Justice Byron “Whizzer” White, United States Supreme Court
Bronko Nagurski - Don Miller, Member of Notre Dame’s Four Horsemen
Ernie Nevers - Elmer Layden, Member of Notre Dame’s Four Horsemen
Jim Thorpe* - Henry A. RoemerCla Chairman, Exec. Committee of Sharon Steel
* Deceased at time of enshrinement (Bell represented by Art Rooney; Carr represented by Dan Tehan; Henry represented by his former Canton Teammate Harry Robb; Mara represented by his son John V. Mara; Thorpe represented by Pete Calac, Thorpe’s former teammate with Carlisle Indians and Canton Bulldogs). ** Marshall represented by his friend Milton W. King.
***
Some presenter thoughts:
Al Davis has often been at that Hall of Fame podium. Nine times as a presenter and once for his own induction in 1992. John Madden did the honors when it was Davis' turn to be inducted.
Presenter:
Lance Alworth, 1978
Jim Otto, 1980
George Blanda, 1981
Willie Brown, 1984
Gene Upshaw, 1987
Fred Biletnikoff, 1988
Art Shell, 1989
Ted Hendricks, 1990
John Madden, 2006
It's an emotional day to start but it must've been especially emotional to see Marie Lombardi present Jim Taylor in 1976 and Forrest Gregg in 1977.
Speaking of emotions, it warms me the most when inductees choose their fathers, kids, and high school coaches to present them. That's just me. For the inductee, each choice is the right choice.
One of my favorites, Steve Sabol presenting Ed Sabol in 2011. Steve should be honored in Canton with his father. But I think for Steve, his father's induction was all that he ever wanted.
I find it curious that each of Notre Dame's Four Horsemen were presenters in 1963.
Harry Stuhldreher presented Sammy Baugh
Jim Crowley presented Curly Lambeau
Don Miller presented Bronko Nagurski
Elmer Layden presented Ernie Nevers
Stuhldreher also presented Ed Healey in 1964.
Perhaps my favorite presenter-inductee combo of them all:
Bronko Nagurski presenting Clarke Hinkle in 1964. Nagurski and Hinkle together again is simply football to me.
Friday, July 19, 2019
Four Interesting Minnesota Vikings Training Camp Competitions
Next week, the Minnesota Vikings report to their spectacular TCO Performance Center facilities in Eagan for training camp. The rookies report on July 22. The remainder of the team reports on July 25. Vikings Football is back. That's a very good thing. As there always is, there will be interesting competition at some positions.
1. Backup Quarterback
The contenders:
Sean Mannion
Kyle Sloter
Jake Browning
Kirk Cousins is the Vikings starting quarterback. I was disappointed when Sean Mannion was signed in the offseason to provide a "veteran" presence. He's appeared in 10 games in four seasons. He's attempted seven or fewer passes in three of those seasons. Considering him a veteran seems like a stretch but four NFL seasons is four NFL seasons. He's appeared in 10 more games than Kyle Sloter and Jake Browning have combined. It should be noted that I was similarly disappointed when the Vikings signed Case Keenum as a backup in 2017. I was disappointed with the addition of a veteran quarterback this offseason because I really want to see what Sloter can do if given the chance. He might be the most physically gifted thrower on the roster. This will be his third season with the Vikings and second training camp. If he doesn't emerge as the team's #2, it could be his last training camp with the team. I really liked the undrafted free agent signing of Jake Browning. He had an outstanding college career at Washington. If he had Sloter's size and arm strength he might've been in the first round quarterback mix with Kyler Murray, Daniel Jones, and Dwayne Haskins. All Browning did in college was win. That's a pretty significant quality. Based more on feeling than fact, I see the Vikings backup quarterback situation like this:
Post-Kirk Cousins, I have more optimism in a Kyle Sloter/Jake Browning-led Vikings team than a Sean Mannion-led Vikings team.
This training camp, however, isn't about post-Kirk Cousins. If the Vikings decision-makers have more confidence in Mannion as the backup this season, that should be the decision. And, it's not like Mannion's an old-timer. He's 27. I can see the Vikings deciding on this quarterback group:
Kirk Cousins
Sean Mannion
Jake Browning
I'd like to see this quarterback group:
Kirk Cousins
Kyle Sloter
Jake Browning
It would be best for the entire roster if the Vikings can get Browning on the practice squad. Even though he did slip through seven rounds of the draft I'm not sure how realistic getting him on the practice squad will be in September. No matter how the backup quarterback competition shakes out I really think that the Vikings need three quarterbacks on the roster in some fashion. In recent years, there has been very little of the durability that Cousins showed last year in Minnesota. Hopefully, he can continue that durability but the Vikings have to be ready if he misses games.
2. #3 Receiver
The contenders:
Laquon Treadwell
Chad Beebe
Jordan Taylor
Brandon Zylstra
The Vikings are set at the top of the receiver depth chart with Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. That's about the only thing that's set with this position group. For a team that will probably be much better than fine at the position it's quite stunning that Laquon Treadwell is the only receiver that was a Day 1 or Day 2 draft pick on the roster. And his place on the roster is far from certain. He was the team's first round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He's been the third receiving option for most of his three years with the team but has very little production. I'm one of the few Vikings fans that has a shred of faith left in Treadwell. Most fans want him gone yesterday. It's frustrating. He has the size and work ethic to be great but none of that has translated to production on the field. He has to produce this season. If he doesn't show the potential that got him selected in the first round early in camp he'll likely tumble down the depth chart. As a member of last year's practice, Chad Beebe impressed the Vikings defenders all seasons. They couldn't guard him. He was activated late in the season and had some nice moments. With his 5'10" 183 size, he's a slot receiver. At 6'5" and 195 lbs, Jordan Taylor gives the Vikings some size. He was signed as a free agent this offseason. From his time with the Denver Broncos, Taylor should be familiar with a Vikings offense that will be heavily influenced by Gary Kubiak. Beebe's and Taylor's place on the roster are fairly secure. Both have impressed in offseason workouts and both should get better as they become more comfortable with Cousins and the offense. The #3 receiver job will probably be on of the two or a rotation of the two. Brandon Zylstra made the 53-man roster last season. Entering training camp, he and Treadwell are probably at the front of the receiver competition for the final one or two receiver spots. I'm guessing two as I believe that they will keep six receivers. Seventh-round rookies Dillon Mitchell and Olabisi Johnson as well as undrafted Davion Davis will also challenge for those spots. I especially like the chances of Mitchell. As a Cal fan, he was a pain-in-the-ass during his college career at Oregon.
3. Backup Running back
The contenders:
Mike Boone
Alexander Mattison
Ameer Abdullah
Roc Thomas
Dalvin Cook is the unquestioned starter. If he can stay healthy he has the talent to be one of the league's top backs. Through two seasons, he's missed more games than he's played. The backup running back role in Minnesota is an important one. Alexander Mattison was a third round pick in April's draft. As such, he's on the roster and probably the leading contender for RB2 entering training camp. Mike Boone and Roc Thomas were on the roster and saw playing time as undrafted rookies last season. Both had impressive moments in preseason games. Boone was the more productive player during the season. Thomas' roster chances took a hit when the league handed him a three-game suspension and the law gave him probation for a recent drug transgression. Ameer Abdullah was once supposed to be the top ball carrier for the Detroit Lions. That didn't work out and the Vikings picked him up towards the end of the 2018 season. His path to the roster likely depends on whether he can secure the kick returner job. The Vikings kept four backs on the roster last season. If they do the same this season, Cook, Mattison, Boone, and Abdullah probably make up the running back room. If they only keep three, it's probably Cook, Mattison, and Boone. Abdullah replaces Boone if he's the kick returner.
4. Three-technique
The contenders:
Jalyn Holmes
Shamar Stephen
Jaleel Johnson
Hercules Mata'afa
Armon Watts
This might be the most interesting competition this summer for a couple reasons. For one, it's the only training camp competition that involves a base starting position. Coaches routinely say that there's competition at all starting positions but it's rarely true. For two, at least five defensive tackles have a legitimate shot at making the roster. Each has a real shot at being the one to line up next to nose tackle Linval Joseph in the starting lineup. Sheldon Richardson was very good, and often much better, as the three-technique last season. The Vikings' salary cap situation made it impossible to keep him. He's in Cleveland now. It's likely that a rotation of players rather than a single player will replace him. A lot of good players rather than a singular talent can be a good thing. Each player offers a different challenge for an opposing offensive line. A rotation keeps everyone fresh. Shamar Stephen probably enters camp penciled in as the starter. He was the Vikings seventh-round draft pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He was a productive player for four seasons, spent last season in Seattle, now he's back. He's more of a 3-technique/nose tackle combo. He doesn't really provide the pass rush pressure that this defense needs from the three-technique position but he's so fundamentally sound. The coaches know what they'll get from him and it's dependability. Jaleel Johnson is also something of a 3-technique/nose tackle combo. He's a more explosive player so he provides a bit more of a pass rushing threat than Stephen. Jalyn Holmes, sixth-round rookie Armon Watts, and second-year Hercules Mata'afa better fit the mold of the disruptive, penetrating three-techniques that make head coach Mike Zimmer so very happy. Holmes was selected in the fourth round last year and might be ready for a prominent role this year. He and Mata'afa are a little on the smaller side for the position. Zimmer has an appreciation for that sort of three-technique after working with La'Roi Glover and Geno Atkins during his years as a defensive coordinator. Mata'afa is one of the most intriguing players on the team. He simply wrecked offenses at Washington State. He did so as a 6'2" 255 lb ball of fury on the interior of the defensive line. He looked so small among the rest of the players that competed in the trenches that it looked like he was lost and had just happened to wander out on the field. That unusual size kept Mata'afa from being drafted last year. During 2018 OTAs the Vikings moved him from linebacker to defensive end and back to defensive tackle. As he settled back into his natural position, despite lacking the size to play it, he tore his ACL. He's back and his weight is up to the 280s. He's a unique football player that simply doesn't quit. With his size and relentless energy, it's impossible not to think of John Randle while watching Mata'afa. At 6'5" and 300 lbs, Armon Watts might be the closest to the physical ideal of the three-technique contenders. If he had played the entirety of his Arkansas college career like he did as a senior he would've been drafted much earlier than the sixth round. He might even have been drafted in the first round in a draft loaded with first round defensive tackles. There's something about Watts that hooks me more each day. And I've yet to see him in action live. It's his talent, potential and natural size combined with the coaching, teaching, mentoring of defensive line coaches Andre Patterson and Robert Rodriguez and Zimmer's scheme. Mata'afa and Watts might be the two players that I most look forward to watching in training camp and preseason games.
I'm glad that trimming the Vikings roster isn't up to me. That's true for all sorts of reason. It's especially true for competitions like this three-technique competition. I can't cut any of these players. I typically expect four defensive tackles on the Vikings' 53-man roster. Joseph is a lock. I can't trim two from the above. I can't even trim one. It's to the point where I think that Vikings will be forced to keep five defensive tackles and only four defensive ends. Unless they go skimpy at another position. Even if the team keeps five defensive tackles, the potential of the four younger players might force presumptive starter Stephen to the wrong side of the roster.
There are certainly more roster spots up for grabs this training camp than those listed above. The offensive line starters look set but will fourth-round rookie Dru Samia challenge free agent addition Josh Kline at right guard? The competition for offensive line depth is wide open. There are several players challenging for perhaps a single defensive end roster spot. Other than Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks, linebacker is up for grabs. If he's recovered from a torn ACL, the Vikings have to find a way to get second-year corner Mike Hughes on the field. Does he challenge Mackensie Alexander for the nickel role? Then there's the possibility of a scintillating long snapper competition. Kevin McDermott is the incumbent. Austin Cutting was drafted in the seventh round. Long snappers are typically found rather than drafted. It would seem that the job is Cutting's to lose. But he has to earn it. All of these questions and many more will start being answered over the next several weeks. Minnesota Vikings football is nearly back.
1. Backup Quarterback
The contenders:
Sean Mannion
Kyle Sloter
Jake Browning
Kirk Cousins is the Vikings starting quarterback. I was disappointed when Sean Mannion was signed in the offseason to provide a "veteran" presence. He's appeared in 10 games in four seasons. He's attempted seven or fewer passes in three of those seasons. Considering him a veteran seems like a stretch but four NFL seasons is four NFL seasons. He's appeared in 10 more games than Kyle Sloter and Jake Browning have combined. It should be noted that I was similarly disappointed when the Vikings signed Case Keenum as a backup in 2017. I was disappointed with the addition of a veteran quarterback this offseason because I really want to see what Sloter can do if given the chance. He might be the most physically gifted thrower on the roster. This will be his third season with the Vikings and second training camp. If he doesn't emerge as the team's #2, it could be his last training camp with the team. I really liked the undrafted free agent signing of Jake Browning. He had an outstanding college career at Washington. If he had Sloter's size and arm strength he might've been in the first round quarterback mix with Kyler Murray, Daniel Jones, and Dwayne Haskins. All Browning did in college was win. That's a pretty significant quality. Based more on feeling than fact, I see the Vikings backup quarterback situation like this:
Post-Kirk Cousins, I have more optimism in a Kyle Sloter/Jake Browning-led Vikings team than a Sean Mannion-led Vikings team.
This training camp, however, isn't about post-Kirk Cousins. If the Vikings decision-makers have more confidence in Mannion as the backup this season, that should be the decision. And, it's not like Mannion's an old-timer. He's 27. I can see the Vikings deciding on this quarterback group:
Kirk Cousins
Sean Mannion
Jake Browning
I'd like to see this quarterback group:
Kirk Cousins
Kyle Sloter
Jake Browning
It would be best for the entire roster if the Vikings can get Browning on the practice squad. Even though he did slip through seven rounds of the draft I'm not sure how realistic getting him on the practice squad will be in September. No matter how the backup quarterback competition shakes out I really think that the Vikings need three quarterbacks on the roster in some fashion. In recent years, there has been very little of the durability that Cousins showed last year in Minnesota. Hopefully, he can continue that durability but the Vikings have to be ready if he misses games.
2. #3 Receiver
The contenders:
Laquon Treadwell
Chad Beebe
Jordan Taylor
Brandon Zylstra
The Vikings are set at the top of the receiver depth chart with Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. That's about the only thing that's set with this position group. For a team that will probably be much better than fine at the position it's quite stunning that Laquon Treadwell is the only receiver that was a Day 1 or Day 2 draft pick on the roster. And his place on the roster is far from certain. He was the team's first round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He's been the third receiving option for most of his three years with the team but has very little production. I'm one of the few Vikings fans that has a shred of faith left in Treadwell. Most fans want him gone yesterday. It's frustrating. He has the size and work ethic to be great but none of that has translated to production on the field. He has to produce this season. If he doesn't show the potential that got him selected in the first round early in camp he'll likely tumble down the depth chart. As a member of last year's practice, Chad Beebe impressed the Vikings defenders all seasons. They couldn't guard him. He was activated late in the season and had some nice moments. With his 5'10" 183 size, he's a slot receiver. At 6'5" and 195 lbs, Jordan Taylor gives the Vikings some size. He was signed as a free agent this offseason. From his time with the Denver Broncos, Taylor should be familiar with a Vikings offense that will be heavily influenced by Gary Kubiak. Beebe's and Taylor's place on the roster are fairly secure. Both have impressed in offseason workouts and both should get better as they become more comfortable with Cousins and the offense. The #3 receiver job will probably be on of the two or a rotation of the two. Brandon Zylstra made the 53-man roster last season. Entering training camp, he and Treadwell are probably at the front of the receiver competition for the final one or two receiver spots. I'm guessing two as I believe that they will keep six receivers. Seventh-round rookies Dillon Mitchell and Olabisi Johnson as well as undrafted Davion Davis will also challenge for those spots. I especially like the chances of Mitchell. As a Cal fan, he was a pain-in-the-ass during his college career at Oregon.
3. Backup Running back
The contenders:
Mike Boone
Alexander Mattison
Ameer Abdullah
Roc Thomas
Dalvin Cook is the unquestioned starter. If he can stay healthy he has the talent to be one of the league's top backs. Through two seasons, he's missed more games than he's played. The backup running back role in Minnesota is an important one. Alexander Mattison was a third round pick in April's draft. As such, he's on the roster and probably the leading contender for RB2 entering training camp. Mike Boone and Roc Thomas were on the roster and saw playing time as undrafted rookies last season. Both had impressive moments in preseason games. Boone was the more productive player during the season. Thomas' roster chances took a hit when the league handed him a three-game suspension and the law gave him probation for a recent drug transgression. Ameer Abdullah was once supposed to be the top ball carrier for the Detroit Lions. That didn't work out and the Vikings picked him up towards the end of the 2018 season. His path to the roster likely depends on whether he can secure the kick returner job. The Vikings kept four backs on the roster last season. If they do the same this season, Cook, Mattison, Boone, and Abdullah probably make up the running back room. If they only keep three, it's probably Cook, Mattison, and Boone. Abdullah replaces Boone if he's the kick returner.
4. Three-technique
The contenders:
Jalyn Holmes
Shamar Stephen
Jaleel Johnson
Hercules Mata'afa
Armon Watts
This might be the most interesting competition this summer for a couple reasons. For one, it's the only training camp competition that involves a base starting position. Coaches routinely say that there's competition at all starting positions but it's rarely true. For two, at least five defensive tackles have a legitimate shot at making the roster. Each has a real shot at being the one to line up next to nose tackle Linval Joseph in the starting lineup. Sheldon Richardson was very good, and often much better, as the three-technique last season. The Vikings' salary cap situation made it impossible to keep him. He's in Cleveland now. It's likely that a rotation of players rather than a single player will replace him. A lot of good players rather than a singular talent can be a good thing. Each player offers a different challenge for an opposing offensive line. A rotation keeps everyone fresh. Shamar Stephen probably enters camp penciled in as the starter. He was the Vikings seventh-round draft pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He was a productive player for four seasons, spent last season in Seattle, now he's back. He's more of a 3-technique/nose tackle combo. He doesn't really provide the pass rush pressure that this defense needs from the three-technique position but he's so fundamentally sound. The coaches know what they'll get from him and it's dependability. Jaleel Johnson is also something of a 3-technique/nose tackle combo. He's a more explosive player so he provides a bit more of a pass rushing threat than Stephen. Jalyn Holmes, sixth-round rookie Armon Watts, and second-year Hercules Mata'afa better fit the mold of the disruptive, penetrating three-techniques that make head coach Mike Zimmer so very happy. Holmes was selected in the fourth round last year and might be ready for a prominent role this year. He and Mata'afa are a little on the smaller side for the position. Zimmer has an appreciation for that sort of three-technique after working with La'Roi Glover and Geno Atkins during his years as a defensive coordinator. Mata'afa is one of the most intriguing players on the team. He simply wrecked offenses at Washington State. He did so as a 6'2" 255 lb ball of fury on the interior of the defensive line. He looked so small among the rest of the players that competed in the trenches that it looked like he was lost and had just happened to wander out on the field. That unusual size kept Mata'afa from being drafted last year. During 2018 OTAs the Vikings moved him from linebacker to defensive end and back to defensive tackle. As he settled back into his natural position, despite lacking the size to play it, he tore his ACL. He's back and his weight is up to the 280s. He's a unique football player that simply doesn't quit. With his size and relentless energy, it's impossible not to think of John Randle while watching Mata'afa. At 6'5" and 300 lbs, Armon Watts might be the closest to the physical ideal of the three-technique contenders. If he had played the entirety of his Arkansas college career like he did as a senior he would've been drafted much earlier than the sixth round. He might even have been drafted in the first round in a draft loaded with first round defensive tackles. There's something about Watts that hooks me more each day. And I've yet to see him in action live. It's his talent, potential and natural size combined with the coaching, teaching, mentoring of defensive line coaches Andre Patterson and Robert Rodriguez and Zimmer's scheme. Mata'afa and Watts might be the two players that I most look forward to watching in training camp and preseason games.
I'm glad that trimming the Vikings roster isn't up to me. That's true for all sorts of reason. It's especially true for competitions like this three-technique competition. I can't cut any of these players. I typically expect four defensive tackles on the Vikings' 53-man roster. Joseph is a lock. I can't trim two from the above. I can't even trim one. It's to the point where I think that Vikings will be forced to keep five defensive tackles and only four defensive ends. Unless they go skimpy at another position. Even if the team keeps five defensive tackles, the potential of the four younger players might force presumptive starter Stephen to the wrong side of the roster.
***
There are certainly more roster spots up for grabs this training camp than those listed above. The offensive line starters look set but will fourth-round rookie Dru Samia challenge free agent addition Josh Kline at right guard? The competition for offensive line depth is wide open. There are several players challenging for perhaps a single defensive end roster spot. Other than Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks, linebacker is up for grabs. If he's recovered from a torn ACL, the Vikings have to find a way to get second-year corner Mike Hughes on the field. Does he challenge Mackensie Alexander for the nickel role? Then there's the possibility of a scintillating long snapper competition. Kevin McDermott is the incumbent. Austin Cutting was drafted in the seventh round. Long snappers are typically found rather than drafted. It would seem that the job is Cutting's to lose. But he has to earn it. All of these questions and many more will start being answered over the next several weeks. Minnesota Vikings football is nearly back.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)