Madden 25 Cover Vote – Old School vs New School

Who’s your vote? I’m going with Ray Ray

Let Bruce Bruce hit it!

NFL WR Isaac “The Reverend” Bruce is a California and NFL legend

Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida , Bruce went to West Los Angeles College, then to Santa Monica College before transferring to the University of Memphis in 1992. In the NFL he was drafted by the LA Rams before they moved to St. Louis and then finished his soon-to-be HOF Career with the SF 49ers.

Overview

• 6 foot 188 lbs
• 4 Pro Bowls, 3 All Pros, 1 Superbowl Win, 2006 National Sportsmanship Award
• 1st NFL reception was a 34-yd TD.
• In 1995, Bruce has 119 receptions in only his 2nd season. – the most ever in NFL history by a player 25 and under
• He had 6 catches for 162 yards, including a 73yd TD in his first Superbowl game (Win over Tenn)
• 7th all time in Receptions (ahead of Ward, Moss, Monk, Reed)
• 4th in Yards (behind only Rice, Moss, TO)

Better Let Bruce Bruce Hit it!

Pros and Non Pros – Athletes and their Non-profits

Athletes, like everyone else, use non-profits as a way to stay connected to their community as well as make connections that may help them in their personal and business lives. We cannot draw conclusions on an athlete’s contribution by simply looking at their non-profit, because they do so much to help raise funds with their appearances and recommendations. Rather than assess an athletes personal character, this serves more as an insight into how they handle their business. Many athletes are broke…and so are the causes supposedly supported by their non-profits.

The Boston Globe recently published an article on athletes and their non-profits. Some athletes, like Alex Rodriguez and Josh Beckett and Anquan Boldin, have high profile non-profit organizations that spend more than 75% of the money they raise on overhead, and staging and promoting fundraising events – and only 1-25% on actually funding causes and activities related to their foundation’s mission.

A good non-profit will spend at least 65%-75% on the cause and the rest on salaries, overhead, event management etc.

3 of the good ones highlighted were:

Athlete: Alex Smith – NFL Quarterback and 2005 1st overall pick
Nonprofit: Alex Smith Foundation
Mission: Helping foster teens attend college and transition to adulthood
Funds raised 2008-10: $839,244
Percent to charitable causes: 91%

Athlete: Carmelo Anthony – NBA player / Olympian
Nonprofit: Carmelo Anthony Foundation
Mission: Education and recreation
Funds raised 2008-10: $3.3 million
Percent to charitable causes: 87%

Athlete: Steve Young – NFL Quarterback / ESPN Analyst
Nonprofit: Forever Young Foundation for Children
Mission: Academic, athletic, and therapeutic support for children facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges
Funds raised 2008-10: $6.2 million
Percent to charitable causes: 75%

Overheard in the NFL

Players say the funniest things

Trick? or Treat?

Does Former Miami Hurricanes All-American Bryant McKinnie Owe $375,000 in Strip Club Bills…to Trick Daddy’s father?

“People can put anything out there. What strip club gives you a $375,000 tab? It just sounds stupid to me. I’ve never heard of this in my life. This is bogus to me. For it to be even reported is stupid to me.” – McKinnie says

Former Miami Hurricanes All-American Bryant McKinnie Owes $375,000 for Strip Club Bills: Lawsuit

Story is Bogus, says McKinnie

Real Time NFL Jersey Sales Report

Jersey Report – Your visual guide to the most popular player jerseys.

The Jersey Report is the official ranking of the best-selling player jerseys nationwide at Dick’s Sporting Goods. Throughout the football season, Dick’s Sporting Goods tracks player jersey sales and gives fans the chance to get in the game.

Meet John Clayton

Photo of the Day: Hov, Run that Back!

 

spotted at sandra rose

Miami Dolphins’ Superstars – Steven Ross, J Lo, Gloria Estefan, Venus and Serena, Fergie…and Ricky Ross

Steven Ross paid approx 1.1 billion to buy a 95% stake in the NFL’s Miami Dolphins in 2009.  The Dolphins had their highs in the seventies, when they were coached by Don Shula, had an undefeated season (1972), and won 2 Superbowls, including their last one – Superbowl VII in 1973.   Ross, a New York real estate mogul, says that most owners get into professional team ownership because of the passion and their desire to get on the ballfield, not necessarily for the bottom line.  But, it is still a business.  Ross has been instrumental in bringing attention to the NFL in South Florida, particularly by negotiating minority ownership deals with an impressive list of successful and powerful women in the music, sports, and entertainment world.

Miami Dolphins part owners include tennis superstar sisters Venus and Serena Williams, Latin singer Gloria Estefan and husband Emilio, Jennifer Lopez, Mark Anthony, and singer Jimmy Buffett.  Most recently, Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie was also brought onboard.

Hit the jump to read a letter from Steven Ross to the Miami fans, and see another Ross, Miami-based rapper Rick Ross, go behind the scenes at a recent Dolphins preseason game…