NFL
Cincinnati Bengals To Be Featured On HBO’s “Hard Knocks”
For the second time in franchise history the Cincinnati Bengals will be featured on HBO’s popular show Hard Knocks, which follows an NFL team through training camp. At first glance this seems to be sort of an odd choice because the Bengals have been featured before but it also makes a lot of sense. Cincy has a very young and exciting team that is positioned to make a deep run this season.
This season of Hard Knocks will air on August 6th on HBO. Are you excited for this season?
OS REWIND: 2013 NFL Draft First Round Recap
Madden NFL 25 “Next-Gen Gameplay Trailer”
Click image to watch Madden NFL 25 “Next-Gen Gameplay Trailer” video.
Like NBA Live 14, Madden NFL 25 will be using the IGNITE engine for its upcoming next generation PlayStation 4 and Xbox One releases. In comparison to current PlayStation and Xbox 360 titles, we’ll see exclusive features for the next-gen including more accurate lock on players and increased cpu AI to reflect the real-life stats.
Adrian Peterson who didn’t win the cut for the Madden 25 cover vote, will be picked to grace the next-gen covers, while Barry Sanders will still get current-gen. In the trailer above, we finally see the game in action which takes a slight step up in the graphics department delivering just enough for a launch sports title on next gen. Check after the jump to watch the trailer.
OS REWIND: Madden NFL 25 “Run Free Precision Ball Carrier Moves” EA Insider Look
OS REWIND: Madden 25 Special Edition Includes NFL Sunday Ticket
OS REWIND: Barry Sanders Wins “Madden NFL 25” Cover Vote, First Gameplay Trailer Released
Tim Tebow To Sign With New England Patriots
It looks like Tim Tebow is taking his talents to New England this summer, as ESPN is reporting that the former Jets & Broncos QB will sign with the Patriots. This comes as pretty shocking news, as insiders were not sure if Tim would be able to pick up with another team after being cut by the Jets. It is unclear in what capacity Tebow will be used in the Patriots offense, because he obviously won’t start over Tom Brady, but I’m sure Belicheck has something up his sleeve.
OS REWIND: 2013 NFL Draft Results
President Barack Obama Honors Super Bowl XLVII Champion Baltimore Ravens
Click image to watch President Barack Obama’s honor of the Baltimore Ravens video.
Although the Super Bowl was nearly 4 months ago, President Obama was re-elected last year and finally had time to properly welcome the XLVII champion Baltimore Ravens to the White House. During the honorary champion White House visit, Obama joked with the team at the South Lawn; before warning them of their week 11 meeting against his home team Chicago Bears in the upcoming season.
The Ravens have had an unusual off-season (so far) with the retiring of first ballot future Hall-of-Famer Ray Lewis, safety Ed Reed leaving the team in free agency and signing their MVP Joe Flacco to richest NFL QB contract ever just a few months ago. The Ravens however, did make a big free agent acquisition landing Elvis Dumervil to fill one of the biggest holes left on the team, Outside Linebacker.
Watch the full video clip after the jump of the President congratulating the champions.
OS REWIND: Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens Agree To 6-Year/$120.6M Deal
OS REWIND: Elvis Dumervil, Baltimore Ravens Agree To 5-Year/$35M Deal
Rob Gronkowski To Have Back Surgery
The NFL season starts in just under 100 days but we already have had some major news that could shift the way of the season. It was announced today that Patriots superstar tight end Rob Gronkowski will undergo back surgery in June. This will at least keep Gronk out of training camp, which is in late July, and possibly longer. After losing Wes Welker during free agency you have to think this is a major blow for the Pats offense. It will be interesting to see what Tom Brady can do without some of his major weapons this season.
OS REWIND: 2013 NFL Draft Results
Maurice Jones-Drew Facing Battery Charges
It was not such an enjoyable holiday weekend for Maurice Jones-Drew, as today the Jacksonville police department announced that they have filed battery charges against Jones-Drew. Reports say that a security guard was trying to assist a woman when Jones-Drew hit him in the face. The NFL and Jacksonville Jaguars are both aware of the situation and we will update when more details are released.
*UPDATE* St. Augustine Florida police are not charging Jones-Drew with misdemeanor battery and is cooperating with police for an investigation of the incident.
OS REWIND: 2013 NFL Draft Results
Chicago Bear’s Brian Urlacher Retiring After 13 Years
One of the greatest players to every put on a Chicago Bears’ uniform has called it quits on his amazing career. Brian “The Beast” Urlacher announced to the fans that his time is up on the Internet.
“After spending a lot of time this spring thinking about my NFL future, I have made a decision to retire,” he wrote in a statement. “Although I could continue playing, I’m not sure I would bring a level of performance or passion that’s up to my standards. When considering this, along with the fact that that I could retire after a 13 year career wearing only one jersey for such a storied franchise, my decision became pretty clear.”
Urlacher coming into his 2000 NFL rookie season, he was well off to being a superstar. Winning 2000 Defensive Rookie of the Year, also racking up the 2005 AP Defensive Player of the Year, an four first-team All Pro teams. A former New Mexico safety in college, Urlacher’s ability to get easy tackles while covering tight ends deep down the field was down right amazing.
It’s sad to see him go, but he walked away the right time with another great linebacker, Ray Lewis. Two greats will truly be missed for the following seasons to come. Fans all around thank you for giving your all to the cities and for making history.
OS REWIND: NFL Draft Moving To May Starting 2014
OS REWIND: New York Jets RB Mike Goodson Arrested For Drug & Gun Possession
49er’s Wide Receiver Michael Crabtree Tears Achilles During Workout
Terrible news out of the Bay Area today, as it is being reported that San Francisco 49er’s wideout Michael Crabtree has torn his achilles. They are not sure how long this injury will sideline Crabtree but are worried it could end his season. That would be a huge blow to a 49er’s team that is trying to get back to the Super Bowl this season, and who many believe are the favorites. Without Crabtree their receivers corps lacks a true deep threat.
Stay tuned for more details in the coming days.
OS REWIND: San Francisco Awarded Rights To Super Bowl L
San Francisco Bay Area Wins Super Bowl L Bid, With Houston To Follow in 2017
Bay Area, Houston To Host Super Bowls In 2016 & 2017.
NFL owner’s held their annual spring meetings in Boston today which the topic of discussion being the voting for upcoming Super Bowl L & Super Bowl LI events. The 3 finalist were San Francisco, Houston and Miami, who were all desperately trying to secure bids for Super Bowls in their city. Early this month, the Miami Dolphins rejected a stadium renovation bill which would’ve totaled over $350M to upgrade the soon to be 26-year old Sun Life Stadium.
After seeing the backlash the Miami Marlins received for their Marlins Park, team owners and Florida state legislature are taking precaution to avoid the same fate. Both sides have been open to a future Palm Beach stadium, which we’re expecting to be the final destination when they agree upon breaking ground. San Francisco (or Santa Clara) won rights for 2016’s Super Bowl L edging out Miami and Houston for the big game. The 49ers are expected to play in their new season beginning in 2014 which will be one season before they get the big game.
Continue after the jump for a video clip of the announcement.
OS REWIND: NFL Draft Moving To May Starting 2014
OS REWIND: 49ers Breaks Ground On New ‘Santa Clara Stadium’
Madden NFL 25 “Run Free Precision Ball Carrier Moves” EA Insider Look
Click image to watch Madden NFL 25 “Run Free Precision Ball Carrier Moves” video.
For the first installment of the Madden NFL 25 “Playbook” Youtube series, we take a deeper look into the upcoming updated run free option in the game. The Madden developer team has been hyping this new system for a few weeks (and we see why now), as here we see how the force impact system and precision modifier gives us the ability to do newer jukes, spins, dives, and avoiding all tackles like we’ve never done before.
In the clip above, ESPN’s Trey Wingo sits down Tampa Bay Buccaneers running-back Doug Martin as the two discuss the run free system with some highlights shown in the process. Watch the video after the jump.
OS REWIND: Barry Sanders Wins “Madden NFL 25” Cover Vote, First Gameplay Trailer Released
2013 NFL Draft First Round Results
Are you ready for some football? Well, were not there yet but tonight is one of the most exciting nights in the NFL. Yup the NFL Draft. Tonight the fates of some of the greatest athletes in the world will be determined. On paper this draft doesn’t appear as exciting as one’s in the past, but best believe the scenarios are very intriguing.
It is being reported by ESPN and other outlets that with the number 1 selection Kansas City plans on taking Eric Fisher out of Central Michigan. With all the possibilites of trades and numerous options we really don’t know what is going to happen until Kansas City makes that first pick and then all the other dominoes will fall.
The other very interesting aspect this year is where and when will the slew of quarterbacks go. Geno Smith out of West Virginia seems to be the top rated by many experts and has been projected in mock drafts to go anywhere from 3rd overall to end of the first round. All of these dynamics make this one of the greatest and most exciting nights in sports.
*UPDATE* Hit after the jump for complete NFL draft results
OS REWIND: ESPN Films 30 For 30: “Elway To Marino”
ESPN Films: 30 for 30 “Elway to Marino”
Click image to watch ESPN Films: 30 for 30 “Elway to Marino” video
Recently, ESPN Films aired their most installment in the 30 for 30 series with “Elway To Marino.” In the episode, we take a look at the 1983 NFL Draft which featured John Elway and Dan Marino being the first and last Quarterbacks selected in the 1st round.
We also hear from the other four QB’s drafted Jim Kelly, Ken O’Brien, Tony Eason, Todd Blackledge; but this featurette’s main focus in on the two football Hall-of-Famers. Along with their agent Martin Demoff, we get a rare glimpse into the draft decisions and questions leading up to teams picks with the Baltimore Colts decision to keep Elway in comparison to trading him away or their pick.
6 Quarterbacks were drafted in the first round but none more celebrated than the first pick John Elway and the last pick, Dan Marino. This is arguably our favorite ESPN 30 to 30 yet and with the NFL Draft set for tonight, the latest film is definitely one you will not want to miss out on.
Barry Sanders Wins “Madden NFL 25” Cover Vote, First Gameplay Trailer Released
After months of waiting on ESPN’s “Madden NFL 25” fan cover vote, the two finalists were Barry Sanders and Adrian Peterson. During the entire voting process, over 40 million votes were cast, with the old school beating the new school in polls.
The finale was no different with Sanders edging out Peterson with 58% of the voting for the 25th Madden anniversary cover rights.
New York Jets Trade Darrelle Revis To Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Darrelle Revis Traded To Tampa Bay, New Deal Is 6-Years/$96M
The New York Jets have finally made the necessary steps to trade away their star cornerback Darrelle Revis, which could be the beginning of the end of the Rex Ryan story in New York, now that his favorite player is leaving. The Jets and Tampa Bay Bucaneers agreed to a trade, pending a league physical, and have granted Revis the permission to visit Tampa Bay for multiple tests —expected to be given today.
In 2010, Revis and the Jets both dealt with a very public holdout, ending just 9 days before their season opener. Revis, who didn’t agree to his rookie contract on time, signed a 4-year/$46M deal ($36M guaranteed), which included a clause in the contract that prevents the Jets from putting the franchise tag on him at the conclusion of next season.
50 Cent “NFL Draft 2013” Commercial
Click image to watch 50 Cent “NFL Draft 2013” Commercial video.
This year’s 2013 NFL Draft starts Thursday, April 25th at 8pm ET, returning to a prime-time slot on ESPN for the opening round, live from Radio City Music Hall in NYC. Rapper 50 Cent has been picked for the NFL Player Selection Meeting official commercial, performing his latest single “We Up.”
Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, the 2012 third round pick who led Seattle to a NFC Divisional Playoff game as a rookie, will appear in and voice ESPN’s NFL Draft opening tease. The open will also feature multi-platinum recording artist 50 Cent and English rock band The Heavy performing the group’s hit “How You Like Me Now.” The music of both 50 Cent and The Heavy will also be paired with photos and video of more than 115 prospects — taken during the NFL Scouting Combine in March – throughout ESPN’s draft telecast.
The big elephant in the room is obviously the Kansas City Chiefs drafting Offensive-Tackle Luke Joekel, but the questions remain for this year’s draft pool, and where the others in the elite class will end up. The NFL Network is airing their “Path to the Draft” series each weeknight at 6pm ET/PT, which you should tune into for the latest developments heading into this year’s draft.
Check the commercial after the jump.
OS REWIND: 50 Cent On ‘Larry King Now’ [Video]
OS REWIND: 50 Cent “Music Is My Sport” [Video]
OS REWIND: 50 Cent – We Up (feat. Kendrick Lamar) [Music Video]
