NFL Football is Back

 Back to Football has been the theme adopted by all NFL teams are training camps opened for business in late July. Now over a month later football is back and it starts in Titletown USA, Green Bay, Wisconsin. The defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers take on the New Orleans Saints in Lambeau Field.

Bicycles and the Packers

Below is a video that describes a long-time event that is one more link between the Green Bay Packers, their community and the beloved fan base - players riding children's bikes to practice.

My son got to experience it first hand as camp opened last Saturday night. I spent a couple of training camps at Green Bay as a little boy, but didn't bring my bike and just looked for autographs. But this time I encouraged my son to bring his and the opportunity was there with former Iowa Hawkeye, Bryan Bulaga.

 We took advantage of knowing some of the Packer personnel as well as Bryan. They made it happen for my son to offer the the bike to the second year offensive lineman. But the bike was too small for Bulaga and he walked along and talked to us as my son rode his bike in front. But the tradition for the little Packer fans grows stronger every year. Lined up inside a series of cattle gates, the players emerge from their locker room in Lambeau Field. Little boys and girls shout each player, respectfully by name. "Mr. Bulaga. Mr. Matthews!" And the players would look for a bike that would best fit their frame. Whether the player rides the bike with the owner on the back, or the owner walking along side carrying their helmet, each find much pleasure in the experience.

 But Bulaga walked along with my son leading the way. As I walked along I could hear many fans respectfully ask for autographs or pictures. But since Bryan was walking he couldn't afford to stop and sign or he would never reach the practice facility. I also could hear a few shout to Bryan, "Go Hawks," as one woman from Cedar Falls walked with us for a few steps hoping Bulaga would sign the football she brought with her. "Meet me at the gate and I'll get it signed," said Bryan.

But this is very organized. Packer security is very respectful to the young boys and girls while making sure the Packers get into the practice facility to start their session on time. Those same boys and girls park their bikes at the entrance of the fields waiting for the night to end and the Packers to ride back to the stadium.

Super Bowl Champions

Courtesy Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Super Bowl - Game Day

After two weeks of hype, the NFL's big game has finally arrived. Fox Sports has their cameras and crew in place and game time is a few hours away. For the first time in post-season history, the Green Bay Packers take on the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Price of the Super Bowl

When Pittsburgh and Green Bay take the field for Super Bowl XLV Sunday, over 100,000 are expected in Cowboys Stadium as well as a standing room only crowd outside the view of the field. Those inside most likely paid more than the face value of $900 as the Super Bowl has a large re-sell market. Players and coaches are allowed to buy two tickets to the NFL's big game, and it is well-known that some of those choose to make a few dollars off that opportunity.

The last time the Packers won this title game, tickets went at face value for $375. That was 1996, and the price as escalated to $800 a year ago in Miami, and $900 for this year's tilt in Dallas.

With these prices, the NFL has out-priced the majority of their fan base. Imagine what $900 could pay for? And it isn't only $900, it is $1,800 as you can't just buy one at face value. The game before the Super Bowl - AFC & NFC Championship games - the face value for the game ticket is $146. How they decide upon $146 is beyond me, but a considerable amount less than the next game up. Aside from the entertainment value that comes with the Super Bowl, how can the NFL justify such a large price jump from one game in the playoff to the next?

Next year the game will be played in Indianapolis, but in 2014 the NFL looks to take their biggest game to the biggest stage, New York. Although the weather in Dallas this past week may be similar to what it could be in New York, at least this year's game as a roof to it. At the increasing cost, the 2014 fans may be paying $1,100 to sit in a cold wintry mix.

A Hawkeye in the Super Bowl

For the third year in a row, the Iowa Hawkeyes will have a representative in the Super Bowl. In 2011 Green Bay offensive lineman, Bryan Bulaga will be representing the black and gold.

Bulaga left Iowa with one remaining in his college career. There were skeptics, but Bulaga took advantage of being a potential first round pick and was picked up by Green Bay as the 23nd pick. A quarter of the way into the Packers' season, the rookie was called upon and began a start streak that will continue with Sunday's Super Bowl.

Bulaga hit gold quick. Many veterans of the NFL don't make it to the NFL's premiere game. Bulaga will be part of the starting OLine in the 45th version of the Super Bowl.

And while it has been quoted in the of the Chicago media, Bulaga didn't necessarily grow up in the suburbs as a fan of the Chicago Bears. But when Bryan was at Iowa, many of our conversations were devoted to baseball and his love for the White Sox.

Since he came from the north side, I assumed he would be found in the friendly confines on a beautiful sunny day. But he wasn't and we continued to find a bond in disliking each other's baseball teams. Typically I wouldn't care about what Ozzie and his squad would be doing, but I kept an eye on their box scores to ensure I was able to fully discuss baseball with him. Although I don't think he had time to follow the Cubs, he would remind me of how much US Cellular, the home of the White Sox, is better that the Cub's home at 1060 W. Addison. Of course he liked Sox manager, Ozzie Guillen while letting me know how much better he is than the Cubs' Lou Pinella.

Now a short year after playing his final college game at the Orange Bowl, Bulaga is preparing for what may be the biggest game of his career. Reaching the Super Bowl is a long, tough road which comes with no guarantees. Green Bay wide receiver, Donald Driver hasn't participated in a Super Bowl during his twelve year career, but the rookie from Iowa has reached it in his first year.

Sittin' in the Principal's Office

When I was in elementary, it was common to see my classmates wearing the jerseys of Montana, Bradshaw, McMahon, and Elway. My favorite team has been the Packers, and while I didn't wear the jersey of any of my favorite in green and gold, I did support my team with a sweater with a Packer patch that matched my stocking hat with a gold ball at the top. Aside from the fact that my parents didn't want to buy me an expensive jersey, there weren't many "marketable" players playing for Green Bay. But that changed once I was graduated from college. Finally the Packers had someone worthy of my buying that jersey - Brett Favre.

I didn't wear the jersey often, but I had the one of my favorite player on my favorite team. He played the game with the enthusiasm I expect my favorite Packer to play with, and he was the same age as me. How could it get any better? I endured the pain killer experience and supported him, and I took his side early in the Ted Thompson saga. But the one player I idolized finally ended up letting me down.

At the end of his career his left Green Bay for New York, which was just a way to get to division-rival Minnesota. Once he left the countryside of Wisconsin, the bright lights of the big city began to bring different changes to the small-town quarterback. Stories are coming forth now of lewd texts and pictures being sent to female employees of the teams. Not the image I want of the player I idolized for nearly twenty years.

Charles Barkley did a commercial for Nike in the 90s claiming he isn't a role model, but parents should be the role model. There was a bit of controversy surrounding this ad. How could a famous athlete claim he isn't a role model, or more likely, how can an athlete not take on this responsibility? But as time passes, Barkley is so right. Parents shouldn't let their son or daughter idolize their favorite athlete, actor, or other famous person.

In the sports world, there are few athletes who will not eventually disappoint in their career. That isn't a knock against the person, but  honestly pointing out that few are able to handle the power and arrogance that is created by fame. There is a sense of invulnerability and it takes a special person to do deal with it.

My son hasn't chosen he favorite team in sport, nor has he picked an athlete that his favorite for what he or she does on the field. I did buy him a Favre jersey when he was still playing with Green Bay, but that jersey is deep in the closet now. I want him to be a fan of a team, where the players will come and go, but I don't want him to idolize a player, because he will eventually be disappointed.

Super Bowl XLV

The Conference Championship games are over and the Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the Green Bay Packers for the title of World Champions for the 2010 NFL Season. It will be a match-up of two of the more storied franchises in professional football. The Steelers have six World Championships, all coming in the Super Bowl era. The majority of those titles were earned under Chuck Knoll in the 1970s. The "Steel Curtain" was the name for one of the toughest defenses in the history of the game. The most recent of championships came in 2005 and 2008, each with Ben Roethlisberger leading the team at quarterback.

The Green Bay Packers were in existence a year earlier than the NFL. The team is located in the smallest television market and is owned by the citizens of the city. In 1997 the team opened up the stocks to all of their fans for $200 a piece. It is the only major league franchise operated in this way. Green Bay has a record 12 World Championships including three Super Bowl victories. The Packers enter Super Bowl XLV after taking the NFC Conference Championship from long-time rival, the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.

This year's title game will be played for the first time at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. A crowd of 105,000 is expected on February 6th.

Bear Down, Chicago Bears

Pro Football has its own traditions, but nearly not as many as college. Found at every college game is the school's fight song. While the Green Bay Packers are known as the closest atmosphere to college football in the NFL, the green and gold lack a fight song. However their long time rival claims to have their own fight song known as "Bear Down, Chicago Bears." It is played following all scores, including safeties. Luckily I only had to hear it twice in the Bears' defeat.

NFC Championship National Anthem

Growing up a Cubs fan we had the pleasure to listen to longtime PA Announcer Wayne Messmer perform the National Anthem at Wrigley Field. His deep voice would resonate throughout the Friendly Confines, and at times would be joined by his wife. At the United Center, fans of the Chicago Blackhawks are able to listen to another deep voice, Jim Cornelison belt out the anthem in the midst of 18,000 cheering fans. For two playoff games the Chicago Bears were treated to the tradition created on Madison Avenue and had Cornelison perform his memorable rendition. At the NFC Championship game Cornelison had it followed by a U.S. Air Force flyover as seen above.

NFC Championship Game

 Two teams who have met each other on the field 128 times played for the first time in the post-season since 1941. The Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears have the longest running rivalry of any team in professional football, and the 129th meeting decided who would win the Halas Trophy (named after the one-time owner and coach of the Chicago Bears) and the right to play for the Lombardi Trophy (named for the head coach of the Green Bay Packers who won Super Bowls I & II). The road to Dallas and Super Bowl XLV went through Chicago's Soldier Field.

The weather in Chicago was typical for January. Lake effect snow greeted the early tailgaters, but the sun came out with clear skies and temperatures in the upper teens. Not only was the stadium's field prepared for the last game of the 2010 season, but sand and salt was sprinkled throughout the stands for fans. With this being the biggest game of the NFC schedule, the NFL on Fox crew took their show on the road. Personalities such as Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Michael Strahan and Jimmy Johnson went live from Chicago an hour prior to kick off.

Aside from the rivalry of these two teams and their fan bases, the game featured one of the hottest offenses in the league taking on one of the leagues toughest defenses. Aaron Rodgers led the Packers a week before in a rout of the #1 seed Atlanta Falcons. However that game was inside, on turf and under controlled conditions. This week the defense was better than Atlanta's and the field conditions were questionable. The opening kick off provided some slipping and sliding and perhaps a pre-cursor to how the game would be played. The Chicago defense stepped up in the first meeting of the year by creating a turnover leading the winning touchdown. The second meeting in Green Bay was a defensive battle with the Packers taking the win allowing them this play-off run. These two units were definitely their respective strengths.

After an opening drive which culminated in a Rodgers keeper for seven, the Packers were also able to score seven more prior to the halftime break. Chicago's offense was sputtering with poor field position and struggled moving the ball. Bears' starting QB Jay Cutler, hurt himself in the second quarter and tried to make a go of it, but had to sit on the sidelines. After Michigan alum Todd Collins failed miserably, Chicago head coach, Lovie Smith turned to Colorado State alum, Caleb Hanie. Hanie provided a spark absent from the Bears all day and drove them on their first scoring drive of the day. However Hanie turned the ball over on an interception to B.J. Raji in the fourth quarter resulting in a touchdown. But the Bears rallied around their third-year QB. With Packer fans beginning to feel the Super Bowl with a 14 point lead with under ten minutes to go in the 4th qtr, Hanie led them on another drive cutting the deficit to 7.

The Packers were unable to seal the victory and gave the ball back to Chicago for one last opportunity to tie the game. But on the final drive, Hanie threw the ball to a Packer with less than a minute to go, giving the Packers the win, the trip to Dallas, and most importantly the Halas trophy. Due to an agreement between both teams, the Packers departed the Soldier Field sod for the warm locker room and the presentation of the Halas Trophy.

Packer fans were not ready to leave. Many stuck around waiting for the players to return. But the patience of the Green Bay fans were waning and they began to head to downtown bars to celebrate their first time to the Super Bowl under GM Ted Thompson. The Packers sealed up the first slot of the Super Bowl pairing, and the Pittsburgh Steelers won the second. The game will be played at Cowboys Stadium on February 6th with the view to the Texas skies closed.

Hawkeye Becomes Newest Green Bay Packer

With the 23rd pick of the 2010 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers selected former Iowa lineman, Bryan Bulaga. Bulaga finished his college career a year early to enter the NFL.

Bulaga is truly one of the good guys of the 2009 Iowa Football team. We shared many likes and had good conversations on our differences. Being from Chicago he is a White Sox fan. Routinely we would discuss the positives and negatives of our teams--mine being the Cubs--and debate who had the better team in Chicago.

Bryan will make a fine addition to a Green Bay team who is in need of offensive line help. And the Packers have been known to draft former Hawkeye players. Bulaga replaces one former Hawkeye, Aaron Kampman, who departed after the 2009 season for Jacksonville.

Good Luck Bryan.

Top Three Texas Stadium Moments

Today we look back to my top three moments in Texas Stadium history.

#3--Embedded within the open of the CBS Series, Dallas.



#2--The Dalls Cowboys Cheerleaders



And my #1 moment in Texas Stadium History, is today's implosion! Since it seemed the Packers would always play at Dallas in the playoffs...and lose, I am happy to see it go.

2010 Iowa Football Coaches Clinic

The start of spring football also is a sign the Iowa Football Coaches Clinic is close. Over the weekend over 450 high school football coaches from within the state and surrounding areas came to the University of Iowa campus to be educated on the game in order to make their program better. Along with the Iowa Football staff led by Head Coach, Kirk Ferentz, high school coaches throughout the company were among the clinicians. The featured speakers were Norm Parker, Defensive Coordinator for the Hawkeyes and former Offensive Line Coach at Iowa, Joe Philbin who is currently the Offensive Coordinator of the Green Bay Packers. (see below)

The two-day event ended with an inside look at the Iowa facilities as well as practice inside Nile Kinnick Stadium.

Packer Fan Returns to Drinking for 2010

Courtesy of Engy's ready, Andrew "Woody" Hayes comes this video...


Packers Fan Announces He Will Return To Drinking For Another Season

#4 Should Retire

The popular question following the victory by the New Orleans Saints over the Minnesota Vikings to clinch the NFC Championship and the right to play in the Super Bowl has been, "Are you happy now?" Happy is not the word I use.

Watching Sunday's game I grimaced at every painful hit given by the Saint defense onto the Viking quarterback. Every tackle that was borderline late, I winced at. But each time the veteran QB got up off the Superdome turf and returned to the huddle. Every time but one, then he was helped off the field at the end of a possession. While watching the trainers and doctors of the Vikings checked him out and re taped his ankle, many wondered if he would answer the bell. But like a great title fighter he came back in to take his licks and fight his team one more time.

But was I happy the Vikings lost? No, I was relieved.

I was relieved that the one time QB of my favorite team, the Green Bay Packers wasn't able to take the division rival to the Super Bowl. Throughout the year all Packer fans were expecting the "old" Favre to come back. We were waiting for Brett to begin forcing the ball, being intercepted and costing the Packers a possible victory. Green Bay fans would shrug it off as "Brett being Brett." We felt that is what made him the QB that Packer fans fell in love with.

But the divorce wasn't pretty and eventually Brett wanted to prove to the administration of the team that he parted ways with that he could still play. He did take Green Bay to the NFC Championship game in his last year in Wisconsin just two years ago and he knew there were still many touchdown throws left in that right arm.

But was I relieved that he didn't take the purple to Miami and the Super Bowl? He did prove that he could still play at a higher level than anyone thought he could play. He is destined to be the league MVP for another time. Is it five? six? Packer fans know he earned the award every year for their team. And with arguably the best surrounding cast of his storied career, he proved to the Packer brass that he could've done this for their team had they listened to him and acquired such free agents as Randy Moss, who instead ended up in New England, and not showing off his rear end again in Lambeau Field. But this isn't why I was relieved.

I was relieved because it became painful watching him take brutal hit after crushing blow. I didn't want him to win the game, but I also didn't want to see him possibly close his career by being carried off the field and not being able to return. Regardless of what jersey he was wearing all fans of professional football want to see their stars play at the top of their game and retire at that same time. No one, including Packer fans wanted to see Brett take one critical blow that would send the iron man permanently to the sidelines.

Now the season is over and the "R" word will repeatedly come up. Should he or shouldn't he? For Brett's sake I hope this is the end. He has proven he can still play and the Packers may have made a mistake...although Packer issues aren't with the play of the QB...and with the proper supporting cast he can still take a team to play at the highest level possible. But as he did in his last play with the Packers, he also threw an interception to possibly end his career. But this time it is different. I would be relieved to not hear the constant retirement talk and relieved to know he is able to walk off the field to end his career.

Sittin in the Principal's Office

It has happened. #4 is now playing with the Vikings. Packer fans moved on a year ago and many should be happy with the quarterback in place. With #4 in Minneapolis and Cutler in Chicago I still believe the best QB in the division is in Green Bay. I hope Rodgers proves me right.

Congratulations to the young men of Urbandale, Iowa for proudly representing the state.

Took in a movie in Cedar Rapids. In Iowa City, both movie theaters are owned by the same company leaving little difference in pricing and food. But at the Wynnsong 12 on the city's west side was a good change. Popcorn tasted better and pricing, while still considerably high, was better than what we are accustomed to in Iowa City. But I didn't need over 25 minutes of previews before watching the 2 1/2 hour Inglorious Basterds. Dinner at the Irish Democrat afterwards was good although I'm not Irish, nor a Democrat. My wife did feel at home.

Classes are underway at Iowa and a few observations. 1) this was the first time I've seen a skateboarder and cyclist run into each on the sidewalk. The cyclist won. 2) I've never seen adults fight over who would push the "walk" button on the signal light. 3) A few young female coeds were dressing to make friends quickly with young male students.

First college football prediction of the new year: Nevada over Notre Dame at South Bend in the first week. If I'm right, you heard it here first. If I'm wrong...oh, well.

Pro Scouts at Practice

Regularly scouts from all 32 NFL teams will frequently visit Iowa Football practice. Already in Iowa City this season have been representatives from the NY Jets, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings. This is the first of many trips as representatives will also come to town during the season. Here Washington Redskin scout Schemy Schembechler, son of Bo Schembechler looks at the Iowa talent.

Please say it is so

Today Brett Favre announced his retirement from the New York Jets. This comes almost a year after his last retirement speech. Many Packer fans did not want to see him in a jersey other than the green and gold of Green Bay. I did not want to see Brett forced to leave the game due to injury or as a loser. I wanted to remember him for taking the Pack farther than anyone else thought he could, the NFC Championship game and walking off the Lambeau Field turf into retirement. His comeback with Jets wasn't disappointing, finishing just out of the playoffs with a winning record, but watching him I didn't see the fun he had with his players or fans that he did in Green Bay. Brett, please let this be the final time you retire from football.

Super Showdown Set

The Super Bowl is set and let the Kurt Warner saga be repeated for the next two weeks. It is the Cardinals and Steelers and I'm sure few had predicted this match-up when training camp began in July. And today, Cub fans were reminded of how the Cardinals were able to break their 61 year of futility. That was in comparison to the Cubs' 100 years. Thanks, Fox!

But there are other former Iowans involved in this year's game. First year NFL player Ken Iwebema was drafted in April to play for former Iowa Defensive Line coach, Ron Aiken. I could not be any happier for Aiken. Ron is one of the nicer people in the coaching profession. When he left the University many were surprised to see him leave Iowa City with his children in school, for the NFL life in Phoenix. Aiken is truly a family man and put them ahead of his coaching career. He emphasized to me how, at his previous stops, the family would always gather for at least one meal during the season, even if it meant they ate in the car while their sons slept in their car seat. When they moved to Iowa City, Ron would bring his three sons with him to the Cedar Rapids hotel on Friday nights during the season as he met with the team. Each son was well-mannered--yes sir, no sir--and sat in the hotel lobby and read their chosen book. Any time he could spend with his family was precious to Ron. I am very happy to see him have the opportunity to play in the sport's biggest game.

I am also a new fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. My loyalties still belong to the Green Bay Packers, but after visiting the Buccaneer complex while in Tampa, I have a new found appreciation. Video Director Dave Levy treated us very well, but also new head coach, Raheem Morris. While Levy and I talked privately in his office, Morris started a conversation with my four students who were waiting in the hallway. Morris spoke with them for nearly five minutes the day following the last game of the season. Levy commented on how great of a person Morris was and how happy he was to have him as the new defensive coordinator. Levy must be very pleased with the hire now.