1. Jim Brown – Cleveland Browns (HOF) – He played in the bygone era of the ’50s and ’60s, but Big Jim is still an icon in NFL circles.  He could run over or around a defender with ease.  He is a little outspoken off the field these days (see recent Tiger Woods comments), but there is no doubt if Brown played longer than nine years, retired at age 29, that he still would have every rushing record in the books.

This nine-time Pro Bowler and eight-time first-team All-Pro selection finished with 12,312 rushing yards, 106 rushing TDs, an amazing 5.2 YPC average, and a still-NFL record 104.3 yards per game average.  He also led the Browns to a championships in 1964.

2. Walter Payton – Chicago Bears (HOF) – Payton was a tough back who ran harder than his size (5’10, 200).  He emerged from small HBCU school Jackson State in 1975, and would always finish runs strong and deliver a blow if needed.  He was also a great passer on halfback passes, blocker, kickoff returner, and team leader. 

He finally won a ring late in his career with the legendary 1985 Bears, but I still can’t fathom why Mike Ditka let DT William “Refrigerator” Perry score instead of Sweetness.  A nine-time Pro Bowler and five-time first-team All-Pro, Payton finished with a then-NFL Record 16,726 rushing yards upon his retirement.  Scored 110 rushing TDs and had a respectable 4.4 YPC average.

3. Marshall Faulk – Indianapolis Colts and St. Louis Rams – Faulk is probably the most complete back in this group.  He had the hands and speed of a receiver, but he also could take a pounding between the tackles.  He was the engine that made the Rams’ 1999 “Greatest Show on Turf” team go.  I still believe Gino Torretta should mail his Heisman to the former San Diego State star, who became the 2000 NFL MVP. 

A seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro, Faulk finished his 12-year dual threat career with 19,154 combined yards.  This included 12,279 rushing yards (100 TDs and average 4.3 YPC) and 6,875 receiving yards (767 receptions and 36 TDs).

4. Emmitt Smith – Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals – Some may call him a “compiler” who benefited from playing on the best team of the ‘90s with huge offensive lines.  But Smith (5’9, 210) was a tough competitor, who carried the entire Cowboys team on his shoulders.  This 5’9″ back played through injuries to become the NFL’s All-time leading rusher—18,355 yards with 164 TDs and 4.2 YPC average.

I can still see Smith attacking the Giants D-line in a must-win game even though he had a separated shoulder.  My only request to him is to please stay away from the microphone now that he is attempting to join the media. Smith was a seven-time Pro Bowler, three-time first-team All-Pro, 1993 NFL MVP, and Super Bowl MVP. 

5. Barry Sanders – Detroit Lions (HOF) – This Lions great, who most likely would be the NFL’s leading rusher if he had not left the game early, was a slashing cut-back runner that was harder to catch than a waterbug.  Sanders (5’8″, 203) made a thrilling run out of a 5-yarder or a 65-yard touchdown. 

Unfortunately, he was on some bad Lions teams where he had little help, but he always made Thanksgivings in Detroit fun to watch.  Sanders was another running back who was a pure runner and not much of a receiver.  The “Silver Streak” operated out of the Lions one-back offense and never had the advantage of a lead blocker. 

He finished his Hall of Fame career in 1998 at the age of 30, and he easily could have broken Walter Payton’s former total, but he wasn’t concerned with records. The 10-time Pro Bowler and six-time first-team All-Pro finished his career with 15,269 rushing yards, 99 rushing TDs, 5.0 YPC average, and an amazing average of 99.8 rushing yards per game.

6.  Eric Dickerson – LA Rams, Indianapolis Colts, LA Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons (HOF) – A tall (6’3, 220) upright runner that had the size and speed to dominate in the NFL.  Sure, some will point to the fact that he was not much of a receiver or blocker, but this guy was a pure workhorse running back. 

He still holds the NFL record for the most rushing yards in a season (2105 yards with 14 TDs and a 5.6 YPC average) from his magical sophomore NFL season in 1984.  Dickerson was amazing in his first seven seasons in the NFL averaging over 1,600 rushing yards in those years. 

The former SMU running pony was six-time Pro Bowler and five-time first-team All-Pro, but he never played in a Super Bowl or was NFL MVP in his 11-year career.  He left the game at the age of 33 with 13,259 rushing yards, 90 TDs, and a 4.4 YPC average.

7. Earl Campbell – Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints (HOF) – A battering ram of a back that had the hugest legs around.  Big Earl (5’11, 232) left the University of Texas as a Heisman winner and first overall selection in the 1978 NFL Draft, then brought his unique runaway train style to the NFL. 

Campbell led Bum Phillips’ Oilers to two AFC title games in his first four seasons.  I can still see the tear-away jersey 81-yard touchdown run against the Dolphins, and him barreling over that poor Rams linebacker on Monday Night Football.

Unfortunately his running style caused a much too premature ending to his career at 30—finishing with 9,407 rushing yards, 74 TDs, and a respectable 4.3 YPC average.  Campbell was five-time Pro Bowler, three-time first-team All-Pro, Rookie of the Year in 1978, NFL Offensive Player of the Year—1978, 1979, & 1980—and the 1979 NFL MVP award.

8. Marion Motley – Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers (HOF) – I was recently asked, “Was Motley that good?”  Are you kidding me…this huge (6’1, 232) back, along with fellow Hall of Famers quarterback Otto Graham and guard Bill Willis, helped the Browns dominate the AAFC and then the NFL in the late ‘40s and ‘50s. 

Motley ran with a determination that dare tacklers to take him on and he also played on defense too a linebacker.  Browns Head Coach Paul Brown knew he could always count on No. 76 in any situation on the field during a time where teams only played 12 games.  Imagine how great his numbers would have been if he didn’t have to wait for professional football to lower their racial barrier and for the end of WWII (age 26 in his first season). 

He helped the Browns to championships in 1946 (AAFC), 1947 (AAFC),  1948 (AAFC), 1949 (AAFC), and 1950 (NFL). The one-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro finished with rushing totals of 4720 yards, 31 TDs, and an amazing 5.7 YPC average in nine seasons.

9. Gale Sayers – Chicago Bears (HOF) – Sayers did not last long in the NFL due to injuries.  In a time where a knee injury was surely a career killer, Sayers came back even stronger in 1969 to post a 1,032-yard season in only 14 games. 

He was clearly the original do-everything running back that could contribute in the running, passing, and return game.  The “Kansas Comet” was not only fast, but also had sick cut back moves in the days before artificial turf field.  No player wanted to face Sayers in the open field, because an embarrassing air tackling moment was sure to come. 

Despite playing in only in four NFL seasons (68 games total), Sayers’ greatness is unquestioned and goes beyond numbers (Rushing: 4956 yards, 39 TDs, and 5.0 YPC; Receiving: 112  receptions for 1307 yards,  9 TDs, and a 19.2 average; 14.5 yard average on punt returns and 30.6 average on kickoffs).  He was a four-time Pro Bowler and five-time first-team All-Pro.

10. OJ Simpson – Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers (HOF) – Alright, put everything off the field aside (trust me, I know it is hard to do). But there is no doubt that Simpson, nicknamed the “Juice,” deserves a spot in the Top 10 RBs of all-time. 

After his NFL career started slow with three seasons under 1,000 yards, this former USC Heisman Trophy legend showed the NFL he was the real deal.  Running behind his “Electric Company” offensive line, Simpson displayed speed, agility, and strength—especially in his magical 1973 season where he gained 2,003 rushing yards in only 14 games. 

The Bills never won never came close to winning a championship with Simpson (made the playoffs once and lost 32-14 in divisional round to the Steelers in 1974), but they had a true workhorse in their backfield. 

His career was derailed at age 32 as the former world-class sprinter chugged along on very bad knees for the San Francisco 49ers.  The six-time Pro Bowler and five-time first-team All-Pro selection finished his career with 11,236 rushing yards, 61 rushing TDs, and a 4.7 YPC average.

Honorable Mention:

Marcus Allen (HOF), Tony Dorsett (HOF), John Riggins HOF), Thurman Thomas (HOF), LaDainan Tomlinson*, Red Grange (HOF), Franco Harris (HOF), Jerome Bettis, Eddie George, Steve Van Buren (HOF), Paul Hornung (HOF), Terrell Davis, Curtis Martin, Shaun Alexander, Hugh McElhenny (HOF), Ottis “OJ” Anderson, Bronco Nagurski (HOF), Jim Thorpe (HOF), Edgerrin James, Roger Craig, Lenny Moore (HOF), Clem Daniels, Chuck Muncie, Chuck Foreman, Ricky Watters

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

Posted in Emmitt Smith, Jim Brown, Marion Motley, Top 10 Greatest RB’s, Top Ten Lists, Walter Payton Tagged: Emmitt Smith, Football, Jim Brown, Marion Motley, NFL, Sports, Top 10 Greatest RB’s, Top Ten Lists, Walter Payton

Former Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets’ quarterback Quincy Carter was cut by the Abilene Ruff Riders (Intense Football League—IFL) on Monday. 

Carter, once a rising prospect with the Cowboys after being a second round selection in the 2001 NFL Draft, phoned the minor league team just four hours before Saturday’s (July 4) game against the Odessa Roughnecks, saying he would be unable to play, having no other excuse. 

Playing in the IFL was Carter’s latest attempt at redeeming his reeling football career that has been sidetracked by substance abuse and run-ins with the law. 

However after his latest AWOL fiasco, even the small-stage Ruff Riders had enough of Carter Country. You cannot blame the Abilene franchise as they had previously swept two other incidents aside after signing the former Cowboys’ starter as a gate attraction.

The Ruff Riders had to deal with Carter being arrested in February 2009 on drunken driving and marijuana possession charges and then again in May 2009 for a probation violation. 

Hard to believe just one year ago Carter looked to be on the reclamation road after his former head coach Bill Parcells gave him a brief tryout with the Miami Dolphins of the NFL in August 2008. 

Unfortunately the Dolphins decided not to sign Carter, as everyone including the rest of the team’s management staff, knew the Dolphins’ Head Executive was just doing a favor for one of his former “soft spot” players.

Under the Tuna, the former University of Georgia star quarterback had led the Cowboys to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth in 2003, before he was released by the team in training camp (2004) amidst rumors of substance abuse. 

After a brief season-ending three-game starting stint with the Jets in 2004, it seemed everywhere Carter had turned to in order to jumpstart his career, led to another burnt bridge—he surprisingly left the NFL with an 18-16 record as a starter.

Carter has probably run-out of options in football as he now has the distinction of being cut by teams in the NFL, CFL (Montreal Allouettes), AFL (Kansas City Brigade), AF2 (Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings), and IFL. 

Hopefully Carter will be able to finally pull himself together on and off the field before he is another sportsticker story. Maybe the United Football League (UFL) will give him a shot, but Carter seems to need much more help than having an unexcused absence for a game.

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

Everyone around the NFL was shocked to learn of the shooting death of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair.

The Fourth of July around the United States is supposed to be a day of celebration, but this year the entire sports world has a heavy heart on this day as it was learned that former NFL great Steve McNair was found shot to death in Nashville, Tenn.

The circumstances around McNair’s death are still forthcoming, but Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron confirmed that authorities were called to a condominium and found McNair, 36, and a woman shot to death inside.

It is hard to believe little over one year after his retirement that McNair, a two-time Pro Bowl player (selected four times), has passed away. 

The 13-year career veteran was the 2003 co-MVP, and he always played courageously during his career that spanned from the HBCU ranks to the NFL. 

Everyone will always talk about McNair and Eddie George leading the Tennessee Titans within one yard of winning Super Bowl XXXIV against the Rams, but to me one word ”Warrior” sums up the signal caller. 

No matter the injury or opponent, you always knew No. 9 was going to give you everything he had for 60 minutes. The hard part of being warrior was sometimes toughness led McNair onto the field of battle when maybe taking a rest was a better option.

Often times, McNair was a one-man MASH unit, as he played through injuries including a separated shoulder, bruised sternum, broken fingers, broken ribs, ankle sprains, and many others, to lead his teammates onto the gridiron.

At the time of his retirement in April 2008, McNair said of his resilient play, “Over 13 years, I had a lot of injuries because I played the game physically, because I gave 110 percent every game.”

In looking back, the nation first got a glimpse of McNair’s greatness at Alcorn State where he followed in his older brother Fred’s footsteps earning the nickname “Air McNair.”

He was a unanimous All-American while putting the small HBCU school on the map and causing such a national sensation that ESPN scrambled to show his games on television.

McNair finished his stellar college career gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated and finishing third in 1994 Heisman Balloting, still the highest finish in the competition by a Division 1-AA player.

Air McNair didn’t leave ASU empty handed, as he established NCAA records with 16,823 yards in total offense (14,496 yards passing and 2,327 yards rushing) and averaged an incredible 400.55 yards in total offense per game. 

McNair then took his game to the NFL, where some doubters questioned his selection as the third overall pick in the 1995 NFL Draft by the now defunct Houston Oilers.

Early in his career, Air McNair was stuck on the runway for his first couple years in the league as the Oilers wanted him to learn behind Chris Chandler…how crazy does that sound?

But McNair had his breakout season in 1998, leading the newly relocated Titans, starting 16 games and setting then career highs in attempts (492), completions (289), yards (3,228), and passing touchdowns (15).

He went on to lead his team to the playoffs ten times finishing with a respectable 5-5 record and winning the aforementioned 2003 NFL Co-MVP award sharing the honor with Peyton Manning. 

But it is McNair’s toughness that will be everlasting, highlighted by the season-ending stretch in 2002.

During that stretch, McNair cemented his tougher-than-nails warrior image by starting five straight games to end the season and leading the Titans to the AFC championship game without practicing due to injury.

In the coming days, people around the water cooler will spin yarns about the play of McNair and mourn him.  I am sure the uneasy and unnecessary debate over whether his career was Hall of Fame worthy will also come into play.

The “Warrior” deserves to get a look by the selection committee, as he had the gumption and numbers including six 3,000 yards passing seasons on his outstanding resume.

While bridging the gap between Randall Cunningham and today’s athletic quarterbacks, McNair’s career numbers were impressive with 161 games played, a regular season record of 91-62 as a starter, passing numbers of 2,733 for 4,544 (60.1 percent), 31,304 yards with 174 TDs and 119 INTs, plus an additional 3,590 yards rushing (fifth all-time rushing for quarterbacks) and 37 touchdowns. 

I believe McNair’s greatest contribution to the game of football was showing how leadership can take many forms.  As a younger quarterback he was able to use his legs to get wins, and then later in his career he matured into a winning pocket passer. 

I know his legacy will live-on in his many beloved fans and teammates.  Former Ravens’ teammate Ray Lewis said it all about his comrade when he retired last year, “There is no greater warrior or player with a bigger heart than Steve McNair”.

Titans owner Bud Adams said in a statement of his former star player:

“We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair’s passing today, he was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans. He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl.”

Rest In Peace, Warrior, and we will never forget you.

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

Posted in Houston Oilers, Steve McNair, Steve McNair’s Death, Tennessee Titans Tagged: Football, Houston Oilers, NFL, Sports, Steve McNair, Steve McNair’s Death, Tennessee Titans

Though some younger players may “think” they already know or can learn the ropes from veterans, there is nothing wrong with getting a concentrated dose of learning from the four-day session.

Many of the rookies have come into money for the first time in their lives and sure enough like Notorious B.I.G once said, “More Money, More Problems” including family, investments, friends, girlfriends, cars, etc. 

Hopefully the players were all ears and took advantage of the many speakers taking time out of their valuable schedules to “school” them on life in America’s No. 1 sports league. 

Some of the highlights from the Rookie Symposium included:

2008 Super Bowl winning Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin talking in a very frank manner about developing the proper work ethic to stay in the NFL.   Tomlin, who I am a huge fan of, told the rookies in his no-nonsense manner that the “NFL is a Job” that they have to take seriously.

Second year pros New York Jet tight end Dustin Keeler and Atlanta Falcons receiver Harry Douglass, who both attended the 2008 Symposium, talked about dealing with family and close friends.  As we all know some family members want to treat players like ATM’s and then there are the many ticket requests.

Fellow second year player Rams DE Chris Long, son of Hall of Famer Howie Long, talked about being frugal with your money and not treating your salary like a bottomless pit.

Life Coach Zach Minor had some great real life scenario skits making players act-out probable situations for NFL players.  Minor also dealt with the important topic of “frienemies,” which stands for friends who really your enemies by dragging you down.

I thought Minor’s discussion topic was right on point as every NFL player that has gone through the league’s disciplinary process from Tank Johnson to Michael Vick have all said they needed to surround themselves with “better” people.

The star of the whole symposium was saved for the last day as future Hall of Fame receiver Cris Carter talked openly and honestly about his 16 years as an NFL player including his early career struggles. 

Carter came into the in the NFL through the 1987 Supplemental Draft after being kicked out of college for dealings with an agent and quickly developed some bad habits—alcoholism and addiction—that almost ended his career. 

Luckily Carter was able to learn after being released by his former head coach Buddy Ryan in Philadelphia that playing in the NFL is a privilege and soon turned himself around on and off the field with the Vikings.  Carter left the game in 2002 with 1101 catches, 13899 yards, and 130 TDs in a career and now has forged a career as an analyst for ESPN.

The eight-time Pro Bowler lectured players about the dangers of making poor life decisions.  “I was here when Ryan Leaf was here. But also I was here when Michael Vick was here. And I sat up here and talked with Plaxico Burress. And Pacman was sitting right there, too.

I seen all these kids come through the National Football League and every one of them—I tried to tell them the truth—and every one of them looked at me and said, ‘You know, Cris. It ain’t gonna be me. It ain’t gonna happen to me.’” 

Carter even laid the smackdown on a dozing player, reportedly telling the unnamed rookie, “if you don’t want to listen to people who know more than you and who can help you navigate through what lies ahead, odds are you won’t be in the league for long.” It’ll be interesting to see if the player is exposed later on. We’re betting he will be.

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

(Philadelphia) — With a couple more weeks before NFL training camps open (Cleveland Browns report on July 24), I thought a good way to pass the time was to create the Taking It To The House list of the greatest players at each position. 

So let the debating begin and please use the comments area to give props/slights or send us your opinion via email.

Taking It to the House: Top 10 Greatest Quarterbacks

We begin our look at ranking the football’s greatest players by position by looking at the quarterbacks.  No position in football stirs more conversation at the sports bar, barbershop, or anywhere else like talking signal callers.

Quarterback characteristics of leadership, footwork, grit, accruracy, winning, arm strength, decision-making, mobility, and other intangibles all fuel the fires of often-heated quarterback debates.

1. Joe Montana – San Francisco 49ers and Kansas Chiefs (HOF)  — Winner of four Super Bowls and the coolest quarterback under pressure in NFL history.  No situation on the football field seemed to frazzle Joe Cool.  Though he didn’t have the strongest arm, his smarts and footwork were a perfect fits for Bill Walsh’s West Coast Offense.
2. John Elway – Denver Broncos (HOF) – Even though he did not win the “Big One” until his final two seasons in the NFL, Big John always had a fourth-quarter comeback in him.  Elway had one of the NFL’s greatest arms ever and he was an excellent scrambler who either bought time with his legs or ran downfield for positive yardage.
3. Johnny Unitas – Baltimore Colts and San Diego Chargers (HOF) – The greatest old-school thrower of them all.  The flat-top haircut and high top black spikes were only a small part of this miraculous leader who was tough as nails.  Hard to believe that the Steelers cut Unitas in his first shot at the NFL.  Johnny U was a 10-time Pro Bowler, five-time first-team All-Pro, and led the Colts to championships in 1958, 1959, and 1971 (Super Bowl V)
4. Tom Brady – New England Patriots*  — Despite not playing in 2008 with a knee injury, Brady in a short period of time has already written a Hall of Fame worthy resume including playing in four Super Bowls (winning three).  Tom “Terrific” is not the most athletic passer, but he truly has grit and a winning mentality.  Holds the NFL record of the most touchdowns in a season with 50 TDs in 2007.
5. Otto Graham – Cleveland Browns (AAFC and NFL)  (HOF) – Once billed as the world’s greatest athlete for his prowess on the football field and basketball court (NBA – Rochester Royals), Graham was a big tough quarterback from the 1950’s that won regularly—compiling a 105-17-4 record,.  The Browns great dominated first in the AAFC then the NFL, being selected first-team All-Pro seven times and to five Pro Bowls.  Won titles in 1946 (AAFC), 1947 (AAFC), 1948 (AAFC), 1949 (AAFC), 1950 (NFL), 1954 (NFL), and 1955 (NFL).
6. Brett Favre – Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, and New York Jets – The man who holds virtually every NFL passing record is a tough competitor that never lacks confidence in his game.  Of course, there is the matter of him retiring and unretiring.  But this three-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl XXXII hero will go down as one of the NFL’s best ever, once he finally hangs up his spurs.
7. Dan Marino – Miami Dolphins (HOF) – Only made one Super Bowl, which he lost.  But South Florida’s triggerman held virtually every passing record in the NFL at the time of his retirement.  Had the fastest release I have ever seen.  Imagine how much better Marino’s stats would have been if he had a running game to complement his passing.
8. Peyton Manning  – Indianapolis Colts* — A throwback to a different era, Archie’s son was has been phenomenal in his 11-year NFL career.  Manning is a classic dropback passer who is able to dissect a defense from the pocket.  A nine-time Pro Bowl player and three-time league MVP, once Peyton is done, his career will end in Canton.  Any questions regarding his HOF status were answered when he led the Colts to a victory in Super Bowl XLI.
9. Sammy Baugh – Washington Redskins (HOF) – Probably was the NFL’s greatest player in the 1940’s.  Slingin’ Sammy was a great passer, punter, and defensive back while willing the Redskins to championships in 1937 (rookie season) and 1942.  Baugh threw the ball at a time when others only ran it, plus he led the NFL in punting and interceptions at different times in his career.
10. Warren Moon – Edmonton Eskimoes (CFL), Houston Oilers, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Kansas City Chiefs (HOF) – This classic passer (threw for over 70,000 yards in his career) won on every level from the Rose Bowl in Senior campaign for the University of Washington to the CFL, winning five Grey Cups for the Edmonton Eskimoes to the NFL where he led three different franchises to the playoffs.  In his career that ended at the Hall of Fame, Moon threw for over 4,000 yards four times including one at age 39.  Was the first African-American quarterback to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Honorable Mention: Troy Aikman (HOF), Damon Allen (CFL), Terry Bradshaw (HOF), Randall Cunningham, Len Dawson (HOF), Doug Flutie (USFL/CFL/NFL), Bob Griese (HOF),  Jim Kelly (HOF), Steve McNair, Earl Morrall, Joe Namath (HOF), Dan Fouts (HOF), Jim Plunkett, Phil Simms, Ken Stabler, Bart Starr, Roger Staubach (HOF), Norm Van Brocklin (HOF), Steve Young (HOF) 

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

Posted in Joe Montana, Johnny Unitas, NFL Top Ten Lists, Top 10 Greatest QB’s Tagged: Football, Joe Montana, Johnny Unitas, NFL, NFL Top Ten Lists, Sports, Top 10 Greatest QB’s

The USA Today Huddle blog put out a great piece going through the potential landing spots within the league’s 32 franchises for the free agent suspended NFL quarterback.

To Vick supporters, even though Goodell has continually been a tough guy when it comes to player discipline, which could make the Vick suspension reports true, he does seem to also have a “second chance” mentality too as shown in his treatment of problem players like Adam “Pacman” Jones, Matt Jones, Tank Johnson, Chris Henry, and others.

Also If Goodell does continue Vick’s indefinitely suspension, it could open himself and the NFL to an appeal by the NFLPA and threats of collusion against a player that has spent nearly two yeas in jail for his dogfighting acts. 

I know a large portion of the American populace are dog lovers, but I cannot fathom “how” so many can vilify Michael Vick yet not be as passionate regarding the cases/punishments given to other NFL players like Rams DE Leonard Little—an eight-game suspension and 90 days in jail for killing a St. Louis woman in 1998 while drunk driving. 

Granted Little’s cases was on the watch of former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, but no matter how heinous Vick’s acts were against his fighting dogs, and let’s not fool ourselves they were despicable, there were no dead human beings left in his wake.

I know Little, Adam “Pac Man” Jones, Donte Stallworth, and others do not stand alone as NFLers who have crossed the judicial line, but the Commissioner and the court of public opinion need to give Vick another chance.

Already former Super Bowl winning head coach Tony Dungy and others in NFL circles have echoed sentiments that Vick—career passing numbers of 930-1730, 11505 yards, 71 TDs, 52 INTs, and a 75.7 rating in six years w/ the Falcons—deserves his chance at redemption after serving his debt to society. 

I believe that NFL teams and their owners should decide on their own if the former first overall selection from the 2001 NFL Draft is worth the headache that he brings.  I truly believe once his anticipated meeting with Goodell happens, that the NFL and some owner will give Vick another shot, picketers or not.

Of course Vick will have to take any opportunity he gets to return to the NFL which could include duties as a Wildcat QB, slot receiver, returner, and back-up quarterback. 

These teams could all take a chance on Vick:

St. Louis Rams (GM Bill Devaney has former ties to Vick from their Falcons days and current starting quarterback Marc Bulger has not been playing at a Pro Bowl level lately).

Oakland Raiders (Owner Al Davis, a maverick himself, believes in second chances).

Dallas Cowboys (Owner Jerry Jones seems to be running the NFL’s version of a reform school lately and the charismatic leader of the Cowboys also needs better “Romo Insurance” than current back-up Jon Kitna).

San Francisco 49ers (Head Coach Mike Singletary and Offensive Coordinator believe in second chances plus starter Shaun Hill’s name is not written in stone).

Jacksonville Jaguars (need a better backup to inconsistent starter David Garrard than Todd Bouman).

Of course the United Football League (UFL) is an option too, if Vick indefinite suspension is upheld, as recently league founder Bill Hambrecht said, “(Vick) deserves a spot back in football”

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA

The Ring of Honor was first created in 1975 as a ring inside the former Cowboys’ home Texas Stadium to honor past franchise greats. Pro Football Hall of Famer Bob Lilly was the first Cowboy awarded with the Ring of Honor distinction in November 1975. 

There are currently 17 members of Ring of Honor, but I thought given the Cowboys national persona and former title of “America’s Team” that more players would have received the honor. 

In the past, Ring of Honor inductees were solely chosen by former president/general manager Tex Schramm, but now Jones has the final word on the honor.

Some say the reason that so few players have received the honor was that Schramm placed such a high value on the character of the inductees.

Here is the list of current ROH inductees:

74 Bob Lilly — Nov. 23, 1975

17 Don Meredith — Nov. 7,1976

43 Don Perkins — Nov. 7, 1976

54 Chuck Howley — Oct. 30, 1977

20 Mel Renfro — Oct. 25, 1981

12 Roger Staubach — Oct. 9, 1983

55 Lee Roy Jordan — Oct. 29, 1989

HC Tom Landry — Nov. 7, 1993

33 Tony Dorsett — Oct. 9, 1994

54 Randy White — Oct. 9, 1994

22 Bob Hayes — Sept. 23, 2001

GM Tex Schramm — Oct. 12, 2003

43 Cliff Harris — Oct. 10, 2004

70 Rayfield Wright — Oct. 10, 2004

8 Troy Aikman — Sept. 19, 2005

88 Michael Irvin — Sept. 19, 2005

22 Emmitt Smith — Sept. 19, 2005.

Some people that I believe should get a look for the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor are:

Former RB and Assistant Coach Dan Reeves

Former player personnel executive Gil Brand

Former Defensive End Ed “Too Too Tall” Jones

Former defensive back Charlie Waters

Former defensive back Deion Sanders

Former head coach Jimmy Johnson

Former receiver Drew Pearson

Former special teams ace and assistant coach Bill Bates

2009 Hall of Fame inductee and former receiver “Bullett” Bob Hayes

As I was surfing the web like I often do looking for new ideas, I stumbled onto an intriguing blog/website called The Mind of Maurice Clarett.  When I first saw the site’s name I thought it was either a farce or a fan-dedicated Ohio State lovefest via the web. 

However I soon learned that the site is a deep personal look into the psyche of a player, who once almost changed the history of the National Football League. 

But ended up as a footnote in sports annals while experiencing a trepidous journey that made sports fans question big time college athletics and wonder how a promising freshman phemon ended up falling to the depths of prison.

Think back to 2003, I know it is hard but remember the 2003 Fiesta Bowl. In a double-overtime thriller the Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the vaunted Miami Hurricanes by a score of 31-24.

The win brought the Buckeyes the 2002 BCS National Championship and even though there was a multitude of future NFL stars on the field that night including RB Willis McGahee, WR Andre Johnson, TE Kellen Winslow Jr, Safety Sean Taylor, DB Chris Gamble, and others. 

No star shined brighter on national television that night than Ohio State stocky freshman running back Maurice Clarett. 

Though he only ran 23 times for 47 yards in the Fiesta Bowl victory, Clarett defied the odds of a freshman making an impact in a National Championship Game by scoring two touchdowns including the game-winning score on a five-yard diving run in the second overtime. T

he Youngstown, Ohio native also made possibly the game’s biggest defensive play too when he stole the ball from Hurricanes All-American safety Sean Taylor after he had just intercepted a Craig Krenzel pass in the end zone.

The former 2001 Mr. Ohio in football ended his one magical season for Ohio State with 1,237 rushing yards (a school record for a freshman) and scoring 18 touchdowns while leading the undefeated Buckeyes (14-0) to the National Championship.

If only time could have been frozen for Clarett at that very moment as he held the National Championship crystal football, because over the next few years the once promising star would sink to new depths. 

After several missteps academically and off the field incidents, Clarett was suspended in 2003 by Ohio State. 

Looking to get back in the spotlight and without any takers in major college football, Clarett set his sights on challenging the NFL’s underclassman rule of a player having to be at least three years removed from high school to participate in the NFL Draft. 

Though at first Clarett won a decision by Federal Judge Shira Scheindlin allowing him to participate in the 2004 NFL Draft—I still agree with her decision as a player should be allowed to apply to the NFL Draft even if they are just out of high school, but Clarett was the wrong player to challenge the NFL’s rule.

A later appelate court ruling by higher ranking Judge and current Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor overturned the decision in favor of the NFL due to the league’s and player union’s collective bargaining agreement. 

With the U.S Supreme Court basically upholding the decision by refusing to hear an appeal, Clarett along with future NFL flameout former USC receiver Mike Williams were forced to the sidelines for the 2004 NFL Draft.

After being out of football for over a year, Clarett—despite looking like SlowMo at the 2005 NFL Combine running in the 4.7 range—received a surprsing second lifeline from the NFL when the Denver Broncs selected him in the third round with last pick (101) of that round. 

Vindication seemed to be the former Buckeye star’s, but once again his immaturity shined through as he showed up to training camp at close to 250 pounds, was surly to everyone from team staff to teammates, and was alledgely caught often sipping Grey Goose vodka out of a squirt bottle between practices. 

Former Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan realizing his error in bringing in the not ready for primetime malcontent, did not play Clarett at all in the preseason and cut ties with the troubled player in late August of 2005. 

With legal costs from his ill-fated court case against the NFL mounting, Clarett returned to Ohio and “real” trouble—not the kind a university can get you out of—soon followed. 

Clarett’s life was forever changed around New Year’s Day 2006 when he reportedly robbed two people at gunpoint with only a cell phone to show for his actions. 

After the police issued a manhunt advisory on him, Clarett turned himself into police on January 2, 2006 just as his former Ohio State teammates were about to take the field in the Fiesta Bowl again. 

Any doubts regarding Clarett’s strange criminal behavior were confirmed when the troubled former college football star was arrrest for a second time in August of 2006. 

This time while free on bail and awaiting trial from his earlier run-in, Clarett led police on a high-speed alcohol induced chase where police found an arsenal of weapons and a bottle of Grey Goose vodka in the car he was driving. 

The bizarre cases ended with Clarett accepting a plea deal in September 2006, which included a sentence of 7 ½ years in prison with eligibilty after three years for parole.

After going through Clarett’s lenghty history since his rise to fame in 2002, today he is sort of back in the news as his blog from the Toledo Correctional Institution has put him back on the sports page.

The surprisingly well-written daily blog of ramblings, almost rap lyrics, and personal thoughts is a fascinating portrait of someone trying to get their life together.  Though Clarett does not have computer access, he is able to send his messages via phone to family members who post them on the site.  

For a player once known for saying incoherent things like, “It’s a humbling thing being humble” at the 2005 NFL Combine, it’s impressive.

Clarett, who is also taking classes at Ohio University, waxes poetically on a variety of topics from an encouragement open-letter to one-time friend LeBron James to religion to speaking on a Mother’s Love to a potential return to the football field to provoking sociological debate/discussions on topics like “Why African Americans don’t trust one another?”

One of my favorite blog entries from Clarett’s site is from May 25, 2009 called “How Am I Feeling”.  Clarett wrote:

“I can’t hold these feelings in anymore. I want to play football again. I have a deep desire to play. I love the game. I have so much penitentiary aggression pinned up inside of me. I want to hit someone. I want to run the ball. I want to tackle someone. I want to play. I am going to play somewhere. I cannot accept how things ended. I won’t accept how they ended. I am 220, rock solid. I am moving swift, running fast, and jumping high. My mind is right and my life is in order. I am 25 but I feel like I am 18. I am still young. Those who do support me deserve and want to see me out there playing again. I play with some pretty good athletes back here. In the penitentiary you could say basketball is football. Back here everything is aggressive. Everything is intense. I know I am an asset to someone’s locker room on so many levels. I’ve survived some of life’s worst struggles. I am not a statistic. I am still here and I am still living. I didn’t and won’t give up. I am a winner. I am optimistic. I am inspirational. I am alive. I want to play for the love and the respect. I want to play for the underdogs. I want to play because I know how to really well. Hopefully, they’ll open these gates soon and I’ll be able to get out on the field again. I am healthy mentally and physically. I am rock solid. I train hard. I go hard. I’m HERE”.

There is no question after many years away from picking up a football that a return to the NFL let alone organized football is a longshot for Clarett.  But much like maligned NFL suspended quarterback Michael Vick, Clarett deserves a chance at redemption too. 

The former Buckeyes freshman sensation still seems to have the desire to play the game of football and at age 26 (upon his expected parole) with a new sense on life, maybe the NFL will see yet another comeback story.

Even if football doesn’t work out, Clarett could have a future as a writer or public relations wordsmith or even as the next Chuck D putting his words into hip-hop lyrics.

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)