For those of you who are new here. This is how confidence ranking goes, let me explain. If we were playing an office pool,(which we ARE NOT). The object is to score the most points. To obtain the score YOU rank the teams by how confident you are a team will win its game. EXAMPLE: Say this week we have 16 games. The team you are most confident will win you would assign the number 16 and follow down to the team you are least confident in and assign that number 1. You add up the TOTAL CORRECT PICKS.. That would be your score. We use the Monday night (Last game played) as a TIE BREAKER. The tie is broken by the closest to the total (that is the COMBINED score of the two participating teams) final score, without going over. YOU can adopt the scoring described above. Or, the optional method. A negative score for missed games. We will continue to get a positive score for correct predictions. EXAMPLE: if you scored 1 pt on the first game and you had 15 pts on the second game and lost you would still have 1 pt. 1. HOWEVER. with the same scenario new scoring system would result with a –14 score If we were playing this is how my sheet would look; My pick will be in bold Capital letters. you can use circling, underlining, or highlighting. I will show my correct points in Bold I will fill in my picks Thursday. Until then feel free to: Just copy and paste for your own Fun Pool Use. Or to see if you can beat me. IF YOU SEE I MADE A MIS-COPY OF THE GAMES AND TIMES FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME AND TELL ME I GOOFED. BYES: BROWNS PACKERS RAIDERS SEAHAWKS TRIVIA TIME: Who was the first African American quarterback to start in a Super Bowl? Answer below pick sheet All Times EST GAME TV VISITOR SCORE HOME SCORE CONFIDENCE RUNNING SCORE THURSDAY 11/07/24 20:15 1 PRIME VIDEO Bengals (4–5) @ Ravens (6–3) / SUNDAY 11/10/24 09:30 2 NFL Giants (2–7) Panthers (2–7) / SUNDAY 11/10/24 13:00 3 FOX Patriots (2–7) @ Bears (4–4) / 4 CBS Bills (7–2) @ Colts (4–5) / 5 FOX Vikings (6–2) @ Jaguars (2–7) / 6 CBS Broncos (5–4) @ Chiefs (8–0) / 7 FOX Falcons (6–3) @ Saints (2–7) / 8 FOX 49’ers (4–4) @ Buccaneers (4–5) / 9 FOX Steelers (6–2) @ Commanders (7–2) / SUNDAY 11/10/24 16:05 10 FOX Titans (2–6) @ Chargers (5–3) / SUNDAY 11/10/24 16:25 11 CBS Jets (3–6) @ Cardinals (5–4) / 13 CBS Eagles (6–2) @ Cowboys (3–5) / SUNDAY 11/10/24 20:15 13 NBC Lions (7–1) @ Texans (6–3) / MONDAY 11/11/24 20:15 14 ESPN Dolphins (2–6) @ Rams (4–4) / GAMES Points Possible 105 Tie Break (Total score last game) 35 Total Points off – TRIVIA ANSWER Doug Williams, Washington Redskins in 1988 Post Views: 12
Category: Football
A SHORT HISTORY OF NFL FOOTBALL
Ah, the storied rivalries of the NFL—where helmets clash, fans roar, and allegiances run deeper than a well-dug end zone. Buckle up, my friend, because we’re about to dive into some gridiron history that’ll make your heart race faster than a wide receiver sprinting for the goal line! The Birth of the NFL: From APFA to Gridiron Glory The Roaring Twenties and the APFA 🏈The NFL’s roots trace back to the early 1920s when professional football was a scrappy, regional affair. In 1920, a group of team owners met in Canton, Ohio, and formed the American Professional Football Association (APFA). Ten teams from four states—Ohio, Indiana,(the team from Indiana played in 1919, with a record of 4-1-1). Unfortunately the OHIO representatives wanted to form a new professional league. The Indiana team played only one game losing to the Illinois Rock Island Independents 45-0. This game and the Columbus Panhandles – Dayton Triangles, were the first two games played in the new league. As for the Flyers, they were relegated to playing local teams. The Ohio teams refused to play them with the excuse they wanted to play “better teams” and cancelled all games with the Flyers. NO player from the Flyers were were listed on the 1920 “All Star” and no player has been enshrined in the Hall Of Fame. INJUSTICE! I think so, and this should be rectified for no other reason than being the FIRST PRO team to play the game. (Just for your information the Flyers HC: was KEN HUFFMAN Home Field was WALNUT STREET STADIUM. The other team; not previously mentioned were the Cleveland Tigers. Teams making up the league were from Ohio were Akron, Cleveland,Canton, and Dayton. Indiana were the Muncie Flyers, Hammond Pros. New York Jeffersons. Illinois Rock Island Independents, Decatur Staleys, and Racine Cardinals. On September 17, 1920 the The Ohio group re-organized. Illinois, and New York—joined forces. Jim Thorpe, the legendary athlete, served as the league’s first president The Birth of a Pigskin Empire The Roaring Twenties and the NFL’s Humble Beginnings Back in the 1920s, when flappers were flapping and jazz was jazzing, a group of football enthusiasts decided it was high time to organize professional football. They gathered in a Hupmobile dealership (yes, you read that right) in Canton, Ohio, and thus, the NFL was born. It was like the Big Bang, but with more shoulder pads and fewer cosmic rays. The original teams were a colorful bunch: the Akron Pros, the Decatur Staleys (who later became the Chicago Bears), and the Dayton Triangles (because nothing says “football” like geometry). These early squads played in cow pastures, city parks, and any patch of grass large enough to accommodate a scrum. Imagine a bunch of burly dudes chasing a leather ball while dodging cows. It was like a real-life version of “Madden NFL: Barnyard Edition.” The Name Change and the NFL Emerges Two years later, in 1922, the APFA rebranded itself as the National Football League (NFL). The name change reflected the league’s growing ambition and national reach. The NFL aimed to establish itself as the premier professional football organization in the United States. The original teams included familiar names like the Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and New York Giants. The Early Years: Leather Helmets and Grit The NFL’s early years were marked by gritty games played on muddy fields. Leather helmets, woolen uniforms, and a no-nonsense attitude defined the era. Teams crisscrossed the country, playing in small stadiums and sometimes even on baseball fields. The league faced financial challenges, but it persevered. The Rise of the NFL Championship Game In 1933, the NFL introduced the playoff system, culminating in the NFL Championship Game. This annual showdown determined the league champion. The Chicago Bears, led by the legendary George Halas, dominated the early years, winning several titles. The Green Bay Packers, with their iconic coach Vince Lombardi, also left an indelible mark on NFL history. The Merger with the AFL The 1960s brought significant changes. The American Football League (AFL) emerged as a rival to the NFL. The two leagues engaged in fierce competition for players and fans. However, in 1966, they decided to merge, creating the modern NFL. The Super Bowl, which pits the champions of each conference against each other, became the pinnacle of professional football. The Super Bowl Era and Beyond The Super Bowl transformed the NFL into a cultural phenomenon. From Joe Namath’s guarantee in Super Bowl III to Tom Brady’s multiple championships, the game became a spectacle watched by millions worldwide. The league expanded, adding new teams like the Seattle Seahawks and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Innovations like instant replay and free agency shaped the game. Today: A Global Sporting Empire Fast-forward to today, and the NFL stands as a global sporting empire. The league boasts 32 teams, each with its passionate fan base. Stars like Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Donald, and Lamar Jackson electrify stadiums and screens. The NFL’s commitment to social justice initiatives, player safety, and community engagement continues to evolve. The Great Depression and the NFL’s Survival Dance The 1930s weren’t all moonshine and swing music. The Great Depression hit the NFL harder than a linebacker blitz. Teams folded faster than origami cranes in a windstorm. But a few resilient franchises soldiered on. The Green Bay Packers, led by the legendary Curly Lambeau, kept the flame alive. Meanwhile, the New York Giants were like the Gatsby of football, throwing extravagant parties (and passes) in the Big Apple. World War II and the NFL’s Patriotic Huddle When World War II rolled around, the NFL faced a dilemma: Should they keep playing while the world was at war? The answer was a resounding “Yes!” Football became a symbol of American resilience. Players traded their helmets for helmets (the military kind) and went off to fight. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Rams moved to Los Angeles, presumably to catch some rays and work on their tan lines between games. The Swinging Sixties and the NFL’s Pop Culture Blitz… Continue reading A SHORT HISTORY OF NFL FOOTBALL
Children Sports Burn Out
Yes, too much of one sport can indeed lead to burnout in children. Burnout usually results from chronic stress and might manifest as physical or emotional exhaustion, reduced performance, feelings of cynicism or detachment, and a lack of accomplishment. Although it varies from child to child, typically, playing multiple games a week, and adding in practices as well as travel for tournaments on weekends can become overwhelming. This intense schedule can cause physical fatigue and mental stress. To avoid burnout: 1. Variety: Encourage your child to play different sports. This can help them develop diverse skills and prevent overuse injuries. 2. Breaks: Ensure that your child takes breaks during the season and has an off-season when they do not play any organized sport. 3. Balance: Balance their sports activities with other things they enjoy like hanging out with friends, hobbies or family time. 4. Limitation: A common recommendation is that children should not spend more hours a week than their age playing sports. For example, a 10-year-old should play no more than 10 hours per week. 5. Listen: Pay attention to your child’s feelings about their sport commitment – if they’re consistently feeling too tired or unmotivated to participate, it may be time to reduce the intensity of involvement. 6. Fun element: It’s important that playing sports remains fun for your child rather than being perceived as a chore or job. 7. Professional guidance: Seek advice from a coach or pediatrician if you worry about burnout or over-exercise. It’s important to remember that every child is unique – one size does not fit all when it comes to an appropriate schedule for sports participation. Post Views: 23
NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 7 10/17-20-21/2024
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**The Disappearance of Rae Carruth: A Story of Murder, Betrayal, and Redemption**
Rae Carruth was once a rising star in the NFL. As a wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers, he had the talent, fame, and fortune that most young athletes dream of. But in 1999, Carruth’s life took a shocking and sinister turn when he was implicated in the murder of his pregnant girlfriend, Cherica Adams. The case became one of the most notorious in sports history, involving a chilling plot, a desperate escape, and a tragic outcome. Although Carruth was eventually convicted and served 18 years in prison, the case continues to haunt those involved and remains a cautionary tale about the dark side of fame and personal choices. Rae Carruth’s NFL Career and Relationship with Cherica Adams Rae Carruth was drafted in the first round by the Carolina Panthers in 1997 after a standout college career at the University of Colorado. His speed and playmaking ability quickly made him a key part of the Panthers’ offense, and he was considered one of the league’s promising young talents. However, off the field, Carruth’s life was marked by personal struggles and questionable decisions. In 1999, Carruth was in a relationship with Cherica Adams, a 24-year-old woman who became pregnant with his child. Although their relationship was rocky, Adams decided to keep the baby, hoping Carruth would embrace fatherhood. Tragically, Carruth had other plans, and instead of supporting Adams, he orchestrated a plot to end both her life and that of their unborn child. The Plot to Kill Cherica Adams On the night of November 16, 1999, Cherica Adams was driving her car in Charlotte, North Carolina, after going to the movies with Carruth. Suddenly, another car pulled alongside hers, and its occupants opened fire, hitting Adams four times. Miraculously, despite her injuries, Adams was able to call 911 and provide a crucial piece of evidence: she identified Carruth as being involved in the attack. According to her statement, Carruth had been driving in front of her and suddenly stopped, forcing her to slow down. As she did so, the gunmen pulled up beside her and fired. Adams’ description of the events, along with Carruth’s suspicious behavior following the shooting, led police to believe that he had orchestrated the murder. Carruth fled the scene but did not take Adams to the hospital, a decision that further raised suspicions. Cherica Adams was rushed to the hospital, where doctors were able to save her baby, but she slipped into a coma and died a month later on December 14, 1999. The baby, named Chancellor Lee Adams, was born prematurely and suffered permanent brain damage due to a lack of oxygen during the attack. Carruth’s Capture and Trial After Cherica Adams’ death, Rae Carruth became the prime suspect in her murder. Investigators discovered that Carruth had hired Van Brett Watkins, a nightclub manager and known criminal, to carry out the killing. The motive appeared to be Carruth’s unwillingness to pay child support and his desire to avoid the responsibilities of fatherhood. As the investigation intensified, Carruth was indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit murder, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and using an instrument to destroy an unborn child. Instead of turning himself in, Carruth fled. He was later found hiding in the trunk of a car in Tennessee, over 500 miles from Charlotte, in what appeared to be a desperate attempt to escape justice. In 2001, Carruth stood trial for the murder of Cherica Adams. The prosecution presented damning evidence, including Cherica’s 911 call and the testimony of Van Brett Watkins, who confessed to being hired by Carruth to carry out the murder. Despite the overwhelming evidence, Carruth maintained his innocence, claiming that while he was present during the shooting, he did not orchestrate it. In the end, the jury found Carruth guilty of conspiracy to commit murder, but he was acquitted of first-degree murder. He was sentenced to 18 to 24 years in prison, avoiding the death penalty. Carruth’s Time in Prison and Release Rae Carruth served 18 years of his sentence at the Sampson Correctional Institution in North Carolina. During his time in prison, Carruth largely stayed out of the spotlight, though he did make headlines on occasion with statements expressing remorse for his role in Cherica Adams’ death. However, his apologies were met with skepticism by many, including Cherica’s family, who questioned his sincerity. Carruth was released from prison on October 22, 2018. Upon his release, he expressed a desire to reunite with his son, Chancellor, who had been raised by Cherica’s mother, Saundra Adams. Chancellor, who lives with cerebral palsy due to the trauma of his birth, became the heart of the story, a living symbol of the tragedy and resilience that emerged from such a dark chapter. Lingering Questions and Redemption While Rae Carruth’s legal case is considered solved—he was convicted and served his sentence—questions about his true motivations and his psychological state at the time of the crime linger. Many have wondered how someone with so much talent and potential could orchestrate such a heinous act. Some speculate that Carruth’s inability to handle the pressures of fame, fatherhood, and finances led him down a dark path, though that does not absolve him of responsibility for his actions. Since his release, Carruth has remained mostly out of the public eye, and any attempts at redemption have been overshadowed by the gravity of his crime. Cherica’s mother, Saundra Adams, has been a beacon of grace throughout the ordeal, raising Chancellor with love and devotion, even after losing her daughter in such a brutal way. She has forgiven Carruth but remains protective of Chancellor’s well-being. Carruth’s release marks the end of one chapter in this tragic story, but the emotional scars left behind remain. For many, the case of Rae Carruth is a reminder of how personal choices can lead to devastating consequences, no matter one’s fame or fortune. Conclusion: A Case of Betrayal and Lost Potential Rae Carruth’s story is one of immense potential, wasted talent, and a life… Continue reading **The Disappearance of Rae Carruth: A Story of Murder, Betrayal, and Redemption**
NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 4 09/26-22-23/2024
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NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 3 09/19-22-23/2024
Rough week last week!!! For those of you who are new here. This is how confidence ranking goes, let me explain. If we were playing an office pool,(which we ARE NOT). The object is to score the most points. To obtain the score YOU rank the teams by how confident you are a team will win its game. EXAMPLE: Say this week we have 16 games. The team you are most confident will win you would assign the number 16 and follow down to the team you are least confident in and assign that number 1. You add up the TOTAL CORRECT PICKS.. That would be your score. We use the Monday night (Last game played) as a TIE BREAKER. The tie is broken by the closest to the total (that is the COMBINED score of the two participating teams) final score, without going over. YOU can adopt the scoring described above. Or, the optional method. A negative score for missed games. We will continue to get a positive score for correct predictions. EXAMPLE: if you scored 1 pt on the first game and you had 15 pts on the second game and lost you would still have 1 pt. 1. HOWEVER. with the same scenario new scoring system would result with a –14 score If we were playing this is how my sheet would look; My pick will be in bold Capital letters. you can use circling, underlining, or highlighting. I will show my correct points in Bold I will fill in my picks Thursday. Until then feel free to: Just copy and paste for your own Fun Pool Use. Or to see if you can beat me. IF YOU SEE I MADE A MIS-COPY OF THE GAMES AND TIMES FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME AND TELL ME I GOOFED. BYES: NONE TRIVIA TIME: When did the NFL overtake the MLB as America’s favorite sport? Answer below pick sheet All Times EDT (As You all know EDT is really AST [Atlantic Standard Time. ] Politicians just don’t know how to tell the truth. GAME TV VISITOR SCORE HOME SCORE CONFIDENCE RUNNING SCORE THURSDAY 09/19/24 20:15 1 FOX Patriots (1–1) 3 @ JETS (1–1) 24 12 12/12 SUNDAY 09/22/24 13:00 2 FOX Giants (0–2) 21 @ BROWNS (1–1) 15 3 12/9 3 CBS Bears (1–1) 16 @ COLTS (0–2) 21 13 25/22 4 CBS TEXANS (2–0) 7 @ Vikings (2–0) 34 4 25/18 5 FOX Eagles (1–1) 15 @ SAINTS (2–0) 12 5 25/13 6 CBS Chargers (2-0) 10 @ STEELERS (2–0) 20 2 27/15 7 FOX Broncos (0–2) 26 @ BUCCANEERS (2–0) 7 14 27/1 8 FOX Packers (1–1) 30 @ TITANS (0-2) 14 6 27/5 SUNDAY 09/22/24 16:05 09 CBS Panthers (0–2) 36 @ RAIDERS (1–1) 22 10 27/15 10 CBS Dolphins (1–1) 3 @ SEAHAWKS (2-–0) 24 7 35/6 SUNDAY 09/22/25 16:25 11 FOX LIONS (1–1) 20 @ Cardinals (1–1) 13 7 42/1 12 FOX RAVENS (0-2) 28 @ Cowboys (1–1) 25 1 43/2 13 FOX 49’ERS (1–1) 27 @ Rams (0–2) 27 15 43/13 SUNDAY 09/22/24 20:20 14 NBC CHIEFS (2–0) 22 Falcons (1–1) 17 8 51/5 MONDAY 09/23/24 19:30 15 ESPN Jaguars (0–2) 10 @ BILLS (2–0) 47 11 62/6 MONDAY 09/23/24 20:15 16 ABC Commanders (1–1) 38 @ BENGALS (0–2) 33 16 62/19 GAMES 8/8 50%/50% Points Possible 136 62/10. 56%/ -.04% Tie Break (Total score last game) 39 Total 81 Points off –42 TRIVIA ANSWER In the early 1970s Post Views: 65
NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 2 09/12-15-16-09/ 2024
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NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 1 09/05-06-08/2024
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THE FUTURE of SOLDIER FIELD: RENOVATE or RELOCATE?
[adrotate group=”1″] 🏈The Chicago Bears’ association with Soldier Field is one steeped in history and tradition. As one of the NFL’s oldest franchises, the Bears’ decision to either remain at Soldier Field or move to a new stadium is fraught with both sentiment and strategy. Here, we explore the pros and cons of each option. Pros of Staying at Soldier Field Historical Significance: Soldier Field has been home to the Bears since 1971 and is a monument to American football history. It stands as a testament to the team’s storied past and offers fans a sense of continuity and heritage. Location: Nestled within the city’s metropolitan area, Soldier Field is easily accessible for city dwellers and offers stunning views of the Chicago skyline, enhancing the game-day experience. The stadium generates significant economic activity for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and vendors, especially on game days. Cons of Staying at Soldier Field Outdated Facilities: Despite renovations, Soldier Field struggles to meet modern standards for amenities and technology compared to newer stadiums. Limited Capacity: With a seating capacity of just over 61,000, it is one of the smallest stadiums in the NFL, limiting ticket sales and revenue potential. Restrictions on Expansion: Soldier Field is a historical landmark, which imposes restrictions on any significant structural changes or expansions. Pros of Relocating State-of-the-Art Stadium: A new stadium would offer modern amenities, increased comfort for fans, and advanced technology for an enhanced viewing experience. Increased Revenue: A larger stadium would allow for more ticket sales, luxury boxes, and events, significantly boosting the team’s revenue. Opportunity for Growth: A new location could provide space for additional facilities, such as training complexes and administrative offices, fostering growth and development. Cons of Relocating Loss of Tradition: Moving away from Soldier Field would sever ties with a rich history that has become a part of the team’s identity. Financial Burden: Building a new stadium is a massive financial undertaking, with costs often running into the billions, which may not be recouped quickly. Community Impact: Relocation could negatively impact the businesses and workers who rely on the stadium’s presence in the city. In conclusion, the decision to either revitalize Soldier Field or build a new home for the Bears is complex. It involves weighing the benefits of modernization and potential revenue against the intangible value of tradition and history. The Bears’ choice will ultimately reflect their vision for the team’s future and its legacy. This post is a high-level overview of the considerations involved in the decision-making process for the Chicago Bears’ potential move from Soldier Field. For a more detailed analysis, further research and input from stakeholders, including fans, city officials, and the team itself, would be beneficial.🏈 [adrotate group=”1″] Post Views: 121
