National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
There’s a rather disturbing story about Marvin Harrison in the new ESPN Magazine (01.26.09). I’ve always admired Marvin for his stellar play and the way he performed his job. Who hasn’t? He and Peyton Manning hold the record for most receptions between a quarterback and receiver with 956. All the while, Marvin has seemed like a good guy — quiet and unassuming. He’s a lunch pail kind of player. He comes to work, does his job (well, I might add) and goes home. In this era of overpaid, high maintenance, loud mouth, prima donna receivers, …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense is on the cover of the new ESPN Magazine (December 29, 2008). And rightfully so. The modern day “Steel Curtain” is currently ranked first in pass defense (163.3 ypg) and total defense (239.1 ypg). They’re second in run defense (75.8 ypg) only because the Arizona Cardinals completely abandoned their ground game against the Minnesota Vikings last weekend, carrying the ball only seven times for 43 yards, padding the Vikes into the top spot — for now. Before all is said and done, the National Football League might be pushing for more …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
A year after Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor’s death, NFL players are still living scared. And with good reason. There’s an interesting article in the 11.24 Dec 01 2008 ESPN Magazine that features seven current NFL players discussing their own concerns and experiences with crime and the issue of safety in their own lives — Clinton Portis, Ben Roethlisberger, Dunta Robinson, Kevin Mawae, Derrick Brooks, Branden Albert and Fred Taylor. In the “special report,” ESPN senior writer David Fleming writes:
“When asked about their fears, players cite the same frightening flashpoints: New Year’s Day 2007, when …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
I meant to post this a few days ago. There’s a great article on Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson in the latest issue (10.06.08) of ESPN Magazine — “Please Don’t Remain Calm: Adrian Peterson’s Rocky Road to NFL Stardom.” Check it out. It should be on newsstands by now.
Source: ESPN.com

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
Great story on New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey (”Shockey’s Revenge!” as told to David Fleming) on the cover of the new ESPN Magazine (11.19, September 22). Outspoken as always, you’ll hear what J was thinking as he watched his former N.Y. Giants team win Super Bowl XLII without him.
Source: ESPNtheMag.com

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
ESPN Magazine’s “NFL Preview 2008″ is out and about. Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams is on the cover. If you’re a subscriber, you probably already have this. If not, it will be in stores this week.

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
There’s a great story on Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen in the June 30, 2008 ESPN Magazine (”The Fight Has Just Begun”). Since Jared quit drinking 20 months ago, he led the NFL in sacks last season and signed a new six-year, $73 million contract with the Vikes. Still, the road ahead won’t be easy for a guy with two DUI arrests in Kansas and a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s alcohol and substance-abuse policy:
“I wanted to show people I could man-up. I’ve been rewarded for that, and I don’t want …read more