Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers / Image: Zuma Press

1. The NFL is strengthening and expanding the membership of its medical committee that has studied the subject of concussions and overseen concussion-related research for the past 15 years. The current co-chairmen, Drs. Ira Casson and David Viano, have resigned from those positions and will to continue to assist the committee. The NFL is currently identifying their replacements and additional members who will bring to the committee independent sources of expertise and experience in the field of head injuries.
2. Each club is identifying local neurosurgeons or neurologists who will be available to provide an independent “second opinion” in cases involving players who have had a concussion and been removed from a game or practice. Before these players return to practice or play, they must be evaluated and cleared by both their team doctor and the independent neurologist or neurosurgeon. The NFL and the NFL Players Association medical advisor are reviewing the expertise and qualifications of, and approve, each doctor proposed for this role.
3. Members of the NFL Competition Committee are continuing to evaluate potential changes in playing rules that are intended to reduce head impacts and related injuries in a game setting. Commissioner Goodell met yesterday with Committee co-chair Rich McKay and reviewed specific types of plays for that purpose.
4. John Madden, in his role as special advisor to the Commissioner, is chairing a committee of coaches that is exploring ways of providing players with a safer environment that would reduce the risk of head trauma on non-game days. Among the considerations are reducing the overall amount of off-season work, and/or limiting the use of helmets (and therefore contact) in practice, minicamps, OTAs, and training camps. Madden’s group will report its recommendations to the Competition Committee and Commissioner Goodell.
5. In conjunction with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the league has developed an NFL public service message directed primarily at young athletes and their parents and coaches on the importance of head injury awareness. It will debut on the air on December 10. In addition, the league also is working with the CDC and other organizations to distribute educational material to young athletes and high school coaches, and to develop an overall certification program for coaches at those levels addressing player health and safety.
6. As part of its continuing educational effort, the NFL will hold another medical conference in Washington, D.C., in June 2010 on concussions for team medical staffs and representatives of the NFLPA, similar to the conference that took place in Chicago in 2007. The NFL will again invite leading doctors and scientists to present the most current information regarding this injury. Club medical personnel will be required to attend.
7. The NFL will continue to invest in research designed to improve equipment safety and will urge players to make informed choices regarding the use of the most technologically advanced helmets.

Commissioner Goodell told the clubs that these developments are the latest in a series of steps in recent years that have improved player safety, especially relating to concussions and other head injuries.

“We have undertaken a series of initiatives that will enhance the substantial progress we have made in recent years in concussion-related matters. Our goal remains to make our game as safe as possible, protect the health and safety of our players, and set the best possible example for players at all levels and in all sports. Our game today is played with the understanding that medical decisions must always take priority over competitive interests. As a result, our sport is safer than it was previously. But we always strive to do better and the steps announced today will enhance the substantial progress we have made in recent years.”

He said he expects to advise them in the near future of additional steps that he has identified. These steps include new medical guidelines and research directed at the issue of long-term effects of concussions.

This is all well and good. But the fact remains that playing professional football is a violent activity and there will undoubtedly continue to be concussions no matter how many developments there are to prevent them. I applaud the NFL for what they’re doing. But I don’t think it can ever be enough to eliminate the problem.

Source: NFL Media

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

NFL Advancements in Concussion Prevention

Kurt Warner, Arizona Cardinals / Image: Zuma Press

I was at the Hall of Fame last week and it’s one of my happiest places to be. I am there every August to work at the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony—which is a tremendous honor—but it’s also the busiest day of the year at the Hall. And I’m working. So that means I don’t have much of an opportunity to look around and enjoy the museum. On my visit last week, I was able to roam around on a relatively quiet Wednesday afternoon at my leisure and truly enjoy what an amazing place this is. If you’ve never been there, by all means put that on your bucket list and spend a day at the Hall.

Anyway, back to Kurt Warner—he is becoming well represented in the Pro Football Hall of Fame:

Kurt Warner Momentos in the Hall’s Collection

• NFL game ball signed by Kurt from the Rams 23-16 win over the Tennessee Titans in SBXXXIV.
• Kurt’s jersey worn in aforementioned SBXXXIV.
• Kurt’s jersey he wore and a football he threw in a game against the San Diego Chargers on Oct. 1, 2000. That day he became the second QB in history to record a perfect passer rating (158.3) twice in his career.
• Kurt’s jersey and the ball he threw against the N.Y. Giants on Nov. 23, 2008 when he reached the 40,000-yard mark of his pro career (including NFL Europe, Arena Football, and NFL passing yards)

Source: ProFootballHOF.com

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Kurt Warner Momentos Headed to HOF

Matt Leinart, Arizona Cardinals / Image: Zuma Press

As it turns out, Matt is only the second NFL player to come back after one day of Jay’s training regimen—meaning the workout was so difficult, very few return to be punished beyond one day. Therefore, Matt is not only reaping the physical rewards, but also the mental benefits of sticking it out:

“I think the biggest thing is how far you can push yourself. It’s got me mentally tougher and obviously we’re not playing games right now but it really helps you build this attitude that nothing can stop you. It sounds like a lot, but if you saw the workouts these MMA guys do, it’s ridiculous. It’s a whole other animal ….. It’s pushing me to my limits.”

Matt needs all the help he can get. And as Jay tries to rid Matt of his “pretty boy” personna—and as Kurt Warner gets better with age—the heir apparent to the Arizona Cardinals’ quarterback throne is playing a waiting game. MMA workouts certainly won’t hurt him, but game reps these workouts are not. And until Matt can get under center and “face the bullets” in real time on a regular basis, his growth as an NFL quarterback will be hindered. He needs snaps—game snaps. He needs to play football.

Source: The Dan Patrick Show

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Matt Leinart Surviving MMA Workouts

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

The Arizona Cardinals finally came to their senses and took care of business with quarterback Kurt Warner today. Of course, my feeling is they never should’ve let Kurt leave town (he visited the San Francisco 49ers earlier this week), but what matters most, especially as far as AZ Cards fans are concerned, is that Kurt signed a two-year, $23 million deal to remain the starting quarterback. Typically, he kept things in proper perspective:

“It’s one of those things that can be bittersweet, especially at this point and time in the economy and where people are struggling. I understand all the dynamics. My whole role with having this blessing is understanding my role in it and having the most impact I can, whether it is with my family or the community. That’s how I look at it, as a responsibility.”

Let’s face it. Kurt needs receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. They’re probably the two best receivers in the National Football League. I’ve said that more times than I can remember, even before it became fashionable to do so. And while I won’t go so far as to say that Larry and Anquan need Kurt, they’re probably a lot better off with him than without him. I want to believe that backup QB Matt Leinart (who is cursing the Niners today) could step in and win games for Arizona, but the truth is we just don’t know. Not that he hasn’t had the chance to prove himself. Kurt just proved he was the better man for the job when the two have battled it out on a level playing field. So, while the Arizona Cardinals unfortunately won’t field exactly the same team that got them to Super Bowl XLIII last season, the parts that matter most are still intact. And I believe they’re still the team to beat in the NFC.

Source: AZCardinals.com, Photo: Newscom

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Cardinals Re-sign Kurt Warner

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

Kurt Warner helped the Arizona Cardinals get to the Super Bowl (and almost won it) last season, but that wasn’t enough for the Cards to give him the kind of money he’s looking for this year. Apparently, Kurt is seeking more than the $10-$12 million per season on a two-year deal that Arizona is offering him. So barring some unforeseen last minute deal, he will become a free agent in a matter of hours. His agent, Mark Bartlestein, spent today in Arizona trying to negotiate a deal with the Cards, but the two sides couldn’t agree on terms and thus Kurt will hit the open market at 12:01 a.m. tomorrow.

I have to believe Kurt would be a very attractive option for many teams. But his best chance at success is to somehow stay in Arizona. There he has a solid running game and arguably the best corps of receivers in the NFL. If it’s another Super Bowl shot he seeks, it behooves him to stay in AZ. If he just wants the money, he’ll do better elsewhere. Kurt’s a smart guy. My guess is he’ll return to Arizona for the more than fair offer they are presenting him.

Source: NFL.com, Photo: Newscom

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Kurt Warner is a Free Agent

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner was named the 2008 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year yesterday. The announcement was made on-field at Raymond James Stadium live on NBC before the kickoff of Super Bowl XLIII. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Connie Payton, the late Walter Payton’s wife, presented Kurt with the award, the only league recognition that acknowledges a player’s community service as well as his playing excellence.

“I am humbled the Lord has given me such an amazing life to impact others. Of all the awards given to NFL athletes, the Walter Payton Man of the Year is the one that stands out above the rest to me because of what it represents. When people look back at my career I want them to see a fierce competitor, but more importantly, I want to be remembered for my consistency of character and the legacy I hope to leave through my First Things First Foundation.”

For all of his on-field accomplishments, including a Super Bowl XXXIV win, two NFL Most Valuable Player awards and four Pro Bowl selections, Kurt’s community work remains his biggest source of pride. After visiting flood-ravaged regions in 2008, he created a partnership with Habitat for Humanity to sponsor home builds throughout the Midwest. To date, he has raised over $650,000, including a $100,000 personal contribution, $100,000 from his foundation, and $100,000 each from the Arizona Cardinals and the NFL Disaster Relief Fund. Kurt established the aforementioned First Things First Foundation in 2001 and has personally contributed more than $1.5 million since then to fund trips for Make-A-Wish families, home builds for underprivileged families, and Punt, Pass and Kick clinics with Special Olympians. Kurt is an active participant in both league-wide and team-based community programs, including NFL Network’s Keep Gym in School initiative and the NFL PLAY 60/American Heart Association What Moves U in-school fitness program.

Source: NFL Media, Photo: Newscom

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Kurt Warner NFL Man of the Year

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

On the surface, Super Bowl XLIII has been touted as the Cardinals offense vs. the Steelers defense. The Cards had the NFL’s 4th best offense (in total yards) and the Steelers had the NFL’s top defense (fewest yards allowed). But there are so many other storylines and, of course, sports writers and fans have spent the past two weeks dissecting all the possibilities.

Certainly, I believe strength against strength is the most intriguing of tonight’s matchups. But, a few others quickly come to mind. I think the Cardinals are a completely different football team when they get off to a quick start (meaning getting an early lead). And they need to have a balanced attack — running the football with Edgerrin James and Tim Hightower to compliment their high-octane passing game that features the NFL’s two best receivers, Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, as well as Steve Breaston. I think both teams will have some trick plays up their sleeves. And I wonder about the familiarity of the Cardinals coaches (Ken Whisenhunt and Russ Grimm) with the Steelers defensive personnel — if that will have any affect on the outcome of this game. Those are all things to examine when the game is over. But I believe this Super Bowl boils down to turnovers. And that may sound very obvious, but keep in mind this game is no different than any other NFL game in that regard. If you win the turnover battle, there’s a good chance you’ll win the football game. To say the Cardinals have been an opportunistic defense during this postseason would be a severe understatement. They are an incredible +9 in turnover ratio in three playoff games. They will need to remain disciplined in their assigned responsibilities while trying to force Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger into making mistakes. The Steelers, on the other hand, will focus on forcing Cards QB Kurt Warner into turnovers. Kurt has been known to put the ball on the ground in the face of a frenzied pass rush. Kurt has been outstanding in these playoffs, but you know the Steelers understand his weaknesses and tendencies and will attack them accordingly.

I want to say that defense wins championships — which would lead me to pick the Steelers tonight — but something about Arizona tells me that destiny beats defense. I would be crazy to pick the Cardinals, but…..

STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES — Steelers seek unprecedented sixth Super Bowl title; they won championships after 1974, ’75, ’78, ’79 and 2005 seasons … Steelers lost once in Super Bowl, after 1995 season to Dallas … Before Super Bowl era, they never made a championship game … Mike Tomlin is only third Steelers coach since 1969. Chuck Noll won four Super Bowls before being replaced in 1992 by Bill Cowher, who won one title … Eleven starters remain from 2005 champion, including Super Bowl MVP WR Hines Ward … Latest version of Steel Curtain, led by Defensive Player of Year LB James Harrison, allowed fewest points in league (223), to go with high rankings in yards allowed … Pittsburgh swept Baltimore in three games this season, including AFC championship, to get to Super Bowl … RB Willie Parker has rushed for two touchdowns and 193 yards in two playoff games. His 75-yard run in 21-10 win over Seattle three years ago is longest in Super Bowl history … Cardinals are in first Super Bowl. Their last title was in 1947 while representing Chicago. Their three postseason wins this year surpass previous total for playoffs (2) … Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt was offensive coordinator for Pittsburgh’s 2005 title team. He was passed over for head coaching job when Cowher retired two years ago for Tomlin, and is 1-0 vs. Steelers since … QB Kurt Warner won Super Bowl with Rams and was MVP of game after 1999 season. He was league MVP in ’99 and 2001 and lost Super Bowl to New England in February 2002 … RB Edgerrin James has been reborn in playoffs after losing starting job to rookie Tim Hightower during season. James has 203 yards rushing in playoffs … All-Pro WR Larry Fitzgerald already has set playoff record for yards receiving (419) and has five TD receptions.

Source: NFL Media

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Super Bowl XLIII Preview

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

The Arizona Cardinals had their final major practice before Super Bowl XLIII today. Quarterback Kurt Warner looked very sharp. It was probably his best day of the week. Only three balls hit the ground during the two-hour and 20 minute workout. The team spent a good deal of time during the middle of practice working on punt protection. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt said:

“I thought it was a good week of work. You always wonder when you go on the road and your team is practicing in another facility if they’re going to have the consistency that you’ve had. No question that it helped us that we’ve already done this once this season.”

Yeah, but that didn’t work out so well. The Cards stayed in the Washington, D.C. area between their September 21 game against the Redskins and the following Sunday’s game in the Meadowlands against the N.Y. Jets. They lost both games. Naturally, coach Whisenhunt is hoping for a different result this time around. I think this is a different team. They may have the same personnel, yes, but they also have a different attitude. So I will expect a much better effort than the way they played against the Jets.

Coach Whisenhunt had a three-minute huddle with his team at the end of practice but wouldn’t say what he was talking to them about or what the team’s weekend plans were (like if they were switching hotels). The team will have a half-hour walk-through tomorrow morning.

The injury report is the same as the previous two days with one exception. Defensive end Antonio Smith had full participation in practice. Running back J.J. Arrington (knee), punter Ben Graham (left groin), and defensive end Travis LaBoy (biceps) were all still limited in their practice time and will probably be listed as questionable for Sunday’s game.

Thanks to fellow PFWA member John Czarnecki for today’s pool report.

Post from: Every Morning Quarterback

Cardinals Friday Practice Report

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

Matt Leinart’s journey to the role of backup quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals is almost as interesting as Kurt Warner’s ascension to the starting spot. At Super Bowl XLIII Media Day this morning, Matt didn’t have a podium (like Kurt) or a lot of interested ears. But he certainly had a story. Here’s a guy who was on top of the world as the quarterback for the USC Trojans and then drafted to be the franchise QB and face and future of the Arizona Cardinals. Yet three seasons later, he’s holding a clipboard. Granted, he’s in a very unique situation playing alongside a former Super Bowl MVP and future Hall of Famer. But the fact remains, he has not met expectations. And that’s got to be a tough pill to swallow for someone who had such tremendous college creds. Still, he knows his time could be as soon as the next snap:

“I’ve learned a lot, about the quarterback position, sitting back and realizing this is what I need to do to become a better football player, whether I’m playing or not. I feel like I’ve been ready every single play, every game this year. You have to prepare, study, put in the same amount of time. If your number’s called you don’t want be the guy who’s not prepared. That’s something that I think about. I’m going to be prepared if my number’s called.”

Source: NFL.com, Photo: Newscom

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Matt Leinart is Prepared to Play

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

The Arizona Cardinals only have five players with Super Bowl experience. One of those five players is quarterback Kurt Warner. And as the Cards arrived in Tampa today to begin their prep work for Super Bowl XLIII, Kurt emphasized that his team should embrace the moment rather than being annoyed with constant questioning from the media and relentless autograph hounds in the team’s hotel lobby. Of course, embracing the moment doesn’t mean attending every Super Bowl party you’re invited to:

“When you are able to put one of those rings on your finger, it means access to a lot of parties in the future. You don’t have to go and enjoy them all this week. You can sit back and do what you came here to do, and then you can enjoy all the parties for the rest of your life because you’ll have an in from that point. I hope that’s how guys look at it. This is something special and the game is something special. The parties will come and go, but being part of history is something that is special. I hope guys understand that.”

Source: AZCardinals.com, Photo: Newscom

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Kurt Warner Denounces Super Bowl Parties