Ronnie Brown, Miami Dolphins / Image: Zuma Press

The injury is by no means career threatening, but it is severe enough to sideline Ronnie for a couple months, thus ending his 2009 season. Sadly, he was on a pace (648 yards after nine games) to set a career high for rushing yardage, much as he was in 2007 (602 yards after just seven games) before his season also ended early with a knee injury.

With Ronnie out, it drastically affects Miami’s offensive scheme. And if the team plans to continue with the Wildcat, it certainly means more playing time for slasher Pat White and running back Ricky Williams.

Source: MiamiDolphins.com

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Ronnie Brown Fractures Foot, Season Over

Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed was a dominant force on the Ravens defense throughout the entire 2008 season. He put together a remarkable season by any standard. What’s even more incredible is that he did it while suffering from a nerve impingement in his neck. Overcoming this adversity earned Ed the admiration of his teammates, and their vote for the Ed Block Courage Award.

Ed is just one of many incredible stories of courage in this year’s class. Minnesota Vikings defensive end Kenechi Udeze was diagnosed with leukemia after the 2007 season. Kenechi received a bone marrow transplant from his brother, Thomas Barnes, and his leukemia is now in remission. He has vowed to return to the NFL and could play as early as 2009. Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman played through 2008 while his daughter Tiana Rene battled cardiomyopathy. And Tampa Bay Bucs kicker Matt Bryant fought through the tragedy of losing his 3-month old son Tryson.

This year’s class also features headline players who overcame adversity to lead their teams on the field. Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme returned from Tommy John Surgery to lead the Panthers back to the playoffs. Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown returned from a torn ACL to help lead the Dolphins to the playoffs. And safety Ryan Clark returned to the Steelers line-up after suffering a near fatal spleen injury. Ryan is an integral part of the best defense in the NFL.

Click here to download the entire list of winners for the 2008 season.

Source: EdBlock.org

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2008 Ed Block Courage Award Recipients

Here is the AFC Pro Bowl roster. Starters are listed in bold.

OFFENSE

QB: Peyton Manning, Colts; Brett Favre, Jets; Jay Cutler, Broncos
RB: Thomas Jones, Jets; Chris Johnson, Titans; Ronnie Brown, Dolphins
FB: Le’Ron McClain, Ravens
WR: Andre Johnson, Texans; Brandon Marshall, Broncos; Reggie Wayne, Colts; Wes Welker, Patriots
TE: Tony Gonzalez, Chiefs; Antonio Gates, Chargers
T: Joe Thomas, Browns; Jason Peters, Bills; Michael Roos, Titans
G: Alan Faneca, Jets; Kris Dielman, Chargers; Brian Waters, Chiefs
C: Kevin Mawae, Titans; Nick Mangold, Jets

DEFENSE

DE: Mario Williams, Texans; Dwight Freeney, Colts; Robert Mathis, Colts
DT: Albert Haynesworth, Titans; Kris Jenkins, Jets; Shaun Rogers, Browns
OLB: James Harrison, Steelers; Joey Porter, Dolphins; Terrell Suggs, Ravens
MLB: Ray Lewis, Ravens; James Farrior, Steelers
CB: Nnamdi Asomugha, Raiders; Cortland Finnegan, Titans; Darrelle Revis, Jets
S: Ed Reed, Ravens; Troy Polamalu, Steelers; Chris Hope, Titans

SPECIAL TEAMS

K: Stephan Gostkowski, Patriots
P: Shane Lechler, Raiders
KR: Leon Washington, Jets
ST: Brendon Ayanbadejo, Ravens

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2009 AFC Pro Bowl Roster

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

Admittedly, I didn’t even know what the “Cupid Shuffle” was until I heard that Miami Dolphins players Ronnie Brown, Vernon Carey, and Ikechuku Ndukwe were fined for performing part of it after a score against the San Diego Chargers last week. Each player lost $10,000 as a result because, as NFL rules clearly state, choreographed celebrations by two or more players aren’t permitted. Ronnie understood, sort of:

“I was a little surprised about the amount more so than getting fined. Obviously we were out having fun and we were enjoying the game, and it was one of those spur of the moment things. But at the same time, I guess rules are rules.”

I’m torn on this one. Half the time I think these types of celebrations are harmless and fun and I’m sure the league would agree if they could somehow see the performances in advance and approve them. But this is football, not Dancing With the Stars. So, I completely understand the NFL’s position. On the other hand, the Dolphins were 1-15 last season. They’re 2-2 so far this year with back-to-back wins over ‘07 playoff teams. I say dance!

If you want to know how to celebrate like this, here’s a link to the “Cupid Shuffle Instructional Video” by none other than Cupid himself. Just remember, before you try this at home, you must stretch and warm-up first.

Source: Sun-Sentinel.com, Photo: Newscom

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Three Dolphins Fined For ‘Cupid Shuffle’

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

What a difference a year makes. Last season was all about the New England Patriots. And if there was one team last season was certainly NOT about, it was the Miami Dolphins. Today, not only did the Dolphins exact revenge on two lopsided losses to the Patriots from last season, they did so in convincing fashion — on the road, no less — and ended the Pats NFL record 21-game regular season winning streak by pummeling New England 38-13.

To understand Miami’s total dominance in this game, just look at the total net yards — 461 to 216 in favor of the Dolphins. It came as a shock to me, but earlier this week, Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter waxed prophetic:

“If it’s not Tom Brady, it shouldn’t be that hard. It’s not the MVP we’re going against. They won last week, but it’s not like they were putting up the crazy 40 points like they were when they had Tom. It’s a different offense, a different team without Tom in there. I don’t care what anybody says. It’s not the same team. You treat him like a backup. How do you prepare for a backup? He doesn’t get that many snaps, right? So you throw the kitchen sink at him. That’s what we’re going to do.”

I’m sure Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano (who got his first win today) wishes Joey would just shut up and play, but if he can back up his words, more power to him. And he did. Joey had six tackles (five solo), three sacks and a forced fumble. And he won’t even get headlines because offensive teammate Ronnie Brown managed five touchdowns — four rushing and one throwing (he was even taking direct snaps and running the option). Which makes me happy because I’ve interviewed Ronnie more times than I have any other player in the NFL. He’s one of my favorite players. And a heck of a nice guy. That’s why I keep interviewing him. When I last spoke with Ronnie back in March, the discussion was about his recovery from a serious knee injury and after a performance like this, it’s safe to say he’s all the way back.

Does this game represent a power shift in the AFC East or is it merely an aberration? With the Buffalo Bills improving to 3-0 this afternoon and the Dolphins handling the Patriots like this, I’m leaning towards the former. There’s a lot of football left to play, but this game makes you wonder.

Sources: MiamiDolphins.com, PatriotsInsider.com, Photo: Newscom

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Dolphins End Patriots Record Win Streak

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

After his tumultuous past, I never thought I’d see this day. But so happy are the Miami Dolphins with running back Ricky Williams, they signed him to a one-year contract extension through the 2009-10 season yesterday. Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland said the team wanted to extend Ricky’s deal so he didn’t become a free agent after this season:

“I wasn’t here in the past so I don’t really know if he had a lack of dedication in the past. I mean, I know what I read and I know what circulates in NFL circles. But when we sat down coming here, we said, ‘We’re going to give this guy every benefit of the doubt. And he’s got to show us that he is dedicated.’ And he’s done everything that we’ve asked him to do. And we feel very good about our decision to extend him.”

With RB Ronnie Brown still on the mend from a torn ligament in his right knee, Ricky’s the number one running back on this team (according to the team’s depth chart) with something to prove. And I believe he’s up to the challenge. Ronnie will need sufficient time to heal and Ricky’s recent good play will allow Ronnie to return at a somewhat slower pace. For the preseason, Ricky tied for the team lead in rushing with 29 carries for 123 yards and one touchdown and had two catches for eight yards. But even with a recent thumb injury, Ronnie is not backing down. He had 12 carries for 47 yards and one touchdown against the Saints in last week’s final preseason game. Ricky Williams or Ronnie Brown? Right now it’s all good news for the Dolphins.

Sources: MiamiDolphins.com, Yahoo! Sports, Photo: Newscom

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Ricky Williams Gets Contract Extension

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

Miami Dolphins RB Ricky Williams is doing everything he can to make sure his ongoing NFL comeback is a successful one. After playing in just 13 games the past three seasons, Ricky has yet to miss a workout during 11 weeks of a strictly regimented offseason program. And to hear him talk makes me wonder if this is the same Ricky Williams that smoked pot and acted “weird” while seemingly throwing away his National Football League career:

“This is the hardest I’ve worked. Coach Saban worked us pretty hard, but I think this new regime is making every single person on the field prove themselves. Not just prove they can play football, but prove they are going to lay it on the line on a consistent basis.”

Ricky also spoke about preparing himself for life after football and being a responsible man — going back to school, getting a “real” job and taking proper care of his kids. This sounds like a new and improved Ricky Williams. I don’t claim to know what he’s been through. I’m also not trying to make any excuses for him. But I do believe he deserves this opportunity and I’m glad he’s making the most of it.

Source: Miami Herald, Photo: Newscom

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Ricky Williams Working Hard on Comeback

Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL

By the time Miami Dolphins RB Ronnie Brown walks into training camp this summer, he might think he’s in the wrong place. So much has changed in South Florida, it’s hard to recognize the 1-15 Dolphins. And that’s a good thing. There’s nothing like a nearly winless season to inspire change.

One of the few bright spots for the Dolphins in 2007 was the development of Ronnie Brown. Though his season ended after seven games with a torn ACL (trying to make a tackle after an interception, no less), Ronnie’s string of four consecutive 100-yard games had proven what Miami Dolphins brass strongly suspected when they selected him with the second overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft — that he was the real deal. At six feet and 232 pounds, Ronnie’s built like a brick wall. And his ridiculous 40-time at the ‘05 NFL Scouting Combine wasn’t a fluke. The guy can move with the football in his hands. Factor in his pass catching ability and you’ve got all the makings of a workhorse, every-down back that 29 other teams wish they would’ve traded-up to get.

How good was Ronnie’s 2007 season before he messed up his knee trying to run down New England Patriots CB Randall Gay after an interception? He was leading the entire NFL in yards from scrimmage. But at the time of the injury, he wasn’t sure how serious it was or if or how long it would sideline him. His questions would soon be answered with bad news, though. “It felt a little weird and then once I actually went off the field, the doc told me he thought it was my ACL,” Ronnie explained. “Later on when I was in the shower and then also when I was trying to ice it, it felt weak and unstable. At that point, I kinda thought maybe it was a little more serious than I originally imagined.”

And that’s the worst feeling for an NFL player — the reality of an injury that prevents you from doing your job. Which, for some players, could lead to not having one. But Ronnie had surgery right away and after a period of rest, he’s been improving rapidly. “I’m four months out of surgery and everything seems to be going really well,” Ronnie said. “I’m actually running and doing some things on the field that I’m excited about after being cooped-up for so long. But I’m just excited about the upcoming season and I’m trying to get back and hopefully pick up where I left off last season.”

Where he left off was among the best in the NFL at his position. In six and a half games, Ronnie had piled up 602 yards on 119 carries. Yeah, that’s 5.1 yards per carry. It was sickening to see his promising season end so early, but always the consummate professional, he kept a positive attitude and was ready to deal with the challenge. “At that point, I felt pretty good about my conditioning and health,” Ronnie admitted. “I think EAS supplements have been a big advantage for me. I have a great opportunity working with EAS to hopefully help myself come back faster than I might normally if I wasn’t using the products.”

Ronnie’s regimen includes his favorite Phosphagen Elite™ (a flavored creatine powder that acts as a buffer against the lactic acid that limits exercise power); Athlete’s Defense™ multi-vitamins (designed to support an athlete’s immune system by increasing antioxidant defenses); and Myoplex® shakes for workout recovery. “I think they all play a big part in my being able to come back,” he said.

When he does come back, he’ll see what appears to be a brand new team. The Dolphins have been extremely active so far in free agency, adding OL Justin Smiley (49ers), DT Randy Starks (Titans), LB Reggie Torbor (Giants), WR Ernest Wilford (Jags), TE Sean Ryan (Jets) and former Cowboys DT Jason Ferguson via a trade. Plus they’ve hired a new head coach in Tony Sparano. And NFL living legend Bill Parcells was hired as the Director of Football Ops. “I was excited about Bill Parcells for the simple fact that everyone knows the things he’s done with other programs,” Ronnie said. “As far as him coming into Miami, I think it’s something we needed as an organization and I’m looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to a change and looking forward to us turning things around.”

As far as seeing so many new faces in the locker room, Ronnie admitted to feeling a little uncertain. “It’s a little weird,” he said. “In college, everything pretty much stays the same. I’m working on my fourth year in the NFL now and it’s a little different here, but everyone knows it’s part of the game and changes do happen. It’s one of the things you just have to work with and overcome and hopefully we can add some key guys and everything can come together as an organization and get this headed in the direction it’s supposed to go.”

In this current NFL, a team can completely turn their misfortunes into fortunes. Sometimes in just one season. And Ronnie feels the Dolphins are a prime candidate to do just that despite their previous one-win season. “We have a great opportunity here with the pieces we already have and the people that have been brought into the organization,” he said. “If we can continue to do the things we’ve done to improve over the past few months, I think we’ve got a good chance to be a pretty good team this year.”

This was the second consecutive year I interviewed Ronnie from the “EAS Experience” at the Arnold Sports Festival Expo and the fourth time overall. Visit Ronnie online at RonnieBrown23.com or his Team EAS page.

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EMQB Interview: Ronnie Brown

The Arnold Sports Festival is the world’s largest multi-sport fitness weekend — a three-day fitness free-for-all with 37 events and 12 Olympic sports. This weekend, more than 150,000 sports fans witnessed 17,000 athletes competing in a wide range of sports — from the 20th anniversary of the Arnold Classic professional bodybuilding competition to archery, boxing, cycling, fencing, gymnastics, judo, running, table tennis, tae kwon do, weightlifting, wrestling, and wu shu. That’s a lot of sports. I don’t even know what wu shu is.

As usual, a mega-popular three-day Fitness EXPO anchored the fest with 650 fitness-related booths and ongoing stage entertainment. Among that entertainment and appearing at the “EAS Experience” were NFL players Vernon Davis (TE, San Francisco 49ers); Ronnie Brown (RB, Miami Dolphins); Larry Fitzgerald (WR, Arizona Cardinals); and Matt Hasselbeck (QB, Seattle Seahawks). I had a chance to speak with Vernon, Ronnie and Larry before their public appearances yesterday. Matt was ready to interview with me when host Arnold Schwarzenegger happened by the booth and that’s when I lost Matt. So, I’m blaming Arnold for messing up my interview with Matt Hasselbeck.

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NFL Players Appear at Arnold Sports Festival

With Bill Parcells cleaning house in Miami, it was only a matter of time before head coach Cam Cameron was given his walking papers. In a disasterous 1-15 debut, Coach Cameron was fired as leader of the Dolphins today.

I have mixed feelings on this. Understandably, Bill Parcells wants to put his stamp on the team he was hired to assemble. I don’t think anyone can argue that. He wants people he knows and people he’s comfortable with — people he shares the same organizational and structural philosophy with. Cam Cameron did not fit with that plan.

In defense of Coach Cameron, he was, in a sense, brought to Miami to steer a sinking ship. He had to deal with the quarterback controversy between Daunte Culpepper and Trent Green, neither of whom would be available for most of the season (Trent injured and Daunte cut). His star running back (Ronnie Brown) went down with a season-ending injury and his top wide receiver (Chris Chambers) was dealt to San Diego. Then it took him nearly the entire season to get his first victory. And that was the only one he managed. You gotta have some sympathy for the guy.

Nevertheless, 1-15 doesn’t cut it anywhere, much less the National Football League. And with new management in South Beach, this move was inevitable. Coach Cameron is a class act and I hope he finds a great new career, with the odds in his favor this time — perhaps even as the type of successful OC as he was in San Diego prior to taking the Miami job.

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Cam Cameron Fired as Head Coach in Miami, Overhaul of Dolphins Continues