Here’s a behind-the-scenes from Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu’s Head & Shoulders commercial. Troy talks about why he partnered with H&S and Operation Once in a Lifetime. And yes, I know firsthand he really is this soft-spoken and nice in-person—having done an interview with him a couple years ago. In fact, Troy’s been spending his down time (recovering from an MCL sprain) handing out food and 20 dollar bills to the homeless under the 9th Street Bridge in downtown Pittsburgh. Actually, he’s been doing this for some time and will probably continue to do so. He plans an October 11 …read more

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have beaten the Tennessee Titans to open NFL Kickoff 2009 Weekend last night. But they lost a key member of their defense in the process. At least for a while. Steelers safety Troy Polamalu will be out an estimated 3-6 weeks with a sprained MCL in his left knee. Troy suffered the injury in the first half when he was trying to pick up and run with a fumble. He ended up doing a split when Titans tight end Alge Crumpler dropped all 262 pounds (and that’s being kind) on top of his knee. Ouch. Veteran …read more

Madden NFL 10 arrives on the Wii with a look that will blow away diehard Madden vets and newcomers alike. It’s been completely redesigned and rebuilt from the ground up. Madden NFL 10 is being touted as “What Fun Looks Like” on the Wii and I couldn’t agree more. This is the most social and dynamic experience from the Madden franchise to date.
The first thing you’ll notice is the new look. And most obvious are the cartoonish new player models. Five unique body types were created for quarterbacks, receivers, linebackers, linemen and running backs. But that certainly isn’t where it …read more

Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu will both be featured on the cover of Madden NFL 10, set to hit retail stores on Friday, August 14. For the first time in the 21-year history of the Madden NFL franchise, two players will be on the cover. Madden NFL 10 will be available on Xbox 360, PlayStation2 and PLAYSTATION 3, Wii, and PSP.

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
The Arizona Cardinals spent some of their practice time in the rain today. A steady drizzle hit the Cards about an hour into a two hour and 15 minute workout. But it didn’t stop injured defensive players Travis LaBoy and Antonio Smith, who both worked extensively. Running back J.J. Arrington did some offensive reps but was held out of special teams’ work at the end of practice to protect his knee.
For both yesterday’s and today’s practices, the Cards had defensive scout players wear the jersey numbers for Pittsburgh linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley, and …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
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, …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
Here’s the rule explanation for the end of yesterday’s Steelers-Chargers game I received from the NFL this afternoon. It didn’t make any difference in the outcome, just the final score. And in case you don’t already know, this occurred during a Chargers desperation multi-lateral effort on their final play from scrimmage, trailing by one point with five seconds to play in regulation:
“On the final play of Sunday’s game between the Chargers and Steelers, Pittsburgh safety Troy Polamalu returned a loose ball 12 yards for a defensive touchdown. After an instant replay review and crew conference, …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
Pittsburgh Steelers four-time Pro Bowl safety Troy Polamalu has a point. The increasing number of fines for plays that weren’t even penalized is increasing and could be turning the National Football League, as we have known it, into a kinder, gentler game:
“It’s becoming more and more flag football, two-hand touch. We’ve really lost the essence of what real American football is about. They’re not really concerned about safety, because people have been doing this for… quite a few decades ….. You’ve got to figure out how to tackle people a new way. It’s too much …read more

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast
A new Nike football campaign entitled “Fate” captures the true essence of the game by following the journeys of two top athletes from their first steps to playing in the NFL. The “Fate” commercial features San Diego Chargers All-Pro running back LaDainian Tomlinson and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu. The spots were directed by David Fincher, a renowned director whose films include Se7en, Fight Club, Panic Room and the soon to be released The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
The ad traces LT and Troy’s lives from young toddlers through middle and high school and …read more

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
The New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers lead the AFC’s 2008 Pro Bowl squad with a conference-high eight players each. New England’s eight All-Stars equals a franchise high set by the 1985 Pats. The AFC roster includes 18 first-time All-Stars, including Cincinnati WR T.J. Houshmanzadeh, who leads the NFL with 101 receptions.