Photo courtesy Travel Channel

By actively participating in some of the most beloved national pastimes from around the world, Dhani discovers that sports have the universal ability to open a window into a culture, define a destination, and unlock a common passion in people that is as different as it is familiar. Tapping into his athletic abilities, Dhani experiences the thrills and challenges of each game by playing it himself. In each episode, he tries his hand at a new sport including Rugby in England, Muay Thai in Bangkok (Thailand), Hurling in Ireland, Dragon Boat racing in Singapore, Schwingen in Switzerland, and Jai alai in Spain.

Floundering at times and triumphing at others, he throws himself completely into the team and individual competitions he faces. Off the field, with the help of his adopted teammates and coaches, Dhani immerses himself fully in each locale’s sights and sounds, getting the locals’ take on the best places for any traveler to eat, drink, shop, and stay. Throughout his travels, he finds the love for sports and competition is shared internationally, providing an immediate common ground wherever he lands. I spent some time talking with Dhani about his new show and the accompanying experiences he’ll never forget.

Photos courtesy Travel Channel

• 0:14 – The multi-talented Mr. Jones has many interests
• 0:51 – What Dhani Tackles the Globe is all about and how it got started
• 1:42 – Dhani traveled and filmed between Bengals offseason worlkouts
• 2:16 – Visiting Thailand, Switzerland, England, Singapore, Ireland and Spain
• 3:19 – Hand-to-hand combat sports were most difficult — Muay Thai, Schwingen
• 4:16 – Dhani has one week to learn the sport and compete against “veterans”
• 4:50 – The body is confused but relaxing and get back to the basics helps
• 6:02 – Street vendors — eating bugs in Thailand vs. hot dogs in NYC
• 6:37 – Milking cows in Switzerland also part of the whole cultural experience
• 7:28 – Dealing with the challenges and embracing the rewards
• 8:07 – Seeing life through different eyes — more mature, less ignorant
• 9:00 – Dhani Tackles the Globe Season Two? It’s up to you!

Links: Travel Channel, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Bengals.com

Dhani Tackles the Globe Episode One Preview – Muay Thai
Dhani Tackles the Globe Episode Two Preview – Schwingen
Dhani Tackles the Globe Episode Three Preview – Rugby

Special thanks to Michaé Holloman and Marjorie Hall.

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EMQB Interview: Dhani Jones

National Football League Blogcast, NFL Blogcast

Buffalo Bills receiver Terrell Owens will continue to wear the only number he has ever worn in his NFL career — number 81 — even though prior to his arrival in Buffalo, that number belonged to receiver James Hardy. Apparently, the Bills went to James and asked him if he cared. And even though I don’t think it really mattered if he cared or not, there didn’t seem to be any resistance about giving the number to T.O. Some media are trying to make a big deal out of this because T.O. didn’t actually ask or pay James for the number (as is customary in the National Football League), but someone higher than T.O. did (Bills GM Russ Brandon) so it’s no big deal. James will now wear number 84 and I think everyone’s happy. T.O. explained himself on WEDG:

“When I walked into the building for the first time and they showed me around and I walked into the locker room, first thing I saw was a locker and it had the number 81 with Owens, with the name on the back, and I had some other Buffalo swag hung up in the locker room. As far as working deals out, I don’t know. That’s not my department. I think Russ, the General Manager, he’ll have to deal with that.”

I think Russ Brandon will have a lot to deal with while Terrell is in town.

Sources: BuffaloBills.com, SportsRadioInterviews.com, Photo: NFLShop.com

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Terrell Owens Will Wear Number 81

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In one of the more surprising moves this offseason, the Buffalo Bills signed enigmatic receiver Terrell Owens to a one-year, $6.5 million contract today. On one hand, this acquisition makes sense for Buffalo. They need the offensive weaponry. The Bills’ offense the past two seasons has been anemic. They were 30th in total offense two years ago and only improved to 25th in total offense last season. And quarterback Trent Edwards’ first two seasons — while showing flashes of brilliance — were nothing that would make me think he’s on the same path as, let’s say, youngsters like Baltimore’s Joe Flacco or Atlanta’s Matt Ryan. So, they need all the help they can get, even with ample offensive talent in players like receivers Lee Evans and Roscoe Parrish, running backs Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson and Pro Bowl tackle Jason Peters. And I really like some of Buffalo’s younger receivers — James Hardy, Steve Johnson and tight end Derek Fine. In one possible scenario, Terrell will demand double-team attention and allow his teammates to potentially thrive. But that’s not his style. He’ll demand the ball and the glory.

All that being said, I think this signing is a form of desperation (is it really about ticket sales?) and I don’t think it’s a good fit. Terrell has earned — really earned — a poor reputation as the malcontent diva nobody wanted. And I think this deal got done so quickly because the Buffalo Bills were the only team that wanted T.O. Sure, agent Drew Rosenhaus will tell you other teams were interested in Terrell’s services, but I have to believe Orchard Park, NY would’ve been at the bottom of Terrell’s list of places he’d like to play football. (I guess this is one of the few places T.O. hasn’t burned a bridge with a former coach or owner.) So, I don’t think he had many — if any — other options.

In Buffalo, I think T.O. is in a perfect position to “bully” his quarterback and head coach — something he has become known for. Trent will be entering only his second full season as the Bills’ starting quarterback and he will, most likely, be at the receiving end of many a T.O. rant. And head coach Dick Jauron is one of the more mild-mannered head coaches in the NFL. T.O. will have a license to run his mouth and could destroy any hopes this team had of developing a solid chemistry and making a long overdue postseason run.

Source: BuffaloBills.com, Photo: Newscom

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Buffalo Bills Sign Terrell Owens

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After suffering through a miserable 1-15 rookie season, Miami Dolphins center Samson Satele and his teammates are enjoying the fruits of their labor as the Dolphins accomplished the biggest single season turnaround in National Football League history. Personally, Samson continued to a current 32-game start streak, the longest in team history for an offensive lineman starting a career. The simple recap — the Dolphins went from being the worst team in the NFL to AFC East champs with a home field Wild Card game this weekend against the Baltimore Ravens. I talked with Samson from his home in South Beach after another day at the office. Guest appearance by Samson’s son — Samson LotoToa (meaning “brave heart”) Satele.

• 0:11 – Three games in one week at Dolphin Stadium
• 0:34 – Bill Parcells and head coach Tony Sparano lead new Dolphins
• 1:27 – Almost 40 new players have ignited a rebirth in South Beach
• 1:50 – Learning how to win and developing a winning attitude
• 2:20 – Quarterback Chad Pennington NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year
• 2:49 – Creating the Wild Cat offense and watching the “copy cats”
• 3:22 – Working with trainers and taking care of a 32-game start streak
• 4:02 – The Dolphins have been in playoff mode for the past five games
• 4:52 – Blevins29, Huntington, WV: toughest player and team to block
• 5:41 – Sean, Pensacola, FL: difficulty of adjusting to life on the mainland
• 6:25 – Samson hasn’t cut his hair since he was a freshman in college
• 6:58 – New Year’s resolutions: being a good husband and father

Links: MiamiDolphins.com, NFLPlayers.com, NFL.com

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EMQB Interview: Samson Satele

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You’ve heard the phrase “defense wins championships.” Think that’s an antiquated notion? The Pittsburgh Steelers certainly don’t. In the Steel City — where defense has been and always will be king — bloodying opposing offenses is what matters most. The modern day “Steel Curtain” is currently ranked first in pass defense (163.3 ypg) and total defense (239.1 ypg). And they’re second in run defense (75.8 ypg). Head coach Mike Tomlin brought his defensive mind to Pittsburgh last year and continues in a longstanding tradition that heralds defensive dominance. I caught-up with Steelers 2007 first round Draft pick linebacker Lawrence Timmons (four tackles, a sack and forced fumble last week) after practice today to talk about where the Steelers have been (AFC North champs) — and where they’re headed (Super Bowl XLIII?).

• 0:11 – For the Steelers, AFC North title is just the beginning
• 0:36 – Last week’s game vs. Ravens was instant defensive classic
• 1:04 – This week’s game vs. Titans could decide home field through playoffs
• 1:24 – The difficulty of taking one game at a time and not looking ahead
• 1:47 – Being “battle tested” against good teams keeps Steelers sharp
• 2:24 – Steelers’ top defense only has three names on the 09 Pro Bowl roster
• 2:46 – Comparisons to great “Steel Curtain” defenses of the 70s inevitable
• 3:29 – The NFL encourages points scored, but defense still wins championships
• 4:03 – Giving credit to the Steelers coaching staff for defensive dominance
• 4:45 – Staying healthy has been key to Steelers success so far this season
• 5:13 – The natural progression from rookie to second-year in the NFL

Links: Steelers.com, NFL Players, NFL.com

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EMQB Interview: Lawrence Timmons

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Baltimore Ravens safety Jim Leonhard is a perfect fit in the team’s complicated defensive scheme. And his natural athletic ability and competitive nature more than make up for his lack of prototypical physical dimensions. Originally signed by the Buffalo Bills as a rookie free agent in 2005, Jim joined the Ravens this year and he now finds himself not only starting at strong safety opposite perennial All-Pro and future Hall-of-Famer Ed Reed, but also returning kickoffs and punts. For a defense that has been hit hard by several season-ending injuries, the Ravens haven’t missed a beat thanks largely to Jim’s impressive contributions (currently 4th on the team in tackles with 53). I spoke with Jim after practice today, just a few days before the Ravens’ big showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC North division lead.

• 0:08 – Back at full strength after a brief battle with the flu bug
• 0:25 – Ravens vs. Steelers rivalry, teams have similarities
• 1:06 – Bad blood between the teams is typical, physical game expected
• 1:37 – Week 15 and playing for the AFC North division lead
• 2:05 – Ravens have won seven of their past eight games
• 2:28 – Lack of size and an NFL life spent battling the odds everyday
• 3:02 – Playing the dual role: playing safety, returning kickoffs and punts
• 3:28 – Lessons learned playing with future Hall of Famers Reed and Lewis
• 4:20 – Learning and understanding the Ravens’ complex defense
• 5:14 – Ravens’ defensive game plan gets everyone involved
• 5:47 – Defense wants to get turnovers and score every game

Links: BaltimoreRavens.com, NFL Players, NFL.com

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EMQB Interview: Jim Leonhard

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With key offseason acquisitions like defensive end Jared Allen and receiver Bernard Berrian, the Minnesota Vikings had the kind of 2008 expectations worthy of a Super Bowl contender. As it turns out, the first half of this season didn’t quite go as planned. But coming off one of their most complete games of the season, a 28-21 win over the Houston Texans, the Vikings are back to .500 and close to playing the kind of football they expected of themselves in training camp. I interviewed Vikings cornerback (and 2nd leading tackler) Cedric Griffin from the team’s weight room after practice today.

• 0:12 – Week 9 win over Houston was one of the best Vikings performances
• 0:42 – Limiting Texans receiver Andre Johnson to just four catches
• 1:20 – Welcoming veteran safety Madieu Williams to the secondary
• 2:00 – Packer week, Cedric and coach Childress have never beaten Green Bay
• 2:48 – Facing QB Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ multiple formations
• 3:40 – Interceptions (and returns) aren’t happening this season … yet
• 4:20 – Cedric’s hit on Saints receiver Billy Miller last month a YouTube favorite
• 5:02 – Vikings coaching staff awards Grape Crush soda for biggest hits
• 5:41 – The increasingly difficult task of playing defensive football in the NFL
• 7:02 – Facing fines and possible suspensions for playing “tackle” football
• 8:02 – Re-evaluate the rules and process of punishment in the offseason?

Links: Vikings.com, NFL Players, NFL.com

Note: My apologies for the snap, crackle, pop coming from Cedric’s phone.

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EMQB Interview: Cedric Griffin

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After barely missing the playoffs last season, the Cleveland Browns and their high-octane offense (the NFL’s 8th best overall) were poised with high expectations for a playoff-bound 2008. After a struggling start this season, the Browns have won three of four. With their confidence growing, they face rival Baltimore in a crucial Week 9 AFC North battle — and then conference foe Denver to open NFL Network’s Thursday Night schedule — all in the span of five short days. I spoke with Browns tight end Darnell Dinkins after practice to get the lowdown on the showdown with the Ravens and more.

• 0:08 – Three fellow Pitt grads on EMQB this year — Fitzgerald, Revis, Dinkins
• 0:17 – Big AFC North battle with Baltimore Ravens in Week 9
• 1:02 – Winning three of four games has Browns’ confidence growing
• 2:08 – Browns are playing better than first meeting with Ravens
• 2:25 – Offense is very capable, but getting the win is all that matters
• 3:03 – Preparing for two football games in one week
• 3:49 – Thursday Night football is great, but it’s a physical and mental challenge
• 4:19 – The concern of staph infection around Cleveland and the NFL
• 5:34 – Election Day November 4: Keeping politics out of the locker room
• 6:03 – Darnell Dinkins is the best-dressed member of the Browns

Links: ClevelandBrowns.com, NFL Players, NFL.com

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EMQB Interview: Darnell Dinkins

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After a disappointing end to an up-and-down four-year career with the N.Y. Jets, offensive lineman Adrian Jones just wanted another opportunity. Kansas City Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards (who drafted Adrian when he was coaching in New York) gave him that chance. Adrian has resurrected his career in KCMO and reunited with coach Edwards, where he’s the starting right guard on an offensive line that blazes a trail for superstar running back (and this week’s FedEx Ground Player of the Week) Larry Johnson. I caught up with AJ after practice today to talk about the Chiefs impressive Week 4 win over Denver and the road back from an 0-3 start.

• 0:08 – Chiefs upset previously unbeaten Denver to get their first win
• 0:54 – No time for rebuilding in the National Football League
• 1:32 – As the offensive line goes, so goes running back Larry Johnson
• 2:04 – One chapter ends in New York, another begins in Kansas City
• 2:54 – Adrian’s hard work earned him a starting spot on the O-line
• 3:00 – Comparing Kansas City and New York City
• 3:32 – Herm Edwards believed in Adrian enough to pick him twice
• 4:17 – Coach Edwards encourages the Chiefs to play with emotion
• 4:54 – Getting that first win offers a small sigh of relief
• 5:22 – Appreciating life more after a car accident ten years ago
• 6:34 – Adrian never really considered himself an NFL prospect
• 7:18 – Previewing Sunday’s game vs. the Carolina Panthers

Links: KCChiefs.com, NFL.com

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EMQB Interview: Adrian Jones

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N.Y. Jets defensive back Darrelle Revis is destined to be one of the NFL’s best. After a successful rookie campaign that saw him start all 16 games and earn a spot on the Pro Football Weekly All-Rookie team, Darrelle began this 2008 season on the right foot with a memorable first interception — an acrobatic, game-clinching INT in the endzone to ice Sunday’s 20-14 Kickoff Weekend victory over the Miami Dolphins. I spoke with Darrelle on the phone from the Jets locker room during the team’s afternoon media availability today.

• 0:10 – Game-clinching INT beats the Dolphins on Kickoff Weekend
• 0:37 – Unusual to see Chad Pennington in a Dolphins uniform
• 1:00 – Offseason additions and the mood of the team compared to last year
• 1:23 – With Brett Favre, the Jets are legit playoff contenders
• 1:44 – Tom Brady’s out but the Patriots still have plenty of playmakers
• 2:18 – It’s only Week 2, but this is a big division game for the Jets
• 2:47 – Darrelle’s progression from rookie to second season
• 3:17 – Personal goals and off-season prep for the 2008 season

Links: NewYorkJets.com, NFL.com

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EMQB Interview: Darrelle Revis