Now that we’ve had a chance to digest the season, I almost can’t wait until next year. I don’t know about you, but there’s always a void between now and the combine. Much like the “Walking Dead” the NFL plot thickens even after each season’s finale.

First, my thoughts go deep into the playoffs and into next year’s new season by asking the questions that haven’t been asked after the last game. Then, I want to give some answers to those questions that are yet to be asked. Finally, I want to answer questions that no one dares to ask in the first place.

Let’s start with the Denver Broncos having the game signed, sealed, and delivered before Rahim Moore’s apparent bout with vertigo. The deeper question is why was the Denver defense in cover 2 with 31 seconds left in the game? Yes, I realize it was 3^rd and 2, but instead of giving up a first down, they gave up a trip to New England. With 31 seconds left and over 70 yards to go, wouldn’t you think cornerbacks would be more equipped to play the pass than having 2 safeties take half the field?

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, the Atlanta Falcons probably played the best football throughout the season, but failed to recognize that the fundamental philosophy of football is to run the football. The dirty birds were 29^th in the league in rushing. When a hot 49er offense came rolling into Hotlanta, the dirty birds offense couldn’t collect enough yards on the ground in the 2^nd half, nor chew up enough clock to stop the charging Niner’s offense from extra possessions in the second half.

Next, on to the Soup bowl. Outside of the lackluster commercials and the smoldering halftime show by Beyonce, there was in fact a game, a contest, a blackout, and then a whole other game seemed to unfold. I almost wanted to say to the Niners, through the television, “You cannot have a slow start, like Atlanta, against the next best team in the NFL and expect to win.” And guess what? They did. Yes, what the NFL was begging for before the blackout, as well as the audience, was a comeback. The power outage meant a renewed mental attack by the Niners. It was almost like it was another game and they decided they were ready for it this time. Alas, the underdog held off a furious attack and the heroes’ hero had emerged. David had slayed Goliath as if the hand of God had thrown the stone himself. (The credits will read that Ray Lewis was David).

As the credits scroll, a small box rotates and previews the next season’s premiere episode. Then the voice promos the upcoming season and hears how it sounds. Will the Niners finally get that receiver, like Boldin, Jones, Johnson, or Cruz they so desperately desire in order to get back to the Super Bowl? Will the Pats decide to pull the trigger on Reggie Bush and get a daring receiver to help Brady? After the Giants lose Bradshaw, will they be able to rebound with another running back to take his place and get back to the form they had a year ago? The Broncos are as hungry as ever, with a defense to match. Will they make the same mistakes again that sent them home before the round of 2? Does Seattle, Washington, Indianapolis (don’t forget about Indy), have a real shot to get to the title? It may surprise you with the next group of teams to compete for the Lombardi trophy. They include New Orleans (Sean’s back), Cincinnati, and Da Bears.

Stay tuned!

After watching another stellar year of incredible performances and exciting college football, I had a chance to evaluate what made college football teams incredibly successful and the others extremely ineffective. You first have to identify how the game has changed in the last 20 years. The evolution of the passing game has had the biggest impact on the excitement of the game and the record setting performances. The advantage of spread offenses and innovative coaching styles has not only hypnotized the American audience, but reshaped how the game is played, but are the next generation of play callers neglecting the concept of their forefathers or are they mesmerized by the exhilaration of record breaking performances?

I’ve looked at the 2012 season from a statistical basis and, of course, the eye test. With all this that has occurred at the major college level, the fireworks, the whopping statistics, and the astounding plays, I have yet to understand why teams don’t run the football more often? Why am I seeing the complete absence of the most effective weapon in all of football? Only a few teams believe and that’s why they’re always on top. Ironically enough, out of the top 4 ranked teams in the BCS, Notre Dame, Florida, Alabama, and Oregon, two out of the four are in the top 10 in rushing. Surprisingly, Oregon leads the nation in yards per rush while being 3^rd in the nation in overall rush. Not bad for a spread offense. Out of the top 10 BCS teams, not one of these teams is top 10 in passing.

As for as rush defense, well, Alabama leads the country, with Notre Dame in 4^th, and Florida comfortably in 6^th. Out of the top 10 passing teams in the FBS, none rank in the top 20.

What am I saying? My old coach Marv Levy use to say our objective is to “run and stop the run” no matter what else goes on, you will have a chance to win the game. I’ve never forgotten those words. So when the run and shoot was ushered in, which wasn’t really successful without the likes of Barry Sanders and other great backs. Nor was it triumphant for the gunslingers that ran those offenses so well in college. They didn’t fair so well with the same style in the pros. So, for all those coaches who think their new fangled schemes and their offensive genius are based on innovative pass combinations, and exciting big plays, I got something to say, it doesn’t really work! The bottom line is that running the football is the best way to win a football game. Gone are the days of Marcus Allen and Archie Griffin, not being warmed up until their 20^th carry. Controlling the game by keeping the clock running, and the dependability of having 100 carries before you turn the ball over.

The Minnesota Vikings understand. While their quarterback is nestled in-between Michael Vick and Nick Foles in the statistical category, 26^th overall, they have waltzed their way to a winning record via the top rusher in the league.

I know the projectile pass is here to stay. I know new state-of-the-art offenses will emerge changing defensive schemes like changing pants, but as always, it should be done in moderation.  Here’s a bit of advice for all those coaches who expect to keep a job for years to come. Be old-fashioned, be patient, and run the ball til you have to pass.

Oh, and you might ask who is Bradbury Robinson? On September 5, 1906, in the first game of the 1906 season, St. Louis faced Carroll College, and it was in that game that Robinson threw football’s first legal forward pass to Jack Schneider effectively changing the game forever. Oh, and yes, it was incomplete.

Inspired by the Olympics, driven by the beginning of the NFL season, and encouraged by Jay-Z. I have decided to write a few words about each team describing why they will, or will not, get an invitation to the big dance.

The Bill’s season will be unkind unless they bolster that rush. They’re in the right division, but don’t have the offensive firepower to stay up with the Pats. New England will be the favorite until Brady decides to retire. Their coach is the best, but lack of a running game puts too much pressure on Brady. The Jets are still disoriented. Even Tebow can’t help the rush defense, and this will be their undoing. Miami seems to have gotten their man, but he’s at least two years away. Tanehill could use a little help at the wide out position. I should carry a sign saying “wide receiver for hire”

Cincinnati is growing up, now that they got rid of all the bad apples. The secondary is still a question mark. If Flacco decides to play like a pro-bowler, look out for the Ravens. Even with an aging defense, you can’t sleep on Lewis and the crew. Cleveland has no idea what to do. They’ve never bought into the term run and stop the run. Pittsburgh is on the verge once again to get to the big game. They just have to stay healthy.

Jacksonville is not ready yet. Indy is rebuilding. Tennessee needs to get Chris Johnson going again to compete, but Houston, if healthy, could be the surprise team at the big dance.

Denver just became the premiere team in the conference and their defense is one of the best. San Diego can’t seem to put it all together for one full season. It’s already started with an injury to Mathews. Oakland has hired a new, first year coach, which puts them behind the eight ball right away. While no one who has been playing can ever finish a season healthy. Things won’t change. Kansas City is a dark horse. If Matt Cassell gives the Chiefs what he gave New England, the Chiefs could shock the world.

Dallas has no chance without their stars responding in pressure situations. Running game is an issue. Washington is full of hope, but short on talent. The Giants are steady as she goes, always a threat in the end. Philadelphia has the most talent, but the defense can’t stop a Pop Warner team.

Minnesota is one big man short of getting into the playoffs and I’m not talking about just the running back. Detroit has one guy that other teams respect. Ghosts of Matt Millen are still circling the dome. If they can’t run the ball, they’ll win some games. Chicago finally has the receiver they need to go with Cutler. They may be the surprise team in the NFC. Green Bay has no weaknesses and the best player in the league. This could be the toughest division

Tampa doesn’t have the complete package, nor does Carolina. New Orleans has lost their captain off the field, so I can’t buy in. Atlanta has the goods, but needs those primetime players to do a little extra.

If Alex Smith and his band of wide receivers come to play every week, the Niners have the defense to hoist the trophy. Seattle needs Flynn to be like he was at the Packers for all the games, not just one. Rams need Bradford to come back mentally and physically. Arizona needs Kolb to be Warner like.

Stay tuned!

When I played golf a few weeks ago in the Christian Okoye charity golf tournament, one of my oldest friends pulled up to the entrance of the clubhouse as I was going to my car. With that familiar phrase, to which all his friends know very well, he screamed out “buuuddddyyy”. I laughed out loud, same old Junior. He was a statuesque figure, even intimidating in appearance by some accounts, but for those who knew him or didn’t know him; he was one of the kindest, most gentle human beings one would ever meet. When he said to me “Let’s go out and watch the game and have a few drinks,” I thought to myself, Not tonight, it’s been a long day, “I’ll catch you the next time.” He remarked, “We don’t see each other but once a year, let’s just sit around with the boys, have some drinks, and catch up”. If I’d have known that was the last time I would see him, I’d have spent the night with him. If I knew what he was feeling inside, I would have stayed with him as long as he wanted.

When all of us guys, that knew him well, finally realized what happened, we openly wept. That’s the impact he had on all our lives. We tried to put our hands around what exactly happened. How could this pillar of strength leave us in such a manner? I don’t think we’ll ever know the answer. I’ve since spoken to a number of our mutual friends about what they think Junior might have been going through. None of us could come up with a definitive answer, but we all have our assumption. The game had taken not only a physical toll, but an emotional one as well. Let me attempt to explain. Every player goes through “it” including me. It is something you can’t explain, but it’s in our bloodstream. It will always be there, but it can’t be identified. I’m about to make a bad analogy, but it’s the only thing I can compare it to. If you’ve ever seen someone on cocaine for 20 years and they decide to quit cold turkey, sorry, but that’s the closest comparison I have to a player’s career ending. Every play is an adrenaline rush of massive destruction and force. I believe it is unmatched by any other sport.

Obviously, everyone’s reaction to the end of their career is different. Not many make the transition unscathed. I still dream of plays I could’ve made and things I would have done differently. There are parts of this story that won’t be brought up by the public, but I will. One might wonder if his relationship with his ex-wife was causing him emotional adversity. The one that most people seem to focus on is the big elephant in the room called head trauma. I believe it was a combination of all these issues that haunted him. These factors were more massive than playing against the Green Bay Packers. One could say, it was a combination of life’s difficulties that ultimately extinguished our warrior.

For those of us who knew Junebug best, there was never a bad word spoken about him. He was a good-looking, charismatic, island boy who enjoyed surfing, having fun, and inspiring others. He was the face of a city. If you were a ball player you wanted to be him, as a fan you wanted to meet him, as the opponent you feared him. He was one of the best I’ve ever seen, an undeniable hall of famer. He was also an amazing human being!

The last time I saw him he was smiling, laughing, and telling stories. That’s the way I’ll remember him. His last words to me were “I love you brutha.” Mine were “I love you too bro.”

Yes, I’m glad I stayed for that drink.

In part 1, I gave the harsh depiction of the black athlete. I recently decided to change gears based on the sell of the Dodgers and how I felt about one of the more instrumental figures in the deal. I felt he deserved a little credit for laying out the blueprint for being a positive athlete/role model in the community as a black athlete. I also felt that more then criticizing what we have done wrong as black athletes I should lay out what can be done right to put ourselves in a positive position going forward. I should almost title this blog Magic Johnson and how it’s supposed to be done.

When we talk about an athlete transitioning from sports to business, not many have done it better than Magic Johnson. It is obvious that the success that Magic has had in basketball enables him to make this transition easier then most of us, but nevertheless, the plan stays intact.

Step 1:  Be likable.  Magic told me himself a long time ago that there were certain members of his team that weren’t likable, and therefore, not marketable. His advice; Do your best to be marketable. I can only assume knowing this came from his upbringing.  I don’t believe “likeability” is like a light switch that can be turned on and off. Treating people right comes from the home and from the heart. Extending that heart comes from enjoying life and appreciating what you have. This will show outwardly in everyday life and reflect in your profession and beyond. Being grateful from the inside attracts the same likeness. This is why being likable is step number one.

Step 2: There are a number of black athletes who have at one time or another been given what I call the “Golden Key”, Reggie Bush, Kobe Bryant, and Ray Lewis, among others. What they do with that golden key is up to them. Given the world and all that’s in it, (minus any boundaries), is in fact a tall order for anyone, let alone an 18 to 21 year old kid. Here’s where it gets hard. Stay out of trouble! Seems pretty easy, right? Obviously, a lot of our athletes have not been able to do this on a consistent basis. Troubles in Colorado, on the USC campus, on the streets of Atlanta in 2000 have overshadowed promising marketing careers and perhaps have affected major deals beyond sports. Peyton Manning is an example of steps one and two. A tremendous upbringing and the reflection of thankfulness have put him in another league. He won’t have any trouble being an owner of a professional sports team when he is done with football. Step two, take the “Golden Key” and become golden.

Steps three, four, five, and six will come in the next blog….

I write this after reading a story on the internet that Allen Iverson earned over $200 million dollars and now he’s broke. I don’t know whether this is true or not, but it certainly is a disappointing ending to a very talented career. For all his sterling athletic achievements it would be ashamed if this was the last notation to his illustrious basketball career. This isn’t the first time we’ve heard news of a devastating financial collapse of an athletic star. Is it a coincidence that most of these athletes I see splashed across the headlines of every news feed in America are predominantly African-American? I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a white athlete owe $875,000 to a jeweler! Really?! That’s a 4-bedroom house in the suburbs with all the amenities. I don’t want to focus just on A.I., but it was the first name that came to mind when I started writing. There is a very long list of athletes that I could mention, but I just don’t have the space in this blog to do one at a time.

If I were one of the guys playing today my bio would read outside of shooting myself, having dog fights in the backyard, beating my girl, running over a pedestrian while intoxicated, falling from my truck, while trying to shoot my girl who’s having my illegitimate baby, while getting back my money for my memorabilia, ‘cause I gotta make it rain up in here, while my other girls burning my house down, the house I bought with money I received from college, while dealing with an FBI informant from jail, in between twittering every move I make, including damaging comments on the death of Osama Bin Laden! But when I work I make hundeds, hundeds! (That’s hundreds to those who don’t know Tyga), I am a ball player.

As a young black athlete in America today, and during my career, there wasn’t a design for being a young, black, athletically talented ballplayer, nor was there a plan for handling millions of dollars at such a young age, nor was there a plan for living life after the cameras turn off and the fans go away.

I write this understanding that 7% of our population in America is African-American. Of that 7%, an astonishing 40% of those are in our prison system. I also know that most black males were raised in single-family homes. I recognize that once you are successful, the pressures of family and friends and the weight of the world feels like it’s on your shoulders. Still I believe this pales in comparison to what the athletes of the past had to endure to establish a presence in the sport. The athlete of today should be ashamed of eroding the foundation that has been laid for them. I don’t feel sorry for the guy who makes millions today and is broke tomorrow. I don’t ever recall Jesse Owens having a Bentley in any historical documents. Jackie Robinson would be happy to know what today’s athletic progression has achieved, but would roll over in his grave at how we’ve squandered the treasures that our ability has given us in a society where the black athlete is coveted. This generation of African-American stars is a billboard for bad press; headlines for domestic violence accusations, drunk driving, and sexual assaults being depicted in our news feeds on a weekly bases are far too common for us to ignore. I must admit that the media does its fair share to support the negative progression and feed into the stereotype of the “bad” black athlete. Here’s my first solution, if black athletes understood my previous points and used that as motivation in determining how they are to react to controversial situations, we would hinder the media’s ability to sell us in a negative light altogether. Part II, building from the past…