Pro Bowl Experience Day Two

Through the Jaguars, my dad and I were fortunate enough to win a contest where we got to attend the Pro Bowl after explaining in 100 words why we deserved to attend. The trip included hotel accommodations, tickets to the game and a meet and greet with Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew who was there for his first ever Pro Bowl selection. This along with a part one that has already been posted originally appeared on Jaguars.com.

Yesterday was game day and my dad and I had another awesome experience.

In the morning we visited South Beach. ESPN and the NFL Network had their temporary stages set up but not much was going on then. We walked around and took a few pictures before heading back to Ft. Lauderdale.

At the player hotel I ended up meeting Jared Allen, Logan Mankins, La’Ron McClain, Josh Cribbs, Johnny Knox and Mike Jenkins. Jenkins and I talked about USF as that is one of the colleges I am considering and he is the school’s first ever representative at the Pro Bowl.

The player busses left around 4:30 PM and we headed to the stadium as well. It is a good thing we headed out early as the traffic around the stadium for parking was terrible. Eventually we along with many others parked at a dog track that was a “nice” walk from the stadium. Crowd control was also a hassle as everyone had to walk through a huge serpentine line in order to get to the security checkpoint. This was a huge wake up call from the easy access we have at Jaguar games.

Around 20 minutes before kickoff, we eventually made it to our seats and they were awesome. They were on the 50 yard line 15 rows behind the NFC bench. After player introductions and an F-18 flyover the game was underway.

The scoring started right away as three minutes in Texans quarterback Matt Schaub found his favorite regular season target Andre Johnson wide open in the corner of the end zone. Later on in the quarter Schaub hit Brandon Marshall for a touchdown which gave the AFC a 14-10 lead at the end of the first quarter.

At the half the score was all tied at 17 and the Bethune Cookman marching band performed. They have played at Jaguars games before and they always put on a great show for the fans.

David Garrard and Maurice Jones-Drew made most of their contributions in the second half. Garrard played very well as he was distributing the ball downfield and was hitting receivers in stride. This was evident on his 48 yard touchdown pass to Vincent Jackson as he found him over the middle and Jackson did the rest. While there wasn’t much running in the game, Jones-Drew made the most of his opportunities running for 30 yards and a touchdown. While he still hadn’t decided what end zone celebration he would do in the game when we met with him, Maurice ended up going with the “crying Mariucci”. For those who didn’t know he was spoofing NFL Network analyst Steve Mariucci’s reaction to each Brett Favre retirement.

Eagles receiver DeSean Jackson is one of my favorite players but after seeing him play in person for the first time, I came away even more impressed. He scored in each half on a wide receiver screen play and attempted a long pass as well. He’s a threat to score every time he touches the ball and Jaguars fans are in for a treat when he comes to town next year.

The AFC ended up winning the game 41-34 and Schaub was the game’s MVP. Overall my dad and I had a great time at the game and had a father son experience that we will never forget.

Pro Bowl Experience Day One

Through the Jaguars, my dad and I were fortunate enough to win a contest where we got to attend the Pro Bowl after explaining in 100 words why we deserved to attend. The trip included hotel accommodations, tickets to the game and a meet and greet with Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew who was there for his first ever Pro Bowl selection. This along with a part two that will be posted originally appeared on Jaguars.com.


My dad and I have now finished Day 1 of our Pro Bowl experience and it was a day that we will never forget.

Around 11:00 AM we arrived at the players’ hotel. The AFC team was about to return from practice and the lobby was packed with sports writers. While waiting I had a chance to talk about the upcoming draft with Pete Prisco who covered the Jaguars for years but now writes for CBS Sports.

When the players stepped off the bus they were still in their red and white practice jerseys. Bengal receiver Chad Ochocinco accessorized his uniform with a stylish sombrero. Jaguar QB David Garrard was accompanied by his son. After spending time with the media they all went up to their rooms to relax and clean up.

A short while later the lobby began to look like a real life fantasy football team. To the left was Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams talking to fans. At my right were Titans running back Chris Johnson and Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall talking to their peers. At this time I managed to get an autograph from Ochocinco and also took a picture with Chargers tight end Antonio Gates. The hotel however was trying to limit autograph and photos so we decided to head out to lunch until we got to meet Maurice Jones-Drew later in the day.

After a traditional lunch of Buffalo wings with a side of college basketball we headed back to the hotel to meet Maurice. We were met by Renzo from the Jaguars staff who walked us to the beach where Maurice was relaxing with his family. Maurice then greeted us and took pictures with everyone. We talked about football and I asked about his end zone celebration plans (still a secret) and if he will be on the cover of next year’s Madden. He asked me about my school plans for next year. He signed autographs for us including the Pro Bowl shirt with his name on the back that I will be wearing to the game.


When our visit ended, I tried to meet some more players. I managed to obtain autographs from Texans quarterback Matt Schaub, Patriots safety Brandon Meriwether, Giants receiver Steve Smith, Broncos left tackle Ryan Clady and 49ers running back Frank Gore. We knew it was time close-up shop when my dad knew all the security guards by name. My “walk-off shot” was Bronco cornerback Champ Bailey who signed by the elevator as we left the hotel.

We chilled out at our hotel and watched the end of the Senior Bowl. Some of my favorite prospects in the game include Marty Gilyard, Kyle Wilson, Brandon Graham and Sean Witherspoon. These guys would look very good in teal.

Overall it was a very exciting day for me and the city is in full swing. The game is tomorrow night so we have some things planned for the day. I’ll let you know what we end up doing and look forward to sharing some observations from the game.

Colts vs Jaguars Prediction

While the Colts have already clinched everything possible in the AFC, the season is on the line for the Jaguars. Even though the Jaguars control their own destiny as the final wildcard in the AFC, it's up for debate if the team is as good as their record indicates.

Even though they are a very young team, wins against the Chiefs, Rams and Bills all came down to the last minute and those are teams that should have been easy wins. If you also include the two gifts that the team received from Chris Brown when playing the Texans, they could as easily be 5-8 as 7-6.

It has been up for debate if the Colts should play their starters this week but when it comes down to this game they should. It keeps the team in a rhythm and if the Jaguars do make the playoffs and happen to win their first round game, they will be facing the Colts. Considering they already play two times a year, it would be hard to find that knows the Colts schemes better.

My prediction is Colts 26 Jaguars 20.

The Opportunity of a Lifetime

Usually, I am attending all of the Jacksonville Jaguars home games as a fan. This time I was there under different circumstances. Once again, through the Sportz Ventures program I had another experience that I will never forget. Along with five other students from my school, I had the chance to watch the Jaguars play the Buffalo Bills from the press box at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium.

Before the game, we had the chance to go on the field and take a couple of group pictures. I have been on the field without any fans there before, but it was interesting to see what a players sees as he looks up to the stands. After that, we were directed by a member of the Jaguars staff to the press box. During this time, I had my first contact with a player.

As we walked through the Bills tunnel the linebacker corps was getting ready to go out onto the field for pregame warmups. Suddenly, Bills linebacker Paul Posluszny calls to me and asks "Hey, how's the weather out there?". I then described the conditions to him for a minute and afterwards he thanked me and then huddled up with the other linebackers prior to taking the field. After this, I was behind the group but I caught up and nobody could believe the story when I told them. Then we headed up to the press box.

When I first saw the press box, I couldn't believe how big it was. There were separate sections for the PR staffs for both teams, areas for the TV and radio announcers and sections for the reporters of the respective teams. I could only imagine how much of a mad house that place was when the Super Bowl was in town four years ago.

After eating a pregame meal, we got adjusted in our seats. They were in the first row and were located at the 15 yard line sitting near the Buffalo reporters. Before the game, I was just taking in the whole environment. Prior to the game, the press box is a very quiet area as most of the reporters are setting up their computers or jotting down notes related to the game.

During the game, I was taking notes on everything that was taking place. In my notepad, I wrote down the key plays and things I found interesting while each team had the ball. Even if you missed a play, it isn't hard to catch up. There are TV's showing the game which comes in handy if there is a questionable call. One of the things that they do in the press box which I really liked was after each quarter, they gave out the stats. This also included a play-by-play transcript of everything that occurred during the respective quarter. As a stats guy, I found this very helpful as I didn't have to worry about trying to calculate the numbers in my head which I usually would have to do at games. Even with all the excitement in the press box, there was still a game being played.

As the Bills entered with the league's worst rush defense and an interim coach who was just brought in this week, the Jaguars were favored to win. The Bills however gave the Jaguars all they could handle on both offense and defense. My new "friend" Posluszny did an excellent job stopping the run as he led the Bills with 12 tackles. On offense, Terrell Owens had one of the best games of his Hall of Fame caliber career as he had nine receptions for 197 yards. This included a 98 yard touchdown which was very cool to see from our angle and one I will never forget. At 98 yards, chances are it will be the longest touchdown from scrimmage that I'll ever witness in person. Owens was running down our sideline and when he started taunting at the Jaguars 30 yard line. This play was also a historic one as it ws the longest in Jacksonville Municipal Stadium and Bills team history. Even though that touchdown gave the Bills the lead in the 3rd quarter, there was still a lot of football to be played.

At the two minute warning the Jags trailed 15-10. They faced a third and two at the Bills four. However, it was time to start going down for the post game press conferences. On the bright side, we ended up not missing a play of the game and got quite the workout in the process going down flights of stairs in order to get to the room where the Jaguars would address the media. Fortunetly, there was a TV in the room where the game was playing. After Maurice Jones-Drew converted on third down, David Garrard threw a three yard touchdown pass to Mike Sims-Walker to give the Jaguars the lead which was 18-15 after the two point conversion. The Bills then started at their own 39 but after Anthony Smith picked off a Ryan Fitzpatrick pass, the game was over.

While waiting for Jack Del Rio and some players to arrive, CBS was showing the Colts move to 10-0 before switching to the Steelers Chiefs game. This one was of particular interest to the Jaguars as a Steelers win would put them in front of the Jaguars in the playoff standings. Surprisingly, the Chiefs sent the game to overtime and when they got the ball Matt Cassel connected with Chris Chambers for a 61 yard catch and run to set themselves up at the Steelers four yard line. After the play, coach Del Rio walks in and the TV was shut off. Del Rio then says "Don't cut that off, let's watch it for a while." The game was then turned back on just in time to see Ryan Succop hit a 22 yard field goal for a 27-24 Chiefs win. "See, it was worth those 30 seconds" Del Rio said. The press conferences had officially begun.

Even though none of us asked any questions, it was interesting to see what the normal press conference is like. They were held in one of the team's large meeting rooms and it is a different experience seeing how everything compares to the "live look ins" that you would see after a game. In additon to Del Rio's, we also were at the Garrard and Jones-Drew's press conferences. All three of them talked about how a young team needs to stay focused as every game becomes more important.

Overall, this was an excellent experience that I will never forget. Some writers sometimes don't watch a game in the press box for the first time until they are finished with college. I had the chance to have this experience at a young age and with a pro football team none the less. I would once again like to thank Jenny Corace with the Sportz Ventures program and the Jaguars for making this all possible. I really appreciate the opportunity and am fortunate to have already had so much hands on learning experiences in the field.

Gerald Alexander Interview

Yesterday, I had the opportunity of a lifetime as I had a media pass for the morning Jaguars practice. This was made available to me through my participation with the Sportz Ventures program at my school. My thanks go out to Jennifer Corace, Development Director at Sportz Ventures and Jaguars’ Communications Manager Ryan Robinson who helped coordinate the program.
As part of my “all-access” pass I was able to interview Jaguar safety, Gerald Alexander. He discussed his recent trade to the Jaguars, his experience with the Lions, playing in one of the greatest college football games ever and the Boise State football program.


Fbkid: What is the biggest transition coming from the Lions to the Jaguars?

Gerald Alexander: The way things are done here as far as different plays and things on defense and getting used to the schedule and things like that. Football is football but generally speaking teams do things differently.

FB: What was it like being hurt last season and going through what the Lions did last year?

GA: It was painful both physically and emotionally as far as physically being hurt and then not being able to help my teammates and given what I saw my team go through last year, it was painful to watch and be a part of. It motivates me and I never want it to happen again.

FB:How did you feel about getting traded?

GA: I didn’t know how to feel at first rather if Detroit didn’t want me or that Jacksonville did. Eventually things worked out and I’m happy to be here now.

FB: How was it to be a part of one of the greatest games in college football history?

GA: It’s great now that I look back on it. When your in the emotion of the game you never really think about it but when you look back at it you can see it was one of the greatest games in the history in college football.
Did you ever talk to Adrian Peterson about the game when you played him?
No I never said anything since he’s making a name for himself in the NFL right now but if we ever got together and talk about college, I have one up on him.

FB: What does it feel like for you watching Boise State play now when they get so much national attention?

GA: It’s like being a proud father looking at a son as you were there to help bring the program to where it is now and they are continuing the success that you laid the foundation for and now they are ranked 16th in the country.

FB: What safeties do you watch and try and take things from their game?

GA: Guys that everybody knows about like Ed Reed, Troy Polamalu and Brian Dawkins those guys three of the best safeties playing in the NFL right now try to pick apart the good things they do and try to emulate them in your game.

FB: You’re a big shoe fan, what’s your favorite make of Jordan’s?

GA: I have to say the 11’s because of the patent leather.

FB: How many pairs of shoes do you have?

GA: I have probably over 100 pairs and I gave a lot away. If you look at my closet, it’s ridiculous. It’s like foot locker.


FB: What do you think of your Madden rating?

GA: I don’t even know my madden rating but I was hurt last year so it’s out of sight out of mind so I’m not going to be as good as I think I am but I’m a Madden player and it doesn’t matter. If you go up against me on the controller, you might run into a loss.

Fbkid's Jaguars vs Colts Prediction

Usually I make all my picks at once but due to a busy schedule I'm just making my pick for the game tonight. My full picks will be posted tommorow afternoon.

The Colts have something to play for tonight and even though it will be an emotional game for the Jaguars, I think the Colts are too focused and pull it out.

Colts 28 Jaguars 14

Fbkid's Breakout Players: Linebackers

Linebackers are the heart and soul of many defenses and can change the course of games. Whether it's a tackle that prevents a first down, a pass deflection or a forced fumble, linebackers can make their presence felt in many ways. The players on this list have the potential to do all of those things.

LaMarr Woodley Steelers: Woodley didn't start a game in his rookie season but still managed to get 4 sacks. Now that Clark Haggans left for the Cardinals. Woodley has his chance to start for the Steelers and show why he has the upside to be one of the best pass rushers in the league. Woodley has the potential and opportunity to put up a Pro Bowl season in his first full year as a starter.

Ernie Sims Lions: Sims has already established himself as one of the best linebackers in the league as he has 258 tackles in his first two seasons. So why is Sims on this list? That's because he plays for the Lions. Other than Thanksgiving day, football fans around the country don't get to watch Sims and they are missing out. He has already shown what he is capable of and is similar to a young Derrick Brooks. Another good season and Sims should be headed to Hawaii for his first Pro Bowl.

Jon Beason Panthers: If not for Patrick Willis, Beason would have been talked about for his incredible rookie season. Beason had 140 tackles and 1 interception. He is in a similar boat as Sims as the Panthers don't get much national attention either. But if Beason keeps putting up numbers like that, it will be hard for most football fans to not pay attention.

David Harris Jets: As a rookie, Harris only started 9 games. But he was a tackling machine as he had 127 on the year. Harris also had 5 sacks and forced 2 fumbles. With a full year starting, Harris could prove to be one of the best young linebackers in the league.

Paul Posluszny Bills: If Posluszny didn't have a season ending arm injury in week 3, he would be in the same discussion as Willis and Beason. In 3 games, he had 26 tackles which would have put him on pace for 139 tackles. Now Posluszny is healthy and with the Bills poised to make the playoffs, Posluszny has the chance to become a star in his second year.

D'Qwell Jackson Browns: In his second season,Jackson showed flashes of his potential as he had 101 tackles, 1 sack and an interception. But because he plays for the Browns, nobody knows who he is yet. That should change this year as the Browns have 5 prime time games this season and with the additions of Shaun Rogers and Corey Williams up front, Jackson could be even better this year.

Thomas Howard Raiders: Howard has all the makings to turn into a star in his 3rd season. He had 95 tackles last year and is one of the best linebackers in the league in pass coverage as he had 6 interceptions. With his 4.4 speed, Howard ended up taking two of those for touchdowns. With the Raiders improved defense, look for Howard to make his first Pro Bowl appearance in the near future.

Justin Durant Jaguars: When Mike Peterson went down with an injury, the unknown Durant stepped in as a rookie and had 49 tackles and 1 interception. The most impressive part was how in his first playoff game against the Steelers, he stepped in and had 12 tackles. With Peterson returning to the middle, Durant will most likely move to the outside where he can utilize his speed and has the opportunity to be a game changing linebacker for years to come.