NFC East: Deion Sanders
Thanks for the feedback on the last post. I have been reading through the comments there, and I appreciate the suggestions. Most of them, anyway.
Meantime, Football Outsides has been doing a division-by-division look at the remaining needs for each team, and today they take on the NFC East. It's Insider content (which always makes me chuckle, that the Outsiders are Insider), so you need to pay to read it, but here's a little taste.
Dallas Cowboys: "Interior offensive line." Basically, the FO guys aren't excited about the Cowboys' talent level at guard and center, and seem unimpressed by Jason Garrett's plan to let Nate Livings, Mackenzy Bernadeau, Bill Nagy and Phil Costa compete for the three starting spots in the interior of the line. No mention of David Arkin, oddly, who would seem to be in the mix. And I do have a nitpick with their claim that Nagy was "banished to the bench" for ineffectiveness last season, when it was actually a broken ankle that ended his season. But in general, the idea that the Cowboys need more strength and power at the interior line positions than they probably have on the roster is probably accurate.
New York Giants: "Osi Umenyiora's replacement." This seems to posit that the Giants would trade Umenyiora or that he'd hold out and they wouldn't have any pass-rushers at defensive end behind their two excellent starters. I don't think they're going to trade him, and I don't think he's going to hold out of any regular-season games once push comes to shove. But this does point up the idea that the Giants need to be thinking about who replaces Umenyiora next season, assuming he leaves via free agency.
Philadelphia Eagles: "Secondary depth." The metrics all rate Asante Samuel very highly as a cornerback, so it's little surprise that FO treats his departure as one that creates a hole. I think they're right on this score, but the metrics don't take into account Samuel's salary, or the fact that his playing style doesn't fit what they want to do with the cornerbacks this year, so it's hard to get on them for that dump-trade they made with him. Assuming full health and a big steps forward for Nate Allen and Jaiquawn Jarrett, the Eagles should have a good starting secondary. But I would agree that there is little behind the starters if someone gets hurt. Interested to see whether Brandon Boykin can make an impression early and challenge for that nickel corner spot, and I can't rule out the possibility that they add a veteran to the safety mix. There are still quite a few out there.
Washington Redskins: "Cornerbacks." Yeah, DeAngelo Hall and Josh Wilson project as the starters, but they're not exactly Deion Sanders and Night Train Lane back there, and as FO points out, the Redskins' efforts to upgrade their secondary don't rank among their greatest successes of this offseason. Washington's defense is emerging as a good one, but the weak spot is still in the back, and they would do well to keep on the lookout for ways to make it better. That's part of why they're bringing so many safeties to camp, but they'll need better performance from Hall and Wilson in 2012 if the defense is to take the next step.
Meantime, Football Outsides has been doing a division-by-division look at the remaining needs for each team, and today they take on the NFC East. It's Insider content (which always makes me chuckle, that the Outsiders are Insider), so you need to pay to read it, but here's a little taste.
Dallas Cowboys: "Interior offensive line." Basically, the FO guys aren't excited about the Cowboys' talent level at guard and center, and seem unimpressed by Jason Garrett's plan to let Nate Livings, Mackenzy Bernadeau, Bill Nagy and Phil Costa compete for the three starting spots in the interior of the line. No mention of David Arkin, oddly, who would seem to be in the mix. And I do have a nitpick with their claim that Nagy was "banished to the bench" for ineffectiveness last season, when it was actually a broken ankle that ended his season. But in general, the idea that the Cowboys need more strength and power at the interior line positions than they probably have on the roster is probably accurate.
New York Giants: "Osi Umenyiora's replacement." This seems to posit that the Giants would trade Umenyiora or that he'd hold out and they wouldn't have any pass-rushers at defensive end behind their two excellent starters. I don't think they're going to trade him, and I don't think he's going to hold out of any regular-season games once push comes to shove. But this does point up the idea that the Giants need to be thinking about who replaces Umenyiora next season, assuming he leaves via free agency.
Philadelphia Eagles: "Secondary depth." The metrics all rate Asante Samuel very highly as a cornerback, so it's little surprise that FO treats his departure as one that creates a hole. I think they're right on this score, but the metrics don't take into account Samuel's salary, or the fact that his playing style doesn't fit what they want to do with the cornerbacks this year, so it's hard to get on them for that dump-trade they made with him. Assuming full health and a big steps forward for Nate Allen and Jaiquawn Jarrett, the Eagles should have a good starting secondary. But I would agree that there is little behind the starters if someone gets hurt. Interested to see whether Brandon Boykin can make an impression early and challenge for that nickel corner spot, and I can't rule out the possibility that they add a veteran to the safety mix. There are still quite a few out there.
Washington Redskins: "Cornerbacks." Yeah, DeAngelo Hall and Josh Wilson project as the starters, but they're not exactly Deion Sanders and Night Train Lane back there, and as FO points out, the Redskins' efforts to upgrade their secondary don't rank among their greatest successes of this offseason. Washington's defense is emerging as a good one, but the weak spot is still in the back, and they would do well to keep on the lookout for ways to make it better. That's part of why they're bringing so many safeties to camp, but they'll need better performance from Hall and Wilson in 2012 if the defense is to take the next step.Explaining myself on the Claiborne trade
April, 27, 2012
Apr 27
9:47
AM ET
By
Dan Graziano | ESPN.com
Jerry Lai/US PresswireThe Cowboys traded up to draft former LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne Thursday night.But overnight, and this morning, my conversations with you all on Twitter have helped me crystallize my thoughts on this matter. And rather than continue to try and explain them in 140-character snippets, I figured I'd do a blog post explaining my reasoning in a more in-depth fashion than was permitted by an instant-analysis post filed from the frantic floor of Radio City Music Hall. So here goes.
First of all, I love the player. None of my criticism of this move should be construed by anyone as criticism of Claiborne himself. I believed the Cowboys needed to draft the best defensive player available to them, and they drafted the best defensive player available to anyone. It is my opinion that Claiborne will be an excellent player for Dallas. I think he'll be the best corner on the team by Halloween, and if not for the wrist injury that's going to cost him the OTA portion of the offseason I think he could have been that even sooner.
The problem, of course, is that I don't know how good he'll be, and neither do the Cowboys and neither does anyone else. High draft picks bust all the time, and sometimes they're guys who looked as though they couldn't miss. That's why, in most cases, it's important for teams to be careful with their picks -- to try and get as many good-looking prospects as possible, especially in the early rounds, as a hedge against the possibility that one or a couple of them don't pan out. Sure, there are teams that find themselves in position to make bold moves to jump and go all-in for one player. But I don't think this year's Cowboys are such a team, and that's why I wouldn't have done what they did if I'd been in their position -- no matter how much I liked Claiborne.
One of the results of the move, as many of you have pointed out, is that the Cowboys -- who were utterly dreadful in the secondary last year -- now have one of the deepest and most talented cornerback groups in the league. With Claiborne joining free-agent addition Brandon Carr and holdovers Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick, they have succeeded in turning a killer weakness into a strength. All of that is true, and given the manner in which secondary play sunk their 2011 season, I can understand the temptation to go over the top to fix it.
But there are other results of this move that are more detrimental to the Cowboys' offseason plans than Claiborne himself is beneficial. They still need help for the pass rush and the defensive line, and they could still use an upgrade at safety. Making this trade means they'll get to the end of the second round without having addressed any of those areas. Jason Garrett said just the other day that he believes you get your starting-quality players in the first three rounds. This deal means they've decided to use this draft to get only two of those instead of three. Given their many areas of need, in the short and long terms, I consider this unwise.
Also, there's a report out this morning that they're now trying to trade Jenkins. They're not going to get anything decent for Jenkins now. He's coming off shoulder surgery, couldn't stay on the field last year and, after they spent two picks on a cornerback Thursday night, everybody in the league knows Jenkins is an extraneous piece for them. They won't get good value for him. If they'd wanted to replace him, they should have traded him last week and then moved up to take Claiborne. This is a team that has totally changed its plan on the fly in the past 24 hours, and that's not a good way to do offseason NFL business.
One comparison many of you have used in arguments against me is the Redskins, who clearly gave up much more to move up four spots and draft Robert Griffin III than the Cowboys did to move up eight spots and draft Claiborne. The Redskins, you say, have even more needs, and therefore even more reason to play carefully with their picks. And that is also true. But every team's situation is different, and the Redskins' crying need to do something big at quarterback drove their decision. The Redskins absolutely had to make the trade they made to get Griffin. And as good a player as Claiborne is, and as bad as Dallas was in the secondary last year, they did not absolutely have to make a big move to go up and get him. Not in the same way the Redskins needed to address quarterback. Not even close.
Will any of this matter? Who knows? You can't judge a draft in the first 24 hours or even the first 24 months. If Claiborne is the next Deion Sanders, nobody will care that the Cowboys didn't make as many 2012 picks as they should have made. And you'll remember me (if you remember me at all) as the clown who ripped the pick when they made it. All I can do is sit here right now and read the situation as I see it. The way I see it, the Cowboys had no business using their first two picks on just one player who plays a position they already addressed -- in a major, costly way -- in free agency. That's not a great use of resources. And as much fun as it is to pick out the player you like most in the draft and go get him, it's usually smarter to view these draft choices as resources. The Cowboys don't have as many of them now as they would have had if they'd stayed put, selected one of the very good defensive players still available at 14 and held onto a potentially useful second-round pick. In my opinion, they don't have as many of them as they still need.
These aren't the 'same old Redskins'
February, 21, 2012
Feb 21
12:30
PM ET
By
Dan Graziano | ESPN.com
Geoff Burke/US PresswireSince Mike Shanahan's arrival, the Redskins' personnel decisions have been more disciplined.How else to explain the horrified reaction by a quarterback-starved fan base to the idea of signing Peyton Manning? Judging by the reactions from the folks in our comments section all the way up to the mayor of Washington, D.C., you'd think we were talking about handing the starting quarterback's job to Dan Snyder's teenage nephew. This is what Mayor Vincent Gray had to say on the topic to a D.C. television station last week:
"You know, I think it depends on what role he would play, Bruce," Gray said. "But I really think the Redskins need a quarterback that they can build with for the future. You know, Andrew Luck is probably going to go to the Colts, but there's Robert Griffin III, and there's a couple other promising quarterbacks that are out there. We've kind of been down this pathway with quarterbacks who've been great but maybe are in the back end of their career, and even if he comes in and plays a year or two, where do we go from there?"
Well, jeez, Mr. Mayor. At that point, you go with the guy you drafted in 2013 because you weren't able to trade up and get Griffin in 2012. Or you go with a young guy you picked later in that draft who's been apprenticing for a year or two under Peyton Manning, for goodness' sake. What Gray and many other Redskins fans seem to be missing here is that Mike Shanahan can't just go to the "franchise quarterback" aisle at the Wegman's down the road from the team's Ashburn, Va., training facility and pick one. Only one team's going to get Griffin, and if the Redskins aren't that team, they need to have a good Plan B. If Manning is fully healthy and shows he can throw the ball the way he was throwing it two years ago before his neck injury, he's the greatest Plan B in alphabetically themed planning history.
Redskins fans, the mayor included, are looking at this whole thing through the disappointing prism of free-agent signing periods past. I'm hearing names such as Bruce Smith, Deion Sanders, Albert Haynesworth and yeah, Donovan McNabb -- a list of big-name, star players the Redskins brought in to great fanfare and who flopped for one reason or another. Because of this, the chorus moans, Manning isn't the way to go. The Redskins have done the big-name/big-contract thing before and it just never works out. They need to stop doing business this way.
Well, guess what? They kind of already have. Yeah, McNabb was a mistake -- a flyer Shanahan took thinking he could re-light a spark that had gone out in Philadelphia and maybe sneak into the playoffs in his first year in Washington. He acknowledges it was a risk that didn't work out. But (a) Manning is not McNabb, who was no longer driven to excel by the time the Redskins got him and (b) the McNabb acquisition is an outlier among the moves Shanahan and Bruce Allen have made since taking over personnel decisions two years ago. Everything else they've done in the draft and free agency has been focused, sober and competent, and they deserve the benefit of the doubt, even from Redskins fans scarred by the mistakes of past administrations.
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AP Photo/Frederick BreedonAdding Peyton Manning for the right price would make a lot of sense for the Redskins.
AP Photo/Frederick BreedonAdding Peyton Manning for the right price would make a lot of sense for the Redskins.In the meantime, there is free agency, and although the Redskins didn't make a big splash last summer, they did very well in free agency. Shanahan targeted specific players in the 27- to 29-year-old age group -- guys he believed were already established but still young and hungry enough to grow and develop with the team. He plans to use the same formula this year to address wide receiver, offensive line and the secondary. He's not after the biggest name out there. He's after the specific types of players he believes his team needs in order to build a consistent, year-to-year winner.
Which brings us back to Manning, one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Shanahan's not going to give Manning a big, five-year, huge-money deal. I don't think anyone is, given the health concerns, but if the market gets that crazy, I don't expect the Redskins to play in it. It just wouldn't be smart. Bringing Manning in on a one-year or two-year deal with incentives to allow him to prove he's healthy is smart, because if Manning is healthy, he's worth as much as any quarterback in the league.
That's the important thing to remember here, Redskins fans. Manning isn't a "fading star" who's past his prime. He was, before his neck injury, playing at as high a level as any quarterback in the league. He got hurt and missed a season. Now, it appears he'll be available again. And if he shows teams he can throw the ball the way he did in 2010, he's a smart short-term investment for a team that needs a quarterback answer now and for the future. The ideal solution would be both, but if that's not out there, the Redskins need to be smart about addressing the former while keeping their eye on the latter. So far, the Shanahan regime has shown that it doesn't do business like those "same old Redskins" who've hurt you so many times.
Friday. Links. You know the drill.
Washington Redskins
Redskins coaches seem to think it doesn't matter which of their three running backs is technically the "starter," but Tim Hightower says it matters to him, and he doesn't want to give up that designation.
And while we debate the merits of Hightower vs. Ryan Torain as a starter, Rick Maese has a very interesting in-depth look at the third running back in that equation -- Roy Helu, the rookie of whom the University of Nebraska team chaplain says, "He has a unique spirit about him."
New York Giants
Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell thinks the Giants' defense needs some help communicating, especially when the opponent is in the no-huddle offense, and is considering putting wristbands on his players to help them grasp and communicate defensive play calls better.
Ahmad Bradshaw remembers his big 2007 game against the Bills -- one that included an 88-yard touchdown run -- and hopes this week's game can trigger a return for the Giants to their run-first roots.
Dallas Cowboys
Nothing that's happened over the first four games of the season has rattled the Cowboys' confidence, and quarterback Tony Romo had some comments Thursday about Deion Sanders saying he wasn't the guy to lead them to the Super Bowl. Romo promises these Cowboys will win a Super Bowl "at some point," and that when that happens they'll remember who stood by them and who didn't. Hey, it's tough talk, but these Cowboys really do think they're good, and they have a chance over the next couple of months to prove it.
The Patriots rank last in the NFL in total defense, but the Cowboys aren't buying it. Jason Garrett thinks it's because New England gets so many leads and teams have to throw a lot to try and keep up with them. We'll see. They looked pretty good against the Jets last week, but the Jets don't have the Cowboys' weapons.
Philadelphia Eagles
The 15 turnovers the Eagles have committed on offense are obviously a huge problem, but so is the fact that the defense, which for years has focused on generating turnovers, has claimed only five this year in five games. Shrinking that there ratio would fix a lot of problems.
King Dunlap has back spasms and didn't practice Thursday, and Jason Peters is still out, so that could mean Winston Justice and Todd Herremans as starting tackles Sunday against Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrigan and the Redskins. Is that good?
Washington Redskins
Redskins coaches seem to think it doesn't matter which of their three running backs is technically the "starter," but Tim Hightower says it matters to him, and he doesn't want to give up that designation.
And while we debate the merits of Hightower vs. Ryan Torain as a starter, Rick Maese has a very interesting in-depth look at the third running back in that equation -- Roy Helu, the rookie of whom the University of Nebraska team chaplain says, "He has a unique spirit about him."
New York Giants
Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell thinks the Giants' defense needs some help communicating, especially when the opponent is in the no-huddle offense, and is considering putting wristbands on his players to help them grasp and communicate defensive play calls better.
Ahmad Bradshaw remembers his big 2007 game against the Bills -- one that included an 88-yard touchdown run -- and hopes this week's game can trigger a return for the Giants to their run-first roots.
Dallas Cowboys
Nothing that's happened over the first four games of the season has rattled the Cowboys' confidence, and quarterback Tony Romo had some comments Thursday about Deion Sanders saying he wasn't the guy to lead them to the Super Bowl. Romo promises these Cowboys will win a Super Bowl "at some point," and that when that happens they'll remember who stood by them and who didn't. Hey, it's tough talk, but these Cowboys really do think they're good, and they have a chance over the next couple of months to prove it.
The Patriots rank last in the NFL in total defense, but the Cowboys aren't buying it. Jason Garrett thinks it's because New England gets so many leads and teams have to throw a lot to try and keep up with them. We'll see. They looked pretty good against the Jets last week, but the Jets don't have the Cowboys' weapons.
Philadelphia Eagles
The 15 turnovers the Eagles have committed on offense are obviously a huge problem, but so is the fact that the defense, which for years has focused on generating turnovers, has claimed only five this year in five games. Shrinking that there ratio would fix a lot of problems.
King Dunlap has back spasms and didn't practice Thursday, and Jason Peters is still out, so that could mean Winston Justice and Todd Herremans as starting tackles Sunday against Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrigan and the Redskins. Is that good?
Chris Cooley is way wrong on this one. The Washington Redskins' tight end had no business talking as gleefully in public as he did about Tony Romo's most recent collapse. Cooley's a fun guy who's free with his opinions, and that makes him entertaining. But in this particular case, as a contemporary of Romo's and a fellow professional athlete, he should know better and should have kept his mouth shut.
RomoOverall, the Romo bashing is getting silly, because it's become too easy. There's no art to it, very little thought put into what's being said anymore. He plays a great game, he's great. He plays a lousy game, and it's as though he never played a great one. It's knee-jerk. It's white noise. And it's almost pointless to keep track of who said what because it doesn't matter if it's all the same.
For instance, the stuff Deion Sanders said on the NFL Network about how Romo's "not the guy that can take you where you want to go." That's right off of Page 1 of the Romo-ripping handbook and it's not new or insightful.
No, what jumps off the page in the latest episode of Today in Tony Bashing is the contribution by Cooley, who said this on a radio show:
My first thought was, "Did Cooley retire and I missed it?" Because that's just not the kind of thing one current player says about another. It's the kind of thing a fan says about a player on a team he hates. Professional athletes are supposed to have more mutual respect for each other and for how hard the game is to play. It's all well and good if Cooley has something personal against Romo and wants to cackle to himself in the privacy of his own home. But to come out and say on a radio show that you enjoyed watching another guy fail? Not saying you enjoyed the fact that a team in your division lost so you gained ground on them, but saying you took personal enjoyment out of a fellow football player's failure? That doesn't ring right, and it's not very professional.
I don't care about the cage-fighting stuff because that was silly and jokey and harmless. I listened to the audio to be sure before I came here to write this, and I didn't find anything about that part of it worth commenting on. But the part where he calls Romo a choker doesn't seem remotely appropriate. If a Redskins fan calls into the LaVar and Dukes show to call Romo a choker and say how much he enjoyed watching him choke away the game (which he did do, by the way), that's one thing. But for another active NFL player to do it? I'm sorry. Just silly.
What if Cooley and Romo end up on the same team someday? What if one of Romo's defensive teammates, who happens to really like Romo, decides to seek out Cooley personally in the next Cowboys-Redskins game and exact revenge? And what about professional respect and courtesy? Would it be all right with Cooley if he dropped three balls in the end zone and the Cowboys' backup tight end came out and laughed at him about it on the radio and said how awesome it was to watch?
Cooley likes to talk a lot, and say and write outrageous things. And someday that's liable to land him a spot on one of those studio shows like Deion. But for now, while he's still playing in the same league as Romo, it's flat-out wrong for him to have said what he said. When someone like me criticizes an NFL player, other NFL players will often chide me for not knowing how hard it is to do what the player was trying to do. Cooley should know better, and he really should apologize.

For instance, the stuff Deion Sanders said on the NFL Network about how Romo's "not the guy that can take you where you want to go." That's right off of Page 1 of the Romo-ripping handbook and it's not new or insightful.
No, what jumps off the page in the latest episode of Today in Tony Bashing is the contribution by Cooley, who said this on a radio show:
"It's amazing, amazing to watch him choke like that," Cooley said on 106.7 The Fan in Washington. "I'm just saying, (if) I'm up 24 points in the third quarter, if I'm the head coach, I feel like I could probably just take a knee for the rest of the game, punt it away and there's no way that Detroit's gonna drive on you that many times. The only way you're gonna give up that many points is turnovers, right? It's hilarious to watch him throw pick sixes, too, back to back. I loved it."
My first thought was, "Did Cooley retire and I missed it?" Because that's just not the kind of thing one current player says about another. It's the kind of thing a fan says about a player on a team he hates. Professional athletes are supposed to have more mutual respect for each other and for how hard the game is to play. It's all well and good if Cooley has something personal against Romo and wants to cackle to himself in the privacy of his own home. But to come out and say on a radio show that you enjoyed watching another guy fail? Not saying you enjoyed the fact that a team in your division lost so you gained ground on them, but saying you took personal enjoyment out of a fellow football player's failure? That doesn't ring right, and it's not very professional.
I don't care about the cage-fighting stuff because that was silly and jokey and harmless. I listened to the audio to be sure before I came here to write this, and I didn't find anything about that part of it worth commenting on. But the part where he calls Romo a choker doesn't seem remotely appropriate. If a Redskins fan calls into the LaVar and Dukes show to call Romo a choker and say how much he enjoyed watching him choke away the game (which he did do, by the way), that's one thing. But for another active NFL player to do it? I'm sorry. Just silly.
What if Cooley and Romo end up on the same team someday? What if one of Romo's defensive teammates, who happens to really like Romo, decides to seek out Cooley personally in the next Cowboys-Redskins game and exact revenge? And what about professional respect and courtesy? Would it be all right with Cooley if he dropped three balls in the end zone and the Cowboys' backup tight end came out and laughed at him about it on the radio and said how awesome it was to watch?
Cooley likes to talk a lot, and say and write outrageous things. And someday that's liable to land him a spot on one of those studio shows like Deion. But for now, while he's still playing in the same league as Romo, it's flat-out wrong for him to have said what he said. When someone like me criticizes an NFL player, other NFL players will often chide me for not knowing how hard it is to do what the player was trying to do. Cooley should know better, and he really should apologize.
Deion Sanders HOF enshrinement speech
August, 7, 2011
8/07/11
12:39
AM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
AP Photo/Ron SchwaneDeion Sanders personalized his Hall of Fame bust by adding his signature do-rag.Thank you, Lord, I thank you. Jesus, I love you. If it wasn't for God, I wouldn't be here today, so, Lord, I thank you.
The Hall of Fame staff, Canton, Ohio, that was a wonderful parade, although I thought we were headed to Cleveland. It was a good parade. Love you all.
President Stephen Perry, Tammy, Dave, Steve, Jerry, thank you. Thank you. You've made this a wonderful thing. We often times have football coaches, but when it comes to the spiritual things, we don't want any coaching.
But I have a wonderful team of spiritual advisors I just want to appreciate. So if you can bear with me I'm going to run through a lot of thank yous because unfortunately I played for five teams. It's not like I wanted to leave one, but I had to. So I have a lot of thank yous. My spiritual advisors, my spiritual father, Bishop T.D. Jakes, Bishop Watkins, Bishop Jones, Bishop Long, Bishop Owens, Pastor R.J. and April Washington, the Hornbuckles. Dr. Leroy Thompson, Pastor Paula and Randy White and Pastor Tracy David Forbes who led me to the lord.
Thank you, because often times when we have public success, we have private struggles, and thank you for blessing me and speaking into my spirit.
Coach C, Coach David Capel, Coach Capel who suffered a massive heart attack in his excitement to get here was so vital in who I am, what I am, and where I am today. Coach Ron Hoover, my high school coach for kicking me off the team my junior year although I was the starting quarterback, that taught me a valuable lesson, but to this day, I still wasn't insubordinate in that cafeteria. I promise you I wasn't. I don't know what that lady was talking about. For real.
Principal Stickles, Deshazo, athletic director Bobbie Dewey, my English teacher Ms. Fleming, I thank you so much. Recruiter Jim Harveston, Coach Bobby Bowden, the best college football coach ever. Jimmie and Donna Callaway, I love you because you love me like I'm your own.
Mickey and Diane Andrews, my defensive back coach at Florida State. Coach Andrews, where are you? You taught me everything. I love you. The two things that you taught me, I could be two persons at the same time. You could yell at us, scream at us, by the time we get in the cafeteria, how's the family, how's everything going? You blessed me. Also, you made me what I am. You remember that drill that you had that you laid this mat out on the field, and the punter had to come and lay out and dive and try to block the punt? I don't even dive in pools. I don't even do that.
But the guy before me, right before me, dove and the kicker kicked him and split his jaw wide open. And I said, Coach, I'll go back there and return these punts. So I want to thank you for allowing me to be that punt returner.
Special people, Eugene (Parker), I love you, man. You've been there. You've been straight up. You've been forward. I've never heard you use profanity. I've never seen you out of character. You've always been a blessing and told me the right things, not just a yes man. I love you for that. I really, really do.
Jamie Dukes, like my brother, Andre Rison, Keith, Al Williams, Corey Fuller who allowed me to come back and play for the Ravens by telling my beloved Ozzie Newsome that I could still do it.
Jason Phillips who is the offensive coordinator at the University of Houston, but when we went at it against each other in Atlanta on the scout team. He didn't have Sundays to play. He had Wednesdays and Thursdays, and he went at my butt. We had a battle every day, and I love you Jay for that.
Snoop Dogg, thank you for coming, my man. Cube, where you at? Cube, I've been loving you since the early '90s, baby. Thank you. Constance Schwartz, my business manager, Jose Ayana, Jeremy, Roger the Sandman Thomas, Nancy Lieberman, Nate Newton, and D.L. Wallace.
Sponsors, Under Armour, you see a bunch of kids around here with Truth on. It would not have been possible if it had not been for UA, I thank you, UA, and I love you dearly.
My family, Auntie Scooting, thank you for all the sacrifices, the love, the compassion that you've given me. Stand up, baby. That car phone that you got me when I was in college. I love you for that.
Aunt Vet for putting this whole thing together because you know I'm not like this, really. I have a hard time being a recipient of things. I still got presents and birthday cards and gifts way back from two birthdays and Christmases ago. Thank you for handling all of this. Uncle Billy for being my man, my dog for forever more.
My sister, Tracy, for always having my back. I love you, girl, cousin Carson, niece Tia, grandma Hattie Mae Mimms, my prayer warrior who has always prayed me through. I thank you so much.
Atlanta Falcons, Rankin Smith, Coach Campbell, Hanavan, Glanville, June Jones, Jimmy Carr, Fred Bruney my defensive back, coach of special teams Bobby April, my equipment manager that I wore his helmet every game that I played in until I went to Baltimore, the late Whitey Zimmerman and God bless you, thank you, Boris Daniels.
The new regime. I had a wonderful meeting today with one of the most beautiful owners I've ever had, and I wish I would have played for him, Arthur Blank. Thank you, man, I love you. Rich McKay, Reggie Roberts, Kevin Winston, Thomas Dimitroff, thank you so much for everything.
Eddie DeBartolo, Carmen Policy, Dwight Clark, (George) Seifert, Ray Rhodes, my man, Ray Rhodes, I love you so much. Defensive back coach Tom Homer, PR Rodney Knox. Jerry Jones taught me so much about family. Taught me so much about business. Taught me a lot about life. Your beautiful wife, Gene.
Steven, I love you, the Jones whole family. Secretary Marilyn Love who is the best cup of corner I've ever seen. Coach Barry Switzer, Chan Gailey, Dave Campo, Mike Zimmer, defensive coordinator of the Cincinnati Bengals right now. You will be a head coach one day, sir.
Joe Abazano, Rich Dalrymple, Mike and Bucky, equipment men. I told you I had five teams. Washington Redskins, Daniel Snyder, Vinny Cerrato, Norv Turner, Ray Rhodes, once again, Ray Meeks, Jay Byrd, equipment man, and my man, Mel Brad, man, I appreciate you so much.
Baltimore Ravens, Steve Bisciotti, Ozzie Newsome, thank you for giving me the opportunity to end right. You must everything you do in the right way.
Head Coach Billick, Jim Fassel, Mike Nolan, I love me some Rex Ryan, PR, Kevin and Chad Steele, equipment manager, Ed Carroll. I'd like to thank all the trainers as well who were there prominently for me. I thank you so much.
Do you understand this is the Hall of Fame? I grew up on some of you guys.
If I could just get a glimpse of that television and some of some you of you guys, to play against the Marinos, to play against the Montanas, Troy Aikman, man, Emmitt Smith, Mike Irvin. Are you kidding me? Steve Young I got to play with? Some of the best in the business. Irving Fryar from the Washington Redskins, Andre Rison, the guys I adore.
The best secondary to me in San Francisco. Eric Davis, Tim McDonald, Dedrick Dodge as well. This game, this game, this game, this game, this game taught me how to be a man. This game taught me if I could get knocked down, I've got to get my butt back up again. This game taught me there are things in life you can't do prematurely. They call it offsides. In life, it's just life.
Throughout this game I've gained five wonderful, beautiful kids. Deiondra, Deion Junior, Shilo, Sheduer, Shelomi, with all my teams jerseys on, I love you. Thank you, babies.
My beautiful wife, Pilar, who has sacrificed and put her dreams and ambitions on hold to make sure I achieve mine. Thank you, baby, for all you do and for all you've put up with me because I know I'm not easy to deal with.
This game, I appreciate this game so much because I thought about it as a child. I wanted to do it, and they told me we'd get compensated and paid for a game that I always loved and I hear so many people say I would do this for free. I would too as long as you're doing it for free.
But this game, this game means so much to me, but I always had a rule in life that I would never love nothing that couldn't love me back. So I admired this game, I liked this game. It taught me how to get up, it taught me how to live and play with pain, this game. This game taught me so much about people. It taught me so much about timing. It taught me so much about focus, dedication, submitting one's self, and sacrifices.
This game, this game, this game. And I went at this game and attacked this game because I made a promise that I needed this game to fulfill.
I made a promise when I was 7-years old to this young woman at the age of 27. She was working two jobs just to see if ends could see one another because they never met. And she was slaving over pots and pans on that precise day. I can remember, it was a little high chair right by the kitchen. In the kitchen there was a high chair right by the stove that she was cooking.
And I said, mama, because I was tired of seeing her go to work and come home all tired. I said I'm going to be rich one day. Mama, “I'm going to make a lot of money, and you will never have to work another day of your life.” My mama said “that's fine, but until then you get that lawnmower and go out there and cut that grass.”
14 years later, that's why you can't give up on your dream, your promise, because 14 years later, this dream, this promise came. That I was able to allow my mama to go into a job and say I'm not doing it anymore. My son has blessed me.
But there is something inside of me, mama, that I never told you. That I never could admit, and I'm going to share it with all of you, because now we're family. I played for a youth team called the Fort Myers Rebels and they blessed me. They took me all over the country to expose me to things, to expose you to things.
Everybody on their team, their parents owned something. Their parents were doctors or lawyers or the chief of police. It was that type of organization. Me and one of my friends were the only African American kids on that team. It was a very affluent team, and I was ashamed of my mama because my mama worked in the hospital. She cleaned up the hospital, and I was ashamed of my mama who sacrificed, who loved me, who protected me, who gave me everything. I want to make sure I was best dressed in school and I had everything that was laid that came out. I had it first.
I was ashamed of my mama because one of my friends in high school, he saw her in a hospital one night pushing a cart, and he came back and he clowned me, he ridiculed me and he mocked me because of my mama.
So I made a pledge to myself that I don't care what it takes, I don't care what it may take, I'm not going to do anything illegal, but my mama would never have to work another day of her life.
And I recognized the defensive backs at that time didn't get paid a lot. Cornerbacks, running backs, linebackers, defensive backs weren't paid a lot. And in my dormitory room at Florida State, I created this image. This thing that you can imagine. You could love him or you could hate him, but he was Primetime.
I pre-rehearsed the sayings because I knew I had the substance. I knew I had the goods, I knew I had the work ethic, but I needed to secure myself enough that my mama would never have to work another day of her life.
See the problem is with some dreams, the dreams are only about you if your dream ain't bigger than you, there is a problem with your dream. I understood there were going to be stones, because when you make a difference, there are going to be haters.
When you're provoking change, there are going to be naysayers. People don't condone what they've never seen. But when you talked about me, media, guess what, behind I saw my mama. When you wrote about me, when you naysayed me, when you criticized me, I looked right through your TV and I saw my mama.
When you told me what I couldn't do, when you told me what I didn't do, when you told me what I would never be, I saw my mama pushing that cart. When you told me I was too small, I wasn't educated enough, I saw my mama because I made a promise. And whenever you make a promise, there will be a responsibility to that promise. You have to maintain that responsibility, that's why I love this game.When we get away from this game and put these jackets on and we're no longer on the field in that locker room, we lose responsibility because this game has given us responsibility that Troy Aikman had to make that throw when Mike (Irvin) came out of that break. Emmitt (Smith) you had to pick up that block. Jerry Rice, you had to be where you said you were going to be. Responsibility, it was a promise, it was a responsibility. There is an intellect and intelligence one must have.
You think these guys are sitting up here flanked on my right and my left and they didn't have the intelligence? I'm not talking about the IQs that you learn in school. I'm talking about that knowledge of life, intelligence.
I had a promise. I had a responsibility. I had somewhat of intelligence, then I had to manage all these things. There are no classes that teach us how to manage people. There is no class that told us how to manage millions. There is no class that teaches how to manage time. We had to learn this on the fly because ultimately most people that are around us are on a payroll, and often times they tell you what you want to hear. Thank you, Eugene (Parker) for being you.
Now I got a promise, I got a responsibility, I've got an intelligence and an intellect. Now I'm managing things. The last thing that I have is expectation. It separates us from some of you kids, from some of you adults, from some of you people that we expect to be great.
I heard some of the Hall of Famers say I would never really dreamed like this. I'm sorry. I did. I expect to be great. I expect to do what hadn't been done. I expect to provoke change. I expect when I walk into a room and it's 72 degrees, when I get there, it's going to be 70. I expect to make change.
I expected no matter what the team I played on to be great. Thank God I went to five different teams, because when I got to the next team, I had to prove myself all over again. When I got to the next team, I had to prove myself all over again.
I expect certain things. People, start expecting what you desire. Start thinking outside the box. On my shoes right now, on these kids shirts behind them, it says "You've got to believe." I have a problem that if you don't believe in yourself, how will somebody else believe in you?
I gave you a promise. I gave you the responsibility. I gave you intellect, intelligence, I gave you management, I gave you expectation. I don't know if you figured it out by now, but I just gave you Prime. I just gave you the formula in who was really standing before you because I was trick or treating and it wasn't even Halloween. Because all the things that you really thought I was, and some of the things you didn't like, you didn't love, you didn't want to accept, I was doing it for my mama.
I will leave you with this. Many of my naysayers said, you know, Prime didn't tackle, but show me some film where I didn't or where I hurt my team. But I want to respond to that publicly because that affects me, it bothers me. That's insinuating that I'm soft, and I've got kids.
Since 1989, I've tackled every bill my mama has ever given me, haven't missed one. The next time they say Prime didn't tackle, make sure you let them know, yes, he did. Hall of Famers, I am so privileged and so thankful to be amongst you.
You don't understand how I didn't understand it until I got here, until I spoke to some of you, until I saw some of you, until I heard some of you articulate yourselves. When I heard the struggles and the trials.
I met a new friend. His name is Chris Hanburger. I know the rest of y'all, so I'm not giving you that. But, Chris, I love you, man, you're a good dude, man.
NFL Network, thank you for blessing me and for giving me the opportunity to be me.
Truth family, stand up. Ladies and gentlemen, I came here with seven buses full of kids and parents, all ethnicities, all social climates and social statuses. We're one family. I tricked these kids by telling them by using sports to educate them.
I'm trying to open a charter school. What are we doing with this platform that we have? Just to wear this gold jacket? Just to walk around and say I'm a Hall of Famer? Come on, people. Let's provoke change.
Truth family, I love you, because we are training you. We are raising your kids to be CEOs, not employees. We are raising your kids to be leaders and not followers. And Truth family, thank you for your sacrifices, for your love, for your compassion that you have for me. Because guess what, I need it.
I thank you. I love you. Hall of Fame, I tell you what, I don't know what's going on in the other tents, but Snoop, Nelly, Cube, you going to do something. We about to go tear this thing up.
I appreciate you. I got one final thing because I like him, but something's missing.
Thank you, and God bless.

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him link. I can, though.
Dallas Cowboys
I was going to post on all this Deion Sanders-Dez Bryant stuff Tuesday, but it felt like a radio interview Deion had given last week and to which I'd already linked. Maybe I was wrong, though, and Deion is saying this same kind of stuff about Bryant again. Calvin Watkins thinks Deion needs to get off the kid's back, and I wonder what Bryant did to Deion to change him from a guy trying to help him out to a guy seemingly determined to tear him down. Must have been pretty bad.
I know how you guys love your Tony Romo golf updates, so here you go. Tony's a co-favorite, along with former major league pitcher Rick Rhoden, to win this weekend's American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament. If I were a player and I were tweeting about this, I'd end it with #pleaseendthelockout.
New York Giants
Jeez, it's tough to find Giants links. I'm going with this from Giants.com on sixth-round safety Tyler Sash, whose chances of cracking the Giants' very deep secondary are slightly better than yours are but whose rookie contribution should come on special teams. A couple of people have asked why we haven't listed "special teams" among the Giants' needs for the coming season. My answer is this: If you had the special-teams season the Giants had, and the guys you just drafted don't help fix the problem, you didn't have a very good draft.
Antrel Rolle says he's been hearing since March that the end of the lockout was a week or two away. My question: Who are this guy's sources? I don't remember anybody even hinting at that in March. Anyway, Rolle says the sky's the limit for the Giants this season, which is fine, to like your team's chances before the rosters are set. Again, Giants links are scarce. These are some quotes from Rolle. Enjoy them.
Philadelphia Eagles
Over at the AFC North blog, James Walker thinks Quintin Mikell could be a target of the Cleveland Browns in free agency. James cites connections with folks such as Dick Jauron and Tom Heckert, who know Mikell from his Philly days, and seems to think Mikell is the kind of solid all-around contributor who'd fit what the Browns are looking for at the position. A couple of other names on here that have come up in some of our safety discussions as well.
Grantland.com's Bill Barnwell did a list of the 25 Least Valuable Players in the NFL, which is a delightfully cranky idea he carried off quite well. The only NFC East player on the list was Eagles cornerback Dmitri Patterson, of whom Barnwell writes, "Patterson was a last resort at cornerback forced into action by injuries; teams avoided Asante Samuel and spent the second half throwing at the guy who the Philadelphia Inquirer politely noted ' … is better suited to special teams.'"
Washington Redskins
Our man in Chicago, Michael Wright, ponders whether Albert Haynesworth would be a good fit with the Bears. Michael believes he would, and I agree. Big Al in a 4-3, away from Mike Shanahan and motivated to play for a contender, is going to be a dangerous dude. Because of that, I also agree with Michael that Shanahan will demand a lot in return for Big Al, and it'll be interesting to see who's willing to pay the price. I've heard some recent speculation about Denver and St. Louis for Al as well. Still say no chance the Eagles can get him, even though that's the best and most obvious fit.
And sticking with the Redskins/Bears theme for some reason, the Chicago Tribune reports that Devin Hester wants the Bears to sign Santana Moss. I think we've all been expecting Moss to sign back with Washington, but if he were to leave, it would create a tough situation for the Skins. It will be tough for them to lure veteran free-agent receivers given their unstable quarterback situation. They'd likely have to overpay to get someone line Braylon Edwards to replace Moss, which would leave them short in their pursuit of other free agents, and could end up having to just let their young guys develop without Moss' guidance.
Hump Day, they call this. We can all get over it together.
Dallas Cowboys
I was going to post on all this Deion Sanders-Dez Bryant stuff Tuesday, but it felt like a radio interview Deion had given last week and to which I'd already linked. Maybe I was wrong, though, and Deion is saying this same kind of stuff about Bryant again. Calvin Watkins thinks Deion needs to get off the kid's back, and I wonder what Bryant did to Deion to change him from a guy trying to help him out to a guy seemingly determined to tear him down. Must have been pretty bad.
I know how you guys love your Tony Romo golf updates, so here you go. Tony's a co-favorite, along with former major league pitcher Rick Rhoden, to win this weekend's American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament. If I were a player and I were tweeting about this, I'd end it with #pleaseendthelockout.
New York Giants
Jeez, it's tough to find Giants links. I'm going with this from Giants.com on sixth-round safety Tyler Sash, whose chances of cracking the Giants' very deep secondary are slightly better than yours are but whose rookie contribution should come on special teams. A couple of people have asked why we haven't listed "special teams" among the Giants' needs for the coming season. My answer is this: If you had the special-teams season the Giants had, and the guys you just drafted don't help fix the problem, you didn't have a very good draft.
Antrel Rolle says he's been hearing since March that the end of the lockout was a week or two away. My question: Who are this guy's sources? I don't remember anybody even hinting at that in March. Anyway, Rolle says the sky's the limit for the Giants this season, which is fine, to like your team's chances before the rosters are set. Again, Giants links are scarce. These are some quotes from Rolle. Enjoy them.
Philadelphia Eagles
Over at the AFC North blog, James Walker thinks Quintin Mikell could be a target of the Cleveland Browns in free agency. James cites connections with folks such as Dick Jauron and Tom Heckert, who know Mikell from his Philly days, and seems to think Mikell is the kind of solid all-around contributor who'd fit what the Browns are looking for at the position. A couple of other names on here that have come up in some of our safety discussions as well.
Grantland.com's Bill Barnwell did a list of the 25 Least Valuable Players in the NFL, which is a delightfully cranky idea he carried off quite well. The only NFC East player on the list was Eagles cornerback Dmitri Patterson, of whom Barnwell writes, "Patterson was a last resort at cornerback forced into action by injuries; teams avoided Asante Samuel and spent the second half throwing at the guy who the Philadelphia Inquirer politely noted ' … is better suited to special teams.'"
Washington Redskins
Our man in Chicago, Michael Wright, ponders whether Albert Haynesworth would be a good fit with the Bears. Michael believes he would, and I agree. Big Al in a 4-3, away from Mike Shanahan and motivated to play for a contender, is going to be a dangerous dude. Because of that, I also agree with Michael that Shanahan will demand a lot in return for Big Al, and it'll be interesting to see who's willing to pay the price. I've heard some recent speculation about Denver and St. Louis for Al as well. Still say no chance the Eagles can get him, even though that's the best and most obvious fit.
And sticking with the Redskins/Bears theme for some reason, the Chicago Tribune reports that Devin Hester wants the Bears to sign Santana Moss. I think we've all been expecting Moss to sign back with Washington, but if he were to leave, it would create a tough situation for the Skins. It will be tough for them to lure veteran free-agent receivers given their unstable quarterback situation. They'd likely have to overpay to get someone line Braylon Edwards to replace Moss, which would leave them short in their pursuit of other free agents, and could end up having to just let their young guys develop without Moss' guidance.
Hump Day, they call this. We can all get over it together.
It is, to be sure, The Season of the List. The absence of actual NFL news during the lockout has led many of us to turn to rankings and list-making as a source of conversation-stirring content. We've done more than our share of it here, but we're not alone. Cowboys.com today offers a ranking of the Top 10 all-around athletes ever to suit up for the Cowboys.
This is not, they make it clear, a list of the best players ever to play for the Cowboys. You won't find Troy Aikman or Emmitt Smith or Michael Irvin here. But you will find Walt Garrison, who was an actual rodeo cowboy in addition to being a football one. You'll find Terrell Owens, as pure an athletic specimen as we've seen in spite of his...well, drawbacks. The list reminds us of Ed "Too Tall" Jones' boxing career, Herschel Walker's turn as an Olympic bobsledder and Deion Sanders multi-sport exploits as an NFL star and Major League Baseball player.
T0ny Romo makes the list because of his skills on the golf course. And DeMarcus Ware, Mel Renfro and Larry Allen didn't even have to go the two-sport route to crack the top 10, so impressive were they as pure athletes on the football field. The man in the No. 1 spot? Well, as the writer, Nick Eatman, points out, Bob Hayes was not only know as "The Fastest Man in the World," but he's also the only guy with a Super Bowl ring and an Olympic gold medal. Pretty good credentials for a list like this. Pretty fun list.
This is not, they make it clear, a list of the best players ever to play for the Cowboys. You won't find Troy Aikman or Emmitt Smith or Michael Irvin here. But you will find Walt Garrison, who was an actual rodeo cowboy in addition to being a football one. You'll find Terrell Owens, as pure an athletic specimen as we've seen in spite of his...well, drawbacks. The list reminds us of Ed "Too Tall" Jones' boxing career, Herschel Walker's turn as an Olympic bobsledder and Deion Sanders multi-sport exploits as an NFL star and Major League Baseball player.
T0ny Romo makes the list because of his skills on the golf course. And DeMarcus Ware, Mel Renfro and Larry Allen didn't even have to go the two-sport route to crack the top 10, so impressive were they as pure athletes on the football field. The man in the No. 1 spot? Well, as the writer, Nick Eatman, points out, Bob Hayes was not only know as "The Fastest Man in the World," but he's also the only guy with a Super Bowl ring and an Olympic gold medal. Pretty good credentials for a list like this. Pretty fun list.
Deion Sanders: Dez Bryant needs help
March, 25, 2011
3/25/11
4:31
PM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Deion Sanders, who stopped mentoring Dez Bryant months ago, strongly criticized the Dallas Cowboys receiver in reaction to the criminal trespass warning given to Bryant over the weekend at a Dallas mall.
"I'm upset but not surprised whatsoever," Sanders said on The Ben & Skin Show on ESPN 103.3 FM in Dallas.
Sanders described Bryant's behavior at NorthPark Center on Saturday as "ignorant."
Read the full report by ESPNDallas.com's Tim MacMahon.
"I'm upset but not surprised whatsoever," Sanders said on The Ben & Skin Show on ESPN 103.3 FM in Dallas.
Sanders described Bryant's behavior at NorthPark Center on Saturday as "ignorant."
Read the full report by ESPNDallas.com's Tim MacMahon.
'Prime Time' talks about his inspiration
February, 5, 2011
2/05/11
9:16
PM ET
By Matt Mosley | ESPN.com
DALLAS -- Deion Sanders is one of the greatest cornerbacks to ever play professional football, and he stamped his ticket to Canton on Saturday evening when he was welcomed into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first ballot. He arrived at the media center wearing a "Prime" jogging suit.
Sanders retold the story about how he decided at age 7 that he would find a way to be a rich man. He wanted his mother, Connie Hicks, to be able to leave her job as a janitor.
"I will retire my mama," said Sanders on Saturday, thinking back to his youth. "And she hasn't worked since '89."
He said the children's book, "The Little Engine That Could" had a profound impact on his life.
"I think I can, I think I can, I think I can," said Sanders in a dramatic tone.
He talked about his passion for helping kids and said their "call" must be larger than themselves.
Sanders seemed genuinely moved to be flanked on the stage by Marshall Faulk, Shannon Sharpe, Michael Irvin and Rod Woodson. This is a man who knew he was destined for the Hall from the time he first stepped on the field with the Falcons. In addition to being a shutdown cornerback, he was a dangerous punt returner and could also line up at wide receiver. Everyone knew Sanders would make it on his first ballot.
He was a once-in-a-lifetime player who cashed in his constant self-promotion. He's someone who's always craved the spotlight, and he was in it once again Saturday evening.
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Mark J. Rebilas/US PresswireThere was little doubt Deion Sanders would be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Mark J. Rebilas/US PresswireThere was little doubt Deion Sanders would be a first-ballot Hall of Famer."I will retire my mama," said Sanders on Saturday, thinking back to his youth. "And she hasn't worked since '89."
He said the children's book, "The Little Engine That Could" had a profound impact on his life.
"I think I can, I think I can, I think I can," said Sanders in a dramatic tone.
He talked about his passion for helping kids and said their "call" must be larger than themselves.
Sanders seemed genuinely moved to be flanked on the stage by Marshall Faulk, Shannon Sharpe, Michael Irvin and Rod Woodson. This is a man who knew he was destined for the Hall from the time he first stepped on the field with the Falcons. In addition to being a shutdown cornerback, he was a dangerous punt returner and could also line up at wide receiver. Everyone knew Sanders would make it on his first ballot.
He was a once-in-a-lifetime player who cashed in his constant self-promotion. He's someone who's always craved the spotlight, and he was in it once again Saturday evening.
Sanders, Hanburger voted to Hall of Fame
February, 5, 2011
2/05/11
8:25
PM ET
By Matt Mosley | ESPN.com
DALLAS -- Former Cowboys cornerback Deion Sanders and Washington Redskins linebacker Chris Hanburger have been voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Sanders was a no-brainer. He's one of the greatest corners in the history of the league. Teams feared throwing to his side of the field.
Hanburger's induction will once again draw a ton of Skins fans to Canton. He was a member of George Allen's famed "Over The Hill Gang." Hanburger was incredibly consistent, going to nine Pro Bowls and being named All-Pro four times.
Charles Haley wasn't one of the 10 finalists. His five Super Bowl rings are tough to overlook, but this was Richard Dent's year. It was hard to imagine both defensive ends getting in the Hall.
We're about to hear from Hanburger. The man loved the clothesline.
"He was tremendous," said Sam Huff in a news release. "He wasn't very big, but he was quick. When we needed to get the quarterback, I would call a blitz. I would come up the middle and he would come from the outside and we took that quarterback apart. He was one of the best blitzers that I think ever played the game. He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame because he had such great talent.
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Darryl Norenberg/US PresswireChris Hanburger, who played for the Redskins his entire career, was a nine-time Pro Bowler.
Darryl Norenberg/US PresswireChris Hanburger, who played for the Redskins his entire career, was a nine-time Pro Bowler.Hanburger's induction will once again draw a ton of Skins fans to Canton. He was a member of George Allen's famed "Over The Hill Gang." Hanburger was incredibly consistent, going to nine Pro Bowls and being named All-Pro four times.
Charles Haley wasn't one of the 10 finalists. His five Super Bowl rings are tough to overlook, but this was Richard Dent's year. It was hard to imagine both defensive ends getting in the Hall.
We're about to hear from Hanburger. The man loved the clothesline.
"He was tremendous," said Sam Huff in a news release. "He wasn't very big, but he was quick. When we needed to get the quarterback, I would call a blitz. I would come up the middle and he would come from the outside and we took that quarterback apart. He was one of the best blitzers that I think ever played the game. He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame because he had such great talent.
Nate Allen looks like a worthy successor
October, 14, 2010
10/14/10
3:08
PM ET
By Matt Mosley | ESPN.com
AP Photo/Brian GarfinkelRookie starting safety Nate Allen is making a smooth transition to the NFL for Philadelphia.The Eagles responded by selecting free safety Nate Allen with the 37th overall pick in the draft. No matter what we heard about former Colts cornerback Marlin Jackson, this was Allen's starting job to lose from the start. Oh, and that 37th pick just happened to be the compensation from the Washington Redskins in the historic Donovan McNabb trade.
Fortunately for the Eagles, Allen seemed almost amused by all the McNabb talk. He quickly bought into defensive coordinator Sean McDermott's philosophy that he was "1/11th" of the defense and didn't need to be a hero.
Allen, the former University of South Florida star who grew up in the Land of Deion Sanders (Fort Myers), has quickly carved out his own reputation as a playmaker in the Eagles defense. He was named the NFC's Defensive Rookie of the Month for September and he now has three interceptions through only five games. The last Eagles rookie to have three interceptions in a season was none other than Dawkins in 1996. And to thicken the plot, Allen intercepted McNabb in the second half of the Eagles' loss.
"I didn't really think about it when we were on the field," said Allen. "But when I got to the locker room and the media started talking about it, it was pretty cool."
Everything about this former high school quarterback seems pretty cool. He looked the part of an NFL starter from his first day on campus. He told me via phone Thursday that being baptized by fire against a loaded Green Bay Packers offense in Week 1 helped speed the maturation process.
"Seeing Aaron Rodgers, [Greg] Jennings, Jermichael Finley and Donald Driver on the same field was one of those early wake-up calls," said Allen. "These are some of the top guys in the league we're talking about."
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AP Photo/Jim MahoneyIn 2009, the Eagles missed the presence of Pro Bowl safety Brian Dawkins, who is now with Denver.
AP Photo/Jim MahoneyIn 2009, the Eagles missed the presence of Pro Bowl safety Brian Dawkins, who is now with Denver."I can't remember which game, but Dawkins picked up a receiver and suplexed him on the sideline," said Allen. "And when they were playing the Giants one time, he dove to tackle a receiver on the sideline and it looked like he was flying. He did a lot of things like that. He was a beast."
For the record, I think Allen was referring to a suplex that Dawkins put on former Redskins receiver James Thrash based on my exhaustive Google research. Eagles fans are hoping Allen can carry on that tradition. Veteran safety Quintin Mikell was asked to do too much last season while lining up next to rookies. You can tell that he's much more comfortable this season.
"He's been my guy," Allen said of Mikell. "He always has the answer when something comes up, and he's made this transition so much easier."
Allen's teammates at South Florida called him "Golden Boy" because he was one of the only players who avoided the fiery head coach Jim Leavitt's ire (Leavitt was eventually fired for allegedly striking a player). I don't think Allen's reached that status with Andy Reid, but he might be headed that way.
"They said I was the coach's favorite," Allen said sheepishly. "I thought I got my fair share of criticism, but my teammates didn't agree with me."
Allen attributes his maturity to his parents, Jackie and Darlene Allen. Jackie, 6-8 according to his son, played professional basketball in France and now coaches basketball and heads up security at a middle school in Fort Myers. Darlene is a business and typing teacher at Allen's alma mater, Cape Coral High School.
"I was raised in a Christian home and I was taught to put the Lord first in everything," said Allen. "They told me to know what my priorities were from an early age."
Allen writes his favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:13, on his wrist tape before every game. But Allen actually carries two good books with him on road trips. Folks in the Eagles organization have said it's almost comical how often Allen studies his playbook.
"I'd go back to my room during training camp at 9 [p.m.] or 9:30 and try to study until 11," he said. "It's pretty remarkable how complex it is compared to what we did in college, so I needed to put in the time."
And so far, final exams are going pretty well.
NEW YORK -- I've spent the morning catching up on your mailbag questions/threats. Let's hit on all four teams:
Andy from Manhattan Beach, Calif., came up with a remarkable nugget: Hey, Matt, was writing a blog post the other day. Thought you might want to know this tidbit. The Redskins are currently ranked 14th in the ESPN.com Power Rankings and are the the top-rated NFC East team. The last time the NFC East had no team 14th or better was Week 3, 2003.
Mosley: Andy, please continue sending me this type of helpful information. The Eagles started 2-0 in 2003 in '03 and finished 12-4. The Cowboys went 10-6 under first-year coach Bill Parcells that season. The Giants and Redskins both tanked under the leadership of Jim Fassel and Steve Spurrier.
Doug in Princeton, N.J., has a question about Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett: Hi Matt, I'm a diehard Cowboys fan (born and raised right outside of Philly, been fighting for them my whole life!) and read your column religiously. I know the NFC Beast (once upon a time) readers think you're a Cowboys homer but that being true or not -- I think you provide some great insight and commentary on the Boys. You've mentioned a couple of times recently that you can think of three coaches on the Cowboys' staff better suited for the offensive coordinator role than Garrett. Who are they? I'm a big believer in Garrett's offensive genius being mostly because T.O. was a stud. I'd love to hear who could be a possible replacement.
Mosley: Doug, many readers have claimed that reading the Beast is a "religious" experience, so you're in good company, sir. Regarding Garrett, I'm not sure why folks think he's still the heir apparent to Phillips. He has weapons that coaches and scouts drool over -- I heard our own Herm Edwards doing that Friday on ESPN 1050 -- but he seems to make it tougher than it needs to be. We know he's highly intelligent because he spent time in your neck of the woods at Princeton, but he hasn't had one of those breakout seasons since '07, when Tony Sparano was still roaming the sidelines for the Cowboys. I think secondary coach Dave Campo, special teams coach Joe DeCamillis and defensive line coach Paul Pasqualoni would be considered for a potential interim head-coaching position before Garrett. I'd also list wide receivers coach Ray Sherman in front of Garrett. I'm sure there are Cowboys fans still on the Garrett bandwagon. Good seats available if you call now.
Jordan from Williamsburg, Va., has a DeAngelo Hall question: I agree that DeAngelo Hall's comments following last Sunday's game were certainly unnecessary, but they were not unwarranted. If you'd watched the game closely for his performance, which as a Virginia Tech fan I do with all Hokies, there was only one ball caught with Hall as the closest defender. I think this is especially impressive considering the 38 completions for the Texans. Both receivers caught plenty of balls, but not in front of Hall. I think his play has finally caught up with his mouth.
Mosley: Jordan, I'm not willing to go that far with Hall, but he's certainly playing with a lot of confidence. I haven't watched every play from last Sunday's game, but it didn't look like Matt Schaub was picking on him like he was some of the other defensive backs. Hall's capable of making big plays like the one against Dallas at the end of the first half, but let's not act like he's some type of shutdown corner. By going on that rant after the game, he was calling out his coaches and his fellow defensive backs. In some ways, you have to admire his confidence. But for him to act like he's Deion Sanders is a little over the top.
Jason from Bryn Mawr has a question about my recent column regarding the Cowboys' identity crisis on offense: Matt, the "Cowboys offense has an identity crisis" article is your best blog of the new season, but do you really believe that Gurode, Davis, Free, Colombo and Kosier have regressed since late last season? Seems highly unlikely to me. Granted, there have been some changes (Free moving to left tackle) and injuries to overcome, but I don't believe that in the 6-7 months since this line punished the D-lines of New Orleans, Philadelphia, etc late last season that they have become a "finesse" line. The erratic play calling (not running on first down, only running on second down) and numerous penalties seem more likely responsible for the struggles.
Mosley: This offensive line had its moments last season, but it was far from dominant. Despite his Pro Bowl pedigree, Leonard Davis did not have a strong season. He and Andre Gurode were capable of mauling defenders at one point, but now it looks like they're not moving their feet. It will be up to offensive line coach Hudson Houck to get these guys headed in the right direction. Right now, I don't think this line seems capable of taking over a game on the ground. But I'd like to see Jason Garrett at least give it a try at some point.
Ray in Brooklyn has an interesting question: Andy Reid makes a knee-jerk decision? Why didn't Matt Mosley write this article about Tom Cable in Oakland or Jeff Fisher in Tennessee? They both benched quarterbacks this week, too. And neither of those left the game with a concussion. You people never cease to amaze.
Mosley: Ray, I'm only allowed to cover the quarterback demotions in the NFC East.
Rich in Seoul has a Giants question: Looking at the Giants schedule, assuming injuries do not impact the team, I think the Giants will go 12-4 with the four losses coming from Indy, Tennessee, Minnesota and the Cowboys. How do you see them ending?
Mosley: Rich, I'm not as optimistic as you at this point. I've analyzed the schedule based on how other teams have played the first couple weeks and 10 wins seems like the best-case scenario to me. Having to play three of your last four games on the road against the Vikings, Packers and Redskins is no easy task. I think a 10-6 record wins the NFC East and there's a chance 9-7 could do the trick.
Thanks for all the feedback last week. You guys were on fire about the Andy Reid decision. Keep it coming. I'll try to hit the mailbag at least once a week. Thanks for your time.
Andy from Manhattan Beach, Calif., came up with a remarkable nugget: Hey, Matt, was writing a blog post the other day. Thought you might want to know this tidbit. The Redskins are currently ranked 14th in the ESPN.com Power Rankings and are the the top-rated NFC East team. The last time the NFC East had no team 14th or better was Week 3, 2003.
Mosley: Andy, please continue sending me this type of helpful information. The Eagles started 2-0 in 2003 in '03 and finished 12-4. The Cowboys went 10-6 under first-year coach Bill Parcells that season. The Giants and Redskins both tanked under the leadership of Jim Fassel and Steve Spurrier.
Doug in Princeton, N.J., has a question about Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett: Hi Matt, I'm a diehard Cowboys fan (born and raised right outside of Philly, been fighting for them my whole life!) and read your column religiously. I know the NFC Beast (once upon a time) readers think you're a Cowboys homer but that being true or not -- I think you provide some great insight and commentary on the Boys. You've mentioned a couple of times recently that you can think of three coaches on the Cowboys' staff better suited for the offensive coordinator role than Garrett. Who are they? I'm a big believer in Garrett's offensive genius being mostly because T.O. was a stud. I'd love to hear who could be a possible replacement.
Mosley: Doug, many readers have claimed that reading the Beast is a "religious" experience, so you're in good company, sir. Regarding Garrett, I'm not sure why folks think he's still the heir apparent to Phillips. He has weapons that coaches and scouts drool over -- I heard our own Herm Edwards doing that Friday on ESPN 1050 -- but he seems to make it tougher than it needs to be. We know he's highly intelligent because he spent time in your neck of the woods at Princeton, but he hasn't had one of those breakout seasons since '07, when Tony Sparano was still roaming the sidelines for the Cowboys. I think secondary coach Dave Campo, special teams coach Joe DeCamillis and defensive line coach Paul Pasqualoni would be considered for a potential interim head-coaching position before Garrett. I'd also list wide receivers coach Ray Sherman in front of Garrett. I'm sure there are Cowboys fans still on the Garrett bandwagon. Good seats available if you call now.
Jordan from Williamsburg, Va., has a DeAngelo Hall question: I agree that DeAngelo Hall's comments following last Sunday's game were certainly unnecessary, but they were not unwarranted. If you'd watched the game closely for his performance, which as a Virginia Tech fan I do with all Hokies, there was only one ball caught with Hall as the closest defender. I think this is especially impressive considering the 38 completions for the Texans. Both receivers caught plenty of balls, but not in front of Hall. I think his play has finally caught up with his mouth.
Mosley: Jordan, I'm not willing to go that far with Hall, but he's certainly playing with a lot of confidence. I haven't watched every play from last Sunday's game, but it didn't look like Matt Schaub was picking on him like he was some of the other defensive backs. Hall's capable of making big plays like the one against Dallas at the end of the first half, but let's not act like he's some type of shutdown corner. By going on that rant after the game, he was calling out his coaches and his fellow defensive backs. In some ways, you have to admire his confidence. But for him to act like he's Deion Sanders is a little over the top.
Jason from Bryn Mawr has a question about my recent column regarding the Cowboys' identity crisis on offense: Matt, the "Cowboys offense has an identity crisis" article is your best blog of the new season, but do you really believe that Gurode, Davis, Free, Colombo and Kosier have regressed since late last season? Seems highly unlikely to me. Granted, there have been some changes (Free moving to left tackle) and injuries to overcome, but I don't believe that in the 6-7 months since this line punished the D-lines of New Orleans, Philadelphia, etc late last season that they have become a "finesse" line. The erratic play calling (not running on first down, only running on second down) and numerous penalties seem more likely responsible for the struggles.
Mosley: This offensive line had its moments last season, but it was far from dominant. Despite his Pro Bowl pedigree, Leonard Davis did not have a strong season. He and Andre Gurode were capable of mauling defenders at one point, but now it looks like they're not moving their feet. It will be up to offensive line coach Hudson Houck to get these guys headed in the right direction. Right now, I don't think this line seems capable of taking over a game on the ground. But I'd like to see Jason Garrett at least give it a try at some point.
Ray in Brooklyn has an interesting question: Andy Reid makes a knee-jerk decision? Why didn't Matt Mosley write this article about Tom Cable in Oakland or Jeff Fisher in Tennessee? They both benched quarterbacks this week, too. And neither of those left the game with a concussion. You people never cease to amaze.
Mosley: Ray, I'm only allowed to cover the quarterback demotions in the NFC East.
Rich in Seoul has a Giants question: Looking at the Giants schedule, assuming injuries do not impact the team, I think the Giants will go 12-4 with the four losses coming from Indy, Tennessee, Minnesota and the Cowboys. How do you see them ending?
Mosley: Rich, I'm not as optimistic as you at this point. I've analyzed the schedule based on how other teams have played the first couple weeks and 10 wins seems like the best-case scenario to me. Having to play three of your last four games on the road against the Vikings, Packers and Redskins is no easy task. I think a 10-6 record wins the NFC East and there's a chance 9-7 could do the trick.
Thanks for all the feedback last week. You guys were on fire about the Andy Reid decision. Keep it coming. I'll try to hit the mailbag at least once a week. Thanks for your time.
ASHBURN, Va. -- I'll be returning to Redskins practice in a bit, but I couldn't help but notice that ESPNDallas.com's Calvin Watkins blogged about who would be the next Cowboys player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He mentions Charles Haley and Darren Woodson right out of the box, but I think there's a player who will beat both of them into the Hall.
In my mind, guard Larry Allen will be a first-ballot guy. He played the '07 season for the 49ers, so he's a few years away. But Allen's status as one of the greatest offensive lineman to ever play the game will make him a no-brainer. The painfully shy Allen is probably already nervous about his speech. I'll visit with Calvin here in a few minutes via phone to determine why he failed to mention such a remarkable player.
After Allen, I'd like to see Cliff Harris go in the Hall. He was an All-Decade player from the '70s and his contemporaries thought he was perhaps the best safety of his generation. The late defensive end Harvey Martin isn't mentioned enough, either. Either Deion Sanders or Allen will be the next Cowboy to go in. Sanders was somewhat of a mercenary, but he certainly made his time with the Cowboys count.
And I can't have this argument without at least mentioning how shameful it is that wide receiver Drew Pearson's not in the Ring of Honor. Jerry Jones' hesitancy to put him in is among the most curious things he's done as owner.
Who do you guys think will be the next Cowboys player in the Hall of Fame? Is there a former Redskins player who belongs in the Hall?
In my mind, guard Larry Allen will be a first-ballot guy. He played the '07 season for the 49ers, so he's a few years away. But Allen's status as one of the greatest offensive lineman to ever play the game will make him a no-brainer. The painfully shy Allen is probably already nervous about his speech. I'll visit with Calvin here in a few minutes via phone to determine why he failed to mention such a remarkable player.
After Allen, I'd like to see Cliff Harris go in the Hall. He was an All-Decade player from the '70s and his contemporaries thought he was perhaps the best safety of his generation. The late defensive end Harvey Martin isn't mentioned enough, either. Either Deion Sanders or Allen will be the next Cowboy to go in. Sanders was somewhat of a mercenary, but he certainly made his time with the Cowboys count.
And I can't have this argument without at least mentioning how shameful it is that wide receiver Drew Pearson's not in the Ring of Honor. Jerry Jones' hesitancy to put him in is among the most curious things he's done as owner.
Who do you guys think will be the next Cowboys player in the Hall of Fame? Is there a former Redskins player who belongs in the Hall?
Now that the signing of Albert Haynesworth has blown up in Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder's face, there's been some discussion about whether it was the owner's worst move in free agency. From my perspective, that's sort of a cheap second guess, although I support most cheap second guesses.
Were Snyder and the exiled Vinny Cerrato supposed to anticipate that Haynesworth would shut things down if they made a coaching change after the 2009 season? The thing folks have forgotten is that Haynesworth finished the season complaining about former defensive coordinator Greg Blache's 4-3 scheme. All this talk about him being upset about the scheme change under Jim Haslett seems rather hollow.
Haynesworth has come across as a brooding child who is now trying to force his way out of a situation he's never given a chance. Our friends at SportsNation asked readers to vote for the worst free-agent signings during the Snyder administration. Here are the results so far:
With 12,175 votes accounted for, 46 percent voted for Haynesworth. But I think those are "anger" votes. Jeff George is second with 27 percent of the vote and Adam Archuleta (15 percent) is attempting to hold off Deion Sanders (12 percent). So who would you guys select as the worst free-agent signing for Snyder?
If Haynesworth never steps on the field again for the Skins, he'll obviously move to the top. But based on the knowledge Snyder had at the time, that Archuleta signing was pretty ridiculous. Anxious to hear your thoughts.
Were Snyder and the exiled Vinny Cerrato supposed to anticipate that Haynesworth would shut things down if they made a coaching change after the 2009 season? The thing folks have forgotten is that Haynesworth finished the season complaining about former defensive coordinator Greg Blache's 4-3 scheme. All this talk about him being upset about the scheme change under Jim Haslett seems rather hollow.
Haynesworth has come across as a brooding child who is now trying to force his way out of a situation he's never given a chance. Our friends at SportsNation asked readers to vote for the worst free-agent signings during the Snyder administration. Here are the results so far:
With 12,175 votes accounted for, 46 percent voted for Haynesworth. But I think those are "anger" votes. Jeff George is second with 27 percent of the vote and Adam Archuleta (15 percent) is attempting to hold off Deion Sanders (12 percent). So who would you guys select as the worst free-agent signing for Snyder?
If Haynesworth never steps on the field again for the Skins, he'll obviously move to the top. But based on the knowledge Snyder had at the time, that Archuleta signing was pretty ridiculous. Anxious to hear your thoughts.

