A Tragic and Unnecessary Death

It's everywhere, and if you don't know by now, then you've been living under a rock. NFL legend Junior Seau has passed away. Tragic. The victim of suicide, Seau is another former NFL player who is gone far too soon.

Photo Credit: NFL.SI.com

Seau was an emotional, fiery, stirring leader who helped lead the San Diego Chargers to the 1994 Super Bowl. His life was intense, full of very high moments and terrible lows. He was the poster child of charisma - engaging and fascinating, he was a player who was relatable. It's clear, though, that he had some serious demons. In October of 2010, he survived a massive car accident (his car plunged off a cliff) after he had reportedly fallen asleep at the wheel. Maybe this was a cry for help, who knows. The people closest to Seau knew the kind of person he really was - one who just wanted to play football, one who wanted to do right, one who wanted the best, even if he didn't always know the best way to do it. Seau was a born leader. He was a superstar.

This brings to light something much more tragic, though. Depression. It's a hidden disease, one that effects millions of people, one that many don't know how to battle. It's clear Seau suffered from this in some form or another - for many years. He didn't get the help he needed, he couldn't battle the demons he had. He needed help, but it's clear he didn't know how to ask for it. Sometimes, for those who are incredibly charismatic and driven, it's hard to see through the veil of a smile. In Seau's case, he seemingly hid it well.

This begs the question, though, what impact do concussions and the physical impact of football have on long term health? This is something that the NFL has been grappling with now for years. Is Seau a victim of the long-term damage of concussions? Could he be yet another case study of the impact that concussions and long-term exposure to seriously physicality on the gridiron have on a player? Are these things related to these deaths? I think it's an easy answer. Yes. It's time to investigate Seau's suicide as one that may be correlated to the impact his body took while he was on the football field all those years. It's a heartbreaking reality...and one that also needs to be addressed with more seriousness than ever before. The NFL needs to continue to accelerate research and dedicate resources and time to working towards answers to this massive problem.

We should all look at Junior Seau's death as one of tragedy. He was one of the greatest players ever to hit the field. He was phenomenal, on and off the field. He was truly one of a kind, and we should all honor his memory and remember the brilliance that he brought to the game.

Below is a video of his former teammate, Marcellus Wiley, emotionally talking about Junior Seau and his relationship with him. It moved me, and I hope it does the same for you. Remember, if you need help, all you have to do is ask.

UPDATE: Seau's family announced today that they would allow his brain to be studied - a wonderful idea to help others in the future. According to Pro Football Talk, there are two major institutes competing to do the research - the Sports Legacy Institute at Boston University and the Brain Injury Research Institute. Even in death, Seau continues to make a difference.

Chasing Dreams

There's a lot to be said for people who have held a strong and steady belief in others and their dreams. I'm so unbelievably blessed to count a large number of people who believe in me and have encouraged me to chase my dreams of working as an on-camera sports reporter. I have the incredible Laura Okmin and incomparable Celeste Gehring who have served as incredible mentors for me. I've been honored to have the support of Jay Adams, managing editor of AtlantaFalcons.com and all around badass, as well as LaMar Campbell, formerly of the Detroit Lions who currently has his own radio show "Life After the Game" and is a CNN contributor. I have incredible friends and family who have told me never to give up - and for all of you I'm so thankful. And then I have those who don't know me, like Amber Lee, who continues to include me in her BleacherReport.com countdowns. I'm honored to be #5 on her list of top 20 women who deserve a job in sports. Maybe...just maybe...I'll have some news to share soon....

Check out the Bleacher Report Countdown here.


Til next time...
S.

Meeting An Athlete...

I'm lucky, that's for sure. I've met a fair share of athletes and incredibly talented journalists as of late - and I've been able to learn about their stories and hear about their goals and learn more about what made them pursue a life in sports or sports journalism. There are amazing people like Charles Davis, who is an incredible talent and broadcaster and a personal mentor for me. I'm also lucky enough to say that the one and only Laura Okmin, has taken an active interest in me (and my career) and believes in me enough to continue to coach me on how to talk to athletes, how to learn their stories, and how to understand their love of sports and report it in a way that does them justice. There's also guys like my friend LaMar Campbell, who are working to achieve their own dreams outside of the gridiron who are pursuing their own dreams who inspire me.

Danielle & Carlos Boozer - Dukies Unite!

Then, there's the alternative, which is meeting an athlete in passing or with random circumstances,  like last night, when I was lucky enough to briefly meet Duke alum and Chicago Bulls power forward, Carlos Boozer. What a nice guy...seriously. I went to the Hawks v. Bulls game last night as a guest of my friend Danielle (who, as I've mentioned previously, is a die-hard Dukie). The Duke alumni club here in Atlanta had set up a meet-and-greet after the game, which she also kindly took me to. It was so interesting hearing him talk to these alumni about the campus, reminiscing about his time at Duke, on the team, and the campus. He talked about the team's future and made it clear he's a Dukie forever. I could see these alumni light up as he talked to them - such a special thing to witness. Now, of course, there was a drawing to win a Boozer jersey, and who wins? The non-Dukie, naturally. So looks like I'm getting a signed jersey...that's going straight to Danielle - it means far more to her. The point of this, though, is that it's always so great to see an athlete who has achieved great success be so willing to talk to those who helped propel him to that position. Fans and supporters are such a huge part of sports, and it's great to see that Boozer recognized that. He's one of the good ones, and it's always so great to see.

...Until next time.
S.

Breaking News Wednesday - It's an NFL Circus!

Holy breaking NFL news, Batman! What a crazy day, and it's only 1pm! Let's start with the Saints, yes?

Photo Credit: ESPN.com

NFL Commissioner Roger Goddell brought the hammer down on the New Orleans Saints for their "bounty system" that Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams headed. This disgusting system was finally brought to light, and we all knew that there were going to be serious consequences. I'll be honest, though, I didn't think they'd be this intense. Head Coach Sean Payton is now suspended for the 2012 season without pay beginning April 1, the team will be fined $500k, they will lose a second round draft pick in 2012 and 2013. Additionally, as expected, Williams is suspended indefinitely, which to me, says he's out for eternity. The Saints' general manager, Mickey Loomis, will also be suspended without pay the first eight games of this year's regular season and assistant head coach Joe Vitt is suspended (again, without pay) for the first six games of the 2012 regular season. For more specific information on the penalties, suspensions and overall picture of the sheer amount of trouble the Saints are in, read Adam Caplan's overview here. As a Falcons fan, this brings me immense amounts of satisfaction, but let's be honest, we always want a strong competition with the Saints. It's sad to see a team have this kind of serious infraction, and even harder to watch the fallout after. What happens to Brees and the rest of the Saints is up in the air. Without Payton, this team will undoubtedly be lost. He's one of the best coaches in the league, and it's really unfortunate to see this happen on his watch. However, there is a price to pay for such egregious acts such as this so-called "bounty system" that Williams had in place, and this is the result. We're still waiting to see if there will be individual player fines and suspensions handed out - my guess is it's just a matter of time. Was Goddell too heavy handed? I don't know, but it sure sends a very clear message. 

Moving on to the second piece of serious breaking news...Tim Tebow has officially been traded to the New York Jets for fourth and sixth round draft picks (the Broncos will also receive a seventh round pick). Fourth round?! SIXTH?! That's IT?! Wow. If that ain't a slap in the face. BUT, the Jets may just be a good fit for him, now that I think about it. Either that or (as my friend Jess and I discussed) Rex Ryan is asking to be fired, but whatever. He'll compete with Mark Sanchez (who is having his own set of issues right now) for a starting job that he may just get. I hope Tebow is prepared for New York fans, they're slightly different from the fickle Denver fan. Sanchez, hope you have your big boy pants on...get ready for Tebowmania, part two...this time, with the colorful Jets. Let's hope he has some Jets branded earmuffs for Rex Ryan's meetings, we know Tebows ears aren't prepared for the language he uses.

Days like this make me fall even more in love with football and the NFL (if even possible). This game is full of ups and downs and will throw you for a loop when you're not even remotely prepared for it. It's the business of it, the love for what happens on the field, and the thrilling fact that...well, it's pure entertainment. Keep your eyes glued to ESPN, friends, I'm sure there's more to come (and of course, you know I'll cover it).

Til next time...
S.

**UPDATE** There has been a snag in the Tebow-to-New York Jets trade. Apparently, Tebow has $5 million worth of recapture language...this means the Jets would have to pay back money to Denver. Jets have said they are unwilling to do this. If they can't get through this hang-up, Tebow would be back on the market and the trade would be nullified. Reportedly, the Rams are interested in him and would be willing to be a new trade parter with the Broncos, but if this is true, the terms of the trade change and of course, the question becomes "What of Sam Bradford?" Stay tuned, folks. He may just end up in Jacksonville, after all. Here's the latest from Pro Football Talk.

**UPDATE II**  It's official. The Jets now have Tim Tebow on their roster, for now, as Mark Sanchez's backup. The Jets have agreed to pay half of the $5 million to Denver, which apparently was good enough for them. "Dear Timmy, you're not worth more than a 4th and 6th round pick and half of the $5 mil we wanted. So. See ya. Love, the Broncos." Ouch. Well, here goes. The all-mighty Tim Tebow is now going to be tabloid fodder (Page 6 has to be in heaven right now) and will have to face hungry Jets fans. I'm sure Ryan will use him in the Wildcat - how successful that will actually be remains to be seen. Once again, Pro Football Talk has a great breakdown, which you should read.

Peyton Manning is a Bronco

Photo Credit: USAToday.com

There aren't enough words to describe my excitement about Peyton Manning's choice of becoming the new quarterback of the Denver Broncos. Right, I know, I'm such a homer for the team I grew up watching. But how could a Denver native not be excited about this? I wrote about Peyton visiting Denver, but never really thought he'd actually end up there. As he was choosing between the San Francisco 49ers and the Broncos, every part of me assumed he'd end up in San Fran under Jim Harbaugh, but it after some thought it actually makes a lot of sense as to why he chose Denver.

Manning has always said he wanted to stay in the AFC, and the Broncos fit that requirement. He also reportedly felt more comfortable with Denver's front office  - he has a strong rapport with John Elway and head coach John Fox is willing to hand him the keys to the offense (along with a 5-year and 90-million-dollar contract) and just...well, drive. Manning is one of the most prolific quarterbacks of recent NFL history, but certainly (and inarguably) one of the best ever. The Denver Broncos also have a young group of receivers, and there are rumors floating around about some free agents that are now visiting Denver as a result of the Peyton acquisition (there are also rumors that veteran center and former teammate of Manning, Jeff Saturday, is now visiting with the Broncos). Also worth noting, Eric Decker is about to have a monster season. I'm calling it now.

Yesterday, I was on my friend LaMar's incredible radio program, Life After the Game (listen to yesterday's show here), and talked about everything Petyon. LaMar made a great point that Peyton Manning turns his receivers into Pro Bowlers. Truth, my friend. The Broncos are now instant Super Bowl contenders (even Vegas agreed). All this Petyon chatter is great, but lest we forget the once chosen one, Tim Tebow. In my opinion (and as I said on LATG), the Broncos will trade him. Tebow just isn't the answer, and John Elway has made it well known that he isn't his biggest fan. Sure, he surprised a lot of us, including me, with his run this year, but he's not the long term answer. He needs a different role and a different offensive scheme. I think the obvious needs to be stated - Jacksonville would be a great fit for him. Yes, he'd be the hometown hero, only hours away from where he played college football at UF, but he'd put people in the seats of a stadium and franchise that desperately needs it. It's marketing brilliance. However, there are new reports of him being looked at by big time teams like the Packers and Patriots. We'll see where he lands, but it's safe to say he's out of Denver.

As a Denver native, this is exciting, and I think expectations are high for Manning - pressure can be a blessing and a curse, but I can't wait to see where this season takes the Broncos with him at the helm. Where the rest of the chips fall, especially with Tebow, remains to be seen, but you can bet it'll be a big story.

Well lookie here

This is my second time in Bleacher Report - very cool! I adore Amber Lee - she regularly features Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders in her columns and I feel honored to have made one of her countdowns for the second time! You can check it out here:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1092382-winters-100-steamiest-sports-hottie-twit-pics/page/95

So. Peyton's in Denver.

How 'bout that, kids. Sounds like Petyon Manning just landed in the Mile High City...simultaneously giving every Bronco fan a heart attack from pure joy. Move aside, Tebow.

Ok. Jokes aside for the moment. Before I launch into what's really on my mind, I feel it necessary to address Manning's press conference as he parted ways from the Colts. There is no question...this guy is a straight up class act. There are a lot of athletes that could really take notes from him (here's looking at you, LeBron). His departure was bittersweet - for him and the organization - and he expressed his thoughts with grace and eloquence. I think it's safe to say most everyone thinks Mannning is a standup guy and would welcome him to their organization with open arms. But is Manning the right choice for my hometown team? Let's analyze further.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, Manning's people are saying nothing's serious, he's just looking around at various cities and facilities who are interested, but let's be real. He's doing his due diligence and he knows there are at least 10 teams interested in his services at QB. Free agency starts next week, and from what I've been reading. it sounds like he wants to make a decision by next week, too. That's quick.

Photo Credit: John Leyba - The Denver Post

Denver really needs a quarterback (apologies, Tebow lovers, but he's not the guy to lead the Broncos to the Super Bowl). However, I'm not convinced Manning is the answer, either. He's a prolific quarterback, immensely talented to a point that is almost outrageous. He's a future Hall of Fame player. So what's not to love? Well. He's 35 and has had neck surgery three times and missed all of last season. I want to believe that if anyone can bounce back, it's him; however, it's neck surgery. That, my friends, is pretty damn serious, especially in the position he's in. At 35, he's no spring chicken (sorry to sound like a grandma) but we need to be realistic here. So, what do Elway, Fox and Xanders do here? My opinion? It's worth the risk. Peyton Manning is a player on par with the greatest of all time. I think it's worth looking into what he can do now. He's been working out, rehabbing and mentally preparing for an entire year, now. He's ready to face the next season and prove he's still got it. Maybe I'm biased (ever so slightly), but I think he's a fantastic fit for Denver and is well matched with John Fox as a head coach. Excuse my excitement over what could potentially not happen, but I'm giddy. We need someone who will be a strong leader. Maybe (just maybe) Manning could be a mentor and teacher for Tebow. This could really be a great move for the Broncos. I'll reserve a total meltdown of pure, unadulterated joy (or disappointment) until there's official word next week, but in the meantime, let's keep our fingers crossed.

Just because I think he's awesome...here's the press conference I mentioned earlier. Class, grace and eloquence that everyone could learn from.