College Career Sacks: In two seasons registered 103 tackles 11 sacks 2 Forced Fumbles and 1 Interception. Won 2010 Lott Trophy (College Defensive IMPACT Player)
2011 Draft selected in 1st round 11th overall by Houston Texans
40 Time: 4.78 seconds
Bench Press: 34 reps (225lbs.)
Vertical/Jump: 37 Inches (130 tackles 25 sacks 3 FF's to date in NFL career)
J.J. Watt in his 2nd season, has already established himself as one of the fiercest Pass Rushers in the NFL. (To date Watt has registered 130 tackles, 25.0 sacks, and 3 Forced Fumbles.) Watt plays low, which puts Offensive Linemens at a disadvantage by forcing them to go from an upright position to below their waistline in order to block/guard him from getting to the quarterback. Watt also does a good job at putting himself in position to make a play on the quarterback with his great body control and patience, which is a prime reason he is not only tied in the league for most sacks (19.5) but is just three sacks away from tying Michael Strahan's single season record (22.5) that he set back in 2002
Watt also has a knack for making a play on the ball by establishing himself as one of the better Pass Deflectors in the league, and to date has averaged a little over 1 pass deflection per game. (15 in 14 games played) It is no surprise that the Texans are playoff contenders thanks in large part of Watt's contributions to the team. In 2011, Watt's rookie season, he helped the Texans to not only its first postseason appearance in the franchise's history, but to its first division title as well. On top of that Watt helped the Texans win the franchise's first playoff game in their very first appearance in the postseason. Watt's stellar performance in his 2nd season, has helped the Texans clinch the AFC South title for the second straight season and are in position for the top seed in the AFC.
It is no secret that I am a big sports fan. For the majority of the people that know me, it is no secret as to what teams I like. What is not really mentioned is how I became a fan of each of my favorite sports team. For the record, most teams that I became a fan of was when I was in 1st grade, unless otherwise noted.
(1st Grade)Cleveland Indians- I already did a rather long and interesting blog to say the least of how I became an Indians fan. To summarize that blog, I was a fan of the Major League movies starring Charlie Sheen, in which his character (and the movie in general) was centered around the Cleveland Indians baseball team. Eventually when I saw the real life Indians make the World Series in 1995, my admiration for the them in the movie would also transport into the real world.
(1st Grade)Pittsburgh Penguins- Remember when the NHL use to be broadcasted on ESPN? Not only that, but ESPN would also rebroadcast the previous nights game the next afternoon.(right after school would let it for the day) My mother was helping my brother with a school project at the table where the T.V. stood. It just so happened that on the television was a hockey game. I remember sitting there watching it and saying to myself "Whoever scores first, I want to win" the team that scored first in that game was none other than the Pittsburgh Penguins. When they scored the goal I responded with a firm "Yes!" And I remember my mom saying "Oh do you like that team?" Too which I also followed up with another "Yes". From then on, I have been a Penguins fan ever since.
(1st Grade)Chicago Bulls- In 1st grade my best friend at the time, and I, were talking about what sports we like to watch. He told me how much he liked basketball, which at the time I never really followed. He also mentioned a team by the name of the "Chicago Bulls" and its star player, Michael Jordan. Thankfully I had an open mind and decided to check it out and see for myself. It just so happened that where I live, we had "WGN" which was a Chicago based sports network that would air sporting events covering Chicago sports. Needless to say I came away impressed by this Bulls team and Michael Jordan player. The very next day I told my friend that I liked basketball and also liked the Bulls as well. Being a sports fan in general, I would inevitably at some time become a fan of basketball, but I cannot say if I would have become a Chicago Bulls fan or not. Thankfully it was sooner rather than later and even better was I became a fan of one of the greatest teams in NBA history as I got to witness the Bulls compose an unthinkable Win-Loss record of 72-10. Not to mention getting a chance to witness their second "3-Peat".
(1st Grade)Green Bay Packers- Really simple. My dad had been a fan of Green Bay since he was a kid and in the process took a liking to them as well.
(5th Grade)Tennessee Titans. In the NFL, the Titans are my "1B Team". A friend of mine happened to be a huge Titans fan. It was during their run to the Super Bowl(which also produced the memorable "Music City Miracle" in the process) that my interest in the team would grow. Ironically, I did not really become an "official" fan until AFTER they lost the Super Bowl(Kind of like becoming a fan of the Indians AFTER they had lost the world series) I guess I did not get the memo of what it means to hop on the bandwagon since I followed a team after losing rather than winning.
(1st Grade)Penn State Football- I grew up in Pennsylvania, so I guess it was only natural that I would become a Penn State fan. Again, it was because of my dad, that I would become a fan. I remember it was the first game of the 1995 season (I remember I would become fond of Bobby Engram and the outstanding plays and catches he made.) Penn State was facing Texas Tech, and I remember my dad sitting in his blue recliner he always sat in when watching football. I kept an interest throughout the game and would hope Penn State would win because they were my dad's favorite team. Penn State would go on to win the game 24-23 in the closing seconds with a field goal. My dad raised his hands in trimpuh as Penn State was able to pull out the win. Today, I am not only a fan of Penn State football, but a Penn State fan in general and follow, or at the very least, keep up to date with its other sports teams.
(7th Grade)North Carolina Basketball- I had always followed college basketball, but it was largely in part because of March Madness. I never had an exclusive team that I followed until 7th grade when I started following the North Carolina Tar Heels. I have my best friend to thank for that, and during the next couple of years my interest for the team continued to grow. Whenever we get the chance, we will catch a Tar Heels game together and to add to the excitement my brother (my best friend is my brothers best friend as well) is a Duke fan. It is always fun when my best friend and I are on one side as my brother is cheering for the other in this "friendly" rivalry.
With the NFL regular season winding down to its final weeks, teams are fighting for a spot in the playoffs. One race in particular sees three teams fighting for a Division title for the NFC East between the Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys, and defending Super Bowl Champions N.Y. Giants. But make no mistake about it, the N.Y. Giants will prevail and come out on top.
Right off the back, the Giants have a better record (8-5) than both Washington and Dallas (7-6) do. Dallas and Washington also have to face each other one more time, guaranteeing a loss for one of them. (assuming the game between the two does not end in a tie). The Giants face an Atlanta Falcons team, who flaws were exposed last weekend against Carolina. Then they face a Ravens team that is currently struggling at the worst time possible. Finally, they finish out at home against the disappointing Eagles. As much as New York's remaining schedule gives them the edge, the main reason is because the Giants have been in this position before.
New York is no stranger when it comes to facing adversity as evident from their late season playoff runs in the 2007-08 season and the 2011-12 season where they would go on to win the super bowl. Both times against the New England Patriots. The Giants also have the experience and the reputation of clutch performances in their quarterback Eli Manning. As for Dallas and Washington, you have a quarterback in Tony Romo who has a history of coming up short in big games and then you have Rookie Sensation Robert Griffin III who has met and exceeded expectations, is still a little green and has no big game experiences. On top of that, Griffin is now facing a knee injury that may force him to sit out, or at the very least have some sort of effect one way or another on his performance
In the end, New York has the experience, favoring matchups, and the ability to come up big when it matters the most. As a matter of fact, not only will the Giants win the NFC East, but they are also once again a dark horse contender for the Super Bowl!
Hockey fans have been waiting and wondering if and when a new collective bargaining agreement will be reached between the players (NHLPA) and the owners (NHL). It is clear that for each side it is all about making more money. What remains unclear is what is it that will make each side come to terms and reach an agreement that is fair for both?
Both sides continually deny any proposition the other makes, and yet somehow they remain "optimistic" despite not even being close to coming to terms. But if that is truly the case then what in the "H-E Double Hockey Stick" is taking so long? If the players and owners want to seriously end the lockout and get the game going again, then they need to continue talks until they can come to an agreement. No matter how long it takes.
For the owners, they need to realize that without the players, there will be no games. Therefore they are losing money (i.e. ticket sales, merchandise, memorabilia, etc). Players however, can still make money playing hockey. All they have to do is go over seas in play in leagues such as the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).
As for the players, if they truly want to get the NHL up and running again, they need to realize the owners will continue to delay further talks until they get what they want, and until they do, there will not be any NHL hockey. Players not only make money with the contracts they sign, but with incentives such as endorsements and advertisments (Stemming from poster boys Sidney Crosby advertistng the NHL to a 4th liner marketing local businesses in the surrounding area in which the team's city is located in).
Whatever the case may be, the players and owners need to stop beating around the proverbial bush and get a deal done, and done fast! The longer the lockout goes on, the more fans will lose interest. and the more fans lose interest, the more money will be lost! So to the players and owners, what will it take to reach an agreement? The impact by the loss of revenue? The lack of fan interest? What is it? Well whatever it is, for each sides sake, both better come to an agreement and fast!
Throughout the history of college football the Heisman Trophy has been awarded
annually to the player deemed the most outstanding player in college football. From the very first Heisman Winner Jay Berwanger to the newest Johnny Manziel. It seems now the Heisman is more or less used to commericalize college football rather than represent the best player.
Throughout the years the Heisman Trophy was a representation of the best college football player in the nation. But now, it seems as if the Heisman Award is used more as a publicity or commercialized feature if anything. Do not get me wrong, I am not taking anything away from the accomplishments that these football players have achieved. I'm simply questioning the prestige of the Heisman Trophy Award. For example you have other awards such as the 'Maxwell Award', 'Sporting News College Football Player of the Year', and the 'Walter Camp Player Award' that are essentially just as significant as the Heisman. At least in terms of what they are a representation of. (Going to the best college football player deemed by a certain group or organization of people)
Now granted, all of these awards have been around almost as long as the Heisman. But if the Heisman is not the only award that is awarded to the 'best college football player', then aren't these awards just as illustrious as the Heisman? If they aren't, then why even have them? Look at it this way, just like the Heisman Award, bowl games are now used for commercialization and advertisements to sponsor big named organizations (i.e. Chik-fila-A Bowl, Discover Orange Bowl, Allstate Sugar Bowl ,etc). Unfortunately it seems now that is what has become of the once seemingly most important award in all of college football as well.
Bob Costas sparked some controversary on his comments on gun control during halftime of Sunday Night Football's game in midst of the tragic situation involving Chiefs Linebacker Javon Belcher and his girlfriend.
As some of you already know, Bob Costas made some controversial remarks regarding gun control during halftime of Sunday night's football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. (You can watch and listen to what Costas said in the video below)
Now I for one am for the 2nd Amendent and our right to bare arms. I also respect and appreciate someone who is for stricter gun laws especially if they are truly passionate for what they believe in, even if I disagree with it. However Costas following statement (or rather the statement he agreed with by Kansas City Writer Jason Whitlock) was rather ignorant and was easily flawed,
"Handguns do not enhance our safety. They exacerbate our flaws, tempt us
to escalate arguments, and bait us into embracing confrontation rather
than avoiding it. In the coming days, Jovan Belcher’s actions, and their
possible connection to football will be analyzed. Who knows?"
"But here," wrote Jason Whitlock," is what I believe. If Jovan Belcher
didn’t possess a gun, he and Kasandra Perkins would both be alive
today."
Costas, you and Whitlock could not be further from the truth when it came to this statement. Especially when it is said that if Jovan Belcher did not possess a gun, he and Kasandra Perkins would both be alive today. Crimes like these are a crime of passion and when such tragic incidents happen, a gun is arguably in fact the first weapon of choice in these circumstances. With that being said, I can easily disprove that following statement with a story out of Wyoming that just happened in the past week where a man shot and killed his father not with a gun, but a bow- and- arrow, after stabbing his stepmother to death with a knife. (link to that story can be seen here http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57556630/man-killed-father-in-wyoming-bow-and-arrow-attack/ )
Costas heart was essentially in the right place, as this was a tragic and unfortunate incident, and that it is in fact its unfortunate it takes situations like these to put things in persepctive. But this is when the defense of "guns don't kill people, people do" as evident from the story coming out of Wyoming where a man used not a gun, but a bow-and-arrow and knife as his choice of weapon. Now did the bow-and-arrow and knife kill those two people, yes, but only because they were what was used as the choice of method to go about these crimes, as they did not have the final say or kill these two victims by thereself, but rather it was the person who used them to kill them.
Arguably no game to date this season has had as big of implications that the SEC Championship game between #2 Alabama and #3 Georgia had. Not only was the conference championship on the line, a trip to the National Championship game was at stake. After a scoreless first quarter, Georgia got on the board first when Aaron Murray hooked up with Jay Rome to give the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead. This was set up a few plays prior when Georgia faked a punt as Arthur Lynch threw a 16 yd pass to Sander Commings.
After exchanging punts, Alabama got the ball back and looked as if they would tie the game up. Georgia's defense however, would come up with a big goal line stand. A few plays before Georgia allowed Alabama's drive to continue because of penalty due to a late hit. After the penalty, Georgia intercepted an Alabama pass when Commings picked off A.J. McCarron in the endzone. Georgia though, could not capitalize off the big defensive stand and quickly went three & out, giving the ball right back to Alabama.
Getting the ball back, Alabama's Offense would this time perservere. Just as soon as getting the ball back, Alabama quickly made up for their missed opportunity from their last drive when Eddie Lacy ran for a 41yd TD, which was set up by great blocking from the Alabama Offensive Line, to tie the game at 7-7.
On Georgia's next drive, Murray was picked off by Ha'Sean Clinton Dix when he underthrew his intended receiver. Dix would return the ball 35 yards, setting up a 22yd. FG by Jeremy Shelley to give the Crimson Tide a 10-7 lead heading into halftime.
The Bulldogs would get the ball first to start the 2nd half. Able to shake off the interception right before the end of the 1st half, Murray threw a 31 yard pass to Tavarres King on the third play of the opening drive. Freshman Running Back Todd Gurley, took over the rest of the drive, racking up 44 yards en route to a rushing TD on 7 carries, as the Bulldogs quickly regained the lead 14-10
Alabama's next possession ended on a questionable call as a pass interference call was waved off as the ref ruled the ball had been tipped. Thus negating the pass interference. Alabama was forced to settle for a FG attempt which ended up being blocked by Georgia's Cornelius Washington, and picked up by fellow teammate Alec Ogletree who returned the blocked kick 55 yards for a TD. Giving the Bulldogs a 21-10 lead early in the 3rd.
Despite the quick turnaround, Alabama wasn't phased. Alabama's own Freshman Running Back T.J. Yeldon, single handily got Alabama quickly back in the game. In just a little over 2 minutes, Yeldon took the Crimson Tide downfield, thanks to his 47 yards on 4 carries, and punched the ball into the endzone for a TD. Yeldon then finished off the scoring drive by completeing the two point conversion, trimming Georgia's lead to 3. Just as it seemed momentum was on Georgia's side, it quickly shifted right back to Alabama, as they held Georgia to another 3 & out on their next possession.
With the ball back, Alabama's other Running Back Eddie Lacy, help put together a drive on his own by carrying the ball for 61 yards on the Tide's first 3 plays of their next possession. Aided by his young ward Yeldon, who helped Alabama get all the way down to the one on his 2 carries for 14 yard, Lacy plunged into the endzone for a 1yd TD run (which was the first play to start the 4th quarter) Alabama was now back on top, 25-21.
Georgia though did not panic. Instead they put together a quick scoring drive thanks in part to two passing plays by Murray that went for 62 yards, the Bulldogs capped off the scoring drive with a Gurley 10 yd TD run. Quickly regaining the lead again by a score of 28-25 with a little less than 13 minutes remaining. After exchanging quick scoring drives, both teams would then exchange punts on each others following possessions.
Alabama, with the ball back with 5:24 remaining, took only just a little over two minutes to score once again. This time on a big pass play from McCarron to Amari Cooper that went 45 yards for a TD to give the Tide a 32-28 lead with 3:15 remaining. Georgia again would need an answer to Alabama's scoring drive, yet they were held to another 3 & out, giving the ball right back to the Tide.
Georgia now needed to prevent Alabama from getting a 1st down or else there would not be enough time for them to get the ball back. The Bulldogs succeeded, though in the process burnt all of the their timeouts, and would get one last chance to win the game with just 1:08 remaining. After an interception was overturned that would have ended the game, The Bulldogs hit three huge passing plays. Taking them all the way down to the Alabama 8 yard line. With Georgia hurrying downfield to get a play off, Murray threw a pass that was defelected, which receiver Chris Conley came up with an ill-advised catch at the five. Instead of letting the pass fall incomplete and stopping the clock to give the Bulldogs once last chance, Conley's reception allowed the clock to continue moving as time would run out. Both on the game, and Georgia's chance at a National Championship.
