Which NFL Fandom is Most Twitter Active?

by | Jun 21, 2009 | NFL Fans

While playing on Twitter the other day, we noticed that there is a company that has set up profiles for each of the NFL teams, which I thought might provide some insight into which NFL franchise has the biggest fan base on Twitter.

We’ve seen numerous team related profiles in the past–a couple official, many more unofficial–but this appears to be the first time I’ve come across a single entity that has set up a matching account for each team.

So how did the teams stack up?

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Eli Manning Following in Peyton’s Footsteps Again

by | Jun 19, 2009 | Contract Squabbles, NFL News, NFL Random Thoughts

It seems like Eli Manning is always following in big brother Peyton’s footsteps.  He chose to play quarterback, he chose to play in the SEC (following Peyton’s offensive coordinator at Tennessee to Ole Miss), and he was drafted into the NFL with the first overall pick in his class.

In 2008, just one year after Peyton led his Colts to a Super Bowl victory, nabbing the MVP trophy for his efforts, Eli led the Giants to Super Bowl glory–and nabbed an MVP trophy for his trophy case as well, making them the first (and so far only) brothers to play quarterback in the Super Bowl and win Super Bowl MVP awards.

Along the way, like brother Peyton, Eli has managed to whore himself for numerous products, even working with Peyton on spots for Oreo and ESPN–although at $5 million in endorsements, he still has a way to go to catch Peyton’s $13 million.

And now, as the 2009 season approaches, Eli looks to be following in Peyton’s footsteps again, as his rookie contract is set to close out–by requesting a potentially team crippling contract from the team that has turned him into a star.

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Al Davis Doesn’t Hold a Grudge

by | Jun 15, 2009 | NFL ... something, NFL Random Thoughts

It’s good to know that Al Davis has moved on, and is focused on re-building his team into something that is at least somewhat relevant in the world of the NFL.

Recently, an episode of ESPN’s “Outside the Lines” recapping the first six months of Lane Kiffin’s tenure at the University of Tennessee, showed former Raiders head coach possibly committing a recruiting violation–which would be in addition to the at least four minor violations that Tennessee has reported since Kiffin came aboard (which the University athletic director says ‘isn’t any more than the school usually reports’–which in itself seems problematic).

Davis, who fired Kiffin last September for what he described as acts of insubordination and lying, was contacted for a comment.  This statement was issued:

“Lane Kiffin is a flat-out liar. He lied to the team, he lied to the fans, and he lied to the media. He will try to destroy that university like he tried to destroy the Raiders, and will eventually clash with (women’s basketball coach Pat) Summitt and (men’s basketball coach Bruce) Pearl.”

It will be interesting to see what happens when Kiffin actually gets to coach a game.  And, if Tennessee actually has anyone worth drafting next year–I wouldn’t count on them ending up in the silver and black, even if they are the best player on the board (which, based on recent drafts, would make them even less likely to be taken by Davis).

Latest Favre Rumor Just a Marketing Ploy?

by | Jun 9, 2009 | 2009 NFL Free Agency, Business of Football, NFL Rumors

The latest rumor (other than ESPN’s update tonight that the Vikings have suspended their pursuit of Favre–presumably until tomorrow, when they wake up and start again) is that Favre’s family and friends have booked a block of rooms at the Midway Motor Lodge near Lambeau Field for the weekend of the Vikings game against the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 1

Every report of this story that I’ve seen has been accompanied by the mention that this COULD be a sign that Favre has told those close to him that he is returning.

But what if it isn’t?  What if a really clever manager or bellhop just started the rumor to drum up some publicity for the Midway Motor Lodge?  Get some early reservations going, and hope that people don’t cancel in time, or decide to make the trip even if Favre stays retired?

Or, another possibility–what if Favre has actually decided NOT to come back, and he’s been in touch with the Packers, and that’s the weekend they’re finally going to retire #4?

OK, admittedly, neither of those scenarios seem real plausible–but neither does the idea that family & friends booking a block of rooms means he’s 100% coming back, if you ask me.

Until we finally hear something direct from Brad Childress or Favre himself, all of these reports–NFL Network, ESPN, etc–they are all 100% speculation, in my eyes.  And speculation that I could care less about.  After all, it’s only about two and a hlaf months until our first fantasy draft…

Winslow Skips Out on New Team

by | May 14, 2009 | NFL News

Newly acquired Kellen Winslow Jr. skipped out on the Bucaneers first voluntary wokouts on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week.

Winslow, acquired from the Browns in February and given a $42 million contract with over $20 million guaranteed, apparently informed the Bucs he would miss the practices, and team officials and players didn’t seem concerned.

Quarterback Luke McCown, likely battling for the starting spot, offered this gem:

“Kellen is a professional, he’s a Pro Bowler, he knows how to get his body ready.  I talk with Kellen weekly and make sure we’re on the same page.”

Really?  A quick chat on the phone to make sure you’re “on the same page” sure is going to help your timing on routes.

Former Buc Warren Sapp, like Winslow a former Miami Hurricane, offered a different view:

“So when your team fires up OTA’s and you’re not here, I guess you’re being misunderstood again, right? Your past don’t equal your future, but it will damn sure give me some reflection of what you might do. I’ll leave it at that.”

Apparently Winslow’s excuse for missing the workouts is that he is moving his family to Tampa.  Apparently, despite two months notice and several million dollars in his pocket, and this week just happens to be the only time Winslow could move his family.

New offense, new coach, unsettled quarterback situation, and one of the guys expected to be featured in the offense–a guy who has a checkered past when it comes to being able to stay on the field during the regular season, and who said after the trade that he was ready for a new beginning and that as “I stand here before you now, I think I’m a changed man,” and he’s already skipping practices with a lame excuse.

Yep, good luck in Tampa Bay this season.  You might need it.