Posts Tagged ‘Football’
NFL to Help Fund New Vikings Stadium?
May 19th, 2011 by Ben Remington
Photo from StarTribune.com
Open the floodgates, and let that new stadium smell roll in.
Fast forward a few months to the midst of the NFL lockout, and Roger Goodell is in the Twin Cities for negotiations, and just happened to swing by the new proposed site that the Vikings and Ramsey County have agreed on. He gets real excited to see another state of the art NFL stadium and promises to lend a monetary helping hand to get the deal done.
Let that sink in for a second.
Now, the Vikings plan is looking for $1.1 Billion, Minnesota is willing to contribute $300 Million, The Vikings said they’ll toss in $407 Million, which leaves nearly $400 million left to finance. Now I really doubt the NFL is picking up the remainder of that tab, but you gotta think Goodell’s promise of financial help would be in the 9 figure range, which is pretty mind-blowing. This sets an interesting and perhaps welcome precedent, as it makes sense for a multi billion dollar entity like the NFL to help its members make money. The Vikings would potentially be rolling in cash with a new stadium compared to the revenue the Metrodome generates, just ask the Twins.
So does this mean the NFL is committed to Minnesota? Despite Judge Susan Nelson’s best efforts, I suppose so. This is also interesting given the promise to Los Angeles that they would get a team inside this decade, as the Vikings were on the short list to relocate. Perhaps this spells certain disaster for the Jacksonville Jaguars, one of the few teams ahead of the Vikings on the block. So long story short, Goodell wants the Vikings to stay, and he’ll shell out to get it.
Back to the precedent set, I think this is something that should be worked into the new collective bargaining agreement: Stadium funds! Every 2 years, a pot of roughly $300-400 Million will be escrowed to provide teams with assistance in building a new Football Stadium. Despite the rash of new and wonderful stadiums being built, a dozen teams still play in subpar venues and that healthy of a cash donation from Papa Football would certainly tip the scales to get some teams into new digs. This year- the Vikings, in two years, the Raiders, Dolphins, Chargers, Saints, etc… The list goes on and on. Think about the level of excitement in the league with a new stadium being opened every two years. The owners paying more and the tax payers paying less, we doubt it, but it should be an option.
Changes to Make the NFL Better
February 17th, 2011 by Ben RemingtonSo with all of the talk around Roger Goodell and the NFLPA trying to make a deal, but coming up ridiculously short; I have some ideas to help things move along:
The 18 game schedule: Don’t do it. I’m sure everyone would love to see more football, but I’ve got a better idea- an extra bye week. Give the teams two weeks off during the season, to rest wounds, including those pesky concussions. The extra week would provide even more money to owners in the shared revenue department, expand the fantasy football season, and give the players an extra week at home to get into more media-friendly scrapes with the law. But this will push the season back a week right? False. This ties into my next plan to keep the season ending the same week.
The Pro Bowl: Scrap it. Seriously, it’s the worst display of football known to man, especially one played by players over the age of 12. I’d rather watch an arena league game. Not to mention they apparently can’t find suitable jerseys for this game, as year after year it looks like the Shriners vs. Barnum and Bailey’s. Instead, award these players with the usual fanfare for being tops in the league, give them a vacation to Hawaii and everything, just don’t make them play a pointless, toothless football game year after year as a “Reward” for being awesome.
Preseason: Yeah, cut this down to 2 games. Aside from the Pro Bowl, there is nothing quite as pointless as the 4th preseason game, where no one with a secured job sees the field for more than a series. Two games, along with all the practices during August, is plenty enough to cleanse our palate from Arena League season, and more than enough to get the hordes of homers fired up for the season.
Money: Here is the sticking point. Players want more, Owners want more, and both have plenty of pull, thanks to that stinkin Union. I side with the Owners on this one, their money is the cash on the line when these teams open up every year, not the players. Not to mention players’ salaries are bordering on baseball-high, and they only work 5 months a year, 6 if they’re good. Take your millions, quit your whining and play a sport for a filthy rich living. And you’re welcome for the extra bye week, guys. At the same time, the league should take some of this money they aren’t giving the players, and put it towards concussion research and supporting retired players who aren’t insured. I’m no Mike Ditka, but these guys busted their ass for us when football players didn’t make nearly as much, and now their lives are shattered because of it. Also, let’s tone down the rookie contracts. Signing top talent is fine, and paying them well is fine too; but in the end they haven’t proven anything and there are veterans out there working just as hard, if not harder and getting paid a fraction of that. The list of players who have made less than Ryan Leaf is endless, and I’m sure filled with a who’s who of All Pro players. I rest my case.
This doesn’t solve everything, but I think it’s a good start to negotiations; along with preferred parking for veterans, I think would go a long ways towards getting football back on the field in September.
You have your orders, Roger, now get to work.
How to buy Football Shoulder Pads
November 11th, 2010 by Cale Loken
I recently wrote a guide on football pads and protection and now plan on covering football shoulder pads. Here is the characteristics of shoulder pads by position:
Quarterback
- Look for lightweight pads that won’t ride up high to limit your head movement or field of vision.
- If your team uses the option and you are part of the running game, you should consider a shoulder pad made for running backs or defensive backs.
Running Back, Wide Receiver and Defensive Back
- If you play on of these positions you want a pad that’s lightweight and won’t slow you down, while still absorbing the hits that you will take.
- These pads also are designed to provide flexibility and unrestricted movement.
Fullbacks, Tight-Ends and Linebackers
- If you play these positions you should consider pads that use a plated front rather than laces.
- Plated fronts do not require as much adjustment after each hit.
- Some pads also come with vinyl buckles instead of elasticized straps to more securely fasten the pad under the arm.
Linemen
- If you play in the trenches, you need a streamlined pad that uses fewer flaps and epaulets (the flaps that extend over the shoulder area) to prevent other players from grabbing and pulling on your pads.
- Linemen pads often use vinyl buckles to keep them more securely fastened.
- Elastic buckles needs to be adjusted and replaced after heavy usage. However, elastic may be preferred since it expands and contracts more easily than vinyl buckles when you breathe.
Punters & Place kickers
- Most players in this group use quarterback pads since they are lighter and offer the best freedom of movement.
PRODUCT PRICING:
- Youth Shoulder Pads usually price from $59.99 to $149.99. Adult Shoulder Pads range from $69.99 to $379.99.
How should I size Shoulder Pads?
- To determine the proper size shoulder pads stand up straight with your arms at your sides.
- Using a soft cloth tape, have someone measure across your back from shoulder blade to shoulder blade and round up this measurement by one half an inch.
- When determining the proper size youth pads you will also need to know the players chest circumference by measuring (with a soft cloth tape) around the nipple line additionally you will need to know the players weight.
Football Pads & Protection
September 12th, 2010 by Cale LokenWe have detailed some of the most essential pads and protection for football players. We will talk about shoulder pads and helmets in future blog posts.
Collar Pads/Neck Rolls
These pads protect the collarbone, which attach to the shoulder pads on the back. Collar Pads and Neck Rolls usually price from $9.99 to $59.99. Cowboy Collars which attach to the shoulder pads are typically more expensive, while the round white neck collars start at $9.99.
Rib Vests
Rib vests are recommended for players with sore ribs or who often get tackled. Rib pads can be attached to shoulder pads or worn separately with suspenders. Rib Vests cost between $12.99 and $69.99. The rib pads with the shirt and combo with side protection sell for a higher price. The more the protection and padding the higher the price.
Forearm Pads
Forearm pads are preferred for offensive and defensive linemen who use their arms to block and tackle. These pads can come with combinations of forearm and hand pads as well as forearm, hand and elbow pads. Forearm pads typically sell in a range of $5.99 to $29.99. The higher priced pads typically fit better and add better protection.
Gloves
Different positions require different types of gloves. Lineman should look for gloves that are heavily padded on the top of the hand. Lineman gloves should also be designed to prevent a player from hyper-extending his fingers, usually have an extra heavy palm and an oversized wrist wrap for added wrist strength and protection. Receivers, Running Backs, Linebackers and Defensive Backs should have flexible gloves that have stickiness (tackiness) to them. Receiver Glove, Defensive Back, Linebacker and Running Back Gloves range from $14.99 to $69.99. Typically the more expensive gloves feature stronger material which prevents less ripping. The higher end gloves also feature more stickiness (tackiness) and are typically lighter. Lineman Gloves range from $24.99 to $79.99 and are more expensive because of the extra padding and some feature wrist wraps.
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