SB Nation User Blog: Rexx

Pat Tillman Would Have Loved This!

Rexx — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:49:54 -0000

NOTE: This story was originally posted just before the Arizona Cardinals played the Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl. I wrote it because I thought that Pat Tillman was the ultimate warrior, both on the field and in the military. With today being Memorial Day, I find it a fitting time to re-run it, despite the Cardinals loss, which would have made this an even better story had they emerged victorious. While not ever forgetting the ultimate sacrifices the men and women of the service have made for this country, I specifically want to remind everyone of the opportunity that Tillman left behind as a professinal football player as he went to fight for America's freedoms alongside of his brother and fellow soldiers.

So, remember, never forget, respect....Semper Fi! (Bruce Raffel)

I'm virtually certain all of the Beatdown's readership remembers the former Arizona Cardinal and US Army Ranger, who gave up a multi-million dollar pro football contract to follow his older brother into the Rangers and was subsequently killed in action by "friendly fire" over in Afghanistan in 2004.

Tillman was a hard hitting safety on the Arizona Cardinals, on his way to a Pro Bowl career, when he decided to give it all up and join the fight to protect our freedoms after being deeply affected by the events of September 11, 2001. He was a fun loving square jawed guy with blond hair and hit opposing players like a linebacker, the position he played in college at Arizona State University.

He joined the Rangers in late 2002 with his brother Kevin, who gave up an opportunity to play professional baseball when enlisting as well. Together they were deployed initially to Iraq and then to Afghanistan where he was accidently shot by his fellow troops on April 22, 2004. The initial reports was that Tillman was killed while on patrol and was heroically defending his fellow Rangers by putting himself in the line of fire. After a thorough investigation that is still not totally clear, clouded in dispute and full of questions, it was determined that he was shot by a fellow soldier in the confusion of a nearby detonation of an explosive device. There are also reports through the autopsy that some evidence points to the fact that he was hit at close range with three shots to the forehead, suggesting that Pat Tillman might have been murdered by a fellow Ranger. A huge investigation of the apparent cover up has followed and the exact nature of his death has brought his family additional unnecessary grief in their horrible loss.

Either way, regardless of the exact circumstances surrounding his death, Pat Tillman should serve as inspiration of what America is all about. Football is a great game, but it is without a doubt a game. War is real and it took a hero like Pat Tillman to put it in better perspective for so many of us. I was moved to purchase a replica jersey of his, to which a portion of the funds go to charitable causes of him and his family. I will be wearing that #40 Arizona Cardinals jersey this Sunday while I root for many of his former teammates to attain what was his goal in professional football, but certainly not his main goal in life.

May God bless Pat Tillman and his family. GO CARDINALS!!!

US Navy's Blue Angels

Rexx — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:51:09 -0000

This may be totally unrelated to anything on football or the Baltimore Ravens, but it does bear posting. If you have any sense of patriotism in you, you will be so impressed with what I saw yesterday up close on the Severn River near Annapolis, Maryland.

The US Navy's Blue Angels stunt flying team perfrom a 45 minute demonstration prior to tomorrow's Naval Academy Commencement Ceremonies. During this demo, they do everything from low level fly-by's to what looks to be a game of "chicken" where they turn sideways at the last second. The jets can go as fast as 1400 MPH, but usually do not exceed 700 MPH on this day. It is so fast that some of the photos and videos I took showed nothing as I missed the shot completely. The sound was deafening at times as they flew around 500 feet right above us. Check out the YouTube video I posted by clicking here.

Also, check out these photos that don't do the day justice, as there must have been thousand's of boats anchored all around us during this demonstration. If you ever get a chance to experience this in person, I highly recommend it.

Fittest Athlete In The World?

Rexx — Wed, 20 May 2009 15:43:50 -0000

More photos » by Gail Burton - AP

about 1 month ago: Baltimore Ravens first-round draft pick Michael Oher runs during NFL football minicamp, Friday, May 8, 2009 in Owings Mills, Md. (AP Photo/Gail Burton)

Browse more photos »

While this may be a little off topic, football and Ravens-wise, it does bring to mind the question of whether a football athlete can be up there as one of, if not THE fittest athlete in the world.

At Raven Passing Camp this week, word is that while rookie first round pick Michael Oher is not as up to speed as the veterans on blocking assignments, he is one of the most physically fit players on the team, at 6'4" and 309 pounds. According to DE Trevor Pryce, he looks a little like the Carolina Panthers' Julius Peppers, who is a physical specimen for a big guy.

On ESPN's First Take yesterday, host Dana Jacobson (yowser!) was leading the discussion as to who might be the world's most fittest athlete. There were three other guys on the panel, two of whom said Lebron James as they said he sprints up and down the court as well as anyone in the NBA and doing that in a 6'8" solid body requires great physical tools. One of the guys said Terrell Owens, and cited his interview doing situps, showing his six-pack abs in his driveway while suspended a few years ago as an example. Tennis star Rafael Nadal was also brought up, as he looks to be almost completely devoid of any fat on his athletic frame.

Now I don't want to be accused of writing a post on other men's bodies, but the discussion is one for thought. A few years ago, you'd have to have included seven time (?) Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong in the discussion and maybe even last year had eight Olympic gold medalist swimmer and Baltimore's own Michael Phelps at or near the top of that list.

However, while there could be a hockey player up there, but we rarely see their true physiques, there is no mention of a baseball player on that list, as we've seen a bunch of what appear to be overweight and out of shape players, especially pitchers in MLB. Then what football players other than TO could be considered among the world's fittest athletes?

Let the debate begin!

Ravens Cheerleaders 2009 Training Camp

Rexx — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:43:59 -0000

No, not only is this not a joke, it is really happening and better yet, is open to the public (need I mention the words, "Road Trip!?").

Yes, the Baltimore Ravens cheerleaders do indeed have their own Training Camp, where the squad goes to get away from it all and focus on preparing for their roles on the sidelines at all the Ravens home games and community events. This year's camp will be located at Garrett College in McHenry, Maryland and run from Friday, June 5th through Sunday June 7th. As previously stated, the public is welcome to attend and watch the practice sessions.

In additon, the squad will be making an appearance on June 6th at Uno's Restaurant and the Honi Honi Bar. See the attached press release here for more information and vacation rentals if you are interested in attending the Training Camp or other times in beautiful Deep Creek Lake, MD.

Click here if you want to see more from the Ravens Cheerleaders photo shoot recently in the Bahamas. Trust me, it will be well worth your time!

Ravens Passing Camp Update

Rexx — Tue, 19 May 2009 14:26:22 -0000

Above is a photo taken at the Baltimore Ravens passing camp that began yesterday at their Owings Mills Training Facility, which you can see in the background. Looking closely at the players, I see recently signed QB John Beck (#7), but not too sure who most of the others are, although I believe that #39 is undrafted free agent FB, Jason Cook.

The Ravens passing camp this week is without a bunch of veteran starters, so some of the reserves got their chances to step up and get noticed. Ray Rice is healthy again and with the injuries to Willis McGahee and LeRon McClain adjusting to a "new" position at fulback, Rice took all the reps with both the first and second teams yesterday and looked real good.

With wide receivers Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams taking it easy, second year pro Marcus Smith ran with the first team and Kelley Washington, who signed his official contract yesterday, caught a 40 yard bomb from Troy Smith for a TD while running with the second team.

In related news, wide receiver Marcus Maxwell was released by the team. Now I guess we won't be getting confused about which "Marcus" we're talking about.

Defensively, with Ed Reed taking a breather, Haruki Nakamura took first team reps at safety and Jameel McClain filled in for Ray Lewis next to Tavares Gooden at linebacker.

Second year QB Joe Flacco loked crisp and accurate, even on the tough over the middle medium range passes that were his hardest to complete last season. Most of all, he reported feeling a sense of a better comfort level that he obviously never had before in spring or even summer camps. He's loose, talking with his receivers after the plays to make sure they are on the same page as him, and is obviously in charge of the huddle now.

All in all, looking good at this point and it will only get better as the injuries heal and the veterans become more involved in the practices.

Happy Birthday Brooks Robinson!

Rexx — Mon, 18 May 2009 22:00:14 -0000

Former Baltimore Orioles great, Brooks Robinson celebrated his 72nd birthday today, according to a story on the radio station I was listening to this afternoon, 100.7 FM.

They also said that Brooks announced at a speaking engagement last week that he's been battling prostrate cancer and has endured 39 treatments. Just like Brooksie, he's probably really uncomfortable but you'll never know it.

Best wishes to Brooks and thanks for all the great memories you gave us for 26 years, each with a single season contract, not these big bucks long term deals the kids are signing today.

We'll all pray for you, Brooks!

Click here for a video tribute from the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

NOTE: I also posted this over at the Orioles blog on SB Nation, Camden Chat.

Happy Birthday, Brooksie!

Rexx — Mon, 18 May 2009 21:54:33 -0000

Former Baltimore Orioles great, Brooks Robinson celebrated his 72nd birthday today, according to a story on the radio station I was listening to this afternoon, 100.7 FM.

Best wishes to Brooks and thanks for all the great memories you gave us for 26 years, each with a single season contract, not these big bucks long term deals the kids are signing today.

We'll all pray for you, Brooks!

Click here for a video tribute from the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Pittsburgh's James Harrison Is No Obama Fan

Rexx — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:50:26 -0000

More photos » by John Bazemore - AP

2 months ago: FILE - In this Feb. 1, 2009, file photo, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison returns an interception for a 100-yard touchdown during the second quarter of the NFL Super Bowl XLIII football game in Tampa, Fla. At right is Arizona Cardinals guard Reggie Wells. Harrison reached terms Monday, April 13, 2009, on a $51.75 million, six-year contract that will make him the second highest-paid player in franchise history. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)

Browse more photos »

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be visiting the White House and meeting Steelers' fan, President Barack Obama, as reigning Super Bowl Champions have done for years as part of the tradition. However, one player who will not be joining them is Steelers linebacker and NFL Defensive MVP James Harrison.

Harrrison was interviewed the other day and had this to say about the visit:

"This is how I feel. If you want to see the Pittsburgh Steelers, invite us when we don't win the Super Bowl. As far as I'm concerned, he (Obama) would've invited Arizona if they had won," said Harrison.

Yes James, you are correct there, as the winning team in all the major professional and college sports get the photo op of attending and presenting the President with the ceremonial team jersey when they WIN the game.

When the Steelers won the Super Bowl in 2006, Harrison did not attend the team's visit to the White House then as well. Perhaps it has nothing to do with what he said, and maybe he is just not a fan of politics. Maybe Harrison lost more than just his wind when he returned that interception for a TD at the end of the fiest half in this year's Super Bowl. Then again, perhaps he is just not as smart of a guy off the field as he appears to be when on it.

Click here to see the ESPN video on the story.

Ravens-Steelers Rivalry #1 in NFL

Rexx — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:36:34 -0000

While there are a bunch of rivalries that you could look at over the years in the NFL, the current one between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers is the top one in the NFL right now, according to Vinne Iyer of the Sporting News. There has always been the Redskins-Cowboys, Giants-Eagles, Bear-Packers and Raiders-Chiefs, but none of them match the intensity of the two AFC North teams, as evidenced by their three epic battles this past season.

To read the entire article, click here.

A Day At The Races

Rexx — Sun, 17 May 2009 15:45:15 -0000

Baltimore Beatdown took the high road for a change, and spent the day Saturday at Maryland's Pimlico Racecourse, home of the second leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness Stakes. While this may be slightly off the football track, there is a football and even a Ravens connection to the story.

As a guest of my best friend since 7th grade (that's over 38 years ago if your doing the math!), Larry, his company Reasearch in Motion (RIM), which produces everyone's Blackberry phones, was the main sponsor of the Preakness. Therefore, they had a major suite alongside of the first turn at Pimlico, including food (crab cakes, salmon, etc.) and best of all, open bar all day long. They also had a private bet taker for the suite, as well as closed circuit television, air conditioning, and all-access passes for the Infield Village (no, not the "infield"). The rough side of the day, as you can see, was being force to dress up for the occasion, in slacks and sportcoats as required. Quite a huge change from the many times spent boozing it up in the infield and never actually seeing a race!

It was a rough day, betting wise. People around me would have been smart to find out who I was betting on and then just take the other horses. Cashing one winner all day, in an exacta that I ended up splitting with Larry, I was absolutely horrible in my handicapping. And no, I did not take the filly, Rachel Alexandra, who ended up slaying all the boys in the Preakness race!

So the connection to football and specifically the Ravens? The sponsor's box included a group from Under Amour, led by Chairman and CEO Kevin Plank. Kevin was the only one (other than his young son) in the suite wearing a nice sports jacket along with his Under Armour sneakers! One of the guests was none other than former Ravens QB coach and current UCLA Bruins head coach, Rick Neuheisel. Neuheisel was wearing his Bruins blue and gold, looking tanned and relaxed, away from the rigors of the PAC-10 and trying to always catch the USC Trojans.

In addition, for you Maryland Terrapin fans, another guest of Under Armour was the Terp's Mens basketball coach, Gary Wiliams, looking dapper in a suit and this time without all the sweat stained underarms you see when he's yelling and coaching on the sidelines of the basketball court!

There was also some other former athletes and one guy that I was introduced to was named Vince Washington, a former wide receiver for the Michigan Wolverines back in 1985-88. He actually started in front of future Heisman Trophy winner, Desmond Howard and caught passes from former Ravens QB, Jim Harbaugh, now coach of the Standford Cardinal and brother of current Ravens coach, John.

So there you have it. An incredible day at the races despite the lack of wagering success, plus a football and Ravens connection or two. Thanks to Blackberry and my good friend, Larry, it was a great day as you can see from the incredible view of the race in the photos below.