|
Friday, July 18, 2008
Agent Bill Johnson, who represents Bears first-round pick Chris Williams, pleased with the progress of contract negotiations for his client thus far, as quoted on ChicagoSports.com: "We have exchanged dialogue and proposals. I respect the Bears' diligence in working toward a timely resolution, particularly with training camp right around the corner."
Texans second-year DT Amobi Okoye, quoted in the Birmingham News on his foundation to help build a community centers for kids to learn and play and better themselves in a safe, nourishing environment, the Amobi Okoye foundation: "I came to understand last year after I got drafted ... that there's more to my life than to just be a football player. I feel like the man above put me down here on Earth to be an example for the youth. If I did it, they can find a way to do it. I feel like that's who I should be. That's who I am. And that's what drove me to start the foundation."
Falcons new QB (and first overall draft pick) Matt Ryan, confident that he knows what it will take to win over the fans in Atlanta, as quoted on macon.com: "I think if you win, people will be happy. I do understand from an outsider's perspective it was a tough year. I'm focused on the future now, and excited to be a part of that." Ryan continued by saying he plans to be the starter on opening day: "I think that's certainly the goal, to prepare to play, to do everything you can to be on the field and play. That's what I'm going to do. I think I did well picking things up in mini-camp. I know there's still a lot to learn. I think I've done pretty well so far."
Eagles RB Bryan Westbrook, quoted in the Philadelphia Enquirer after hiring a new agent Thursday with the hope of having a contract extension completed before the season begins: "When I signed my contract with the Eagles two-and-a-half years ago, they paid me for the level of play I was playing at the time. I'm not at that level no more. I'm at a higher level of play. There's no question about that. The numbers don't lie. My numbers have steadily increased from that point until now. Now, I'm at the point where I'm one of the elite backs in the NFL, and I should be compensated that way."
Suspended WR Chris Henry, hopeful that he’s reinstated by commissioner Goodell and given another opportunity with his former team, the Cincinnati Bengals, as quoted in the Dayton Daily News: “I hope so. I love playing for Cincinnati. I got really tight with a bunch of my teammates in Cincinnati. I would love for that to happen, but you never know. Henry added: “I learned a lot about everything that happened, and everything taught me a lesson. Just about being in the wrong places and hanging out with the wrong people. I just need to handle myself like a professional at all times. That’s pretty much what I need to do to stay in the league and get another shot at this. That’s what I plan on doing.”
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Archie Manning, father of Colts QB Peyton Manning, quoted on IndyStar.com about his son’s recovery from knee surgery this week: "I think he's doing fine, really. Peyton will deal with it. He'll rehab and go at it 100 percent. I know Peyton and he'll make the best of his days and try to contribute. Ninety-nine percent of the players deal with injuries. But Peyton's been fortunate through the years. He's been lucky as far as injuries.''
Agent Bus Cook, who represents QB Brett Favre, explaining that the ball is in the Packers court, as quoted in the Green Bay Press-Gazette: "If he asks for reinstatement and they start fining him $15,000 a day (for not reporting to training camp), well that just doesn't make sense. We're going to let Green Bay decide what they want to do. It's their move."
Dolphins QB Josh McCown, quoted on topix.com after injuring his finger in a chain-saw accident July 3rd: “We were clearing some brush and wanted to cut up some stumps and stack them. I was holding down a little piece of a tree trunk and my little brother, Luke, had the chain saw. He hit a knob and the chain saw jumped. I clenched my fist to make sure the tendon was working. I walked out of the emergency room and got a football out of the trunk and fired a few passes to Luke, and knew I could've played that day. My daddy would say, 'Let's get it sewn up and go to work.''
Dolphins DE Jason Taylor, quoted in the Palm Beach Post about his thoughts for the 2008 season: “There’s a lot of things we can do individually and as a team, if the right pieces are in place and the right things happen.” Taylor continued by curbing his optimism a bit: “I may not have a choice (but to play for the Dolphins.)”
Vikings head coach Brad Childress, giving his QB Tarvaris Jackson a vote of confidence, as quoted on TwinCities.com: "He shouldn't feel otherwise. He did everything in the offseason, to act like, to be — he improved in the (organized team activities). That's part of what that mantle is. You can see that nice evolution." Childress added: "I like his mindset, his work ethic in the offseason. I like the fact that Gus Frerotte is here. ... I think it's a natural evolution, and I think (Jackson has) taken steps to make himself better."
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Cowboys S Ken Hamlin, quoted in the Dallas Morning News about his leadership role in Dallas after signing a six-year, $39 million deal that included a $9 million signing bonus as part of a $15 million guarantee: "I think leadership is definitely something I don't take lightly. Just being able to communicate better allows you to do things a little bit better. You have to make sure we're all accountable out there in a game." Hamlin added: "One thing I've said is I don't want to be just another guy. I feel like I'm one of the top safeties in the league, if not the top. I want to be known as that."
Bears new RB Kevin Jones, pleased after signing a one-year deal Tuesday, as quoted in the Detroit Free Press: “Yeah, I’m cool with a one-year deal because it gives me the opportunity to prove I can stay healthy, get out there and do what I have to do to make the team. When I show them the type of back I am, then I may be a Bear a long time.” Jones went on to discuss his first conversation with Bears head coach Lovie Smith: “My main thing for him was would the opportunities for competition be fair and if he wanted me here. And coach Smith said, ’Yes, we want you here. And you have a fair opportunity.’ That’s what stuck out to me: He seemed like a stand-up guy. He has strong Christian values. It just seems like the perfect situation. I felt comfortable after talking to him that it would be the right decision for me and my family to join the Chicago Bears.”
Colts team president Bill Polian, quoted on IndyStar.com after QB Peyton Manning’s surgery Monday to remove an infected bursa sac from his left knee: "Everything went well and the doctors are very confident that everything will go well. Don't forget, he's had every practice for 11 years. I don't know that missing some practice time is going to do any harm at all, to be truthful with you."
Agent Chad Speck, who represents Titans DT Albert Haynesworth, speaking on behalf of his client Tuesday after the Titans failed to reach a long-term deal before the 4 p.m. ET deadline for signing franchise players, as quoted in The Tennessean: "Albert has said numerous times that he wants to remain a Titan so it is certainly disappointing that we were unable to come to a long-term deal Tuesday. From our perspective we offered several fair and balanced proposals to the Titans over the past few days that would have paid Albert like one of the top defensive tackles in football — all of which were rejected. We moved considerably off those proposals as the deadline approached today in an effort to close the deal — these movements were also rejected by the Titans."
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Brett Favre, quoted in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on his future with the Green Bay Packers and elsewhere: "I am guilty of retiring early and there is a reason for that. And the major issue is 'Why did he retire?' and 'He asked for a release because he doesn't want to play in Green Bay.' That's not true. And I hope people are hearing this and saying 'OK, that clears it up.' " Favre added: "Them moving on does not bother me. It doesn't. I totally understand that. By me retiring March 3rd, I knew that could possibly happen. All I was saying is, you know I'm thinking about playing again. The 'itch' has been used. That is the word that has been used if you want to say itch, or the fire is coming back, or whatever. If I'm going to play, it's going to be 100 percent commitment. … And so if you move on, you tell me one thing, don't come back and tell the public … just say it. 'You know, we've moved on and we'll work with Brett on whatever it is.' Don't make up a lot of stuff or give half of the truth."
Vikings QB Tarvaris Jackson, not worried about the Brett Favre rumors, as quoted on TwinCities.com: "You know me, if it happens, it happens. I can't control it, but I don't worry about it. All I can do is handle my business. It's my team until coach (Childress) tells me otherwise. That's how I look at it. We're looking forward to a great season. I keep up with it (Favre) because I'm a sports fan. But every time a quarterback comes up, they throw me in there. It's nothing new. I know what's going on inside the organization. We're a family. We don't worry about what people outside the organization feel."
Browns QB Derek Anderson, quoted on nfl.com regarding his decision to sign a contract extension with Cleveland following his Pro Bowl campaign in 2007: "It's my show right now. It was important for me to stay where I know it's good with the coaches and the weapons I have around me in this offense with Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow and now Donté Stallworth." Anderson added: "Brady and I are open to a competition, and we both believe that competition will make us better. Our relationship is good. We are two guys working to get better, but two guys pulling in different directions is not good."
Cardinals QB Kurt Warner, relating to Brett Favre’s situation, as quoted in STLtoday: “I can understand where he is coming from. It has to be one of the most difficult decisions to make and most difficult decisions to deal with. I know that feeling as it gets close to training camp every year. You get excited about playing on Sundays and competing again. You hear from the guys after they retire, how hard it is to step away from the game.”
Monday, July 14, 2008
Chargers CB Antonio Cromartie, quoted on SignOnSanDiego.com after hiring a new agent, Los Angeles-based Gary Wichard, last week (Wichard also represents Dwight Freeney, Jason Taylor and Tommy Kelly): “I just wanted to go with a guy who had experience with bigger contracts.” Cromartie added: “I'm not worried about anything to do with a new contract right now. I'm going out and doing the things I'm supposed to and whatever comes along with that. … My worry is about football. That's why I have a guy like Gary. While I'm working, he's working.”
Bears LB Lance Briggs, confident that Brett Favre will certainly never be a Bear, as quoted in the Chicago Sun-Times: ''Oh, no, man, I highly doubt it. Of all the teams in the NFL … Favre with the Bears … I just don't see it. Brett has a better chance of getting struck by lightning twice than coming here.'' Briggs continued by expressing his optimism for the 2008 season: ''I'm highly optimistic about the season. We've got a veteran group that has been there before. We just need to stay healthy. In the NFL, teams go from 7-9 to NFC champions. Who would have thought [before last season that] the Giants would win the Super Bowl?''
Browns new WR Donté Stallworth, excited to play a larger role in Cleveland than he did last season in New England, as quoted in The Boston Globe: "I'm really excited about this offense; personally, I'll do more things than I've done in the past. I'll run some downfield routes, kind of like what I was doing in Philly. Just the prospect of adding that back to my game is something interesting." Stallworth added: "I think everybody has got the belief that this could be a special season for us. But there are no guarantees. I learned that from last year."
Packers C Scott Wells, quoted in the Knoxville News Sentinel regarding the rumors swirling around the return of QB Brett Favre: "I can't say anything bad about Brett because he still plays at a high level, and as a competitor, he's always going to have the itch to play. But we've put in a lot of time preparing to move forward from the Brett Favre era. I'm ready for Aaron Rodgers to be our quarterback. Until I'm told otherwise, that's the way it's going to be. That's how we've prepared. Whoever they put behind me, I'm comfortable with. If Brett comes back, great. If he doesn't, I'm comfortable with Aaron."
|
|
