Compiled by Arthur Arkush
July 25, 2008

Friday, July 25, 2008

Packers team president Mark Murphy, quoted on espn.com regarding a possible trade involving Brett Favre: "We want to have positive feelings about Brett and the Packers, and we want him to continue to be a part of the Packer family. I think the way this is handled will be important in terms of how that plays out in the future. But I'm also cognizant of some of the things that have happened in the past with Joe Montana ending his career with the Chiefs, now you look back on it, most people might not remember that he played with the Chiefs. They remember he was a 49er."

Cardinals WR Anquan Boldin, frustrated as a result of what he believes are empty promises that have been made by management, as quoted on azcentral.com: “At this point, I’m not even interested in a contract. For me, it’s been going on two years, and especially after last year, I was promised a deal would get done before the season. But the season’s here and obviously that hasn’t happened. I don’t want a deal. People may think I’m being funny or saying that just to say it. But, for me, I’m just tired of it. Washed my hands of the whole situation. My agent has direct orders not to negotiate. So that’s how I feel about it.” Boldin added: “I’m really disappointed it came to this point. For the last five, going on six years, I gave everything I had to this organization. In that sense, I’m disappointed.”

Former Broncos WR Rod Smith, quoted in the Denver Post after officially announcing his retirement on Thursday: "If I didn't do anything else, I hope I was a great teammate, because all I ever wanted to do was win. Being a part of this organization, I won." Smith continued by mentioning a picture that hangs in his basement depicting himself, John Elway and Ed McCaffrey celebrating their first Super Bowl victory: "You just see my face lit up, and Ed's, John's. I mean, that's why you play sports. If you want to see grown men and women act like kids, you play sports. The 12-year-old comes out of you every time you win, no matter how significant a win. But when you get to the level we were at, winning Super Bowls, it was amazing."

Eagles RB Brian Westbrook reported to camp on time Thursday despite speculation that he would be a hold out, as quoted in the Philadelphia Daily News: "I'm here now, hopefully for good. It remains to be seen; I can't foresee the future. Hopefully, things go well and we get a deal done." Westbrook continued when asked if he was reluctant to show up for the start of camp: “I'm here. Whether I'm reluctant, I'm still here. I'm coming here to be here with my teammates, to compete for a job, and do everything I can to help this team win."

Browns TE Kellen Winslow, quoted on Cleveland.com about not being a distraction despite his desire for a new contract: "I'm sure [the media] probably thought I wasn't coming, but I'm not that type of guy. I don't want to be a distraction. My job is to just help this team win and play to the best of my ability. You have to separate [the business from the football]. You can't focus on the contract. I'm under contract [for three more years]. I just want to be a Cleveland Brown for a longer period of time, so my agent and the organization are in talks."

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Bears KR Devin Hester, quoted on ChicagoSports.com regarding his plans to hold out of training camp until he receives a new contract: "I'm not coming. I have to make a statement. I showed by going to [organized team activities] that I was a team player. But then, I just felt they weren't taking it seriously that I wanted to get a new deal.” Hester added: "You should pay me like I'm one of a kind. It's like dating a girl. When you find somebody who is real special, you're going to do whatever it takes to keep her. You might cut back on what you're giving your mom to give to her. And that's how I feel they should treat me."

Browns QB Brady Quinn, prepared to do whatever is asked of him this season, presumably in a backup role, as quoted in Cleveland Sports News: "It would be tough [to sit a second straight season]. I can't stress that any more. I feel prepared, feel ready. I know I learned a lot last year even though I didn't get to play that much at all. I know it benefited me in some ways. It's just that at this point in time, I'm ready to play, ready to go. When it comes down to it, I'm ready for whatever this team needs me to do."

Giants offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride, quoted on Newsday.com about filling the void left by the trade of TE Jeremy Shockey to the New Orleans: "The best thing I can do is make an analogy between this year with Jeremy and the loss of Tiki [Barber] last year. I wasn't sure how we were going to replace him, I was looking forward to finding out what the answers would be, who would step up and fill the void, and the same thing certainly exists this year. I don't know how we're going to fill it." Gilbride added: "What do we do? Do we move it? Do we play less two tights? Do we have certain restrictions in certain players? I really don't know the answer but I'm excited about seeing our young guys. We'll all kind of see together as camp is unfolding."

Saints GM Mickey Loomis, excited after finalizing a contract extension for WR Marques Colston, as quoted on (South Mississippi) SunHerald.com: "He's been a nice surprise and a great story for us. When you have a chance to get a player of that caliber extended even though it's early... I'm trying to remember if I've signed a guy to an extension this early and I can't think of one... . He's a special case... . I kind of look at this as a bridge between the deal he signed as a seventh-round pick and his next deal." Loomis went on to say: "It's really a tribute to how well Marques has done for us coming from Hofstra and being a seventh-round pick and being as productive as he's been. I think he's been really the most productive receiver in Saints history through two seasons."

Chiefs LB Derrick Johnson, quoted on kansascity.com in response to a reporter asking how he feels about being on a team that’s rebuilding: “It’s a college word. You rebuild in college, you build programs. But in the NFL, there’s too much at stake. There’s a sense of urgency. You can develop young guys, but you have to win. No matter how young you are, you got veteran guys who want to win. You think Tony Gonzalez wants to hear about rebuilding? You win the way Indianapolis does or Green Bay. You develop as you’re winning.”

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Lions president Matt Millen, quoted on detnews.com on his belief that his team is ready to string a full, solid season together this year: "We have a group of guys who should be rowing in the same direction. I think Rod's (head coach Rod Marinelli) comfortable with that. I think the staff is comfortable. We'll see where that takes us. What it does, we're not working against ourselves. We're not slowing down for that last guy to get on board. I think it speaks to attitude. Attitude is a huge part of it."

Eagles QB Donovan McNabb, excited about finally being healthy headed into the 2008 season, as quoted in the Philadelphia Daily News: "I look forward to having a great year. I don't look at it from the individual aspect, but when you come off an 8-8 season, and then having been part of a [6-10 season in 2005] that year I got hurt [with a sports hernia and Mike McMahon] stepped in, you want to do better. I look forward to getting back to the type of season we had in 2004 that led us to the Super Bowl." McNabb added: "It's not just the teams in our division. It's the NFC, period. I feel like we can compete with all of them. If you ask those teams, they'll tell you the same, that we have the type of team you have to look out for."

Bears head coach Lovie Smith, quoted on ChicagoSports.com when asked about the QB competition between Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton: "I know right now the exact date and time and all that when we'll have that guy in place. You'd like for me to share that with you? I bet you would.” Smith continued: “Some things I think should just be kept to yourself and to us. We'll let them go out on the football field and play. Once we feel like everybody needs to know, we'll let you know then. If I know a little bit earlier, am I going to tell you? No.''

Redskins DE Jason Taylor, adapting to new surroundings (and more specifically his new uniform, the burgundy-and-gold jersey with number 55 on it), as quoted in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel: “Some of the guys in the locker room noticed I was uneasy with it at first. I was looking at the helmet and trying to figure out what it was and all that.'' Taylor added: “It's kind of like being a rookie. But I'm not buying doughnuts or carrying anybody's pads. I'm still one of the old guys around here.''

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, quoted on Kentucky.com emphatically putting an end to any speculation that WR Chris Henry could return to Cincinnati: "I'm not interested. I don't think it would be productive for our football team. You have to be a productive part to be an NFL player, and there's responsibilities to being an NFL player. It's a privilege, it's not a right. There's a lot that comes with being an NFL football player."

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Eagles WR Reggie Brown, flattered that fans would actually camp overnight in order to get autographs at a signing held in Lancaster Monday, as quoted on (Philadelphia) Mcall.com: "It's cool having fans out here excited about meeting you. I don't feel like I'm anything special. I'm just a regular guy; I can just run fast and catch the football. It's cool that people respect what you do and see some sort of value in it. I appreciate all the fans, especially Philadelphia fans. They're the greatest."

Giants TE Kevin Boss, quoted on NJ.com regarding the Jeremy Shockey trade: "I learned so much from Jeremy last year. He is an incredible athlete, and I wish him nothing but the best. We have a good group of young tight ends on the team, and we are all anxious to put the pads on and get to work. I will miss Jeremy in New York. I couldn't have asked for a better mentor."

Bengals QB Carson Palmer, backing off his comments from last week regarding OSU and it’s fanbase, as quoted in The Columbus Dispatch: "I'm a Trojan all the way, and I was talking to a Trojan audience in California. I guess I got a little fired up, as all good fans will do. But I really do respect the Buckeyes, and I know their fans are passionate, too. I hope they all understand I'm just looking forward to a big game for my school against a very tough opponent, and that it's all in the good fun of a rivalry. You don't have a real rivalry unless both sides are great teams."

49ers head coach Mike Nolan, quoted on ContraCostaTimes.com about taking things slower this year and not buying into all the media hype: "Our approach this year is to not get ahead of ourselves and take everything one at a time — one meeting, one practice, one game." Nolan continued by praising new offensive coordinator, Mike Martz: "Everyone knows that Mike has great expertise, but he's also shown he has command of everything from practices to meetings. He makes sure players are held accountable."

Redskins DE Phillip Daniels, hopeful that his torn left ACL injury isn’t career-ending, as quoted in the Washington Times: "The look on the doctor's face told me a lot. I asked him how serious it was, and he didn't say nothing, so I knew right then it was bad news. When we finally got in the hall, he told me, and I broke down and cried a little bit." Daniels continued: "I'm not going anywhere. Everybody says I'm 36 next year, but I'm still young. I can still play. I felt great going into this year. I'm going to train hard to come back. Whether it be playing or coaching, I don't know. Hopefully, I get another opportunity to come back and finish my career on a high note, not end it this way. I really don't, but if it does end this way, I've had a great career."

Monday, July 21, 2008

Bills S Donte Whitner, quoted in The Buffalo News on his expectations for the defensive unit this season: “What happened last year left a bitter taste in our mouths. But this is a new season and our expectations are a lot higher. With the talent we have coming back and the new guys we added, there is no reason why we shouldn’t have one of the best defenses in the NFL.”

New Redskins DE Jason Taylor, reacting to the trade that occurred Sunday, sending him to Washington for two future draft picks, as quoted in the Palm Beach Post: “I probably need a little time to digest it all. I love Miami, will always cherish my 11 years with the Dolphins and can't thank Mr. (Wayne) Huizenga, Bryan Wiedmeier and countless coaches and teammates enough for what they have all done. I will be a Dolphins fan now and wish them the best.”

Browns TE Kellen Winslow, quoted in the Dayton Daily News looking forward to the 2008 season: “I think I've put in the time, the hard work, this season. My first year back, I couldn't run as much as I'd like. But last year I was in pretty good shape coming back to training camp, and I think I'm in good shape now. I've had (so many) operations, I don't even remember what I had. The point is, I'm ready. Nothing's going to stop me from being ready for the season and stopping my dream.”

Cowboys LB Bradie James understands that with all the new talent that owner Jerry Jones has brought in, they will be expected to win right away, as quoted in the Dallas Morning News: “There's no way we can go under the radar. With all the talent we have, all the high-profile players we've got, it's an all-star team. For me to say there won't be any Super Bowl talk, I'd be naïve to say that. … Now we've got to make that materialize. It's tough to talk about last year, but you've got to talk about last year. Last year we learned how to win. But we also learned it's not just about winning. It's about winning at the right time.”

Broncos QB Jay Cutler, quoted in the Rocky Mountain News on trying to develop a chemistry with head coach Mike Shanahan: “Mike's obviously got a wealth of knowledge and he's so far ahead of me in what he knows on the football field. I've got a good feel for what he's thinking in certain situations, and more important, where he wants me to go with the ball.” Cutler added: “The first two years, you're learning a new offense, new terminology, new coaches … it's a new speed. I feel comfortable right now. I feel real comfortable.”