...The Green Bay Packers

First my favorite football team won the Super Bowl. Then the lockout happened and now football is cancelled. Players and teams are not supposed to "fraternize" during the NFL lockout, but the league gave special dispensation to the Packers. Why? To receive their all important Super Bowl rings!!! Here are the ring's stats, so to say:

-The "G" logo in the middle of the ring includes 13 diamonds, one for each of the Packers championships (four Super Bowls, nine pre-merger NFL Championships).

-Football-shaped diamonds dot the corner of the top of the rings, representing the four Super Bowl titles.

-A total of 92 diamonds surround the crest, representing the 92 years that the franchise has existed.

-On the inside of the ring, the scores of all the Packers playoff wins are included, as well as the logos of the opponents (congratulations, Eagles fans, you're on a Super Bowl ring!).

-Also on the inside is a "1" alongside the words "Mind, Goal, Purpose and Heart," a sort of mantra that the Packers used on their way to the title.

-One side features the Lombardi trophy and the player's name and number, with the number encircled as it was on the Packers throwback jerseys this year. On the other side is a rather exquisitely crafted likeness of Lambeau Field.

In total the ring weighs in at 3.35 carats. It kind of looks like a classy high school graduation ring...maybe college as well... PURE CLASS! All kidding aside no matter what the ring looks like it is just nice that the Packers finally got their rings. Now if only the lockout would end, Brett Favre would return and the games can begin again. I am giving the Green Bay Packers a Digit Up. If you think about it a little some of this Digit goes to the NFL as well for bending the rules a little.

...Christina Aguilera

This story will not die, and I am not going to be the one to kill it. Of course I am talking about Christina Aguilera's National Anthem flub at the Super Bowl. It was not her 1st time singing it of course, but it will probably be her most memorable. Now the mess up is not really why I am talking about her. She did have this to say about it, "I can only hope that everyone could feel my love for this country and that the true spirit of its anthem still came through." That is all good but apparently there are reports of her stumbling backstage before the performance. Some say that she was probably drunk. This would not be anything new either. Reports say that those close to her say she has been partying and drinking much more lately and that she has been drinking until she passes out. This might be due to her divorce and there are reports that her ex husband and her new guy are all living together in her 10,000 sq. ft. home. Last year her album, Bionic, flopped causing her to cancel her tour due to a lack of sales, and most recently her movie, Burlesques, with Cher was a box office flop as well. She made some remarks about Lady Gaga stealing her style and that did not go over well in the gay community, which support both ladies, supported Aguilera I should say. Unlike Britney Spears who went through something much worse than this Christina Aguilera built her career around her voice and the power of it, but she evolved too quickly and we all grew tired of her voice within years. She wants to get back in the spotlight and she wants the attention she feels she deserves and that she feels less worthy artist are getting, thus why she is back in the clubs trying to show her fans that she is still alive and current. If these reports of her drinking and partying are true then I do hope she gets the proper help she needs. She is a mother now and that is now cool. It is bad enough she resembles Snooki, she does not have to act like her as well. I am giving Christina Aguilera a Digit Down.

Michigan Monday: Woodson Gets His Ring and Other Wolverine News

Charles Woodson had a up and down day yesterday.  Of course, breaking his collarbone before halftime was "the down" and getting his Super Bowl ring was the big "up".  Like I mentioned on Friday, Chuck has had a very nice career with a Heisman, a National Championship, the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award, and now a Super Bowl Ring.   It doesn't get any better then that.    I hope his collarbone heals quickly.

I didn't see the Tom Harmon Icon special on BTN yesterday and hope to catch a replay.  I wonder if Tom knew that he could have won a Championship with the Green Bay Packers back in the day. Michigan's two other Heisman Trophy winners Desmond Howard and now Charles Woodson both won Championships with the Packers.   (Tom was drafted by the Chicago Bears but elected to play in the AFL with the New York Americans).

On a side note, If you get a chance to see the Lombardi documentary on HBO, I highly recommend it. 

• The Michigan Basketball team had a nice win in Happy Valley yesterday.  When Darius Morris plays well, Michigan is a very competitive team.   I also think Tim Hardaway will be a star in a couple of years. 

• Tom Brady wins the NFL MVP award by sweeping all 50 votes. 

• How about the National Anthem last night?  I thought something didn't sound right.

• MSU lost again last night.  Time for Izzo to go?  Just kidding but we haven't seen a swoon like this from the Spartans in a long time.

• Tate Forcier seems to be down to Kansas State, Miami, Montana, Washington, and Arizona.   He is planning to visit these schools in the next two weeks.   If he wants to play next year he would go to Montana.  If he goes to Washington he will be behind Joe Montana's son (Montana or playing behind Montana?).  Arizona would seem to make sense - (a lot of Michigan QB transfers go to that state to play football).   I worry about Tate in Miami. 

• Michigan's 2012 prospect list are coming out fast.  Here are two recent ones.  I will put up a 2012 watch list this week.

• David Harris is about to get paid!  Sounds like the Jets are about to put the Franchise tag on him.  I wonder how that works without a CBA?

• Michigan plans to announce the hiring today of Curt Mallory, DB coach and Jerry Montgomery to coach the D-line.

• Speaking of Desmond Howard it seems Phil Simms isn't a fan as they got into a confrontation this past week in Dallas.  Phil you are now dead to me.   Phil your in the media, you should be able to take a criticism of your son. 

• Maize N Blue Blood:  Here is an article on Michigan's 2011 walk on full back Joe Kerridge.  (Freep link) 

...Super Bowl Commercials

There were a few low lights during the Super Bowl this year, the National Anthem "remix" and the Halftime show, but these commercials salvaged it for me. I am giving these few a Digit Up.

...Green Bay Packers

My favorite football team won SUPER BOWL 45! 2 Digits Up. Enjoy.

...Robert Cook

Robert "Bob'' Cook is a member of the Super Bowl Club, one of four men featured in a Visa commercial. These men have never missed a Super Bowl, all 44, they have been there, until now. Robert, age 79, is in the hospital and will not be attending the Super Bowl today. His wife would not say why he is in the Hospital, but she did say that he is depressed about not going. His tickets will go to his 2 daughters, and he will be watching on the TV. This sis sad. I hope this is not some sort of commercial curse, like the "Madden Curse", if so then the others could be next. I am giving this news a Digit Down.

Michigan Friday: Wolverines in the Super Bowl and Other Michigan News

It's hard to believe that this is the last football game of the season.  It seems like Michigan and UConn just kicked off a few weeks ago.  Wow, a lot of things have changed since that game.   It's hard to believe that Denard Robinson was a Heisman leader for a few weeks and then ends up winning the Big Ten MVP award.   Rich Rod is currently un-employed with a $2.5M check and living in Saline and Brady Hoke is now in charge of the Wolverines program.  Yes, things have changed in Wolverine land. 

So on to the game this weekend.  For Wolverines fans, there are 6 players and coaches that have Michigan ties playing in this game.  On Green Bay, of course there is our Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson and DL coach Mike Trgovac (who was my initial pick for DC at Michigan - I am very happy at the Mattison pick up).  On Pittsburgh, there are of course LaMarr Woodley and inside linebacker Larry Foote and safety Ryan Mundy who also played a year for RR at WVU.  Harold Goodwin is also the offensive line coach for the Steelers.


So who do you have?   I am sure some of you are Steelers fans and others are Green Bay fans.  I'm not a fan of either team, but I will be pulling for Green Bay on Sunday and the only reason is Charles Woodson.   Chuck got to a Super Bowl early in his career but this is probably his last shot.   He is one of the greatest Wolverines of all time and donates a ton of money each year to Motts Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor.   I want Charles Woodson to get his ring.  Having a National Championship, a Super Bowl win, a Heisman Trophy, and a NFL Defensive Player of the Year award  is a pretty good career.  In fact, I'm not sure how it could be any better.

Woodley and Foote already have their Super Bowl rings.  It's time for Woodson to get one.

Something to think about:  The last time Green Bay was in the Super Bowl, Who was the MVP of the game?  Michigan's other Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard.  

• I didn't know TE Chris Barnett very well before he visited Michigan last weekend but this kid has made a big impression on me and other Michigan fans.  This kid was recruited by pretty much every major program in the country and picked the Wolverines on signing day.  Here is an article from Dallas:  "You have to really try to be the best at everything," Barnett said. "If you're going to brush your teeth, you have to be the best at brushing your teeth.  "If you're a true athlete, and you really want to go out and push yourself and be the best that you can be as a football player, a student, and as a man and eventually as a family person, they're going to teach you how to be that."    "I don't think I could be any happier right now," he said.

• There has been some buzz that Brady Hoke and Greg Mattison didn't hire Corwin Brown for the DB coaches.  Corwin reportedly petitioned for the job and was turned down.  Some of Michigan's former players felt that Corwin might have been disrespected by Michigan by not discussing the job with him and then hiring Curt Mallory.   I thought Corwin was qualified for the job and would have been a good fit. But, maybe Brady and Greg thought Curt would be better.   Corwin replaced Greg as the DC at ND so maybe there is some history there.   Either way, it's too bad but this shouldn't be played out in the media.

• Attention Grey Shirts in the SEC (specifically Auburn, Alabama, Arkansas, LSU).  If your a linebacker, offensive lineman, or a defensive tackle and your coach is asking you to take a Gray Shirt.  Tell him, no thanks and call Brady Hoke at Michigan.  The Wolverines have 2 available scholarships in this year class and we could use a some good players at the for mentioned positions.  Come to Ann Arbor - our helmets have wings! This also goes for USC or Tennessee players who might be caught in the NCAA wave that is Lane Kiffin.

• Bob Griese is retiring from broadcasting.  Good luck to him.

• Iowa Football - Can someone explain to me how they didn't lose one recruit and were able to add a couple high profile players?  What are these parents thinking?  High profile players were arrested for running a "Drug House" (some of those charges were dropped) and 12 kids were sent to the hospital for getting overworked by the S&C guy in a program that they have run for years.     

• Speaking of Lane Kiffin, he is something isn't he?  Fanhouse is reporting that the NCAA will be coming down on Tennessee and Lane for past recruiting violations. With that said, let's discuss the first USC NCAA penalties when Lane was on staff.   I guess they are  accepting certain penalties by the NCAA (like not going to a Bowl Game) and not others while they appeal their ruling.  USC signed 25 guys to this years class when they were supposed to be only signing 15 players for 3 years.  The recruiting ban has been "suspended" until a verdict is reached on their appeal.   If the new Tennessee charges are accurate, USC will have a hard time appealing their decision with Kiffin in charge.   This new news should make all the kids that signed with USC and Tennessee on Wednesday feel comfortable that their program is headed in the right direction.  If the NCAA comes down hard on Kiffin personally, I believe new AD Pat Haden will have a hard time keeping him in role.  USC's class ranked #4 by Rivals and Tennessee was ranked #12.  Tennessee wouldn't have held the NCAA letter until after signing day would they? No, I'm sure that didn't happen.

• One thing to consider when you think about Michigan's 2011 recruiting class; is how did Michigan do compared to other teams that made late coaching changes as well.  I will use Scouts Rankings as recruiting service for these rankings (Rivals only ranks the top 50):  #21 Florida,  #22 Stanford, #27 Michigan, #37 Miami, #55 Pitt, #71 Minnesota, #79 UConn .  I know some of these schools don't directly compete against Michigan in recruiting.  For those that didn't make a change: #21 Nebraska, #26 Iowa, #29 MSU, #33 PSU, #34 Illinois and #40 Wisconsin.  If you compare Michigan to these other Big Ten teams, they did pretty well.

...The Oakland Raiders

Wow! The Oakland Raiders scored 59 points, the most in the team's history. They scored these points on the Denver Broncos, their longtime rival, holding them to only 14 points. The running-back alone scored 4 times on them. This is pretty good because the Raiders have been the laughing stock of the NFL, well the Lions might be worse. Everyone knew they had the potential, they just though tit was left in the 80's, joke. In a 7 game stretch last season the Raiders managed to only score 55 points, but in 3 hours they topped that. They improved their record to 3-4, second in the AFC West. Could they be Super Bowl contenders? Possibly actually, and that is a tad scary. If they were to make it to the Super Bowl, or dare I say win it, this could make Al Davis' dream of moving back to Los Angeles a little closer to reality, especially since Magic Johnson is looking to buy a team (Jaguars) and bring them to Los Angeles, and even more so because Al Davis said he would not sell the team or retire until the Raiders won another Super Bowl, which at this moment in time is not longer a pipe dream. Digit Up Raiders.

...Brett Favre

Brett Favre, my favorite football player, my football hero, the living football legend, has decided to call it quits...for the 3rd time. It is being reported that Brett Favre is going to retire form the game of football after 20 years of service. The only problem is, no one has heard it from Brett. It has been reported that late Monday night Favre called the Minnesota Vikings and some of his teammates and let them know that he was not returning. When asked about it it head coach Brad Childress said he would not believe it until he heard it from Brett's mouth, and that has yet to happen. Brett nor his agent have given said that he was retiring, so many are wondering if this news is true. I sort of think it is true, although I do not want to. He had ankle surgery over the Summer to repair his damaged ankle and it has been reported that he is not pleased with the progress his ankle has made. Also he is almost 41 and he took some pretty major hits last season, especially against the Carolina Panthers. But there are doubts, and rightfully so. He "retired" from the Green Bay Packers, but came back with the Jets. He retired from the Jets, and then came back with the Vikings and now we are here again 3 years after his 1st retirement for number 3. Some are saying that maybe he will come back during the middle of the season. I do not know if that is likely. Brett holds the record for most consecutive starts at 285, I doubt he would want to miss out on adding to that record. I know that Brett wants to continue playing the game, it is in his heart and soul to play. I could see him possibly sitting out a season and maybe coming back for one last shot a year later, but I think that would make him so rusty that you would actually see him play like a man of his age. I do want him, to come back though and of course I would love to see him win a Super Bowl, but if that is too much then maybe he could just not go out with an interception, the way he has done for every team he left, but that is kind of what makes Favre Favre. So if this really is his real retirement, all I can hope fore is that h becomes an announcer or a coach of some sort, I never want to not see Brett Favre away from football for too long. I am giving this possible sad news 2 Digits Down.