Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
There’s no “i” in Campbell’s Chunky soup, but San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson will be going solo in the newest installment of the famed Chunky soup advertising campaign, which began production in Los Angeles this week.
LT is taking his gridiron greatness and “good guy” personality in front of the camera, as he stars in the Chunky soup ads for the second consecutive year. This season marks Chunky soup’s 11th as an NFL sponsor and the first time in the brand’s history that the advertising campaign will be solely focused on one marquee player, without his mom by his side (and just before Mother’s Day — what a slap in the face to moms everywhere — I’m kidding, of course). Campbell’s Chunky soup will feature LT in the 2008 advertising campaign, appropriately titled, “Working Day,” which focuses on a day in the life of an NFL star. Chargers’ head coach Norv Turner will also appear in one spot. Chunky soup’s brand manager (whose name is ironically Doug Brand) said:
“As we enter our 11th consecutive season with the NFL, we are excited to introduce a new and different approach for this year’s advertising campaign. We are delighted to have LaDainian Tomlinson back for a second season and believe he is the foundation for the outstanding evolution of this new campaign. LaDainian is a stand-out athlete who truly represents all of the qualities of the Chunky soup brand — big-hearted, hardworking and fun, making him a natural fit as our spokesperson and one who will effectively serve as our Tackling Hunger® Ambassador.”
The “Working Day” campaign marks the first time the ads will feature mostly computer-generated graphics and visual effects. Plus, LT will utilize green screen technology where he’ll simulate touchdown runs as he dodges opposing defenses. I’ll post the finished product as soon as I get my hands on it. As far as the soup is concerned, I like New England Clam Chowder, Chicken & Dumplings and Hearty Bean & Ham best. I also love the Tantalizin’ Turkey Chili with Beans. Mmm mmm, good.
For more information on Campbell’s Chunky soup and the Tackling Hunger program, please visit chunky.com.
Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
Dallas Cowboys safety Roy Williams isn’t happy with his team’s defensive scheme. And his words and actions are proof. Prior to last season, he confided in All-Pro linebacker, teammate and friend Greg Ellis who recently said:
“Roy told me in training camp, he said, ‘Greg this defense does not fit me. I don’t fit in well with this defense at all.’ Obviously, it came to be true just like he said. He doesn’t fit what’s going on here in Dallas right now. Maybe this year, if they decide to keep him for this season Wade and them would kind of adjust some things to fit him better.”
If they decide to keep him? Are the Cowboys looking for a way to deal the disgruntled Mr. Williams? Perhaps. The situation looks bad. Roy typically works out alone and leaves the team’s Valley Ranch complex when everyone else is arriving. He’s been receiving a lot of criticism as a result and that’s why Greg spoke up on his behalf, to explain Roy’s recent standoffish behavior.
I can understand Roy’s frustration. Here is perhaps one of the NFL’s most talented safeties being misused or underutilized by his coaching staff. His role and impact in the defense has steadily decreased over the past few years and the outlook for this season isn’t much better. Some will argue that his (alleged) coverage limitations justify this course of action, but I’ve always been a firm believer in customizing a system to fit the talents of the players, not the other way around. If Roy Williams can’t be used to the best of his abilities, I hope he can find a home somewhere where a team can appreciate the full extent his talent.
Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
It looks like the New England Patriots’ illegal videotaping scandal (aka “Spygate”) will be put to rest once and for all next week. None of the eight tapes reportedly presented by former New England Patriots video assistant Matt Walsh to Commissioner Roger Goodell’s office today involved pre-Super Bowl XXXVI walk-throughs of the St. Louis Rams or anything other than game-related taping. In other words, these tapes didn’t show us anything we didn’t already know. When Matt meets with the Commissioner to discuss the tapes next week, I think that’s where this whole situation will be put to rest.
Here are the games included in the tapes turned over by Matt Walsh to the NFL, according to a letter sent by Walsh’s attorney, Michael Levy:
Tape 1: Signals vs. Miami (Sept. 25, 2000)
Tapes 2-3: Miami defensive and offensive signals (Oct. 7, 2001)
Tape 4: Buffalo signal camera (Nov. 11, 2001)
Tape 5: Coaches’ signals vs. Cleveland (Dec. 9, 2001)
Tapes 6-7: Signals vs. Pittsburgh (Jan. 27, 2002)
Tape 8: Third camera vs. San Diego (Sept. 29, 2002)
I guess everyone still wants to ask whether these incidents gave the Pats an unfair advantage and whether they won games because of videotaping signals? Well, of course the videotaping gave them an unfair advantage. That’s why it’s against the rules. Did New England win games as a result? Who really knows? Of these above-mentioned six games, the Patriots won half of them. More next week after Matt Walsh and Roger Goodell have their meeting.
Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
Former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry wants to play for either the Dallas Cowboys or New Orleans Saints. And he’ll be released from court-ordered electronic monitoring and house arrest so he can audition. As he awaits trial for misdemeanor charges of assault and word from the NFL whether he will even play again in 2008, Chris will be lucky if any team is interested in him. He’s obviously a very talented athlete, but he can’t stay out of trouble — much like his former college teammate at West Virginia (and ironically now a Dallas Cowboy) Pacman Jones. In his first public comments since being released by the Bengals, Chris said:
“There are two teams that I would always love to play for: That’s New Orleans and Dallas ….. Dallas is a team that I’ve always looked up to as a kid and wanted to play for them.”
I don’t know where the Cowboys’ interest is in Chris Henry, but he would be an upgrade over Patrick Crayton as the #2 receiver behind Terrell Owens. This possibility has to intrigue owner Jerry Jones. That being said, putting Chris Henry in a Dallas Cowboys uniform would turn what is already a football sideshow into a full-blown carnival.
Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
For the past two seasons, Degree Men® has been protecting football superstar and risk-taker Chad Johnson on- and off-the-field. Now, the brand is helping Chad take his next big risk. Since he’s awol from the Cincinnati Bengals, Chad has taken up a new career. He will make his acting debut in The Rookie: Day 3 Extraction, playing the part of an FBI surveillance expert codenamed “Agent Ocho,” in chapters three (in this post) and four.
To celebrate the occasion, our friends from M80 and Degree Men® have provided us with five sticks of Degree Absolute Protection and a copy of 24: The Official CTU Operations Manual, a 208-page, hardcover publication. To enter the contest, simply leave a comment on this post before midnight on May 24. Remember, you must have a valid email address to be eligible.
Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
The Dallas Cowboys‘ 2008 training camp in Oxnard, CA, will once again be featured as part of the HBO series Hard Knocks. With its reality TV appeal and rare insider access, Hard Knocks has easily been one of my all-time favorite television programs. It has not been a regular series, but NFL Films’ previous work with the Baltimore Ravens (2001) and Cowboys (2002) was brilliant. Sadly, last season’s return (they had mysteriously taken four years off) with the Kansas City Chiefs was forgettable.
Some people can’t miss an episode of Lost. Others wait all week for another dose of American Idol. For my money — and I am paying because it’s on HBO — it just doesn’t get any better than Hard Knocks. And even though I’m not a Cowboys fan, with the likes of celebrity NFLers like Tony Romo, Terrell Owens and Pacman Jones in camp, it’s sure to be an interesting journey. It will also give owner Jerry Jones an opportunity to present his warm, fuzzy side to a national viewing audience for five episodes beginning August 6. Who among you can resist?
Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
Fresh off his first three-day minicamp with the Pittsburgh Steelers, rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall returned to his hometown of Chicago only to be robbed at gunpoint along the South Side lakefront. He wasn’t hurt, but two people stole his wallet and cell phone. Apparently the robbery took place around 2 a.m. this morning.
Here’s a thought. Maybe Rashard shouldn’t be wandering the city streets at 2 a.m. It’s not a good idea for a rich celebrity. It’s not a good idea for anyone. Seriously, it’s not like he was up to no good or anything, but he’s going to have to do a better job of using his head. He’s just lucky he wasn’t stabbed or shot. I’m sure he’s looking forward to next month’s rookie symposium where he’ll no doubt be used as an example of what not to do.
Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
Guest blogcaster Lloyd Vance (Taking it to the House) caught up with Philadelphia Eagles RB Tony Hunt from Eagles’ minicamp yesterday. A big, physical back, Tony enters his second season in Philadelphia after spending most of his rookie campaign learning the intricacies of the Eagles offense.
Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
Contrary to rumors that were swirling before the NFL Draft, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin is not unhappy in Arizona and does not want to be traded. When teammate Larry Fitzgerald landed a new 4-year, $40 million deal in March (with $30 million guaranteed), many felt Anquan would recoil in disgust. Such was not the case even though his deal, which runs through 2010, averages (only — ha) $4 million a year. He is scheduled to receive about $2.5 million this season. Anquan made his feelings very clear at Cards’ minicamp this weekend:
“I don’t want to be traded. I woke up one morning and saw (reports) I was disgruntled, saw I was done with the organization, saw I wanted to be traded, after talking to nobody. It is what it is, but it’s funny to me ….. I have always wanted to be in Arizona. This is the only place I have known professionally and I don’t want to uproot my family. I have a great rapport with everyone around here, coaches included. I am happy here.”
Head coach Ken Whisenhunt said the team is going to work on restructuring Anquan’s contract ASAP. Let’s hope so. I think Anquan is handling this with class and integrity. He’s one of the toughest wide receivers in the game. He’s an absolute beast at his position. And he doesn’t complain, showboat or shoot off his mouth in the process. It’s out-of-whack that he is now not even close to making what Larry is, especially when you consider that their numbers (receptions, yards and TDs), on average, are nearly identical. Together, they are arguably the best wide receiver duo in the NFL. In my opinion, they are the best. Both deserve big money.
Blogcasting the National Football League, Blogcasting the NFL
Indianapolis Colts WR Marvin Harrison is being investigated by police for a shooting that took place outside his North Philadelphia bar, Playmakers, earlier this week. Before the media blows this all out of proportion, let’s keep in mind that Marvin has not been arrested nor charged. He was merely interviewed. Marvin’s agent Tom Condon said:
“I’ve spoken with Marvin and I’ve spoken with his attorney, and they say the reports are erroneous. Marvin was not involved in any shooting, and he is not the subject of this investigation.”
Here’s where things get troubling, though. An unidentified source close to the investigation said that ballistic tests showed the gun that had fired the shots was a custom-made Belgian weapon. Apparently Marvin owns such a gun. Police went to a Philadelphia car wash (also owned by Marvin) to question him about the gun. He admitted to owning such a weapon, but claimed it never left his suburban Philadelphia home. The source, however, said the gun was discovered in a bucket at the car wash, and tests showed that it had fired seven bullets that matched those found at the scene.
The NFL’s gun policy says a player may not possess a gun or other weapon while performing any service for his team or the NFL. In Marvin’s case, he was not involved in any NFL-related function. He merely owns a bar and a car wash. But weapons laws are different in each state and in Pennsylvania, the owner of a weapon involved in the shooting can be charged in the crime. If police legally determine this handgun belongs to Marvin, he could be charged with at least a misdemeanor, which could result in a suspension. We’ll have to keep our eyes on how this investigation progresses.
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David Kindervater -- 0 comments
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