Giants win Super Bowl XLII

The New York Giants beat the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII. Although I was upset to see the Giants beat the Green Bay Packers two weeks ago (I’m over it now), I was also excited to see an exciting game between two great teams. The Giants barely lost to New England earlier in the season. But they kept working hard to beat their opponents and make it to the wild card playoffs, the NFC Championship, and finally the Super Bowl.

Tonight, they proved that they are world champions. Eli Manning, Michael Strahan, Plaxico Burress… every Giants player showed a lot of heart, drive, and spirit. They made every second count, and they fought hard for every point they earned. Although the New England Patriots were on their way to a perfect season, the Giants, under the leadership of Head Coach Tom Coughlin, reigned supreme in the final moments of what is possibly one of the closest games in Super Bowl history.

So my congratulations go to the New York Giants for winning Super Bowl XLII. Thanks for an exciting game!

Despite NFC loss, Packers are still great

Last night’s NFC Championship game did not result in a win for the Green Bay Packers, but they played against a very hungry and well-rounded New York Giants team and made them work for every last point. Given what the Packers have done this past year, the team is poised for greatness in the future, and it has done a fantastic job with Brett Favre at the helm.

With head coach Mike McCarthy and legendary quarterback Brett Favre’s leadership, the Packers went from “the youngest team in the league” to “the youngest team in the playoffs.” When no one gave them a chance early on, they picked up the chips and started winning games. They ended the regular season 13-3 and won the NFC North Division. They made their fourth NFC Championship Game since 1992 (Favre’s first year in Green Bay); only one year after ending the season 8-8; this year’s rally towards the Super Bowl kept the fans buzzing and on their toes right up until the final Giants field goal that ended the NFC Championship Game in overtime.

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Brett Favre – Sportsman of the Year

Congratulations to Brett Favre for becoming the Sports Illustrated sportsman of the year. The three-time MVP has had a few tough years recently. But given that the Packers are doing so well with number 4 at the helm, watching him Favre fun is just truly exciting and, uh, well, fun. This post is dedicated to him, his supportive family, the Packers, and all of the fans.

Wisconsin State Journal/AP: Packers: Favre chosen Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year

Sports Illustrated: 2007 Sportsman of the Year

NFL Network, video choice minor issues

I was reading through the Wheeler Report when I came across an interesting collection of letters to the Wausau Daily Herald. There are a multitude of issues that affect everyone in the state. But I zeroed in on the NFL Network and the “video choice” bill.

Even though Wausau is in a less-populated area of the state, I agree at what these citizens wrote. I especially like Mr. Duffy’s comment: “the royal screwing the NFL is giving its loyal fan base hardly calls for government intervention – although a fan boycott of the NFL Network would do wonders.” That should be the first step of those of us who love football. If the NFL was really here for the fans, it would not have become so greedy as to create a cable network and limit access to the real fans.

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Congratulations Brett Favre and Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers’ Quarterback Brett Favre broke the all-time touchdown record today with 421… and later followed up with touchdown number 422. Like many strong quarterbacks before him, Brett Favre continues to show his love for the game and plays to win every week. But as he has always stated, it’s not about the records, but about the wins…

So I’d also like to congratulate Brett Favre to leading the Packers to its 4-0 start to the season. Although there is still work to do, the team shows its strength on the gridiron. I look forward to seeing the Packers go into the playoffs… and beyond.

Packers.com/AP Story: Favre Sets Record With 421st TD Pass

Packers.com/AP Story: Packers Take Down Vikings To Go 4-0

Packers.com: Quotes From Around The League On Favre And The NFL Touchdown Record

Packers’ Barnett’s long-term vision

In an off-season of wonderment and uncertainty, there is one thing that I think the Packers have done right: re-sign defensive linebacker Nick Barnett. But it’s not enough that he’s been one of the most significant and productive defensive players on the Packers’ roster during his three years in Green Bay. He must continue to perform as well, or better, than he has in the past.

He now has announced that he looks forward to continuing the career that he built in Green Bay. This is great news, because I think he is a great linebacker and shows some true leadership on the field. This sense of teamwork shows that he knows that it’s not all about him or his contract, but about leading the defense. But he has more to offer than just leadership and a lot of tackles on the field.

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Brett Favre returns for 16th season

The not-so-long awaited news is official: Brett Favre will return to Green Bay as a starting quarterback for season 16. Unlike last year, when he didn’t announce until April, he announced it not long after the Packers ended 8-8 for the 2006 season.

The last time I wrote, I made it clear that I wasn’t taking a side. I really enjoy watching the Packers play, especially with 4 at the helm (Favre’s jersey number). But I supported his decision to return in the past… he knows better than anyone whether he should return or not. He’s not the quick, young quarterback that he was a decade ago, but I think he still has a lot of good passes in him.

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Super Bowl XLI not just a football championship

There’s no denying that the Super Bowl is just a championshop game anymore. With the millions of dollars companies are spending on advertising and the hype surrounding the half-time performance, it’s no surprise that this major gridiron battle is broadcast all over the world. But there’s more to it than just football… the hype is always around the ads, the National Anthem, and the half-time entertainment.

I watch the Super Bowl for the football. The legendary Chicago Bears face off against the titanic Indianapolis Colts. There are more reasons to watch this game for many than ever. It’s the first time an NFC Central team made it since the 1997 Green Bay Packers, and the first time in over 20 years since the Bears made it this far (their last Super Bowl appearance and victory was in 1984). It’s the first time Colts quarterback Peyton Manning’s will appear at this level. It’s the first time that not one, but two black coaches (Tony Dungy, Indianapolis; Lovie Smith, Chicago) have led their teams to the Super Bowl (and believe me, both men deserve it).

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Will Brett Favre retire this year?

I am not going to speculate about whether or not Brett Favre will retire. Nor will I say whether or not I think he should retire. I will say that he is one of the best quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL, and he deserves a lot of credit for his accomplishments.

Brett Favre played as quarterback in his first NFL regular game after Don Majkowski was injured in 1992, shortly after being traded to Green Bay from Atlanta. Since then, he’s started 237 times for the Packers (that’s 16 years!). Although he’s gone out injured a few times, he has always returned the next game to show that he is still a strong competitor. When he lines up behind his center, his love of the game is very visible. He won the MVP award three times and led the Packers to two Super Bowls, helping to win it in 1996 (Super Bowl XXXI). He played the game of his life the night after his father died (his father wouldn’t have it any other way). He stood by his wife as she battled with breast cancer. Although the Packers have had lackluster records during the last two seasons, Favre has shown them the way to winning key games. And although there is a much younger team surrounding him, his wisdom has held them through a trying season.

So whatever decision Favre decides, I fully support him and his decision. He brought the title back to Titletown, and he will always have a special place in the hearts of all football fans. He is a true sportsman, truly loves the game, and has a lot of heart and soul for football. This blog post is dedicated to him, his family, the Packers, and his fans.

Packers.com/AP article: Favre Beats Bears in Potential Swan Song

NFL Network

I love professional football; there’s no question about it. I’m a Green Bay Packers fan, win or lose (although I prefer the wins). The only reason I get out of bed on Sundays is to watch them play. And if the Packers don’t play on Sunday, I watch other teams. If I’m not watching, I’m out throwing the football. I just don’t get enough football, especially this time of year.

I’ve always enjoyed watching the National Football League (NFL) on television. I really enjoy the spirit that you see in both the players and the fans. And over the years, the NFL has been gracious enough to allow viewers to watch many of these games on network television.

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