Jan 6, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) scrambles on a play during the first quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

There was a few time tables for RG3′s recovery after the knee injuries he suffered last season against the Baltimore Ravens and later on in the Wild Card game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Robert Griffin The 3rd, last seasons rookie of the year was able to drop back, set his feet and throw passes. It appears that Griffin does not have any trouble moving around and passing, he just hasn’t done any full-speed running. But it is said if you were to see how he performed during OTA’s, you wouldn’t have known he suffered a major knee injury back in January.

“If it was just an ACL, it would probably be six months. But it’s a revision and a meniscus and an LCL repair, so I would think that they are going to add some time to that. Does that take him to the seventh or eighth month timeframe? Probably. And that’s presuming his knee looks really good.” - Dr. Ben Shaffer 

There is a huge different between non-contact drills and playing in an actual game and it appears that Griffin is working with other players who are rehabbing their own injuries. This is a good sign for Washington Redskins fans and RG3 himself, after having a few recovery time tables being tossed around. It is still up in the air, if the 2012 Rookie of the Year will be ready by the time they open up their regular season against the Philadelphia Eagles on September 9th.

“If somebody might get injured, it’s your gut to take somebody out. Sometimes it changes from year to year. I know mine does with different players. Every situation is different. Sometimes you make the right call. Other times you don’t. At the end of the day, you’re always hoping you learn from your mistakes, whatever they are. At the end of this year, we go into next year, one thing we will make sure of is that Robert (RG3) never plays if he’s not 100%.” - Head Coach Mike Shanahan 

If Griffin were to get medical clearance seven months after his knee surgery, it could possibly put him on the practice field and able to fully participate on August 8th, the day the Washington Redskins open up their pre-season against the Tennessee Titans. I’m pretty sure this young newlywed is excited to be back on the field, in hopes of making it in time for the regular season to begin. Quarterbacks who are mobile like RG3, tend to take bigger risks of injuring themselves whenever they turn into a ball carrier and take off down field.

The way that RG3 plays his game may change as soon as he is 100% recovered and is back on the field with his team ready for full contact. Designed quarterback keep plays may be cut down, as any hit RG3 takes, may cause the coaching and medical staff, along with his fans and teammates, holding their breath. Good to see this kid back on the field, one step closer to full recovery.

Jan 25, 2013, Ko Olina, HI, USA; Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers (90) poses with Green Bay Packers linebackers coach Kevin Greene at NFC media day for the 2013 Pro Bowl at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

We all know about Vince McMahon and the infamous World Wrestling Entertainment. Or at least the world of professional wrestling itself.

Many players who have spent time playing in the National Football League, either injured or retired, found some success in professional wrestling. Ahmed Johnson, a former Dallas Cowboy linebacker, entered the world of the WWE and became the first African-American Intercontinental Champion in WWE history. Others have followed this path, some still well known.

Jim Ross, who works in talent development for World Wrestling Entertainment, has a meeting scheduled with the NFL Players Associations today in which he will make a case that football players who lose their jobs on teams, could be informed on a career opportunity in pro wrestling.

“Everybody doesn’t make the 53 man roster. Some guys are going to be looking for work, and we’ve got some job openings. Maybe we can put the synergies of those two entities together and create something wonderful some day.” - Jim Ross on NFL Radio

Pro wrestling looks for athletes like football players, either college or professional level. You need to be big, strong and agile to make it in that business. Sure it may be scripted, but the pain those athletes go through, yes professional wrestlers ARE indeed athletes, like it or not, still affects their bodies just like any other contact profession.

Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael, a former New England Patriot, Green Bay Packer and Chicago Bear, spent some time in World Championship Wrestling with the legendary Four Horsemen stable. He became a holder of the WCW United States Title and always came out wearing a Chicago Bears letter-man jacket.

Others who joined professional wrestling ranks are Monty Brown (Super Bowl Appearance with the Buffalo Bills in ’94),  ‘Flyin’ Brian Pillman (Cincinnati Bengals), Bill Goldberg (Rams, Falcons), Lex Luger (Packers), Leo Nomellini (San Francisco 49ers), Ed McDaniel (Oilers, Jets, Broncos, Chargers), Ernie Ladd (Chargers), Ron Simmons (Browns), ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan (Falcons), Bronco Nagurski (Bears) AND Kevin Greene (Rams, Steelers, 2x Panthers, 49ers). All are players who converted from the National Football League, leaving their mark in professional wrestling. Some are even WWE Hall of Fame or future Hall of Fame inductees.

Whenever the WWE makes a stop in a city that has a professional football team, there is almost always a front row filled with players who represent that cities team. It’s clear that the world of professional wrestling has fans of every player in every sport imaginable, it’s a big time sport. So it makes sense that Jim Ross and the WWE are trying to pitch this idea to the NFL’s Players Association, giving young talented individuals a chance of making it in something else. Nobody likes to waste talent, right?

St. Louis Rams Linebacker James Laurinatis is the son of Road Warrior Animal, one half of the greatest tag teams to ever step foot in a professional wrestling ring.

As a fan of professional wrestling and the National Football League, I am thrilled that Jim Ross and the WWE have this meeting scheduled, possibly bringing in more talent. I hope they work something out, cause the talent that is left floating around after the final cuts are made is endless. It would be good business between two of the top professional talent companies in the country, if not the world.

An honorable mention is Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. Even if you aren’t a professional wrestling fan, we all know him for his play at the University of Miami (Hurricanes), being teammates with Warren Sapp. In addition to that don’t forget he starred in all those movies.

Happy Birthday to the late great Flyin’ Brian Pillman.

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) catches a pass ruled out of bounds against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

News just broke that San Francisco 49ers wide-receiver 1st round pick in 2009, Michael Crabtree has suffered a torn Achilles tendon during team activities on Tuesday.

Crabtree will soon undergo would could possibly be season-ending surgery, if that is the case, will leave a key hole in this San Francisco 49ers wide-receiver corp. They traded for Anquan Boldin after the Super Bowl loss to the Baltimore Ravens and picking up 2 wide-receivers in this years draft, being Quinton Patton and Chuck Jacobs.

The 25 year old wide-receiver is coming off a break out year, having career highs in receptions with 85, 1,105 yards and 9 touchdowns, helping the San Francisco 49ers reach the Super Bowl. The 3 seasons previous to last seasons, were somewhat of a struggle for Crabtree. A good thing is that he is still young and is strong enough to be ahead of schedule after the surgery, in hopes of possibly returning at some point this season.

Last season Baltimore Ravens Terrell Suggs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Da’Quan Bowers tore their Achilles tendons during the spring, then returned to the field after starting the year on the physically unable to perform list. So if those two could do it, then a young wide-receiver who is hungry for another break out season, knowing what the Seattle Seahawks are looking like, could definitely do it.

“It’s extremely difficult. It’s definitely one of the hardest things I’ve had to endure in my life. But if you’ve got the drive, you’re not accepting what the world’s telling you, you can do it. But it’s definitely the hardest thing I’ve ever done.” - Terrell Suggs after Kobe Bryant tore his Achilles tendon 

So with Crabtree out, who could they bring in to fill in that hole, until he comes back? Well what about Randy Moss, he’s still out there, still looking for work. He tweeted in March saying he wished he could have finished the job, well with this unexpected twist for this team, he very could have another opportunity to do so. Who will fill in now that their #1 receiver is possibly gone for the season?

Michael Crabtree was the only 1,100, 1,000, 900, 800 yard receiver in the NFC West last season.

Wide Receivers on this San Francisco 49ers roster are the following.

Anquan Boldin

Michael Crabtree – Possibly out the rest of the season.

Chad Hall

Joe Hastings

Chuck Jacobs

A.J. Jenkins

Ricardo Lockette

Mario Manningham

Marlon Moore

Quinton Patton

Kyle Williams

Nov 4, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) is congratulated by teammates Chris Conte (47) and Thaddeus Gibson (93) after intercepting a pass by Tennessee Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (not pictured) and returning it for a touchdown during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Brian Keith Urlacher, middle linebacker out of the University of New Mexico, has announced his just a little while ago.

Spending 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears, being drafted back in the 2000 draft, #9 overall in the 1st round, this man has given Bears fans and teammates memories for a lifetime. When he and the Chicago Bears failed to agree to a new contract and decided to part ways, I wasn’t sure what to think. I mean, for 13 years, we all watched that 6’4 linebacker with the #54 on the back, leading the charge for this Chicago Bears defense.

It is sort of disappointing that one of the greatest middle linebackers of all time, not saying he is the best of all time, but definitely one of the greats, hasn’t won a Super Bowl. Appearing in 8 pro bowls, a stretch from 2000-2003, 2005-2006, 2010-2011, Brian Urlacher has started in 180 games for the Chicago Bears, more than any other defensive player in franchise history.

“After spending a lot of time this spring thinking about my NFL future, I have made a decision to retire. Although I could continue playing, I’m not sure I would bring a level of performance or passion that’s up to my standards. When considering this, along with the fact that I could retire after a 13 year career wearing only one jersey for such a storied franchise, my decision became pretty clear. I want to thank all of the people in my life that helped me along the way. I will miss my teammates, my coaches, and the great (Chicago) Bears fans. I’m proud to say that I gave all of you everything I had every time I took the field. I will miss this great game, but I leave it with no regrets.” - Brian Urlacher retirement statement.

Urlacher reportedly had interest from the Denver Broncos, who denied any interest in Urlacher, along with the Minnesota Vikings who were seen as the possible favorite to land the veteran linebacker. So now that Chicago Bears fans across the globe can let out a sigh of relief, it is still sad to see #54 walking away from this sport and team we hold close to our hearts.

“It’s very different. I didn’t call the play before, and now I’m calling the plays. I just have a lot of respect; I’ve been spoiled for the last 10 years.” - Briggs on being the play caller now that Urlacher is gone. 

He struggled with health late in his career, but still left everything he had on the field. The man will be missed, more than ever now, from running through that tunnel holding the 4th Phase flag with a group of Bears behind him, to calling out and making plays for this defense. As a fan of this Chicago Bears franchise, it was a fun ride. All the memories he has given us, actually too many to list, if I actually did list them, we would be here all day. But if you have been watching this team either as a fan or an opposing fan, we all know the great things Brian Urlacher has done, not only for this team, but for this league.

He holds the franchise record for a season high 153 tackles while being the teams franchise leader in total tackles with 1,353, besides 41.5 sacks and 22 career interceptions. In the 13 years that Urlacher has spent with this team, they have averaged just around 19.5 points per game, being from 2000-2012. He has won other honors in his career, such as NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, NFL 2000′s All-Decade Team, AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2005), Ed Block Courage Award and the Brian Piccolo Award and an NFC Central/North champion 4 times and NFC Champion (2 appearances) 1 time.

Looking forward to that #54 being retired, I mean, it’s only right. There will never be another player like Brian Urlacher for this organization, just like there won’t be another Walter Payton and so on, and so on.

Thank You Brian Urlacher, THE ‘Monster of the Midway’.

Aug 16, 2012; Green Bay, WI, USA; Cleveland Browns safety Eric Hagg (27) brings down Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) in the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Tuesday afternoon the Cleveland Browns have announced 2 roster moves in regarding their secondary.

They first announced the waiving of safety 2 year player out of the University of Nebraska, Eric Hagg. Hagg who was a 7th round pick, at the overall spot of 248, played 10 games for the Cleveland Browns as a rookie after he was injured in training camp. He didn’t have much of an impact his rookie season, recording only 11 tackles and 1 pass deflection.

Last season the 23 year old 2nd year pro appeared in 12 games for the Browns, starting 3 at free safety and one at strong safety. With the departure of Eric Hagg, Cleveland is going to continue to rebuild their safety corps.

Earlier this off-season they released 7 year veteran safety Usama Young, a member of the New Orleans Saints from 2007 (who drafted him) to 2010, where he was a part of their Super Bowl team in 2009. He left the Saints after the 2010 season and joined the Cleveland Browns for the 2011 season, where he appeared in 16 games in 2011, then 13 in 2012. Collecting over 126 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 8 pass deflections and 4 touchdowns (3 is career high last season), he is now a member of the Oakland Raiders.

Now that Eric Hagg and Usama Young are gone, this gives now makes the 2nd year pro Tashaun Gipson their most experienced option at free safety with T.J. Ward starting at strong safety.

After the announcement of Eric Hagg’s release, the Cleveland Browns and 6th round pick, safety Jamoris Slaughter agree’d to terms. Slaughter started 19 games at Notre Dame, but missed most of the 2012 season as he tore his Achilles tendon. If he can stay healthy, he could have a shot at making the roster as the Cleveland Browns made some changes at the safety position this off-season.

In other roster moves, the Cleveland Browns re-signed wide receiver Michael Edwards, defensive back Kenronte Walker who are both undrafted free agents. They also waived veteran lineback Ryan Rau and Robbie Rouse.

May 10, 2013; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Jared Smith (66) waits to snap the ball during a rookie minicamp practice at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

It is pretty obvious that Performance Enhancing Drugs and players getting arrested, is a problem, not only in the world of professional football, but every college or professional sport there is.

The Detroit Lions as of right now lead the league in arrests, it’s not a real stat but, when it continues to happen over and over, it starts to make your team look bad, which is not good for business. You are a professional, so act like it.

But as of right now, the Seattle Seahawks currently lead the league in players testing positive for performance enhancing drugs, well, Adderall usage, not a big deal right? Wrong, the league has policies and programs in which they expect players who come into this league, to follow these exact policies and programs. So how many players does it take to test positive for specific drugs, in order for it to be a problem?

Bruce Irvin, a defensive end for the Seattle Seahawks was recently slapped with a four game suspension for violating the leagues policy on performance enhancing substances. Although he can still take part in offseason workouts, training camp and pre-season, he won’t be eligible to play a down in regular season play, until after the Seattle Seahawks game on September 29th, against the Houston Texans.

“I want to apologize to my teammates, coaches and Seahawks fans for making a mistake when I took a substance that is prohibited in the NFL without a medical exemption. I am extremely disappointed in the poor judgment I showed and take full responsibility for my actions. I will not appeal the discipline and instead will focus my energy on preparing for the season so I can begin earning your trust and respect again. I look forward to contributing to the team the moment I return.” – Irvin in a statement released by the team

Last season, Seattle Seahawks corner-back Richard Sherman safety Brandon Browner were both handed suspensions. Sherman who appealed the leagues decision, who sounded as if he lost his appeal, he would sue the NFL, won his appeal. Brandon Browner on the other hand, didn’t appeal the leagues decision and served his four game suspension as he rejoined the team for the start of the playoffs.

The drug of course, is Adderall (contains amphetamine), which happens to work like speed, seems to be used frequently in the league, according to Richard Sherman, (NOT QUOTING HIM ON THIS) especially with this Seattle Seahawks roster. Players who tested positive for for Adderall include safety Winston Guy, offensive linemen  John Moffitt and Allen Barbre and practice squad running back at the time, Vai Taua.

“About half the league takes it and the league has to allow it. The league made a mistake in my case. Obviously, I didn’t do anything, but you have to go through a process to prove you didn’t do anything. There are still naysayers out there who don’t believe me. But I accept it. If everybody loves you, it probably means you’re not much of a player.” – Sherman on Adderall use in the league

Sherman told a reporter that the league should remove it from the list of banned substances. If it appears on a list of banned substances, then why take it? Every player knows what to and not take when you are an athlete in this league, or any league at that. Others who have tested positive for this drug are New York Giants running back Andre Brown, corner-backs Aqib Talib, Eric Wright, defensive ends Jermaine Cunningham, Mike Neal, safeties Will Hill and Tyler Sash and Joe Haden.

Pete Carroll, head coach of the Seattle Seahawks spoke out on this issue once, but seemed as if it wasn’t his problem, when in fact, it sort of is. When you become a head coach in any sport, not only are you expected to teach and coach these players, but you are expected to lead them.

“I’m not gonna comment about it. This is a league issue” – Carroll on Adderall uses on his team

Being a strong positive leader, is something to be expected of you as soon as you are handed that title, it’s something you have to have if you expect to becoming THE voice from the sideline for any team, in any sport. I’m pretty positive, this drug will continue to run through this league and this list of players who tested positive for this drug on this team, won’t stay at 7. If the head coach of your football team won’t speak up about it too his players and just fully expects the league to take care of it, then who in this organization, besides the players who admitted they were wrong, will speak up?

Owners and head coaches across the league really need to crack down on this. I know I may get some heat for this article, possibly from Seattle Seahawks fans, but in the end, players on this team tested positive for this substance. And just because Richard Sherman says half of the league takes it, doesn’t make it right for 7 out of 53 players on a roster to use it. Act like a grown man and grow up, you aren’t in high school or college anymore where peers pressure you into trying something new to help boost your play.

You can’t help but dub this team the ‘Seadderall Seahawks’. Who’s ready for football?

Dec 18, 2011; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson (10) celebrates making a first down during the second quarter against the New York Jets at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Jets 45-19. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

It is 2008, the 2nd round of the NFL draft where the Philadelphia Eagles announced they have selected wide-receiver/return specialist DeSean Jackson out of the University of California.

And then the newly drafted DeSean Jackson received a phone call from then (now Kansas City Chiefs) head coach Andy Reid, a call every player should be excited about, but in this case, not so much. In the new documentary focusing on the football life of DeSean Jackson, will share conversations of friends and family members, after that call from Andy Reid ended.

“Hey, I just want to say one thing. I was on the phone with Andy Reid. He said, ‘I don’t want your family to be a problem. I don’t want to deal with your Dad.’ He said some bad things. I just wanted to let you know. That’s kind of messed up, though.” - DeSean Jackson to PhillyMag.com

His Father, being Bill Jackson, was heavily involved with his son DeSean’s football career. DeSean’s coach at the University of California, shared some things about Bill Jackson which made it’s way to Andy Reid during the pre-draft process, which lead to that uncomfortable phone call after Jackson was drafted.

“I never gave him time off. People used to say, ‘Why are you doing him like that. You’re trying to kill him.’ Because he had so much energy, he would be running the streets.” - Bill Jackson says in the upcoming documentary. 

It is almost normal for parents to get heavily involved in their sons football activities, usually from the time they start in junior tackle or pop-warner football, through out high school/college if they go that far. Many Fathers across the country, even globe who get involved in practices or games, expect their child to perform to the best of their ability. They want their child to be the best at what they do, some take the ‘do the best you can, either way you are a winner’ approach, others set goals and expect their child to reach them.

“While I understood what Bill’s motives were, he didn’t always go about it the right way. As far as alienating people or really being loud outside of the locker room and things like that. If DeSean only caught a couple of balls in the game, he wanted him to catch 10. He was driven for DeSean to be successful.” – Jeff Tedford, Jackson’s coach at the University of California 

So based on that reputation, it only made sense for Andy Reid to let Jackson know from the start, what would and wouldn’t fly now that he is a professional football player in the National Football League.

DeSean Jackson’s Father Bill, watched from a hospital bed as the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New York Giants in the Divisional Round to advance to the NFC Championship game in DeSean’s rookie season. Jackson had 4 receptions for 81 yards in that game. Earlier that day, Bill Jackson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, that was January 11th, 2009. Bill Jackson later passed away that same year, on May 14th.

The next season DeSean hit the ground running, posting over 1,100 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns. He and his brother Byron, were awaiting to get word on if he would be selected to the Pro Bowl or not. DeSean’s phone rang and of course, it was his head coach at the time, Andy Reid confirming he was a pro bowl selection. Jackson rushed down his steps and into his brother’s arms, where Jackson turns to the camera and says.

“Pops man, I love you. You knew.”

DeSean Jackson led the NFC with 101 yards and two touchdowns on that Pro Bowl game, which would have been played on his Father’s 65th birthday.

The documentary titled ‘DeSean Jackson, The Making Of A Father’s Dream’ will be released around Father’s Day, OnDemand beginning June 7th, 2013.

Oct 1, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Henry Melton (69) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) during the first quarter at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Last season the Chicago Bears franchised tagged running back Matt Forte, who refused to sign the tender and stayed away from the team during off-season workouts while trying to get a long-term deal.

When it was said and done, Matt Forte got his long-term deal as his strategy worked out for him, signing a 4 year contract before the July deadline. This season the Chicago Bears used their franchise tag on pro bowl defensive tackle Henry Melton, who picked up 44 combined tackles, being a career high and a total of 6 sacks.

In a defense that continued to create turnovers, almost consistently, Melton was a force to be reckoned with on this defensive line. Now waiting for a deal to be done before the July deadline, the tag the Chicago Bears used on Melton guarantees him a salary of $8.45 million, which is amazing for only 1 year. But he is still positive that his agent and this organization can get a deal done just like they got Forte’s done.

“I’m not going to really think too much about it. It’s a decision that comes from within and upstairs if they want to keep me long term. We’re just kind of talking through some things. Everyone is getting set up and getting the drafted guys done. Hopefully we can sit down and get something done.” - Henry Melton to Brad Biggs of the  Chicago Tribune

Although Henry Melton played a part of a back up running back at the University of Texas for two years, it is pretty obvious that he and Matt Forte play different positions that carry different values. There is a possibility that things play out differently this year, as he intends to land a new contract by taking a less adversarial approach than Matt Forte did. Melton has been with the team all off-season, as he is hopeful for a deal to get done, as discussions could continue up to the deadline date of July 15th.

Now with a new coaching staff on the defensive side of this team, former defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli joined the Dallas Cowboys, which lead to the Bears bringing in Mel Tucker. Tucker who spent 4 seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars as both defensive coordinator and assistant head coach, is focused on keeping the defense in a similar mode the players are familiar with.

“I like him. He’s not trying to be somebody he’s not. He’s not going to try to come in here like he’s Rod. He’s going to be his own guy and I like him for that. I’m excited.” - Henry Melton on Mel Tucker 

Melton was one of the younger plays on this team who has taken to Mel Tucker, along with Chris Conte and Shea McClellin, who all 3 could be with the Chicago Bears for many years. All this team needs to do to make sure the pro bowl defensive tackle stays on this defense, is to get this long-term deal done so they don’t have to worry about possibly losing him next season.

Dec 11, 2011; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) during the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field. The Broncos defeated the Bears 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

After becoming a free agent for the first time in his career, the Chicago Bear great is still team-less.

Reports were bouncing back and forth, that the Minnesota Vikings and Brian Urlacher were close to a 2 year contract. According to head coach Leslie Frazier, those reports are completely false, at this point. Now when it comes to a hall of fame linebacker who could play at least another 2-3 years in this league, you can never really count yourselves out of signing him.

“Brian has been a great player in our league for a long, long time.” - Leslie Frazier on Urlacher

What the Minnesota Vikings are going to do, is take a look at what they have to work with, see how things go, then they could possibly entertain the thought of bringing in Brian Urlacher. They had one impressive draft, snagging 3 first round picks, none of them bring linebackers, but good picks none the less. In the final few rounds of the draft, the Minnesota Vikings picked up a pair of Penn State Nittany Lions, bring Gerald Hodges a 4th round pick and Michael Mauti a 7th round pick.

“He was a thorn in our side for many years. At this point we want to look at the guys on our roster, give them a chance to compete for the middle linebacker position then we’ll see where it takes us.” – Head Coach Leslie Frazier

Both rookie linebackers have recently signed contracts with the Minnesota Vikings. Gerald Hodges agreeing to a 4 year deal yesterday with the Vikings and his fellow Penn State teammate, Michael Mauti also agreeing to a deal.

“The Vikings told me I have a chance to really come in here and make an impact. I said whatever you guys need me to do, whatever you guys want me to do I’m ready to do it. I’m ready to be a Viking and I’m ready to get started.” - Gerald Hodges on being drafted by the Minnesota Vikings

Erin Henderson, a veteran who was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Minnesota Vikings in 2008, is adding some weight to his frame and making a transition to middle linebacker. With Henderson moving to the inside, it leaves a starting vacancy on the weak side. Next to Erin on the strong side, will be another Vikings veteran, Chad Greenway, leaving Hodges to compete with Audi Colie and Larry Dean for the starting position on the weak side.

So with the transition by Henderson to the inside, who is clearly younger than Brian Urlacher, it will be likely that he will be the man to show the Minnesota Vikings that this team does not need to add the longtime Chicago Bear to this roster. Right now it is hard to tell who could use Brian Urlacher, but in my opinion and I’m not saying this because I am a Chicago Bears fan and would hate to see him in Minnesota. But this team has a lot of young talent in that linebacker core, which should save them an extra $2-3 million from signing a 35 year old veteran.

Now that head coach Leslie Frazier made it clear that they were going to work with what they have, what does Urlacher do now? There were some reports that the Denver Broncos were in the hunt to sign Urlacher, but they quickly denied those reports. Should he have just taken the deal the Chicago Bears submitted to him before he countered it, eventually leading to them losing interest and wishing him the best of luck where ever he may sign?

At this point, I’m wondering if he wishes he could go back to a few months ago and accept that deal that would make him a Chicago Bear again. He would be in OTA’s along with the rest of the guys who are eligible, getting ready for another season. But instead, he sits and waits for a team to contact him, who desperately need his services. It will be interesting to see how this plays out, will a team call him? Or will the veteran decide to call it a career?

Jan 29, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Former NFL quarterback Donovan McNabb watches the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Los Angeles Lakers at the Target Center. The Lakers defeated the Timberwolves 106-101. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Donovan McNabb, who spent 95% of his career with the Philadelphia Eagles, announced he will retire in September, as a Philadelphia Eagle.

He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1st round of the 1999 draft, #2 overall and was swarmed with nothing but boos. But later on won the fans over, as he helped the Eagles reach the post season 8 (4 consecutive NFC East titles – ’01 to ’04) times in 10 seasons with this team. In 8 of this playoff runs, the Philadelphia Eagles lead by the once boo’d Donovan McNabb, reached the NFC Championship game 5 times, reaching the Super Bowl in 2004-2005 season where they lost to the New England Patriots 24-21.

“There was never any animosity from the Philly fans. I have nothing but love for the Philly fans, even the ones who were highly criticizing me or opinionated in any way. I can’t get upset at them because my job is to get out on the field and be productive. That’s what quarterbacking is all about. ” - McNabb on the Fans of the Philadelphia Eagles.

While with the Eagles, McNabb has made 6 pro bowl appearances and won the NFC Offensive Player and NFC Player of the Year honors, making the Philadelphia Eagles 75th Anniversary Team. His most memorable play, other than his 14 second scramble away from the Dallas Cowboys defense on Sunday Night Football where he bombed to Freddie Mitchell who caught it, has to be the play that is now titled “4th and 26″. A play that I will remember for the rest of my life.

I was rooting for the Philadelphia Eagles at the time because of course, the Chicago Bears didn’t make it to the playoffs, but the Green Bay Packers did and that is who the Eagles happened to be playing. Coming down to the final minutes of the game, them going for it, I was positive they wouldn’t have converted to get themselves fresh downs, but I was wrong. My entire house hold was going against the Packers that night (it is only right), so I’m pretty sure the entire block heard us erupt into cheers and applauds as McNabb and the Eagles offense picked up what they needed to eventually win in overtime.

McNabb is the all-time leader in career wins, pass attempts, pass completions, passing yards and passing touchdowns for the Philadelphia Eagles. As he moved on from the Eagles as he was traded to the Washington Redskins in 2010 and the Minnesota Vikings, who became the final team he actually played for in 2011, things went down hill for McNabb as he struggled.

He finished the 2010 season with the Washington Redskins with 3,337 passing yards, 14 passing touchdowns and 15 interceptions and only 1,026 passing yards, 4 touchdowns and 2 interceptions in his final season of his career, with the Minnesota Vikings before being benched.

McNabb told NBC Sports Radio that the Eagles suggested September 19th as a potential date for his retirement ceremony. A game in Week 3, where Andy Reid, a man who drafted Donovan McNabb, will return to Lincoln Financial Field as the new head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. I wonder what kind of ovation these two will receive from the fans of Philadelphia on that night?

His career stats as of 2011, are 234 touchdowns, 117 interceptions, 37, 276 passing yards, 616 rushing attempts for 3,459 yards and 29 rushing touchdowns.