Breaking News: Redskins First Rounder Orakpo Signs Deal

Brian Orakpo, the No. 13 selection from Texas in this year’s draft, has signed a five-year, $20 million deal ($12.1 guaranteed) with his team, the Washington Redskins.

The deal ended a one-day holdout—Orakpo was the only player absent when camp opened on Thursday. Today he took the field, on his 23rd birthday.

“Got the deal done. My pocket’s a little bigger. On your birthday, it’s always a good thing,” Orakpo said.

Indeed, it was quite a wonderful gift he received. Orakpo gets to show why he received that gift today, as he will be fully participating in afternoon workouts.

Orakpo primarily played defensive end at Texas, where he had 11 sacks last season. The Redskins hope he can be their starting strongside linebacker “who can play end in pass-rushing situations” (AP, Joseph White).

Despite all the good feelings surrounding the signing, Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache was not happy when Orakpo was a no-show for the two practices on the first day, especially since he’s learning a new position.

“He’s not getting better,” Blache said Thursday. “We are not getting better as a team. When a guy holds out—doesn’t help him, doesn’t help the football team. The only person it benefits is the agent, so he can recruit people next year.”

 

 

Facing Mental Illness: My Hero, Terry Bradshaw

For NFL fans, Terry Bradshaw is a household name.

Drafted as the first pick in the 1970 NFL Draft out of Louisiana Tech, Bradshaw played quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1970-1983. In a span of six years, he won four Super Bowl titles.

Bradshaw also led his team to eight AFC Central championships. He’s a two-time Super bowl MVP, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, and in his first eligible year in 1989, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Terry Bradshaw also has clinical depression. He was diagnosed in 1999.

He takes medication to properly balance the serotonin in his brain.

“When you’re clinically depressed the serotonin in your brain is out of balance and probably always will be out of balance. So I take medication to get that proper balance back. I’ll probably have to be on it the rest of my life.”

He’s not alone.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in any given year, over 20 million American adults suffer from depressive disorders, with women suffering almost at twice the rate as men.

These illnesses include major depressive disorder—often called clinical depression—dysthymic disorder and bipolar disorder. Major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability in the United States.

“Depression is a physical illness,” states Bradshaw. “The beauty of it is that there are medications that work. Look at me. I’m always happy-go-lucky, and people look at me and find it shocking that I could be depressed.”

After his NFL career ended, Bradshaw was finally able to escape the stigma of mental illness in the league (and that’s for another article), and communicate about his clinical depression. He disclosed that he frequently experienced anxiety attacks after games.

The problem worsened when Terry went through his third divorce in 1999. He could no longer bounce back from his depression like he did with his previous two divorces, or a bad game.

This realization of no control, as I call it, can happen to sufferers of mental illness at any time. For me, I lost control during my freshman year of high school. Even though Bradshaw suffered it much later than me, it is no less raw.

When Bradshaw broke down, his symptoms included weight loss, frequent crying, and sleeplessness. Since he started taking the anti-depressant Paxil, his symptoms have become much more manageable.

Symptoms of Clinical Depression include:

• Persistent sadness and/or anxiety

• Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness and helplessness

• Anhedonia—loss of interest or pleasure in enjoyable activities, including sex

• Decreased energy or fatigue

• Concentration and/or memory problems and difficulty making decisions

• Insomnia or oversleeping

• Appetite changes, weight loss or weight gain

• Suicidal thoughts; suicide attempts

“It’s hard for me to put into words the horrific feeling of being depressed,” the Hall of Famer has said. “It is the most sickening feeling in the world when you believe you are miserable and you’re all alone.”

Like many people struggling with depression, before being diagnosed, Bradshaw drank to self-medicate.

“I was drinking a lot, and I didn’t like the path I was on,” Bradshaw admits. “I was frightened by what might happen. I wasn’t sure if I was going to drink myself to death.”

Bradshaw confided in a preacher, who was able to give him his first guidance. He began the process of finding professionals (therapist, psychologists) to help him.

Readers should know that medication alone cannot be the “magic bullet” for the mentally ill. Talk therapy is another invaluable tool that helps those with depression cope with their feelings and find constructive ways to deal with them.

Despite depression being the second-most disabling illness in the world, far too few people seek and find help for it. As a sufferer of bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, I have taken Terry’s example and become proactive in my quest to get better. It’s not easy for Bradshaw, me, or anyone with mental illness, but it has to be done.

Taking charge of your mental illness can be very empowering.

If you are suffering from depression, and it has lasted for more than two weeks, and includes many of the symptoms above, you should probably see your family doctor. Your doctor can then refer you to a therapist, or psychiatrist, or both. If you do not have a family doctor, please seek help at NAMI.org.

If you ever feel like you might hurt yourself or others, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.

My hope is that those with mental illness can find strength in Terry Bradshaw’s story. He has not only become an NFL legend while living with his depression, but has become a successful broadcaster and a great father.

Letting go of the fear of being judged can be tough. Be a friend to someone with mental illness, and see what a difference a friend makes.

Thank you Terry, for everything.

 

For more mental illness and sports articles, please stay tuned.

Terrell Owens Is Waking up Buffalo

Terrell Owens has been painting the city of Buffalo red since arriving for his new position as Trent Edwards’ new buddy.

He’s already received keys to the city of Buffalo, and he hasn’t even played a real game. He’s got thousands of fans lining up to watch him at One Bills Drive. 

Those fans have been pictured eating popcorn—and even better—Owens’ limited edition cereal, on sale at Tops Supermarkets.

It’s all actually pretty darn exciting.

I don’t know the last time my buddies back up in my hometown were so excited about an upcoming Bills season (the last time we could have been excited, we were probably four or five).

I’ve had a great time seeing the smiles he’s putting on faces in Buffalo, especially his guest appearance as a sports anchor on Channel 7 news back in May. He’s having fun with his new role. He’s being supported, and liked—something we all know he desperately wants.

I think he’ll finally be on a team that fits—a team that needs a star, will embrace almost any big name (except, apparently, Michael Vick), in a city with tremendously passionate football fans.

He’ll be welcomed with open arms at a time that Bills fans need him as much as he needs them.

I know, it all sounds like a big tearjerker, but when the bonding ends, that’s when the NFL season begins.

As Bills fans, let’s enjoy the fanfare now and get prepped to put on our game faces.

Let’s help lead Trent Edwards, Terrell Owens, and the rest of the 2009 Bills team to a fantastic season.

 

For more news from a Bills Jill, stay tuned.

 

Buffalo Bills Not Interested in Michael Vick

The Buffalo News has reported that the Bills are not interested in Michael Vick, who has  been officially reinstated into the NFL by Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Russ Brandon, the team’s chief operating officer/general manager, confirmed the report.

“We wouldn’t have any interest at this time,” Brandon said. “We’re comfortable with our roster as it stands right now.”

As he should be. Third-year quarterback Trent Edwards is the Bills’ starter, and he’s backed up by fourth-year QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Gibran Hamdan, a third-year player from Indiana.

Vick was reinstated on Monday, with conditions. After serving 18 months in prison for being involved in a dog fighting ring, Vick may be able to participate in games as early as October.

However, Vick can immediately take part in preseason practices, workouts, and meetings, and can even play in the final two preseason games, if a team should so choose.

Once the 2009-10 season begins, Vick can participate in any team activity except for games. Goodell says he would consider a full reinstatement of Vick as early as week six.

 

For more Bills news by a Bills Jill, stay tuned.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Release Griese, Add Third-Round Pick

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released quarterback Brian Griese on Monday, while simultaneously signing defensive tackle Roy Miller, the organization’s third-round selection in the 2009 NFL Draft.

Griese, in his second stint with the Bucs, started in five games in 2008. He then suffered a shoulder injury in Week Five against the Broncos, an injury that terminated his season.

In his career, Griese has thrown for 19,440 yards with 119 touchdowns and 99 interceptions in 93 games. His career QB rating is 82.7.

The 6’1″, 310-pound Miller, who made Tampa Bay his official home today, signed a four-year deal. The University of Texas alum recorded 49 tackles and 5 1/2 sacks as a Senior.

Steve McNair Tragedy Confirmed Murder-Suicide

Nashville Police have confirmed that Steve McNair was killed by his girlfriend Sahel Kazemi in a murder-suicide.

McNair suffered multiple gunshot wounds, apparently while sleeping, in the head and chest. Kazemi then turned the gun on herself, shooting herself in the head.

Kazemi, 20, is portrayed as a young woman with an increasing load of financial problems, culminating with the alleged discovery that McNair was seeing yet another woman in addition to his wife, Mechelle McNair.

Mechelle told investigators she has no idea who Kazemi is.

According to the police investigation, sometime after 1:45 am on July 4, the despondent girlfriend of McNair slipped next to him as he slept on the couch in a downtown condominium he rented, placed a 9mm handgun near his left temple and pulled the trigger with both hands.

She then shot him twice in the chest before moving to his right temple, shooting him for the fourth and final time.

She then took care so she would tumble in the quarterback’s lap after killing herself. She instead slumped toward his feet, with the gun underneath her.

Investigators determined that McNair never defended himself. He never put his hands up in any way to shield his body, nor did he have any gunshot residue on his hands.

Kazemi did.

Days before the tragedy, Kazemi was arrested and charged with driving under the influence in downtown Nashville. She and McNair were in the Escalade he bought for her when she was arrested, but went home in a taxi. McNair made her bond.

Hours later, around 5 pm, Kazemi left work to buy a $100 pistol from her friend. She returned to work two hours later and was sent home.

The next day, she told a co-worker she “should just end it.” Her words were loaded with more than anyone could ever have known.

McNair, an undoubted inspiration to the Tennesee Titans organization and the entire city of Nashville, is survived by his wife and four children.

Here is my hope that we remember McNair for not how he tragically passed, but for the great NFL player he was. My heart goes out to the McNair family.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Running Backs: As It Unfolds

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have six clear running back prospects, but only need one to two to execute well per play come the 2009 NFL season.

Who has been shining in camp, and who have succumbed to the shadows of the better skilled? I have been researching the latest news on Tampa Bay’s RBs and I’m here to bring it to you.

Earnest Graham—5’9″, 225 lbs., 29 years old

In May, Graham returned to full speed succesfully after coming off a high ankle sprain with ligament damage. NFL.com’s Steve Wyche reported that it would be likely that he’d be splitting carries with Derrick Ward the same month.

On June 3, Bucs’ RB coach Steve Logan said that he sees RB Derrick Ward as a nice “change of pace” from Earnest Graham. Logan continued to say that Ward is speedier than Graham, but so far, they are still set to have a split role. As football fans know, however, nothing is set in stone, at least till Week One.

Derrick Ward—5’8″, 228 lbs., 29 years old

Earnest Graham and Derrick Ward are almost identical in body size and age, but Ward has been impressing the Bucs’ staff with his quicker moves and ability to make plays on the outside. As stated earlier, the two aforementioned RB’s should be sharing a starring role, but again, it’s still July.

Kareem Huggins—5’9″, 198 lbs., 23 years old

On May 5, the Bucs signed undrafted rookie free agent Kareem Huggins, an 2007 alumnus of Hofstra University. There isn’t a lot of news out of Tampa Bay as to how Huggins looks on the field, but it doesn’t seem entirely likely that Huggins will have a big role in the 2009-10 season. Huggins would serve well to bulk up a little bit this year and learn from the great examples in Ward and Graham.

Clifton Smith—5’9″, 190 lbs., 24 years old

Clifton Smith was made into a classic feel-good football story last year. From a player unable to hold onto the pigskin to a clutch punt returner who made it to the Pro Bowl, Smith is expected by the coaching staff to make the best out of his NFL opportunity this season.

Offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodkinski explained to the sports press that he has been using Smith in the running back this offseason, and it has been working well. “He can run an option route on an outside linebacker, and that’s a great matchup for us”, Jagodzinski said.

Josh Vaughn-6’0″, 232 lbs., 22 years old

Josh Vaughn, a rookie out of Richmond, might not necessarily make the running back spot, but will probably make the roster anyway. He can play as a short yardage back, or as backup fullback with the recent addition of Byron Storer.

For our running back topic’s sake, however, I would say that this specific position won’t be the one he will showcase.

Carnell Williams—5’11”, 217 lbs., 27 years old

Coming back from a second knee injury in two seasons, Carnell Williams might be going on the PUP list. Will the Bucs keep him? To this Bucs researcher, I don’t think it’s likely.

Conclusion (so far):

Both Graham and Ward could have close to a thousand yards with Tampa Bay’s desire  run the ball to take pressure off the quarterback.

The two wild cards are Smith and Vaughn, but they are promising prospects.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Sizing Up the Quarterbacks

There’s still a quarterback battle raging at One Buccaneer Place. With a new dawn and direction manifesting in Tampa Bay, it’s no surprise that the Buccaneers are still experimenting and weighing their options in regards to the most important man on the field.

Raheem Morris’ staff must eventually choose from the fairly experienced and gifted Luke McCown, the veteran Byron Leftwich, and newbie Josh Freeman.

 

Luke McCown

Most believe McCown is headed for the starting role. At 6’3″, 212 lbs., McCown is known for being a true athlete and a great passer. He has the ability to find the open receiver and avoid sacks, and wouldn’t have trouble running an offense. His best NFL year to date was in 2007 when he started three games, played in five, threw for just over 1,000 yards, and scored five touchdowns and three interceptions with a 91.7 passer rating.

However, McCown’s sample size is so small, there’s no guarantee that he will be clutch throughout the season. His career quarterback rating is 75.2: Raheem Morris and the staff should probably look to this number for a more accurate depiction of his future.

 

Byron Leftwich

Leftwich is a hearty 6’5″ and 250 lbs. He has a strong arm, career experience, and ample leadership experience as well. He’s a bit slow out of the pocket, though. In mini camp, it showed that McCown was faster and more dynamic.

Leftwich has 54 touchdowns and 34 interceptions thrown in his career.

 

Josh Freeman

Freeman is mighty similar to Leftwich, at 6’6″ and 250 lbs. This is what makes Leftwich seem even less desirable.

According to the coaching staff, Freeman has loads of potential. The problem is his lack of NFL experience and a tendency to force balls. Supporters of Freeman as starter fear that his lack of experienced has already stymied the young QB.

 

PewterReport.com, who has been watching the quarterback battle, has said that they believe McCown has simply made the best decisions out of the three.

We will learn more about the fate of the QB conflict in the coming weeks as Morris’ staff make their decisions.

 

Please see my poll in the body of the article. -Jessica

 

 

 

Former Buffalo Bill Bruce Smith Faces DUI Charge

Bills’ Hall of Fame defensive end Bruce Smith was arrested and charged for driving under the influence Friday morning after being stopped by Virginia Beach police for speeding.

An officer in a special DUI enforcement unit stopped Smith’s car on Interstate 264 near Independence Boulevard at 1:42 a.m.

It has not been reported how many mph over the 55 mph limit Smith was going.

The full set of charges were speeding, driving under the influence, and refusal to take an alcohol breath test.

The legendary Buffalo player is now 45-years-old and living near the area in Virginia Beach where he was stopped. He was released on bond a few hours after his arrest.

This marks the third time Smith has been arrested and charged on suspicion of DUI. Smith has never been convicted of his DUI charges yet.

The other two previous DUI charges were in 1997 and 2003.

Smith, who also played for the Washington Redskins, is the NFL’s all-time sacks leader. He played in four Super Bowls with Buffalo.

In addition, Smith is set to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer.

The Buffalo Bills Can’t Stay Out of the Police Blotter

Someone (like, the Buffalo Bills front office and coaching staff) needs to relinquish control of the Buffalo Bills’ players.

If it’s not enough that Ko Simpson, Marshawn Lynch, and Donte Whitner were on the police blotter in the last year, Bills fullback Corey McIntyre has just been charged for “allegedly” (as is the joke now, thanks to former Bill O.J. Simpson) exposing himself to a 59-year-old woman.

The event happened in Florida, where the woman responded to her door when she heard a knock, to find someone there masturbating.

McIntyre’s agent, claiming the accusations are false, says that his client is not guilty.

Former Bill Bruce Smith has just been charged with a third DUI. He has never been convicted.

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