Donovan McNabb will retire as a Philadelphia Eagle in September
Donovan McNabb will retire as a Philadelphia Eagle this fall.
Though no official announcement has been made by the Eagles organization, McNabb announced the news while conducting an interview on NBC Sports Radio on Monday. The ceremony will likely take place on September 19, when his former coach Andy Reid will be present at the Linc with his new team, the Kansas City Chiefs.
It seems these days that McNabb has a healthy outlook on the many fans who loved him in Philadelphia versus those who were outspoken about their dislike of the former Eagles quarterback.
“There was never any animosity from the Philly fans. The handful of fans that are the ones that are kind of being seen, they’re not a high percentage of fans who truly appreciate what you were able to do while you were there. 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.”
While McNabb was never able to bring the ultimate win home for Philadelphia fans, this move is a no-brainer. He led the Eagles to a level of success that we all now long to reach once again. Love him or hate him, McNabb deserves for his football career to formally come to a close in the place he called home for 11 seasons.
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The first Chip Kelly-led practice with the Philadelphia Eagles held under the watchful eye of the media is in the books, and
(Image via NFL.com)
the sentiment was unanimous: it didn’t disappointment.
It was a sensory experience. The loud music and the playlists (featuring the likes of Duran Duran, Tupac, Flo Rida, Ozzy Osbourne, and the Dropkick Murphys, to name a few). The speed at which plays were conducted, with only 10 seconds “down” time. Where to look? What to watch for?
The Daily News’ Les Bowen, like many in attendance, went to where much ink already has been and will continue to focus in the next several months: the quarterbacks.
As far as the QBs went, there were no real surprises. The read-option was brought out from the beginning and Mike Vick got the most snaps with the first team, but only just – Nick Foles got almost the same amount. Oh Chip, always keeping us guessing. Then there is Dennis Dixon, brought to the team from the Ravens’ practice squad, who has the distinction of being the only quarterback in the league with experience under Chip Kelly from their days together at Oregon. Not surprisingly, Dixon performed smoothly at practice, according to reports, familiar with the sign language being used on the sidelines. Matt Barkley seems to be a quick learner, connecting with receivers when given the opportunity. G.J. Kinney, the oft-forgotten fifth quarterback on the Eagles’ roster, was largely forgotten at this practice as well.
On defense, Trent Cole and Connor Barwin lined up as the first-team outside linebackers, while DeMeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks were on the inside. The other big area of curiosity, the secondary, didn’t provide much insight into how things may actually play out as offseason signing Cary Williams was absent from practice, having married over the weekend. Curtis Marsh got a number of reps, presumably in Williams’ sted, along with Bradley Fletcher. The starting safeties were Patrick Chung and Nate Allen.
Kelly was asked specifically about Dennis Kelly at right tackle, but he gave words of caution that can and should be used with anything read into practice this early on:
“It’s May 13th, so I would make that of it. I don’t think we play the Washington Redskins until sometime in September.”
Sheil Kapadia put together an excellent timeline of what it was like inside practice on Birds 24/7. You should definitely take a look. One of many interesting tidbits from Kapadia:
“We begin to see the new play-call structure. Offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur stands on the sideline with a walkie-talkie and calls the play into the quarterback’s helmet. But before each snap, every offensive player looks over to the sideline. An offensive assistant plays the role of third-base coach and runs through a variety of hand signals that relay personnel grouping and formation.”
Exciting times in Eagles-land. It’s only May 13 but ever so slowly, the pieces to the puzzle of what the Birds will look like in the 2013 season have begun to be assembled.
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Today is big day for the Philadelphia Eagles. It will be the first time that Chip Kelly will lead a full-team practice via OTAs, and it’s the first opportunity media will have to observe first-hand what they’ve heard about.
The super-fast pace of practices. The communications that will change the league, at least according to Brent Celek.
This comes right on the heels of this weekend’s three-day rookie minicamp. Philadelphia’s youngest members will be tired after their crash course but will also be enlivened at the opportunity to now practice alongside their more seasoned teammates.
Two of the Birds’ drafted rookies will be absent, however — TE Zach Ertz and DB Jordan Poyer. No, they don’t need a rest after the intense weekend. They will be out of action until they graduate from college, adhering to an NFL rule that permits participation in only one minicamp until the completion of finals. Ertz will graduate from Stanford on June 16, and Poyner from Oregon State on June 10. Each will miss a total of seven practices between then and now.
Aside from Ertz and Poyer, the rest of the Eagles had better be well-rested to compete in Kelly’s “track meet.” In addition to the excitement of seeing the new normal for Eagles practice, much attention will be payed to how players are used in these practices, first and foremost in the quarterback competition. How will reps be split between the five QBs currently on the Eagles roster, and how will former USC quarterback Matt Barkley perform in initial competition against Nick Foles and Mike Vick? 1st-round selection Lane Johnson lined up at right tackle over the weekend — will that remain the case, and what will that mean for the rest of the offensive line? And who will line up in the first team defensive backfield for the Eagles, an area that remains a concern?
While the final answers to these questions won’t be revealed for some time, we’re getting closer.
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Happy Mother’s Day to all the mommies all over the world. Moms are famous for several reasons: For their nurturing, being a tad bit on the crazy side, and well, you know…“MILF”. I wanted to take the opportunity of the occasion to shed light on The 8 Famous Mommies In Sports.
8. Wilma McNabb: Mother of former NFL QB Donovan McNabb
courtesy of nextimpulsesports
Wilma McNabb is better known as America’s Favorite Sports Mom. She became famous in her own right thanks to the Chunky Soup commercials, where she fed her son and teammates. She put an end to the fake mom on the commercial as it only made sense for her to play the role of Donovan’s mom, since in fact she is his real mom!
7. Gloria James: Mother of NBA Superstar LeBron James
Gloria James, the proud mother of LeBron; you’re talking about someone who hit the lottery! I don’t know who really is the parent here, her or LeBron. It’s amazing that LeBron turned out to be spectacular on and off the court, because the antics his mother puts him through are disturbing. Slapping a hotel valet attendant while intoxicated, mouthing off with Boston Celtics’ Paul Pierce after he fouled James hard during LeBron’s Cleveland days, and of course the rumors of her and Delonte West!
6. Sonya Curry: Golden State Warrior’s Superstar Steph & former Duke standout Seth Curry
The MILF; the most talked about mom in college basketball. I sure hope she starts showing up to some of these NBA games now, since both of her kids are done with the NCAA. There have been countless times that she is compared to the beautiful actress, Thandie Newton. Sonya, also was an athlete. She was a volleyball player at Virginia Tech, same place where she met her husband, former NBA player Dell Curry.
5. Ann Iverson: Mother of former 76ers great Allen Iverson
If you were an Allen Iverson fan, then you knew his mother quite well. She was trying to be just as hip as her trendsetting son. Then again, she was just a baby herself as the mom and son duo are only fifteen years apart. When the initials A.I. came about, one would wonder who you were talking about, Allen or Ann! Ann Iverson has to be at the top of the list of moms who defends their son whether he is right or wrong. Sometimes it’s better if mom just stays out of it.
4. April Justin: Mother of Alabama recruit Landon Collins
Who says that mothers always know best? Well Ms. Justin will tell you she does. Her son, Landon Collins, one of the most coveted high school seniors in the country, chose to play football at Alabama next season. No-brainer right…playing for Nick Saban and the national champions, Alabama Crimson Tide? Only problem was mommy didn’t approve. Let’s see how she felt about his decision and what she wants him to do.
No child should ever think about putting his or her hands on their mom. Especially her neck, and NO Kobe did no such thing, but he was probably thinking it. I suppose that Mother’s Day wasn’t celebrated on Kobe’s end as he is engaged in an ugly lawsuit over his childhood memorabilia. I guess since Kobe won’t front mommy with more money for a new home, Pamela Bryant is taking matters into her own hands by selling items of her beloved son, all the way back from his high school days. I have to say, MY LAMB!
2. Pamela McGee: Mother of Denver Nuggets Javale McGee
courtesy of NBA Mistress
Pamela was the first WNBA player to have a child play in the NBA. Pam is the overprotective mom who manages Javale’s career. Lord knows what she may be doing to Javale’s social life when it comes to women! Fortunately we may soon see a reality show called Millionaire Mama’s Boy, starring Javale and Pam, which will be airing on Oprah’s network real soon.
1. Janet Hill: Mother of L.A. Clippers’ Grant Hill
courtesy of www.diversity.duke.edu
The Hill family were compared to the Cosby show (Heathcliff & Claire) because it was rare to see an African-American couple, both having professional careers. She married Yale graduate and former Dallas Cowboys running back, Calvin Hill. Mrs. Hill raised one of the most elegant, respectable gentleman that the NBA has ever had in Grant Hill. Oh by the way Janet Hill will always be linked with Hilary Clinton because they were roommates in college.
We live in a polluted world filled with large hazards, and also smaller dangerous ones which we cannot see with the naked eye. Learn how to make your body resistant to disease causing germs so you can live a healthier and longer life. Studies have shown that by adopting healthy habits and living the fitness lifestyle, you can boost the immune system and help your body fight off little invaders called germs.
The father of medicine, Hippocrates, said, “let your food be your medicine”. What you put in your body is the corner stone of your health. It can heal you or kill you. So control what’s on your plate by following these rules and work on boosting your immune system.
1. Eat alkalizing food like green leafy veggies.
2. Eat less acid producing food like sugar, processed flour and drink less alcohol and coffee.
3. Eat super food such as spinach, kale and berries.
4. Add coconut oil to your diet. It has anti-viral properties.
5. Take your vitamins; especially vitamins D and C.
7. Drink plenty of water
8. Eat food rich in antioxidants or take them in supplement forms; they help neutralize free radicals that cause damage to the cells in your body.
Other factors to keep in mind are getting proper sleep, reducing stress and exercising regularly. Sleep has a vital role in the function of the immune system. It benefits your heart, weight, mind and more. Try to at least get about 6-8 hours of sleep in a comfortable setting, nightly. In addition, reducing stress is very important. When you are stressed, the immune system’s ability to fight off antigens is reduced. The stress hormone corticosteroid can suppress the effectiveness of the immune system by lowering the number of lymphocytes. Chronic stress exposes your body to a steady cascade of the stress hormones cortisol, which is responsible for the mid-section fat. Stress is also linked to headaches, infectious illness, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, and gastric ulcers. So de-clutter your life and eliminate your stress by finding ways to induce relaxation such as meditation and participating in any form of physical exercise. Exercise about 3 to 4 times a week for at least 30 minutes a day. Physical activity has been shown to produce positive changes in a number of areas, such as increased work capacity, improved cardiovascular efficiency, and increased muscular strength, flexibility, power and endurance. Exercise is associated with increased release of endorphins, natural hormones that pump your sense of well being and promotes a good night sleep.
You have one body for life. Ensure it is in its best possible condition and laugh because laughter is the best medicine.
It’s no secret that the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line was decimated by injuries in the 2012 season. Could those woes be spreading into the 2013 season already?
Not so fast. Guard Evan Mathis confirmed that he has undergone an ankle “cleanout” (I believe that is the technical term) that will keep him out of spring workouts. However, he expects to be ready to go in time for training camp this summer.
“a ‘clean out’ and said it wasn’t to repair any specific injury but just to address swelling and discomfort Mathis had been experiencing.”
Soon after Lane Johnson was drafted as the fourth overall pick by the Birds in last month’s draft, speculation began about the future of Danny Watkins, himself a first round pick in 2011 that has performed nowhere near expectations. In short, it was believed that, if Watkins has any future in professional football, it will be north of the border in the CFL.
That move may come eventually but it will likely be delayed by Mathis’ recovery, as Watkins is now anticipated to take first team reps in Mathis’ place.
It’s not certain at this stage where Johnson will lineup. If he plays at right tackle, then Todd Herremans will presumably return to his former position of left guard with Mathis switching to the right side. Where would that leave Watkins? That’s a very good question.
If anything, this serves as a reminder of how nothing is a done deal this early in the offseason.
Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.
Brandyn Campbell of Philly Sports Muse, for War Room Sports
Earlier this week, the world, and I literally mean the world, was hit with the news that the first professional athlete in a major sport in the US has come out to say that he is gay.
My initial response was, “Who is he”? When I found out it was Jason Collins, the first thing that came to my mind was, “Oh right, he’s one of those twins that played for Stanford”. Then the ensuing tsunami came afterwards with various tweets, blogs, Facebook status updates, and responses in the media about the coming out of this man. The one thing that was quite resounding for me was how nobody was talking about the fact that Jason Collins only averages 2 points per game, barely gets any playing time, and is one injury away from retirement. Everyone kept referring to how this “high profile athlete” has now made it easier for other gay athletes to come out. Then in addition to that, the religious arguments came in, given that he called himself a Christian, and how he cannot be a Christian given that homosexuality according to that particular doctrine is a sin, etc.
It has been a whirlwind of a week, and the ensuing discourses that have followed have been incredible. As I think about the playing career of Jason Collins, there is nothing too memorable about him from a statistics perspective that shouts out. So, by me now knowing he is gay, does what exactly?
Any sport is a deeply intimate situation where formidable relationships are created. You will often hear analysts talk about disharmony in the locker room leading to disharmony on the field/court/diamond etc. The real question I want to ask is, gay or not, does Jason Collins have that spirit of camaraderie in the locker room? Does he understand what it means to “take one for the team”? Is he a good person? What are his moral values? (After all, his own twin brother was unaware of him being gay and so was the woman he was once engaged to marry) How does he inspire and work with younger athletes and what are his contributions to society at large? The reason I ask these questions is because I am more interested in the total athlete of Jason Collins than his sexual preference.
I can already hear the responses now; “Oh, he has had to hide this for so long”…”He has had to live in fear”…”He is so brave for coming out”. But my retort to that is, what has changed exactly except for the fact that we now know which gender he prefers to sleep with? Will this, or not, land him a new contract given that he is now a free agent? Are other athletes now going to be more accepting of homosexuality and refrain from derogatory language in the locker room? Or will everything simply go back to normal? Has the world become so convoluted that people actually believe that one way or another, the majority of folks actually care whether someone is gay or not?
In life, true wisdom and intellect comes from knowing that no matter what you do or what you say, certain groups of people will always disagree with you. It is not a MUST that we all accept you for whatever you claim it is that you are. The only collective responsibility we have as a society is ensuring that your fundamental rights as a human being are not infringed upon; such as those human rights being specifically discriminated against for who you are and/or being targeted in a hate crime. If people are going to disagree with you for your lifestyle choices that you have made public, or even your personal belief that you were born this way, then grant those same people the same tolerance that you eagerly seek from others.
The NBA playoffs are currently on, and Jason Collins is not one of the athletes playing for one of the top 16 teams in the league. It would be nice to get back to the business of sports, the analysis of LeBron James as he and the Miami Heat pursue their second consecutive championship, and not necessarily have to worry about getting attacked by the status quo for opinions that go against the grain of what’s considered popular.
True acceptance comes in the form of being comfortable in one’s own skin. Making it everyone’s business and demanding approval and acceptance does not achieve such a goal.
Jason Collins, live your life according to what makes you happy. To society at large, we must all learn to agree to disagree.
Nwaji Jibunoh, International Correspondent for War Room Sports
Located in Lagos, Nigeria, Nwaji Jibunoh is War Room Sports’ International Soccer Contributor. Nwaji also contributes commentary on U.S. sports from an international perspective. He’s an Atlanta Falcons fan, Howard University alum, and former tight end for the North Atlanta High School Warriors.
In the whirlwind that was Thursday night for new Philadelphia Eagles OT Lane Johnson, words of welcome and congratulations flooded in from everyone, including his new teammates.
As we all know by now, OG Evan Mathis has quite a way with words on Twitter, and he had a short but simple way of welcoming and introducing himself to his fellow offensive lineman:
“Welcome to Philly @lanejohnson69. No, you can’t have my number. Order my steaks rare. Now let’s get to work.”
So, Lane, you may not be able to keep your number now that you’re in the pros but I’m sure you’ll get over that. I’m sure some numbers that Mathis will gladly provide you with, however, are ones to Philadelphia’s finest steakhouses so that you can fulfill that order.
Now, if only Mathis’ tweet could serve as an appropriate template for a welcome email to new colleagues in less exciting environments like offices or retail… Ah well.
Happy Friday and Happy NFL Draft, Eagles fans!
Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.
Lane Johnson has his moment on the NFL Draft stage with Commissioner Roger Goodell after being the 4th overall pick. (Image via the Philadelphia Eagles Instagram)
Eagles fans, the wait is over. There was no trading down — instead, when Oklahoma OT Lane Johnson was still available at number 4, the Philadelphia Eagles took him.
The 6’6, 303 lb tackle will be an integral part of the Eagles’ offense, helping to protect Mike Vick, who at this early stage will presumably be Philadelphia’s starting quarterback for the 2013 season. Johnson is an extremely athletic player – he has played both sides of the o-line as well as played quarterback and tight end in his career. Here is an excerpt from Johnson’s scouting report, via The National Football Post:
“With rare foot quickness he is able to slide out to the corner easily to stop speed rusher’s initial burst. His ability to block with base helps him to slide easily side to side to adjust to quick pass rush moves at the contact point. Although he does not punch aggressively in pass pro, he flashes the ability to get his hands on pass rusher quickly, can “get a good fit” and is able to lock-out and tie up pass rusher.”
Head coach Chip Kelly said that Johnson is one of the players the team had targeted and was extremely excited to add him to the Eagles.
“I know [Oklahoma head coach] Bob Stoops extremely well and I talked to Bob about [Lane Johnson] extensively last week. He just remarked what a tough player he is and what a selfless player that he is; he’s moved positions. He wants to play. I think he is going to be a great addition to our team. The game is won up front. He’s another tough, physical guy and that’s what we were looking for.”
For his part, Johnson is thrilled to be heading to Philadelphia for many reasons, including the fact that his experience with Oklahoma’s up-tempo offense should fit in well with Kelly’s plans.
“I know that at Oregon, they ran a very fast-paced offense that was very similar to Oklahoma and I think I fit with what they need…I’m excited. I think Coach Kelly brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the Eagles. I know we’re all anticipating what’s going to happen and so am I. I’m ready to get started and I’m very fortunate to be with the Eagles.”
Johnson also thinks that his style of play will be a good fit for Philly’s notoriously intense sports fans.
“I view myself as kind of an aggressive player on the field, but off the field I’m a down-to-earth guy. I’m not arrogant at all. I know Philly is a good blue-collar town that works its tail off and they’re very passionate about their sports, especially football.”
It’s a solid pick for the Birds. After tackles Eric Fisher and Luke Joeckel went 1-2 to the Chiefs and Jaguars, respectively, and Oregon DE Dion Jordan, who was rumored to be of interest to Philadelphia, went third to the Dolphins, Philadelphia decided to stay put and get one of the top talents on the board, which was their strategy all along.
With the tattered o-line one of the biggest detriments to the Eagles’ efforts in 2012 and the unknown of if Jason Peters will truly be back to his former self going into 2013, picking one of the most talented players in a draft stacked with offensive line talent was a no-brainer for Philadelphia. And, as offensive lineman typically experience less of a gap in performance from the college to the professional level than other positions, Johnson will hopefully make his presence well known on the Birds’ line for years to come.
Welcome to Philadelphia, Lane.
Here is some film of Johnson, the first draft selection of the Chip Kelly era for the Eagles.
Want more Philly Sports Muse? You can find me on Twitter at @sports_muse and on Facebook.
If some of the greatest players in the history of North American sports can be overrated from the narratives told about them and the social statuses given to them to describe their level of greatness, surely it isn’t too hard to figure out how or why a great player can be overrated DESPITE the player’s GREATNESS. “Overrated” doesn’t automatically run mutually exclusive to extremely horrible, over-hyped players. I think 99% of fans miss this point. Well, maybe more like 87-90%.
Let me point out 3 types of overrated players:
#1. You can be HORRIBLE & OVERRATED (see JaMarcus Russell’s draft day position). See Tim Tebow, Mark Sanchez, Ryan Leaf, and Kwame Brown’s draft position, plus their actual production.
#2. You can be AVERAGE & OVERRATED. For example, see discussions on whether or not guys like Derek Fisher or Robert Horry are Hall of Famers.
#3. You can be GREAT/ELITE and STILL BE OVERRATED. See Steve Nash winning two consecutive MVP awards. See Derrick Rose’s MVP season where he averaged 23 ppg & 8 apg but was outplayed in every sense by LeBron James. See Michael Vick’s best season in Philly and Donovan McNabb’s career in Philly as well (DESPITE his otherwise nice playoff resume). Just because you are elite doesn’t exempt you from being overrated. If people say that Kobe Bryant is better than Michael Jordan, even though Kobe’s surely one of THE greatest players ever, he’s simply overrated.
My point: Whether you are awful, marginal, above average, mediocre, good, or very good, the narrative people have for you can make you overrated.
