Super Bowl, basketball, NFL, MLB, etc.

Hi. First of all, a Christian article about Giants wide receiver David Tyree, who ended up being one of the heroes of the Giants Super Bowl win. This article is from before the game and about how his leadership helped to turn their season around and how his faith allowed him to turn his life around from drug and alcohol abuse. The article also includes Giants linebacker Reggie Torbor. Here's a quote from Tyree:

"This has been a year of grace for us and we need to show God's power in all we do," Tyree said during the Giants media day Tuesday in Phoenix, site of Sunday's Super Bowl XLII.

"It's a bigger issue to give God the glory," Tyree said, "and to believe in God's greatness than anything the Giants have done.”

Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5761.

Here's a link to an interview with Tyree on Sports Spectrum Radio that goes along with this article: http://www.rbc.org/radio_and_tv/sports_spectrum/programs/60446.aspx.

Next, a Christian article about several of the Patriots players and how God helps them keep their success in perspective. The Christian players included in the article are tight end Ben Watson, runningback Kevin Faulk, defensive tackle Richard Seymour, fullback Heath Evans, and tight end Kyle Brady. Here's a quote from Watson:

"Five years from now, nobody is going to remember who won this game and most people won't even care," Patriots tight end Ben Watson said as he was surrounded by media members from around the world Tuesday.

"God has given us a perspective as believers that there is more to life than football," said Watson....

Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5762.

Here's another article on Baylor men's basketball head coach Scott Drew, a Christian, and his amazing turnaround of the program from the rock bottom: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=ncb&id=3224732.

Also, an article about Bills tight end Kevin Everett, who suffered a severe spinal cord injury early this season and is now walking after doctors initially thought that he never would again. Here's a couple quotes from him about it:

He is, though, trying to figure out where his life will take him next. Though he accepts he can no longer play and already is talking about coaching, there are times it's hard to realize his playing career is, indeed, over.

"I was so used to working out and being around my teammates, that's kind of hard," said Everett, who plans on making an appearance at the Bills' training camp this summer. "But I'll be OK. ... I don't see it as God picking on me or anything. I just see it as one door closes, another one's going to open.

"I just have to figure out what it is." ...

"I have to be honest, in the beginning ... I was like, 'Wow, why did this happen to me?"' Everett said. "But I just prayed, and God just calmed me and let me accept it for what it was." ...

But it's his hands that still give him the most difficulty. Although he can again brush his hair, use utensils and hold a glass, his dexterity and fine-motor skills are nowhere near what they once were. His hands are numb, and he can't tell how hard he is gripping something.

That is something that might return with time and continued therapy. Or, it might not.

"You've just got to go with the flow, just like my whole recovery," he said. "It's a blessing if it does. And it's a blessing if it doesn't because I came this far, I can't ask for much more. I'm up, I'm moving around and walking."

Here's the article: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=345486.

Here's an article about new Phillies outfielder Geoff Jenkins holding a celebrity charity poker tournament to raise money for the Boys and Girls Clubs. I know that it was for good cause and all, but I'm not to sure what to think about gambling for charity. It's kind of a contradiction to me. Anyway, here's the article: http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080128&content_id=2358524&vkey=news_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi (originally found at: http://mlb.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080131&content_id=2360833&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, an article about the Giants run to the Super Bowl championship being inspired by an injured Iraq veteran. Army Lt. Col. Greg Gadson was almost killed by a bomb in Iraq, but fortunately only lost his legs, not his life. A friend of Giants wide receivers coach Mike Sullivan from their football days at West Point, Sullivan recommended him to speak to the team when they were in Washington to play the Redskins early this season. His talk inspired the team on their run to the Super Bowl championship. Gadson was also at as many of the Giants games as possible, including the conference championship game in Green Bay and the Super Bowl. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/playoffs07/columns/story?columnist=garber_greg&id=3222397.

Also, an article about Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, a Christian, and the great job that he's done with the Giants defense this year: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=345491.

Here's a Christian article about some of the Christian coaches with the Patriots: strength and conditioning coach Mike Woicik, assistant strength and conditioning coach and team chaplain Don Davis, defensive coordinator Dean Pees, and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Here's a quote from McDaniels:

"My faith keeps me on an even keel and I learned I can lean on it when times get tough," McDaniels said. "It's helped me to know I can stand my ground in whatever I do."

Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5763.

Next, a Christian article about some of the Christian coaches with the Giants: defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, strength and conditioning coach Jerry Palmieri, and secondary coach Dave Merritt. Here's a quote from Spagnuolo:

"I think my faith is everything," said Spagnuolo, a regular in the Giants coaches' Bible study. "It's the foundation of what I am." From his faith grows "a belief that God has a hand in all of this," the coach said during the media-intensive week prior to Sunday's face-off with the New England Patriots.

Here's the article: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5764.

Also, an article about CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz, a Christian, receiving the "Pat Summerall Award" for character, integrity and leadership at the annual "Legends for Charity" dinner January 31st as part of the Super Bowl Week events: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5768.

Here's a good Christian blog post about former tennis player Michael Chang, a Christian, being inducted to the International Tennis Hall of Fame: http://christiansportsblog.blogspot.com/2008/02/chang-elected-to-ithof.html.

Next, a good article about Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, a Christian, and how important his family is to him after he had a troubled childhood himself. He's started a foundation to help women and children from abusive situations because of that. That work, along with other work in the community led to him being nominated for the NFL Man of the Year Award. Here's the article: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/football/cowboys/stories/020108dnspocowlede.319ed6a.html (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/5). Here's Whitten's personal website: http://jasonwitten82.com/.

Here's an article about new Angels outfielder Torii Hunter, a Christian, and his plans to get involved in the community in Southern California like he was in Minnesota with his former team, the Twins: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080201&content_id=2362196&vkey=news_ana&fext=.jsp&c_id=ana&partnered=rss_ana.

Lastly, for now, an article on Florida men's basketball coach Billy Donovan, a Christian, and his coaching tree. His coaching tree is his former assistants at Marshall and Florida: Arkansas head coach John Pelphrey, Virginia Commonwealth head coach Anthony Grant, and Marshall head coach Donnie Jones (also a Christian). Here's the article: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=345987.

baseball, football, etc.

Hi. First, a couple of articles about college teams reaching out to their communities. The first is about the Oklahoma baseball team helping out a residentinal childcare facility for boys: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/stories/101207aah.html.

The other article is about the Arkansas football team spending time with children with disabilities in Little Rock (includes video): http://www.todaysthv.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=54108 (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/135).

Next, an quote from Red Sox 3rd baseman Mike Lowell about teammate Manny Ramirez's hitting in the ALDS:

"We saw the way he was swinging the bat," said Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell. "I can't say we knew for sure he was going to do what he did, but we knew his at-bats were good. With his God-given ability, we feel pretty confident with him in that spot. I don't think there's anyone else on our team we'd rather have hitting behind David than him."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071006&content_id=2254029&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos.

Here's an article about the sons of the late Mike Coolbaugh throwing out the first pitches of Game 3 of the NLDS in Colorado. Coolbaugh was the 1st base coach for Rockies Double-A Tulsa team when he was hit in the head by a pitch and killed in July. The Rockies have really reached out to the family to help them out. Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10393033.

Also, an article about Seahawks fullback Mack Strong, a Christian, having to retire last week because of a neck injury. Here's a quote from him about it:

"I've played a long time, 15 years. I felt like I was pretty lucky, pretty blessed," a teary-eyed Strong said Monday after learning that a herniated disc in his neck is pinching his spinal cord -- and ending an unheralded, improbable career that began as an undrafted free agent out of Georgia in 1993.

Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10396345/2.

Here's an article about Red Sox outfielder J.D. Drew, a Christian. The article isn't all that flattering about Drew, but here's a good quote from Drew in it:

"I've always been pretty much a family man and blessed with the ability to play baseball," Drew said. ...

Here's the article: http://www.latimes.com/sports/baseball/mlb/dodgers/la-sp-simers6oct06,1,1120224.column?coll=la-headlines-sports-mlb-dodger&ctrack=4&cset=true (originally found at: http://mlbplayers.mlb.com/pa/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071008&content_id=2256958&vkey=mlbpa_news&fext=.jsp).

Next, an article about Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner, a Christian, getting the starting job last Sunday after starting quarterback Matt Leinart broke his collarbone and is out for the year. Here's a quote from Warner about getting the job because of Leinart's injury:

"This is what you want to do every time you enter a season," Warner said. "Every time you come back to play, you want to be in there playing every snap. So I'm excited about that part of it, relatively speaking. Obviously, I'm disappointed for Matt. You never want to get this position and take over a job due to an injury."

Here's the article: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=287643.

Unfortunately, Warner tore elbow ligaments in his non-throwing shoulder during that game last Sunday, and is out indefinitely. However, the Cardinals did sign Tim Hasselbeck, also a Christian, to be the new back-up quarterback, after he was released by the Giants. Here's that article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3066197&campaign=rss&source=NFLHeadlines.

Here's an article about Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, and the 10th anniversary of All Pro Dad, which he's been a part of since it began. The organization's goal is to help dads to be an important part in their kids' lives. They're running an event in Indianapolis in November, with Dungy, wide receivers coach Clyde Christianson, and punter Hunter Smith, both also Christians. Here's the article: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=89614927-4064-4dfd-bc1e-549b858da527.

Also, an article about Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano, a Christian, and his autobiography that he recently released, "The Big Z: The Carlos Zambrano Story". I don't know anything about the book, but I just thought that I would sent the information along: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071009&content_id=2258612&vkey=news_chc&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc&partnered=rss_chc.

Here's a quote from a blog post from IU runningback Bryan Payton about their game on October 6th when they beat Minnesota:

As you probably know, I scored three touchdowns. It was truly a blessing to have the opportunity to get in there and make plays for our team. But at the same time I'm not going to sit here and dwell on it. I was very happy to have my parents there to see everything. They were so proud. It felt like high school again.

Here's the post: http://insideiufootball.blogspot.com/2007/10/halfway-mark.html and here's the blog site: http://insideiufootball.blogspot.com/.

Next, an article about Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, a Christian, having to get a new cell phone number after receiving threatening phone calls before their game against LSU on October 6th. It's prett sad that people would do something like that. Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10398747.

Here's another Christian article about Panthers safety Mike Minter, a Christian, retiring before the season and what he's up to now: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5679.

Also, an interesting Christian article about a lady in Moldova, Marika Sofianu, who became a Christian through Tae Kwon Do: http://www.bpsports.net/bpsports.asp?ID=5680.

Here's a note about Saints quarterback Drew Brees donating $2 million to his alma mater Purdue for an student athlete-academic center that I thought was interesting:

Time of uncertainty: Things worked out OK for Brees

When he was reaching the decision to donate $2 million to create the Drew and Brittany Brees Student-Athlete Academic Center at Purdue, the former Boilermakers quarterback recalled a time when he wasn't sure which would mean more to his future, academics or athletics.

Not highly recruited, Brees had offers from Purdue and Kentucky and was unknown as a college freshman.

"I remember stepping on the field the first day of two-a-days and seeing six other quarterbacks and just saying to myself, 'Well, at least I'm going to get a great education,' " Brees said. "I did get that, but not only that, a lot of great memories and the opportunity to play in the NFL and donate back in this way."

Yeah, that football thing did work out. Brees is in the second year of a six-year, $60 million deal with the New Orleans Saints.

Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071012/SPORTS/710120433/1247/NLETTER12.

Next, an aritcle about Twins outfielder Lew Ford becoming a free agent: http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=288717.

Here's an article about former Nebraska head football coach Tom Osborne, a Christian, becoming Nebraska's new interim athletic director today: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/101607acm.html.

Lastly, a great interview with Rockies outfielder Matt Holliday, a Christian, after he was awarded the NLCS MVP Award last night after the Rockies swept the Diamondbacks. I haven't read the article yet, but I thought I'd go ahead and send along the interview video anyways. In it, he thanks God twice. Here's the link to the article with the video (you may have to download the video program, unfortunately): http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20071016&content_id=2268550&vkey=ps2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

football and kids in children's hospitals

Hi. First of all, I've decided to change this blog to a Christian sports and music blog, not just sports. I got to thinking, and I wanted to add one of my other loves, music, to the site to make it a little more diverse. Sometime soon I'm going to add the Christian top ten singles lists and a upcoming and new releases lists. I hope that you will like the new additions.

Last night I was watching the Champs Sports Bowl where Maryland beat Purdue (yeah!). After the game, Maryland quarterback Sam Hollenbach was interviewed and one of the first things that he said was "You gotta give glory to God on that one". I remember reading about him in Sports Spectrum, so I was excited to hear him say that.

Here's an article about the Colts liking their reputation for not talking much or doing things to draw attention to themselves. In other words, they're the opposite of T.O. and the Cowboys. Here's the article: http://ca.sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-smalltowncolts&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Next, another article about David Ortiz donating money that he had raised to a pediatric heart hospital in his native Dominican Republic: http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2006/12/26/heartfelt_gesture/.

Here's an article about Arkansas tailback and Heisman Trophy runner-up Darren McFadden. On Christmas Eve, he went to visit a boy injured in a small plane crash in a children's hospital in Arkansas. Here's a quote from the article:

After attending church and doing some last-minute Christmas shopping, McFadden surprised Cole and his family by visiting for about 30 minutes at the boy's hospital room at Arkansas Children's Hospital.

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=ncf&id=2709094.

Lastly, an article about several of the Colts--Dallas Clark, Ryan Diem, Bryan Fletcher, Tarik Glenn, Jeff Saturday, Hunter Smith, Ben Utecht, and Reggie Wayne--going Christmas caroling at a children's hospital before Christmas. There's also pictures at the bottom of the page: http://www.colts.com/sub.cfm?page=article7&news_id=4458.

Also, I was just finished watching the Alamo Bowl where Texas beat Iowa. After the game, Texas quarterback Colt McCoy was interviewed, and he said something like, "I just want to thank God because He's really blessed us." Another Christian quarterback winning a bowl game!