Kitna and the Lions, etc.

Hi. Okay, I'm back to playing catch up again. I'll post some articles tonight and then some more tomorrow and hopefully get caught up.

First of all, a "Rest of the Story" article. Last summer I posted a story about Texans defensiveback Jason Simmons asking runningback Ahman Green to put a down-payment on a house for a single parent in return for his uniform number 30. The two then picked out a single mother of an autistic boy, Regina Foster and her son Reggie. Last Sunday I was watching "NFL Countdown" on ESPN and they ran a video segment from when the Fosters moved into their new house a few weeks ago. I then was able to find a good article on ESPN.com about it too. Simmons and Green were there when the Fosters first moved in. Several local businesses provided groceries, furniture, electricity, cable, etc. too. Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=garber_greg&id=3121923.

Here's another good Christian article about Lions quarterback Jon Kitna. Here's a quote from him:

The Detroit Lions have a lot to shout about these days. They have a winning record after six losing seasons. Players say a key part of that turnaround on and off the field is number eight -- Quarterback Jon Kitna.

"My mission is to do whatever I can to be obedient to Christ and further His Gospel; tell people about the things He's done in my life and the things He can do in their life," Kitna said.

Here's the article, including a video interview: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/273495.aspx (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/11).

Next, an article on one of Kitna's Christian teammates, wide receiver Mike Furrey, who, along with his wife, helped to serve Thanksgiving meals at a mission after the Lions game on Thanksgiving afternoon. The article also talks about other things that the Furrey's are involved in their community. Here's a quote from him about it:

"It's not all about football," Furrey said.

"God has blessed me with the ability to play football, and I feel blessed to be able to go out and help people who are less fortunate. It's something that my wife and I feel called to do."

The Furrey's were also joined at the mission by back-up quarterback Dan Orvlovsky, also a Christian, and here's a quote from him:

"It's gratifying," Orlovsky said of taking time out to volunteer. "Everyone thinks of us as football players, but God didn't put us here so that we'd have the ability to make a ton of money and live a lavish lifestyle.

"He calls us to serve other people."

Here's the article: http://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2007/11/receiver_is_happy_to_give.html (originally found at: http://www.fca.org/).

Here's a good Christian article about Georgia head football coach Mark Richt, and how he was lead to Christ by Florida State head football coach Bobby Bowden. Richt became an assistant coach at Florida State after his playing career at Miami ended. Here's a quote from Richt:

It was through his mistakes coach Mark Richt realized he needed God. And in his success he hopes others recognize his source of strength.

"Jesus means salvation," he said. "Jesus means everlasting life with god. If you know there's a power that created you that's much greater than you that's never ending you know you can tap into that resource that gives you peace, gives you hope instead of despair."

Here's the article: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/274318.aspx.

Also, an article about new Angels outfielder Torii Hunter, a Christian, who recently signed with the Angels as a free agent. The article talks about how much respect his former team the Twins and the Rangers, who also tried to sign him, have for him after going through the free agent process. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article_perspectives.jsp?ymd=20071122&content_id=2306723&vkey=perspectives&fext=.jsp.

Lastly for now, here's two more articles on Jon Kitna and how he was able to build and maintain a winning attitude with the Lions this season. The first article includes this from former Lion and current Giant cornerback R.W. McQuarters:

The gesture caught New York Giants cornerback R.W. McQuarters so off guard that he almost couldn't believe he was in Detroit.

Several of his teammates had just finished praying following their 16-10 win over the Lions when they started ambling toward their locker room. That's when McQuarters heard a gruff voice in the distance calling for the Giants. He whirled to see Lions quarterback Jon Kitna standing before several Lions players. Kitna motioned for the Giants to join hands with the Lions for one final group prayer.

It wasn't the offer that surprised McQuarters. It was the impression that the Lions were unified behind Kitna that startled him. McQuarters had played a season with Detroit in 2005 and that was enough time to know team chemistry wasn't the Lions' strength.

"I could see the difference Jon was making in that team," McQuarters says. "I figured that if he could be that kind of leader around strangers, he must really be something when he's alone with his own team. You can tell they really needed somebody like him."

Here's that article: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=chadiha_jeffri&id=3121857.

The other article on Kitna and the Lions and how important their Christian beliefs have become to bringing the team together and thus helping them to succeed: http://www.latimes.com/sports/printedition/la-sp-lions22nov22,1,2246964.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-sports&ctrack=3&cset=true (originally found at: http://apps.facebook.com/sportsuperfan/teams/news/11).

That's all for now. I'll post more tomorrow.

MLB, football, and basketball

First of all, an article about Royals 1st baseman/designated hitter Mike Sweeney, a Christian, and an injury that he suffered last Friday. He ended up being out until yesterday, missing more than he initially thought that he would. The article also mentions that Sweeney will be a free agent after the end of the season and his chances of returning to the Royals next year. Here's what Sweeney has to say about his contract status and possible return to the Royals, which I think is awesome because he's looking out for the good of the team and his teammates first:

Sweeney said neither he nor his agents have had "any communication" recently with general manager Dayton Moore.

"I guess the writing on the wall is to wait until the season is over and give the Royals a chance to evaluate the team, including Billy [Butler] at first base," Sweeney said.

Moore, earlier this week, said Sweeney's status, as well as the other players, will be evaluated at season's end.

"I don't feel like I even deserve for them to negotiate or talk to me at this point," Sweeney said. "With the injuries the last couple of years, I'm not in a position to command any negotiation at this time.

"I'm rooting for Billy to excel at first base to give me a chance to be part of the team. If it doesn't work out, then we have Ross [Gload] and [Ryan] Shealy to do an amazing job at the corner."

If Butler does prove capable of playing first base regularly, that could leave the DH spot open for Sweeney.

"I never would have thought that my future with the Kansas City Royals, after playing here for 13 seasons, would depend on the glove of a 21-year-old kid from Jacksonville, Fla.," Sweeney said good-humoredly.

"But Billy's a very big part of the Royals' future, and it's important that they know which direction to go, whether it be Billy as the DH or as the first baseman. But I'm rooting for Billy, I'm rooting for Ross and I'm rooting for Shealy. If I get thrown into the mix or the equation, then I'll be happy."

Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070915&content_id=2210321&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Here's an article about the Nationals taking batting practice at their new stadium last Saturday, which is in the process of being built for next season. Nationals outfielder, Ryan Church (a Christian), was the one who had the idea, so that they could thank the construction workers. Here's the article: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070915&content_id=2210707&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, an article about Florida quarterback Tim Tebow's (a Christian) impressive play through the Gators first three games, especially last Saturday against Tennessee: http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10354221/rss.

Here's an article about Tigers closer Todd Jones, a Christian, recording his 300th career save last Sunday and becoming only the 21st player in ML history to reach that mark. The article also includes video of the save: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070916&content_id=2212759&vkey=news_det&fext=.jsp&c_id=det&partnered=rss_det.

Also, a great article about a fan, Will Stewart, giving White Sox designated hitter Jim Thome back the ball Thome hit for his 500th and game-winning home run, which I thought was absolutely great. Stewart, who is from Texas, was in Chicago for a conference and decided to go the the White Sox/Angels game on Sunday. After catching the ball, Stewart decided that the ball should go to Thome because of the historical significance of it. He hand-delivered the ball to Thome at a post-game press conference. The White Sox then gave him some signed memorabilia and season tickets for next season. However, Stewart donated the tickets to the charity of Thome's choice, and they will be auctioned off for the Children's Hospital of Illinois. Stewart said that he wouldn't be able to use the tickets since he lives in Texas, but the White Sox are flying him and some friends to Chicago to sit in Thome's box during one of the games against the Cubs next season. Here's the article, which includes a video of Thome's home run: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070916&content_id=2212817&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Statying with the White Sox, here's a short article by a single mom from Chicago and how watching the White Sox both on TV and at the stadium brings her and her two kids, ages 12 and 15, closer, becaue it's something that they can all enjoy together: http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070916&content_id=2211856&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb.

Next, a great blog post from Colts head coach Tony Dungy, a Christian, that he ends by discussing the Patriots spying scandal and his thoughts about it and what Colts owner Jim Irsay would think about it too:

Unfortunately, neither our game, or any game, was really the subject of discussion this week in the NFL. Most of the talk centered on the Patriots and their use of illegal cameras on the sideline. As I listened to the commentators, it seemed to me that the thoughts came down to one point. Does it really matter how you do things or is it just the end result you're interested in? The question that kept coming up was "Does this take away from what the Patriots have done?"

I guess it depends on who you're rooting for, but I know how Jim Irsay feels about it and how he runs this organization. As happy and excited as we were to win our Super Bowl, I don't think Jim would have taken any satisfaction in winning if he felt I was breaking the rules to do it. I'm glad I work for an owner who feels that way and not only doesn't put that type of pressure on us to "win at all costs," but would be very upset if we knowingly violated any NFL rules. So I think it does matter how you win and I hope we, as a league, continue to send that message to young players and coaches who are watching us.

Here's the blog post: http://www.mycolts.net/tonydungy/blogentry/49456f06-0597-43dd-afd8-49f8b29951b1.

Here's an article about a great jesture by Texas A&M football tight end Martellus Bennett. Before committing to A&M, Bennett had verbally committed to U. of Miami, but later changed his mind and stayed in his home state of Texas. When Bennett went on his official visit to Miami, he stayed with then Miami tight end Kevin Everett, and they remained friends even after Bennett decided to go to A&M instead. On September 9th, Everett suffered a life-threatening spinal cord injury while playing for the Bills against the Broncos. Everett has improved greatly and should be able to walk again in the near future, which the doctors initially thought that he would never do again (Here's the latest on Everett: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070921/ap_on_sp_fo_ne/fbn_bills_everett_hurt). To honor his friend, Bennett got permission to change his number from 13 to Everett's #85 for their game last Saturday. He then got permission to wear it for the rest of the season, including last night at Miami, which A&M lost. Here's the article about Bennett initially changing his uniform number: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/091707aek.html and here's an article about the number change being permanent: http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/092007acj.html.

Lastly, an article about Alabama guard Ronald Steele, a Christian, who is taking a medical redshirt this season to recover from knee surgery and prepare for his senior season next year. Here's a quote from him about it:

"I am someone who tries to approach whatever I do with my best effort, and I know my body," he said in a statement. "At this point in time, I don't believe I will be 100 percent by the start of practice.

"This is something I've put a lot of thought and prayer into. I want to play my best and play an entire season and know I've done everything I can on the court to help Alabama win."

Here's the article: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=3024776.

football and Armstrong

First, an article about new U. of Miami football head coach Randy Shannon and his strict rules for the team. Some of them, like no guns, seem kind of obvious to me, but I guess they're not. I think that his rules would probably be good for any team, college or pro. It would help solve a lot of the behavior problems, that's for sure. Here's the article: http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/10281262.

Here's an article about the Virginia Tech football team taking it upon themselves to help the college community to heal after the shootings there last April: http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news;_ylt=AoBORtOp907MxHKw5f__qyN.T4h4?slug=ap-virginiatechschallenge&prov=ap&type=lgns.

Next, an article about the Colts hosting a group of kids from Indiana Children's Wish Fund last Saturday. The kids all face life-threatening illnesses, and their wish was to see the Colts at training camp. Here's the article: http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=6886914.

Here's an article about free agent Pacer Darrell Armstrong hosting a kids basketball camp to raise money for his foundation for premature babies. Two of Armstrong's three kids were born premature, so it's a cause near to his heart. Here's the article: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070804/SPORTS04/708040473/1088/SPORTS04.

The last articles are the transcripts from some of the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement speeches and the speeches of their presenters. They're all good to read through. The first one is from former Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin. Here's a quote from his speech, talking about how he and his fellow hall-of-famers and their families:

And then I met their wives and their families and I realized that it's not only about the gift God gave us, but equally important is the help that God gave us. It's the people that God put in place to support us on our journey. ...

Here's the transcript: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/halloffame07/news/story?id=2961687.

The next Hall-of-Fame speech transcript is from former Oilers/Titans offensive lineman Bruce Matthews, a Christian. Here's a quote from his speech:

I'd first like to say how honored and blessed I am to be here. If someone had told me when I was a kid that one day I would play in the NFL and let alone be inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, I wouldn't have believed them. I consider it an honor and a privilege to be standing up here today, and I'd like to thank the Lord Jesus Christ for blessing me and my family so much.

As much as I'd like to take credit for everything that's happened in my career, I know it was only because of how the Lord blessed me that I was able to accomplish what I did. My part was the easy part: just go out and use the talents and abilities God gave me. God blessed me with the size, the desire to play the game. He kept me injury free and brought many wonderful coaches and players into my life, and for this I'm very thankful.

Here's the transcript: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/halloffame07/news/story?id=2961666.

Another Hall-of-Fame speech is from former Lions tight end Charlie Sanders. Here's a quote from his speech:

Thank you. First of all, let me give thanks to my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, and his graciousness that I humbly stand before you here today.

I've always believed that God had a plan for me, and that my life was written long before I would ever realize the outcome. ...

Here's the transcript: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/halloffame07/news/story?id=2961658.

Also, the enshrinement speech of former Bills runningback Thurman Thomas. Here's a quote from him about his kids:

My 10 year old sweet little Annika Lee. We wanted a boy so bad that we were blessed again with another girl. All I can say is thank you, God, for giving us that little girl. She is growing up to be just as lovely and beautiful as her sister. Annika Lee, I love you baby.

Last but not least we decided to give it one more try. We prayed hard and we finally got our little man, Thurman III. He is everything that we had dreamed for, a blend of all five of us. Little Thurman, daddy loves you, man. Alright.

Here's the transcript: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/halloffame07/news/story?id=2961680.

The last Hall-of-Fame speech transcript is from former Cardinals cornerback Roger Wehrli. Here's a quote from the end of his speech:

Finally, many of you know me as a man of faith. I believe that God has guided each and every move I've made. He's put the right people in the right places to bring me here, and I thank Him with all my heart for taking a little guy from a little town with little dreams and making me fit to wear the title of Hall of Famer.

Thank you all very much and God bless.

Here's that transcript: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/halloffame07/news/story?id=2961670.