Some Things 05.10.2006....

[Angry Pope]

Here is Jerry Porter's training camp diary (three days) for the 2002 season...

July 26, 2002

Jerry Porter's Diary

Q: How did the day go for you?

PORTER: This morning I got up at about 7:30; I had a mandatory drug test. Everybody hates those. But you know I had to go ahead and go do it. I had a chance to get out of it a little bit early and get taped and get stretched out before we had to hit the field. We went on with practice at about 8:30.

Q: How was the morning practice?

PORTER: I had a pretty good morning practice. I always focus on the things I did well, on the things I did best so I have something to build on. I had one dropped ball, but it was heavily contested. So I had a chance to work against Charles Woodson, Tory James, and Phillip Buchanon. So I got a good amount of work done this morning. This afternoon the offense started off kind of slow. We had the defenses number this morning, but this afternoon they brought it to us. We kind of got our buts kicked a little, but that's the way camp goes.

Q: How do you start out the morning practice? Do you take a jog first or do you split off into positions?

PORTER: We just go PAT and go. Its like 40 yards of just jogging down the field and coach throws the ball up to us to get us accustomed to catching the ball. Then we line up by position and do stretch after stretch. Then we go to formation recognition and try to get our shifts and audibles so it won't be completely strange to us by the time we see it again later on in practice.

Q: Is there any particular defensive back on the Raiders that you like going up against more than others?

PORTER: I honestly like going up against Charles Woodson because Charles is one of the best corners in the league. If I can get some good work in against Woodson and beat him every time then come time for cornerbacks like Shawn Springs in Seattle, they won't be much of a challenge because I think Charles is a better corner than Shawn is. And then every team doesn't have a cornerback on their team like a Charles Woodson or a Shawn Springs. So it would just make my whole season a whole lot easier.

Q: What did you do after the morning practice?

PORTER: I came into the room. I came in and looked over my playbook for the afternoon to see if anything new was in it that would challenge me at all. Then Travian Smith came into the room and we played a little Tecmo Bowl because I brought the Nintendo Entertainment from 1985 back out. We got like six players on Tecmo Bowl. I played two games against him. I beat him real bad one game and then he beat me once so we have to get the rematch on later on today. I basically just got off my feet a little bit and had something to eat and got ready for the second practice.

Q: What did you have for lunch?

PORTER: I had three hamburgers with no bread, water, Gatorade, and cherry juice.

Q: How was the afternoon practice?

PORTER: Like I said earlier, the defense kind of got after us in the afternoon. They made a lot of good plays on the ball as far as the defensive backs and linebackers making interceptions and knocking down the ball. They just played better than they did this morning because we kind of got after them this morning. So the match up right now is one to one. Tomorrow we're going to try to go ahead and take that lead back.

Q: What do you plan to do for the rest of the night?

PORTER: I'm off for the next few hours and then I have to go to position meetings for two and half hours. Then after that I'll be pretty much exhausted from just the mental strain and I'm going to rest. I'll probably play a little PlayStation or Nintendo, take a shower, and then get to sleep.


Q: Do you work one-on-one at all with Tim Brown or Jerry Rice?

PORTER: This afternoon when I first got out Jerry Rice was running around and we discussed some things about a particular play that we run that was a change up from what we usually do. I haven't had a chance to work with Tim at all one-on-one yet. But in the midst of practice, in the heat of the battle, I'll come over to Tim or Jerry and say what did that pass pattern look like or what could I have done better to get a chance to get open and they'll tell me. So everybody is helping everybody out there.

Q: I saw you joking around with Rod Woodson out there after he got an interception. Did you guys go at it joking around with each other a lot today?

PORTER: He kind of caught me with a veteran move today. I was blocking and he said watch out here comes the crowd and I went to move my legs out the way because you don't want to get rolled up in the crowd and he just ran right past me. He made me think everybody was coming, but nobody was there. So we just kind of started laughing. Then when he got that interception I was just yelling at him to protect the ball.

 

[Angry Pope]

July 27, 2002

Jerry Porter's Diary

Q: Did anything special happen today in the morning practice?

PORTER: No, it's the exact same thing every day. It's like Groundhog Day.

Q: Do you get tired of doing the exact same thing everyday?

PORTER: Yeah, but I guess it's working on our mental toughness. Day in and day out, two practices a day, but we'll be all right.

Q: Are you guys looking forward to going to pads tomorrow?

PORTER: We're looking forward to going against somebody else already. I don't even want to go against our guys anymore. I want to play against Dallas now.

Q: How did the afternoon practice go?

PORTER: it went real well. It wasn't as hot as yesterday, but it was still warm so we got a good sweat going. We got a lot of good work on both sides of the ball. I say we might have had a draw this afternoon against the defense.

Q: What about in the morning?


PORTER: Yeah we took the win. We had to take the win. Offense, offense rules!

Q: Can you tell me about the long touchdown pass you caught this afternoon in practice?

PORTER: Derek Combs tried to quick jab me or tried to lunge and jam me at the line of scrimmage, but I saw it coming and avoided it real easily. I forgot who was throwing it though; I think it might have been Tui. He hit me on the sidelines and it was like 40 yards and I just took it the rest of the way in.

Q: Do you have any type of weightlifting program that you do everyday?

PORTER: Just the team issued workout. Every other day we lift. Today was our day. I lifted at lunchtime, right after the morning practice.

Q: What did you have to eat today and what did you do between practices?

PORTER: Today was the rematch. I played Travian Smith in Techmo Bowl again and got after him pretty good. I had to get my two wins back because I slacked off and lost to him in overtime. I had to re-gain my titled as the Tecmo Bowl champion. For lunch I had five hamburger patties and some broccoli.

Q: What games have you been playing since you've been here?

PORTER: I've been playing this Tecmo Bowl and people keep challenging me. I have to reign supreme over everybody!

 

[Angry Pope]

July 28, 2002


Jerry Porter's Diary

Q: Tell me about this morning?

PORTER: This morning in practice, the first practice with pads on, after one-on-ones, I got my butt handed to me. A lot of times I went up against Derrick Gibson and Terrance Shaw and they got after me pretty good. It wasn't the fact that they played me well, but my technique got off a little bit. They kind of got after me so this afternoon I had to redeem myself.

Q: How did it feel to get the pads on finally?

PORTER: I don't want them on! No, but really when I have my pads on I want to play against other teams so I don't have to hold anything back at all. I want it to be for real.

Q: It looks like you're making a habit of catching touchdown passes in the afternoon practice?

PORTER: You know! But I like this. I like that we're getting the ball down the field a little bit more and that when we're getting down field the ball is coming to me. I like that a lot. My forte has always been the deep ball, but coming here kind of broadened my strengths and now I'm going back to my roots.

Q: Who would you say won each practice, the offense or the defense?


PORTER: This morning I think the defense won and this afternoon I would call it a tie to maybe leaning towards the offense. But this first day with the pads goes to the defense. They got after us.

Q: What did you have to eat today?

PORTER: I had two turkey burgers with cheese and some juice. Tonight I'm going to have to get some real food in me. I don't know what it will be, but I have to get it.

Q: What's your favorite food?

PORTER: Basically anything with cheese. I love my cheese.

Q: How has your work against Charles Woodson been coming?

PORTER: I beat him today, one time today, but Rich Gannon kind of overthrew me a little bit. I think I could have got to the ball, but people were standing behind the defense that were in the way and the ball was going pretty deep on that play. I stuck my foot in the ground, planted, and kept going. He thought I was going to run kind of a corner route and I turned it into a post, but I had him beat.

Q: Do you have any Tecmo Bowl updates for us?

PORTER: No Tecmo Bowl updates since yesterday. Madre Hill got the 51-7 thrashing last. Tonight I think I'm going to go ahead and beat up on Travian Smith or someone else. It's kind of unfair, maybe I should go and pack up my militancy trophy and call it a weekend. But I think somebody might have to challenge me. I'm leaving it open for anyone who thinks they can handle me, but I don't think it's going to happen. The Houston Oilers, I would use the Raiders but they didn't give the Raiders much love back then, they didn't have a very good quarterback.

Q: What year is the game?

PORTER: I think it's from the 1991 season, but my Houston Oilers are holding it down and we're taking on all comers.

Q: Who has been giving you the most challenge?

PORTER: Well Travian gave me problems that one time. The game went into overtime and I lost 27-21. But I beat him the next time by 21 points. I just had to prove to him that it was a fluke because I was using the 49ers.

 

[Angry Pope]

Our bye-week history...I think Art will get us back on track....

Our Raiders After the Bye Since 1990

November 4, 1990 - L 9-7 at Kansas City
November 10, 1991 - W 17-16 at Denver
November 8, 1992 - L 31-10 at Philadelphia
October 3, 1993* - L 24-9 at Kansas City
October 31, 1993* - L 30-23 San Diego
October 9, 1994 - W 21-17 at New England
November 5, 1995 - W 20-17 at Cincinnati
November 4, 1996 - L 22-21 Denver
October 19, 1997 - W 28-25 Denver
October 25, 1998 - W 27-10 Cincinnati
November 14, 1999 - W 28-9 San Diego
October 8, 2000 - W 34-28 OT at San Francisco
October 28, 2001 - W 20-10 at Philadelphia
September 29, 2002 - W 52-25 Tennessee
November 2, 2003 - L 23-13 at Detroit
November 21, 2004 - L 17-23 San Diego
October 16, 2005 - L 14-27 San Diego

* In 1993, the NFL implemented an 18-week schedule

 

[Angry Pope]

A lady with talent...her website is included...

Artist's vision captures glory of the gridiron

Union City woman combines two passions: Sports. painting

By Matthew Artz, STAFF WRITER

UNION CITY - ON Sundays, when many aspiring young artists scribbled in their coloring books, Angie Villegas sat in front of her television rooting for the Raiders.

So 20 years later when Villegas, 40, started getting serious about painting, it should come as no surprise that some of her first subjects were Kenny Stabler and Howie Long, and that one of her first buyers was Super Bowl XI Most Valuable Player Fred Biletnikoff.

Villegas recently finished showing her works at the George Krevsky Gallery in San Francisco, and this week some of her paintings are on display at Union City's Sharing the Arts Show.

While Villegas is trying to branch out artistically, she'd still rather talk about Lyle Alzado than Pablo Picasso.

"My older brothers got me interested in sports when I was really young," she said. "Now, when I watch someone play and see that they're a good person, I want to paint them."

Villegas' bedroom art studio in her Union Citycondo could double as a sports bar's storage closet.

Villegas' journey from sports fan to sports artist began in the late 1980s while riding BART to her job in Berkeley.

To pass the time, Villegas said, she would bring a baseball card and a sketch book to practice drawing.

Villegas continued collecting sports cards into the late 1990s. "When I started wanting unique things that no one else could collect, that's when I started painting," she said.


The sports memorabilia market is hard to crack, she said.


"I just have to find the right market," she said. "It's not easy trying to make a living doing what you love."

For more information on Angie Villegas, go to her Web site at hofstudio.com.

 

[Angry Pope]

Steve Wisniewski

For 12 years, offensive guard Steve Wisniewski dominated the left side of the offensive line. At one of the most under-appreciated positions, Wisniewski was recognized for his work by being selected to eight Pro Bowl selections. During his tenure, the Raiders made the playoffs five times. Described as a “technician,” Wisniewski was an athletic lineman, who ran well, and had quick feet.


Raiders.com: When did you start playing football?

Steve Wisniewski: I started playing football in the 7 th grade back home in Houston, Texas.

Raiders.com: How did you become a Raider?

Steve Wisniewski: I was drafted in the second round of the 1989 draft out of Penn State University. I was a part of the 1986 National Championship team and earned my degree in Marketing in four years.

Raiders.com: What did it mean for you to wear the Silver and Black?

Steve Wisniewski: It meant that I would have to uphold a tradition of excellence. It was an honor for me. I had great role models in Howie Long (1981-93) and Matt Millen (1980-88) and they guided me.

Raiders.com: What is your greatest memory from playing with the Raiders?

Steve Wisniewski: Playing in the 1990 AFC Championship game.

Raiders.com: Is there any one moment or play that stands out from your career?

Steve Wisniewski: The first time I was selected to the Pro Bowl (1990). It was an honor to represent the Raider organization.

Raiders.com: Do you keep in contact with any of your former teammates?

Steve Wisniewski: Definitely. I volunteer at Napoleon Kaufman's (1995-00) church, so I see him on a weekly basis. I also keep in touch with Greg Biekert (1993-01), Don Mosebar (1983-94), and Robert Jenkins (1994-96).

Raiders.com: Which team did you enjoy playing against the most?

Steve Wisniewski: The (Kansas City) Chiefs. They were in our division and there's always been a long-standing rivalry between us.

Raiders.com: Do you still attend any Raider games?

Steve Wisniewski: I get to a couple of games every year. This past season I worked for the Raider TV network. I did some pre-game commentary before one of the pre-season games. It was a thrill to represent the Raider organization from a different angle.

Raiders.com: What are you doing now?

Steve Wisniewski: I'm very active with my family. I'm married with three kids. I volunteer at Napoleon Kaufman's church as a Children's Ministry Leader. I also have a full-time job selling software for CIMA Systems. We sell business development software for use in the auto industry. I started working here after my football career ended.

Raiders.com: Are there any messages you would like to pass along to the Raider fans?

Steve Wisniewski: Just a heartfelt thank you to all the fans for their years of encouragement, it was an honor to represent you and the Raiders.

 

[Angry Pope]

Fathers and sons....

June 19, 2005

The NFL has included many father/son combinations throughout its history and the Raiders are no exception. Currently, four sons of former NFL players can be found on the Raiders roster - QB Marques Tuiasosopo, LB Jay Foreman, DT Ted Washington and DE Grant Irons. In honor of Father's Day, we have compiled a list of NFL players whose fathers or sons have worn the Silver and Black over the years. Happy Father's Day Raider Nation!

OG Sam Adams, Sr. - 1972-80 New England Patriots
DT Sam Adams, Jr. - 2002 Oakland Raiders

TE Billy Cannon - 1964-1969 - Oakland Raiders
LB Billy Cannon - 1984 Dallas Cowboys

DE Tony Cline - 1970-1975 Oakland Raiders
TE Tony Cline - 1998 Oakland Raiders

DE Vince Dennery - 1941 New York Giants
LB Mike Dennery - 1974-1975 Oakland Raiders

RB Tony Dorsett - 1977-87 Dallas Cowboys, 1988 Denver Broncos
FS Anthony Dorsett - 2000-2003 Oakland Raiders

DT Alphonse Dotson - 1968-70 Oakland Raiders
DE Santana Dotson - 1992-95 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1996-01 Green Bay Packers, 2002 Washington Redskins

RB Chuck Foreman - 1973-79 Minnesota Vikings, 1980 New England Patriots
LB Jay Foreman - 2005 Oakland Raiders

DB Dave Grayson - 1965-70 Oakland Raiders
LB David Grayson - 1987-90 Cleveland Browns, 1991 San Diego Chargers

T Herb Hannah - 1951 New York Giants
G John Hannah - 1973-85 New England Patriots
T Charley Hannah - 1983-88 Los Angeles Raiders

TE Don Hasselbeck - 1983 Los Angeles Raiders
QB Matt Hasselbeck - 1998-2000 Green Bay Packers, 2001-present Seattle Seahawks
QB Tim Hasselbeck - 2002 Philadelphia Eagles, 2003-04 Washington Redskins, 2005 New York Giants

LB Gerald Irons - 1970-75 Oakland Raiders
DE Grant Irons - 2003-present Oakland Raiders

G Gordon Jolley 1972-75 Detroit Lions, 1976-77 Seattle Seahawks
TE Doug Jolley 2002-04 Oakland Raiders

DB Joe Krakoski - 1963-66 Oakland Raiders
LB Joe Krakoski - 1986 Washington Redskins

DB Ronnie Lott - 1991-92 Los Angeles Raiders
LB Ryan Nece - 2002-present Tampa Bay Buccaneers

LB Marv Marinovich - 1965 Oakland Raiders
QB Todd Marinovich - 1991-92 Los Angeles Raiders


CB Kent McCloughan - 1965-70 Oakland Raiders
DB Dave McCloughan - 1991 Indianapolis Colts, 1992 Green Bay Packers, 1993 Seattle Seahawks

RB Charlie Smith - 1968-74 Oakland Raiders
TE Kevin Smith - 1992-95 Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders

DT Manu Tuiasosopo - 1979-83 Seattle, 1984-86 San Francisco
QB Marques Tuiasosopo - 2001-present Oakland Raiders

LB Ted Washington - 1973-82 Houston Oilers
DT Ted Washington - 2004-present Oakland Raiders

DB Howie Williams - 1964-69 Oakland Raiders
DB Gardner - 1984 Detroit Lions

CB Alvin Wyatt - 1970 Oakland Raiders
WR Antwuan Wyatt - 1997 Philadelphia Eagles


We can now add Thomas Howard as his dad played for the Kansas City Chiefs and the St. Louis Cardinals.

 

[Angry Pope]

Madden on mobile phones....

EA launches Madden on mobile phones

"The Madden franchise consistently delivers the most authentic and invigorating gridiron experience," said Mitch Lasky, Senior Vice President of EA Mobile.

Wednesday, May 10 2006


Electronic Arts Launches Madden NFL 07 on Mobile Phones
E3Expo 2006

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 10, 2006--TOUCHDOWN! Electronic Arts Inc. (Nasdaq:ERTS) today announced that sports fans across North America will now be able to play their favorite game of pigskin with the touch of a button. Madden NFL 07 will debut on mobile phones on August 22, 2006 in sync with the game launch on console.

"The Madden franchise consistently delivers the most authentic and invigorating gridiron experience," said Mitch Lasky, Senior Vice President of EA Mobile. "With the new Madden playbooks and staggering 3D graphics, Madden NFL 07 for mobile will deliver a one-of-a-kind NFL experience to wireless gamers everywhere."

Madden NFL 07 catapults wireless gamers into fierce 11-on-11 football action with official NFL teams, players and logos from all 32 NFL teams. With in-game commentary from legendary Al Michaels and John Madden, the game allows mobile users to choose from over 50 plays including precision passes and hard-hitting tackles -- using Madden's team-specific playbooks. Football fans navigate a beautifully textured field with grass, field numbers and hash marks in a new, 3D stadium environment. Players can choose to kick off a seven or sixteen-game season, or enjoy just a single game. Regardless of the game mode, Madden NFL 07 immerses mobile gamers into complete NFL action. Featuring advanced wireless graphics and sound effects, the game displays motion-capture animations rendered in real-time, and is presented in a TV style allowing after-play and camera-cut scenes of players. Madden NFL 07 also includes layered audio, which allows players to hear quarterback and field athlete dialogue, cheers and chants from the crowd and compliments from the renowned game narrators as they take their teams to mobile victory.

 

[Angry Pope]

Here is Grant's dad, Gerald Irons...

Gerald Irons

Gerald Irons played for the Raiders from 1970-1975.

Gerald Irons played linebacker for the Silver and Black for six years. Though he was part of numerous memorable games in NFL history, his greatest thrill came long after his playing career ended. In 2003 the Raiders signed free agent Grant Irons, Gerald’s son, to a contract. Father and son couldn’t have been happier. It was the culmination of years spent in the backyard of the family home in The Woodlands, Texas, north of Houston. Father and sons (Gerald has three sons: Gerald, Jr., Jarrett, and Grant) trained together as Dad regaled his boys with tales of the Silver and Black. Gerald ran wind sprints, lifted weights, and watched games with his sons. And in between it all were more stories about the Raiders.

“I felt right at home,” Grant said of following in his father’s footsteps. “I grew up on the Raiders. They were my role models, my heroes. I remember my dad telling us bedtime stories; they weren’t your typical bedtime stories. They were stories about the Greatness of the Raiders.”

We had a chance to catch up with “Scrap Iron” for our Whatever Happened to... series.

Raiders.com: What’s it like, as a former player, to see your son wearing the Silver and Black?

Gerald Irons: I pinch myself every day. I’m happy for Grant and our family. It’s truly an incredible feeling to have one of my sons playing on the team. It goes to show that with hard work and dedication, dreams can come true.

Raiders.com: Do you still attend any Raider games?

Gerald Irons: Definitely. With Grant now wearing the Silver and Black I get to as many games as possible. My wife and I fly out to Oakland for home games and have been to a number of road games.

Raiders.com: When did you start playing football?

Gerald Irons: I started playing football in grade school, just kicking the ball around. I was pretty athletic, I played football, baseball, basketball, and ran track back home in Gary, Indiana. I knew back then that I was an athlete; it was a God given ability, a talent I embraced.

Raiders.com: How did you become a Raider?

Gerald Irons: I was drafted by the Raiders in the third round of the 1970 draft out of University of Maryland - Eastern Shore. I played both ways back then: I was a pulling guard, a defensive end, and I played special teams. I never left the field. But I owe a tremendous amount to Art Shell (1968-82). When he was drafted in 1968, the Raider coaches were so impressed with him, they asked if there were more players like him at the University of Maryland - Eastern Shore. He recommended me. Ron Wolf (Director of Player Personnel at the time) came and scouted me for several weeks and then I was drafted.

Raiders.com: What did it mean for you to wear the Silver and Black?

Gerald Irons: It was an incredible feeling to wear the Silver and Black, to know the tradition it stood for and the respect other teams had for the Raiders. We took the field to dominate, to have fun and win.

Raiders.com: What is your greatest memory from playing with the Raiders?

Gerald Irons: The 1973 home opener versus the Dolphins. I’ll never forget that game. Miami came into the game needing one win to establish the longest unbeaten streak in the NFL (they were tied with the Chicago Bears at 16 straight). It was all over the media. The game got moved to Memorial Stadium in Berkeley because of a conflict with the A’s playoff schedule. Fans were everywhere: in the stadium and on the hill overlooking the stadium. Anyway, we beat them 12-7 on four field goals by George Blanda (1967-75). Three of the linebackers were named NFL Co-Defensive Player of the Week for our performance that game: Dan Conners (1964-74), Phil Villapiano (1971-79), and myself. The best part about that game happened the following night. Johnny Carson had booked Miami running backs Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick for his show that Monday night. When the two came on the show, Carson, with a sort of perplexed face, tells them, “we were planning a celebration but, what happened?” Csonka replied, “Gerald Irons happened. That guy was everywhere. Every time we touched the ball, he hit us hard.” I was sitting there with my family watching this, loving it.


Raiders.com: Is there any one moment or play that stands out from your career?

Gerald Irons: The Immaculate Reception. I was on the field for that play. It kept us from the Super Bowl. Most people don’t know this, but that play was illegal. At that time it was illegal for an offensive player to tip the ball to another offensive player (the rule has since been changed). The ball bounced off John "Frenchy" Fuqua’s chest when Jack Tatum (1971-79) hit him. Franco Harris caught the ball without it hitting a defensive player. Most people don’t know this but the refs discussed the play amongst themselves, and then asked if there was any security present in the stadium. When informed there was none, the refs ruled the play resulted in a Pittsburgh touchdown and left the field, unharmed.

Raiders.com: Do you keep in contact with any of your former teammates?

Gerald Irons: Of course. I talk to Raymond Chester (1970-72, 1978-81) all the time. We became roommates as rookies; we were drafted in the same draft (Chester was the Raiders first round pick out of Morgan State). I also talk to Jack Tatum, Cliff Branch (1972-85), George Atkinson (1968-77), Charles Smith (1968-74), Clarence Davis (1971-78), Carleton Oats (1965-72), Gene Upshaw (1967-81), Willie Brown (1967-78), John Vella (1972-79), Art Shell, Jim Otto (1960-74), Fred Biletnikoff (1965-78), Morris Bradshaw (1974-81), Rod Sherman (1967, 1969-71), Ben Davidson (1964-71), Phil Villapiano, Clem Daniels (1961-67), Tony Cline (1970-75), and Dave Casper (1974-80, 1984). We all see each other at the stadium before the game and reminisce about old times.

Raiders.com: Which team did you enjoy playing against the most?

Gerald Irons: I enjoyed all of them. The most intense games, from a personal and team standpoint, were against the Kansas City Chiefs. I also enjoyed playing against the Houston Oilers because Earl Campbell was so good. He was a competitor and that brought my game up.

Raiders.com: What are you doing now?

Gerald Irons:I retired in 1980. I enjoyed playing in Houston so much, I moved here. I live in The Woodlands, Texas. It’s a 27,000 acre master-plan community that is approximately one-and-a-half times the size of Manhattan Island. I am Senior Vice President of Business Development for the developer. My job is to bring companies to The Woodlands. We want them to headquarter their operations here. We have 1,200 companies and over 80,000 residents here. During the off-season with the Raiders, I earned my MBA from the University of Chicago, and I went to law school. I learned to speak Japanese, which has helped my business life tremendously. I tried to prepare for life after football, though football still influences my life. In fact, I still workout twice a day. I’m in as good shape now as I was when I played.

Raiders.com: Are there any messages you would like to pass along to the Raider fans?

Gerald Irons: Continue to support the team, keep believing and cheering for the team. Keep coming to games, filling the stadium. Let the team know you’re behind them. Just Win Baby!

 

[Angry Pope]

Rich Gannon's anagram is "non chagrin"

 

[Angry Pope]

Here is the Autumn Wind translated into spanish....three versions....

Version 1

El viento del otoño es pirata
blustering adentro del mar
con una canción rollicking que él barre a lo largo de
swaggering boisterously
su cara es tiempo batido
él usa un sash encapuchado
con su sombrero de plata sobre su cabeza
y un bigote bristly negro
él gruñe como él las tormentas
el bandido del país A grande
y en negrilla y los árboles todos sacudara y tiemble y tiemble
como él los roba de su oro
el viento del otoño es raider
que pilla apenas para la diversión
él le golpeará ' redondea y al revés
y ríe cuando lo conquistan y se ganan



Version 2


El Viento del otoño es un pirata
que Ventea en del mar Con una canción de rollicking que
él barre por
pavonearse bulliciosamente
Su cara es tiempo golpeada
El lleva una banda encapuchada
Con su sombrero de plata acerca de la cabeza
Y un bigote negro cerda que
El gruñe como él asalta el país
UN canalla grandes y bravos
Y los árboles todo sacude y tiembla y tiembla
Como él los roba de su oro
El otoño el viento es un Invasor que
Saquea apenas para la diversión
que El le golpeará 'redondea y al revés
Y la risa cuando él es conquistado y es ganado


Version 3

El Viento de Otoño es un pirata que Brama en del mar con una canción alegre que él barre a lo largo del fanfarrón bulliciosamente Su cara es meteorológica golpeado Él lleva puesta una faja encapuchada con su sombrero de plata sobre su cabeza y un bigote negro hirsuto que Él gruñe cuando él asalta el país un bandido grande y valiente y los árboles toda la sacudida y temblor y temblor Cuando él priva de ellos de su oro el viento de Otoño es un Atracador que Pilla sólo para la diversión Él le golpeará 'por ahí y al revés y se reirá cuando él es conquistado y ganado


English Version

The Autumn Wind is a pirate
Blustering in from sea
With a rollicking song he sweeps along
swaggering boisterously
His face is weather beaten
He wears a hooded sash
With his silver hat about his head
And a bristly black moustache
He growls as he storms the country
A villain big and bold
And the trees all shake and quiver and quake
As he robs them of their gold
The Autumn wind is a Raider
Pillaging just for fun
He'll knock you 'round and upside down
And laugh when he's conquered and won

 

[Angry Pope]

Fred hosting a benefit....

Hit it here...


Fred Biletnikoff Celebrity Golf Classic

May 22, 2006


The Fred Biletnikoff Celebrity Golf Classic is set for the weekend of May 20-22 at Catta Verdera Country Club in Lincoln, Calif. Festivities get underway on Saturday, May 20, with an autograph session in Granite Bay, Calif., at 5:00 p.m.

Starting at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, a Pairing Party, Dinner and Auction will be held, also in Granite Bay, with nationally syndicated sports talk host J.T. The Brick serving as master of ceremonies.

Registration gets underway at 8:30 a.m. Monday, May 22, with a 10:30 a.m. Shotgun Start. The event will conclude with a Reception/Silent Auction and and Awards Dinner and Presentation


Partial list of celebrities...


FRED BILETNIKOFF

CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC

May 21 and 22, 2006



Fred Biletnikoff - HOF

Ted Hendricks - HOF

Joe Perry - HOF

Bob St. Clair - HOF

Deacon Jones - HOF

Jack Ham - HOF

Ken Stabler

Daryle Lamonica

Tim Brown

Phil Villapiano

Barry Sims

Shane Lechler

Claude Crabb

Adam Treu

Carlos Francis

Doug Gabriel

Jeff Tedford

Gary Plummer

Tommy Shane Steiner

Ken Shamrock

Ben Davidson

Otis Sistrunk

Jack Tatum

JT The Brick

 

[Angry Pope]

Autograph signing...

Lakewood Raider Image Event

May 27, 2006


Raiders safeties Stuart Schweigert and Jarrod Cooper will appear at the Lakewood Mall Raider Image in Lakewood, Calif., on Saturday, May 27, from 1 - 3:00 p.m. Schweigert and Cooper will meet and greet fans and sign autographs.

Head out to The Raider Image and gear up for the 2006 season!

The Lakewood Raider Image is located at Lakewood Mall, 16 Lakewood Center, Lakewood, CA 90714.

The Raider Image is the leader in providing the best selection of Raider merchandise to fans around the world. Raider Image stores are located throughout California with Bay Area, Central Valley and Southern California locations.

There are 16 Raider Image locations in operation. Others include Hegenberger Gateway in Oakland, Southland Mall in Hayward, Hilltop Mall in Richmond, Sunvalley Mall in Concord, Westgate Center in San Leandro, Westfield Shoppingtown in San Jose, NewPark Mall in Fremont, Arden Fair Mall in Sacramento, Vacaville Premium Outlets in Vacaville, Weberstown Mall in Stockton, Fashion Fair Mall in Fresno, Lakewood Center Mall in Lakewood, Fox Hills Mall in Culver City, Montebello Town Center in Montebello, Ontario Mills Mall in Ontario and Universal CityWalk in Universal City.

In addition to the brick-and-mortar stores, the Raider Image operates an immensely popular online store located within the team's official website, www.raiders.com.

 

[Angry Pope]

The Oilers against us on MNF in 1972....

Hit it here...

 

[Angry Pope]

Here is an interview with Freddy B on Jan 2005....

Q&A with former Raiders WR Fred Biletnikoff

By Trent Modglin
Jan. 27, 2005


If the football was close to Fred Biletnikoff, he was catching it. The Hall of Famer and four-time Pro Bowler, who has spent the last 13 years as Oakland's WR coach, was known for his great hands. And winning, of course. He never suffered through a losing season in his 14 years as a Raider from 1965 to ’78.

Biletnikoff served as the organization’s all-time leading receiver with 589 catches until Tim Brown passed him in 2002. He also ranks second in yardage (8,974) and TD receptions (76). The award for the country’s top collegiate receiver is named after him after he enjoyed a record-setting career at Florida State.

PFW: What do you think was the best part of your game, your best attribute?

Biletnikoff: Well, being able to catch the football in tough situations, in clutch situations, I took a lot of pride in being able to do that. I liked to be in those situations and being able to catch the football when you know you’re only going to be able to contribute a certain number of plays throughout a game.

PFW: You hear all the stories about the old Oakland Raider teams, the different mentality and attitude and all of it. What was it like playing for the old-school Silver & Black?

Biletnikoff: The one thing that we did have on our team was a lot of guys that were underdogs. Such a variety of guys and so many different personalities that it was amazing how everything worked together. Everybody seemed to have the same attitude when you got out on the football field though — it was all about football. We loved to go out there on the field, didn’t matter if it was practice or training camp or a game. We were a close-knit group, and that’s what gave us a lot of confidence in each other. And with that confidence came a lot of admiration for each other for what the guys you played with did out on the football field. We were all aware of what each other were doing, and there was a lot of pride within the entire team.

PFW: And you guys didn’t exactly have a shortage of characters.

Biletnikoff: No, we had a great number of characters, believe me. We had such a good group of guys with personalities that, on one hand, we could take football very seriously, and then on the other hand, when we were off the field, we had the best jokesters in the world. That was the thing that kept our team going all the time was the fact that we had very few people, if any, that didn’t have a good sense of humor or a good personality.

PFW: Do you think with the way the media is nowadays, some of those guys got away with a lot more back in the ’60s and ’70s that they ever would now?

Biletnikoff: I would think right now that we wouldn’t have a shot (laughs). I would think we would have a long list (of problems), and you could probably go down to the police department and it would be that type of list.

PFW: All the Raiders in some sort of lineup together?

Biletnikoff: (laughs) Yeah, that would be pretty accurate.

PFW: How has the game changed the most since your career ended?

Biletnikoff: I just really think that people felt that football, in some instances, needed to be changed with the shorter passing game and multiple formations. That’s how it’s gotten. Players now are very well-paid, and I don’t feel like a lot of the teams have the camaraderie that we did back when. And I think that was a big factor for us on our team, the camaraderie that we had within a group of players. … With things changing more toward workout schedules in the offseason, basically on a yearly basis, and kids are more conscious about doing things the healthy way and lifting weights and working out, I don’t think there are too many that are really interested in going out after practice and sitting there for two or three hours drinking beer before they go home. I have a lot of admiration for a lot of the kids nowadays, and I know that kids are more aware of not only everything healthwise, but they’re more interested in the fundamental way of doing things. I’ve seen that change slowly, from about 10 years ago up until now; the idea that you have to be good fundamentally to play football seems to be getting stronger.

PFW: Do you look back and wish you were playing now with the way teams are moving the ball through the air?

Biletnikoff: Well, not being able to get hit after five yards would surely be a great thing to have (laughs). I find it really exciting with somebody like Peyton Manning, with our own Kerry Collins and (Rich) Gannon and the receivers we have, seeing the plays they make and all the other receivers and quarterbacks on other teams, the plays they make and throws they make. It’s really spectacular, really exciting. People are getting back to throwing downfield a lot more.

PFW: You never played for a losing team. That’s got to be a pretty good source of pride, I assume?

Biletnikoff: Oh yeah. That and knowing that for a great number of years, each year we were in at least one playoff game. … Coming in each year with the attitude that the regular season was important to us and winning was important to us, but the best thing was we knew that we had enough confidence in ourselves that we were going to get in the playoffs.

PFW: If Fred Biletnikoff is a 20-something-year-old unrestricted free-agent wideout this summer, what kind of signing bonus could he command?

Biletnikoff: I don’t know, it might be too small (laughs). I really don’t have an idea because when you go down and you look through each team, they have a variety of players. So I would really think that someone with my style of play would really have to fit in with the team that has that type of offense. A lot of teams do, and there are a lot of guys playing that would fit into the same type of mold that I was in. That type of role on a team where you have such a diversified passing game that you don’t have to have the speed guy down the field all the time. You can have your intermediate routes and that type of thing. Indianapolis is the team that stands out in my mind the most that has that.

PFW: It looks like if you can keep Jerry Porter on board this offseason, you’ve got plenty of young talent and athleticism in your group of wideouts in Oakland?

Biletnikoff: Oh yeah, with the way Ronald Curry has been able to turn himself around, so to speak, to develop into a receiver was a great plus for us. He’s really gotten the idea of what it takes to be a receiver. That’s worked out really well for us. Porter has really come around and really stepped up in an excellent second half of the year. And we’ve got Johnnie Morant, a young kid from Syracuse, and Alvis Whitted, a big-play guy down the field. I’m happy with the guys that we have, and they spent a lot of time developing. … I don’t feel like anyone really gave them much of a chance.

 

[Angry Pope]

Here is what the players in NFL Europe are making...

By the way, players receive $1,000 per game and get $25 for meals on off days. If you don't like the free meals at the team hotel, you're on your own.

 

[Angry Pope]

Here is Ray Guy's website....

Hit it here....

 

[Angry Pope]

The guy behind Guy

Augusta surgeon creates sculpture for award named after famed punter

Web posted October 8, 2000

Ray Guy Award

By Alisa DeMao
Staff Writer

The punter hangs poised, on tiptoe, back curved and hands spread for balance as one foot aims at the sky, setting the trajectory of the football.

He has a support rod buried in his back. The rod will help safeguard this clay sculpture of punter Ray Guy as its creator hand-carries it on an airplane and to a Florida foundry for casting in bronze.

``I'm grateful to have the opportunity to do this,'' said John Savage Jr., an Augusta orthopedic surgeon who sculpted the figure in a light, open studio connected to his Summerville home. ``It's sort of a once-in-a-lifetime chance.''

The statue will be used for the Ray Guy Award, honoring the country's top collegiate punter. Mr. Guy, a Thomson native, played for the Oakland Raiders after being drafted out of Southern Mississippi, where he was an All-American. He has been called the greatest punter in the history of the National Football League.

Mr. Guy has promoted the idea of an award for college punters, who have not had an award until now. Awards are presented for almost every other position.

The first Guy Award will be presented Tuesday, Dec. 12.

Dr. Savage was commissioned to create the sculpture by the Greater Augusta Sports Council, which sponsors the award. In looking for a sculptor, the sports council asked around on Artists' Row downtown and was directed to Dr. Savage, said program manager Dawn Lenzie.

The son of artists, Dr. Savage grew up in Atlanta creating things with his hands, from Play-Doh sculptures to re-creations of The Discus Thrower made from metal he picked up from an art class his mother taught. He followed in his grandfather's footsteps to become a doctor, but he chose a specialty that allowed him the tactile work he enjoyed in his art.

``I had an aptitude for sculpting,'' Dr. Savage said, leaning against the work table in his airy studio, where some of his sculptures share table space with metal and plastic artificial hips. The work of his painter father - still lifes and a portrait - line the walls.



``I could take three-dimensional things and reproduce them. That's why I like orthopedics. I could picture the three-dimensional aspects of things. ... Hypertension, diabetes - all that stuff was nebulous. I had to work with my hands. You're sculpting when you're cutting bones to fit the prosthesis. You have to shape them just right.''

The same attention to detail has gone into the sculpture of Mr. Guy, down to the creases in his palms, the texture of the football uniform's socks (created with the serrated edge of a butter knife), the Raiders insignia on his helmet, the cleats on the bottom of his uplifted shoe, the musculature in his outstretched arms. The number ``8'' stands out in relief on the sleeves of the uniform, and the jersey and pants fall into folds where the body bends - intricate detail for a figure only a foot high.

Dr. Savage worked with photos to create the clay sculpture. It will be cast using the ``lost wax'' method - a rubber mold will be made of the sculpture, and a wax replica will be made from the mold. A ceramic mold will be made from the wax replica - which will melt away during the firing process. The ceramic mold will then be used to create the bronze sculptures for the award each year.

Ray Guy Award

What: Award honoring the country's top collegiate punter. Criteria include total average yards per kick, net average yards per kick, number of times ball downed or out of bounds inside opponents' 20-yard line

When: First presentation by the Greater Augusta Sports Council will be Tuesday, Dec. 12

Statue stats

Artist: Orthopedic surgeon John Savage Jr.

Sculpting time: Four weeks

Height: 16 inches

Cost of casting: about $2,500

Ray Guy's career

Led the NCAA in punting in 1972 at Southern Mississippi

Played for the Oakland Raiders 1973-1986

Career average: 42.4 yards per kick

Punted 619 times without a block

Six straight Pro Bowl appearances (seven total)

Played on teams that won Super Bowl titles in 1977, 1981 and 1994

Named to the National Football League's all-time Super Bowl Dream Team

Co-founder of the Ray Guy Kicking Academy, based in Kentucky

 

[Angel]

Rich Gannon's anagram is "non chagrin"

ahaha AP

 

[Angry Pope]

Gannon is running a football camp for kids...his telephone number is at the bottom...

Numbers up for Bartrum and Brown Camp

By Anthony Hanshew
The Herald-Dispatch


HUNTINGTON -- Next weekend's Bartrum and Brown Football Camp is sizing up to produce unprecedented success.

By pre-registration figures, this year's camp is merely 700 percent ahead of normal totals. According to officials, less than 40 campers normally pre-register. As of Wednesday, 230 kids had pre-registered for the May 20 camp at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.



In addition, sponsorships for the May 21 Bartrum-Brown Celebrity Golf Classic are sold out.

"We're way ahead in every category," said Rich Gannon, vice president of the camp. "The corporate input has been great and everybody's getting involved."

Deadline for the discounted $30 pre-registration fee has passed, but $40 registrations are being accepted. According to Gannon, children from numerous states, including Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana and Virginia are expected to attend.

Headlining the camps (one for grades first through seventh and another for grades eighth through 12th) is a healthy roster of former Marshall University standouts and current NFL players.

Among those confirmed are New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington, Tampa Bay Buccaneers center John Wade, Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch of the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts linebacker John Goddard, along with former Thundering Herd players Doug Chapman, Andre O'Neal and Josh Davis. Former WVU running backs Quincy Wilson (now with the Cincinnati Bengals) and Kay Jay Harris (Miami Dolphins) also are confirmed. They'll be joined by camp founders Troy Brown of the Patriots and Mike Bartrum of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Heading the list of "maybes" are Oakland Raiders wideout Randy Moss, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Byron Leftwich and Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel.

The camp for grades first through seventh will be conducted from 8:30 a.m. to noon, with the camp for grades eighth through 12th running from
1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Activities continue May 20 with an auction beginning at 6 p.m. at Radisson Hotel Huntington. Items include autographed jerseys and/or memorabilia from a Who's Who of the sporting world, including Moss, Lebron James, Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Peyton Manning, Fred Biletnikoff, Vijay Singh, Roger Staubach and Pete Rose. Admission to the auction costs $35.

Bartrum and Brown weekend concludes May 21 with the golf outing at Esquire County Club.

Proceeds from all events benefit youth programs and charities in Huntington and Pomeroy, Ohio (Bartrum's offseason residence) and Marshall's football program. Thundering Herd football received $10,000 from last season's camp and a significant spike is expected.

"If it's as big as we anticipate, we expect to at least double that amount," Gannon said.

For information, visit www.bartrumandbrown or call Gannon (304-697-5640), Mike Chancey (740-992-2158) or Steve Morris (304-528-6415).