The NFL Thread (with added College Football)

[Rudy Can't Fail]

My Aussie cousin has a trail next week in Miami as part of the Michael Husted Kicking School. Apparently he's an excellent 'punter' and his coaches have put him forward to see if any NFL teams are interested. Strange thing is, he's never played that much American Football. Can anybody explain?

If you're a punter then you just kick the ball out of your hands, as in Rugby League where on the 6th down you'd usually kick to the opposition. You're usually aiming to kick it so it either goes out of bounds at the sidelines, or be caught far back, preferrably in the 20 yard zone.

You don't really need to play in American Football for this, as you won't usually be touched by the opposition, or be asked to run or throw the ball yourself.

Well after two days trail he's been invited back for the final day. Apparently there are former NFL players there trying to get a contract. One asked my cousin how long he'd been playing and apparently he was left speechless when cousin replied "Eleven weeks".

[UK Redsox]

Wes Welker has left the Patriots to sign a two year deal with the Broncos

[usav]

Wes Welker has left the Patriots to sign a two year deal with the Broncos

Glad he's gone from the Pats, but the Broncos clearly loading up for a Superbowl run this year, which could be Peyton's last chance.

[cdbearsfan]

No more Brian Urlacher in Chicago. The end of an era.

[UK Redsox]

Ed Reed's also left the Ravens

[UK Redsox]

Pat Summerall, dead at 82

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9179704/legendary-broadcaster-pat-summerall-dies-82-ofcardiac-arrest

[ADVILLAFAN]

Just a week until the start of the draft.

The experts have all gone for different people for Da Bears first draft pick. Have to say I hope we don't pick Tyler Eifert, as we've already bought one tight-end to catch the ball, using another one for a first round pick seems like a waste.

[cdbearsfan]

We'll either trade down or go for a linebacker with our first pick. I don't think it will be the Phantom Girlfriend Killer though, contrary to some rumours. 

He'll go to Minnesota I reckon.

[UK Redsox]

There's some great names in US sport, but this year's NFL Draft features the best ever...... ever !

Tipped to go in the first round..... I give you.........   Barkevious Mingo !!

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2013/profiles/barkevious-mingo?id=2540140

[Dave Cooper please]

Isn't there a British discus thrower in the draft this year? Okoye or something, sure I read about it in The Grauniad.

[ADVILLAFAN]

Isn't there a British discus thrower in the draft this year? Okoye or something, sure I read about it in The Grauniad.

There is indeed. He's supposed to go in the draft. Think he'll be a defensive end.

[ADVILLAFAN]

I think the schedules for the NFL are out today - well I have the schedule for who Da Bears are playing anyway.

[UK Redsox]

I think the schedules for the NFL are out today - well I have the schedule for who Da Bears are playing anyway.

Talking of schedules...............

Rex Ryan acts like a jerk over MLB and the Baltimore Orioles not bending over to be shafted by the NFL

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/jets/2013/04/rex-ryan-rants-against-baltimore-orioles-over-season-opener

[Dave Cooper please]

What stands out in that article is that he calls his team the "World Champions". Who did they play in the rest of the World then?

[UK Redsox]

What stands out in that article is that he calls his team the "World Champions". Who did they play in the rest of the World then?

Ryan is coach of the Jets not the Ravens, but I get your point.

Please remember that the fact that the NFL and MLB winners are called "World Champions" is not because of some sponsorship deal (that's a debunked urban myth) but because Americans ARE that arrogant.