Now, I know that I will get some slack from my NFC fans for this blog. But I hate to say, but it's true. The AFC has been dominate of the NFC for almost a decade. And while the NFC has star power to take the crown back, I don't see the powers shifting immediately. In 2009, the AFC conference will continue to be THE conference to beat. Here are the reasons why:


1. Top Tier QB Class


When you have Manning, Brady, Rivers and Roethlisberger (yes, even Big Ben) in your conference, then this is almost unfair. Just think, in 2008, Jay Cutler was also listed in this group before being traded to the Bears. Scary. Now, I know the NFC doesn't have slouches for QBs either. Brees, McNabb, Warner and Rodgers are all good too. But anytime you have a team that brings a geriatric old guy who has retired a bunch of times, comes back every year, and even may not be 100% because of a tear in his shoulder become a SB darling, then something is wrong with this picture.

2. More Depth at WR


Okay, I blame T.O. to Buffalo for this. Now, this is just an opinion of mine, so you NFCers, please don't get your panties, thongs and boxer briefs in a bunch. Sure, we know the NFC has more explosive WRs on their roster. We know that Fitzgerald, Boldin, Steve Smith and Calvin Johnson run the show. But the AFC has more consistency, not necessarily star power, in their WR corps. Andre Johnson led the league in receptions and yards in 2008 but never gets talked about. Sure he's on a team that's not on a lot of folk's radar, but he's one of the best in the league right now. Add Randy Moss, Reggie Wayne and Brandon Marshall to the mix and they can compete with the NFC in star power. But the depth that WR, the middle tier WRs, are the ones that catch my eye. The AFC has more players that aren't superstars, but are very important to their teams. The likes of Wes Welker, Vincent Jackson, and Lee Evans show that the AFC is stacked with playmakers. And I can't finish this point without mentioning Chad Ochocinco. Last year was a slow one, but you can never count him out.


3. Better Defenses

This is no disrespect to the Eagles, Giants, Vikings, or anyone else that was a Top 10 defense from the NFC last year. But I think it was clear- The AFC had the nastiest defenses.

Okay, if you want, I'll take it one step further... Pittsburgh + Baltimore's D>>>>> The rest of the Top 10 D.


Now, I have to give props to Minnesota for having the #1 overall rushing D in 2008. But Minnesota slid all the way down to 18th in passing defense. That's a huge drop off. The Ravens and Steelers were Top 3 in both rushing, passing and points per game. Every year these two teams duke it out for top defensive honors. You can't speak about defense and NOT bring up both teams. If you do, you are a bonafide hater and live in a bubble.

If you are a Fantasy Football lover, you know you struck gold if you had either defenses on your roster. Until an NFC team can come in and consistently be a Top 3 defense, you have to give the AFC the top defense spot for these 2 teams alone.

4. Conference Record Says So

The AFC has beaten the NFC for inter-conference play pretty much the entire decade. Not including the Rams win in 2000 (since, technically, they were a 1999 team), the AFC has beaten the NFC in the Super Bowl all but 2 times this decade, with two AFC teams going multiple times to the big game (New England, 4 times and 3 wins; Pittsburgh, 2 times and 2 wins). At the end of the day, everyone plays for a trip to the Super Bowl, and the AFC has dominated hoisting the Lombardi trophy in the new millennium. The NFC had the same power during the 90's, when the AFC only won twice, during the end of the decade (the Broncos won back-to-back for the '97 and '98 seasons), but the power has certainly shifted

We all know the NFL is a parity league. With rising stars such as Matt Ryan, Adrian Peterson and Patrick Willis, the NFC could easily be on a run to shift the dominance back to the NFC. But as of right now, the AFC holds tight to the title of best conference. They have more top tier QBs, defenses and depth at the skilled positions. As of right now the SB wins amongst conferences is almost dead even, with the NFC having 22 wins over the AFC's 21. We'll find out soon enough if the NFC can finally take back the bragging rights of "Best Conference".

But look out, NFC. The AFC is contending to tie, pass and run away with the title.

This week, ESPN's Cris Carter spoke out regarding Plaxico Burress and his E:60 interview, which airs in its entirety tonight at 7pm. Carter talks about the lack of remorse Burress shows and how the sports world praised him for his athletic ability as early as childhood, which possibly led up to the bad decisions plax has made in the past.

Cris Carter and I tend to have the same thought process, and this video is an extension of both of us having almost identical ways of thinking. I really haven't spoke on the Burress situation, mainly because everyone else in the sports world has, but I think Carter is dead-on in this segment. Plax didn't take his job seriously, and his larger-than-life personality led up to the events that now has Burress ready to serve a 2-year sentence.

Whether you agree with the sentence or not, I think most of us can agree that his decision making was poor and was "smelling himself" when it came to what he had to do as a WR on a professional football team.

Once again, Carter and I are on the same page. I couldn't agree with him more. And I'm glad someone isn't biting their tongue about it.

If you read my blog, then you already know that I love me some Philip Rivers. I try to sneak his name in just about every NFL conversation I can. I dunno why, but I have a thing for hill billy QBs that are tough and love to play. Brett Favre used to be my one and only until he wore out his welcome. But once I noticed River's QB play, he slowly started to steal a piece of my football heart.

So when I saw on the NFL Network that Rivers signed a contract extension, I figured, why not honor him with his own blog entry. He earned it.

According to sources, Rivers' contract is a six-year extension, worth $93 million, $38 mil of it guaranteed.

After Eli Manning broke the bank just recently, it was only a matter of time before Rivers, who was in the final year of his contract, get his due. This guy doesn't get enough credit for what he brings on the field.

Since taking over the starting job in 2006, Rivers overall record is 36-18. He has taken his team to the playoffs in each season since 2006, including an appearance in the AFC Championship in 2007. Last season, Rivers led the league in QB rating (105.5) and TDs (34).

What I love the most about Rivers is his toughness. Rivers played with a torn ACL during the 2007 AFCC game, in which they lost to the then-undefeated New England Patriots.

While he's the only on out of the 2004 1st round QBs to NOT have a SB ring (disclaimer: I know JP Losman was drafted in '04, but that loser doesn't count), I believe that Rivers is still young and in time, can take his team and win a Super Bowl.

Congrats to you, my hill billy sweetykins! Maybe this year, you'll finally be known as the elite QB you are.

ESPN's Jemele Hill recently did an interview with former Lions WR Charles Rogers. Hill talks to Rogers on certain topics, such as the rise and fall of his NFL career, his drug abuse and what he's currently been doing to better his life.

Hill (who looks great, by-the-way) does a great job of attacking Rogers with the questions the public wanted to know. At times, Rogers hesitates before answering a few questions, and even beats around the bush on occasion (i.e. when Hill asked Rogers did he smoke weed first thing each morning), but eventually answered the questions at hand. Hill also talks to former Lions GM Matt Millen about his decision to pick Rogers #2 overall in the 2003 draft.

Back in the spring, I did a blog about the biggest draft busts since 2000, and Rogers was my #1 pick. Never did I see a guy with so much talent and potential take such a nose dive in his career as Rogers. The 28 year old father of 7 would like a chance at redemption and play again in the NFL. Now, if Brett Favre can un-retire 3 times in as many years then anything is possible. But I'm not so sure Rogers will be looked at as anything more than a liability.

Check out the story. Again, kudos to Jemele Hill for this story. Very interesting. As for Rogers... well, the UFL may be a better place to start on the road to redemption.

The Raiders need to find a new slogan. Long gone are the days of "Commitment To Excellence", and now are the days of "Dysfunctional Family". Where do we begin? Let's start with the most recent event that has come to light.

News reports recently came out that Raiders head coach Tom Cable punched defensive assistant Randy Hanson, after Hanson allegedly used vulgar language towards defensive coordinator John Marshall. Since the initial report, Cable has come out and said that he did not punch Hanson, that he simply flipped Hanson out of his chair, causing him to break a facial bone in his cheek.

Anyone see anything wrong with this picture?????

Okay, first off, let me say this. I know training camp is well under way. I know coaches are just as fired up as the players. And I know that emotions can be at an all time high. And maybe if this happened to another team, we would look at it, talk about, and then move on. But it didn't. It happened to the Oakland Raiders.

Now, we all know that Al Davis is a character, to say the least. But at one point, the Raiders were one of the NFL's elite franchises. Maybe it's old age, but as time goes by, the Raiders got weirder and more dysfunctional. Since 2002, the Raiders have done the following:

-They have had a record of 24-72, one of the worst records in the league during that span.

-They traded head coach Jon Gruden, who took the team to the playoffs in consecutive years, to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who eventually beat the Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII, by a blowout score of 48-21

-Davis had an awful divorce with head coach Lane Kiffin, even calling Kiffin a liar. Who could forget that press conference. Like to see it?? Here it goes



-They have had 5 head coaching changes, including Kiffin, Bill Callahan and Art Shell

-Davis signed CB Nnamdi Asomugha to a $45.3 million, three-year contract, that's more than most starting QB's currently make.

-Considered a high 2nd round pick, Davis drafted former Maryland WR Darrius Heyward-Bey with the 7th overall pick, drafting him over more proven receives such as Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin

The Raiders have made some strides in improving the team. This offseason, they signed free agent QB Jeff Garcia, to compete with JaMarcus Russell for the starting position. And with a healthy Darren McFadden, Oakland could have one of the most talented backfields, with McFadden, Michael Bush and Justin Fargas.


Unless something changes, the Raiders will continue to be labeled one of the most dysfunctional teams in the NFL. They definitely have talent to make them competitive, but the consistency starts with the ownership. In order for the Raiders to be a force again, Davis needs to rely on more than just speed in terms of drafting players and signing free agents. Second, bringing in a great coaching staff will help with the development of the young players. Now, I'm not saying Cable isn't it, but this recent situation doesn't help his case, either. Being stable at the coaching position is crucial to a good organization. And finally, hire some consultants and actually LISTEN to their ideas and what they have to say. Al Davis has to allow people to assist him in running a first class organization. All of the successful organizations such as New England, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis all have people who have duties in making the team better.

Raiders fans are more than ready to get back to the days of "Just Win Baby". If Davis doesn't right this ship soon.... well, let's just say, this situation won't be pretty.

Baltimore's beloved Ray Lewis was recently featured on ESPN's Sunday Conversation with Sal Paolantonio. Ray was questioned about his defensive coordinator changes, whether he REALLY thought about leaving Baltimore (he says, "Heck no" and laughs), Joe Flacco, and the death of Steve McNair.

Two petty things I noticed in this interview. The first thing I noticed, was that ugly silver bullet looking vest he has on. The second, is Ray when says, "Child Please", the term used often by Chad Ochocinco, which I can't stand. That's Ocho's saying, find your own, Ray. But other than that, as usual, Ray gives a great interview. This is a must see for Ravens and Ray Lewis fans alike.

If you've missed the breaking news in the NFL, Michael Vick finally has found a home. Vick agreed to sign a 2 year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, going to his first team since being released from prison. The first year of the deal, Vick will make $1.5 million with a 2nd year option at $5.2 million.

Most people are surprised by the Vick-to-Eagles signing, but I'm not. Vick is not a threat to take McNabb's job, in my opinion. Backup QB Kevin Kolb just went down with a strained knee ligament earlier this week. So Vick could be backing up McNabb, at least until Kolb returns.

For the most part, I think we can all agree that Vick will be a great wildcat player. Philly is stacked with offensive weapons and Vick only enhances that roster. Vick has previously played in a West Coast offense, so it should take little time for him to learn the playbook.

This Sunday Vick will be on 60 Minutes in an exclusive interview with James Brown. I'm glad Vick is getting a second chance and putting his past behind him. Hopefully this interview will allow him to speak once and for all about his experience, so he can have closure so folks can move on and just let the man do what he does best... play football.

Here is a sneak peak of the interview on Sunday. This will be a good one, I suggest everyone check it out.



Petty Sidenote: I'd love to see the PETA people come to Philly and protest. Philly fans don't play, they protect their own, and PETA doesn't know what's gonna hit them if they do. They better stay away



In other NFL News, Browns WR Donte Stallworth has been suspended for the 2009 season, from his fatal accident which killed a pedestrian earlier this year.

While some people think that Stallworth's sentence is too harsh, personally I have no real issue with it. Stallworth needs to thank God that he's not sitting in jail for that long. A DUI is a serious offense, and killing a pedestrian while under the influence is even worse. But even with that said, I feel for him, because I can't imagine playing a roll in the death of a person.

In an E:60 interview, Stallworth talks about the night of the accident, what led up to the it and how it affects him to the day. It was a very good interview and I thought he was pretty sincere when say he still thinks about it. Here's a snippet of the interview with ESPN's Michael Smith:



The show aired earlier this week, so check your local listing for the re-run. I hope this is the time to reflect and to learn how to move on for Stallworth. I fully expect him to be ready and motivated as ever next year. The Browns could really use him this year, but since most folks think the Browns will suck anyway, he can save it all for next season, when (hopefully), the Browns start to turn it around.

Today is the day that football is officially back! Preseason starts today and I'm so excited, I'm about to lose my mind!!!!

I have so many friends that love football. I mean, LOVE it! But some of them never had the opportunity to go to a stadium and see a game live. So I figured, why not help the virgin fan have a great game day experience? Why not start... now?!

I've been to many a game in my lifetime. Some at my home stadium (which happens to be M&T Bank Stadium, one of the loudest places to play), and some away. But I definitely learned that going to a game is a world of difference away than sitting on your couch at home, or watching it at a bar.

So, I decided to come up with football stadium etiquette. So once you guys and gals finally get to see your favorite team up close and personal, you'll fit in just fine

Etiquette #1- Tailgate, Tailgate, Tailgate!!!


Tailgating is hella fun, especially if you love to party. Most fans go to the stadium at least 3 hours before kickoff, have their food on the grill, their cold beer (or hard liquor) flowing, and music blasting. It's a block party outside, except it's under any weather circumstance. I usually go to the stadium about 2 hours prior to the game, without knowing anyone who actually tailgates, and starting mustering up convos with people. After about 10 minutes, they're asking you, "Do you want a plate?" or, "Want a cold one?" and I happily say, "SURE!! Thanks!". You meet new people, whether they root for your team, or against them, and just have a blast. I recommend this for everyone to do at least one time, go to the game early and tailgate. You will be hooked like Pookie was addicted to crack on New Jack City

Etiquette #2- Eat and Drank Before You Get There


If you aren't going to tailgate, then this is the next best thing for you to do. Spending money at a stadium is pointless. It's like throwing money away. If you're a functional glutton or alcoholic, then this is NOT the place for your wallet. A personal pizza and 3 beers is about $50 easily.

Find a bar or lounge around the stadium's perimeter before the game. They usually have kickoff specials on appetizers and certain types of beer. For $20, you can order some buffalo wangs (yes, WANGS!) and 3 beers. And it'll hold you for the entire time during the game (unless 3 beers does NOTHING for you). But this is a recession, spending $50 just cause isn't like it was 3 years ago. Spend your money wisely people.


Etiquette #3- Take plenty of pics of your experience.

From the crazy fan that is WAY too pressed to show his team spirit, to the murals, pictures and statues at the stadium.

Unless you are a season ticket holder or an away game traveler, who knows if this will be your last game. And even if it isn't, it's a great thing to look back on, and show family/friends your experience. I take pics at every stadium I go to. It's great to walk down memory road.


Etiquette #4- Get in your seat about 20 mins before kickoff.

Most teams have introductions that they go thru before kickoff.

Some are really good and entertaining, it gets you fired up and ready for football. Some kinda suck, but if you're a guy, then there may be some busty cheerleaders to look at. Either way, the intros are usually really cool. Something I think everyone should see.

Etiquette #5- Sitchoazz down when needed.

Now, as a Ravens fan, we know the game of football *pops collar*. We know when to stand, when to yell, when to sit.... kinda hard to explain, we just know what to do and when to do it. If you are confused, just follow suit. Please don't be the fan that, when the offense needs us to be quiet and calm, you're yelling and standing the entire time. I can almost guarantee that someone (presumably drunk) will look at you like so

and then curse you out and possibly start a fight with you. You don't want to go out like that. Sitchoazz down!

Etiquette #6- Be respectful, if you are the fan of the opponent.

Football is supposed to be a fun event, but you do find people that take the game a little more serious than they should. Let me tell you, I've heard plenty of stories and seen plenty of fights, all because someone was acting a fool. Here's the thing, it's cool to go to an away game and root for your team on the road. But don't go in hostile territory, showboat or bragging. It will NOT... I repeat... W-I-L-L N-O-T ... end pretty.

I've seen an opposing fan get his face bashed in, I've heard stories of beer getting spilled on them, objects being thrown at them, and ladies flashing their boobs in front of small children, all in the name of defending their home ground. Cheer your team on, but don't come in talking about, "We're gonna kick your azz!!!" or, "That's why we stomped you last year in your house!", YOU'RE gonna get stomped in their house if you don't shut up. Usually home fans pick on opposing fans in a good spirited way... but saying the wrong thing will make it turn ugly quick. Remember, you're in their house. And don't look for security to help you out either. They're usually fans of the home team so it may take a while to respond to your azz whupping.


There you have it Guys and Gals. If you follow by these rules, you will have the best time ever! If you don't... you'll probably have a good time still (unless you ignore my last rule, then you'll be in the hospital). But enjoy your experience like it's your first and last. Football is back, life can't get any better than this.

Pigskin Loving Lady shows us SI's new cover with Redskins QB Jason Campbell on the cover. Is this the year Campbell shows the haters that he's worth a 1st round pick??? Only time will tell but check out the cover.

MKRob shows us which 1st rounders from this year's NFL Draft have gone to the bank already with new contracts, and those still waiting for their money to roll in. Find out if your favorite player has been signed already (unless you like Crabtree the Diva).

Mind Pinball has a new home. Wanna know where that is?? Click here to find out.

Ravens Gab ponders if Ravens DT Haloti Ngata is next up to bat for a big contract. Find out what the word on the street is regarding the one of the cornerstones on the Ravens D.

What Does Ray Lewis and Hines Ward have in common??/ According to Ed The Sports Fan, they are the NFL's Natural Born Killaz. Want to know what makes a player a NBK or who else is on the list?? Check his blog out to find out more.

The AFL is officially over??? Say it ain't so!! Looks like it's a reality and Sistah Sports discusses the demise of the struggling league. Looks like football fans will be finding something else to watch during the off season.

What did Rod Woodson tell ESPN's AFC North blogger James Walker about Ed Reed?? Go to The City That Reeds and find out what the Hall-Of-Famer said about the Ravens safety

Well, looky looky here!!!!


So Snoop Dogg, AKA Snoop Doggy Dogg, AKA Snoop D-O-double-Gizzle was in Westminster for the Ravens morning practice, by a special invitation from Ray Lewis.

Snoop was in town for his Blazed and Confused Tour which was nearby in Columbia. He came to check out Ravens practice, cheering on players and even the Ravens offense, who played well today against the defense.

Mr. Doggy Dogg, a well known Steelers fan, was having fun with the players and coaches, joining in their huddle and chanting Ray's known moniker, "Any dogs in the house" "woof, woof, woof"

But the most noticeable thing about today's appearance was..... he had on a Ravens floppy hat and no black and gold was anywhere in site. Could Snoop be walking to the the other side???

I doubt it!

But Snoop was enjoying his time at Ravens training camp today, doing interviews with Ray, doing ladder drills with Frank Walker (although if I could be quite frank,I wonder if he was C walking instead) and just hanging out.



I'm a huge fan of Snoop. I've always loved his music and he reminds me of when hip hop was at it prime (another topic for another day LOL), but I love my squad far more than Mr. Gizzle. He's coming to unfamiliar territory, and one has to ponder if he's taking notes to send to his friends over there in Latrobe. Oh, c'mon, I know I'm not the only one who thought about this.


The good thing is, Snoop loves more players in purple and black than just Ray Ray. When asked who his second fave player was, he said the following:

"Ed Rizzle does the crazy fah-shizzle on the football fizzle, ya dizzle."

As you guys and gals know, I love me some Twitter. It's one of the best inventions since white sliced bread as far as I'm concerned. With twitter you can read folks thoughts and interact with your fave celebs/ athletes, while getting the latest breaking news, all rolled in one.

But with the growing popularity of Twitter, comes the Twitter haters. There are some that have taken certain steps to show that they don't like the intimate tweets made regarding... anything.

Case in point #1- Antonio Cromartie Fined


The Chargers CB was recently fined $2500 for tweeting about "nasty food" at the Chargers facility during training camp.


Come on now..... How many times have you had a potluck or even have a cafeteria at work and came across some food that was down right disgusting??? When you talk to your friends at the end of the day, you say to them, "Man... today I had some food that was nasty as hell..." and continue to tell the story. What Cromartie did was no different. He was speaking his mind.

Now, I follow Cromartie (click here to add him to your follow list), and he doesn't say off the wall things often, so you know he's upset at this point. Hell, I know I would. Because of his fine, last night Cromartie tweeted this after a practice:

"man we had a grt practice 2day The defense flow around we made a lot of plays every1 knows I have 2 watch wht i say now cause i got fined"

Every year I head out to McDaniel College in Westminster, MD to the Ravens Training Camp. This year was no different... except usually I go to the afternoon session. This year I decided to mix it up a bit.

So, I get myself, my son and his football buddy up at 6am Saturday morning to get dressed and ready to take the 35 min drive. The 1st session doesn't start until 8:45, but we get there at 7:55. It's early, to say the least.

As we are pulling into the parking lot, right in front of us is this vintage looking car that was decked in Raven Purple with Ravens decals throughout the car. It was a beauty.


The middle aged guy hopped of his classic, straightened his Ravens clad outfit, and moved to the side so that people, like myself, can take pics of his awesome looking car. My son and his friend were in awe for about 3 seconds before they were ready to move to their next venture.

So as we head near the field, we are welcomed by the "Training Camp" sign... ahhhh...

I was getting excited just by seeing it. Just a reminder that football is officially on its way and my Sundays will go back to normal again.

As soon as we realize that the morning session hadn't started yet, my son (who I will affectionately call "the boy" from here, on out) and his buddy wants to head back to the Ravenstown Fan Zone, where kids can participate in the interactive games, such as the Football Skills Instruction, QB Armchair Challenge and practice kicking field goals. Needless to say, the boy and his buddy where there the ENTIRE time. Not once did they come out of that area to watch practice, at least not until the end.

So I head over and sat in the VIP section to watch the practice (shout out to Ravens Security, I love my guys!). The area is on the 50 yard line and while it's not velvet rope treatment, it's never crowded and is a sitting area for friends and family of players and staff. Of course you know I'm totally awesome and the Ravens realize that too, so they looked out for me on Saturday.

So on the field my eyes go. I watched the morning practice minus the kids. A few things I learned while watching the practice:

1. Ray Rice is gonna be a BEAST this season. He was a force the entire time during practice. I don't remember him having much of a spin move last season, but he did it a few times yesterday and I was extremely impressed by how quick and strong he is. Fantasy players, I think you will be very pleased if you pick him up in your draft. He's a gem to this team. McGahee who??

2. The long ball seemed to be the focus for all 3 QB's in yesterday's practice. It seemed like every time the deep ball was thrown, the defense was ready and the receiver was double covered. At one point, Flacco threw an INT to S Dawan Landry and seemed to be pretty pissed off at himself afterward. But Flacco did have some good passes, like a 44-yard completion to Demetrius Williams. Overall, he was just okay. Troy Smith was alright well. Both QB's made throws that would make you go, "Hmmmm...." but I'm not tripping, it's training camp. Mess up now, but when Sept. 13th gets here, it needs to be fixed.

3. The little bit I saw from newly signed rookie Michael Oher, I liked a lot. He is definitely a talent and if he gets better, then the Ravens O-Line can very well become one of the best in the league, without question. He is very elusive. I love the upside he comes with.

4. Though he had on a red mesh jersey, Ed Reed still participated in full practice. His body language did look out-of-sync to me. But then again, I have no idea what it's like playing with a nerve impingement. I just hope nothing happens to him in training camp. Y'all know how I feel about Reed. Let something happen to him and see how I react.


5. Little kids are just as excited about football than grown ups. The cutest group of young kids sat in front of us on the ground, watching practice. All were no older than 5, and they were so excited it put a smile on everyone's face. One child said, "Hi Flacco!! Go Flacco, Go!", while another child screamed, "LOOK! There's Ray Lewis!!! That's Ray-Ray!!" It was so adorable

On my way back to the Fan Zone to check on the boys, I ran into the legendary "Fan Man".

This guy is very known around the area. He is always shown on camera during Ravens games. In addition to his "face" being known, so is his Purple Bus, one that he rides and tailgates during football season.

The guy is super nice, and his ride is too cool.... or corny, depending on how you look at it.

I get the boys up and we get ready to get in the Ravens Rookies line, an area where they let children go to get players autographs, away from the adults. It's a great idea really, some of these grown folks will straight up run you over to get a souvenir signed. They go over with their items and pens and were ready to.

Overall, they were pretty pleased with their autographs. Anytime you can get Ray Lewis' autograph, it's a good day.

The boy got mad when Flacco missed him and didn't sign his helmet, but all of that was a distant memory 5 mins later when WR Mark Clayton came over and gave the boy his towel (why he would want it, is beyond me. I think it's really gross to have a stinky, sweaty towel. But he was happy so I was happy).

The boy was so ecstatic, in fact, that he tried to bring the towel with him inside Bob Evans Restaurant after we left. Ummm... excuse me... but put that sweaty azz towel down!

Overall, it was a great day. The sun was shining, the fans were cheering and, as usual, I fully enjoyed myself. I suggest every fan to go to a training camp of their favorite team, especially if you have children. It's an experience to remember. It's the most intimate way to see your favorite players for free and get autographs and up-close pics in the process.

I'm sure I'll be back next week. The boy is on a mission for that Flacco autograph.


Flacco and Co:


Matt Birk in the "other" purple uni. Welcome to Baltimore!