Former NFL QB Quincy Carter seems to have run out of chances as he was cut by an IFL team

As the salacious news regarding the shocking death of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair continues to roll-in, another former NFL quarterback was in the news for the wrong reasons. Former Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets quarterback Quincy Carter was cut by the Abilene Ruff Riders (Intense Football League – IFL) on Monday.  Carter, once a rising prospect with Cowboys after being a 2^nd round selection in 2001, phoned the minor league team just four hours before Saturday’s (July 4^th) game against the Odessa Roughnecks saying he would be unable to play and having no other excuse. 

Playing in the IFL was Carter’s latest attempt at redeeming his reeling football career that has been sidetracked by substance abuse and run-ins with the law.  However after his latest AWOL fiasco, even the small-stage Ruff Riders had enough of Carter Country.  You cannot blame the Abilene franchise as they had previously swept two other incidents aside after signing the former Cowboys starter as a gate attraction.  The Ruff Riders had to deal with Carter being arrested in February 2009 on drunken driving and marijuana possession charges and then again in May 2009 for a probation violation. 

Hard to believe just one year ago Carter looked to be on reclamation road after his former head coach Bill Parcells gave him a brief tryout with the Miami Dolphins of the NFL in August 2008.  Unfortunately the Dolphins decided not to sign Carter, as everyone including the rest of the team’s management staff, knew the Dolphins Head Executive was just doing a favor for one of his former “soft spot” players.  Under the Tuna, the former University of Georgia star quarterback had led the Cowboys to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth in 2003 before he was released by the team in training camp 2004 amidst rumors of substance abuse.  After a brief season-ending three-game starting stint with the Jets in 2004, it seems everywhere Carter, 31, has turned to jumpstart his career has led to another burnt bridge – surprisingly left the NFL with an 18-16 record as a starter.

Carter has probably run-out of options in football as he now has the distinction of being cut by teams in the NFL, CFL (Montreal Allouettes), AFL (Kansas City Brigade), AF2 (Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings) and IFL.  Hopefully Carter will be able to finally pulled himself together on and off the field before he is another sportsticker story.  Maybe the United Football League (UFL) will give him a shot, but Carter seems to need much more help than having an unexcused absence for a game.

 Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

Everyone around the NFL was shocked to learn of the shooting death of former NFL quarterback Steve McNair

The Fourth of July around the United States is supposed to be a day of celebration, but this year the entire sports world has a heavy heart on this day as it was learned that former NFL great Steve McNair was found shot to death in Nashville, Tennessee.  The circumstances around McNair’s death  are still forthcoming, but Nashville police spokesman Don Aaron confirmed that authorities were called to a condominium and found McNair, 36,  and a woman shot to death inside.

It is hard to believe little over one year after his retirement that McNair a two-time Pro Bowl player (selected four times) has passed away.  The 13-year career veteran was the 2003 co-MVP and he always played courageously during his career that spanned from the HBCU ranks to the NFL.  Everyone will always talk about McNair and Eddie George leading the Tennessee Titans within 1 yard of winning Super Bowl XXXIV against the Rams, but to me one word ”Warrior” sums up the signal caller.  No matter the injury or opponent, you always knew number #9 was going to give you everything he had for sixty minutes. The hard part of being warrior was sometimes toughness led McNair onto the field of battle when maybe taking a rest was a better option.  Often times McNair was a one-man Mash unit as he played through injuries including a separated shoulder, bruised sternum, broken fingers, broken ribs, ankle sprains, and many others to lead his teammates unto the gridiron.

 At the time of his retirement in April 2008, McNair said of his resilient play, “Over 13 years, I had a lot of injuries because I played the game physical, because I gave 110 percent every game”.  In looking back, the nation first got a glimpse of McNair’s greatness at Alcorn State where he followed in his older brother Fred’s footsteps earning the nickname “Air McNair”.  He was a unanimous All-American while putting the small HBCU school on the map and causing such a national sensation that ESPN scrambled to show his games on television.  McNair finished his stellar college career gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated and finishing 3rd in 1994 Heisman Balloting – still is the highest finish in the competition by a 1-AA player.  Air McNair didn’t leave ASU empty handed as he established NCAA records with 16,823 yards in total offense (14,496 yards passing and 2,327 yards rushing) and averaged an incredible 400.55 yards in total offense per game. 

McNair then took his game to the NFL, where some doubters questioned his selection as the third overall pick in the 1995 NFL Draft by the now defunct Houston Oilers.  Early in his career, Air McNair was stuck on the runway for his first couple years in the league as the Oilers wanted him to learn behind Chris Chandler – how crazy does that sound.  But McNair had his breakout season in 1998 leading the newly relocated Titans, starting 16 games and setting then career highs in attempts (492), completions (289), yards (3,228), and passing touchdowns (15). He went on to lead his team to the playoffs ten times finishing with a respectable 5-5 record and winning the aforementioned 2003 NFL Co-MVP award sharing the honor with Peyton Manning.  But it is McNair’s toughness that will be everlasting, highlighted by the season-ending stretch in 2002.  During that stretch McNair cemented his tougher than nails warrior image by starting five straight games to end the season and leading the Titans to the AFC championship game without practicing due to injury.

In the coming days people around the water cooler will spin yarns about the play of McNair and mourn him.  I am sure the uneasy and unnecessary debate over whether his career was Hall of Fame worthy will also come into play. To me the “Warrior” does deserve to get a look by the selection committee as he had the gumption and numbers including six 3,000 yards passing seasons on his outstanding resume. While bridging the gap between Randall Cunningham and today’s athletic quarterbacks, McNair’s career numbers were impressive with 161 games played, a regular season record of 91-62 as a starter, passing numbers of  2733 for 4544 (60.1 %), 31304 yards with 174 TDs and 119 INTs plus an additional 3590 yards rushing (5th all-time rushing for quarterbacks) and 37 touchdowns. 

I believe McNair’s greatest contribution to the game of football was showing how leadership can take many forms.  As a younger quarterback he was able to use his legs to get wins and then later in his career he matured into a winning pocket passer.  I know his legacy will live-on in his many beloved fans and teammates.  Former Ravens’ teammate Ray Lewis said it all about his comrade when he retired last year, “There is no greater warrior or player with a bigger heart than Steve McNair”.

Titans owner Bud Adams said in a statement of his former star player, “We are saddened and shocked to hear the news of Steve McNair’s passing today, he was one of the finest players to play for our organization and one of the most beloved players by our fans. He played with unquestioned heart and leadership and led us to places that we had never reached, including our only Super Bowl.”

Rest In Peace Warrior and we will never forget you.

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

From June 28 – July 1 over 250 players selected in the 2009 NFL Draft attended the league’s Rookie Symposium in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The symposium is the yearly NFL freshman orientation basic skills seminar that tells the players all of the Do’s and Don’ts associated to being an NFL player.

Though some younger players may “think” they already know or can learn the ropes from veterans, there is nothing wrong with getting a concentrated dose of learning from the four-day session. Many of the rookies have come into money for the first time in their lives and sure enough like Notorious B.I.G once said, “More Money, More Problems” including family, investments, friends, girlfriends, cars, etc.  Hopefully the players were all ears and took advantage of the many speakers taking time out of their valuable schedules to “school” them on life in America’s #1 sports league. 

Some of the highlights from the Rookie Symposium included:

2008 Super Bowl winning Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin talking in a very frank manner about developing the proper work ethic to stay in the NFL.   Tomlin, who I am a huge fan of, told the rookies in his no-nonsense manner that the “NFL is a Job” that they have to take seriously.

Second year pros New York Jet tight end Dustin Keeler and Atlanta Falcons receiver Harry Douglass, who both attended the 2008 Symposium, talked about dealing with family and close friends.  As we all know some family members want to treat players like ATM’s and then there are the many ticket requests.  Fellow 2^nd year player Rams DE Chris Long, son of Hall of Famer Howie Long, talked about being frugal with your money and not treating your salary like a bottomless pit.

Life Coach Zach Minor had some great real life scenario skits making players act-out probable situations for NFL players.  Minor also dealt with the important topic of “frienemies”, which stands for friends who really your enemies by dragging you down.  I thought Minor’s discussion topic was right on point as every NFL player that has gone through the league’s disciplinary process from Tank Johnson to Michael Vick have all said they needed to surround themselves with “better” people.

The star of the whole symposium was saved for the last day as future Hall of Fame receiver Cris Carter talked openly and honestly about his 16 years as an NFL player including his early career struggles.  Carter came into the in the NFL through the 1987 Supplemental Draft after being kicked out of college for dealings with an agent and quickly developed some bad habits –alcoholism and addiction — that almost ended his career.  Luckily Carter was able to learn after being released by his former head coach Buddy Ryan in Philadelphia that playing in the NFL is a privelege and soon turned himself around on and off the field with the Vikings.  Carter left the game in 2002 with 1101 catches, 13899 yards, and 130 TDs in a career and now has forged a career as an analyst for ESPN.

The 8-time Pro Bowler lectured players about the dangers of making poor life decisions.  “I was here when Ryan Leaf was here. But also I was here when Michael Vick was here. And I sat up here and talked with Plaxico Burress. And Pacman was sitting right there, too. I seen all these kids come through the National Football League and every one of them—I tried to tell them the truth—and every one of them looked at me and said, ‘You know, Cris. It ain’t gonna be me. It ain’t gonna happen to me.’”  Carter even laid the smackdown on a dozing player, reportedly telling the unnamed rookie, “if you don’t want to listen to people who know more than you and who can help you navigate through what lies ahead, odds are you won’t be in the league for long.” It’ll be interesting to see if the player is exposed later on. We’re betting he will be.

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

(Philadelphia, Pa) — With a couple more weeks before NFL training camps open (Cleveland Browns report on July 24^th), I thought a good way to pass the time was to create the Taking It To The House list of the greatest players at each position. 

So let the debating begin and please use the comments area to give props/slights or send us your opinion via email.

Taking It to the House – Top 10 Greatest Quarterbacks

We begin our look at ranking the football’s greatest players by position by looking at the quarterbacks.  No position in football stirs more conversation at the sports bar, barbershop, or anywhere else like talking signal callers.  Quarterback Characteristics of leadership, footwork, grit, accruracy, winning, arm strength, decision-making, mobility and other intangibles all fuel the fires of often heated quarterback debates.

1. Joe Montana – San Francisco 49ers and Kansas Chiefs (HOF)  — Winner of four Super Bowls and the coolest quarterback under pressure in NFL History.  No situation on the football field seemed to frazzle Joe Cool.  Though he didn’t have the strongest arm, his smarts and footwork were a perfect fits for Bill Walsh’s West Coast Offense
2. John Elway – Denver Broncos (HOF) – Even though he did not win the “Big One” until his final two seasons in the NFL, Big John always had a 4^th quarter comeback in him.  Elway had one of the NFL’s greatest arms ever and he was an excellent scramper who either bought time with his legs or ran downfield for positive yardage.
3. Johnny Unitas – Baltimore Colts and San Diego Chargers (HOF) – The greatest old-school thrower of them all.  The flat-top haircut and high top black spikes were only a small part of this miraculous leader who was tough as nails.  Hard to believe that the Steelers cut Unitas in his first shot at the NFL.  Johnny U was a 10-time Pro Bowler, 5-time first-team All-Pro, and led the Colts to championships in 1958, 1959, and 1971 (Super Bowl V)
4. Tom Brady – New England Patriots*  — Despite not playing in 2008 with a knee injury, Brady in a short period of time has already written a Hall of Fame worthy resume including playing in four Super Bowls (winning three).  Tom “Terrific” is not the most athletic passer, but he truly has grit and a winning mentality.  Holds the NFL record of the most touchdowns in a season with 50 TDs in 2007.
5. Otto Graham – Cleveland Browns (AAFC and NFL)  (HOF) – Once billed as the world’s greatest athlete for his prowess on the football field and basketball court (NBA – Rochest Royals), Graham was a big tough quarterback from the 1950’s that won regularly — compiled a 105-17-4 record,.  The Browns great dominated first in the AAFC then the NFL being selected first-team All-Pro seven times  and to five Pro Bowls.  Won titles in 1946 (AAFC), 1947 (AAFC),  1948 (AAFC), 1949 (AAFC), 1950 (NFL), 1954 (NFL), and 1955 (NFL).
6. Brett Favre – Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, and New York Jets – The man that holds virtually every NFL passing record is a tough competitor that never lacks confidence in his game.  Of course there is the matter of him retiring and unretiring.  But this three-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl XXXII hero will go down as one of the NFL’s best ever once he finally hangs up his spurs.
7. Dan Marino – Miami Dolphins (HOF) – Only made one Super Bowl, which he lost.  But South Florida’s trggerman held virtually every passing record in the NFL at the time of his retirement.  Had the fastest release I have ever seen.  Imagine how much better Marino’s stats would have been if he had a running game to compliment his passing.
8. Peyton Manning  – Indianapolis Colts* — A throwback to a different era, Archie’s son was has been phenominal in his 11-year NFL career.  Manning is a classic dropback passer who is able to dissect a defense from the pocket.  A 9-time Pro Bowl player and 3-time league MVP, once Peyton is done his career will end in Canton.  Any questions regarding his HOF status were answered when he led the Colts to a victory in Super Bowl XLI.
9. Sammy Baugh – Washington Redskins (HOF) – Probably was the NFL’s greatest player in the 1940’s.  Slingin’ Sammy was a great passer, punter, and defensive back while willing the Redskins to championships in 1937 (rookie season) and 1942.  Baugh threw the ball at a time when others only ran it plus he led the NFL in punting and interceptions at different times in his career.
10. Warren Moon – Edmonton Eskimoes (CFL), Houston Oilers, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, and Kansas City Chiefs (HOF) – This classic passer (threw for over 70,000 yards in his career) won on every level from the Rose Bowl in Senior campaign for the University of Washington to the CFL winning five Grey Cups for the Edmonton Eskimoes to the NFL where he led three different franchises to the playoffs.  In his career that ended at the Hall of Fame, Moon threw for over 4,000 yards four times including one at age 39.  Was the first African American quarterback to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Honorable Mention: Troy Aikman (HOF), Damon Allen (CFL), Terry Bradshaw (HOF), Randall Cunningham, Len Dawson (HOF), Doug Flutie (USFL/CFL/NFL), Bob Griese (HOF),  Jim Kelly (HOF), Steve McNair,  Earl Morrall, Joe Namath (HOF), Dan Fouts (HOF), Jim Plunkett, Phil Simms, Ken Stabler, Bart Starr, Roger Staubach (HOF), Norm Van Brocklin (HOF), Steve Young (HOF) 

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

Even in the midst of several NFL sources saying that Commissioner Roger Goodell is most likely going to continue Michael Vick’s indefinite suspension throughout the 2009 NFL Season once his released from federal custody on July 20th.  The USA Today Huddle blog put out a great piece going through the potential landing spots within the league’s 32 franchises for the free agent suspended NFL quarterback.

To Vick supporters, even though Goodell has continually been a tough guy when it comes to player discipline, which could make the Vick suspension reports true, he does seem to also have a “second chance” mentality too as shown in his treatment of problem players like Adam “Pacman” Jones, Matt Jones, Tank Johnson, Chris Henry and others. Also If Goodell does continue Vick’s indefinitely suspension, it could open himself and the NFL to an appeal by the NFLPA and threats of collusion against a player that has spent nearly two yeas in jail for his dogfighting acts. 

I know a large portion of the American populace are dog lovers, but I cannot fathom “how” so many can vilify Michael Vick yet not be as passionate regarding the cases/punishments given to other NFL players like Rams DE Leonard Little – an 8-game suspension and 90 days in jail for killing a St. Louis woman in 1998 while drunk driving.  Granted Little’s cases was on the watch of former Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, but no matter how heinous Vick’s acts were against his fighting dogs, and let’s not fool ourselves they were despicable, there were no dead human beings left in his wake.  I know Little, Adam “Pac Man” Jones, Donte Stallworth, and others do not stand alone as NFLers who have crossed the judicial line, but the Commissioner and the court of public opinion need to give Vick another chance.

Already former Super Bowl winning head coach Tony Dungy and others in NFL circles have echoed sentiments that Vick — career passing numbers of 930-1730, 11505 yards, 71 TDs, 52 INTs, and a 75.7 rating in six years w/ the Falcons — deserves his chance at redemption after serving his debt to society.  I believe that NFL teams and their owners should decide on their own if the former first overall selection from the 2001 NFL Draft is worth the headache that he brings.  I truly believe once his anticipated meeting with Goodell happens, that the NFL and some owner will give Vick another shot, picketers or not.  Of course Vick will have to take any opportunity he gets to return to the NFL which could include duties as a Wildcat QB, slot receiver, returner, and back-up quarterback. 

Watch for the St. Louis Rams (GM Bill Devaney has former ties to Vick from their Falcons days and current starting quarterback Marc Bulger has not been playing at a Pro Bowl level lately); Oakland Raiders (Owner Al Davis, a maverick himself, believes in 2^nd chances); Dallas Cowboys (Owner Jerry Jones seems to be running the NFL’s version of a reform school lately and the charismatic leader of the Cowboys also needs better “Romo Insurance” than current back-up Jon Kitna) SF 49ers (Head Coach Mike Singletary and Offensive Coordinator believe in second chances plus starter Shaun Hill’s name is not written in stone) and Jaguars (need a better backup to inconsistent starter David Garrard than Todd Bouman).

Of course the United Football League (UFL) is an option too, if Vick indefinite suspension is upheld, as recently league founder Bill Hambrecht said, “(Vick) deserves a spot back in football”

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA

The Eagles agreed to terms with RB LeSean McCoy, the No. 53 overall pick, on a four-year contract.

Though the actual dollar amounts and terms were not released, McCoy’s deal will be paying him a little of above last year’s 53rd pick, Pittsburgh Steelers WR Limas Sweed ($3.27Million for 4 years). The move by the Eagles to get their highly regarded runner into the fold showed their continued commitment to not having rookie holdouts.  McCoy became the first second-rounder taken in the 2009 NFL Draft to sign and he is expected to report to training camp at Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA) on Sunday July 26^th along with the seven other members of the Birds’ 2009 Draft Class.  McCoy’s signing leaves only first round selection WR Jeremy Maclin (19^th overall) left to sign with the Eagles.

With starting running back Brian Westbrook coming off knee and ankle surgeries this offseason, veteran Correll Buckhalter long gone to the Broncos, and disappointing holdover Lorenzo Booker not looking like the answer, the Eagles will be counting on McCoy (5-11, 210) to hit the ground running at training camp.  Look for McCoy, who is supposed to be the smaller half of the Eagles new two-headed monster, to get plenty of touches in the Eagles four preseason games.  The versatile underclassman from the University of Pittsburgh does have some skill as an elusive runner with great lateral moves – college career rushing totals 2,816 yards and 35 touchdowns.  Plus McCoy is a very good receiver known for running great routes and having soft hands — 65 catches for 549 yards.  But in the NFL all running backs must show an ability to pickup a blitz and block, which are both skills that McCoy must improve upon. 

Watch for the Eagles to give McCoy, combo back Kyle Eckel, and Booker first cracks at picking-up the slack for Westbrook until he is totally healthy.  If Westbrook is slow to comeback and/or one of the existing running backs on the roster is not the answer there is always the possibility of bringing in a veteran back (Ahmad Green, Warrick Dunn, Deuce McAllister, Edgerrin James, DeShaun Foster, Rudi Johnson).

A recent story in the Baltimore Sun reported that Ravens Pro Bowl linebacker Terrell Suggs said he is nearing a long-term deal with the team. “We are close to an agreement. We just have a few little things to work out,” Suggs told the paper. “I don’t want to go into great detail, but it’s things like the years of the agreement and incentives, but the basic framework has been done.”

The move by the Ravens and their star pass rusher was probably initiated due to the league mandated rule that a player receiving the “franchise” tag has until July 15th to sign a new deal. If a deal between the two sides cannot be struck, Suggs would play the 2009 season under the franchise tag for a second straight season, earning the NFL salary cap unfriendly sum of $10.2 million dollars and leaving an opening for him to be free agent in March 2010.  Suggs, 26, is considered one of the best defensive stars in the NFL along with players like Steelers LB James Harrison and Cowboys LB DeMarcus Ware.   Suggs was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2003 and has made the Pro Bowl three times since while producing 53 sacks and 5 interceptions in his career.

Though Suggs was a big part of the Ravens being ranked first in turnovers for the 2008 NFL season (34 turnovers — 26 interceptions and 8 fumbles recovered), you have to wonder if the Ravens will be able to meet his high demands.  This offseason the Ravens already re-signed veteran LB Ray Lewis (seven-year contract through 2015 that will pay him $10 Million in year one) and other players (S Ed Reed, NT Haloti Ngata and FB Le’Ron McClain) will be looking for future paydays too. Of the rumors that he would be the highest paid defensive player in football, Suggs said “No, that’s not true, but that’s cool if people want to believe that. Being one of the highest paid players has never been my motivation. I just wanted to be paid what is fair, what I think I’ve earned.”

As training camps getting closer in late July, it will be interesting to see if Suggs and fellow franchised players (Cardinals LB Karlos Dansby, Titans TE Bo Scaife, Rams Safety Oshiomogho “O.J” Atogwe, Chiefs QB Matt Cassel, Panthers DE Julius Peppers, and Texans CB Dunta Robinson) will either sign new long term deals, play under their 1-year franchise deals, or in some cases holdout.

Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones surprisingly announced this week that there wouldn’t be any Ring of Honor inductees again this year.  You would have thought given the Cowboys much anticipated move into their new palace Cowboys Stadium, at a cost of over $1 billion dollars, that at least one new franchise great would grace the ring this upcoming season.

In fact since the Cowboys inducted Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin (The Triplets) in 2005 there have not been any new Cowboys enshrined.  The Ring of Honor was first created in 1975 as a ring inside the former Cowboys’ home Texas Stadium to honor past franchise greats.  Pro Football Hall of Famer Bob Lilly was the first Cowboy awarded with the Ring of Honor distinction in November 1975.  There are currently 17 members of Ring of Honor, but I thought given the Cowboys national persona and former title of “America’s Team” that more players would have received the honor.  In the past, Ring of Honor inductees were solely chosen by former president / general manager Tex Schramm, but now Jones has the final word on the honor. Some say the reason that so few players have received the honor was that Schramm placed such a high value on the character of the inductees.

Here is the list of current ROH inductees:

74 Bob Lilly — Nov. 23, 1975

17 Don Meredith — Nov. 7,1976

43 Don Perkins — Nov. 7, 1976

54 Chuck Howley — Oct. 30, 1977

20 Mel Renfro — Oct. 25, 1981

12 Roger Staubach — Oct. 9, 1983

55 Lee Roy Jordan — Oct. 29, 1989

HC Tom Landry — Nov. 7, 1993

33 Tony Dorsett — Oct. 9, 1994

54 Randy White — Oct. 9, 1994

22 Bob Hayes — Sept. 23, 2001

GM Tex Schramm — Oct. 12, 2003

43 Cliff Harris — Oct. 10, 2004

70 Rayfield Wright — Oct. 10, 2004

8 Troy Aikman — Sept. 19, 2005

88 Michael Irvin — Sept. 19, 2005

22 Emmitt Smith — Sept. 19, 2005.

Some people that I believe should get a look for the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor are:

Former RB and Assistant Coach Dan Reeves

Former player personnel executive Gil Brand

Former Defensive End Ed “Too Too Tall” Jones

Former defensive back Charlie Waters

Former defensive back Deion Sanders

Former head coach Jimmy Johnson

Former receiver Drew Pearson

Former special teams ace and assistant coach Bill Bates

These are the 2009 key dates that everyone around the league including the guys from Inside the NFL will be talking about

 (Philadelphia, Pa) — Here is a list of key dates that I believe every football fan will need to know going into the 2009 NFL season.  I am sure every NFL talking head including Brian Baldinger, Peter King, Chris Berman, Fran Charles, Ray Didinger, and others will have these dates circled on their calendars.

• February 5 – The first opportunity for clubs to designate franchise and transition players.
• February 8 –  AFC-NFC Pro Bowl, Honolulu, Hawaii (NBC) – This is the game that no one watches or cares about.  The players will get their last Hawaiin vacation in the 2009 All-Star game as all future Pro Bowls will be held in the Super Bowl city the week prior to the big game’s festiviities.
• February 18-24 — NFL Scouting Combine, Indianapolis, Indiana – The NFL’s annual pro prospect poking and prodding event
• February 19 — Deadline for clubs to designate franchise and transition players.
• February 26 — Deadline for submission of qualifying offers by clubs to their restricted free agents (fewer than 3 years of free agency credit) whose contracts have expired and to whom they desire to retain a right of first refusal/compensation.
• February 27 — Veteran free agency signing and Trading periods begin
• March 22-25  — NFL Annual Meeting, Dana Point, California.
• April 17 — Signing period ends for restricted free agents.
• April 24 — Deadline for old club to exercise right of first refusal to restricted free agents.
• April 25-26  — NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
• May 18-20 — NFL Spring Meeting, Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
• June 1 — Deadline for old clubs to send tender to unsigned unrestricted free agents to receive exclusive negotiating rights for rest of season if player is not signed by another club by July 22.
• June 1 — Under CBA rules, this date allows veterans that have received signing bonuses in the past to be cut by their teams without their entire signing bonus kicking-in for the current cap year.  By cutting a veteran after this date, the past signing bonuses can be stretched into the next cap year rather than taking a hit all at once.
• June 15 — Deadline for old clubs to withdraw original qualifying offer to unsigned restricted free agents and still retain exclusive negotiating rights by substituting tender of 110 percent of previous year’s salary.
• June 28 – July 1 — NFL Rookie Symposium, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. This is the yearly NFL freshman basic skills prep course
• July 15 – The last day for “Franchised” players to sign a long-term deal with their teams otherwise they will have to play under the terms of their 1-year franchised deals (ex. Chiefs QB Matt Cassel’s 1-year franchise deal is for approximately $14.65 Million)
• July 16 — NFL Supplemental Draft – The NFL’s “special” draft for players wishing to enter the NFL for a number of reasons (Academics, Family Obligations, etc) that missed the main NFL Draft in April.  If a team elects to use a supplemental draft pick on one of the eligible prospects, that team will give up its pick in the same round in next April’s draft (2010).
• July 22 — Signing period ends at 4:00 PM ET for unrestricted free agents who received June 1 tender.  This means that a player unhappy with the contract tendered to him can either sign the deal or holdout. Once the deadline passes, franchise players can sign only one-year deals with their current teams.  .
• Late July — Training camps open.  The first NFL training camp will open on July 24th as Cleveland Browns’ rookies will report to the team’s training facility in Berea, OH. 
• August 8 – Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009 Enshrinement Ceremonies.  The newest class of enshrinees (DE Bruce Smith, Bills Owner Ralph Wilson, G Randall McDaniel, WR Bullett Bob Hayes, LB Derrick Thomas and CB Rod Woodson) will be formally inducted into the PHOF in a ceremony held at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
• August 9 –  Pro Football Hall of Fame Game featuring the Buffalo Bills vs.Tennessee Titans (NBC).  The NFL’s 2009 season kicks off with the preseason opener featuring at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio.
• August 13-17 — First preseason weekend with featured match-ups: Arizona at Pittsburgh (ESPN, 8/13), Carolina at NY Giants (ESPN, 8/17), and Dallas at Oakland
• August 20-24 – Second preseason weekend with featured match-ups: Philadelphia at Indianapolis (FOX, 8/20), Tennessee at Dallas (FOX, 8/21), and NY Jets at Baltimore (ESPN, 8/24)
• August 27-31 – Third preseason weekend with featured match-ups: Miami at Tampa Bay (FOX, 8/27), New England at Washington (CBS, 8/28), San Diego at Atlanta (CBS, 8/29), Chicago at Denver (NBC, 8/30), and Minnesota at Houston (ESPN, 8/31)
• September 1 — Roster cutdown to maximum of 75 players. 
• September 3-4 – Fourth preseason weekend with featured match-ups: Indianapolis at Cincinnati, Kansas City at St. Louis, and Philadelphia at NY Jets
• September 5 — Roster cutdown to maximum of 53 players.
• September 7 — NFL teams can sign up to 8 players to their practice squad.
• September 10-14 — Kickoff 2009 Weekend. For the sixth consecutive season the Super Bowl champion will open the slate as the champion Steelers host the Titans on Sept. 10 at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC.  The Sunday night (9/13) primetime game will feature a division match-up as the Green Bay Packers host the Chicago Bears (NBC, 8:30 p.m. ET). On Monday, Sept. 14, ESPN will host a “Monday Night Football” doubleheader that will be part of the NFL’s celebration of the 50th anniversary season of the American Football League. The four clubs competing that night began playing in the inaugural 1960 AFL season. The first game will send the Buffalo Bills at the New England Patriots (7:00 p.m. ET) and MNF nightcap San Diego Chargers at  the Oakland Raiders (10:15 p.m. ET)
• October 12-13  — NFL Fall Meeting, Boston, Massachusetts.
• October 20 — NFL Trade Deadline – This is the last chance for teams to grab players from other teams via a trade, but don’t hold your breath.
• October 25 – Regular season NFL football returns to London, England for the 3^rd year in a row as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the New England Patriots at Wembley Stadium in London. The game will be broadcast on CBS in the United States and on Sky Sports and BBC in the United Kingdom
• November 15 – Players on NFL teams’ Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list must be activated by Week 10.  If they are not moved off the list, they must be removed from the team’s active roster.
• November 26 – NFL Thanksgiving Day Games:  Green Bay Packers at the Detroit Lions (Fox, 12:30 p.m. ET), Oakland Raiders at the Dallas Cowboys (CBS, 4:15 PM ET) — The Raiders’ first Thanksgiving game since 1970; New York Giants visiting the Denver Broncos (NFL Network, 8:20 p.m. ET)
• November  29 — The Canadian Football League (CFL) season will commence with the playing of the 97th Grey Cup game in Calgary (TSN)
• December 3 – The NFL returns to Toronto, Canada with the Buffalo Bills hosting the New York Jets at 8:20 PM on NFL Network
• January 3 – College Football’s Top Senior football players culminate a week of training by playing in the 2010 Senior Bowl at 3PM on NFL Network (Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, AL)
• January 9 -10 — Wild Card Weekend (NBC, CBS, and Fox)
• January 16 -17 — Divisional Playoffs (CBS and Fox)
• January 24 — AFC and NFC Championship Games (CBS and Fox)
• January 31  — NFL Pro Bowl with AFC All-Stars vs. NFC All-Stars in Miami, FL (CBS)
• February 7  — Super Bowl XLIV in Miami, Florida  (CBS)

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)

With training camps set to open in late July there are still some quality players looking for work.  Unfortunately for most of the players currently not on NFL rosters, there seems to be distinct reasons (off the field issues, age, injuries, etc) why NFL teams are taking a wait and see view toward them.  Maybe some of the free agents will have to go the route of the UFL to get back into pro football, but we know injuries are a huge factor in the NFL.  It is only a matter of time before some unfortunate players go down in training camp and preseason which will necessitate some of the free agent players listed getting a call.

In studying this list there was one trend that I tended to see.  Despite an increasing salary cap — 2009 salary cap set for $127 million per team, which is $10.3 million higher than last year’s figure of $116.7 Million – and league CBA mandated cap relief for signing older players (Seven to Nine Year Veteran – $720,000 but only counts around $445, 000 on the salary cap), the National Football League outside of specialists (kickers, punters, and long snappers) continues to become a young players’ league.  Lately at cut time, NFL teams would rather keep a younger “developing” player around while telling a veteran (over 6 years in the league), “We don’t need you anymore.”  NFL head coaches in trying to fill, a too small in my opinion, 53-player roster seem to believe they can “coach-up” a younger player while they learn on special-teams rather then keeping an older guy who will only be able to contribute on about 20 or less snaps a game.  In looking at the rosters of the two Super Bowl XLII teams, the average ages on each squad was right around 27 years old with the Steelers having only five players over age 33 including their punter (Mitch Berger, 36) and conversely the Cardinals having even less with only four players over that mark.

Future Hall of Famer and former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Warren Sapp recently said of NFL veteran’s dilemma, “It’s not the same for the veterans anymore. The NFL doesn’t need us. In this NFL, the old vets don’t factor in”.  You hate to see a once quality veteran player trying to hang-on for one more season, but some of the older players on this list still can be a valuable resource to a team.  Nothing can replace the knowledge and leadership that some of these older players bring especially when most NFL lockerrooms are now filled with former college underclassmen.  Older players are “reliable” and are usually students of the game, just ask the Arizona Cardinals how glad they were when they had veteran quarterback Kurt Warner on their roster when 2006 first rounder Matt Leinhart imploded.  Warner, age 37, produced a season for the ages throwing for numbers 401-598, 4583 yards, and 30 TDs while leading the NFC West Champion Cardinal to their first Super Bowl.

LB Derrick Brooks, formerly of Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Hard to believe after 11 Pro Bowls, being named All-Pro six times, winning one Super Bowl (XXXVII ) and being named Defensive Player of the Year in 2002, that the former Tampa Bay Bucs linebacker cannot find a job.  Brooks has said “I committed myself to playing one more year”, so all he needs now is an opportunity to return for his 15th season.  Of course at age 36, Brooks is not the same tacking terror that led Tony Dungy’s vaunted defense but his leadership and savvy are immeasurable.  The former Florida State star is completely healed from a hamstring injury that dogged him in 2008 and I believe in the right system, he can reproduce his ’07 numbers of 84 tackles and 3 forced fumbles in 16 starts.  Maybe a team running the Tampa 2 defense (Colts or Bears) or a 3-4 team looking for a solid leader (Patriots) will give him a call before he makes his way to Canton.

WR Marvin Harrison, formerly of Indianapolis Colts – Another Canton bound player, who I believe can still get it done in the NFL.  It is surprising to me that other veteran receivers Torry Holt (Jags) and Joey Galloway (Patriots) found homes before Harrison.  The issue of an alleged gun discharge in Philly went away and Harrison even at age 36 is one of the best route runners in the NFL.  Despite battling through injuries and not looking like his old Pro Bowl self at times in 2008, the former 8-time Pro Bowl player 60 catches for 636 yards (10.6 ypc) and 5 TDs.  Though no longer a number one receiver, Harrison could help move the chains on 3^rd downs and help teach younger players.  I think he has at least two more years left in him to build on his impressive career numbers (1102 receptions for 14580 yards, 13.2 ypc and 128 TDs).  Look for one of the myriad of teams looking for a receiver (Vikings, Bears, Titans, Jets, Steelers and Ravens) to bring Peyton’s former main man in for a look.

RB Edgerrin James, formerly of Arizona Cardinals – This maybe a tough sell as the NFL is definitely “No For Long” for running backs over thirty years old, even if they are the 11^th All-time rusher in NFL History (12,121 yards).  The 4-time Pro Bowl player will be 31 in August and has 2982 carries on his odometer plus the Cardinals clearly pushed him to the background in ’08.  However when given opportunities, James showed flashes like in Week 17 (100-yard effort on 14 carries) and in the 2008 NFL Playoffs. The former back-to-back rushing title king (1999 and 2000) only rushed for 514 yards last season with a pedestrian average of 3.9 yards per rush.  However I still expect to see the ten-year veteran’s name called when another running back inevitably goes down. I was already surprised when the Eagles didn’t call when RB Brian Westbrook had ankle surgery.

OT Levi Jones, Cincinnati Benglas – When the Bengals drafted Alabama All-American offensive tackle Andre Smith in the first round, it spelled doom for Jones (6’5, 310).  After missing parts of the last three seasons and a high price tag (due to earn a base salary of $3 million this year), Jones was a goner.  Surprisingly after being set free from the strange world of the Bengals, Jones has taken his time in signing with another team.  I guess the stout tackle, who was once viewed as a cornerstone lineman, wants to see what opportunities will arise in training camp.  I also believe like most veterans, Jones wants no parts of two-a-days in the hot training camp sun.  With his long arms and good feet expect to see this 30-year old by the start of the season on someone’s roster real soon.  Hopefully to keep his image clean before signing, Jones will go the other way if he sees Dolphins LB Joey Porter and his boys in the casino again.

WR Matt Jones, formerly of Jacksonville Jaguars – This former 1st rd pick by the Jaguars in 2005 has never lived up to all of the “Freak” talk bantered around when he was drafted.  Jones has been an enigma during his short NFL career as has shown flashes of athleticism while not showing maturity off the field and having run-ins with members of the Jaguars coaching staff.  Jones (6-6, 240), was also arrested on July 10, 2008 for drug possession and eventually had his case sent to drug court with the NFL suspending him for 3 games at the end if the 2008 season.  Despite missing three games, Jones established a career-high for catches with 65 receptions for 761 yards ( 11.7 ypc) and 2 TDs.  However on March 9th, Jones was arrested for violating his probation due to drinking alcohol and the Jaguars cut ties with him March 14th.  Many have pointed to Jones as a player that just doesn’t get it, but at only 26 years old there may still be a team willing to bring him in.  It will be interesting to see if injuries cause any of the current receiver depleted teams to call Jones.

OT Jon Runyan, formerly of Philadelphia Eagles – Probably one of the toughest players I have ever seen.  This 13-year veteran is there every Sunday no matter what – 190 consecutive regular season games started. Runyan is a tough player, who will battle to the whistle and beyond sometimes.  There is nothing finesse about Big Jon as his nasty demeanor helps him maul opponents.  Unfortunately after playing through the pain for so long, Runyan’s body seems to be showing wear and tear.  Runyan had to have microfracture surgery on his right knee so no one is sure where he stands.  My prediction is if he can comeback healthy that some team looking for a versatile veteran on the offensive line will come calling.  By the way , even though the Eagles have several quality young offensive lineman they still have Runyan’s stall in their lockerroom.

DL Anthony Weaver, formerly of Houston Texans – This former 2nd Rd pick of the Baltimore Ravens in 2002 is a stout two way defensive end who has experience in the 4-3 and 3-4.  Though he is not a sack type pass rusher (only 15.5 career sacks), Weaver is a strong at the point of attack defensive lineman that excels at stopping the run.  At age 28 and with so many teams utilizing more defensive linemen rotations, I expect someone to give the former Notre Dame star a look.  Weaver started 16 games in ’08 for the Texans and even had an interception.

WR Plaxico Burress, formerly of NY Giants – Now that Burress’ gun case from November 2008 has been adjourned until September 23, 2009 there is speculation that some teams (Bears, Bucs, Ravens, and Jets) will take a look at the Giants former Super Bowl XLII hero. Though his actions caused the Giants’ 2008 season to go awry there is no doubt that Burress 6’6 frame gives smaller defensive backs fits.  In limited action, Plaxico had 35 catches for 454 yards and 4 touchdowns. But this big and athletic playmaker will need to show that he has growm up on and off the field.  There have been rumors that the Giants kept quiet on a lot of the problems that Burress caused, so I know teams looking to sign him will be doing their homework.  Even though there has been an adjournement eventually Burress will have to face the legal process in a trial or plea deal and then there is the little matter of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell possibly suspending him.  There is no doubt if Burress can get his legal issues straight that he will be at the top of the free agent receiver list..

QB Michael Vick, formerly of Atlanta Falcons – After the Falcons recently released Vick, he could officially sign with any NFL team.  Of course no team is probably going to sign Vick until Goodell reinstates him from his indefinite suspension stemming from his federal dogfighting case.  Vick will leave federal custody on July 20^th and he will then have to meet with Goodell.  Let’s say that Goodell reinstates Vick with a 4-game or less suspension, at that time I believe there will be at least four teams (Rams, Cowboys, Raiders, and Jaguars) entering the race for the former Falcons star quarterback.  I know there are issues around protests, but I believe this man has been persecuted enough, so let him be.  As for those who believe that the 29-year old is done in the NFL…C’mon also-rans like SF 49ers Damon Huard, Bears Brett Basanez , Bengals JT O’Sullivan, Chargers Charlie Whitehurst, and others have jobs in the NFL.  Even after not throwing an NFL pass since December 2006, Vick is still a much better player  than those quarterbacks and others too — career passing numbers of 930-1730, 11505 yards, 71 TDs, 52 INTs, and a 75.7 rating in six years w/ the Falcons.  I know some NFL offensive coordinators cannot wait to get their hands on a player with Vick’s mobility in multiple offensive sets including the Wildcat — established quarterback records of 1039 rushing yards and an 8.4 ypr average in 2006.  After his release expect Vick to work with his former high school coach Tommy Reamon and his son Tommy Reamon Jr (Old Dominion QB) to get back into NFL shape.

DE Travis LaBoy, formerly of Arizona Cardinals –  It is only a matter of time before this 27-year old pass rusher is picked up.  LaBoy can play as a 3-4 outside linebacker or a hand-in-the-dirt 4-3 defensive end.  When healthy, this former  2^nd Rd pick by the Titans in 2004 from Hawaii terrorizes quarterbacks playing with get speed.  Right now the former Cardinals high-motor end is recovering from torn biceps surgery earlier this offseason.  Laboy (6-4, 250) was released on April 2009 by Cardinals, but his ability to rush the passer — 23.5 career sacks with four sacks in ’08 — will find him a new home. Even if there are not any injuries in camp, expect the Packers, Patriots, and possibly the Niners to take a look at Laboy.

Other Free Agents

QB Cleo Lemon, Jacksonville Jaguars

QB J.P. Losman, Buffalo Bills

QB Marques Tuiasosopo, Oakland Raiders

RB J.J. Arrington, Denver Broncos 

RB Ron Dayne, Houston Texans

RB Reuben Droughns, NY Giants

RB Warrick Dunn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

RB DeShaun Foster, San Francisco 49ers

RB Ahmad Green, Houston Texans

RB Rudi Johnson, Detroit

RB Deuce McAllister, New Orleans Saints

RB Chris Perry, Cincinnati Bengals

WR Drew Bennett, St. Louis Rams

WR Marty Booker, Chicago Bears

WR Joe Jurevicius, Cleveland Browns

WR Jerry Porter, Jacksonville Jaguars

WR Amani Toomer, New York Giants

WR Reggie Williams, Jacksonville Jaguars

WR/TE/H-Back Mike Williams, Tennessee Titans

OL Kwame Harris, Oakland Raiders

OL Edwin Mulitalo, Detroit Lions

DL DeWayne Robertson, Denver Broncos

LB Donnie Edwards, Kansas City Chiefs

LB Kalimba Edwards, Oakland Raiders

LB Morlon Greenwood, Houston Texans

LB Willie McGinest, Cleveland Browns

LB/ST Gary Stills, St. Louis Rams

DB Adam “Pacman” Jones, Dallas Cowboys

DB Sammy Knight, NY Giants

DB Ty Law, New York Jets

DB Sam Madison, NY Giants

DB Ricky Manning, Tennessee Titans

DB Chris McAlister, Baltimore Ravens

DB Lawyer Milloy, Atlanta Falcons

DB Dwight Smith, Detroit Lions

CB Patrick Surtain, Kansas City Chiefs

DB Jimmy Williams, Houston Texans

PK Matt Stover, Baltimore Ravens

Lloyd Vance is a Sr. NFL Writer for Taking It to the House and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)