What’s that, it’s Wednesday already? Sorry I didn’t notice, I was too busy staring at this:

In case you’re blind, that’s 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick. Now might be a good time to join Instagram or start saving money for ESPN’s Body Issue.

I’m definitely ready for football season now. So is the NFL, apparently, as they released the preseason schedule yesterday.

ESPN is also ready for football season (and not just because it can show more shirtless players). Yesterday, they announced a new show to start in August called “NFL Insiders” which focuses on NFL news stories and information. So basically what I do here, but with less shirtless men? The catch is that former players and coaches aren’t allowed in the treehouse on the show. NFL32 has been cut to make room for this insider take on the league. (How many times am I allowed to mention shirtless players before my non-existent football guru status is revoked?)

What are NFL players allowed to do since they can’t be on ESPN’s new show? They can become boxers! At least that’s what former Minnesota Vikings/Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Ray Edwards did. In this interesting interview, he asserts that boxing is actually safer than football. His ideas sure do pack a punch.

That’s right, some of us don’t discriminate in our usage of former NFL players. Bonus points go to anyone who can read what that belt says (it’s not “6 pack” because I already tried that).

Because it’s Wednesday and you need something to get you over the hump, I’ll leave you with two links. One is for shirtless football players on Tumblr, as this Blitz has taken a drastic turn in that direction. And the second is for the Tumblr “Sports Balls Replaced with Cats” which is exactly what it sounds like:

Happy Wednesday everyone!

Emily Ritter is a contributing writer for Aerys Offsides. She never tweets about shirtless athletes (yeah right!) at @ebritter2.

NFL teams started rookie mini-camp late last week, kicking the first phase of the 2013 NFL season into gear with just 17 weeks to go until the first official game on Thursday, September 5th.

But one of the biggest stories around the league involves the off-the-field troubles of free agent wide receiver Titus Young, who made news once again last week after he was arrested three times in the same week, twice in the same 24-hour period.

Young’s father, Richard Young, told the Detroit Free Press that the young man the public has been exposed to as of late is completely out of character and is “not his son.”

“I hope they just forgive Titus because this ain’t none of Titus, it wasn’t none of his fault,” Young said. “I look at my son right now, I don’t see my son. That’s not my son. I know my son. Titus is not the boy I really raised, I’m saying the way he act, the way he intermix in society right now.”

Richard Young insists that his son’s behavior is a result of a brain disorder that he believes stems from a concussion suffered on the football field. Richard Young also explained that despite his son recently seeking help at outpatient facilities in Texas, Newport Beach and Malibu, CA., he has not been taking Seroque, an  antipsychotic drug prescribed to help him deal with the effects of the disorder.

According to the Free Press, the Lions reportedly urged Young to “get treatment for his problems” last spring, although they did not disclose the specifics due to HIPAA laws.

Young was supposed to re-enter a program Monday, but he is currently being held jail waiting arraignment and has been on a medical hold since his latest arrest.

Young played in 26 games with the Detroit Lions, showing flashes of potential and loads of upside, but he is sadly better known for his personal and legal troubles that spiked last spring.

Other News: 

• Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta signed a $2.023 million second-round restricted free agent tender with the Super Bowl champs on Monday, the team announced. Pitta can become an URFA in 2014, and it is likely Pitta and the team will aim to agree to a more long-term deal before he is able to test the free agent market.
• The Minnesota Vikings’ official team website released a video on Monday giving fans a preview of what to expect from the new state-of-the-art stadium that’s being constructed.
• According to ESPN’s Jeannine Edwards, new Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly has implemented a load of changes into his team’s nutritional plan, including making over the Eagles cafeteria. Kelly’s plan emphasizes lean protein’s (organic, hormone and antibiotic free lean meats and no and red meat), includes personalized smoothies and prohibits junk food. (Frankly, simple rules that we should all abide by, don’t ya think??)
• SB Nation’s Spencer Hall wrote a fascinating column about the coverage of the NFL, questioning why fans and media members alike stand for the from the poor commentary on shows like The NFL Today and the atrocious coverage of the league provided by everyone’s favorite football blogger, Mike Florio. “Aside from rare moments of Ron Jaworski sketching out an actual play or the work you see from Football Outsiders and Chris Brown, so much of what the NFL does is reduced to exchanges of bellowing nothing-isms,” writes Hall. “I don’t just mean The NFL Today on CBS, but it is certainly the master class on bellowing nothing-ism.” Hall attempts to explain the phenomenon.
• The Kansas City Chiefs have hired Chris Ault, “godfather” of the Pistol formation, as an offensive coordinator. Coincidentally, Ault, who will now work with former 49ers QB Alex Smith, worked with current 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick at Nevada.
• Tim Tebow  has reportedly been offered a job with the Philadelphia Soul, the city’s Arena Football League team. Ron Jaworski, who owns the Soul, reached out to Tebow offering him a gig “that would see him as their primary backup with a few specialty sets.” (Speaking of Tebow, Giants co-owner Steve Tisch told TMZ.com that he believes Tebow’s decision to play for the Jets derailed his career as an NFL QB. You can watch the video interview here).
• Think before you DM, exhibit A.

 Kristine Reese is the NFL Editor and Jets writer for Aerys Sports. You can follow her on Twitter @KristineReese.

On Monday, outspoken Vikings punter Chris Kluwe parted ways with the Minnesota Vikings as the team announced his release. It seemed like a move that was coming after the team selected UCLA punter Jeff Locke in the fifth-round of the NFL Draft.

“So long, Minnesota, and thanks for all the fish!” Kluwe wrote on Twitter. “Thank you to all the fans, my teammates, and the Wilf family for the past 8.5 years. I wouldn’t have traded it for anything.”

Kluwe ends his Vikings career as the leader in career punting average (44.4 yards per kick). He also had a franchise-best 198 punts downed inside the 20-yard line.

“Chris has meant a great deal to the Vikings both on and off the field in his eight seasons here,” said Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman. “He contributed to many victories and we wish Chris and his family the best and thank him for his contributions to the Vikings organization. Out of respect to Chris, we decided to release him now and allow time for him to sign with another team.”

Kluwe most became known for his outspoken ways, especially in the past year for being an advocate for gay rights. Special teams coach Mike Preifer made it known last season that Kluwe’s outspoken ways was “getting old,” although it’s unclear if it played any role in the release.

On the field, Kluwe, 31, registered a career best 39.7 net average last season, but only ranked 17th in the league.

Jags petition for Tebow
For some reason, Jaguar fans believe President Obama and the White House care about where Tim Tebow signs.

A petition on  Whitehouse.gov asked Obama to “Call NFL Jacksonville Jaguars GM David Caldwell and tell him to stop ignoring the Jaguars fans and sign Tim Tebow! If the Jaguars sign & START Tebow, home games will be sold out, sales will spike, the team will win and the fans will be happy.”

However, WhiteHouse.gov took down the petition on Monday morning because it violated the site’s term of participation, which, I believe, also means, WE HAVE MORE IMPORTANT THINGS TO WORRY ABOUT.

Other News

• New Texans safety Ed Reed, who had surgery to repair a small labral tear in his hip, should be ready to go for training camp, according to owner Bob McNair (via Houston Chronicle).
• Geno Smith addresses the criticism he has received recently by saying “I don’t worry about what people say — my skin is pretty thick.”
• Tim Tebow was named the most influential athlete in America by Forbes.
• Aaron Rodgers will make a cameo on The Office, where he’ll play a judge in an a capella signing contest.
• Tom Brady reportedly won $25,000 at the Kentucky Derby after betting on Orb to win.

Enjoying your Monday morning coffee IV? Good! Let’s get you some NFL news to peruse!

The Madden Curse … errr… Cover

Those interested still have a couple of days to vote in the semi-final round of the Madden Cover vote. This year has an old school vs. new school vibe to it. In the semi-final round it’s Barry Sanders vs. Jerry Rice and Arian Foster vs. Adrian Peterson.

The semi-final round lasts until April 17. The cover will be chose after the final round vote which takes place from April 17-24.

If you are wanting to vote, go to this website and vote away!

Harrison to the Bengals? 

The Cincinnati Bengals have desired a veteran outside linebacker and it appears they are trying to get that as they hashing out a deal with former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison.

Both sides will reportedly return to the table today to get the deal complete.

You’re Going To Do What With Sanchez?

According to NFL.com, reports state the New York Jets are in talks to move Mark Sanchez along with Darrelle Revis.

Oh little kitty. I agree.

Per NFL.com, ProFootballTalk.com reported Friday that discussions between the Jets and the Tampa Bay Bucs have included chatter of the Bucs “assuming the contract” of quarterback Mark Sanchez, who’s set to make a guaranteed $8.25 million in 2013.

Two sources told NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport on Friday that it’s highly unlikely to happen. USA Today’s Mike Garafolo doesn’t dispute the Jets inquired, but he reported there’s “no shot” the Bucs would take on Sanchez.

I agree that is highly unlikely. While it would be an excellent way for the Jets to get some cap space room, the Bucs have a pretty decent little quarterback in Josh Freeman. They don’t need this young man, who has a good head on his shoulders, getting around the drama that is Mark Sanchez… then again, maybe getting away from New York will allow Mark to be less dramatic?

Who knows… but this is more than likely one of those rumored deals that meant to get the fans and media types talking and scratching their heads. Nothing serious. Had they said Tim Tebow rather than Sanchez, I may have believed it and so would you fair reader!

Webb to become receiver for Vikes

The Minnesota Vikings will move Joe Webb to receiver and better utilize his athleticism. ”(Webb) is such a talented athlete that we want to make sure that we’re doing the right thing by him and our team, as well,” coach Leslie Frazier told The Star Tribune.

The move became necessary after the Vikings acquired Matt Cassell to back-up quarterback Christian Ponder.

Now for some Fun! 

You must check out my friend, @gr33nazn‘s , newest project …   sportsballsreplacedwithtebow at Tumblr! It’s amazing. Here’s one of my favorites from the site! Remember Tecmo Bowl?

Enjoy your Monday!!

It’s Sunday, which means tomorrow is Monday, so calm down and read some stuff okay.

The NFL Free Agency hoopla continued over the weekend. One of the biggest free agency stories from this weekend has been the Elvis Dumervil situation. Denver Horse Force covers the original story here. The latest from Denver Post beat writer Mike Klis suggests Dumervil will likely be replacing his agent for contract negotiations.

In Minnesota, the Vikings have a big name wide receiver and his name is Greg Jennings. Skol Patrol has much more on the signing, which happened Friday night.

There’s a lot going on in Patriots-land. Most recently, the Patrios re-signed Aqib Talib to a one-year contract. They also released wide receiver Brandon Lloyd. The bigger story though has been whether or not New England will sign Steelers restricted free agent wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders. Steel City Blitz has the latest on what’s going on with the Sanders situation.

Make sure you keep it with Aerys for all the latest on free agency.

There are things going on outside of free agency though.

There was a scary situation for wide receiver Donte Stallworth Saturday. The Miami Herald reports Stallworth and his girlfriend were injured in a hot balloon accident. According to the report, the pilot of the balloon encountered power lines. Stallworth and his girlfriend were sent to the hospital, both burned, but will recover. Hopefully both will be okay.

The Associated Press reported the latest on former Eagles running back Brian Westbrook. According to the AP, Westbrook is suffering from short-term memory loss. Westbrook, 33, has become an advocate of head injuries along with other Philly athletes.

Sally Jenkins and Mike Wise of the Washington Post have the latest on the standards and protocol of treating injuries in the NFL. The Post also has much more NFL injury information.

If you want to read up on the economic impact the Super Bowl can have on a city, without reading anything from a certain sports business reporter, well just read this PolitiFact feature.

Our shopping item for this Sunday comes straight from Denver. For about $100 plus shipping and handling, you can get your hands on a Wes Welker jersey. That’s all I can really find.

That is all we have for this day. So…are you going to finish that cinnamon roll?

Percy Harvin was one of the biggest stories of the day Monday after he was traded for draft picks to the Seattle Seahawks. The deal will be sealed upon completion of a physical and Harvin is also expected to sign a new multi-year contract with his new club. So, Harvin also apparently got a nice pay day.

For that reason, Percy, a receiver with running back abilities, is today’s Tight End Tuesday!

» Continue reading “Tight End Tuesday: Percy Harvin”

The first official day of NFL free agency begins today at 4:00 pm EST but, I mean, who needs an “official” start?

Apparently not the NFL.

Monday was nuts. Here’s what happened:

Vikings WR Percy Harvin Traded to Seattle Seahawks: Disgruntled Minnesota Vikings WR Percy Harvin was dealt to the Seattle Seahawks on Monday in exchange for a 2013 first (No.25 overall) and seventh-round pick and a 2014 mid-round pick. Harvin will also receive a new deal in the trade, though financial details have not been released.

Harvin has been the subject of trade rumors for some time, with reports surfacing over the weekend that the wide receiver requested a trade from the team.

According to Yahoo! Sports, Harvin’s request was not only about money, but also about his lack of confidence in third-year quarterback Christian Ponder. Harvin – who played at an MVP-caliber level at times this past season before an ankle injury sidelined him – is a rare talent, but brings with him a host of issues, including a report regarding an altercation with head coach Leslie Frasier, a violation of the substance abuse policy prior to the 2009 combine, a history of migraines and various several injury concerns.

In spite of Harvin’s baggage, both teams made out well in this deal — the Seahawks added another dynamic weapon for young Russell Wilson, the Vikings got a boatload of picks to continue with their rebuilding efforts.

The trade will become official after Harvin passes a team physical.

Anquan Boldin Traded to the San Francisco 49ers: Less than one month after winning a Super Bowl ring in Baltimore, veteran WR Anquan Boldin has been shipped to San Francisco in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick. Yep, you read that right. A sixth round draft pick for a guy that one could make a strong argument deserved to win Super Bowl MVP.

Unfortunately, the Ravens were forced to trade Boldin – who was set to make $6 million this year – after Joe Flacco’s six-year, $120-million deal put them well over the 2013 salary cap. Boldin went on record saying that if the Ravens released him that he would plan to retire from the NFL.

According to reports, the Niners were not the only team interested in Boldin. The Minnesota VIkings, who traded Percy Harvin to the Seahawks just hours earlier, were also interested in dealing for the veteran receiver.

The trade will not be made official until Boldin passes a physical.

In other Ravens news, the team has placed a second-round tender on tight end Dennis Pitta. For more on the Boldin trade, visit Aerys’ The Purple Nest. » Continue reading “Tuesday Morning Blitz: Trades, Releases and Free Agency”

Percy Harvin

According to multiple outlets, he Seattle Seahawks landed Minnesota Vikings receiver Percy Harvin on Monday in exchange for multiple draft picks, including a first round pick. The deal is done pending a physical.

Per USAToday.com:

Harvin, entering the final year of his rookie contract, gives Seattle and rising sophomore quarterback Russell Wilson another formidable target opposite Sidney Rice.

Vikings general manager Rick Spielman said last month he wouldn’t entertain calls about a trade for Harvin, calling him a “dynamic playmaker.”

But the wideout, who spent the second half of the season on injured reserve with a sprained ankle and had a testy exchange with coach Leslie Frazier while rehabbing, received the trade he initially requested last summer.

When news of the trade broke, outspoken Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman took to Twitter Monday to remind everyone who the only No. 12 is in Seattle. (The No. 12 was retired by the team to honor its 12th man fan base).

Other Seahawks chimed in with excitement over the news. Tweeted wide receiver Doug Baldwin: “Oh snap we getting Percy!!! Haha! We getting better by the minute!”

Harvin, 24, caught 62 passes for 677 yards in nine games for the Vikings last season and was in the early MVP conversation before spraining his ankle. He’s yet to start in all 16 games or surpass 1,000 receivig yards in any of his four seasons.

Seahawks receiver Golden Tate seemed to have mixed feelings regarding the move. Per ESPN:

When asked about the trade, Seahawks receiver Golden Tate, whose spot on the Seahawks’ depth chart will be altered with the addition of Harvin, told Josina Anderson that “it’s a business.”

“The Seahawks are trying to do whatever they think is necessary to put together a Super Bowl quality team. If this is one of the steps they think works to accomplish that then that’s their choice. I don’t think it will impact any of our work habits. We are still going to grind and let the cards play out the way that they will,” he said.

The trade definitely mixes up the cast of characters and egos in Seattle. If Harvin’s health is better, it definitely improves Seattle. It should be … interesting to see how this all unfolds in the coming days and months!

I think Saved By the Bell’s Jessie Spano put it best….

For more on the deal from the Vikings perspective, please check out Skol Patrol!

It is time for another Sunday, which means it is almost Monday, which means you’re probably clinging to your bed frame and don’t even want to think about Monday.

For those of you that want to actually enjoy your Sunday, we do have the Blitz for all your breakfast readings.

The big story around the NFL is the impending free agency funfest. It is so popular to talk about the start of free agency period. In fact, if you go to the NFL website, you’ll see a countdown clock to the start of free agency. At NFL.com, you’ll see free agency lists galore, including the top 85 free agents list, which was compiled by Gregg Rosenthal, who has been busy with the Around the League blog. They’ll be a very good source for you to read leading up to the start of free agency.

But there were a few interesting stories that popped up Saturday.

In Pittsburgh, the Steelers wished linebacker James Harrison well as they released him Saturday afternoon, reports Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Harrison has played 10 seasons in the NFL, all with the Steelers. Harrison won two Super Bowls with the Steelers. Make sure to check out the Aerys site Steel City Blitz for all the latest on the Steelers offseason.

A big story started to brew in Minneapolis Saturday night as Sid Hartman of the Star Tribune is reporting that Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin doesn’t want to be in Minnesota anymore. Harvin reportedly told the team he wanted to be traded. Read the Skol Patrol for the latest on the Percy Harvin situation. » Continue reading “Sunday Morning Blitz: Free Agency Stuff”

Chris Kluwe is probably the most recognizable punter in the NFL today.

While he is regarded as one of the better punters in the game, he’s gained just as much attention for what he does off the field. He’s an outspoken advocate for same-sex marriage rights, and has made appearances on various television shows from MSNBC to the Ellen Show to discuss it.

He plays bass in a rock band called Tripping Icarus as well. As for his time on the field, Kluwe attended UCLA where he averaged 42.9 yards per punt. With the Minnesota Vikings, over his career he has averaged 44.4 yards per punt with a career long punt of 70 yards.

So here’s some pictures of Mr. Kluwe!

(Photo: OUT Magazine)

» Continue reading “Tight End Tuesday: Chris Kluwe”