Gronk

Turns out that fourth surgery will more than likely be needed for Rob Gronkowski.

A doctor is slated to examine Gronkowski’s arm to see if an infection has persisted.

According to NFL.com:

Gronkowski had X-rays taken Wednesday as a precursor to surgery, and NFL.com’s Albert Breer reported that Dr. Jesse Jupiter, one of America’s top fracture surgeons, is set to perform the operation next week at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Noted orthopedist Dr. James Andrews was consulted in the case.

The Patriots expect Gronkowski to be ready for training camp, but they won’t have a true idea on his timetable until the plate in his arm is replaced.

If the infection has cleared — Gronkowski has been on antibiotics — no more surgeries likely will be needed. If not, Rapoport reports there almost certainly will be a fifth surgery that would make it unlikely he’d be ready for training camp in July.

Good luck to Gronk. Let’s hope he will be ready for games this fall!

QB Battle Brewing in Philly?
With rookie Matt Barkley ready to compete for a chance to be the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, Michael Vick is coming to camp turning some heads.

According to NFL.com, Vick seems to know what a great chance this is, too. Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer notes that Vick’s “motivation” this year can’t be overstated. “(Vick’s) noticeably bigger and enthused about the offense,” Berman writes.

Vick has spoken plenty that he ran less last season by design. Now, he’s in an offense that should play to his strengths (mobility) with a vastly improved, healthier offensive line.

An exciting, running game? The Eagles? Color me intrigued! For more on Vick and the Eagles, check out the story here.

Minicamp Breakdown

Check out this team by team breakdown from each minicamp and stories to watch this summer.

Picture from @RumfordJohnny

Melvin Ingram Tears ACL
San Diego Chargers Melvin Ingram has torn his ACL in his left knee. If he has a complete tear, he could be out for the whole 2013 season. This leaves the Chargers with very little options for the outside lineback position since Shaun Phillips and Antwan Barnes left the team as free agents.

You can read more here.

Best Bloopers of 2012

Check out this video of the best bloopers of the 2012 season.

Mark Sanchez Drama

Carolina Panthers Steve Smith has stirred up some drama by ripping the New York Jets’ Mark Sanchez.

Smith’s comments from WFNZ-AM, the Sporting News and ProFootballTalk.com:

“He sucks.”

“I wouldn’t let Mark Sanchez throw me a paper bag sandwich.”

The Jets and Panthers meet in December. I guess we’ll see how this drama plays out then.

Note the following work was inspired by this article. You can read some other great poetry on Mr. Reilly over at Awful Announcing. I’m somewhat certain I’ve destroyed every rule in the book, so my apologies to all poets out there:

RIck Reilly: Look for him at future poetry open mic nights. (Via Wikipedia)

I need to fill my 800 words
I cry at the Macbook
This column must be done
Or else I’ll never be able to enjoy my weekend

What can I write about?
Maybe Tiger?
Who am I kidding, he won’t win the Players
Kobe and the Lakers?
No, too irrelevant
I could write an inspirational piece
But it’s too late to do any research
Maybe I could write about the Yankees or Red Sox
They have a game this week, don’t they?

I need inspiration
I look to you, picture of Jim Murray
You’re nestled on my wall
Glasses and all
What do I do, Jim?
What can I write about?
I beg of you

Help me
Give me a grain
Your words have teeth
And have provided me wisdom
That was my dental joke

I look at the giant tee
The one Ben Crenshaw gave me after the Masters in 93
It lies next to my autographed Joe Montana Vortex football
Tee and football?
What about the model airplane on my desk
Why the Jets, of course

It has to be a Jets and Tebow column
What a great way to solve my 800 word dilemma
But people are tired?
What take can I possibly provide?

How about none
What!?
Yeah…Why do you need to provide something new?
I can write a Greek tragedy
No, Shakespeare didn’t work so well the last time I used it

How about a poem?
Yes…a poem
I took a poetry class once in high school
My degree from Boulder would make it cool

I could be Frost
It’s a cinch
You just rhyme every few versus
But I better be sure not to put in any curses

Who are the Jets quarterbacks besides Tebow?
Oh yeah, Sanchez
They also have a guy named Geno
I could do a lot with that man
You know what I mean-o

But what about the others
That kid from Alabama
Perhaps a Roll Tide is in order
Nah, too cliche
This poem doesn’t need cliches

But wait, we also have Garrard
Maybe I can make a reference to the Fugitive
But probably not

Matt Simms
How is he related to Phil
I better make a Sims video game reference
Less I seem not hip to today’s culture

It might not be 800 words
But who is really counting
Certainly not I
Now what rhymes with Tebow

Offseason? What offseason? If you thought the end of the NFL draft meant that conversation about the National Football League was going to take a back seat, you were wrong.

Here’s the latest news from around the league:

Jets Release Tim Tebow

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve likely already heard the BREAKING NEWS that the New York Jets released high-profile quarterback Tim Tebow on Monday morning. It’s sort of old news by now, but in case you missed it (and not sure how that is possible), you can read all the details on Tebow’s release here.

Lots of people had a lot of things to say about Tebow’s release (just search “Tebow” on Twitter for the Cliff’s Notes), including The New York Times, ESPN and Buzzfeed.

As for where Tebow will be headed next, early reports have suggested that Jim Popp, GM of the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes, could be interested in adding Tebow to the team in a role similar to the one he had with the Jets last season.

Outside of a few times that inquired about Tebow making the move to TE, the NFL seems mostly uninterested in the quarterback. The Jaguars have already said that Tebow is not an option for their team, as have the Philadelphia Eagles, though, like Lions GM Martin Mayhew said in an interview yesterday, “never say never.”

But hey, if things don’t work out for Tebow in the NFL – or the CFL – there’s always the Lingerie Football League. According to TMZ (*vomits*), the quarterback has been offered a gig as the league’s national football coach.

And, in EVEN MORE TEBOW NEWS, according to the Tampa Bay Tribune, the quarterback plans to invest in three PDQ restaurants in Florida. PDQ is a popular chicken sandwich chain based in Tampa, with an name that stands for “People Dedicated to Quality.”

NFL Players React to Jason Collins Coming Out

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace made headlines yesterday courtesy of a rather ill-timed and somewhat controversial tweet about NBA player Jason Collins, who came out in a personal Sports Illustrated article on Monday.

“I’m not bashing anybody don’t have anything against anyone I just don’t understand it,” Wallace tweeted. “All these beautiful women in the world and guys wanna mess with other guys SMH…”

Both tweets were quickly deleted. Wallace later followed up, ”Never said anything was right or wrong I just said I don’t understand!! Deeply sorry for anyone that I offended.”

Plenty of other NFL players tweeted their support for Collins, including gay right’s activists Brendon Ayanbadejo, Scott Fujita and Chris Kluwe, Connor Barwin, Michael Strahan and active tweeter Gerald Alexander, among others.

A few other players, like the Bears’ Lance Briggs, decided to take the passive agressive route with their commentary.

Other News:

• The Indianapolis Colts have traded linebacker Jerry Hughes to the Buffalo Bills. The Colts will receive linebacker Kelvin Sheppard as part of the trade.
• Tyrann Mathieu’s agent Patrick Lawlor has responded to a report suggesting that the Arizona Cardinals are planning to demand that his client accept a deal with no guaranteed money, denying that any discussions have happened or that such a deal would be agreed upon.
• On Monday, the NFL distributed a document re-emphasizing the league’s anti-discrimination policy on sexual orientation. The league reminded teams that any questions about a prospective draft pick or free agent’s sexual orientation are not permitted.

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

The Jets have had quite the week.

Star cornerback Darrelle Revis was traded to the Tampa Bay Bucs last Monday, Geno Smith was drafted on Friday night and this morning, the Jets released backup quarterback Tim Tebow.

That’s right, the Tim Tebow era in New York is over.

No more shirtless photos in the rain, no more punt protecting magic, no more Jockey underwear billboards atop the entrance of the Lincoln Tunnel, and no more epic Skip Bayless rants on First Take (on second though, who am I kidding? That will never end).

Will this stop the New York  Post/New York Daily News/tabloids from using the circus narrative in conjunction with the New York Jets? Probably not, but it’s a start.

Jets’ head coach Rex Ryan addressed the high-profile quarterback’s release in an official statement:

We have a great deal of respect for Tim Tebow. Unfortunately, things did not work out the way we all had hoped.  Tim is an extremely hard worker, evident by the shape he came back in this offseason. We wish him the best moving forward.

Pretty well said.

In what can only be assumed is in response to his release, Tebow tweeted the following on Monday afternoon:

Tebow’s  release did not come as a huge surprise. Not long after the Jets’ 2013 season wrapped, reports surfaced the Jets were planning to try and trade Tebow for compensation, ideally a 2013 draft pick. While the general population is not privy to all the conversations between John Idzik, Woody Johnson and other NFL teams, we can only assume they did not get the kind of offers they were hoping for, and after the Jets drafted young Geno Smith in the third round of the draft on Friday – adding a 6th quarterback to the roster – Tebow’s fate was sealed. (And it could potentially do the same for Mark Sanchez). 

But wait, there’s more: According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jets also “granted Tim Tebow permission this off-season to seek a trade.” Adds Schefter, “more than one team asked if were willing to play TE, but he was not.” Tebow has always made it clear that he wants to play the quarterback position, but his unwillingness to move positions currently is and could potentially keep him out of the NFL.

As for where Tebow will be headed next, early reports have suggested that Jim Popp, GM of the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes, could be interested in adding Tebow to the team in a role similar to the one he had with the Jets last season.

“If he wants to come to Canada he would be in the same situation as the one he was in with New York. He can come here and compete to be the backup to Anthony Calvillo and learn the game, just like Jeff Garcia did (behind Doug Flutie). And one day he might be the guy; that’s our vision. He can learn from the best. If (Tebow) wants to come to Canada he will reach out to us. And if he wants to come to Canada we would take a look at him.”

If things don’t work out for Tebow in the NFL – or the CFL – there’s always the LFL, otherwise know as the Lingerie Football League. According to TMZ (*vomits*), the quarterback has been offered a gig as the league’s national football coach.

For a tongue n’ cheek look at the Tebow’s time as a Jet, check out Buzzfeed’s top 11 “lowlights.”

Kristine Reese is NFL editor and lead Jets writer for Aerys Sports. You can follow her on Twitter @kristinereese.

Yes, we are still all in a Post-NFL-Draft haze! And the only thing that is making us better are memes and cute pictures! We will return to our normal mix of news and entertainment on the Blitz, but some pictures today will be just perfect for your Monday!

ALSO! Feel free to share any NFL memes or funnies in the comments section!

On the second night of the draft, one player got quite the surprise. He was drafted. By the New York Jets!

Ok Ok!! That’s mean. But here’s why it’s a surprise… I am talking about Geno Smith. The same Geno Smith who was a QB at West Virginia and thought to be the first quarterback to go in this year’s draft. No. He got drafted by the Jets. Who already have Mark Sanchez. Tim Tebow. David Garrard. And Greg McElroy.

He is in for quite the pre-season… Season … Career!

Hence, Genoing!

I say that’s pretty awesome! May you have fun Geno!  » Continue reading “Monday Morning Blitz: Post NFL Draft Haze, Jeah!”

Get you a good sip of coffee and lets get you some NFL headlines!

Revis traded to the Bucs

The big news Sunday was cornerback Darrelle Revis being traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for draft picks.

Revis signed a six-year, $96 million contract with the Bucs, according to NFL.com. The deal averages $16 million annually, making him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history. There is no guaranteed money in the contract, however. Under the terms of the new contract, Revis will receive $13 million in base salary per season. Revis also will be paid an annual $1.5 million roster bonus and a yearly $1.5 million workout bonus.

According to NFL.com,  the Jets receive the No. 13 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft and a conditional 2014 fourth-rounder that bumps to a third-rounder if Revis is on the Bucs’ roster on the third day of the 2014 league year. The Jets now are the first NFL team since the 2000 Jets, Baltimore Ravens and Washington Redskins with two draft picks in the first 13 selections.

Revis took to Twitter to thank Jets fans for their support during his time with the team.

For more on this trade, please be sure to check out our very own Kristine Reese’s The Green Room.

Oh Al Michaels! You should know better.

NBC Sunday Night Football announcer Al Michaels, who is best known for his Miracle on Ice hockey call in the 1980 Olympics, was arrested Friday night on suscpcion of DUI.

According to TMZ, Michaels went through a DUI checkpoint in Santa Monica at approximately 10 PM on Friday and when he spoke to officers, they detected an odor of alcohol. TMZ reports he was pulled over and given a field sobriety and after performing poorly, he was placed under arrest. Michaels was released from jail at 4:15 AM on Saturday on his own recognizance. According TMZ, Michaels blood alcohol level was right at the legal limit — he blew a .08 and a .09 in two breathalyzer tests.

Sure he was just buzzed and I understand the desire to get home, but you would think Michaels could afford a cab or a driver for the night.

Jermichael’s Baby Mama Drama

Green Pay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley had quite the shocker if he checked his Twitter first thing Sunday morning.

Chelsie Bellisle, who’s Twitter handle @ChelsieLovely was inactive late Sunday evening, had many accusations to throw Jermichael’s way. The two have one child together. He is married to Courtney Finley. According to Deadspin.com, who compiled the tweets prior to the account deactivation, accusations against Jermichael ranged from delinquent child support, a possible assault and further infidelity.

Last week, Jermichael pledged to donate $500 for every touchdown and dropped pass this season to One Fund Boston.

Good luck to Jermichael with Chelsie and Courtney. Whew! Looks like you’re going to need it!

Be sure to share your interesting or funny NFL links with us, comment below or tweet me @missmiranda. Have a wonderful Monday! 

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!!

Another Sunday morning, another Blitz. Finish making your Eggs Benedict first, though.

Much of the talk in Chicago has been about the whole Brian Urlacher not being with the Bears anymore and focusing on the free agent market. Former teammate Olin Kreutz spoke about Urlacher in a interview. Former Bears defensive coordinator Greg Blache also had spoke about Urlacher in an interview with Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.

In other free agency news, punter Shane Lechler signed a three-year contract with the Houston Texans Saturday. The Aerys Raiders blog, The Silver Lining, bids farewell to Lechler, who has played with Oakland since the 2000 season.

In the where are they now edition of…well okay I haven’t really created one. However, former NFL running back Maurice Clarett is focusing on a new sport. Clarett has been practicing rugby in Columbus, Ohio and hopes he can be part of the Olympics in 2016, reports NESN.

It was a busy Saturday in Dallas as members from the Cowboys, both past and present, were at the “Men Against Abuse” rally. Hall of Famer Roger Staubach was among the noted Cowboys at the rally. But the big surprise speaker was Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant. Also appearing at the rally was Cowboys player Josh Brent, according to the Dallas Morning News.

In New York, the Jets are…well the Jets. However, Gary Myers of the New York Daily News spoke with Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll regarding quarterback Mark Sanchez. As for that “other” Jets quarterback…well…Tim Tebow lost at the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards. Tebow was nominated for Best Male Athlete. The winner was LeBron James. I’ve heard he’s a basketball player.

Meanwhile in Washington, it looks like things are going well for Robert Griffin III. Dr. James Andrews told ESPN that RGIII’s recovery was “ahead of schedule.”

Our shopping item for the week comes from eBay. For $10, you can purchase a kids sized Travis Taylor Minnesota Vikings jersey. I guess it would make a good Easter gift.

That’s all for this day. Make sure you enjoy the rest of your breakfast.

Let’s just jump right in with good stuff:

120.6 MILLION DOLLARS. Joe Flacco (QB of the Super Bowl-winning Ravens) signs the NFL’s richest contract, making (yes, it’s so big it needs repeating) $120.6 million over 6 years. And to celebrate, he goes to McDonald’s. I don’t know why he didn’t get an ice cream cone.

In other big news, the Jets may trade Darrelle Revis. You can hear his opinion in this video interview with Seattle Seahawks Michael Robinson More importantly, he comments on Rex Ryan’s thing for feet.

And finally, the other big piece of news is that former All-Pro pass rusher Shawnee Merriman has announced his retirement. I guess this means it’s lights out for “Lights Out” Merriman.

Back up everyone. I’m about to predict the future.

Actually, linebacker Von Miller of the Broncos already did, claiming that Denver will win the Super Bowl this year. Let’s check back with this in a couple of months.

And of course, ladies and dudes everywhere are trying to predict the draft. Here’s a professional opinion. Here’s my opinion:

What? Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Emily Ritter is a contributing writer for Aerys Offsides. She always gets ice cream at McDonald’s and sometimes she tweets about it @ebritter2.

The next time your dad (or fill-in-the-blank-person-that-doesn’t-understand-Twitter) laughs at you for having a Twitter account, suggesting “no one cares what you had for lunch,”  just remind them that days like Monday, March 4th – the day that Mike Florio and Greg Aiello got into it over Lauren Silberban’s NFL Regional Combine Tryout – are one of the MANY reasons why we have a Twitter account.

Photo credit: New York Daily News

Mike Florio and Greg Aiello Fight Over a Girl (Sort of): More fallout from the first-female-kicker-to-try-out-for-the-NFL story, mostly thanks to Mike Troll-io (I can’t take credit for the name, it was created by Offsides’ own Romo), who alleges that the league “hyped” up their coverage of Silberman’s tryout at the Regional Combine, calling the coverage a “publicity stunt” intended to publicize an event that most people – Florio included – did not know existed until this past weekend. (Florio is, in part, referring to this artcile, posted on NFL.com on February 19th).

Florio also criticizes the league’s subsequent coverage of the tryout, which he refers to as an “impressive takedown.”

NFL PR man Greg Aiello did not take too kindly to Florio’s accusations and so he used a good old “RT”  to slap it right back in Florio’s face, calling the article – and Florio’s conclusions – BS.

If you missed the “fight,” here’s essentially what happened. Florio insisted on looking for further opportunties to slam the league, driving home the point all day that any individual can try out for the NFL Regional Scouting Combine with a $275 entry fee and calling Aiello a “spin doctor.” Aiello sort-of accused Florio of being sexist.

While Florio’s accusations are echoed by many others, this is a perfect example of sometimes it’s not what you say, but rather, how you say it. Also, Florio has such a reputation for being a douche so that doesn’t help.

Btw, if you’re totally indifferent to this whole Twitter fight thing and want to read a great opinion piece on Silberman and female athletes trying out for the NFL in the future, check out this piece from Jane McManus.

Darrelle Revis Thinks He Can Help the 49ers Win a Super Bowl: In an interview with Seahawks fullback Michael Robinson for the “Real Rob Report,” Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis talked about trade rumors, Rex Ryan, Tim Tebow, Mark Sanchez, the state of the New York Jets, commissioner Roger Goodell and more.

He also addressed the very real possibility of playing for and winning a ring with the San Francisco 49ers, one of the teams said to be interested in trading for the All-Pro corner.

“This is a team with a great coach – (Jim) Harbaugh — and great players on their team. They did it without me last year. So, for me, looking at their roster and their team, I would just be an addition to help them win that trophy. Would it be awesome? I mean, yeah.”

You can watch Revis’ interview on “The Real Robinson Report” below and be sure to subscribe to Robinson’s show on You Tube to check out his future interviews.

Other news:

• According to Yahoo’s Jason Cole, the NFL’s plans to construct a stadium in Los Angeles hit a major roadblock  after AEG, the firm charged with constructing the new stadium, proposed a  problematic plan for the new “Farmer’s Field.” AEG’s proposed plan, which the league believes will cost at least $1.8 billion, is  across from the Staples Center downtown and would occupy the space currently held by the convention center — a location that requires a major reconstruction. According to a league source, “the numbers just don’t work out.” Meanwhile, relocation also “unworkable,” so you can cancel any premature “LA Rams” or “LA Jaguars” apparel you may have pre-ordered.
• The Dallas Cowboys have franchised linebacker Anthony Spencer.
• The Kansas City Chiefs reached long-term agreements with WR Dwayne Bowe and punter Dustin Colquitt on Monday. Colquitt’s deal makes him the highest-paid punter in NFL with his agreement, worth $18.75, with $8.9 million guaranteed. The team  also franchised LT Brenden Albert.
• Somehow, there always seems Tim Tebow related “news” to share. The latest? Jet’s general manager John Idzik, in a conference call with Jets season ticket holders, disclosed that Tebow could be part of a group competing at the quarterback position in training camp. It was previously reported that the Jets had planned to move on from Tebow, so while this could be posturing on Idzik’s part – either to keep their plans a secret or drum up some interest from trade partners – it is contrary to what sources have been saying about the QB for the past few weeks.

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