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.

Time for an afternoon pick-you-up! Blitz headlines, y’all!

I’m going to share the funny from NFL Memes with you guys first! Enjoy!

via NFL Memes Facebook

Oh! Adrian Peterson!

Titus Young has some problems, guys. Yes. I am understating the matter for sure. He was arrested Saturday morning for the third time in less than a week. Goodness. Really sad situation for someone thought to be  a promising athlete.

Peter King is discussing what most NFL fans have been either hoping or knowing since the the draft last month. The New York Jets could rid themselves of Mark Sanchez if Geno Smith wins the starting quarterback job. No more this? Jets fans rejoice! The Jets are apparently “smitten” with Geno.

Speaking of the Jets! NY Giants co-owner Steve Tisch shared his opinion on the disservice that was Tim Tebow going to the Jets.

Manti Te’o hopes to earn the respect of his teammates by displaying some hard work ethic. I’m sure this is very important to Manti. He needs to be seen as a football player. Not a guy that can be easily duped. Check out this story from the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Matt Barkley hopes to be the Philadelphia Eagles starting QB. He is confident he can do it too. Stop laughing! Check out this story from CSN Philadelphia.

Check out this interesting post from SBNation on why the NFL makes for such bad media.

Buddy Nix is transitioning out of his role as general manager of the Buffalo Bills to a role as special assistant with the team. Check out this from the Bills site. Doug Whaley is expected to take over as GM according to SBNation Buffalo Rumblings.

What would the Morning Blitz be without a daily Tim Tebow story? Or three?

Incomplete, right? (There’s a joke in there somewhere…)

Lucky for you there’s plenty of SUPER important Tim Tebow news and information to go around today. Here’s all the latest:

First, some lawyer dude from Jacksonville named John Morgan launched a campaign urging Shad Kahn and the Jaguars to sign Tebow. (You can check out the ad here, courtesy of Deadspin. It’s pretty genius).

Then, despite Morgan’s ads, the Jaguars – and their GM David Caldwell – once again insisted that they are not interested in signing the high-profile quarterback, even with their own very messy situation quarterback situation.

A few short hours later, CBS Sports’ national columnist Gregg Doyel released a column explaining how Tebow’s fans “loved his career to death.” It’s a very interesting perspective on Tebow-mania that is well worth a read.

Oh, but that’s not all. Finally, we had Mike Ditka weighing in on the quarterback, explaining his belief that Tebow can, in fact, play quarterback in the NFL. Yes, this was big major news on Wednesday. Pretty groundbreaking stuff, huh?

Although Tebow is currently a free agent and very much without an NFL team to call his own, he was recently named Forbes magazine’s most influential American athlete. And that explains why this is all news. Influence and stuff.

Bucs DB Ronde Barber will retire on Thursday.

Ronde Barber To Officially Retire

According to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, defensive back Ronde Barber plans announced that he will officially retire from the NFL in a press conference tomorrow at 2 pm EST.

Barber played his entire 16-year NFL career in Tampa Bay. He is the franchise leader in interceptions and defensive touchdown returns.

Levi’s Stadium Proposed As New Home For 49ers 

On Wednesday, the San Francisco 49ers announced that Levi Strauss & Co. had purchased the right to put its name on the 49ers’ new 68,500-seat stadium. As part of the acquisition, the company plans to construct a brand new, $1.2 billion stadium for the team, called Levi’s Stadium, which will open next year.

“Levi’s jeans were designed for the 49ers during the Gold Rush,” 49ers CEO Jed York said on Wednesday. “It was a good fit for them then and it’s a good fit today.”

*Insert generic un-funny jeans related dad joke here*

The 49ers new stadium is currently viewed as the favorite to host Super Bowl L in 2016.

Other News:

• Veteran running back Felix Jones is scheduled to visit with the New England Patriots, according to Ian Rapoport. Jones had a visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday.
• In a press conference with the media on Wednesday, Jags GM David Caldwell explained that the team plans to give former Michigan QB Denard Robinson 10-15 snaps per a game as a rusher or receiver. He will also receive kickoffs.
• Former Lions WR Titus Young was arrested TWICE in the same day on Sunday, first for suspicion of driving under the influence and later for burglary.  No need to pile on — no comment is needed on this story.
• Free agent WR Josh Cribbs visited with the Jets on Wednesday, per Pro Football Talk.

Kristine Reese the NFL editor and lead 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.

Welcome to Wednesday morning absurdity!

Let’s start off with one of my favorite QBs, because he always does news-worthy absurd things early in the week, just for me.

Yes, I’m talking about RG3. SORRY! According to a snippy remark by Dan Snyder, it’s Robert, not RG3. (Can we pause for a second and comment on how well he rocks a headband? Just look how jealous that guy in the background is!) RG3 (what? we are on a nickname basis, he and I!) did not show up for his appearance at the White House Correspondence Dinner, or the elite pre-dinner party with the president. The worst part? Bradley Cooper was there too! Talk about a dream date.

Speaking of incorrect names, the D.C. council is preparing to introduce a bill to change the name of the Washington Redskins to the Washington Redtails. While I’m all for a transition to something politically correct and unoffensive, I’m not sure this will get the necessary team and fan support. After all, D.C. isn’t a city known for its flexibility.

Not to be out-done by D.C., Atlanta recently unveiled some of its own potential changes. Namely, a new Falcons stadium which doubles as an alien landing pad:

Tweet of the week time!

I can’t even say anything snarky about this. It’s too perfect.

Did I say the word perfect? You probably heard  the words “Tim Tebow” instead. Apologies for taking so long to get around to our my other favorite overly-hyped QB! The big news yesterday (other than that whole lingerie league thing) was that an indoor football team, the Omaha Beef, offered Tebow a whole $75 a game to play for them. Let’s be honest, beef is not what’s for dinner here.

And because no Wednesday Morning Blitz is truly complete without a silly video, here’s John Green (writer and soccer fan extraordinaire) critically analyzing animals interrupting sporting matches.

Happy Wednesday, and DFTBA.*

Emily Ritter is a contributing writer for Aerys Offsides. She’s obsessed with cows and you can find her lamenting over the lack of Te-cow nicknames on Twitter @ebritter2.

*Don’t forget to be awesome

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!”

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!!

Since I’m in the middle of March Madness for the NCAA site, you all get Meme Friday today. Enjoy.

Thanks to NFL Memes for these gems.