PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2009 press release

CANTON, OHIO – Wide receiver Bob Hayes, guard Randall McDaniel, defensive end Bruce Smith, linebacker Derrick Thomas, owner Ralph Wilson, and defensive back Rod Woodson make up the Class of 2009 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinees.



The six-man class was elected by the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee who met today in Tampa, Florida. The newest members of the Hall were selected from a list of 17 finalists that had been determined earlier by the committee.



Hayes, a gold medalist track star in the 1964 Summer Olympics, combined his world class speed with great hands. “Bullet Bob,” a three-time All-Pro pick, caught 371 career passes for 7,414 yards and 71 touchdowns.



McDaniel was named All-Pro nine straight seasons and voted to a record 12 consecutive AFC-NFC Pro Bowls during his 14-season career with the Minnesota Vikings (1988-1999) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2000-01).



Smith, the first overall pick in the 1985 draft by the Buffalo Bills, is the NFL’s all-time sack leader with 200 career sacks. A member of both the NFL’s All-Decade Teams of the 1980s and 1990s, Smith was named first-team All-Pro nine times and voted to 11 Pro Bowls.



Thomas amassed more sacks during the 1990s than any other player. He was selected to nine Pro Bowls, named All-NFL three times, and was All-AFC seven times in an eight-year stretch.



Wilson founded the Buffalo Bills in 1959 and has watched his team win back-to-back AFL titles in the mid-1960s and become the only team ever to advance to four consecutive Super Bowls. He was an integral part of the AFL’s success and has also served on a number of important NFL committees over the years.



Woodson, a member of the NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team in 1994 and selected to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s, intercepted 71 passes which he returned for an NFL record 1,483 yards and a record 12 touchdowns. He was named All-Pro six times and voted to 11 Pro Bowls.



The 2009 class will increase to 253 the number of all-time greats permanently honored in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Enshrinement of the Class of 2009 will take place at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, on Saturday, August 8, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. ET. The Enshrinement Ceremony will be televised live by both ESPN and the NFL Network.



The annual NFL Hall of Fame Game will be played on Sunday, August 9, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. and broadcast live by NBC. Teams have not yet been announced.



The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival is a multi-day celebration of the enshrinement of the newest Hall of Fame Class. Held in Canton each year, the festival includes 15 special public events and culminates with the Enshrinement Ceremony and NFL Hall of Fame Game. Two other major events are the Enshrinees Dinner (Friday, August 7), and the Enshrinees GameDay Roundtable (Sunday, August 9). It is at the Enshrinees Dinner where each member of the Class of 2009 will be presented his gold Pro Football Hall of Fame Jacket. At the GameDay Roundtable, the members of the Class of 2009 will be featured center stage to share memories of the game and their personal feelings about being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.



Individual enshrinement tickets and Festival Fan Packages are on sale now. Ticket information can be found on the Hall of Fame’s website at Profootballhof.com.





PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2009



Bob Hayes

Wide Receiver. . .5-11, 185. . .Florida A&M. . .1965-1974 Dallas Cowboys, 1975 San Francisco 49ers. . .11 seasons, 132 games. . .Selected as a future pick by Cowboys, seventh round, 1964 NFL Draft (88th player overall) and future choice by Denver, 14th round (105th player overall) 1964 AFL Draft. . .Won a pair of gold medals in the 1964 Olympic Games earning him the title “World’s Fastest Human”. . .As a rookie, his 46 receptions for 1,003 yards led all Cowboys receivers. . .His world class speed was major factor in Cowboys offensive successes. . . “Bullet Bob” terrorized defensive backs and demanded deep double coverage rarely seen in the NFL at that time
. . .Often said that bump and run defense was developed to slow him down. . .Used his speed “in a football sense,” rather than just trying to run fast. . .Four times was named first- or second-team All-NFL. . .. Three times led the Cowboys in receptions, including back-to-back titles in 1965-66 when he caught a total of 110 passes for more than 2,200 yards and 25 touchdowns. . .For 11-year career, Hayes accumulated 7,414 yards and 71 touchdowns
. . .His 71 career touchdown receptions remain a Cowboys’ club record. . .Born December 20, 1942 in Jacksonville, Florida. . .Died September 18, 2002, at age of 59.





Randall McDaniel

Guard. . .6-3, 276. . .Arizona State. . .1988-1999 Minnesota Vikings, 2000-01 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. . .14 seasons, 222 games. . .Selected by the Vikings in first round (19th player overall) of 1988 NFL Draft. . .Played in all 16 games as rookie, starting 15. . .Earned All-Rookie honors. . .Started in 13 consecutive playoff games with the Vikings. . .Started in 202 consecutive games before retiring. . .Possessed uncanny ability to either finesse block or overpower opponents. . .Led Vikings offensive line that held opponents to a sack every 22.7 attempts (1994), and every 21.3 attempts in 1998. . .Blocked for six 1,000-yard rushers and five 3,000-yard passers during career
. . .With McDaniel leading the offensive line, team captured NFC Central Division titles in 1989, 1992, 1994, and 1998. . .Anchored offensive line of explosive Vikings team that led league with then-record 556 points in 1998. . . Named All-Pro nine consecutive times (1990-98). . .Selected to play in a record 12 consecutive AFC-NFC Pro Bowls (1990-2001). . .Born December 19, 1964 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Bruce Smith

Defensive End. . .6-4, 280. . .Virginia Tech. . .1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000-03 Washington Redskins. . .19 playing seasons, 279 games. . .Bills’ first-round draft pick (1st player overall), 1985 NFL Draft. . .All-America choice at Virginia Tech. . .Considered one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history. . .Known as fierce pass rusher who possessed tremendous strength. . .His 200 career sacks is NFL all-time record. . .Recorded 10 or more sacks in an NFL record 13 seasons. . .Most consider 1990 as his finest single season during which he recorded 19 sacks, including four against Colts QB Jeff George in the first 20 minutes of a Week 14 game and sacked Giants QB Jeff Hostetler for a safety in Super Bowl XXV. . .Was a dominant part of Bills championship teams that between 1988-1995 won six AFC Eastern Division crowns (1988-1991, 1993, 1995) and four AFC championships (1990-93) . . .Named NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 1990 and 1996. . .Named to the NFL’s All Decade Teams of the 1980s and 1990s . .. Named first- or second-team All-Pro 11 times and selected to play in 11 Pro Bowls (1988-1991, 1993-99). . .Born June 18, 1963 in Norfolk, Virginia.



Derrick Thomas

Linebacker. . .6-3, 243. . .Alabama. . .1989-1999 Kansas City Chiefs. . .11 seasons, 169 games. . .Selected in the first round (4th player overall) in 1989 NFL Draft. . .Consensus All-America. . .Amassed 10 sacks and 75 tackles to earn Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. . .In 1990 recorded league-leading and team record 20 sacks; including NFL record seven sacks in game vs. Seahawks. . .Also recorded six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 63 tackles, five pass deflections, 35 quarterback pressures. . .Named to nine Pro Bowls. . .No player amassed more sacks during 1990s than 116.5 by Thomas. . .e He HFinished career with 126.5 sacks; fourth highest total by linebacker in NFL history at the time. . .Had 10 or more sacks in a season seven times; recorded multi-sack games 27 times
. . .Forced 45 fumbles, had 19 fumble recoveries, scored four touchdowns on fumble returns and added three safeties during career. . .Lone interception came in final season. . .Member of NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1990s
. . .All-NFL three times. . .Named first-team All-AFC seven times during eight-year stretch (1989-1996). . .In 11 years Thomas anchored defense, Chiefs finished first or second in AFC West ten times, made seven playoff appearances, won three division titles. . .Born January 1, 1967 in Miami, Florida. . .Died February 8, 2000, at age of 33.



Ralph Wilson, Jr.

Founder/Owner. . .Virginia, Michigan. . .1960-present Buffalo Bills. . .One of original founders of American Football League, Wilson formed Buffalo Bills in 1959. . .During tenure as team owner, Bills won AFL Championships in 1964 and 1965, AFC titles in 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1993 on way to unprecedented four consecutive appearances in Super Bowls XXV, XXVI, XXVII, and XXVIII. . .Bills 103 regular season wins, second most in NFL during 1990s. . . Helped lead AFL through early years making tough decisions that were necessary for league’s survival. . . Began talks with Carroll Rosenbloom, then owner of NFL’s Colts in January 1965, that eventually resulted in AFL-NFL merger. . .Considered “voice of reason,” Wilson served as President of AFL, was on AFL’s Expansion Committee and AFL-NFL Negotiations Committee. . .Was prominent in 1977 negotiations between NFL Management Council and NFL Players Association. . .Has served as Chairman of NFL Pension Committee, Labor Committee, Super Bowl Site Committee, NFL Expansion Committee, NFL Realignment Committee. . .Born October 17, 1918 in Columbus, Ohio.

Rod Woodson

Cornerback/Safety. . .6-0, 200. . .Purdue. . .1987-1996 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1997 San Francisco 49ers, 1998-2001 Baltimore Ravens, 2002-03 Oakland Raiders. . .17 playing seasons, 238 games with 229 starts. . .Steelers first-round draft pick (10th player overall), 1987 NFL Draft. . .First-team All-America at Purdue. . .First interception of pro career resulted in 45-yard touchdown return. . . From 1991-94 recorded 12 sacks and 19 interceptions, returning three for TDs. . .In 1995 suffered serious knee injury with recovery time projected to be six to 12 months. . . Returned to action in just four months and played in Super Bowl XXX. . .Member of NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team and NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s. . . NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 1993. . . Intercepted 71 passes in career; third on NFL all-time list. . . Is NFL’s all-time leader in interception return yardage (1,483). . .Holds NFL record for most interceptions returned for TDs (12). . .Six-time first-team All-Pro choice (1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 2001). . .Earned All-Pro honors as cornerback, kick returner, safety. . .Chosen to play in 11 Pro Bowls – seven with Steelers, three with Ravens, and one with Raiders. . .Born March 10, 1965, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Super Bowl Info

Johnson is a contributor to this blog and can be contacted at johnsonthesportsguy@gmail.com

Games 2 Watch (G2W) 1/30/09 to 2/2/09:

The G2W section will highlight some of the most interesting match-ups over the next few days. Here are the must watch events from 1/30/09 to 2/2/09:

Friday 1/30/09 - NBA - Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons - 7 pm EST / 6 pm CST on ESPN

The Celtics will try to win their 10th game in a row.

Saturday 1/31/09 - Tennis - Australian Open Women's Final (Serena Williams vs. Dinara Safina) - 2:30 am EST / 1:30 am CST on ESPN2 (Replay at 8 am EST / 7 am CST)

The winner of this match will replace Serbia's Jelena Jankovic for the #1 ranking in the world.

Sunday 2/1/09 - NFL - Super Bowl XLIII - Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Arizona Cardinals - 6:28 pm EST / 5:28 pm CST on NBC (*Game of the Weekend)

If you're not watching this game, then something is seriously wrong with you!

Monday 2/2/09 - NCAAWB - Tennessee Lady Volunteers at Oklahoma Sooners - 6:30 pm EST / 5:30 pm CST on ESPN2

Pat Summitt will have her hands full as she tries to get her 1000th coaching victory with a tough road test at #2 Oklahoma.  Courtney Paris isn't likely to let that happen on her home court. 

We'll also end with the game results from the last G2W.

Tuesday 1/27/09 - NBA - Spurs 106 Jazz 100

Wednesday 1/28/09 - NCAAB - Wake Forest 70 Duke 68 (*Game of Mid-week)

Thursday 1/29/09 - NBA - Magic 99 Cavs 88, Spurs 114 Suns 104

DC is a contributor to The Sports Information Hub and can be contacted atdcthesportsguy@gmail.com

Inauguration 2009

I know we didn't touch on it too much last week, but a friend of mine sent me these pics of the Inauguration of Barack Obama from the Boston Globe. It's amazing to see the impact of his election across the country and the world!

DC is a contributor to The Sports Information Hub and can be contacted at dcthesportsguy@gmail.com

Real Competition in the Big Game

I often wonder why I was not blessed with about six more inches of height, and why I am not a half of a second of faster in the 40 yard dash. At some point in most sports fans lifetime they have these types of thoughts in regards to their physical limitations that I do. Many of these fans want to be like their idols, or the athletes that they went to school with who received all of the attention. Most of these fans dream to be known as “THE MAN” due to their athletic prowess. My desire to have the physical capabilities that I described above is not rooted in the aforementioned reasons. When I was on campus I got plenty of attention. The athletes that I watched then as well as the ones which I watch now are not my idols, and I do not have a desire to be known for my athletic ability. I look at sports completely different than most fans.

Sports is a form of entertainment. Now I will admit that my choice of entertainment can at times seem consuming to outsiders, but I assure you it is purely a form of entertainment which I have under control. However many other fans view sports as a microcosm of life. They see different scenarios playing out with their favorite teams that they can relate back to their own lives. These people are delusional. How can the average person making $40,000 a year relate something from a multi-million dollar athlete to their lives? This is impossible. They live in two different worlds, and it is very difficult for one to relate to the other.

Just as I view sports differently than most fans, I feel that the players should look at sports differently than they did when they grew up. They have been taught since Peee-Wee or little league that the game is about passion, emotion, fun, and teamwork. I feel for the pure entertainment of the fan, the player should view their craft as a business, this would eliminate the nights when the player is not giving the game their all, which would in turn increase the competition of games and make them more entertaining. By viewing their roles in their sport as a business that the player would attempt to perform his best on as many nights as possible so that they could make as much money as possible. In essence what I am proposing is that every game be a winner takes the majority of the purse competition.

Let’s look at a player such as Brandon Keith who was a 7th round draft pick of the Arizona Cardinals out of Northern Iowa this year. Being that he was a lower round draft choice Brandon’s contract called for him to make $335,500 in base pay. With the NFL’s system of paying people for their post-season performance (which is broken down by a payout of Wild-card games [division winners]: $20,000, Wild-card games [fifth- and sixth-seeded teams]: $18,000, Divisional games: $20,000, Conference championship games: $37,500, Super Bowl winners: $78,000, Super Bowl losers: $40,000) Brandon could make $155,000 or almost half of his regular season base pay because his team wins. This should increase Keith’s desire to win dramatically, if he is looking at the sport as a business. He is not competing just to win the holy grail of his sport, but he is competing for the financial security of his family. This is how every game should be. This mentality would go a long way in erasing the perception for leagues like the NBA, many people feel that NBA players do not play hard until the playoffs, and thus are not willing to shell out their hard earned dollars for what they perceive as an exhibition game during the regular season.

There are those that disagree with my premise that athletes should play the game strictly for financial gain. They say that this way of thinking would cause players to cheat, and would detract from the competitiveness of the game. I argue the exact opposite is true. If athletes were to play the game for financial gain exclusively, they would police cheating better amongst themselves, and they would compete at a higher level on a regular basis. Do you think that if baseball players pay had been slotted by the amount of home runs which they had hit in a given year, they would have allowed admitted steroid users Sammy Sosa, and Mark McGuire to continue to use “juice” and take shortcuts while they turned a blind eye to the situation? I would ague that there is no way that the steroid era would have been so prevalent if there had been an established pay scale for players to tie tangible dollars to for their performance. I also think that if players are playing for their pay and not having it handed to them that the vast majority of them would play harder because they would be able to see how their action translated into real dollars.

Imagine how intense the Super Bowl game would be, if a player’s entire next years base salary was based on him winning the Super Bowl. The phrase “blood, sweat and tears” would truly take on new meaning. The competition would be as fierce as that of mid-evil gladiators fighting for their lives. These players would go at 110% for as long as they possibly could, and every missed assignment and dropped ball would be magnified. The Super Bowl would no longer just be remembered for its flashy ads, but for the vicious his by linebackers like LaMarr Woodley on offensive players like Anquan Boldin. This would bring an similar excitement to all of sports which is usually reserved for boxing.

I ask the question why is this way of thinking any different than what the owners do. They are business men who are in business to make money. If their team began to hemorrhage money, they would attempt to find ways to stop the bleeding. These owners usually want to win at all cost because the more wins their teams accumulates usually translates into a higher profile which translates into higher merchandise sales revenue. This adds cold hard cash to their bottom lines. If these owners begin to lose money they usually change their course of action and go to a strategy that will make them money, whether that entails changing coaches or players, the end goal is the same win and make more money. Players need to have this same mentality.

So here’s to hoping that the slight difference in the winners and the loser’s portion of the purse will inspire players to play for more than just pride and the love of the game during Sunday’s big game. Let’s hope that these players play for a lifestyle just like I anticipate Brandon Keith will be doing, if he is allowed to step between those white lines. So let me leave you with this question, is Allen Iverson’s performance this year really worth $20,840,625 (25-19) compared to LeBron James’s (35-8) at $14,410,581.

Johnson is a contributor to The Sports Information Hub and can be contacted at johnsonthesportsguy@gmail.com

JD’s Mock Draft Edition 1

1. Lions- Andre Smith, T, Alabama
(Everyone is calling for them to take QB, Big mistake they need O-line and Defense help. They should trade down if possible and acquire more picks. Lots of holes to fill)

2. Rams- Jason Smith, T, Baylor
(Lions take their guy at number , Smith coming on)

3. Chiefs- Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
(Were going to go another way until Stafford fell to them. Unless they work out deal for Cassell with the NE connections)

4. Seahawks- Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
(WRs been a problem. Could make a play for TJ)

5. Browns- Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio St.
(Lock down corner from their own backyard makes perfect sense)

6. Bengals- Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn St.
(Seems like every year Bengals need Defensive help)

7. Raiders- Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
(Gotta throw the ball to someome)

8. Jaguars- Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
(Playmaker from Champion Gators will add some spark to O)

9. Packers- Aaron Curry, LB, Wake forest
(Curry to good to pass on here, Him and Hawk will provide great tandem for years to come)

10. 49ers- B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
(Singletary wants to run the ball and play D, will get by with current QBs and get the anchor for the D)

11. Bills- Brandon Pettigrew, TE,OKST
(Need someone to catch the tough balls over the middle in those tough weather conditions)

12. Broncos- Everette Brown. DE, Florida St.
(The can score in bunches but need help on D. LBs should be fine after injuries this year and CBs are very good)

13. Redskins- Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
(Jason Taylor running out of gas)

14. Saints- Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
(Just like Broncos need help on D)

15. Texans- Eugene Monroe, T, Virginia
(Great value pick here as he was ranked higher. Line needs help)

16. Chargers- Rey Maluga, LB, USC
(Great fit for Chargers)

17. Jets- Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
(Favre is done, Gotta get QB of the future)

18. Bears- Michael Oher, T, Mississippi
(Wanted Sanchez will take line help and continue to run the ball and play D)

19. Bucs- Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
(Looking for the next Warren Sapp)

20. Lions- James Laurinitis, LB, Ohio St.
(Chris Speilman take 2)

21. Eagles- Brian Cushing, LB, USC
( Need upgrade at LB)

22. Vikings- Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia
(Play opposite Greenway )

23. Patriots- Knowsean Moreno, RB, Georgia
(Patroits always seem to have people they need fall to them, why should this year be any different)

24. Falcons- Louis Delmas, S, WMU
(Nice player will fit in nicely)

25. Dolphins- D.J. Moore, CB, Vandy
(Fits the Parcells model)

26. Ravens- Hakeem Nicks, WR, UNC
(Mason is getting up there in age and Clayton yet to put it together)

27. Colts- Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
(Colts always need D)

28. Eagles- Alex Mack, C, Cal
(Best C in draft)

29. Giants- Peria Jerry, DT, Missippi
(D line taken many hits and needs some new life)

30. Titans- Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
(D is set just need someone to stretch the field)

*31. Steelers- Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forrest
(D is set but he is best available)

*32. Cardinals- LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh
(Edge winding down career and I don’t think Hightower is the answer)

*pending Super Bowl outcome

JD is a contributor to The Sports Information Hub and can be contacted at jdthesportsguy@gmail.com

Fantasy Basketball - Pick-up of the Week

One of the most conflicting things about fantasy basketball is season ending injuries. While most people don't wish an injury on any athlete, you have to take advantage of injuries (especially season ending injuries) on fantasy values. On Sunday morning, as soon as I heard that Michael Redd was out for the season with ACL and MCL tears, I immediately went to see how I could fit Ramon Sessions (PG - SG) on my fantasy squad. Sessions was available in about 70% of leagues.

Due to how my squad is currently constructed, it didn't make sense for me to pick him up. I would've had to make multiple moves (i.e. drop/add another player, or make a trade) to make it happen. In the end, it wasn't worth it (for me at least) since my team is soooo stacked! (I can hear the other owners now, but I can talk as much trash as I want since I'm 13.5 games ahead of everyone else!) Anyway, back to the topic on hand. Sessions is a must pick up. With the increased minutes, he'll instantly be a 15-18 points a game scorer and probably average around 6 assists. He would add more assists, but it seems that Scott Skiles is intent on letting Luke Ridnour get the majority of minutes at the point, so many of Sessions' minutes will be off the ball. If given the opportunity to run the point full time, he would put up numbers similar to what he did last April when he averaged a double-double when inserted into the starting line-up. (FYI.... In his first game without Redd, Session had the following line - 18 pts, 4 rebs, 2 asts, 3 stls)

DC is a contributor to The Sports Information Hub and can be contacted at dcthesportsguy@gmail.com

Games 2 Watch (G2W) 1/27/09 to 1/29/09:

The G2W section will highlight some of the most interesting match-ups over the next few days. Here are the must watch events from 1/23/09 to 1/26/09:

Tuesday 1/27/09

NBA - San Antonio Spurs at Utah Jazz - 9 pm EST / 8 pm CST on Fox Sports Southwest

In the super competitive Western Conference, the Spurs look to hand Utah it's 4th straight defeat, while Deron Williams tries to end a Carlos Boozer-less Jazz losing streak.

Wednesday 1/28/09

NCAAB - Duke Blue Devils at Wake Forest Demon Deacons - 7 pm EST / 6 pm CST on ESPN (*Game of the Mid-week)

This will be the first of many marquee ACC match-ups. #1 ranked Duke visiting last week's #1 team and currently 4th ranked Wake Forest.

Thursday 1/29/09

NBA - Cleveland Cavs at Orlando Magic - 8 pm EST / 7 pm EST on TNT

NBA - San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns - 10:30 pm EST / 9:30 pm CST

I'll give you the TNT double header for this star-studded affair. LeBron vs. Dwight Howard. Duncan vs Shaq. Need I say more?

We'll also end with the game results from the last G2W.
Friday 1/23/09 - NBA - Dallas 112 Detroit 91

Saturday 1/24/09 - NCAAF - Under Armour Senior Bowl - Don't know. Spent the time with my family. Did anybody watch it?

Sunday 1/25/09 - NBA - LA Lakers 99 San Antonio 85

Monday 1/26/09 - 24 - Jack is Jack, so you know the deal!

Is he almost BACK?

What are the 49ers up to? They have expressed an interest in Dan Reeves, and Hue Jackson for the position of offensive coordinator. They have also expressed a general interest in Mike Johnson, who coached quarterbacks in Baltimore. You may ask why this is news worthy and why is Johnson writing about this. My question to you is what player, who is expected to become a free agent; do all of these candidates for Mike Singletary’s new staff have in common? The answer is Michael “The Human Highlight Film” Vick.

Adam Schefter of NFL.com and other sources have reported over the past few days that all of the above mentioned coaching candidates have been speaking to the 49ers about jobs. Anyone with knowledge of the San Francisco quarterback situation knows that a rusty Vick would be a major upgrade over Shaun Hill and J.T. O'Sullivan, but will the public accept him? I contend that if the 49ers put together a marketing plan in conjunction with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) with Vick as the focal point, he donates a percentage of his future earnings, Michael stays out of trouble, and, most importantly. wins people will indeed give Vick a second chance. He can no longer have any Ron Mexico incidents. Vick cannot expect to get the benefit of doubt from fans or law enforcement when he has a water bottle with a false compartment and it smell like marijuana. He has to be on the straight and narrow; he must become a role model.

America loves a comeback story, and Michael Vick is set up for one. He, his creditors and the 49ers are all hoping that his story will end successfully, and with the advent of the wildcat formation in the NFL, I am willing to bet that it will. I am also willing to bet that a league which allows sex offenders (multiple), Gangsters (Pac-Man) and murders (Leonard Little) on the field each Sunday, will allow a man who was convicted of dog fighting back on the field if it deems him marketable (if they can make money off of him). Am I off base with this thought? What do you think, but before you respond, think about who we are talking about the NFL or the Not For Long league if you do not make them money.

Johnson is a contributor to The Sports Information Hub and can be contacted at johnsonthesportsguy@gmail.com