Friday, March 18, 2011

2011 NFL Lockout: Another Brett Favre Comeback?

Just when you thought it was over for good, the Brett Favre comeback rumors are firing up again.

Vikings linebacker Ben Leber, who's set to become a free agent this off season, told NBC's Pro Football Talk that a lengthy lockout might increase Favre’s chances of returning in 2011.

"If there's one guy that can do it, I certainly think that he can do it. Whether he wants to do it, I don't know, that's up to him," said Leber.

Leber said Favre, who will turn 42 in October, has shown physically he can still play in the NFL.

"I don't know how he does (holds up physically), I'd like to know his secret," Leber added.

Farve filed his retirement papers with the NFL shortly after the 2010 season ended. Favre would be free to sign with any team.

2011 NFL Draft: Visits and Workouts Tracker

NBC Sports' writer Evan Silva has created a great resource for tracking the 2011 NFL Draft prospects leading up to next month's draft.

Silva has created a web page that tracks each players private workout with the teams, players visits to team's facilities and the date the players worked out (or will work out) for each team. It's a great resource for draftniks looking for an edge when preparing their mock drafts.

The list includes the draft's biggest names, including: Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert, Nick Fairley, Von Miller, Patrick Peterson and Jake Locker. The list also includes some lesser know players such as: Brooks Reed, Jerrel Jernigan, Nathan Enderle and Chris Culliver.

So instead of searching the internet for all that information, just click here.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Randy Moss Open to Returning to Minnesota Vikings

Last season Randy Moss said he was done answering questions from the media. Today, he lifted that self-imposed ban when he called into KFAN.

Moss was a guest on the program because his former teammate Erin Henderson was the host (Henderson was filling in for Vikings play-by-play announcer Paul Allen from 9 a.m. to noon).

During the interview, Moss said he'd like to keep playing in the NFL and said he’d love to return to the Vikings if "things looked right." As for his abrupt departure from the Vikings this past season, Moss said this:

“It was definitely heartbreaking (to leave the Vikings), but some things got in the way.”

Moss admits going "into depression a little bit" when he ended up with the Tennessee Titans. He also praised one of his other former 2010 teams, the New England Patriots.

“If you ask me where my heart and where I’m happy is, I love Tom Brady and I love playing for coach Belichick,” Moss said. “I’m a big fan of Bill Belichick. Not just on the field but off the field. The little grouchy man you see on camera is not the man you see off camera.”

He also told Henderson that he would like to coach high school football when his NFL career is over.

Moss is a free agent this offseason.

Jake Locker Visits Minnesota Vikings, Tyron Smith Next

The Minnesota Vikings have a long list of needs this off season, but few are more pressing than finding a quarterback and finding guys to protect him.

The Vikings reportedly worked out Washington quarterback Jake Locker on Tuesday and are reportedly scheduled to hold a private workout with Southern Cal offensive tackle Tyron Smith.

Smith missed most of the NFL Scouting Combine because of a lateral meniscus injury. He did bench press at the Combine, lifting 225 pounds 29 times.

Smith is on schedule to work out at the Trojans' Pro Day on March 30 on the USC campus.

Smith could still be on the board when the Vikings pick at #12. Smith has the ability to play guard and tackle. He played right tackle at USC.

As for Locker, he is reportedly scheduled to attend private workouts with the Denver Broncos (#2 overall pick) and Tennessee Titans (#8 overall pick).

Locker is considered a wild card in the upcoming draft. Some draft experts have him going as high as #10 overall, while others have him ranked near the top of round two.

Locker will hold his Pro Day on March 30 on the University of Washington campus.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Minnesota Vikings Adrian Peterson calls NFL 'modern-day slavery'

(Update: After removing Peterson's 'modern-day slavery' comment from the story, Yahoo! Sports writer Doug Farrar put it back in the article. Tuesday afternoon, Farrar appeared on WCCO radio to discuss why he used the Peterson comment-then removed the comment-then added it again.)

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson hits hard on the field. He also doesn't hold much back off the field when discussing the NFL's current labor situation.

In an interview with Yahoo! Sports' Doug Farrar, Peterson said this about the current NFL labor situation:

"It's modern-day slavery, you know? People kind of laugh at that, but there are people working at regular jobs who get treated the same way, too. With all the money the owners are trying to get a different percentage, and bring in more money. I understand that; these are business-minded people. Of course this is what they are going to want to do. I understand that; it's how they got to where they are now. But as players, we have to stand our ground and say, 'Hey — without us, there's no football.' There are so many different perspectives from different players, and obviously we're not all on the same page — I don't know. I don't really see this going to where we'll be without football for a long time; there's too much money lost for the owners. Eventually, I feel that we'll get something done."

Farrar followed by asking:

"It seems to most of the players that if the owners had nothing to hide financially, and if the current business model was as unsustainable as they claim, they'd have no trouble opening the books and showing audited profit and loss per team. Is that your impression?"

Peterson responded by saying:

"Exactly! It's like'Well, show us.' We want more information, and they want to bull****, going around, saying this and that, just open it up and give us the information we want. If they have nothing to hide, just give us the information. Why not? Obviously, there's a lot to hide — these guys are professionals, and they're maximizing what they do. But they know that if all this information comes out, the information the players want, it'll be right out there for everyone to see. It's a ripoff — not just for the players, but for the people who work at the concession stands and at the stadiums. The people working at the facilities, you know?"

Peterson went on to talk about what it will take for the Vikings to return to the playoffs:

"We need to make some adjustments. Obviously, I mean, Favre hasn't retired yet! (laughs) You never know! The quarterback situation is up in the air, and some adjustments need to be made there. We need to go out and do a good job of recruiting in free agency (whenever there is free agency) — being some new guys in, patch up some areas, and I feel that with Coach Frazier and the changes he's made, they're all for the better, and they'll help our team in the ways we're hoping for. It's all about having 53 guys that come together, and can get it done with the same goals, and will make sacrificed to accomplish those goals."

"I see so many teams, the Patriots are a perfect example. Tom Bradys the guy everyone knows about, but it's about all the other players — the role-players who, one way or another, will get it done somehow. It's not all about talent, and we were a perfect example of that. Brett Favre at quarterback, me at running back, the offensive line, Sidney Rice, Percy Harvin is one of the best athletes I've ever seen. Our defense is always ranked in the top five that shows you that talent doesn't always get it done. So, the changes Coach Frazier has made, new offensive and defensive coordinators, I feel like the mindset those guys bring to the table will be the key we need to get back to that level."

Peterson is in the final year of his contract with the Vikings and is scheduled to make nearly $11 million.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Report: NFLPA Urging 2011 NFL Draft Boycott

As future NFL stars prepare for the 2011 NFL Draft on April 28-30, current locked out stars are reportedly telling them to stay away from next month's draft in New York.

According to According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the NFL Players Association is so upset over failed collective bargaining negoiations, that it's devising a plan to prevent the nation's top prospects from attending the draft.

The NFL usually invites 15-20 of the top prospects to attend the draft. According to Schefter, the NFLPA has already informed 17 of the prospects not to go.

The NFLPA is also reportedly considering competing network to do post-draft interviews with the players.

Last Friday, collective bargaining talks broke down between the NFL and NFLPA, leading to decertification of the NFL union. The move how gives the players the rights to take the NFL to court under antitrust law.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

2011 NFL Lockout: Minnesota Vikings Message To Season Ticket Holders

With the NFL lockout now upon us, NFL teams are making contingency plans. Team facilities have already been shuttered to players and now season ticket holders are getting instructions for the upcoming season.

This morning, the Minnesota Vikings sent this message to season ticket holders. I'm sure the 31 other teams are doing the same.


NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement
Dear Vikings Season Ticket Owners,
Due to the expiration of the NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement and the breakdown in mediated negotiations between the National Football League and the players, it is the sincere commitment of the Minnesota Vikings to keep our most important stakeholders in this franchise, our Season Ticket Owners, as informed as possible throughout the process.  We wanted to write to you today in an effort to keep you informed on how the expiration of the NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement may impact the 2011 NFL season.
The NFL is working hard to reach a new agreement with the players' union, and we hope the negotiation process does not disrupt the 2011 season.  In the event any games are cancelled, we want to remind you of the Vikings Season Ticket Owner refund policy for your 2011 season tickets.  The specifics of the policy are as follows:
1. We will provide you with a full refund for any cancelled preseason or regular-season home games.
2. You may choose to receive your refund either in the form that you paid for your tickets (e.g., cash, credit card) or in the form of credits toward future games with this credit applied to your season ticket account.
3. Simple interest, calculated at an annual rate of 1%, will be paid on refunds.  Interest will be calculated for the period beginning on the date that a game is cancelled through the date that the refund is processed.  You will be entitled to interest only if you have paid for your season tickets in full by the final season ticket payment deadline of May 23, 2011.
4. For any cancelled games, refunds will be paid no later than 30 days after final determination of how many games will be played during the 2011 season.
5. You may also click here to review the Vikings Season Ticket Owner refund policy that accompanied your 2011 invoice.
The Vikings ownership group, coaches and front office staff are working extremely hard this offseason to return the Minnesota Vikings to the top of the NFC North and compete for a Super Bowl, as well as build upon the pride and passion you have for this organization.  We greatly appreciate your support of the Minnesota Vikings and will continue to keep you informed of our plans for the 2011 season.  If you have any questions about the refund policy, or any other matter, please feel free to contact the Vikings Ticket Office at (612) 33-VIKES.  Also, please feel free to read a letter sent last night from NFL Commissioner Goodell to all NFL fans at vikings.com or follow the latest on the NFL labor situation at NFLLabor.com.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.  We look forward to helping the Minnesota Vikings return to the top of the NFC North and then achieving our ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl.
Sincerely,
Zygi and Mark Wilf