Category: football

Could we be in the Genesis of renewed sports activism?

Brandon King

The 1960’s were a golden age for athlete activism. Bill Russell, Jim Brown, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Muhammad Ali and many others used their platforms to speak out against injustices that affected the black community. Tommie Smith and John Carlos used the worldwide stage of the 1968 Olympic Games as a platform to make a statement of pride and power of their people ( much to the chagrin and drawing the ire of then IOC president Avery Brundage). They all did this at major risk of their careers and even their…

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Detractors willing to attack Kaepernick to avoid having real discussion on race

Brandon King

It is well-known that during the San Francisco 49ers’ preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, that 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick did not stand up during the playing of the national anthem. By taking a stand by sitting down, Kaepernick has become a lightning rod, drawing support from those who agree with his stance and the ire of those who do not. I have found the vitriol that has come Kaepernick’s unsurprising , yet saddening and enlightening. It seems that some in the public and media only get angry when…

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Buccaneers signs CB Grimes

Brandon King

Although some teams were allegedly frightened off by his wife’s antics, Tampa Bay Bucs signed free agent DB Brent Grimes to a 2 year, $16.5 million deal. The Pro Bowler had been released Wednesday by the Dolphins shortly after their acquisition of Byron Maxwell from the Philadelphia Eagles. The move looks to shore up a secondary that struggled last season, giving up 31 touchdowns through the air, which was the 5th most in the NFL. Corners Alterraun Verner and Johnathan Banks were at times benched through the course of the…

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Peyton Manning to announce retirement

Brandon King

According to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, all-time great Peyton Manning is expected to announce his retirement on Monday, closing one of the great careers in League history. There has been speculation, and recommendation by some, that this would be his last year most of this past season.     If he hangs them up tomorrow here are the NFL records he walks away with: NFL career passing touchdown record: 539 Most passing yards, career: 71,940 Single season touchdown record (2013): 55 Most passing yards, season (2013): 5,477 Most wins (including playoffs):…

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Illinois breaks off 1st year HC Cubit

Brandon King

The University of Illinois now has an opening for a head football coach. In a move that caught many off guard, new Athletic Director Josh Whitman fired 1st year coach Bill Cubit. The move happened just a week before the Illini were set to commence spring practice. The practices are postponed until a replacement can be found.   Whitman released a statement earlier today and it was chock full of admin-speak in which he said this: “I appreciate the leadership that Bill Cubit provided our football program during what has…

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Air Cruz TR “Haystack” releases this week

Brandon King

The Nike Air Cruz TR is the upcoming signature sled for New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz. The first colorway on the docket for release is this Haystack version. This shoe is outfitted in a wheat premium suede upper and has an Air Trainer 1 midsole that is black with red speckles. It also features a midfoot strap , which has the words “dance to greatness” on the Velcro, and another strap at the heel that is emblazoned with Cruz’s signature. A gum rubber outsole rounds out this sneaker.…

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Beastmode gives McDonald’s employee $500

Brandon King

*images via TMZ Sports   While at a Dallas area McDonald’s during their bye week, Seattle Seahawks star running back Marshawn Lynch made a difference in the life of one of the workers there. After 17-year old Terrance Downs complimented Lynch on his Buscemi sneakers, the two struck up a conversation. When asked about the encounter by TMZ Sports, young Downs had this to say: “I told him I liked his shoes — navy blue Buscemis — and how I wanted to buy a pair and we all started talking”…

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Dez Bryant shows the perks of being a JB athlete

Brandon King

Earlier today on his Instagram Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant showed why being a member of Team Jordan is awesome. In the post, he displays several yet-to-be-released pair of shoes,  most notably the black/red Air Jordan 1.5, the Maroon Air Jordan VI retro, the “72-10” Air Jordan XI retro, the “Supreme” Air Jordan V. How nice it must be, Mr. Bryant.    

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Nike and Patriots again collab on limited Lunar Force 1

Brandon King

Once again Nike and the New England Patriots have teamed up to birth another limited Lunar Force 1. Last year’s release was a big hit, selling out at the team’s pro shop in under a half hour and resulted in an over $100,000 donation to the sports and fitness programs at the Boys and Girls of Boston (BGCB). This year’s release features what appears to be a black, premium leather upper, a white Lunar midsole and translucent blue tinted outsole. Additional features are the team logo sitting in front of…

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UNC refreshes look and logo

Brandon King

Over the course of 18 months Nike and the University of North Carolina collaborated on a joint project to refresh the school’s logo and looks for all 28 of its varsity teams. “We are excited to once again partner with Nike, one of the most recognizable brands in the world, to help us refresh and refine our marks and logos,” said University of North Carolina Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham. “The changes are subtle, but they celebrate our history and create consistency as we further seek to distinguish ourbrand. This is…

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