What about us?

Aspiring athletes, free agents, and underrated athletes have had a rough time trying to enter the NFL. The lockout has made it difficult for them to participate in team workouts, tryouts and meetings. This has made it easier for Arena Football League (AFL), Untied Football League (UFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL), to gain more prospective athletes. There are more options, but these are the main 3 behind the NFL.

What are aspiring players supposed to do? Most of them have dreamed of being in the NFL since they were children. Two such athletes are Brandon Summers and Antoine Carr. Both have played basketball as well, but found their true talent to be in football.

Brandon Summers began playing football at the age of 5 and hasn’t stopped. As a freshman at Southfield High School, he played varsity football. As quarterback he took the team to the championship. He then played at the University of Toledo but due to coaching issues, he transferred to Youngstown State University. In the 2009 season at YSU he rushed for 66 yards and threw for 2329 yards. The 2009 season was one injury for Summers; thumb and concussion.

 

Antoine Carr played football and basketball at Pontiac Central High School. He then went on to play wide receiver for Northwood University. While at Northwood, Carr he played from 2005-2009. He best season was in 2008 with 5 touchdowns. That season was cut short due to a broken leg in the sixth week of the season. The 2009 season was touch due to that injury and not wanting to cause harm to it. He also broke his thumb in the 1^st game of the season.

Reading these stats, one might not believe these players are any good.  While stats don’t lie, I see potential in both of these guys. Maybe playing in the AFL, UFL or CFL would be a good start for them. They could really hone in on their skills and excel to be ready for the NFL.

There are plenty of players like Summers and Carr in this country, who are confused. They don’t realize that the NFL is not the only choice. More people need to understand their options and maximize on opportunities. I can guarantee if given the right opportunites, Brandon Summers and Antoine Carr will be successful!

 Sources- Youngstown State University, Northwood University

The Draft

As we all know April 28-30, was the 2011 NFL Draft. This was a very exciting yet controversial draft, due to the lockout (which was lifted right before the draft and put back in place right after the draft).  Contracts are NOT in place yet and the rookies do not know how much money they will be receiving.  All 32 NFL teams will be shelling out a lot of money when contracts are signed. WE WILL HAVE AN NFL SEASON.

In the 2010 draft the number one draft pick was by the St. Louis Rams: Sam Bradford, QB from Oklahoma. Before the 2010 season, he signed a 6-year, $78 million deal, with $50 million guaranteed. This contract has a maximum value of $86 million. Bradford signed the largest contract EVER for a rookie. He also has an endorsement with Axe.

The second pick in the 2010 draft was by the Detroit Lions: Ndamukong Suh, Defense Tackle from Nebraska. Suh signed a $68 million contract with $40 million guaranteed for 5 years. He also has money coming from his endorsement deals with Nike and Chrysler.

Looking back at these numbers, one can only speculate what the number one and two draft picks will receive this year.

“With the number one pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, the Carolina Panthers select Cam Newton, QB Auburn.”  Cam Newton led the Auburn Tigers to a 14-0 season winning the BCS championship.  He is also the 2010 Heisman Trophy winner. Before the draft Newton signed a VERY nice contract with Under Armour (terms undisclosed). Will Cam sign a contract worth more than Sam Bradford? We will soon see.

Von Miller, linebacker from Texas A&M was selected by the Denver Broncos as the second overall draft pick. He has signed an endorsement deal with Adidas.  Will he make more then Suh? We will soon see.

Just in case you missed the draft here are the top 10 picks…..

1.     Cam Newton- Panthers

2.     Von Miller- Broncos

3.     Marcell Dareus- Bills

4.     A.J. Green- Bengals

5.     Patrick Peterson- Cardinals

6.     Julio Jones- Falcons

7.     Aldon Smith- 49ers

8.     Jake Locker- Titans

9.     Tyron Smith- Cowboys

10. Blaine Gabbert- Jaguars
The rest of the draft can be found at http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/tracker#dt-by-round-input:1

 The Detroit Lions had an AMAZING draft acquiring Nick Fairley 13th pick, Titus Young 44th pick, Mikel Leshoure  57th pick, Douglass Hogue 157th pick,  and Johnny Culbreath 209th pick. GO LIONS 

Sources: ESPN, NFL.com