The Heisman Goes To....

     Anyone who calls himself an "Athelete", should know what "The Heisman trophy" is. The Heisman is the highest, individual honor a college athelete can receive and each player in college strives to receive this "Honor".

On Saturday night, December 8, three of the nation's greatest atheletes, gathered to hear their name called onto the podium to receive the Heisman. Only one, however, was fortunate enough to receive this honor.

At the beginning of the 2012 season, no one had their eyes on Texas A&M or their freshman quarterback--for that matter. Rejected by the University of Texas, Johnny Manziel was a walk-on freshman who no one thought would be able to compete in the SEC, let alone win the Heisman. Throughout the season, fans found out that this, "Manziel" kid...was for real. Amassing over 500 rushing yards through the first 6 games of the season, Manziel was on track to break the single season total yards record--set by Cam Newton in 2010...and thats just what he did. Manziel finished the season with, a staggering, 4,600 total yards, 24 passing touchdowns and only 8 interceptions. 1,082 yds. of which were rushing, and added 19 rushing touchdowns to his incredible freshman season.

This was the first time in Heisman history, that a freshman had won the Heisman. Manziel had a total of 2,029 points and 474 first place votes--153 more than the runner-up, Manti Teo. All that I have to say is, Texas must feel pretty stupid. And he still has 3 more years!!

It's Not Over 'til it's Over

     As an athelete, I always look forward to those "Rivalry Games", every week. But as a Florida Gator fan, there is one rivalry that stands out among the rest--Florida vs. Florida State. Dating all the way back to 1958, this historic rivalry has been the pinnacle of great rivalries throughout the state of Florida. Although the Gators lead the all-time series 34-21-2, the past 5 years have been in favor of the Seminoles from Florida State. The 2012 season, however, was a different story.

After Urban Meyer departed from the Gators after the 2011 season, the Gator Nation became very unknown throughout the NCAA. Meyer held an overall record of 29 wins and 8 losses at UF and led the Gators to 2 National Championships. The loss of Urban Meyer was very surprising to all of college football and, of course, the University of Florida. The following season, however, did look just as promising as previous years. The following year, the Gators hired Will Muschamp to become the new head coach of the Florida Gators. Muschamp had a very impressive resume....until his first season at UF. Although Muschamp ranked the Gators as the no. 3 recruiting class, this "No. 3 recruiting class", did not show up the 2011 season. The 2011 season made Gator Nation lose all hope. Finishing the season 7-6 did not excite the fans, and a loss to FSU that season, made the fans even more hostile.

In 2009, the Florida State seminoles lost a living legend--Bobby Bowden. Bowden announced his retirement in early December, just weeks after his 80th birthday. His announcement shocked, not only FSU, but also the entire state of Florida and beyond. Bowden coached at 4 different colleges with an overall record of 377-129-4 (304–97–4 of thoses wins, losses and ties came at Florida State). In 2010, FSU hired Jimbo Fisher as their new head coach. His first year, however, was quite the opposite of the newly acquired Will Muschamp. Fisher led the Seminoles to their first 10 win season since 2003 and a win against rival Florida.

After being ranked no. 25 in the coaches poll, and barely pulling off a nailbiter win against Bowling Green. The 2012 season for the Gators wasn't looking so promising. After the Gators kept winning, it seemed to be a cinderella story. 3 in a row, 4 in a row, 5 in a row. LSU, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M--these are just a few of the power house teams that were upset by, "No. 25 Florida". The Gators moved all the way to no. 2 in the coaches poll: until they lost to no. 6 Georgia. Which moved them back to no. 9. When the Seminoles were upset by unranked NC State, fans were a little skeptical about the Seminoles facing the Gators.

On November 24th, the Gators beat the Seminoles, 37-26  at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee. At the beginning of the year, FSU fans marked this game down as a "W". It just goes to show it's not over 'til it's over.

Looking Beyond the Tatoos

     This weeks post isn't about a recent story, or a big game. It's about a big name bringing honor and glory to an even bigger name....God. I know what your thinking, and no it's not Tim Tebow. Everyone knows the story of Tim Tebow. Grew up in church, went on countless mission trips, and became known around the world by professing his faith on his eye black during football games. Theecause  man i'm talking about may not look like a Christian at first sight, but that's because his life-changing experience happened later on in his life.

     Josh Hamilton, out fielder for the MLB team, the Texas Rangers, began his struggle with drug and alchohol addiction in 2001 after a car crash that involved his mother and father. Hamilton found out about drugs and alchohol after experimenting at a tatoo parlor. Hamilton was a tremendous baseball player, ending his high school baseball career with a .529 BA, 13 HR, 34 RBI, and 20 stolen bases. His addiction, however, would come back to haunt him in 2003. During spring training in 2003, Hamilton failed his drug test and was suspended at the beginning of the regular season for 30 games. Failed drug test after failed drug test, hindered Hamilton from starting his ML career.

     Hamilton began his career, finally, and became clean after being confronted by his grandmother, Mary Holt. In 2008 Hamilton had not had not had a drug since Oct. 2005. "It's a God thing", Hamilton said when asked about his recovery. He firmly believes that God helped him through this period of his life and frequently talks to groups and fans about his beliefs and his God. He was recently in one of the "I Am Second" videos, and tells of the struggles of alchohol and drug addiction in his life and talks about how building a relationship with God helped him through all of it. Hamilton was married to his wife, Katie, in 2004 and has 3 daughters with Katie. Sierra Elise, the oldest, Michaela Grace and Stella Faith, the youngest.

     Hamilton is a born again Christian and has one of the greatest testimonies in the world of sports. Hamilton's teammates--who knew of his addictions and struggles--have celebrated past major events (such as beating the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division Series; and beating the Yankees in the American League Championship Series) with ginger ale instead of champagne, due to the impact of Hamilton's testimony. Hamilton has not had a drug or a sip of alchohol since 2005, and he plans to keep it that way. Hamilton had one of his best years, despite being kicked out of the playoffs, and ended this year with 43 HR and 121 RBIs--2nd in the MLB in both categories. Looking beyond the tatoos and beyond the past struggles, Josh Hamilton is my role model and I hope I can have as great a relationship, with God, as Hamilton does and have the same strength through struggles and temptations that he has had all of these years.

Its about time!

     Before the start of the NFL regular season last year, all of the players went into a "lockout" (strike). Most fans didn't think there would be an NFL season. Many people wondered how someone who made millions could want or even need more money. Eventually, the players on a budget with the league and the players returned just in time for the pre-season. Now, your probably wondering why i'm talking to you about something that happened last year; but something similar happened again this year.

     At the start of this season, everyone thought, since the lockout had ended last year, that this would be the perfect season; but I don't think they saw this coming. The leagues referrees went into a lockout this time. Just like the players, the refs didn't think they were getting enough money; but $80,000 a year might make an average person pretty happy. Now, most people might not think that it's that big a deal, but I think the fans would disagree. Controversial call after controversial call-- were the top stories on Sportscenter day after day and everyone knew why.....The "replacements". These refs averaged 15.0 penalties per game.....per team! Players were fined, coaches were fined, and fans were furious.

     This past week the "Real Refs" , and the commissioner, agreed to a budget for the referees for huture years and to avoid future lockouts. The referees were given a standing ovation this past Thursday at the Ravens and Browns game and said that they were glad to be back. I wonder why??

Chase for the Triple Crown

     In my blog today, we will be in Detroit, Michigan where Miguel Cabrera, 3rd baseman for the Tigers, chases his first Triple Crown and the first one in Detroit for over 45 years. In order for a player to get the Triple Crown, he has to lead the league in 3 different categories: such as, batting average, home runs, RBI's, stolen bases, etc... Which is why it is one of the toughest awards to receive.

     Miguel Cabrera plays in the American League for the Tigers, like I said, and leads the MLB in batting average at .333 and runs batted in at 130. He is, however, 2nd in the league when it comes to home runs having hit only 41; 3 behind the league leader Josh Hamilton who has hit an amazing 44 home runs. There is, however, one more in the race for the triple crown. The rookie phenom, Mike Trout. Trout was the 25th pick in the 2012 draft and is, by far, the best rookie in the league. Trout leads the league with 46 stolen base, but is 2nd behind Cabrera in batting average (.324).

     Although most people believe Trout has a chance at catching Cabrera for the Triple Crown, I personally believe that Trout's opportunity is slowly slipping away to catch Cabrera with less than 20 games left in the season. I believe Cabrera's potential and experience will be enough to bring the crown back to Detroit.

What's Up With the Saints?!

     The New Orleans Saints, who started last season 2-0, have been off to a slower than slow start and did not expect this season to start off this bad. The Saints have an 0-2 record and are hoping to rebound this and get their first win of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs at home.

     Drew Brees, the MVP of last season, leads the team with 664 passing yard and 4 touchdowns, but balances the touchdowns out with 4 interceptions. The Saints are currently 4th in the league with passing yards a game, but are 32nd in the league when it comes to rush yards a game. The Saints were Super Bowl contenders last year, but were kicked out in the second round of the playoffs against the Sanfrancisco 49er's.

     No one knows why the Saints have suddenly gone from Super Bowl contenders to Super Bowl pretenders. Some say its the loss of their all-star linebacker Jon Vilma over the bounty program. Some may say that it is simply the bounty program and scandals themselves. Whatever the case may be, the Saints had better get this show on the road soon, they'll never here the end of this terrible season.

On This Day...

    On this day in sports history Alex Rodriguez, of the Seattle Mariners, set a team record when he racked up his 200th hit for the 1996 season. Rodriguez now plays for the New York Yankees and has a batting average of .301, 646 home runs (5th all-time), and has 1,943 RBI in his carrer. Rodriguez is also a 14 time all-star and has won 2 Golden Glove awards.

Its Jerry with a G

     I want you to think of someone who is mean, who is disgusting, someone who nobody likes but everyone knows who they are. Now, Imagine you had the same name as that person.

    Everyone in the sports world, or everyone who watches television, should know, and cringe, at the name Jerry Sandusky. Jerry Sandusky was recently put in jail for 45 accounts of rape and sexual molestation and cost Penn State University more than its reputaion. Sandusky, an assistant football coach at Penn State, was accused of molesting and even raping boys at a summer football camp at PSU. A four year bowl band, forfeited football wins from 1998-2011, and a $60 million fine--these are just a few of the punishments given to PSU for this one man's horendous crime.

    Gerry Sandusky, with a G, lives in Baltimore, Maryland and is the announcer for the Baltimore Ravens. Ever since the crime, committed by Sandusky, Gerry's life hasn't been the same for him or his family. On his Twitter and even in hotels, Sandusky is constantly being threatened for wrong accusations. When asked if he had ever considered changing his name Sandusky replied, "No, because I am proud of the reputation that my father has brought to this family under that name, and I would never disrespect him by changing it."

    This man didn't know that his name would someday match the name of a rapist, but he didn't let it phase him or his family. He didn't just back down and allow the threats to affect the way he lived his life and he didn't let this affect his future and past family by changing his name.

Throwback Thursday

                                                       Throwback Thursday

    Five years ago, today, the world of sports was shocked as one of the greatest football players of all time announced his retirement. Tiki Barber, running back for the New York Giants, finished his carrer ,having played 154 games, carried the ball 2,217, ran for 10,449 yards and scored 68 touchdowns. Even though he announced his retirement 5 years ago, he will forever be remembered as one of the greatest running back of all time.