Archive for the 'NFL Players Association' Category

Goal Reached!

Tuesday, March 25th, 2008

I have had a lot transpire in the last couple of weeks. As you may have read I made the executive board of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). I am one of 10 players and was told that I am the youngest player ever, which is a major accomplishment for me. I am just really proud and honored to be named to this board and I look forward to the responsibilities that it requires to be a representative of the NFL as a whole and not just the Broncos. They added three new members, because two dropped off and one — Kevin Mawae of the Tennessee Titans — became the president. We added Mike Vrabel of the New England Patriots, Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints and myself.

All 10 positions were elected in. Seven people returned and the rest were nominated. I was nominated all three times, but it got kind of dramatic at the end. The very first time Rod (Smith) nominated me, but I didn’t quite make it. Then for the next spot, T.J. Houshmandzadeh of the Cincinnati Bengals nominated me and I didn’t quite make that one. The last time, Drew Brees nominated me and each person that was nominated had to give a little speech. So I gave a little speech and I guess it put me over the top and they voted me in. I was very proud. The next day I was sitting on the stage next to the President of the Player’s Association and the Executive Director Gene Upshaw. I felt kind of important, but mostly I was honored and proud for the opportunity.

(more…)

Heading to Maui

Tuesday, March 11th, 2008

Well to start off, I always welcome in new teammates with open arms. I know Boss Bailey, through Champ, obviously, and we have hung out a few times. He is a great guy, a great athlete and a great addition to the team. The other guys I don’t know as well but I am looking forward to meeting them and getting to know them and welcoming them to the Broncos.  That is assuming I will still be a part of the team. This time of year, you never know what is going to happen.

Let’s see what have I been up to? Chris Rock was in Denver; I went to that and it was a great show. It was really really funny and one of the good things about comedy is you can have your own little social commentary and disguise it as jokes. That is one of the reasons that I like Chris Rock; he is one of my favorites because a large portion of the stand-up was just his opinions and social commentary in general. He talked a lot about the elections and it was all very hilarious and eye-opening at the same time. I assume it will be on HBO; that is what Chris normally does. So I highly recommend it when it comes out or if he comes back to Denver.
(more…)

Paying It Forward

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

First I would like to start off by sending my condolences to onechocolateqt; I read in the responses that she just lost her mother. I remember meeting onechocolateqt at an autograph signing that I had in Cherry Creek and she was just wonderful. I think she was on her way to visit her mom at the time and as a friend I wanted to pass on my condolences first of all.

Also, in reading the responses I just wanted to thank everybody for the personal support that they gave me. It is really reassuring to know that my hard work gets recognized by the fans if nobody else. That is who we play for and it is the reason that we works so hard. So I do appreciate your support.

I did read the negative post and I must say it takes a big person to admit when they are wrong and it takes a brave person to say what he said initially on my blog. So I commend the man on both counts. But it is part of the job taking criticism, so it didn’t hurt my feelings nearly as much as the positive words he followed up with made me feel good. So I appreciate all the responses, the good and the bad. But definitely the good a little more.

(more…)