Birdseed: July 13, 2009
What does a Web-addicted, news-sniffing blogger do when he needs a vacation?
He goes to Hawaii and turns the phone off.
But now it’s time to say “aloha” (goodbye) to the islands and “aloha” (hello) to Flowery Branch.
The wife and I took a nine-day vacation to visit friends in Honolulu during this slow, offseason time but I did manage to stay informed on some of the sadder news from the NFL.
(Some things you just find out about).
Before recapping some Falcons news, a word on Steve McNair.
I was relaxing before a Fourth of July barbecue when our host turned from her computer to tell me about McNair’s death. It took but a moment to realize that, for the second time, a professional football player I knew and worked with had been killed.
But it wasn’t the same story.
Darrent Williams was an inspiration — an undersized cornerback looking to prove everyone wrong before his career was cut short by a bullet. McNair was the first player I met when my NFL journey began as a Titans intern in 2004.
One of the team’s PR men took me on a tour of the building and, there in the weight room (in May), was McNair. He smiled, and — through sweat and heavy breaths — said he looked forward to working with me through training camp.
Before that day I followed McNair’s career as a fan. I watched him lead the hometown Titans to a Super Bowl and marveled at his ability to overcome pain. As my NFL path grew longer, I learned more about his uncanny ability to play through injury.
My level of respect rose.
Then, news of his death reached me half a world away. But that didn’t take away the sting.
Rest in peace, Steve.
Leadership important in youthful secondary, AF.com
Before I left for paradise, I prepared features on the website focusing on key questions facing the Falcons at this point in the offseason. More on Tony Gonzalez and the running game here and here.
Ex-Falcons Tuggle prepares son for football limelight, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For as big a sport as it is, football certainly has some eerie connections.
Video: Tony Gonzalez on joining Falcons, ESPN.com
The Falcons new tight end talks about his new team.
Atlanta Falcons’ William Moore’s approach is with common sense and no expectations, Examiner.com
If you don’t keep a level head the NFL will throw you to the side. Too many ups and downs not to approach with an open mind and a calm demeanor.
All Time Falcons Team Results So Far, The Falcoholic
Continuing a great, offseason blog feature. We’re planning some history stuff on AF.com too, so stay tuned through the season.
Offseason spotlight: What will be Gonzalez’s impact in Atlanta?, NFL.com
Note no one says Gonzalez will not make an impact.
Local NFL player greets public, Lahontan Valley (Nev.) News
From small town star to one of the “meanest” players in the NFL. Tip of the hat to Harvey Dahl.
Arthur Blank: “No question we have a better team,” Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Eventually — perhaps sooner rather than later — we’ll be talking about “the power of the bird” in another sense.
Falcons enjoy productive offseason, The (Dalton, Ga.) Daily Citizen
I’m amazed at how little trust is put into the front office for a cornerback position that, though young, is one of the deepest on the team. I may think differently after the first preseason game but I’ll hold judgment for a while longer.
Davis to help hold camp before heading to Training Camp, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Thanks for the link, D. Led! On a related note, blocking is something people forget about when it comes to tight end. Gonzalez isn’t a future Hall of Famer for his pass-catching ability alone.
Meet the rookies: Adkins happy to represent ‘The U,’ Gainesville Times
Spencer Adkins is an interesting player. He was a situational player at Miami, so keep an eye out to see where he fits into the Falcons defensive scheme.
The Falcons: From 1-15 to the NFC title game, SN says, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Certainly a different round of predictions expectations this season.
Rader returns to run youth football camp, The Charleston (W. Va.) Gazette
Sometimes I wonder how many of these great, offseason camps we never hear about.
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you had a nice time in hawaii?
J.Mike. There’s no good way to go out bubba. Sept maybe a naked girl avalanche. But 36 is just to damn young. My dad died 3yrs ago. Even though is last few year’s were mixed with bad decion’s and heavy drinking. The man that raised me was still in there. Only an a$$*ole would try and make it all about the bad. I think cause it make’s them feel better about themselfs or something. I choose to remmember my dad in the best light possialbe. I hope people try and do the same.
Thanks for the comment. Obviously, there’s stuff in the news about this situation that I didn’t mention. It’s going to be out there, regardless. When it comes to football it was hard not to love what McNair could do on the field. He probably could have kept playing but he left the game with some great numbers and after providing some great memories to fans.