J.Mike's Missives

Today is one of those days where it’s hard to think about football.

In the past week the world has lost Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Each were celebrities in their own way: radio and TV personality, actress and widely proclaimed “King of Pop.”

It’s hard to think about a sport when so much of Americana is unexepectedly gone.

Don’t think this impacts culture? Do a YouTube search for “Thriller” and see how many views Jackson’s video (and the various wedding adaptations) receive by the minute.

The world lost three role models and three examples of decades-long celebrity.

My father-in-law remarked yesterday how each represented the devotion of generations of fans. Multiple age groups.

Another report marveled at how each could stay recognizable in the public eye despite troubles and the often cruel nature of time. Tests of popularity.

Yet, legacies will remain.

My thoughts and prayers to everyone — family, friends, fans — affected.

More kudos for the Falcons: Is it all too much too soon?, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What do you think Falcons Nation? Too early to tell? Mind made up the team will mirror its history? Think the new leadership and quarterback are on to something?

‘Sugar Bear’ ready for Waterville return, The Kennebec (Maine) Morning Sentinel
Players aren’t the only Falcons giving back at youth football camps across the country.

Peterson’s voice resonating in Atlanta, ESPN.com
It didn’t take long for Mike Peterson to become a leader on the Falcons defense. He’s a respected player with experience. The perfect addition to a team with youthful exuberance.

‘All of a Sudden it has a Name,’ J. Mike’s Missives
I didn’t realize this piece on Jerious Norwood and some thoughts on the Wildcat formation would become so popular. My point was to show Norwood’s heavy involvment on special teams and offense.

Bucs are team of the decade in NFC South, ESPN.com
Since the formation of the NFC South the Buccaneers, Panthers, Falcons and Saints have appeared in the NFC Championship. The Buccaneers won the Super Bowl in the divisions first year of existence. That world championship must be good enough for all-decade recognition.

HPSD and a Football Tourney, Spreading Our Wings
Some good stuff from the community relations blog. The NFL isn’t all about professional athletes. There’s a focus to help the youth in the game, too.

Chat with Pat Yasinskas, ESPN.com
“All I can tell you is Thomas Dimitroff told me at mini camp, ‘I promise you, Michael (Turner) won’t be carrying 375 times this year.’” Of course, TD didn’t tell Pat — or anyone — exactly what the Falcons will be doing.

Ex-Jaguar LB Peterson still loves to “Bring It,” The (Jacksonville) Florida Times-Union
“It’s bigger than just me. To me, it’s about the kids. The kids want it. So it has nothing to do with me not playing for the Jags or me not being from here. The kids from here want to come to the Mike Peterson football camp. So to me, it was a no-brainer to have it.” Enough said.

J. Michael Moore Birdseed AJC, Ed McMahon, ESPN.com, Farrah Fawcett, Florida Times-Union, Jerious Norwood, Michael Jackson, Mike Peterson, NFC South, Ray Hamilton, Spreading Our Wings, The Morning Sentinel, Thomas Dimitroff