Conference Championship Cuties ’13

One game to go before the big one! We’ve picked four of the hottest players on the remaining teams to make the Conference Championship Sunday even hotter. Each of these guys will turn your head, make you blush and get your heart racing. Take your pick – strong, smart, sexy – whatever you want. All four work extra hard and it shows. And please, share because you can’t keep something this good to yourself.

Patrick Willis #52, Inside Linebacker, San Francisco 49ers

Willis was featured a few years back, but he just keeps getting finer. Boy is he aging beautifully. That sexy, passionate player wears his emotions all over his inked frame. This year, he challenged his team to “make it epic.” I’d certainly make it epic … I digress … back to football. It’s difficult to stay focused on his moves both on and off the field because the physique is so distracting. But he works at that, pushes hard all year long to make sure that the body is in full effect. In his recent Homegrown Workout video, Patrick says, “It’s not about what you have it’s how you work with what you have.” We could keep talking, but there’s no reason to keep the goods away from you. Ladies, if this won’t get you to the gym then I don’t know what will. We’re also giving away a Patrick Willis autographed ball (just a little something to remember him by.)

Good … Lord…have… mercy! Well come on Patrick – show us what you workin’ with!

Chris Hope #24, Strong Safety, Atlanta Falcons

Chris Hope enjoys life!

After ten long years in the AFC, Chris Hope found his way on to the NFC’s Atlanta Falcons roster this season and he couldn’t be happier. This baldie with the beautiful eyes began his NFL career as a third round draft pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2002. He signed with the Tennessee Titans in 2006 where he shone as a leader on the defensive unit. He earned a Super Bowl ring with the Steelers and signed with the Atlanta to get one more shot at the title. The Falcons wanted to make sure that the defense was deep so they made room on the roster for the former Pro-Bowler from Florida State (what DO they put in the college water in Florida?!) At 5-foot-11 and 206 pounds, the strong, lean but muscular safety hits hard. To make it even better the man is also brilliant! He graduated summa cum

Any reason to suit up for Chris.

laude with a 3.71 GPA and later was awarded a $15,000 postgraduate scholarship from the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame. If the smarts aren’t enough to excite you, would you believe that the man has a loving heart, too? He started the ICHOPE Foundation to provide support to underserved families. Most recently, his efforts helped support a women’s shelter in his home city of Rock Hill, SC.  The giving is just one way he finds to thank the supportive home community and honor his grandmother Christine Willie. He takes a picture of the two of them to every single game – home and away –and is grateful that she got to experience his NFL success. His grandmother passed away of cancer in 2006, but Chris says that she’s his eyes in the sky and he believes that she’s saying the same prayers she always said for him during his career.

Brendon Ayanbadejo #51, Inside Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens

Brendon, we’d say those abs are nice.

Three-time Pro Bowler Brendon Ayanbadejo deserves to be added to the Playoff edition! He’s fine, he is a recognized leader and he has a great back story. He was signed by the Falcons as an undrafted free agent in 1999. He’s played in NFL Europe, spent time with three teams in the Canadian Football League (CFL) as well as on the roster for the Bears and the Dolphins. He made the Pro Bowl twice for special teams play while with the Chicago Bears, but it has been his second stint with the Ravens where Ayanbadejo has truly stood out.

Brendon preaches against hate.

With Ray Lewis was out injured this season, Brandon has become a more active member of the defense. But it was his off-field advocacy of same sex marriage rights that helped bring this hottie to national attention. Married with two children, Ayanbadejo advocated for the legalizing same sex marriage for numerous years. This past fall Maryland Delegate Emmett C. Burns, Jr. sent a letter to the Ravens owner and management team requesting that they “take the necessary action …to inhibit such expressions” from Ayanbadejo as an employee of the team. This letter led to an outpouring of national support for Ayanbadejo’s right to free speech as well as other NFL players supporting his position on this issue. I love his courage and that he uses his position as a professional athlete for social advocacy instead of being in the news for illegal activities.  He did call negative attention to himself recently with a series of tweets about upcoming opponents (the New England Patriots.) He apologized, saying “…when it comes to football, I’m not a fan. I can’t tweet like I’m a fan.” In addition to same sex marriage he is a huge proponent of the FIT Kids Act requiring school districts to report on students’ physical activity and increase nutritional information provided to students.  Ladies, looking at THAT body, yes, yes, yes, yes, I support his desire to improve the physical activity of youth in America. I ESPECIALLY support him, if bodies like his are the end result, lol!

Devin McCourty #32, Free Safety, New England Patriots

Chocolate Cutie Devin McCourty

No ladies, you are NOT seeing double!!! Devin McCourty, cornerback with the Patriots has a twin brother Jason who plays for the Titans. The brothers attended Rutgers and Devin was selected 27th overall in the 2010 NFL draft by the New England Patriots. Since he was drafted Devin has had 251 tackles 14 INTs and 43 pass deflections. He was also selected to the Pro Bowl his rookie year. While he only has two years in the league he has quickly established himself as a defensive threat. According to their mom Phyllis, Devin has always been the quieter twin – until they get to the field. His moves speak loudly and clearly. Coach Belichick continues to heap praise on Devin, particularly his game smarts. Coach B. said that after drafting Devin, he soon realized that the rookie not only knew his assignments but was studied up on the whole defense. That’s good stuff, but it started early.  The twins were raised by Phyllis after their father died when they were just three (3) years old. No matter how far you go back, you’ll find teachers and coaches proudly sharing stories of the respectful, smart, giving young men. But this weekend, we’ll watch Devin. He’s so easy on the eyes with his beautiful smile! This chocolate cutie makes me want to go get a bag of marshmallows! Enjoy this fun video – and wait until you see who Mom says is her favorite team!