Clutch Gene

Somewhere, in a dark laboratory in Chicago or San Francisco or maybe Boston, there is an ambitious young scientist analyzing stem cells, trying to confirm the existence of a genetic trait which lends itself to a predisposition for timely heroics. ESPN First Take analyst Skip Bayless has been making reference to the “clutch gene” for years now. Having covered the Chicago Bulls in the nineties, a front-seat witness to many a Michael Jordan fourth quarter, Skip’s professional opinion is laden with credibility. In team sports, there are a plethora of factors that can affect an athlete’s success or ineptitude in decisive moments. That said, if we can presume not that all things are equal but that a large enough sample size will weed out many of the flukes, then we can examine the tendency for some superstars to play big in the game’s biggest moments. I have some up and down votes on a couple of today’s controversial leading men.

 LeBron James

LeBron James, Forward, Miami Heat

This is a no brainer for me, but I’ll offer a few disclaimers. For one, this guy has been compared to the greatest at least since he was sixteen years old. It is sports blasphemy to mention Michael Jordan’s name next to any other basketball player. In general, that name serves as the golden standard for… well, everything. Michael Jordan is the Michael Jordan of basketball, so I will not use his unique body of work to slam LeBron. Instead, I will simply revisit some of his career highlights and lowlights, so to speak.

Exhibit A: Impressive start. LeBron’s NBA and Cleveland Cavaliers debut saw the eighteen year old star post 25 pts, 9 ast , 6 rbs and 4 stl against a Sacramento Kings team that was still considered a juggernaut in the league, albeit in a losing effort. The numbers were there from literally the onset, on his way to winning Rookie of the Year honors, but the winning wasn’t; the Cavs did not make the playoffs.

Exhibit B: Playoff Debut. In 2006, James set all kinds of franchise records in Cleveland, including points scored in a season. He led his team to the playoffs and even to a game seven versus the Detroit Pistons. But in the biggest and “clutchest” moment of his still young career, Bron’s Cavs only managed 61 points, a record low for any game seven. James had one field goal in the second half.

Exhibit C: The Promised Land. LBJ has now, after his eight year, made it to the NBA Finals on two occasions. The problem is he needed eight wins to earn two rings. He got two wins, both coming when he was a secondary option to former Finals MVP Dwyane Wade.

Ruling: LeBron James, while unquestionably a top basketball talent, does not appear to have been blessed with the illusive clutch gene. Time after time, the pressure of the biggest moment has revealed the star forward to be a bit gun-shy. The one exception would be the big game-winning three he hit in the 2009 playoffs (Game 2, ECF) against the rival Orlando Magic, but then again, they lost that series.

 Tim Tebow

Tim Tebow, QB Denver Broncos

This guy has the potential to have his face on the cover of Time Magazine for the way he has transcended the sport of football. As the Tebow 3:16 marches to Massachusetts for a playoff game, the bandwagon seems to be accommodating more and more passengers every day. In the same way that I don’t hold basketball players of today against the backdrop of His Airness, I’ll try not to mention the fourth quarter exploits of Joe Montana, John Elway, or even Tom Brady. When it comes to clutch, the Gator-turned-Bronco has consistently demonstrated that if nothing else, he’s got late game gumption. He has been called the Anti-LeBron. Let’s leave alone whether or not the guy is a viable NFL quarterback; let us instead turn simply to his fourth quarter and overtime comeback wins and near-wins. The opening snap of the first new-rules overtime against the heavily favored Pittsburg Steelers on Sunday night was the icing on a cake baked with several other victims Tebowmania.

Exhibit A: Champion. Unlike James, Tim Tebow went to college and won there. And although he didn’t live up to the undefeated season that he and some experts predicted, a singular failure led to a memorable press conference speech and the Florida Gators marching to a national BCS championship.

Exhibit B: J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets! Before the game in week eleven, star cornerback Darrelle Revis claimed that the New York defense need only not fall asleep in the secondary to defeat Tim and the Broncos. I guess Revis Island pressed the snooze button because after an abysmal showing in the first, second, and third quarters, Tebow delivered a 95-yard drive, capped off by a game-winning 20-yard run.

Exhibit C: What new rules? Had the 2012 NFL playoffs kept the same rules as last year, we wouldn’t know it yet. Because in what many have deemed the best performance of Tebow’s two year NFL career, the Broncos opened the extra session with an eighty yard touchdown pass, sending the Steelers home earlier than they planned.

Ruling: Somebody could write a book on the ongoing media-driven debate over whether or not Tebow is capable of playing or deserves to play quarterback in the NFL. In fact, I’m almost sure somebody is working on that book right now. But given a fifteen game sample size with which to work, I’d have to say the deoxyribonucleic composition of the Broncos young starter does in fact include the clutch gene.

Final Thought

If I had to choose between being Pat Riley and John Elway – that is: would I prefer to have a roster that includes LeBron James or Tim Tebow – I’d go with Riles every time. James is one of the three or four best players in basketball, certainly  a top two small forward. As Ravens linebacker Terelle Suggs said, I wouldn’t want to be praying on the sideline late in the fourth quarter, waiting for a miracle to get a win. I’d much rather be in a position to dominate throughout a game. Ideally a team’s season doesn’t come down to a game winning shot or drive or penalty. But if your superstar comes up short consistently like LeBron who may in fact not have the genetic makeup of a closer, I’m going to want to have another player on my roster, one who has proven that he rises to the highest occasions. I don’t know, maybe a guy like Dwyane Wade.

Nelly Semela

SIDELINE PASS Cuties!

By Mia Jackson

We’re halfway through the season and just as some teams break away from the field, there are standout cuties! Some of these guys are smoking hot and we can’t wait to share the ones we’ve found. This week we’ll look at the SURPRISES in the league to see who we’d want to sit close to on the sideline.

Fly Like an Eagle Kurt Coleman #42 Philadelphia Eagles, Free Safety

Fine Philly Eagle Kurt Coleman

Fiiire! Umph those Ohio Players! The late round pick was born, bred and educated in the state of Ohio. The safety is well known for his workouts and considered “a demon in the weight room.” (USA Today) He’ll need to do more of that to help out his Eagles. The team has not lived up to expectations, surprising many of us who considered the team a strong Super Bowl contender. But while this man is incredibly fun to look at, I’m more impressed by his giving heart. He’s been touched by a number of challenging events – Tyson Gentry, a teammate was paralyzed following a hit he took from Coleman during practice. Kurt was so shaken, he nearly quit the game of football but the forgiving Gentry and his family convinced him to stay at Ohio State. He made the most of the return, becoming a three-year starter, team captain and first-team All-American. Soon thereafter, his father was diagnosed with breast cancer. The disease DOES target men, even if it is extremely rare. After the ordeal, Coleman was determined to help others and he joined Uplifting Athletes, an organization created to support people suffering from rare diseases.

Working Back to the Top  Taylor Mays #26  – Cincinnati Bengals, Defensive Back

Taylor Made for the Cuties!

Taylor Mays drew high praise and a lot of attention during the 2010 draft. He’s turning our heads still, but for different reasons. At 6’3″ his size and clearly the muscles reminded scouts of Adrian Wilson, while his hitting ability landed comparisons to the late and very great Sean Taylor. So expectations were high! The defensive talent locked up honor after after honor at USC and coaches were prepared for him to reach the same level in the NFL.  Soon though, he wasn’t quite working in the Singletary scheme in San Franciso so the Niners traded him to the ‘Nati. Now, Mays is working to rebuild and restart after a good preseason that unfortunately left him injured. The last two weeks were his first on the field since the 2011 official season started. He’s working in slowly, but Coach Marvin Lewis adding him into the defensive schemes in the last few games. The Bengals are winning with the rookie Red Rifle Dalton at QB. This team is certainly one of the good surprises in the league. Work your way back with these surprising Bengals, Mr. Mays.

Baby Let’s Cruz! Victor Cruz #80 -  New York Giants, Wide Receiver

Cruzin' - on a Sunday afternoon!

Victor Cruz entered the season expecting to be 4th on the Giants’ depth chart behind three top players. Then injuries hit. Just like in other circumstances, Cruz was ready to take control when the opportunity presented itself. While at the University of Mass, he didn’t start a game until his junior year and still managed to land the 4th all-time receptions spot. Undrafted, he earned his way onto the New York roster and kept those beautiful, long lean legs ready to go. I would love to see those legs dancing because Cruz moves so smoothly up and down the field. The Puerto Rican hottie makes his one-handed touchdown grabs look easy, although we know how much time and talent it takes to push to that level. His play even caught the eye of LeBron James who tweeted about his catch against the Jets: “Victor Cruz going nuts on the Jets tonight on #MNF 2nd Tweet:  “Undrafted rookie from UMass. He’s gonna have a job this year for sure.” Yep, of course LeBron would notice. Game recognize game.

Marcell Dareus #99 • Defensive End • Buffalo Bills

Marcell Dareus, Buffalo Bills

Marcell Dareus was selected by the Buffalo Bills to help beef up their defense, and looking at those arms, I’d say they succeeded!  While I often feature RBs, TEs, & QBs, I can’t forget about the big men of the NFL, and Dareus represens them very well. Throw in some pretty chocolate skin and the baby boy smile …sigh, I just melt like butter!! While he first made waves on my heart when he walked across the stage during the NFL draft, he made tidal waves on the field of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. In 2009, Dareus led the SEC in sacks. In 2010, he was selected as the BCS National Championship Defensive MVP. After beating the New England Patriots last week, the Bills hope the big man continues to make a difference.While Marcell Dareus was unhappy being selected third in the 2011 NFL Draft, I’m biased.  I was born in March and everyone says the “third time’s a charm” and this is the “third” year of Keshi’s Cuties. The number three looks pretty good to me!!  While he’s off to a great start on the field, the 3rd round Cutie’s certainly made an imprint on the ladies!

Von Miller #58 • Outside Linebacker • Denver Broncos

Von Miller, Denver Broncos

We continue the Rookie Cuties with the 2011 number two draft pick, Von Miller.  Drafted by the Denver Broncos, Miller played college ball at Texas A&M. While an Aggie, Miller was a two-time 1st Team All American (2009, 2010). In 2009, he led the nation in sacks and won the prestigious Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker.  Raised in Dallas, Miller is a Southern boy through and through, down to his unique tattoo of a money symbol, a chicken leg and a slice watermelon! That’s not what earned him a spot on this rooster.  With muscles for days, a sexy smile, and glasses to give him a “Clark Kent” vibe, this newest member of the Broncos makes this cowgirl say “yeee-ha”!! I know all of the ladies in the Colorado mountains are saying it’s “Von Miller time.”

Jake Locker #10 • Quarterback • Tennessee Titans

Jake Locker, Tennessee Titans

Ladies, when it comes to rookies, I want to be on his team!!! I’m talking about Jake Locker.  Taken, in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans, Locker is the former QB for the University of Washington. In addition to numerous football accolades he is also a highly prized baseball player and in 2008 was named by Baseball America as the league’s top prospect.  Despite his high selection in the draft, Locker may not get much playing time like his fellow QB rookies Cam Newton, Blaine Gabbert and Andy Dalton.  While the Titans expect him to be the future of the franchise, Locker will spend some quality time as a backup learning from veteran Matt Hasselbeck who was picked up in a trade with the Seahawks.  Regardless of when he gets on the field, Locker won’t have to wait long to start in the hearts and minds of females across the country.

Do you have a cutie you’d like us to feature? Send an email to the contact email address listed on the Sideline Pass page!

Welcome to the third year of the Sideline Pass’ Keshi’s Cuties by Nkeshi Free. Each week I’ll share the best looking, most talented football players in the NFL.  I’m dedicating the first two weeks to the rookies.  Throughout the year, I take requests, so if there’s a player who is just extra fine and deserves to be on the “Cuties” lists, please email me. All I can say is they didn’t look like this when I was in college!!!

This week’s Cuties!

• Cam Newton, Quarterback, Carolina Panthers
• Andy Dalton, Quarterback, Cincinnati Bengals
  
• Tyron Smith, Offensive Lineman, Dallas Cowboys
  

Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers #1, Quarterback

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Cam Newton, QB [Photo: GQ

Ladies, was there ever any doubt about who would be the first rookie “Cutie” of the 2011 season ? None other than Cam Newton. The University of Auburn selected first in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers was the obvious choice.  He declared for the 2011 Draft, forgoing his senior year, thus ending a college career marked by great controversy as well as awards.  Newton started college playing for the University of Florida, as a back-up to then QB Tim Tebow. After some bumps and bruises and two more stops, Cam led the team to the 2009 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Football Championship.  Heavily recruited, Newton signed with the University of Auburn, but controversy followed again. Soon he erased the issues and led the Auburn Tigers to the 2010 SEC Championship and was also selected the 2010 Heisman Winner. He’s now the starting QB with Carolina Panthers, having a breakout 1st game where he threw for over 400 yards. There’s certainly no controversy with selecting him as the first “Cutie.”

Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals #14, Quarterback

Dalton Warming Up (AP Photo/Al Behrman)

Okay ladies, you are about to learn a little known secret…I have a thing for red heads!!!  Ohhhh I can’t explain it, but boy do they make my tummy flip, especially when they have freckles, just across the bridge of their nose…sigh…just yummy!  So I was over the moon when I discovered the Cincinnati Bengals first round draft pick Andy Dalton!  What more could a girl ask for? He’s 6’2″ with a beautiful build and that red hair!  Selected in the second round of the 2011 draft, Dalton attended Texas Christian University (TCU).  The  All-American holds TCU’s record for career wins and led his team to victory over Baylor University in the Rose Bowl, and was named the game Offensive MVP. Hmmm….anyone else notice a trend? He has red hair, plays in the “rose” bowl, and is drafted by a team whose colors are orange…well orange isn’t red, but some days red hair, tend to look more orange anyway…oh and did I mention he’s also HOT!!!  Now, if I remember correctly, red is also the color associated with passion, and if the Bengals’ starter can play with passion and turn this team around he will set Cincinnati on fire, as well as the hearts of women all across the country! He’s got two wins under his belt – the first game and the Cutie nod.

Tyron Smith, Dallas Cowboys #77, Offensive Tackle

Tyron Smith, Dallas Cowboys

Is there ANY doubt as to why Tyron Smith made the season opener “Cutie” list, lol!!  After a long drought, I had to bring home the bacon and POW, can’t you hear it sizzling on the stove, lol!!! Selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the ninth pick of the draft, this offensive lineman does NOT offend my eyes! According to his stats, Smith is 6’5″ and his hands were measured at 11 inches…big enough to help protect Cowboys’ Tony Romo and keep him upright this season. Smith, a dominating O-Lineman, played at the USC, and was awarded the 2010 Morris Trophy, the award given to the PAC-10 conference’s top offensive lineman. While he has yet to prove himself on the football field, Smith has already proven he’s ready to be a starter on the “Cutie” list!

The Retirement of Fred Taylor

by Mia M. Jackson

Fred says Goodbye.

For one day, Fred Taylor was again a Jacksonville Jaguar. His appreciation and affection for the Florida team that drafted him 13 years ago were evident by the tears streaming down his face. He began by thanking the NFL for the experience that shaped his growth as a player and a man. Drafted 7th overall out of the University of Florida, the running back was quickly a Jacksonville hero.

As Taylor mentioned teammates, colleagues, coaches, and other important people to his career, he didn’t shy away from discussing some of the tougher times. “I wish I could have done a better job … as a leader,” Taylor said. But he held on to the fun memories, like pranks in the locker room and funny bets among the guys. He credited Don Edwards with giving him the license to speak – his wife now says he talks too much. “I was extremely shy when I was younger,” said Fred. But Edwards told him to let the world hear what he had to say, and sharing that he has.

“I’ve always known that I’d retire as a Jaguar,” said Taylor while proclaiming the 13 years a beginning, not the end, of his professional life. The years of injuries and trying to tough it out clearly took their toll on the running back. His last two years in New England didn’t end with the ring he wanted, but kept hope. He still looks forward to what life will bring next.  Thomas was optimistic about his future, ending with a positive proclamation:  “It doesn’t end with a period, this is just a comma.”

NOTES from the retirement press conference:

On how the retirement compares to other important moments in his life:

“I gotta be careful … my wife is right here”; “This is a moment that I’ll never forget … I don’t ever remember being this nervous before a game… My wife asked me why was I driving so slow … I just wanted to take it all in …This is it… this is really it.”

One moments or memories on the field:

“There are two moments. One would be my rookie year Tampa Bay game … prior to my rookie year, we were riding Warren Sapp’s jet skis … I told him I’d get a 100 yards on ‘em [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] … I ended that first game with the game ending touchdown …that was fun…”

Finally making it to the [NFL] Pro Bowl in 2007 – to have the entire city, coaches and teammates pushing for you – it meant a lot – it showed that there were so many genuine people who want to see you do well.”

Why Now:

“I always said that I’d run until the wheels fall off. … With the lockout, having more time with the kids, working with my Foundation, it just feels right.”

Little Bites by the Park

The backseat pass! That’s the snack toss over the shoulder to the kids to keep them satisfied on the ride home from practice. Game Ready Moms (GRM) are constantly looking for quick, healthy snacks that are also easy to carry. Let’s face it – carrying a cooler or picnic basket with fixings every single day just isn’t reasonable.

Before I tested these bites on my niece Sydney and her cheerleading team, I decided to try them myself with morning coffee. They were awesome. Moist, sweet and just the right size. I preferred the blueberry but the little ones wanted chocolate chips. These Little Bites are an awesome way to replenish the nutrients your little one uses while practicing or during game time.  According to the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO),

“Replacing carbohydrates that were used during exercise within 2 hours of completing the exercise session is essential for speeding recovery and preparing for the next athletic training period. The post-exercise meal should contain approximately 150 -200 grams of carbohydrates.”

Blueberry Little Bites

The Entenmann’s Little Bites paired with a banana or berries are a great way to get those carbs back in quickly. (And they double as a great mom porch breakfast!) Nutrition is critical to keeping your young athlete healthy and energized for the game or match. Also critical is keeping them hydrated and cool – so keep the water handy.

Send in your Game Ready Mom tips and recipes to fanhood@sidelinepass.com!

by DJ the Sports Mom

Ring .... Please.

This has been a season of waiting for me.  Back in March, my beloved father-in-law, affectionately known as “Gator” slipped into a coma.  For four long months we waited for calls to hear if he had awakened or if his condition had changed at all.  On July 15^th we got the call that Gator had gone on to be with the Lord.  It was a blessing to know that he was no longer in pain but sad to realize that we would not see him again on this side of heaven.

It is now August, the NFL Lock Out is officially over and I find myself, once again, waiting for “the call.”  My son, Jay, is now an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career.  July 26^th was the first day that veteran free agents could be called.  I tried not to think about when the call will come but in my heart, I keep hoping it will be soon. On July 28^th I started getting the “other” calls.   People keep calling to see why Jay is still in Columbus and not in Seattle (he no longer plays for the Seahawks).  Others call to assure me that he will be picked up and they are praying in the meantime.  Still others are calling to confirm that he didn’t get picked up (I call them the concern hater calls).

My 10-year old nephew, Mike (the same nephew who just won his little league baseball championship) came over to talk about the draft that was taking place for little league football.  He was waiting for the  email letting him know what team he would be playing for and he was hoping to get a good coach and some teammates that he knew from previous seasons.  After church the next day, he got the email that he is now a Dallas Cowboy and he has the same coach from last year.  We were all elated that it worked out.

If only the NFL were that simple! I have spent the week combing through the NFL transaction reports, praying for my friends’ sons who have been cut, rejoicing with the ones who were retained or picked up by other teams and praying that I will see Jay’s name soon.

I am thanking God Jay has a college degree, a business and options other than football but the mom in me just wants that phone to ring and my child to play the sport he loves and has trained so hard for.  Being an NFL mom is not for the faint of heart.  It is a sport where you are competing for your position every week, trying to stay healthy and injury free and where you have to play your best every down.  You do all of that only to start it all over again in the summer.

I am still waiting and praying to the Lord that the phone will ring!

by DJ the Sports Mom

PFPMA Kicks!

It is 5:19 a.m. and I am sitting at the airport waiting for my flight to Los Angeles.  I have been waiting all year for our big game, NFL Moms versus NBA Moms and now I am sitting here remembering that I forgot my ice pack for my knee.  My only comfort is that I know there will be other moms over 50 who are also dealing with arthritic knees and creaking joints.  I am praying that a few laps in the pool will get my muscles feeling good and I will be ready to go when practice starts later this afternoon.  I am hoping that the flight is not full and I can stretch out and really get some rest before I get there. I am sure it would have helped to have gotten some sleep last night but that didn’t happen.

My great nephew, Mike, won his little league baseball championship last night and came bounding in the door with his trophy and winners t-shirt on.  The shirt announced that they knew they would win before the game began.  I decided to adopt that as my mantra and go into this event with winning on my mind.  My husband, Glen, spent the evening shopping for my compression shorts.  I didn’t get a chance to try them on so I hope they fit.

I love an adventure so I will keep you posted on my progress.  I have on my “football mom” shoes so I am feeling good.

Stay tuned for more later!

LINK: http://nflmomsvsnbamomsflagfootball.blogspot.com/

by D.J. the Sports Mom

Jay Speaking ... Photo by Chris Parker/ThisWeekSports

It is Tuesday Morning after the camp and I am still thanking God for allowing us to touch the lives of so many young men. This year marks the second annual Jay Richardson Foundation Life Skills Camp. It took place at Jay’s Alma Mater, Dublin Scioto High School in Dublin, Ohio. Last year 45 boys attended the camp. This year attendance for the two-day camp climbed to 105 boys .

Our mission is to teach young men that there is more to sports than the game. The camp takes place in classrooms rather than on a field or court and we cover topics such as being an athlete and a gentleman, money matters, navigating social media, doing the right thing, philanthropy and other character building topics. [View local news story.]

From 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day, the boys were fully engaged the entire two days. We were blessed to have NFL players (current and retired), OSU Buckeyes and business professionals who took the time to not only stop by the camp but address current issues and spend one-on-one time with the young men. Here are some of the comments from the camp participants:

“What I love about this camp was that there were many intelligent football players and staff who can to talk to us and game me tips on how I can succeed in life.”

“I had a great experience at the camp. I would also have enjoyed it if it has lasted longer than two days.”

“In my opinion, the camp was a great experience. I got to meet people I could never picture meeting myself. This is going to have a huge impact on my life.”

What we learned from this talking with the boys is that they want to be pushed to do better, to have good character and to learn to be accountable. The higher we raise the bar, the higher the young people will strive to rise above it.

I was exhausted and walking with a cane by the time it was all over but I would do it all again tomorrow after seeing the impact it made on the young men. We are already beginning to plan next year’s camp and our phone has already started ringing with offers for help. I want to give a big shout out to EAS Sports Nutrition for their amazing support of money, products and time at the camp. We could not do this without the support from the community. We will begin a monthly newsletter to parents beginning in July and I will keep you posted.

Celebrate Father’s Day at Sideline Pass!

My Dad, Al Jackson with my niece - the next sports lover!

Father’s Day is fast approaching Many of us inherited our love of sports, teams or athletes from our fathers or the father figures in our lives. My Dad passed on his Laker Love and membership in the Raider Nation to me. We still call and chat after games. There’s nothing like listening to him discuss his favorite teams and memories from his childhood.

Did your Dad fuel your love of sports? Tell us about it.