It’s Hall of Fame weekend! That means two things. First, the induction ceremony with the speeches and memories and enough nostalgia to make you choke. Second, there’s a football game.
A pair of Rams legends are going into the Hall of Fame, but the team’s owner didn’t bother to show up
It’s Pro Football Hall of Fame weekend for everyone but Rams owner Stan Kroenke.
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It’s a great moment for the players, fans, teams and even the team owners, who can come across as callous billionaires, but sometimes genuinely enjoy the sport ... well, except for Rams owner Stan Kroenke.
Two Rams legends are being inducted this weekend, Orlando Pace and Kevin Greene. Kroenke couldn’t be bothered to attend the ceremonies, the only owner who was a no-show. He’s probably too busy rolling around in gold coins after moving his team to Los Angeles or maybe he just realized he can’t make a profit off the Hall of Fame so he’s not interested.
Here’s a smattering of stories about this year’s inductees.
Love & Football: The legacy of Eddie DeBartolo, Jr. Eddie DeBartolo, Jr. is finally headed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but his path to get there was anything but easy. We take a look at what Mr. D’s legacy meant to the San Francisco 49ers then and what it means to professional sports today.
Terrell Owens responded to Marvin Harrison's Hall of Fame criticism of him with a gun joke. No, he didn't? Yes, he did. Go back and read GQ's story about the Marvin Harrison gun case. Harrison's legacy is complicated. Now, go back and watch Tim Brown's reaction to Harrison being a no-show at the announcement in February.
Brett Favre got to star in an episode of Breaking Madden, where the Ol' Gunslinger tried to save the Rams. He also has an infomercial for razors that are not very popular. He once drowned a deer. As a boy, Brett Favre did everything that you're not supposed to do when you go deer hunting. And a jacked Favre was a terrible NFL Draft analyst.
REAL FOOTBALL IS BACK ... SORT OF
PRESEASON FOOTBALL: Aaron Rodgers and Brett Hundley will not play in this weekend’s Hall of Fame game. On the other hand, the Colts will give Andrew Luck a few snaps of preseason action.
AFC EAST PREVIEW: This week on the podcast, Stephen White and I are previewing the AFC East.
COWBOYS QB TROUBLES: Browns’ asking price reportedly high for Cowboys, but will still talk. After Thursday’s practice, Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson was asked about the trade rumors surrounding backup quarterback Josh McCown and was somewhat dismissive of the thought.
Meanwhile, Dak Prescott and Jameill Showers got to be the main men on Thursday while Tony Romo had the day off. Wonder if the Cowboys will be more urgent in finding a veteran backup now?
BRONCOS QB BATTLE: All signs pointing to the Broncos starting Paxton Lynch in Week 1. While you were arguing about Trevor Siemian and Mark Sanchez, Paxton Lynch flew right under the radar.
REVIS ISLAND AT SAFETY: Darrelle Revis is open to moving to safety ... someday. The Jets corner confirmed Thursday that he would be open to a future move to safety when the time comes. But don’t expect that to be any time soon.
COACH OF THE YEAR: Mike Zimmer and Bruce Arians are the favorites to be the NFL Coach of the Year. I’d give it to them now.
BENNETT BROTHERS QUIZ: Are you a Michael or a Martellus Bennett? Take the quiz to find out which Bennett brother you are.
MATT RYAN GOT PICKED & IT’S FINE: Don’t freak out that Matt Ryan got picked off by his coach. This was a simple case of a rookie running the wrong route.
THE COMMISH CONSOLIDATES HIS POWER: Roger Goodell is more powerful than ever. Nearly two years after his arrest, the NFL is finally set to collect the fine imposed against Adrian Peterson. Worse, another court has affirmed the commissioner’s unilateral power over the league and its players.
HOW FAR CAN HE KICK IT? Ravens kicker Justin Tucker thinks he could make an 84.5-yard field goal. If it was a sunny day in Denver, Justin Tucker believes he could smash the NFL record for longest field goal by about 20 yards. Broncos kicker Brandon McManus invited Tucker out to try it.
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