I’m missing it partly because I’m up at 6am for work tomorrow, but mostly because I’m ill, otherwise I’d happily be sleep deprived! I’m especially gutted because it looks like its going to be a cracking game (as most of them have been!). I can’t decide who to root for – I really like Tom Brady as a QB and because of how storied his career has been, how much he overcame to become “Tom-Terrific”; but as much as I like Brady, I really like Eli Manning’s ‘I don’t give a crap what you think’ attitude – especially with him being a QB in New York – home to sports prima-donnas and divas!

We all know that Brady is one of the greatest QB’s to grace the game, if not the greatest. Eli never seems to get the love he deserves from commentators, bloggers and so many people talking about the game. Obviously both teams have worked and played hard to get here – but it’s the QB’s I want to focus on – partly because that’s my position, partly because there’s some good stories there!

Brady is playing in his 5th Superbowl, with a chance to win his 4th ring; Eli in his 2nd Superbowl with a chance for his second ring, by taking down the same team as last time! If New England wins, Brady will become only the 3rd QB in history to win 4 rings, If New York wins, Eli will become only the 11th QB to win more than 1 ring, and he’ll be a ring ahead of his brother. Peyton, who is without doubt one of the greats of the game.

I love an underdog – how couldn’t I being Scottish!?! So I’m going to be rooting for the Giants – although I’ve no doubt though that either will have another Superbowl appearance in their career.

Tomorrow I’ll be trying to avoid Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, texts, emails, phonecalls and people until I’ve watched the game – we’ll see how that goes! In the meantime, you can read more about it from people more knowledgeable than me here: NFL Blogs or follow along on twitter hastag #SB46

If you’re watching tonight – enjoy the game – but don’t be telling me the score!

Peace Out

When I played before, I played quarterback and cornerback. I’m not sure where I’ll play this time – I certainly don’t have the speed that I used to to play CB, but linebacker might be an option – I’m definitely stronger than I was 11 years ago! I’m hoping though that I’ll be able to get up to scratch to play QB. I loved that role, I love the feeling of throwing a tight spiral and watching it float into the receivers hands, of calling the plays and making sure it happens. My only slight concern is how rusty I might be given how long it is since I played competitively. Who knows though, perhaps I won’t be the only rusty player, or perhaps I won’t be as rusty as I think I am!

It’ll be great to be playing sport again though, I’ve missed that. The banter, being on a team. It’ll be amazing to be a part of that again!

I’m not worried about any part of it – hoping that my good fortune of not breaking anything will continue (especially as I need my hands to take photos!) and that me being a Christian won’t rub anyone up the wrong way – I’m sure it won’t though!

Peace Out

My only complaints about the film would be that not enough was made of Oher’s background – use of more flashbacks could have been quite effective and would have made more of the turn-around in Oher’s life. In the film, Oher was made out to have no knowledge of Football and to be quite a passive player, in reality he already had experience of Football and knew what he was in for. Also, the opening section about LT would also have benefited from some expansion to set the scene for the importance of the left tackle (or right tackle if the QB is left handed) and why Oher’s protective instinct was an important attribute.

It’s definitely a moving story, whether you read the book or watch the film. And I would certainly recommend that you read the book, watch the film or both! Quinton Aaron is very good at playing Oher, Sandra Bullock is fantastic as Leanne Tuohy – it’s without doubt the best performance she’s ever given.

Being a Youthworker, I of course saw the potential benefits this movie could have for use with youth groups and classes to make them think about many issues that the film brings up – equality, class divide, inspiration, encouragment, determination etc etc

Go see it, enjoy, be moved, be encouraged and make sure you encourage others to see it!

Peace Out

The story of Michael Oher itself is an inspiring story, looking at how he came from practically nothing to being one of the starting linemen of the Baltimore Ravens.

I’ll say more about the film once I’ve actually seen it. I hope it stays true to the real story, there’s not really much that can be added to it in terms of drama and how people will treat each other. At just over 2 hours, it should be able to fit in a great deal of what the book covers. If you get the chance to read the book, take it, it’s definitely worth the read.

Peace Out

Peace Out

links to some of the stories about the signing:

Bears win Peppers Sweepstakes
Peppers/ Bears finalize deal
Shocker: Bears are the NFL’s big spenders