NFL Player Careers Take Off After Retirement

In the past for many football players, once their playing careers ended, they no longer had a way to stay involved with the game. Sure, some would go onto coaching or front-office positions, but the majority would have to get a “real” job and start a new career.

With the explosion of the NFL’s popularity and the continued growth of cable tv, many players are starting to pursuit broadcasting careers. There have always been broadcasting opportunities for a small number of former players such as Don Meredith and Frank Gifford, but the number of opportunities today is what makes a second career in broadcasting a viable option. ... Read More

Is Tim Tebow The Greatest College Player Ever?

With the college football season right around the corner, one thing is guaranteed – people are once again talking about Tim Tebow, the quarterback for the Florida Gators. If you listen to the media, Tebow is too good to be true. Not only is he a talented football player, he’s also incredibly humble, very philanthropic and just an all-around good guy.

I was watching tv a couple of weeks ago and heard a journalist jokingly report that Tebow had just counted to infinity twice. That’s the superman-like persona he’s acquired.

On the football field, it’s hard to argue with his greatness. In his three years at Florida, he’s won two NCAA National Championships, won the Heisman Trophy in 2007 and is a two-time All-American. He’s also won the Maxwell Award as the nation’s top collegiate player twice, one of only two players to achieve that feat. ... Read More

Jim Rice, Rickey Henderson Inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame

With the recent induction of Jim Rice and Ricky Henderson into the Baseball Hall of Fame, it’s timely to look ahead at candidates for the next couple of classes.

A player must be retired for a minimum of five years to be eligible for the Hall of Fame. In order to be elected, a player must be mentioned on at least 75% of the ballots.

Next year, eligible players include Roberto Alomar, Kevin Appier, Andy Ashby, Ellis Burks, Andres Galarraga, Pat Hentgen, Mike Jackson, Eric Karros, Ray Lankford, Barry Larkin, Edgar Martinez, Fred McGriff, Shane Reynolds, Robin Ventura, and Todd Zeile. ... Read More

Delwyn Young’s Amazing Catch – Watch Video

Could The Pirates’ second baseman Delwyn Young’s catch be one of the best catches ever? What are the chances we’ll see another catch like this again?

Two Pittsburgh Pirates combined for an unbelievable catch during their recent game against the San Francisco Giants.

Delwyn Young Makes Incredible Catch.Watch video. ... Read More

Tony Romo Denies Jessica Simpson Access To His Home

The Tony Romo Jessica Simpson breakup has been well publicized and appears that both celebrities have  moved on.

After Tony Romo broke up with Jessica Simpson the night before her 29th birthday, he made arrangements to exclude Simpson from having access to his Dallas home.

The new issue of Us Weekly reports the Dallas Cowboys quarterback instructed security at his gated community to keep Simpson out.

NO LONGER ON THE LIST AND NOT APPROVED FOR ACCESS.

Simpson has no plans to continue having access to Romo’s home except to remove her property. It has been reported by US Magazine that the singer paid $19,000 on July 15 to ship 37 boxes worth of her belongings from Dallas to L.A. overnight.

The famous couple, who began dating in November 2007, called it quits earlier this month.

“I thought they would…tie the knot,” Terrell Owens, who criticized Simpson for being a “jinx,” told Ryan Seacrest.

Simpson is currently working out with a personal trainer in L.A. to get back into shape. She spends most of her social time with her family and friends.

Let’s wish them both well.

Tony will concentrate on his carrer this season and hopefully move the Dallas Cowboys into Superbowl contention.

Jessica Simpson is a beautiful girl and will have no trouble moving on.

PFP is a sports and celebrity booking agency for sports speakers, athlete appearances, football speakers, endorsements and celebrities. For more information call 800.966.1380

Ben Roethlisberger Denies Sexual Assault on Andrea McNulty (Video)

Ben Roethlisberger,  Pittsburgh Steeler’s quarterback recently accused of sexual assault by Andrea McNulty, issued a 20-second long statement to the media, denying the sexual assault allegations against him.

Roethlisberger said, “I did not sexually assault Andrea McNulty.”

He went on to say that “Saturday was the first that I learned of her accusations. Her false and vicious accusations are an attack on my family and on me”

“I would never, ever force myself on a woman.”

“I will fight to protect my family and my reputation.”

“I’m not going to discuss my private life or this civil case in the media.”

“I’ll respond to her outrageous allegations in the appropriate forum.”

“I have an obligation to our fans, my teammates to my coaches and everyone in the organization to remain focused on the Pittsburgh Steelers and I will do that.”

“The allegations against me are reckless and false.”

“As much as I would like to answer everyone’s questions, I will respect the legal process and I am confident that the truth will prevail”

Ben Roethlisberger Press Conference Sexual Assault Charges. Watch video

PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency is a speakers bureau and top booking agent for sports stars, athlete appearances, football speakers, endorsements and celebrities. For more information on how to contact Ben Roethlisberger booking agent, call 800.966.1380

Erin Andrews ESPN Reporter Victim of A Crime

ESPN reporter, Erin Andrews, is going after a Peeping Tom who videotaped her walking around her hotel room nude.

Someone made a videotape of ESPN reporter Erin Andrews, without her knowledge, walking around her hotel room naked, and now the criminal(s) are trying to sell the tape to the highest bidder. The problem is Erin has no idea where or when the video was shot.

Erin has hired one of the most powerful attorneys in L.A., Marshall B. Grossman, and now her team is trying to figure out some details behind the footage so they can put together a plan of attack.

Erin Andrew’s attorney Marshall B. Grossman, has been quoted:

“While alone in the privacy of her hotel room, Erin Andrews was surreptitiously videotaped without her knowledge or consent. She was the victim of a crime and is taking action to protect herself and help ensure that others are not similary violated in the future. Although the perpetrator or perpetrators of this criminal act have not yet been identified, when they are identified she intends to bring both civil and criminal charges against them and against anyone who has published the material. We request respect of Erin’s privacy at this time, while she and her representatives are working with the authorities.”

ESPN also issued this statement: “Erin has been grievously wronged. Our people and resources are in full support of her as she deals with this abhorrent act.”

DO NOT search for the video online. Hackers have set up bogus web pages claiming to have the video, but the links actually contained viruses.

Hopefully you won’t find the video online anymore.

PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency is a speakers bureau and top booking agent for sports stars, athlete appearances, endorsements and celebrities. If you would like to find out how to hire Erin Andrews for a speaking engagement, appearance, endorsement, autograph signing or special event, request Erin Andrews booking agent information from PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency or call 800.966.1380.

Baseball All Star Games Favorite Moments

Of all the All-Star games, I enjoy watching baseball’s version the best. I’ve been fortunate to attend eight of the Mid-Summer Classics. It’s very exciting to see all of the current stars on the field at once.

Nothing will compare to last year’s All Star game in New York, which will go down in history as one of the all-time greats. First of all, anytime you have a big event in New York, it’s going to be special. Secondly, the night was filled with tributes to Yankee Stadium, which was being closed at season’s end to make room for the new ballpark next door. Lastly, the game was an absolute classic with the American League defeating the National League, 4-3, in 15 innings. The game took 4 hours, 50 minutes and was the longest All-Star Game in history.

Commissioner Bud Selig and Major League Baseball have attempted to make the game relevant by giving home-field advantage during the World Series to the winning league. Back in the day, the game was full of intensity and it really meant something to the winning players. Over time, the game’s importance diminished as it became more of a show than a game. You hear a lot of debate as to whether this is good or not. Personally, I think it would be more fair to give the team with the best record home-field advantage but I don’t have much of an issue since it’s brought a bit of intensity back to the game.

A few of my favorite moments from previous All-Star games…

1) In 1970, Pete Rose, playing at home in Cincinnati, attempted to score but had to get past catcher Ray Fosse. The ensuing collision not only helped solidify Rose’s reputation as “Charlie Hustle”, it had the unfortunate consequence of injuring Fosse’s shoulder. Rose was called safe at home and the National League won the thriller, 5 -4. Fosse went onto play nine more seasons but was never the same.

2) In 2001, Cal Ripken Jr. played in the last of his 19 All-Star games. The game was basically a Cal Ripken lovefest. In the third inning, Ripken made his first plate appearance and was greeted with a standing ovation. Ripken then homered off the first pitch from Chan Ho Park and ended up with All Star MVP honors.

3)  In 1999, baseball honored the All-Century Team prior to the game at Fenway Park, with such greats on-hand as Mike Schmidt, Brooks Robinson, Bob Gibson and Johnny Bench. However, the highlight of the evening occurred when the great Ted Williams was driven out to home plate and threw out the first pitch with the help of Tony Gwynn.

Will this year’s game produce any classic moments? I can’t guarantee that. However, St. Louis is rolling out the red carpet and, at the very least, I’m sure the pre-game ceremony will produce a goose-bump moment or two. Plus, Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols is having one of the greatest years in the history of baseball, so I assume he’s going to be a big part of the game and broadcast.

PFP Sports and Celebrity Booking Agency is a speakers bureau and top booking agent for sports stars, athlete appearances, endorsements and celebrities. For more information call 800.966.1380

Wimbledon 2008 – The Greatest Tennis Match of All Time (Video)

My favorite tennis tournament is Wimbledon, held each year on the grass courts of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England.

I don’t claim to be a big tennis fan. In fact, I haven’t paid a lot of attention to the sport since the Jimmy Connors – John McEnroe – Bjorn Borg era. However, I always follow Wimbledon with at least a casual glance because of its storied history. This year marks the tournament’s 123rd year of competition.

It’s going to be hard for this year to surpass last year’s classic, which featured one of the all-time great men’s finals in which Rafael Nadal won his first Wimbledon title by defeating top-seeded Roger Federer. The final was a fragmented affair due to two rain delays, which stretched the event to over seven hours. The playing time itself made it the longest final in Wimbledon history at 4 hours and 48 minutes.

Best Match Ever – Federer Vs. Nadal 2008 Highlights

... Read More

Deion Sanders Scores High Marks As Motivational Speaker

Professional athletes all have a special talent that very few people possess. Still others have a talent that can just be described as a freak of nature. A few athletes come to mind – two-sport stars Bo Jackson and Brian Jordan and baseball Hall of Famer Dave Winfield, who was drafted by all three major sports out of college. But one of the best was without a doubt Deion Sanders.

Nicknamed “Prime Time” during his All-America football days at Florida State, Deion  is the only athlete to have ever played in both a Super Bowl and World Series. He is considered one of the greatest cover cornerbacks ever. He played for the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins and Baltimore Ravens, winning the Super Bowl with the 49ers and Cowboys. He was a nine-time All-Pro and was named to the 1990’s NFL All-Decade Team.

In Major League Baseball, he played a nine-year, part-time career, participating in 641 games with four teams – the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants. During the 1989 season, he became the first player in history to hit a home run and score a touchdown in the same week.

Deion was considered a better football player than baseball player. His reputation was so great that opposing offensive coordinators almost always specifically accounted for him in their game plan.[He was widely known to shut down “his” half of the field, causing most quarterbacks to essentially ignore the receiver he was covering. He allegedly ran a 4.16 in the 40-yard dash, making him the second fastest in the NFL to Darrell Green.

Deion also occasionally played offense. He and Bill Dudley are the only players in NFL history to score a touchdown six different ways – interception return, punt return, kickoff return, receiving, rushing and a fumble recovery.

Deion will mostly be remembered by his “Prime Time” persona and for “high-stepping” it into the end zone followed by his touchdown dance celebrations. The interesting thing about “Prime Time” was that it was just a marketing ploy. He used it to become not only a fan favorite but also one of the highest-paid athletes of his time.

Deion had some difficult times in the late 1990’s that led to him becoming born-again and an ordained minister. He also wrote an interesting book published in 1998  entitled “Power, Money & Sex: How Success Almost Ruined My Life.”

Today, Deion is a analyst for the NFL Network. He’s also an a highly-acclaimed Christian Speaker and motivational sports speaker. I recently hired him to speak at a client’s sales meeting and he received higher ratings for his speech than any other speaker.

If you would like to find out how to hire Deion Sanders for a speaking engagement, appearance, endorsement, autograph signing or special event, request Deion Sanders booking agent information from PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency. PFP is a top sports and celebrity booking agent for athletes, entertainers, sports stars and celebrities.