The University of Miami 2001 Baseball and Football National Championship teams were honored at halftime of the Cavaliers Hurricanes game last night. Check out our exclusive photos below!

Tecumseh’s Brett Romberg believes that the Atlanta Falcons are capable of being a special team this year, just one of the reasons the seven-season NFL veteran centre opted to return to the team he last played for in 2009. “Hopefully, it’s something similar to the way Green Bay had something happen to them last year,” Romberg said of the 4-3 Falcons. “A little bit of a rocky start. Ebbs and flows. Win, loss, win, loss. Then all of a sudden, things are developing, players are gelling together. We’re understanding the capabilites of the players and accentuating their positives. Hopefully, it’s just a steamroller from here.”

Romberg had been out of the league for almost a year when he got the call from Atlanta in late August. “It was totally out of the blue,” he said. “The Falcons were interested in a guy coming in who knew the offence, who wouldn’t be a problem, something where I could jump right in and play. They have a great thing going here. They were interested in having somebody familiar with the system, who had a great relationship with the locker-room. There was basically no negatives. It was an easy transition on both sides. It’s a perfect fit.”

Another bonus from his NFL return? Romberg, 32, wasn’t required to endure a training camp. “They called right before fourth pre-season game,” he said. “Maybe out of the 8, 9 years (in the NFL), four of them were comfortable training camps, the other four were not knowing if you’re going to make the squad or not.”

Romberg also dealt some kudos out to his old team, the unbeaten Windsor AKO Fratmen, who play host to the Hamilton Hurricanes in Saturday’s Ontario Football Conference final at Alumni Field. “They’ve had a great season,” Romberg said. “Coach Mike LaChance has done a great job with the team.” AKO was scheduled to honour Romberg with a jersey retirement ceremony of his No. 65 this season, but those plans were put on hold when he returned to the NFL.



(windsorstar.com)

As the Atlanta Falcons prepared to kick off to the Detroit Lions, Tecumseh's Brett Romberg stood on the Ford Field sideline amidst his teammates, decked out in a black Falcons golf shirt and matching pants.

It's not the position he'd hoped for on his first chance to play an NFL game in Detroit.

Nonetheless, he was much closer to the action than a year ago.

"It was something that was totally unexpected," Romberg, 32, said of the late-August call he got from the Falcons, gauging his interest on returning to the team he'd last played for in 2009.

Unexpected and unlikely.

"I'd kind of moved on with my life a little bit," Romberg said after the Falcons dropped the Lions 23-16 Sunday. "I started a hedge fund with a buddy back in Miami. I was more focused on my second career, as opposed to getting back into the NFL.

"Luckily, things aligned, I got a phone call, and the rest is history."

So certain was the sixfoot-two, 293-pound centre, a seven-year NFL veteran, that his gridiron days were done that Romberg admitted if any other team came calling, he would have likely declined the offer.

"I don't know if the opportunity had arose with another organization, whether I would have jumped on it," Romberg said. "I don't think I would have taken it."

The Falcons, though, were a perfect fit.

They were looking for a veteran guy who knew their offence, was a good fit with their coaches and players, and who wouldn't ruffle feathers if he didn't see much game action.

"It was an easy transition on both sides," Romberg said. "I like the guys here quite a bit. I have a great relationship with them, coaches included. And being able to miss a whole training camp and come in and be on the team was pretty nice.

"There was basically no negatives."

Some sacrifice was involved, however. Romberg was supposed to stand up for his brother Bradley's wedding two weeks ago in Windsor.
"I had the (Falcons) video guys help me out with my best man's speech," Romberg said.

"I sent it up there with my wife (Emily).

"It would have been better to be there in person, but I did what I could."

Romberg's junior team, the Windsor AKO Fratmen, with whom he was named the CJFL's top offensive lineman in 1997, shelved a plan to retire his No. 65 jersey until at least next year.

"There's a lot of things you sacrifice, but this is a great opportunity," he said. "It's hard enough getting in the NFL once.

Getting in there twice is nothing short of a miracle."

Week to week, his role changes. Two weeks ago against Green Bay, Romberg subbed for injured guard Garrett Reynolds.

Sunday, he sought to help any way he could from his sideline perch.

"It's all about understanding the role that you have on Sunday," Romberg said.

"Whether it had been a couple of weeks ago, I had to jump in there against Green Bay, or this week, where it's looking at numbers, identifying blitzes, communicating with the coaches, telling the guys what I'm seeing from the side.

"You try to stay in the foot-ball game, help out as much as you can.

"You get anxious, you want to be out there, but you do what you can."

For a veteran, it's certainly not an easy role to fill.

"I love playing football," Romberg said. "I don't like watching it too much."

Regardless, compared to Romberg's vantage point last season - his living room - he'll definitely take the viewing upgrade.


(windsorstar.com)

Atlanta Falcons guard Garrett Reynolds was shaken up, and did not return. Brett Romberg took his place and very well. The extent of the injury is unknown but look for Romberg to step in again if Reynolds cannot play.

Falcons re-signed C Brett Romberg and waived C Rob Bruggeman. The Falcons presumably released Romberg at final cuts because they didn't want to guarantee the 32-year-old's salary.



(fantasysp.com)

The Philadelphia Eagles cut rookie running back Graig Cooper. The Eagles are deep at the running back position, so look for Cooper to sign as a free agent with another team, he looked quite good this pre-season. The Eagles also cut WR Sinorice Moss. Moss had another great training camp, but was a victim of a deep crop of WRs. Moss has the talent and has shown it when given the opportunity and when healthy. WRs go down due to injury quite often, look for a team to pick him up.

The Miami Dolphins cut TE Dedrick Epps. Epps was cut last year as well but eventually made the Dolphins practice squad. Look for him to latch onto the practice squad again considering how thin the Dolphins are at the TE position.

WR Darnell Jenkins was cut by the New England Patriots. Most scouts seem to think he will find a spot on someone’s roster.

S Jared Campbell, brother of Arizona Cardinal Calais Campbell was cut by the Cardinals. Campbell played well in limited action in the preseason. He may be able to make a practice squad.

The New England Patriots, in a surprise move, cut safety Brandon Meriweather. Meriweather who has been to two consecutive Pro Bowls reportedly freelanced too much in the Patriot backfield and was underperforming. It’s not clear as to whether it was also money issue, but Meriweather is definitely still an elite talent at safety in the NFL. Look for teams thin at that position like the Dolphins and Chiefs to go after Meriweather.

Baraka Atkins LB/DE who had been signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason was cut as well. Atkins was one of the final cuts of the Denver Broncos last year after spending the beginning of his career with the Seahawks.

10-year veteran DL Damione Lewis was cut by the Houston Texans. Lewis was a late addition to the Texans squad last year and played very well both last year and this preseason. What didn’t help Lewis this year was the fact that the Texans changed to a 3-4 defense and Lewis is much better suite as a DL in the 4-3.

Brett Romberg who was a surprise signing by the Atlanta Falcons only a couple of days ago, after not playing at all during the 2010 season, was cut by the Falcons as concerns over their starting center’s health subsided. Don’t be surprised to see Romberg get signed if the Falcons sustain an injury there.

Running back Damien Berry was cut by the Ravens. Berry was slowed by an ankle injury that he suffered in the first game of the pre season, and as a result didn’t play until the fourth game. Berry has NFL skills. BERRY WAS SIGNED TO THE RAVENS PRACTICE SQUAD.

LB Tavares Gooden. Gooden was drafted by the Ravens to eventually replace Ray Lewis at the MLB position, but injuries have really slowed his career. Gooden, if healthy, can start for most NFL teams, but this pre season was no different as he continued to deal with injuries. THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS SIGNED GOODEN TO A 1-YEAR DEAL.

Rookie defensive back Ryan Hill was waived by the Minnessota Vikings. Hill didn’t play a lot this pre season but when he did, like in the final pre season game for the Vikings, he performed well leading the team in tackles. The Vikings had Hill listed as a safety. He has the size and speed to play both corner and safety which gives him the type of versatility a lot of teams look for.

Javarris James, RB who led the Indianapolis Colts last year in rushing touchdowns after playing only about half the season was cut by the Colts.

Second-year defensive lineman Dwayne Hendricks who was on the NY Giants practice squad last year and was called up and played in a regular season game last year for the Giants was cut. Giants did have a very good pre-season. THE GIANTS SIGNED HENDRICKS TO THEIR PRACTICE SQUAD.

Rookie DB Corey Nelms was cut by the 49ers. Nelms was a surprise free agent signing and did get playing time in the preseason. THE 49ERS SIGNED NELMS TO THEIR PRACTICE SQUAD.

Rookie Fullback Patrick Hill was cut by the Tennessee Titans. Hill didn’t get any carries in the preseason for the Titans.

Falcons re-signed C Brett Romberg. A 19-game starter over six seasons, Romberg last saw action as a reserve and special teamer with Atlanta back in 2009. Overall, Romberg has played in 46 NFL games, also with the Jaguars and Rams, and made 19 career starts.


(fantasysp.com)

On Saturday proCanes.com had the opportunity to atttend the Annual Hurricane Football Reunion Party at Miami Prime Grill in North Miami. The event was attended by over 100 former Hurricane greats including the likes of Ed Reed, Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne, Michael Irvin and many more.

Gerard Daphnis of Canes4Life organized the event which also honored the 2001 National Championship team. Over 300 former players were in attendance at the 2011 Spring Game where the University of Miami which was held at Lockhart Stadium before the party. Click here to view our full photo gallery of over 500 pictures from the Hurricane Reunion Party and Spring Game. Enjoy!









Click here to view our full photo gallery of over 500 pictures from the Hurricane Reunion Party and Spring Game. Enjoy!

He's out of football right now but Brett Romberg still has options.

The six-foot-two, 293-pound centre had a recent workout with the Baltimore Ravens and says the door remains open to a potential return to the Atlanta Falcons, the team that released the eight-year NFL veteran prior to the start of the 2010 season.

But the Windsor, Ont., native admits it's tough waiting for the phone to ring.

"Yeah, you kind of feel like a waste of skin a little bit," Romberg said in an interview from Atlanta, where he lives with his wife Emily. "It is a little discouraging but I think basically my whole career has kind of been a little discouraging so it's a little bit more of the same.

"I'm just waiting for an opportunity now but with what's going to happen next year and everything, a lot of decisions this year are going to be based upon business rather than ability."

The NFL Players' Association remains convinced the league's owners will lock the players out next year. The collective bargaining agreement between the union and league expires after this season and while the two sides are talking they remain far apart on a new deal.

Romberg, who turns 31 next week, was entering his second season with the Falcons. After a stellar college tenure at Miami, he began his NFL career signing as an undrafted free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars, spending time on the practice roster before being promoted to the active roster.

Romberg remained with the Jaguars until 2006 before joining the St. Louis Rams. In all, he has appeared in 42 NFL games, starting 18.
While Romberg would rather be playing, the down time has helped.

"Having had the last four weeks of working out and running and not banging my body, it feels a lot better," he said. "(The Ravens' workout) was my first time doing intense football drills like running and pulling and hitting bags and going against somebody and I moved really well, I felt real good on my feet. I'm sure I'd get back into it and after two weeks my body would feel like I just got into a car accident again, that's just the nature of the business."

In college, Romberg helped the Hurricanes reach two NCAA title games, winning one, and also received the Rimington Trophy as the NCAA's top centre. He was a finalist for the Outland Trophy, given annually to the top lineman, and was named a consensus firs team all-American in 2002.

He started his final 37 games at centre for the Hurricanes and never surrendered a sack.

But Romberg enjoyed rock star status at Miami for his punchy anecdotes to reporters, flashy vehicles and willingness to do just about anything once, including pinching an opponent's bottom during games. In fact, prior to Ohio State's 31-24 double overtime win over Miami in the NCAA title game Jan. 3, 2003 in the Fiesta Bowl, Gene Wojciechowski of ESPN The Magazine called Romberg "the best Canadian import since a case of Labatt's Blue."

Teammates weren't immune, either, as Romberg earned a well deserved reputation of being a practical joker.

Romberg admits he leads a calmer, quieter lifestyle now that he's married. Sort of.

"The wife has me on a leash, you know what I mean," Romberg said with a chuckle. "But when I get off, watch out.

"She cages me as much as possible. I've become a little bit more civilized. Not much but I kind of realize now in order to be somewhat of a professional person and maybe possibly hold down a job or career I kind of have to straighten up a little bit but I still go on my tirades."

Life in college, Romberg says, was so much simpler than it is in the pros.

"The kids now, they don't have a clue," Romberg said. "They're pretty naive when it comes to the outside world and how things work. It's such a great place in life right there that they have to make sure they look around when you're in it . . . because when it's over it's over and it's over quicker than you think.

"You're living off campus on whatever is relative to the cost of living in that town and you're making it work. Now looking back I don't know how the hell I did it. I don't know but it takes all the (crap) out of life. It's just attend class, have a great time and enjoy your youth and play some football while you're doing it."

That's not the case in the NFL, where life is much more regimented and the business side of the game often rears its ugly head.

"The relationship you have in college with your teammates, generally they're friends and that's something that is a life long bond because of the stuff you go through in college, the emotion and the time together is unbelievable," Romberg said. "For example, this weekend I'm going back to Miami and a giant group of us are going to the Florida State game.

"But in the NFL you go to work in the morning, the guy that sits beside you in the locker-room you complain to each other a little bit and then once the day is over you go home to your wife and kids or your wife or some guys go home by themselves. It's a brutal league."

Many people see football players living a glamorous life filled with money, expensive jewelry, exotic sports cars, huge homes and celebrity status. There is no denying the financial benefits of pro football but Romberg says looks can be deceiving because what fans don't see are the long hours of work and preparation — on and off the field — that are required daily, that the vast majority of contracts aren't guaranteed and don't offer long-term security. The threat of being released and losing a paycheque is very real.

As a result, players are often forced to play hurt to not only continue receiving a paycheque but also because there is no shortage of players available eager for a shot at playing in the NFL.

"Now, there are consequences," Romberg said. "It's a total performance-based league generally 95 per cent of the time. If you're not performing . . . then they start bringing in other guys to work out and possibly replace you.

"It (playing in the NFL) thickens your skin a few layers and definitely matures you a lot faster than you think. As I get older I can see the young kids coming into the league and granted I was there one time too, but coming out of college you are just so green, you don't know. And granted a lot of the kids that are drafted are guaranteed a spot on an NFL team that invests a lot of time, research and money into you. But you really don't have much longer than that first year, maybe two if you're a first-rounder to basically pick up the speed of what's going on and mould with the other guys."

Still, Romberg has a deep love for the game and feels he can play for another two years.

"My slogan was 'Eight would be great and 10 would be unbelievable,'" Romberg said. "To tell you the truth, going into this season I was thinking this might be my last year, especially with the lockout. If it lasted to October (2011) I'd be a 32-year-old man who hasn't played football in a year, year and a half and is going to try to get back and bang with kids who are 22, 23 or 24 year olds and I don't know if that would've worked out too well . . . but I do think I do have a couple of years in me. That's what I was told when they (Falcons) let me go.

"I love Sunday, I love the relationship and bond you have with the guys. That's what makes a lot of guys want to go to work everyday. Obviously anything you want to be good at and value you have to put in a lot of time and effort into. Yeah, I still do love it. But as much as I did in college? Nah, probably not."



(thescore.com)

The Ravens brought in six offensive linemen for workouts on Tuesday, including three centers.

The centers included former second-round draft pick Jake Grove, Nick Leckey and Brett Romberg. Grove was drafted by the Raiders in 2004 and signed a five-year, $29.5 million free-agent contract with the Dolphins in 2008, but lost his job to less expensive Joe Berger last summer.
Also brought in by the Ravens were tackles Kirk Chambers and Scott Kooistra, and guard Kynan Forney.

Obviously, there is a concern about center Matt Birk's health. Neck and shoulders issues sidelined him for most of training camp. His backup, Chris Chester, is starting at right guard.



(baltimoresun.com)

Brett Romberg: Adam Rita drafted Romberg, a native of Windsor, Ont. who lives in Florida, in 2002 but the Lions still hold the rights to the 30-year-old. Because he has eight years of pensioned NFL service and is an offensive lineman there was sufficient reason to ask whether the BC Lions have interest in a player cut by the Atlanta Falcons on the weekend whose price tag because of his NFL bank account would figure to make him affordable for a CFL team.

But we're going to put the coach down as doubtful on that one. Buono: "Brett Romberg said that if the club was for sale he might consider buying it." And with that the office door was closed.



(communities.canada.com)

Eric Moncur: was cut by the Philadelphia Eagles.

William Joseph: was cut by the Oakland Raiders.

Damione Lewis: was cut by the New England Patriots.

Orien Harris: was cut by the Cincinnati Bengals.

Joe Joseph: was cut by the Tennessee Titans.

Dwayne Hendricks: was cut by the New York Giants.

Brett Romberg: was cut by the Atlanta Falcons.

Baraka Atkins: was cut by the Denver Broncos.

Glenn Sharpe: was cut by the Indianapolis Colts.

Dajleon Farr: was cut by the Dallas Cowboys.

Shawnbrey McNeal: was cut by the San Diego Chargers.

Javarris James: was cut by the Indianapolis Colts, but was signed to the New England Patriots Practice Squad.

Darnell Jenkins: was cut by theNew England Patriots, but was signed to the New England Patriots Practice Squad.

Dedrick Epps: was cut by the San Diego Chargers, but was then Signed to the Chargers Practice Squad.

Kareem Brown: was place on the Tennessee Titans’ IR.

ProCanes offensive linemen Brett Romberg (Falcons) and Eric Winston (Texans) also were among 77 NFL players, who will participate this week in the NFL Business Management and Entrepreneurial Program.

Romberg and Winston headed to Harvard Business School on Monday for the five day program.

The prestigious schools will offer executive education activities, according to the NFL. Players must complete an application process in order to be selected, and the criteria includes level of education, professional business experience, interest in starting, owning or managing a business and leadership and community involvement.

More than 500 NFL players have participated in the program since its inception in 2005.



(miamiherald.com)

Check out photos of proCanes all around Miami during Pro Bowl and Super Bowl Week. We'd like to thank fellow Cane Katrina Campins for sending us the photos.


Alice Vilma, Ken Dorsey and fellow UM Alum and The Campins Company Founder & Owner Katrina Campins at Movie Director Michael Bay's house for the BIG GAME BIG GIVE during SUPERBOWL Week.

DJ Williams and and Katrina Campins at the Paparazzi Pool Party hosted by Terrell Owens, Chad Ochcocinco, Ludacris and Campins.

Tavares Gooden and Katrina Campins at the Paparazzi Pool Party hosted by Terrell Owens, Chad Ochcocinco, Ludacris and Campins.

Willis McGahee and fellow UM Alum and The Campins Company Founder & Owner Katrina Campins at Movie Director Michael Bay's house for the BIG GAME BIG GIVE during SUPERBOWL Week.

The Campins Company Sports & Entertainment real estate client Chicago Bears NFL Tight End Greg Olsen,  The Campins Company Founder & Owner Katrina Campins & Campins Chicago Luxury Real Estate Specialist Kara Olsen with Emily & Brett Romberg during SUPERBOWL Week at the Evening with UM Football Greats event.

Kenny Phillips and Tavares Gooden at the Evening with UM Football Greats event.

Edgerrin James and Clinton Portis at the Evening with UM Football Greats event.

Ed Reed, Edgerrin James, Santana Moss, Andre Johnson and many more proCanes at the Evening with UM Football Greats event.

The Campins Company Sports & Entertainment real estate client Carolina Panthers NFL linebacker Jon Beason & Chicago Bears NFL Tight End Greg Olsen,  The Campins Company Founder & Owner Katrina Campins & Campins Chicago Luxury Real Estate Specialist Kara Olsen during SUPERBOWL Week at the Evening with UM Football Greats event.

The Campins Company Sports & Entertainment real estate client Carolina Panthers NFL linebacker Jon Beason ,The Campins Company Founder & Owner Katrina Campins & Campins Chicago Luxury Real Estate Specialist Kara Olsen during during SUPERBOWL Week at the Evening with UM Football Greats event.

Antrel Rolle being interviewed at the Evening with UM Football Greats event.

proCanes.com had the opportunity yesterday to cover the Ed Reed/Moss Brothers 2010 Celebrity Golf Challenge at Shula's Golf Course in Miami Lakes. The event, which was hosted by Ed Reed and Santana Moss was held to raise money for their respective foundations. proCanes Brett Romberg and Richard Mercier were in attendance along with former NFL player Tony Siragusa and others. It was truly an amazing event and very well put together. Ed Reed mingled with all the golfers and was very kind and open to talking to anyone and everyone. We would like to extend a big congratulations to Ed and the manager of his foundation, Glenn Younes, for a great event. Click here to see more photos from the event.


Ed Reed and Glenn Younes

Ed Reed

Brett Romberg

Richard Mercier