For a guy that can't get on the field, Edgerrin James just dropped the ball. He interrupted the feel-good story of the NFL, distracting the Cardinals and their fans before the biggest game of the year.

It will be a costly fumble in a Hall of Fame career.

Through his agent, James recently requested his release from the Cardinals, and on some level, his unhappiness is understandable. James effectively ranks fourth on the Cardinals' depth chart of running backs. His three carries over the past two games are fewer than wide receiver Anquan Boldin (four). In Sunday's win at Seattle, he watched as J.J. Arrington got the call and the ball in the fourth quarter of a close game. A proud man has been embarrassed by Ken Whisenhunt, who is using James to make a powerful statement.

The head coach will not tolerate players who gripe during the good times, who miss the only scheduled practice during a bye week, who strike some members of the organization as a guy not running that hard, particularly in that loss to the Panthers.

In his last 49 carries, James has gained 137 yards. Those numbers scream of a running back in decline, which James most certainly is not. They also don't reflect how much James has selflessly helped rookie Tim Hightower.

But it will be hard to defend James now, and here's the problem: By the end of the season, James will have collected $25 million of his $30 million contract with the Cardinals. And before the season is over, James will surely be needed by a team entering uncharted territory.

He should have kept his mouth shut, worked like Arrington to get back into good graces, and played out the season without any further complaints. In a worst-case scenario, he would've remained in the doghouse, released without any further attrition to his body, and able to resume his career next year with rested legs.

Instead, James just confirmed the public's worst perception of him - that he's driven only by money and statistics. It is in stark contrast to what James said earlier in the season when asked about his diminished role:

"Me? I want to win. I want to make my trip out here worthwhile. I want to do whatever it takes to help turn this program around."

Whatever it takes? Sometimes that means holding a clipboard, like Matt Leinart. Sometimes that means giving up carries because the team has two of the best wide receivers on the planet. It means being a team guy, and understanding the civic impact of the big picture. The worst franchise in sports history is 7-3 and could clinch its division title before Thanksgiving. The once-beleaguered Cardinals are in the hunt for a first-round playoff bye, and have a puncher's chance at the Super Bowl. This is no time to spike the Kool-Aid.

It's popular to bash the agent in stories like this, particularly a public nuisance like Drew Rosenhaus. When reached on Wednesday, Rosenhaus said James didn't want to be a distraction, which is almost laughable.

The story first appeared on a highly credible, football-specific website (profootballtalk.com). It appeared without any sources or attribution. That means the story was likely leaked by the agent, who was then conveniently forced to comment when his office was flooded with phone calls. But, hey, sorry for the distraction.

Bad move, guys. James was guaranteed his $5 million salary in 2008 when he made the opening day roster. It's one of many reasons why the Cardinals do not and will not release James, who might be needed if Hightower gets injured.

James is highly intelligent, and should have known as much. He should have known that such a tactic was not only futile and fruitless, but likely to land him in the fan's doghouse at the worst possible time.

After all, it's been a historic season for the Cardinals. Too bad not everyone is enjoying the view.

(azcentral.com)

Devin Hester's inability to excel in the return game this season appears to have taken a toll on the Bear.

"It's tough on me. I don't even like going outside now," Hester said Wednesday. "I just want to find that edge and overcome it."

Hester was asked if he has lost his confidence. Danieal Manning replaced him on kickoffs during the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss to the Packers.

"I haven't lost any confidence," Hester said. "I'm the type when I get my opportunity, I'm going to make the most of it."

Hester entered the season with 12 career returns for touchdowns, including a 108-yard return of a missed field goal and kickoff returns of 96 and 94 yards at St. Louis two seasons ago. His longest return this season is 51 yards.

"It just hasn't gone the way I thought it would," Hester said. "I could say it's my fault, but there are 11 guys on the field. [Still,] I know at the end of the day, I'll get blamed for the return game."

(chicagotribune.com)

Tight end Kellen Winslow's suffered a sprained right shoulder against the Bills and will probably be listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Texans.

He sat out Wednesday's practice, but declined to comment. Coach Romeo Crennel said an MRI exam showed the current injury isn't worse than last season's separated left shoulder that bothered Winslow much of the season.

"If he can get his arm above his head and catch the football, then he'll play," he said. "If he can't or doesn't have the strength, then we're fooling ourselves if we think he'll be effective. It all depends on his strength and range of motion."

Receiver Braylon Edwards says he's never worried about Winslow's availability.

"No matter what kind of injury it seems like he has or if he misses a practice, that guy is going to play on Sunday," he said.

If Winslow can't play, Steve Heiden will replace him. The Browns are 2-0 with Heiden starting in place of Winslow this season.

Winslow suffered the injury on a 16-yard catch on the drive that led to Phil Dawson's game-winning 56-yard field goal. Winslow was tackled by linebacker Paul Posluszny, came down hard on his shoulder and came up wincing. But he continued to play and downplayed the injury after the game.

Winslow caught three passes for 40 yards, but the clutch, 16-yard sideline grab on second down to the Bills' 39 was pivotal in the victory. Brady Quinn threw three straight incompletions thereafter and Winslow's catch was enough to set Dawson up for the spectacular game-winner.

(cleveland.com)

HOUSTON—Growing up poor in a tough section of Miami, Andre Johnson decided early on that he wanted to play professional football. He watched the NFL and dreamed of meeting a player.

That never happened for Johnson as a child, so soon after he joined the Houston Texans in 2003 he created a foundation to help underprivileged children and give them the opportunity he never had.

That foundation has grown in the past five years and Johnson has sponsored programs and given time and money to children in both Houston and Miami.

"I really didn't have a professional player come to my neighborhood and do different stuff for the neighborhood," he said. "So I always said if I was to make it one day I just want to give back to the community."

Johnson's uncle Andre Melton, for whom he is named, has always encouraged his nephew to be involved in the community.

"That's how you can reach out and touch people," Melton said. "Sometimes athletes are distant from most people, but I want people to know he's a real person and make sure he understands that he's in a position to do some things and make some things happen. You can't save the world, but you can do your part."

Johnson, who leads the NFL with 955 yards receiving, said when he was first drafted he was struck by how much kids looked up to him.

"I think just me being able to meet kids period is special," he said. "People always say: 'You're a role model.' But we hate to look at ourselves as role models. But you would be surprised at how many kids really watch what you do on Sunday."

Johnson has been honored for his work as one of eight finalists for an award given by Home Depot called the NFL Neighborhood MVP. As a finalist his charity will receive $5,000 and the winner get $25,000 for his work. The winner, which is decided by online voting, will be announced during Super Bowl week.

Other finalists include Atlanta's Keith Brooking, Brian Dawkins of the Eagles, Detroit's Mike Furrey, Steve Smith of Carolina, Amani Toomer of the Giants, the Cardinals' Kurt Warner and Dallas Cowboy Jason Witten.

Johnson, who didn't know he was a finalist until informed by a reporter, was proud to be mentioned as one of the top players in the community.
"Not to just be mentioned as a football player but also for the things you do in the community," he said. "I've never been a person who felt like I really needed any recognition for what I do, but to have that happen though is a great honor."

Johnson isn't slowing down. He spent several hours on his day off earlier this week handing out turkeys and other fixings to needy families for Thanksgiving dinners. He joined teammates Dunta Robinson and DeMeco Ryans with help from a local grocery store chain to feed more than 700 families.

The food pantries in Galveston were depleted during Hurricane Ike so trucks from the island were sent to collect hundreds of Thanksgiving dinners to take back for distribution. Johnson, Ryans and Robinson didn't leave the hard work of loading the trucks to the scores of other volunteers at the event. The trio lugged dozens of bags loaded with two liter drinks and multi-pound turkeys to the truck and didn't sit down for a break until the last bag was done.

Johnson said helping out this year is even more important than in years past because of Ike and the current economic crisis.

"You wish there weren't any needy people," Johnson said. "You really don't like to see people in those situations, but that's life. And any way somebody can help, it's great. We are just very thankful for what we have and it's great just to bless someone else."

(elpasotimes.com)

Edgerrin James asked the Cardinals to release him after he was benched in favor of Tim Hightower in Week 9, according to Profootballtalk.com.

Arizona refused, opting to keep Edge as a third stringer for insurance behind Hightower and J.J. Arrington. James' $5M salary for 2008 is guaranteed, so there was no reason for Arizona to give him to another team. At the time Joseph Addai was struggling in Indianapolis and the Colts could have given their old friend a long look. Denver also could've put in a waiver claim.

(rotoworld.com)

First comes the gate, a heavy metal barrier that halts visitors' cars about 100 feet from Clinton Portis' waterfront condo in Miami. It's manned by a security guard who reaches out from behind thick glass to check the ID of each driver and passenger, while high-tech cameras snap pictures of their faces and license plates, before allowing them to pass. The immaculately groomed grounds of cobblestone and palm trees are fortified with well-disguised cameras by the front door, the loading dock, the concierge desk and the private guest elevator. After navigating past those, plus a metal door secured with a dead bolt and a wall-mounted computerized alarm system, guests are finally allowed entry into Portis' sanctuary in the sky.

Enjoying a rare weekend off, the NFL's second-leading rusher is on his couch, yawning constantly while watching college football. He's wearing pajama pants, orange footies and a white T-shirt emblazoned with a picture of friend and departed Skins teammate Sean Taylor. Favoring a sore left knee, Portis shuffles across his marble floor to show off the views. To the east, windsurfers ride the glassy waters of the bay. To the west, Miami's skyline. And behind the blinds to the north: another shiny condo tower, where a woman stands on her balcony, peering directly at a startled Portis.

The moment perfectly captures how NFL players feel these days. On Nov. 26, 2007, Taylor was shot by intruders in the bedroom of his Miami home while his girlfriend and 18-month-old daughter hid under the covers. The botched robbery attempt was another horrific chapter of a crime wave against pro athletes, one that's shocked NFL players into a paradigm shift in self-awareness and security. Yet no matter how closely they protect themselves, many still can't shake the feeling that someone is out there, just beyond the blinds, lurking. "I don't think the NFL is gonna ever be the same," says Portis. "As a football player, Sean thrived on instilling fear in people on the field. Then you wake up in the middle of the night, and you hear something rattling around in your house, and in a split second—now the fear is in you."

You can see the impact of Taylor's death in the body language of 315-pound Chiefs rookie Branden Albert as he leaves a club, checking and rechecking his rearview mirror to make sure he isn't being followed. It's in the nervous laughter of Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger when he recalls the time a weapon was waved in his face. It compels Jaguars running back Fred Taylor to use the car with the less showy factory rims when he goes out at night. It's in the candid conversations Titans center Kevin Mawae says happen in every locker room around the league. And it's in the near whisper of Texans cornerback Dunta Robinson as he talks, for the first time publicly, about his own home invasion.

When asked about their fears, players cite the same frightening flashpoints: New Year's Day 2007, when Broncos defensive back Darrent Williams was shot and killed outside a Denver nightclub while riding in his limo; November 2007, when Taylor was murdered; June 2008, when Oakland receiver Javon Walker was robbed and beaten unconscious near the Vegas strip; and September 2008, when Jaguars lineman Richard Collier was paralyzed and had to have his leg amputated above the knee after he was shot 14 times in what police say was a retaliatory shooting. "We are targets," says Buccaneers corner Ronde Barber. "We need to be aware of that everywhere we go."

Violence against athletes is not new, of course, and not isolated to the NFL. Just last summer in Chicago, NBA players Antoine Walker and Eddy Curry were robbed in their homes. But more than any other league's, the culture of the NFL—the wealth, fame, brutality and air of invincibility—makes its players vulnerable. Broncos security chief Dave Abrams, who was hired full-time shortly after Williams was shot, says the hardest part of his job is convincing players of their own mortality. To excel at such a violent sport, he explains, they must be fearless; they think of themselves as the kind of untouchable warrior who would never require the protection of a bodyguard, an alarm system or even a locked door. The night he was murdered, Sean Taylor had neglected to turn on his home security system, even though his house had been burglarized just nine days earlier.

The NFL is attempting to flip this it-can't-happen-to-me mindset. The league provides a security consultant to each team, and most teams also have their own head of security. At his State of the League address before Super Bowl XLII, commissioner Roger Goodell said that players becoming targets was "a big issue." "We have to do everything we can to educate our players of the simple things they can do to protect themselves" Goodell said.

Portis has gotten the message. Security measures that used to be an afterthought are now part of his daily routine. Alarms that used to go unused are now turned on each night. Doors are dead-bolted. Windows are locked. Others are taking even more drastic steps. Robinson recently became a gun owner. Roethlisberger uses bodyguards for public appearances. Mawae, the NFLPA president, runs background checks on potential babysitters.

Fred Taylor, meanwhile, has equipped his Jacksonville home with every conceivable security apparatus. "I still don't think I have enough," he says. "Who knows what's enough? I wouldn't say I'm safe.

"I don't know what safe is."

(espn.com)

Under his game jersey, Redskins running back Clinton Portis, 27, always wears a T-shirt honoring his late teammate, safety Sean Taylor. Powered by his friend's memory, Portis is on pace for one of his best seasons ever—and resolute that fear won't control his life when he steps off the field.

Right now, who is better to target than an athlete? Bankers are losing jobs. Real estate gurus are losing jobs. Wall Street is losing jobs. Lots of people getting humble, but an athlete's money is constant.

I know a lot of players who think, Oh, man they ain't gonna get me. I watch where I'm going. No one's sneaking up on me. I say to them, Anybody can be touched. If somebody wants to get to you, there ain't no limits. Sean was home with his family, and they got to him.

But even with what happened, I can't walk around in fear. Out of fear your reaction is going to be totally different. If I don't know you and you walk up on me too fast, do I shoot first and ask questions later? Because I'm living in fear? You could be running to tell me my car lights are on. It's tricky, though. When you put on that uniform, you have to be fearless—and it's hard to turn off. A banker in Sean's position would've probably just called the police that night. But as an athlete, Sean's reaction was embedded in him.

I don't think the NFL is ever going to be the same. It's less fun now. Everything's a worry, on and off the field. People feel like you are obligated to them. I was at a charity event the other night and I had a man come up to me and grab me, hard, as if we were close friends. It was one of those hard grabs, around the neck, the way people who don't know you shouldn't touch you. So I turned around looking at him like, uh, do I know you? And his response was "I pay your salary, I'm a season ticket holder." Now, what do season tickets cost? Twenty thousand dollars? Pay my salary? Man, I don't make $20,000.

I worked hard for what I got. This life wasn't given to me. It wasn't eenie, meanie, miney, mo: I win. I've been fighting for what I got my whole life and it was hard work. I've seen everything. I've lost family members. I've held an AK-47, I've held assault rifles. I've seen crack sitting beside me. I've seen cocaine sitting beside me. But I stayed clean and found a way to steer myself away from all that. People are upset with me because I'm successful? You should try being successful too.

But remembering Sean gives me a power, a will to fight through. Earlier this season against the Steelers, we're down 23-6, and the game's kinda over with, and I'm just in there for blitz pickup to knock heads with a linebacker. But I'm still fighting, looking for someone to punish. It's that kinda toughness. That's what I get from thinking of Sean.

(espn.com)

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Two-time Defensive Player of the Year. Super Bowl Most Valuable Player. One of the greatest middle linebackers in football history.

Now, the Ravens’ Ray Lewis can add another title to his illustrious career: The Godfather of the NFL.

While Lewis is known for slamming players to the ground, he is the first to pick them up off the field, becoming a confidant to many around the league.

From Chargers OLB Shawne Merriman to Seahawks MLB Lofa Tatupu to Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, Lewis has mentored the NFL’s young superstars on the game, training regimen and, most importantly, life.

Lewis estimated that he talks, sends text messages to and counsels 15 to 20 players on some days.

“It’s a rush for me. It’s a high for me,” Lewis said. “My greatest legacy will not be about how hard I hit on the field but how many people I was able to bless.”

Lewis first runs into players at the Pro Bowl and at different social events. The meetings usually end with Lewis giving out his cell phone number.

When players find themselves with a problem, that’s when Lewis usually hears from them again.

It was just last training camp when disgruntled Bengals WR Chad Ocho Cinco phoned Lewis for advice.

Lewis’ message: Stop complaining and start appreciating life in the NFL.

“He’s my spiritual father when I’m having problems,” Ocho Cinco said earlier this season. “Ray has been there for me through everything. Ray is really the only reason I’ve somewhat shut up and calmed down and came back and refocused my energy on helping my team get to the playoffs and all my energy being positive.

“So, Ray is really the reason I’m back here happy, smiling and ready to go again.”

Lewis routinely will call players and tell them a favorite scripture passage. He’ll remind them to drink the right amount of water. He’ll even chat for a half-hour about dissecting the screen pass, like he did recently with 49ers LB Patrick Willis.

Before the Ravens’ Monday-night game at Pittsburgh on Sept. 29, Lewis received a text message from Willis, his newest pupil, which read: “Show me what you got because you know I’ll be watching.”

“It turns into a real brotherhood from our conversation,” Lewis said.

But Lewis knows the connection extends beyond a brotherhood.

He has become a father figure to many players, much like Shannon Sharpe and Rod Woodson were for him years ago.

“When I was a child, that’s the thing I never had,” said Lewis, 33, who was raised by his mother. “As a man, that’s what you’re looking for — some real good advice from somebody they can trust.”

While Lewis seems to be giving so much — advice, time and energy — he insists that he receives more in return.

“What I get out of it is watching these guys grow,” he said. “That’s the reward for any parent. When you instill something in a kid and you get it put into fruition, you’re like, ‘Wow. He really listened.’ ”

Lewis has not only grabbed the attention of the players around the NFL. After recent injury-marred seasons, Lewis is playing like an elite linebacker again.

Run up the middle of the Ravens’ defense at your own risk. Draws don’t work, and neither do screens.

“It’s getting to the point with Ray where it’s almost ridiculous,” Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan said. “He’s a phenom. His contact and tackling is as crisp and as good as I can remember. He is still flying around and is always in the right spots. If I had to describe one thing about Ray that stands out, I couldn’t, because he is the total package.”

The Ravens are in a transition season with a new coach in John Harbaugh and a new quarterback in Joe Flacco.

The one constant has been the Ravens’ top-notch defense, whose determination comes from Lewis.

That was proven in Week Three, when the Ravens trailed the Browns 10-7.

On the third play of the third quarter, Lewis crushed Kellen Winslow over the middle, dislodging the ball from the Browns’ physical tight end. CB Chris McAlister plucked the ball from the air and ran 12 yards to the Cleveland 12-yard line, setting up the go-ahead touchdown in the Ravens’ 28-10 victory.

“He just knew he had to make a play, and that’s what leaders do,” Ravens ROLB Terrell Suggs said of the Lewis hit. “I mean, were y’all shocked?”

The biggest surprise is how Lewis can maintain this level of play.

After years of chasing down running backs, all of the NFL’s great middle linebackers eventually found something they themselves couldn’t elude — time.

Bears star Mike Singletary decided to retire after 12 seasons, before his play declined. Pittsburgh’s Jack Lambert walked away after 11 years because of a severe toe injury. And the Bears’ Dick Butkus stopped after nine seasons because of multiple knee injuries.

So, how can Lewis continue to remain in Pro Bowl form after 13 seasons?

His play on the field is dictated by his work off it.

His workouts are legendary. He still runs steep hills with a log on his back. He is constantly in the sauna and always is stretching, which helps to cut down on injuries.

At home, he has hired a personal chef, who cooks fish and vegetables. He keeps himself hydrated by drinking two gallons of water daily.

Then, at night, Lewis watches hours of film. He’ll pick up how a lineman puts his hand down on certain plays. He’ll note how a running back stands before a screen play.

These details help him predict where the ball is going before it is snapped.

“My greatest reward is in my sacrifice — how much film I watch,” Lewis said. “Some of them might want to run a screen or try to run in my area. I’m like, ‘Are you serious? You don’t think I watched that all week?’

“I would never want to be in my 20s again. I know too much right now.”

Colts QB Peyton Manning has a firsthand knowledge of Lewis’ film work.

“There’s many a time when I’ve heard Ray calling out our plays, and he’s been pretty accurate at times,” Manning said.

Lewis’ psychological game even extends to running backs. With some vicious head-on hits, he is putting fear into opposing runners. He ended Steelers RB Rashard Mendenhall’s season in Week Four. It was the same back in 2000 when he train-wrecked Jerome Bettis, Corey Dillon and Eddie George.

“I was pretty intimidated by him, and I was on his team,” Ravens LOLB Jarret Johnson said.

Still, how long will Lewis remain on the team?

Lewis is scheduled to make $6.5 million in the final season of a seven-year, $50 million contract. That included a $19 million signing bonus (an NFL record at the time).

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said earlier this year that the team would actively pursue Lewis if he reaches free agency.

“If he becomes a free agent, I think the Ravens would probably outbid other teams,” Bisciotti said at the NFL meetings in March. “We know Ray’s value more than the other teams. We know the leadership he brings to the team. We know the commitment and the effort he gives to winning.”

This is the first time the Ravens have allowed Lewis to reach the final year of his contract.

There is a possibility that the Ravens could use the franchise tag on Lewis to keep him for another season. Lewis hopes it won’t come to that.

“If the season ends and I’m a totally free agent, for the first time in my life I will be totally free,” he said. “You know what that feels like for a man? It’s one thing to deal with a contract. It’s one thing to deal with life without a contract. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel to make my own decision.”

(profootballweekly.com)

Backup TE Bubba Franks, out the last four games with a hip injury, returned to the practice field for the first time. We'll get the participation report a bit later, but he seemed to be moving well. So perhaps there will be a Bubba sighting on Sunday. No sign of LB David Harris (groin surgery) and S Eric Smith (multiple concussions) at practice. WR Laveranues Coles was somewhat limited, so perhaps he's dealing with an injury issue.

(nydailynews.com)

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — John Salmons scored 29 points and Bobby Jackson had all eight of his points in the final 5:10 to help the injury-depleted Sacramento Kings surprise the New Orleans Hornets 105-96 on Wednesday night.

Jackson hit a 3-pointer to give the Kings the lead for good at 90-88. He followed with a baseline jumper and a steal that led to Salmons' layup, then finished off the Hornets with another 3-pointer that made it 99-91 with 3:08 left.

Sacramento played without leading scorer Kevin Martin, who missed his sixth consecutive game because of a sprained ankle, and starting forward Mikki Moore. The Kings had been 1-5 away from home, losing four of those games by 15 points or more, and were playing their second game on the road in two nights.

Chris Paul led New Orleans with 20 points and 15 assists. The Hornets, coming off three days of rest, fell to .500 (5-5) for the first time since the end of the 2006-07 season.

(ap.com)

Heat forward James Jones is shooting for a return in about four weeks from surgery on his right wrist after his cast was removed Tuesday.

''I'm taking a huge step,'' Jones said Wednesday.

Jones participated in noncontact drills Wednesday and said he should be back in eight weeks.

''I'm pain-free,'' Jones said. ``This is the first time I've been pain-free shooting in like three months. For me it's a weight off my shoulders.''

Jones said he is shooting mostly from midrange and is wearing tape and a brace on his wrist as he works his way back.

Was he hitting shots?

''Of course!'' he said. ``That's what I do.''

Jones underwent surgery Oct. 18 to repair a ruptured tendon. The same wrist was injured in late July during a pickup game.

(miamiherald.com)

Check out the return of our NFL U Video Highlights. Like we did back in 2006, proCanes.com will provide our fans every week video highlights of all of our NFL U stars along with pictures from the current NFL Week. Click here to check out our Week 11 Video Highlights or click above on NFL U Video Highlights. Enjoy this week's highlights which feature an INT by Ray Lewis, an INT by Rocky McIntosh, 2 TDs by Frank Gore and more!

Check out Week 11 photos from around the the NFL of our proCanes. Click here to see the photos.

WESTFIELD, Ind. -- Reggie Wayne is so smooth, he appears to defy the laws of physics in a new TV commercial set to air Thanksgiving Day on the NFL Network.

The two-time Pro Bowl receiver for the Indianapolis Colts jogged over an in-ground pool on Tuesday in a promotion for the new Reebok Hex Ride running shoes. OK, so the surface was actually blue-painted wood built into the pool. Water will be added later as a special effect, but Wayne was pumped by the pitch premise.

"Not many people can say they walked on water. To be one of the selective few is always a great thing," he said. "But I don't think it's going to take much for me because I feel like I walk on water every day."

Not that this was any day at the beach. Temperatures for this back-yard production at a suburban residence were in the mid-30s. In between takes, Wayne wrapped himself in a Colts blanket.

Wayne's on-screen counterpart was New York actor Stephen Mailer, who plays a nerdy Reebok scientist, complete with the thick glasses, tape recorder and clipboard. The real-life New York Jets fan appears to test how Wayne does in the new running shoes.

Assistant Brian Banks stood in for Wayne on a rehearsal. Banks ran through some tires, then stepped through some spots on the pool. He was perfect.

"If you need a third down receiver, there he is," said director Ron Yassen.

"We need a first-down receiver," joked Wayne, the Colts' leading receiver this season with 56 catches for 790 yards.

When assistant director Rob Mackler hollered, "Action!" for the first real run, Wayne stumbled.

Mackler didn't need to yell "Cut!" because Wayne had already asked for a do-over. Members of New York's Roadside Entertainment crew exhaled in cold puffs of air, then focused again. And they weren't the only ones watching intently.

John and Jackie Lindgren's Westfield home had a deck filled with family and friends. Others watched from inside. Lindgren's pool was selected at random by Pools of Fun in Plainfield. The film crew basically set up in the home's basement activity room.

"The kids are so excited," John Lindgren said of their three children. "They've been telling all their buddies that Reggie was going to be in their back yard."

Mitch Lindgren, 12, couldn't get his buddies to believe it. He snapped pictures for proof.

"I told (school) I had a doctor's appointment," said Meghan, 14, a Carmel High School freshman. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime thing."

After three takes, Wayne was hitting his stride, but his baggy black shorts weren't cooperating.

"My trousers keep falling," he said, walking off the set to get a clothes pin alteration.

"Wardrobe malfunction," a witty crew member said.

After the fourth take, Wayne assured, "I'm getting better at it."

After seven takes, it was time for close-up shots. The shoot ran long, but Wayne stuck around.

"Reggie was stupendous," Yassen said. "He was a pleasure to work with. Some athletes, they can be tricky, but he did everything we asked. He's an All-Pro."

Wayne has filmed commercials before, but conceded he has a ways to go to catch up with the NFL leader in endorsements, the same guy responsible for getting the receiver the ball on game days.

"I ain't on Peyton Manning's status," Wayne said of his quarterback, who earned a reported $13 million in endorsements in 2007. "I guess you could say I'm building a foundation."

(indystar.com)

DAVIE - When Dolphins right tackle Vernon Carey was asked to report to the auditorium at team headquarters on his day off today, he was nervous. No, he wasn't expecting to get cut, but he was hoping that the meeting would have something to do with extending his contract, which expires at the end of the season.

It wasn't until coach Tony Sparano grabbed a microphone and introduced Carey as the Dolphins nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award that the Miami native knew what was going on.

Carey has a tough act to follow as former Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor won the community-related award last year, and past Dolphins winners include Hall of Famers Dan Marino and Dwight Stephenson.

"It caught me off guard,'' Carey said. "I was kind of worried at first, but it's an overwhelming joy deep inside because growing up as a kid always being a Dolphins fans, loving the Dolphins, I remember watching Dan Marino play the game and guys like him being man of the year. Jason Taylor, Zach Thomas, those caliber of players on and off the field, it's high standards set that you got to uphold, and I'm willing to do that.''
Every team selects a representative, a player who gives back to the community with his charitable endeavors, as well as displaying sportsmanship on the field. Eventually, the 32 selections are pared down and one player is chosen during Super Bowl week in February.

Carey and his wife, LaTavia, have started the Carey Mentorship Program at Brownsville Middle School in Miami. The couple mentors 10 students and takes them on trips around South Florida, such as Universal Studio, and often talk to them about goal-setting. They also host 20 students at every Dolphins' home game.

Carey hosts an annual Thanksgiving giveaway at his former high school, Miami Northwestern, and participates in several Dolphins-related charities.

"After my first two years, I'm like, 'You're from here and have to do more in the community.' I was obligated to myself because I've been where they're at and want to show them that there's more out there for them, and goals for them to reach.''

Carey, who starred at University of Miami and was drafted No. 19 n the first round in 2004 by his hometown team, is an integral part of the Dolphins' eighth-ranked offense, which has amassed more than 340 yards in each of the last eight games.

The children from Carey's mentorship program gave Carey a standing ovation when he was given the award. The softspoken, often shy Carey cracked a joke at the end of his acceptance speech when he said, "I hope I can still do things for the community of Miami and I hope I'm still here.''

"I was hoping it was a new contract,'' Carey said. "That's a big honor and you got to accept that and be very happy with that. It was a couple of words [contract talks] but that's what I know. They know better than I do.''

Sparano, a fellow offensive lineman and line coach, was extremely proud of one of his own.

"It's a tremendous accomplishment with what he does in the community,'' Sparano said. "I've been out on several occasions with Vernon at groups in the theatre and seen him do these things for the kids. That's something special. What these guys do off the field really does matter and I'm glad he's getting recognized.

"You could see the kid's faces in there when they see Vernon come in. That's something pretty special. You don't see that all the time. You're a parent and you see your kid like that, he lights up, she lights up. That happened when he walked in.''

Although Sparano wasn't expected to answer football-related questions, he was asked if he heard Carey's remark about wanting to remain a Dolphin.

"So do I,'' Sparano said while walking away.

(sun-sentinel.com)

Reggie Wayne and Peta Gay Weir bought a home at 16850 Stratford Court in Southwest Ranches from Landmark Custom Ranches, Inc. for $4.1 million on July 25, 2007.

The house stands on a sprawling 102,294 square foot lot in the Landmark Ranch Estates.

Wayne is a receiver for the Super Bowl XLI champion Indianapolis Colts of the NFL. In 2007, the two-time Pro Bowl selection led the Colts and the league in receiving yardage with 1,510 yards. He also set a career high for receptions (104).

After starting for four years at the University of Miami, the Colts made him the 30th pick of the 2001 NFL Draft. After a solid 2005 season, Indianapolis signed him to a six-year contract worth $39.5 million. He followed that up with a 2006 campaign in which he caught 86 passes for 1,310 yards and nine touchdowns.

Through 2007, Wayne has a career total of 494 receptions, 6,984 receiving yards and 47 touchdowns.

He attended John Ehret High School in Marrero, La.

Home sales in Southwest Ranches dropped 39 percent in 2007 versus sales in 2006. The median sales price though went up from $850,000 to $900,000.

BlockShopper Metrics began tracking home sales in South Florida in 2001.

(southflorida.blockshopper.com)