I (Sal) remember the "good ole" days playing a pick-up game of football in my backyard (adjacent to a city ballfield park). I wasn't good compared to my peers, but I loved playing it! I've watched and played the game more as I got older, which I wish I could just go back and play.
Now, I just watch it on t.v.; however, I sometimes rather play then watch! I encourage you all to just pick-up a football and play a pick-up game with anybody you can get a hold of. It's good to keep that childhood in yourself as you get older!
By Jyni Ekins
Naturally Magazine "Professional sports teams are a significant part of the identity of Minnesota. People here may even bleed purple and gold, and devote a good portion of their Sundays to football. Loyal fans often cheer the Vikings on game after game, celebrating victory and standing behind the team even in defeat. Rarely does the public know what goes into keeping these players healthy – or that Northwestern Health Sciences University has its own role.
Dennis Koslowski, DC, a 1986 graduate of Northwestern, is the team chiropractor for the Minnesota Vikings. In addition to helping keep these athletes in top shape, he also runs his own practice, is a two-time Olympic medalist in wrestling, and has raised a family. How did Koslowski manage to succeed in so many areas?
“It was always about balance,” Koslowski says. “I used to say, you can just call me ‘The Juggler’,” he adds with a smile.
A look around the waiting room in his clinic mirrors Koslowski’s lifestyle. From wrestling photographs to a celebrity softball tournament award to toys for children and chiropractic information, it’s apparent Koslowski is a master of many trades.
To understand how Koslowski made the transition from being a fierce athletic competitor to being the chiropractor for fierce athletic competitors, Koslowski begins his story in college.
“I injured my ankle at the end of the wrestling season my sophomore year at the University of Minnesota, Morris, where I wrestled and played football,” Koslowski says.
“Although it felt better by the start of football season, it seemed to get worse with every game. I had tried different methods and doctors, but by the first day of the wrestling season I felt like the Karate Kid doing everything on one leg. Then a chiropractor I found in Morris, Dr. Charles Krassas (a 1955 Northwestern graduate) told me I had compromised my pelvis trying to keep the weight off that foot. He worked on my low back, and the result was miraculous.”
Koslowski says Dr. Krassas inspired his interest in chiropractic care. “He was the first to talk to me about chiropractic and encouraged me to pursue it. He was an excellent doctor and a great person,” Koslowski says. “It seems that once he sparked my interest in chiropractic, all the cards fell in place. I soon met Steve Keogh, D.C., of Thief River Falls who was a University of Minnesota, Morris alum, a Northwestern grad, and cousin of Mike Keogh, a fellow wrestler on the UMM team. I met a few other doctors of chiropractic and you could say that I felt it was my calling.”
Working on a bachelor’s degree in biology, Koslowski already had an interest in science, and after hearing about Northwestern, he decided to apply and was accepted.
“Sports are important to me,” Koslowski says. “I thought if I could do this for other people, it would mean a lot to me also.”
As Koslowski attended chiropractic classes, he continued to train to wrestle. He hoped to achieve his goal of making it to the Olympic team, which he eventually did – not just once, but twice – and won two medals; a bronze in the 1988 Olympics, and a silver in 1992.
Throughout his earlier training at Northwestern, Koslowski says the faculty members stood behind his efforts.
“Dr. John Allenburg, along with everyone, was very supportive of me,” Koslowski says. “I had to go on a three-week European tour at one point, and actually had to take a year off to try and make the Olympic team.”
By 1991, Koslowski also owned the practice he still works at today, Koslowski Chiropractic Inc., and had married and started a family. Koslowski then coached wrestling until 2000, but has given up wrestling personally.
“Physically it’s not good to keep wrestling; I’ve known guys who have continued and they’re arthritic messes,”
Koslowski says. “I’ll still do a clinic here or there, though.”
About seven years ago, as part of Koslowski’s interest in sports injury treatment, he heard about Active Release Technique (ART), in which he studied and became certified.
“It isn’t something that’s taught at school, but the guy who developed ART, Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP, was a triathlete himself,” Koslowski says. “A lot of people have sports-related injuries and I really liked ART as an adjunct to traditional chiropractic; I thought it would be another good tool to have. Even to this day I’m probably the most senior certified ART practitioner; the other senior practitioners have interned under me. It’s really opened doors for me as far as what I could teach.”
Koslowski said being certified in ART has also helped him to develop a professional relationship with University of Minnesota athletes, as well. Koslowski says he often talks to trainers about ART, and it’s been incredibly helpful in treating another certain group of athletes – the Vikings.
“I approached the Vikings years ago about chiropractic care, but they didn’t have a budget for it,” Koslowski says. “Then as new trainers came from Philadelphia, when the Vikings new coach, Brad Childress, was hired from the Philadelphia Eagles, they hired an ART technician and a chiropractor.”
The ART technician hired was Koslowski, who was referred to the Vikings by Leahy. This past spring, he was also asked to become the team chiropractor.
“Chiropractic care is becoming popular within the NFL,” Koslowski says.
“I’m pretty sure every team has a chiropractor now,” Dr. Koslowski added. The relationship between the various trainers and doctors is a good one, says Koslowski.
“It’s a great relationship with the Head Athletic Trainer, Eric Sugarman,” Koslowski says. “He is the visionary who decided to hire an ART practitioner and chiropractor. Working with the Vikings is fun, but also a challenge. I’m always working with a trainer and in some cases the athlete may have been seen by other specialists and I’m just one of several opinions. That’s a dynamic you have to learn about real quick. You don’t want to come in there and throw your weight around. ”
Koslowski says the important thing is for him to get his job done and do it right.
“The ART has helped me, it’s made to be very fast-acting and conditions improve after the first treatment,” Koslowski says. “These players have to be back on the field within days. You want to be sure you’re good at what you’re doing. In the clinic I’m in full control of the activity level of the patient, but the Vikings often are physically active the same day of the injury.”
Koslowski says he makes weekly visits to the training facility in order to treat whoever needs help, and in the offseason many of the players come directly to his clinic for treatment. He says he does most of his work before the kickoff.
Koslowski says there are probably fewer than five players on the roster he hasn’t treated. It’s not just local patients Koslowski treats.
Koslowski’s advice for young chiropractors is to keep on learning.
“Be good at what you do, and do whatever it takes to increase your proficiency,” he says. “There are a lot of classes you can take after graduation. When a person gets their degree, do they think they’re at the starting line, or the finish line?”
As for Koslowski, he’s still running the race.
Naturally is a publication of the Alumni Associations of Northwestern Health Sciences University. Reprinted by permission."
College
UMAC Champions- Minnesota Morris
"the final play of the 2006 UMAC championship, Minnesota Morris beats Rockford 27-20 in OT"
{Chokio-Alberta-Herman-Norcross 9 Man Football 2005 Season}
I took a friend of mine, who is an int'l student (Herman) from the Ivory Coast to his first ever "American" football game. It was a 9-man football game between Chokio-Alberta (CA) and Hancock. What made this game special was CA's Homecoming 2005 gamme, which Herman had the chance to see the excitement of the game (cheerleaders, rowdy mascots, and cheering fans)
Pastor Erdahl explaining the basics of football 101
Herman watching with intensity!
Herman with Cory posing together before leaving after 3 quarters, which CA was winning 21-6!
-CAHN 24 vs. Hancock 0 at the Fargodome-Fargo, ND on Friday, November 4th of 2005
Cory, Tony, and Brett mingle after the game
Spartans get past dangerous Hancock in playoffs
Brian Williams 11/09/2005 Morris Sun Tribune
There was no comeback magic for the Hancock Owls in their game against the CAHN Spartans Friday in Fargo.
The Owls are a team that can never be considered down for the count, what with an explosive passing attack that lends itself to comebacks. This was shown most vividly in the team�s previous game against Wheaton.
The Owls came back against Wheaton but could not summon the same kind of form against a most determined CAHN Spartan team. The Spartans won the Section 3 nine-man championship on a strength of a 24-0 win over the Owls. It was the Spartans� ninth win of the season against one loss.
Now the Spartans are focused on playing in state. The state quarter-finals present themselves on Saturday. An afternoon starting time is set for the CAHN vs. Lanesboro game to be played in Lanesboro. Fans have fingers crossed that the pleasant fall weather of late will last through another week.
The kickoff time is 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Lanesboro, home of the Burros.
The Friday game between CAHN and Hancock started slow for both squads. Coach Dave Hofland�s Spartans showed offensive punch early, driving all the way down inside the Owl ten yard line. But an untimely penalty snuffed out that scoring opportunity.
There were no more scoring threats by either team in the first quarter.
The Spartans began their first possession of the second quarter back at their own twelve yard line. From there they went to work, marching in a 14-play, 88-yard drive that ended with Jerod Lennox blasting over the end zone stripe from the one yard line.
Key yardage along the way included a 23-yard pass on third down from quarterback John Haupert to Andy Schuster. Jerod Lennox broke loose for a 14-yard scamper, and Haupert took off on a fourth down scramble that ate up 14 yards.
Halftime arrived with the score 6-0. The Owls were going to strive for a second half resurgence like what they enjoyed at Wheaton the previous Saturday, when they surged from a 0-18 halftime deficit to win.
But there would be no repeat of that on this day.
The Owls managed to reach the red zone early in the second half, but could manage no points from this opportunity. Then the CAHN offense went back to work again, churning out yardage.
The Spartans went to work beginning at the eleven yard line, marching with the help of Shane Fickes picking up 15 yards on the third play, serving to get the Spartans out of a hole.
CAHN then turned to the passing game, as Haupert connected with Schuster on a beautiful 77-yard counter touchdown pass. Now the score is 12-0. Then the CAHN defense had its turn in the spotlight, forcing a punt, and the offense got a fresh opportunity to assert itself.
Assert itself it did, as Brett Lennox took a handoff over right guard and zig-zagged his way to a 73-yard score. The big 81-yard drive included a key third down scamper of twelve yards by the signal-caller, Haupert.
The third quarter ended with CAHN in position to take command, up by an 18-0 score. Although the pass-oriented attack of Hancock can never be assumed to be out of contention. . .
The Spartans created breathing room on the scoreboard with a drive of 52 yards that required twelve plays. The drive ended with Haupert passing to Schuster from the five. Brett Lennox was a ballcarrying workhorse in this CAHN scoring possession. Brett bulled forward for gains of eleven, 13, eleven and eleven yards.
Coach Hofland turned to his JV athletes to play out this game, giving them the memorable opportunity of competing on the Fargodome turf.
The Owls suffered dropped passes under the roof in Fargo. Coach Adam Steege reported that �we had our chances against a tough Spartan defense, but we were unable to capitalize when we needed a first down. When we got in the red zone, we turned the ball over and had one touchdown called back on a penalty.�
Steege saw this game as being dictated by the defense. CAHN was buoyed by two particularly big plays in the third quarter, and these served to �really take the wind out of our sails,� the coach recalled.
Standout Owl receiver Nate Holleman played through the pain of a separated shoulder, experienced in the Wheaton game. Nate saw just limited action on defense at Fargo.
Although the final game was marked by frustration for Hancock, their fans can file away a ton a special memories from the fall just completed. The highlight was probably that Wheaton game, where the Owls surged to escape a 0-18 halftime deficit, playing on the road.
�We had a great year,� Steege said. �Nobody expected us here.�
Coaches Steege, Matt Hone and Cory Bedel join in saying �thanks to all the fans, parents and athletes.�
The final score may look one-sided from Friday, but the Owls were very much in this game into the third quarter.
Coach Hofland said of his CAHN team that �the defense played great all day, as they held an explosive Owl offense to 99 yards passing and 53 yards rushing.�
Brett Lennox was at the fore defensively for his CAHN squad with six solo tackles, one assist, a quarterback sack and an interception. Luke Claassen contributed two solos, three assists, a fumble recovery and a pair of quarterback sacks. Mitch Daly came through with two solos, five assists and a sack of the quarterback.
Coach Hofland had much praise for his team�s offensive line. The line led the �O� unit to �an exceptional day,� Hofland noted, as the Spartans amassed 302 yards on the ground and 173 through the air for a total of 475 yards.
Those blocks in the CAHN line were dealt out by Mitch Daly, Andy Schuster, Luke Claassen, Dan Schmidt, Craig Stenger and Corey Quackenbush.
Brett Lennox was at the fore of the CAHN running attack with his 170 yards on 19 carries of the football, including a TD. Jerod Lennox charged forward for 73 yards on 13 carries of the ball, including a score.
Shane Fickes added his own dimension to the running attack with 45 yards gained on eight carries.
Passing the football, Haupert hooked up with receivers ten times in 21 attempts for 173 yards. Andy Schuster was a key receiver with 122 yards on receptions (six receptions in all) plus a pair of scores. Shane Fickes had two catches good for 35 yards. Brett Lennox hauled in two passes for 16 yards.
�This was a big win for the Spartans, and we�re hoping to build on it when we play the Burros on Saturday,� Hofland said. �We�re looking forward to a big day and hope there will be a huge following to cheer us on.�
SCORE BY QUARTERS
Owls - 0 -0 -0 -0 =
CAHN - 0 - 6 - 12 - 6=4
HANCOCK OWL STATISTICS
PASSING
Quarterback Darren Schaefer completed seven passes in 21 attempts for 134 yards. He was picked off twice.
RECEIVING
Casey Gramm was on the catching end of three passes for 72 yards gaind. Nate Holleman, playing at less than 100 percent physically, hauled in three passes for 26 yards. And Mackenze Grunig caught one pass for 36 yards gained.
RUSHING
Casey Gramm received eight handoffs and churned forward for 45 yards. Tanner Gramm charged forward once for four yards gained, and Corey Ascheman had two carries for three yards.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mackenze Grunig put his toe to the football for one kickoff, for 44 yards. In kick returns it was Casey Gramm with four, with 61 return yards (an average of 15.25). Tanner Gramm had one return which covered 21 yards.
Mackenze Grunig punted the football four times for 144 yards, an average of 36 yards. And in punt returns, Casey Gramm had two with 45 return yards (an average of 22.5 yards).
TEAM STATS
Passing yardage totaled 134 yards. The rushing phase produced 63 yards. Total offensive yards: 197.
ON DEFENSE
Solo As�t Rating
Mack Grunig 4 6 13
Jake Nohl 9 4 13
Casey Gramm 2 9 11
Mitch Grunig 8 2 10
Nick Giese 3 5 8
Nathan Hacker 2 6 8
Ben Hacker 4 3 7
Nick Mooney 2 4 7
Tanner Gramm 3 2 5
Nate Holleman - 3 5
Corey Ascheman - 2 2
Darren Schaefer 1 - 1
Nathan
Dahlman - 1 1
Andrew Evink - 1 1
�Dr. Thunder� winner: Mackenze Grunig.
Sacks: Mackenze Grunig, Nick Mooney.
Deflected passes: Mackenze Grunig, Nate Holleman 2.
Interceptions: Mack Grunig.
Playoffs Report: Saturday, November 12th 2005 The hard-hitting CAHN and Lanesboro teams met in southeastern Minnesota, a location requiring a significant time and travel commitment of the CAHN faithful.
Alas, CAHN fans had relatively few opportunities to cheer in the manner that is their habit. CAHN was dealt a humbling 40-7 loss by the Burros.
With the threat of lightning and just some rain, the Morris Area High School tigers got the first win at this new stadium on Friday, September 15th of 2006..
The popular Viking mascot-"Ragnar" (read more about him down below) was at Big Cat Stadium prior to the high school game as a fundraiser. I took my friend Mel to the game on September/October 2006. "As a junior in high school, Joe started experimenting with marijuana. The summer of his senior year in 1981, Joe turned 19. Since he was of drinking age and still in high school, this was a perfect combination for disaster. As Joe became dependent on alcohol, he began to have numerous encounters with the law. During his weekend alcohol binges, he met the "love of his life", Laurie Baxter. She also had a severe drinking problem, mixed with various drugs. Soon after high school graduation in 1981, Laurie and Joe went their separate ways. In 1986 Joe reunited with Laurie and noticed a drastic change in her lifestyle. She told him how difficult her life had become with drinking and drugs. She realized there were no other choices left for her but to make a total life change committed to God. At first he was disappointed in her change, but the stress of his family, business and a severe drinking problem eventually convinced him to give his life to the Lord also. In 1987 Joe married Laurie."
"SOLD OUT TV - Reality sports and entertainment programming All access TV with Tony Dungy and the World Champion Indianapolis Colts ! "Roman Gabriel Sold Out on Super Sunday." "Fans are very curious about the real character behind today's athletes, "SOLD OUT" Out removes the masks and unique side of today���s sports reveals a unique world that fans rarely have the opportunity to see.��� observes host Roman Gabriel III. Sold Out TV is all about lifestyle ! An all access ticket inside to athletes of faith and character ! For more exclusive video and information access SOLD OUT TV Official web site at www.soldouttv.com." Tony Dungy - NFL Head Coach, famous christian from about.com "Values: Tony Dungy is admittedly a devout Christian. At one point in his career he considered leaving football behind in order to focus on prison ministry. He is active in a number of community service organizations. He has been a public speaker for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Athletes in Action. He also started a mentoring program called Mentors for Life. In Indianapolis he helped launch the Basket of Hope program and helps out with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Boys and Girls Club of Indianapolis" Tony Dungy�s Christian Testimony
Written on February 04th, 2007 by Shawn Anthony "Tony Dungy just won the Super Bowl. I just listened to his interview during the Lombardi Trophy presentation. Tony continued to tell the world that the Christian walk is more important than sports. I wish I had transcripts, but he said something to the effect that the NFL World Championship title is great, but more important is his daily walk with the Lord. What an awesome message it is being proclaimed from what is without doubt the world�s biggest stage. Update: Yes! I found the quote. Dungy says, �I�m proud to represent African-American coaches, to be the first to win this. It means a lot to our country. But Lovie Smith and I not only are the first two African-American coaches (in the Super Bowl), but are Christians showing you can do it the right way.� See also: Super Bowl coaches Dungy, Smith Known for Christian Testimony."
Coach Tony Dungy - Indianapolis Colts
"Coach Dungy's testimony at a prayer breakfast related to the Superbowl"
Super Bowl coaches Dungy, Smith
known for Christian testimony
Jan 22, 2007
By Art Stricklin
Baptist Press " MIAMI (BP)--Super Bowl XLI will feature two teams making their first super game appearance in two-plus decades, two Midwestern teams separated by only a couple hundred miles, but most importantly two coaches who are strong believers in Jesus Christ.
Head coaches Tony Dungy of Indianapolis and close friend and fellow Christian Lovie Smith of Chicago gave credit to God following their respective teams' victories in the conference championships Jan. 21.
�The Lord set this up in a way that no one would believe it,� Dungy said following the Colts' win over New England. �The Lord tested us a lot this year, but He set this up to get all the glory.�
The news that two witnesses for their personal faith in Jesus Christ would have a two-week international spotlight for their beliefs thrilled Christian leader William Pugh, executive director of sports ministry Athletes in Action, a branch of Campus Crusade for Christ.
�We are so excited to see the Bears and Colts in the Super Bowl,� Pugh, a close friend of both head coaches, said. �We could not have picked two better coaches to represent all that is good about sports.�
AIA organizes and runs the annual Super Bowl breakfast the day before the game. Last year, Dungy was the keynote speaker just weeks after his son�s tragic death, giving an inspirational message about God�s love in the best and worst of times.
Smith is in his first tenure as a head coach and hasn�t had the public opportunities to share his faith like Dungy, but he has told the Chicago media he believes in Christ, listens to Christian music when driving his car and does not smoke, drink or curse.
�I�m so happy for Lovie who does things the right way, without cursing and shows things can be done differently,� Dungy said of Smith. �We give God all the credit.�
Dungy has served as the cover spokesman for a special Super Bowl witnessing video and tract. Several of his players, including star tight end Dallas Clark, put out a special faith-based DVD titled "Power to Win" about their faith in Christ and their need to honor Him in all that they do."
"...Strength from his faith
Early this morning, Hilgenberg will be the featured guest at a Search Ministries event at the Sheraton Hotel on Normandale Road in Bloomington. This is the ministry of Jeff Siemon, the successor to Warwick as the Vikings' middle linebacker.
"When Jeff came to the Vikings [in 1972], I didn't like him," Hilgenberg said. "He was from Stanford, a goody-goody two shoes. But the real reason I didn't like him was that he took my best friend's job.
"Eventually, I was able to see what kind of a guy Jeff Siemon was ... great guy and a great friend of the Lord. He probably had more influence on me turning my life over to the Lord than anyone."
Hilgenberg paused. There was a peaceful look to him.
"I don't know how people could deal with something like this without faith," he said.
"
For more information, see www.searchmn.org.
Patrick Reusse can be heard weekdays on AM-1500 KSTP at 6:45 and 7:45 a.m. and 4:40 p.m. � preusse@startribune.com
I was able to get a couple autographs of some former Vikings (Rufus Bess & )
NIGHT SCRIMMAGE
DAY 2: SATURDAY, AUGUST 8th of 2009
=>Prayer
Good Question: Why do Athletes Pray During A Game?, from WCCO.com Tuesday, December 29th of 2009
"Fans aren't the only ones praying, we see players do it all the time. But what are they asking God? Family of Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell finds solace in Minnesota from media glare over neighbor Tiger Woods: Kicker disappointed friend from neighborhood had 'no one to call him out'
PIONEER PRESS, ST. PAUL, MINN. | SEAN JENSEN | Tue, Dec 15, 3:11 AM "Longwell, a devout Christian, is surprised at the magnitude of the story and the extent of Woods' "double life."
"I've always felt that if you win on the playing field
but you fail in the game of life with your wife and kids, the sports success is not worth a thing," Longwell said. "I think it's disappointing that he just didn't value his wife and children as much as he should have."
Longwell said he's especially distraught Woods didn't have anyone close to him who could call out his behavior.
"It's very disappointing that he didn't surround himself with anybody that could, at any time, say, 'You cannot do this,' " Longwell said. "I just know that none of us are above sin or falling short. But I know that if I were going to ever start straying, I have friends who would call me in a millisecond."
Longwell, though, is hopeful Woods can redeem himself.
"His bad decisions and what he's done to his wife and kids is tough," Longwell said. "You pray for Elin and the kids, and pray that they all can find their happiness."
"..Carter was signed by the Vikings and turned his life and career around, becoming a two-time First-team, one-time Second-team All-Pro and playing in 8 straight Pro Bowls. When he left the Vikings after 2001, he held most of the team career receiving records. He briefly played for the Dolphins in 2002 before retiring.
Since retiring from the NFL, Carter has worked as an analyst on HBO's Inside the NFL, ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown, and online at Yahoo Sports...
After football
He is the owner of Cris Carter's FAST Program, a sports training center in South Florida, and is an ordained minister. "Cris Carter" Health care speaker - by Speakers on Healthcare "
Cris Carter. Former football star and co-host of HBO's "Inside the NFL ... as well as the Viking Super Challenge, which challenges students to stay in ... one of his greatest personal ambitions when he became an ordained minister. ..."
2007 Players
Minnesota Vikings Training camp scrimmage
"
Show your team pride with a NFL Vanity Nite-Lite by Wincraft Sports! Features Team graphics and 3-way switch options (top light, base light, or both). 7.5 watt base light bulb included; top light bulb not included... Minnesota Vikings Vanity Nite-Lite 7082pad$44.99pad
" ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) -- Kevin Everett sustained a "catastrophic" and life-threatening spinal-cord injury while trying to make a tackle during the Buffalo Bills' season opener and is unlikely to walk again, the surgeon who operated on him said Monday.
"A best-case scenario is full recovery, but not likely," orthopedic surgeon Andrew Cappuccino said. "I believe there will be some permanent neurologic deficit.""
"..He's not going to come out and say, I'm here for you guys, but he's going to let you know by the lives and the families that he touches with the Good Samaritan Foundation in inner city D.C.
He'll let you know by serving the community of Northern Virginia through Grace Covenant Church and having his football camps for the kids all around the world.
Dad's greatness never came from his ability to play football, but it came because he wanted to be used by God for his glory, above all.
He realized and held onto the gifts and talents that God blessed him with. And the bible says to build your foundation on a rock. Solid rock. For when the storm comes, you will not shake or you will not be moved for your foundation is well built.
Dad built his foundation on the strongest rock of all and that was Jesus Christ.
And because of this he was able to weather many storms and stay consistently strong on the football field, at home, at church and at work. And from his actions I have learned the following: I've learned that less is more. I've learned not only to become a man of success, but be a man of value; that my decisions should be guided by Christian principles.
It is not hard to make the right decision when you know your value and where you stand. Through the outcomes of hard work and dedication is success. That there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ.
That the reward for hard work is the opportunity to do more. Nobody gets anywhere in this world by just being content with where you are. And that my identity does not come from this world or what people say or write or think about you, but it comes from the one and only Jesus Christ.
So to answer the question, do you want to be like Art Monk when you grow up, my answer is I'd rather be like dad.
Dad, thank you for being the man of God, that God has called you to be and for raising me in the same. As your best friend, as your admirer, as your biggest fan and as your son, I want to tell the whole world that I love you and I'm truly honored and blessed to induct you into the 2008 Pro Football Hall of Fame.
..
I'll always be known as a Redskin.
That's right. And even now as a Hall of Famer, the one thing I want to make very clear is that my identity and my security is found in the Lord. And what defines me and my validation comes in having accepted his son Jesus Christ as my personal savior. And what defines me is the word of God and it's the word of God that will continue to shape and mold me into the person that I know he's called me to be.
So I've learned a long time ago never to put my faith or trust in man, for man will always fail you. Man will always disappoint you. But the word of God says that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. And he will never fail you.
..
There's a scripture that I think about almost every day and I've come to personalize it to my life. It says: "Lord who am I that you are mindful of me? And the Apostle Paul says think of what you were when you were called. Not many were wise by human standards. Not many were influential. Not many were born of noble birth." And when I look at my life and how I grew up, I certainly had none of those qualities or benefits.
But I understand and I know that I'm here not by in and of my own strength but it's by the grace and the power of God upon my life who I know gave me favor along the way and who provided opportunity and room for me to use my gifts.
So I am very grateful to receive this honor, and I can stand here before you and say, hey, look at me, look what I did. But if I'm going to boast, I'm going to boast today in the Lord, for it's because of him that I'm here and I give him thanks and glory and honor for all that he has done for me.
..
College
-Bowls
Learn2Discern - Super Bowl, Super Message
"When it comes to advertising and football, it is hard to top Tim Tebow, quarterback for the Florida Gators. He wrote John 3:16 on his eye black and sent the Gospel truth to some 27 million people who watched the game! Send this video to a friend. Go to http://www.coralridge.org/equip/l2d-new/default.aspx and find out how you can Learn2Discern media lies and deceptions. Support this ministry and help impact lives: give online or call 1-800-229-9673."
"USA (MNN) ― American college football bowl games are already underway. The best teams in the country are playing for bragging rights. They will attract millions of fans. One organization thinks this is a great environment to share the Gospel.
Bill Adams with Sports Fan Outreach says his ministry is reaching out at the Chick-fil-A, Outback and Orange Bowls in the next two days.
Adams says he'll be standing in an area with heavy traffic. "What we do is give out player testimony cards containing testimonies of Christian players. Or we give out a Gospel tract that has something that attracts people's attention. Through that process, we talk to people."
Adams is asking you to pray that as they talk to football fans, their hearts will be open to hear the Gospel.
He is also encouraging you to think about doing something similar at your local college or high school. "It's so simple. You're there in that busy spot giving stuff out. And because no one does it, your light shines all the brighter because you don't have any competition."
While a football field may not seem like a place to see people come to Christ, Adams says, "The main thing is to be out there." If you're not there, nothing is going to happen.
Pray that God uses this to touch hearts and lives. "
Tim Tebow: God, Family, Academics, then Florida Gator Football
"Big Man on Campus at a football-crazed school -- could easily go to the head of any college student, but Tim Tebow says that football is not even the third most important thing in his life.
[Let's make something clear, I am not a Florida fan (Go Big Red!), but Tim Tebow is a glory to God and a brother in Christ. I desire nothing but blessings for him and his family"
Tim Tebow, Heisman Winner, In The Mission Field
"Just like - My Redeemer Lives - Team Hoyt - This is an incredible story about the Gainesville State School and Grapevine Faith - Please go here for more info! - "
"trailer for the Christian movie "Facing the Giants" from Provident Films."
*saw this during our monthly Special Touch Ministries event today (Saturday, November 3rd of 2007)
want to laugh? See this (theatre
*see GoodnewsEverybody: Life-Marriage-Fire Proof the Movie
Related Sites: LifeWay "The film stars actual students from a high school in rural Georgia and features a cameo by real life University of Georgia football coach, Mark Richt, as himself." Wikipedia "Alex Kendrick teamed with his brother Stephen to write Facing the Giants. It is their second movie, the first being Flywheel. The cast is comprised of volunteers from Sherwood Baptist Church, located in Albany, Georgia, as well as others from the surrounding area. The Kendricks hired five film professionals to fill the technical positions on the motion picture: Director of Photography Bob Scott, Pro Sound Mixer Rob Whitehurst, Gaffer Keith Slade, Assistant Director David Nixon, and 1st AC Chip Byrd. Over 500 church members and community volunteers helped to keep production costs down by supplementing the professional crew. Retired senior adult men were operating the clapper and security while homeschooled teens helped carry equipment. A highlight of the closing credits is all the Sunday school classes listed who operated as the caterers for the set.
The Kendrick brothers' goal was to produce a family friendly movie that could be affordably shot in Albany, would be fun to watch, impactful to viewers, and glorifying to God. "I believe there is a huge culture of people who love movies, but leave theaters disappointed by films with profanity, immorality, and messages that trample their family�s values and faith," said Stephen Kendrick. "Facing the Giants is the type of movie we�ve been longing to see in the theater and own on DVD."[4]"
*I just watched this movie earlier tonight (Tuesday, February 6th 2007) and it turned out better than I expected. When this movie first came out, I wasn't too thrilled about seeing it because there were so many other football movies being show in theatres during (Fall of 06' when NFL season was just starting) this time. Plus, I thought "the Rock" (Dwayne Johnson, from Wikipedia) wasn't going to do well acting. Well, after watching this movie, I was actually more impressed with "the Rock". He is actually a better actor than I thought. I feel he hasn't really gotten the chance to show his potential with other previous roles. I heard "the Rock" actually played football before his "stardom". He got an injury that prevented him playing in the NFL, which sidelined him to pursue another career (e.g. professional wresting and now Hollywood!). That is probably the reason for him doing well in this recent movie because he is doing what he has done well-football!
I thought it was cool too with a little scene of "Xhibit" (from VH1's "Pimp my Ride") challenging a football coach if he was "Christian". If he was a "Christian", shouldn't they have mercy, etc... This football coach became impress and said to "Xhibit" that this from the book of Luke.
Related Sites: Sean Porter true story, from chasing the frog "Did the real Malcolm Moore like his job at Camp Kilpatrick?
The real Malcolm Moore considers his days as a coach at Camp Kilpatrick the best job he's ever had. "I could save somebody else's life," Moore says. "I was thrilled as hell when I made my first professional football team. I played with Steve Young, Ronnie Lott and Marcus Allen, but there's nothing like making a difference in a kid's life." Malcolm Moore is currently a deputy probation officer in Antelope Valley, California. -LA Daily" Wikipedia "Born in Hayward, California, Johnson first gained mainstream fame as a standout in the then-World Wrestling Federation. He was originally known in the promotion as Rocky Maivia, in homage to his father, Rocky Johnson, and his maternal grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia. [2] His mother Ata Maivia was a Samoan of royal lineage of Samoa."
Reviews: Facing the Giants
Review by Josh Hurst | posted 09/29/06 (Christianity Today) "One must also acknowledge that the film�made on a $100,000 budget by a Baptist church in Albany, Georgia�has its heart in the right place; there are good lessons here about honoring God in everything that we do, the importance of respect and leadership, and the power of prayer. Those are all things viewers could benefit from hearing. Whether they ever will hear them, though, is another matter�when a film is as unintentionally corny as this one, it's anyone's guess as to how many viewers can stomach all the schmaltz for the positive message at the end."
"HASTINGS, MINNESOTA / INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA (ANS) -- At 25 years old, 6 ft. 6 in and 250-lbs, Ben Utecht presumably has a lot of football left in him, but the former Minnesota Gophers tight end has interests beyond football, too.
Utecht, the Hastings, Minnesota, native who caught a big pass from Peyton Manning for a first down in the Indianapolis Colts' Super Bowl victory over the Chicago Bears in Miami, is also a Christian singer. While at the University of Minnesota, he and Gophers teammate Dan Nystrom sang the national anthem at many athletic events.
According to a report in the online edition of the Pioneer Press newspaper, when George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush came to St. Paul to campaign for Minnesota Sen. Norm Coleman a couple of times several years ago, the pair performed the national anthem for the former and current U.S. presidents.
Utecht is interested in recording Christian music and plans to go to Nashville, Tennessee, this off-season to pursue that interest.
The newspaper said in a February 7 article that when the Colts visit the White House as a perk for winning the Super Bowl, that could be a conversation piece for Utecht.
"Maybe that's what I could say to (President Bush), ask him if he remembers two college football players singing the national anthem for him," Utecht told the newspaper.
Utecht, who wears number 86 for the Colts, lives in suburban Indianapolis and visited with family and friends in the Twin Cities recently. While in town, he was featured on Channel 5, KSTP-TV, the local ABC affiliate in a segment which showed him playing the guitar and sing ing while his wife played the piano.
In the Pioneer Press article, Utecht described the scene in the Colts' locker room immediately following the Colts' victory over Chicago.
"Coach (Tony) Dungy walked in, called the team together, and said, 'We're going to end this thing the way we started,' " Utecht said. "We have a tradition of coming together as a team and saying the Lord's Prayer, win or lose, before and after every game.
"It was really special, pretty intimate. Coach told the camera people to turn off their cameras. He told us how proud he was of us. That's why we respect him so much."
Wikipedia.com, the online encyclopedia, says Utecht is a graduate of Hastings Senior High School in Hastings, Minnesota, became a four-year starter at the University of Minnesota, starting 35 of 44 games and playing in the Music City Bowl. He signed as a free agent with the Colts on April 30, 2004. He has caught 37 passes and rushed for 377 yards.
The official Indianapolis Colts' website states that Utecht helped lead a college hockey team to second place in state as goalie, qualified for state track meet in long jump as senior, was a member of National Honor Society and won numerous awards for musical and artistic excellence. He performed the national anthem at Colts-Buffalo preseason game in August, 2004.
Utecht is slated to sing the national anthem at a Minnesota Timberwolves NBA game in the Twin Cities this week. " Wikipedia
-2009
GN Commentary: Super Bowl Teamwork - February 2, 2009
"Whatever we do, in our teams, our families, our jobs, our communities or our nation, if we are to be successful, we must learn to work together as a team. http://www.gnmagazine.org/video/02022009-super-bowl-teamwork.htm" STEELERS SUPER BOWL CHAMPION BEN ROTHLISBERGER, from tangle.com "
"Sold Out on Super Sunday" presented by 1615.tv. Sold Out's Roman Gabriel III hosts interviews with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Celebrate players of character and faith on location from Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa."
Mike Tomlin, Steelers head coach, talks about his faith
by Art Stricklin — BP
Published by Minnesota Christian Chronicle — February 2009 "TAMPA, Fla. — Since becoming head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers two years ago, Mike Tomlin has talked often of his appreciation and respect for former Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy, who first brought him into the NFL as an assistant coach.
Until the week before Super Bowl XLIII, between the Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals, Tomlin had never had the international platform to follow his mentor Dungy and speak about his faith in Jesus Christ. But that's exactly what he did before hundreds of reporters in Tampa.
"First and foremost, I want people to know who I am and what the most important thing is in my life, my relationship with Jesus Christ," Tomlin said in response to a Baptist Press question about his personal faith.
"Football is what we do; faith is who we are all the time."
Tomlin, who attends Pittsburgh's Allegheny Center Alliance Church, was mentored by Dungy, who hired him as a defensive backs coach with Tampa Bay before Dungy moved on to Indianapolis.
When then-Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher retired, Tomlin was ready for the promotion, stemming from his time with Dungy, leading men onto the football field and leading men's hearts off the field.
"I want to lead with a servant's heart," Tomlin stated to media members who will be covering Sunday's Super Bowl.
"The biggest thing I learned from Tony Dungy was an unyielding belief in his message of faith," Tomlin recalled. "It was displayed all the time with him. He was extremely consistent and that's what I want to take to maximize my faith."
Tomlin's first expression of his faith during Super Bowl week came as no surprise to Steelers assistant coaches and players who have heard the same spiritual passion in private.
"It's a great blessing when a man of God is leading your team," defensive end Nick Eason said. "It's like a godly father in the household."
Tomlin said he is glad to share his faith in sport's brightest media spotlight, noting, "We embrace and appreciate this platform."
Amos Jones, the Steelers' assistant special teams coach, was baptized on the same day with his dad, Sam, at West End Baptist Church in Aliceville, Ala., where his mother still attends.
Having a Christian head coach has made a big difference to the team and has contributed to the Steelers' Super Bowl run, Jones said.
"I think his [Tomlin's] faith in the Lord is a blessing," the Jones said. "It's just a peace of mind knowing that he has everybody's best interest at heart.
"Mike and I share the same faith and it's amazing how many times something he might say to the team in the locker room could have a spiritual meaning."
Like most coaches, Jones has held plenty of jobs in his lengthy career in both college and NFL ranks, but he has always had the Lord as his one constant.
"I have always been blessed by the Lord. When I didn't have a job, He provided one. He gave me this job and allowed me to go to the Super Bowl. It's been a blessing," Jones said.
In the often hard-hitting world of the NFL, Jones said his wife Stacey has reminded him to see God's hand everywhere.
"She sits in the stands and can see the defensive backs praying together on the sideline. She sees Troy Polamalu, encouraging and praying with people."
Linebackers coach Keith Butler sat in the stands during Tuesday's media day silently watching the frenzied interaction between players and hoards of reporters.
"This isn't life-or-death pressure," Butler said of Super Bowl week. "It's not like life or death in eternity without God.
"Is this game important? Yes. Is it the most important thing? Not even close."" Super Bowl XLIII - James Harrison's 100 Yard Interception Return, from tangel.com "James Harrison from the Pittsburgh Steelers makes an interception and returns it for the LONGEST run in Super Bowl History" The Christian Faith of Troy Polamalu - CBN.com, from tangle.com "Steelers Safety Troy Polamalu: Put Pride Aside. With all of the struggles and temptation that Troy Polamalu faces, he says that prayer keeps him rooted. See his interview from The 700 Club. The Christian Broadcasting Network To see more testimonies and interviews from The 700 Club , go to http://www.cbn.com" Jennifer Hudson - National Anthem SuperBowl XLIII, from tangle.com Kurt Warner Talks Faith at the Super Bowl, from tangle.com "Arizona Cardinal's quarterback Kurt Warner explains who Jesus is to reporters covering this year's Super Bowl. He explains why he'd rather take the opportunity of this game to share the Gospel than win a championship." Kurt Warner - The player & the person
by Brett Maragni — BP Published by Minnesota Christian Chronicle — February 2009 "JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — When it comes to Kurt Warner as a player, his football career has been better than a movie script.
An undrafted quarterback out of the University of Northern Iowa, Warner experienced some success in the Arena Football League and with NFL Europe. Then he secured the backup role to Trent Green with the St. Louis Rams entering the 1999 season.
When Green went down in the preseason with an injury, Kurt took the reins and blazed a path few will forget anytime soon. In leading the Rams to a 13-3 record, he produced one of the greatest seasons for any quarterback in the history of the NFL, leading the Rams through the playoffs and on to victory in Super Bowl XXXIV. Along the way, he was awarded NFL MVP and Super Bowl MVP.
For the next two seasons, Warner was at the top of football, taking his Rams back to the Super Bowl in 2001 and earning another NFL MVP award.
But Warner's stellar career slipped. The Rams released him. He lost his starting job in New York. He had two average seasons with his current team, the Arizona Cardinals. As Warner was facing the twilight of his career, some were probably thinking he was more of a "flash in the pan" than a bona fide NFL superstar.
This season Warner is back on track. His current play has him in contention for another NFL MVP award and on a trajectory for a sure spot in Canton's Hall of Fame.
But Warner the player is not as impressive as Warner the person. In the three times he's lost his starting job, he has enthusiastically taken on the role of backup, cheerleader and even mentor to the younger men who moved ahead of him on the depth chart — all without losing the competitive fire that has kept him in a position to return to a starting role.
Warner's charitable work has been well profiled. In a recent Sports Illustrated article, Peter King gives example after example of Warner's sterling character. King shares a personal anecdote of the time when he asked Warner to send an autographed item to a fan who was serving in Iraq. Warner did more than that. Not only did he send him an autographed mini-helmet, upon hearing that the young man was home on leave, he called him (or at least he attempted to) — five times. Most stars would give up after one call, if they called at all.
This is just one small example of Warner's commitment to help people. Other examples, among many, include funding a recreation center in a children's hospital, spending every Christmas day with foster children who have no family to spend Christmas with, championing Habitat for Humanity and taking "Making a Wish" families to Disney World.
The key to understanding Warner as a person is to look at the source of his strength: Jesus Christ. In 1996, when Warner was dating his future wife, Brenda, a tornado killed her parents. In an interview several years back with CBN, Warner discussed the impact that event had on his life.
"That situation showed me that you don't know what is going to happen tomorrow," Warner said. "You have to live life for today and for this moment. It was at that point that I realized the Lord needed to be at the center of my life. I couldn't wait until tomorrow or next year. It needed to be right now."
As the accolades have been rolling in again this season, Warner has been quick to give the glory to God. After a Monday Night Football win in November, Warner was asked, "With all the ups and downs, when something like that is happening at the end of the game, where does your mind go?"
Warner responded, "My mind goes to how awesome God is. He blesses me over and over again. I just can't say enough about the position He puts me in."
" 2009 Power To Win: Derrick Brooks, from Godtube.com "
Power To Win from Sports Spectrum offers a unique halftime presentation outreach. Derrick Brooks of the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers will share his faith and testimony for this year's 2009 Super Bowl. Go to powertowin.org ... Super Bowl outreach underway in U.S.
Posted: 30 January, 2009 (Mission Network News) "USA (MNN) ― Thousands of people in the United States are beginning to flock to Florida as the world prepares for the Super Bowl, the National Football League spectacle event. The American football game will be seen around the world, featuring an outspoken Christian, Kurt Warner of the Arizona Cardinals.
However, there will be another battle raging behind the scenes this weekend. It's a battle for people's souls as Sports Fan Outreach will be walking the streets around the Super Bowl to talk about life's most important question, "Where will you spend eternity?"
Bill Adams with Sports Fan Outreach is heading up the evangelistic efforts in Tampa, Florida. He says 110 people will be joining him for weekend evangelism. "That's about eight teams of 13-14 people out in different areas of the city...."
"
The news that two witnesses for their personal faith in Jesus Christ would have a two-week international spotlight for their beliefs thrilled Christian leader William Pugh, executive director of sports ministry Athletes in Action, a branch of Campus Crusade for Christ."
COMMERCIALS Diet Pepsi Max Commercial, from tangle.com Super Bowl ProLife Ad NBC Rejected, from tangle.com "A Pro Life Ad that was rejected from the 2009 Super Bowl TV spot"
-2008
SOLD OUT EXCLUSIVE POST GAME INTERVIEWS W CHAMPION GIANTS !
"Sold Out TV (1615TV) Super Bowl XLII Special can be seen on line at www.daystar.com. "Sold Out on Super Sunday" hosted by former professional fooball Roman Gabriel III takes you all access and behind the scenes with the World Champion New York Giants."
GIANTS SUPER BOWL CHAMPION DAVID TYREE IS THE REAL DEAL !
"SOLD OUT TV PREPARES FOR SUPER BOWL XLII AND HISTORY. FIRST A STOP AT THE NFL EXPERIENCE AND KIDS LIVING A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A NFL ATHLETE." SOLD OUT GETS THE INSIDE FROM SB CHAMPIONS: TRENT DILFER, KURT WARNER, AND MARK RYPIEN !, from Godtube.com "SOLD OUT TV SPORTS CLASSICS and host Roman Gabriel III takes a look at high impact Super Bowl Champions at the celebration of Super Bowl XL NFL Super Bowl MVP Conference. Its all Access ! And it goes far behind the game to where the players live and their personal stories of victory through a relationship with God. Go behind the helmets and be blessed"
Testimonies
Pastor Barry Roberts of Evangelical Temple Church in Palestine, Texas
*shared his testimony how an angelic figure touched his shoulder during the scene of his automobile accident in 1973. He lost his arm, but was healed from a more severe accident. Pastor Roberts shared this during an interview with James Robinson's Life Today on TBN on Tuesday, November 22nd of 2005
