Larry Fitzgerald

The NFL needs more Running Backs like Larry Fitzgerald of the Cardinals. What a humble, decent tguy. This Pro Bowler is a real team player, and doesn't have the ego that you see in so many other receivers in the league (take for instance Terrell Owens of the Cowboys or Chad Ocho Cinco of the Bengals who are definitely all about "me"). Fitz has an incredible work ethic. He grew up in Minneapolis, the son of a sports writer, and because of his dad's connections was able to spend time on the Vikings sidelines with the lies of Cris Carter and Randy Moss. It's no shock that he has been compared to both. When there are so many stories that fill the headlines about the Michael Vicks and the Plaxico Buresses of the world, let's spend a little less time on them and a little more time on a real role model. Keep your eye on Fitz tomorrow...he's gonna be the only shot the Cardinals have at making some big plays and keeping up with the Steelers.

Why the Pittsburgh Defense is Just So Damn Good

Talk to any football fan, and they will tell you that while the offense puts the points on the scoreboard, it is the defense that truly wins games. The Pittsburgh Steelers have managed to put together a defense that is #1 in the league in points allowed, pass defense, total defense, and #2 in rush defense. Here's why:

Dick LeBeau-LeBeau is in his second stint with the Steelers, and it the mastermind behind the Steelers "zone" defense. His 50 (yes, 50!) years in the NFL as a player and coach have taught him a thing or two about how to have an effective defense. He was named Coordinator of the year by the Sporting News, and for good reason. Besides that, his players like him. He is a genuinely nice guy (who I have been lucky enough to actually know in real life) and players respect him and want to get the job done for him.

James Harrison- AP Defensive Player of the Year, and just a powerhouse on this Steeler team's seasoned D. He is the best of the best.

Troy Polamalu's hair- Just kidding about the hair...but we've seen those long, dark curly locks flapping on the back of his jersey many times as this safety runs down field after intercepting a pass. He's the guy that Steeler opponents' fans love to hate.

Ken Whisenhunt, Arizona Cardinals Head Coach

Hired by the Arizona Cardinals in January 2007, Ken Whisenhunt has intimate knowledge of his Super Bowl opponent. Whisenhunt was hired by the Steelers in 2001 as the tight ends coach before being promoted to Offensive Coordinator in 2004. When head coach Bill Cowher resigned at the end of the 2006 season, many thought the Steelers were making a mistake by not hiring Whisenhunt as head coach. Looks like the Steelers and the Cardinals both made good decisions about their coaching hires.

Whisenhunt played college football at Georgia Tech and nine seasons in the NFL, four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.

Tidbit: Whisenhunt also interviewed for the head coaching job with the Atlanta Falcons & Miami Dolphins before accepting the Arizona job. In February of 2006, he began the interview process with the Oakland Raiders but pulled out before any offers were made. Wise move, Ken. (Refer to the teams section to learn more about the history of the Oakland Raiders)

Special Super Bowl Week Edition-Kurt Warner

We are going to dedicate most of our information this week to the pinnacle of professional sports contests...the Super Bowl. In case you weren't aware, this year's game will take place this Sunday, February 1 in Tampa, Florida. Perennial powerhouse Pittsburgh Steelers will take on the dark horse Arizona Cardinals. Let's focus on Kurt Warner, quarterback for the Cardinals and his not-so-traditional career path in the NFL.


Warner was not drafted out of college and spent the next year working at a grocery store. He was signed to a contract by the Iowa Barnstormers of the Arena Football League and played a few seasons there. The St. Louis Rams took notice of his AFL success and signed him for the 1998 season. By 1999, he was a Super Bowl Champion, Super Bowl MVP, and NFL MVP. Quite a bit of progress for someone whoo couldn't even get drafted 5 years before!

After the Rams, Warner spent time with the New York Giants and he currently plays for the Arizona Cardinals. In recent years, Warner has been riddled with injury, and has primarily played as a back-up and served as a mentor to young teammate Matt Leinart.

Kurt will be only the second NFL starting quarterback to take two different teams to the Super Bowl, and is not considered a strong candidate to eventually end up in the Hall of Fame.