It’s Great To Be...

By: Jimbo Brown

            Sports as a whole have had something jaw dropping each month. Every time you tuned in to watch your favorite sports channel, a story on there made your heart stop. From Golden State blowing a 3-1 lead, Kevin Durant going to Golden State and Lionel Messi receiving 21 months for Tax Evasion. No matter what part of the world you live in the industry has turned your life upside down for the good/bad. Today we will quickly discuss matters that I want to revisit.

UF Men Track & Field Team: Back on Top

            "It means so much," Hall said. "We won my freshman year, and the past couple of years we've been all over the place. And we've had a great team. Just coming in here, people counted us out from the get go, and we came out on top.”

            After winning the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field national championship in 2012, the Gators had a plethora of talent that couldn’t figure it out. The team lacked belief that it could accomplish the mission once again. After the conference finals, where UF placed 7^th, Coach Holloway (Mouse) challenged himself, staff and athletes to believe that they will make amends at nationals. UF became just the third team since 1992 to win the NCAA Outdoor Championships after finishing outside the top five at the NCAA Indoor Championships.

Arman Hall accomplished his goal of winning a title in the 400m. He is the first gator to accomplish this feat since Tony McQuay. 4000-meter hurdles Eric Futch and Tj Holmes finished 1-2 gathering 18 points for the team. They are second pair of teammates to take first and second place in the 400-meter hurdles since Kamani and Michael Smith of Baylor (2001).

This National Championship extends the universities streak of winning one to 7 years. Even when the expected sports, baseball and softball, didn’t live up to the hype.

Gators Olympic Run

Rachel Longfors- Women’s Discus Throw

Darrielle McQueen- Women’s Long Jump & Triple Jump

Najee Glass- Men’s 400-Meter Dash

Arman Hall- Men’s 400-Meter Dash

Tony McQuay- Men’s 400-Meter Dash

Ebony Eutsey- Women’s 400-Meter Dash

Robin Reynolds- Women’s 400-Meter Dash

Shayla Sanders- Women’s 100-Meter Dash

Jeff Demps- Men’s 100-Meter Dash

Noah Lyles- Men’s 100-Meter Dash & 200-Meter Dash

KeAndre Bates- Men’s Long Jump & Triple Jump

Marquis Dendy- Men’s Long Jump

Ciarra Brewer- Women’s Triple Jump

Mark Parrish- Men’s 3,000- Meter Steeplechase

Fawn Miller- Women’s Javelin Throw

Will Claye- Men’s Triple Jump

Omar Craddock- Men’s Triple Jump

Christian Taylor- Men’s Triple Jump

Bridgette Owens- Women’s 100-Meter Dash

Dedric Dukes- Men’s 200-Meter Dash

Ryan Clark- Men’s 200-Meter Dash

Claudia Francis- Women’s 400-Meter Hurdles

Cory McGee- Women’s 1,500 Meters

Kerron Clement- Men’s 400-Meter Hurdles

Eric Futch- Men’s 400-Meter Hurdles

TJ Holmes- Men’s 400-Meter Hurdles

Kyra Jefferson- Women’s 200-Meter Dash

To see which Gators made it to Rio click here. 

"Keep The Main Thang The Main Thang" Athlete Talk Edition

1936 Long Jump Gold Medalist

"The battles that count aren't the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself--the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us--that's where it's at." - Jesse Owens (Four-time Olympic gold medalist.)

Growing up, Jesse Owens was one of the most used in school for your yearly Black History Project. Every year all the basics will be covered, he was the first African American Olympian to win 4 Gold Medals. One major detail is always glossed over; he accomplished this magnificent feat in 1936 at the start Hitler’s reign. He defeated hatred filled Nazi Germany, where Africans was portrayed as inferior to the more superior Aryans. Breaking world records on the way to four gold medals he continues to inspire generations now to aspire. Against all odds, Owens broke thru segregation and racism not just in America but miles away in Germany.

Women Tee, designed by @LSDoomGFX.

Mens Tee, designed by @LSDoomGFX.

This month Athlete Talk wants to highlight Blue Chip Collection celebration of Black History Month. In preparation, the concept “Keep The Main Thang The Main Thang” was born. The phrase was made legendary by Walt “Diesel” Frazier and resonated with his players at 

Miami Carol City High School. BCC takes this time to remind us that we have to remain focused on our dream. To push the culture forward we first have to become the best version of ourselves before we can impact the culture as a whole. At some point Jesse Owens had to do what was best for him to elevate his talents to impact Black History.

For more information, log on to BlueChipCollection.net. Use the pre-sale code "BLACKCHIP" to receive $15 percent off. 

Miami Carol City High School signs with NIKE and BSN Sports

By: Jimbo Brown

Ironic how 9 years later, the first Dade county high school to appear in a NIKE commercial has officially signed a contract with the worlds leading brand. I don’t know the details of the agreement but they also partnered up with BSN Sports. For those who are not familiar with BSN, it is a factory-direct equipment company. BSN represents hundreds of teams/organizations across america. Being a Chief alumnus I feel this was long over due. I remember when the commercial first aired. Me and the boys believed we was about to receive some fly Nike uniforms and gear. Sad to say Coach Walt Frazier, declined the offer. The only thing we were given was the generic “Miami Carol City Football is Everything,” which I still have. All Nike schools had these shirts, lol. I am proud to say that this shows my school is moving back in the right direction.

Since Aubrey Hill has token over as the head coach, the team has done nothing but progressed. The talent is starting to come back to its home. With Rashad Fenton signing to the University of South Carolina, shows the program is gaining national exposure. Its going to take more than a apparel deal to prove we have returned. That comes with wins and competing for state championships. 

Chief Pride!

Al Golden: GTFOH

By: Jimbo Brown 

Since the UM/FIU brawl in the Orange Bowl, The U has unintentionally turned back into just The University of Miami. You may be thinking to yourself, "These are the same school". To me these are two different types of programs. Growing up in the era of The U, I got to see legends such as Sean Taylor, Andre Johnson and Carol City bred Santana Moss. They just didn't bring talent to the program but the same swag that greats before them possessed. Now,the kids only get to see a few of these players come through the program now, like Allen Hurns, Duke Johnson and Sean Spence. There has been other players that represents The U but they are just a small percentage of the players. The culture of the program has vastly changed once the coaching changes became more frequent.

Al Golden has been the coach for a couple years now and the program haven't lived up to expectations of the core fans. I have lost hope for this coaching staff because they have had enough talent on to compete with the new king of the Florida, Florida State Seminoles. Golden has yet to deliver an 8-win season at the University of Miami. He has yet to produce a bowl win to the campus and only season he has had is destroying a already dying legacy. 

The main reason I would like to see Al Golden leave because he let great high school players fall to the waist side. Injured 5-star athletes were forgotten about because they wasn't the players he recruited. Players like Eduardo Clements, who once had offers on top of offers, was forgotten about after a neck injury. Even though he was cleared to play, Golden relied on a talented but inexperienced Dallas Crawford. If Eduardo was used in more often, when Duke went out with the ankle injury in 2013, the season would have went down the drain. This past season wasn't successful either which leads me to believe he is on a short leash.

The leash the Alumni is holding on Al Golden before they start to snap is shorter than Kevin Hart and Wee Man fighting. He has to produce a 10-win season, a respectable bowl appearance and develop his players. He has no excuses this season; its his system, coaches and players HE recruited. You can say he is on the HOT SEAT.

Athlete Talk Mock Draft 1.0

By: Jimbo Brown 

1. Tampa Bay: Jameis Winston, QB,  Florida State-- They need a quarterback and he's #1 on the board. Take EM!
2. Tennessee Titans: Leonard Williams, DT/DE, USC-- They will pass on a QB right now and get the best player in the draft.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars: Dante Fowler Jr., DE/OLB, UF--I'm a gator and the Jags need a game changer to come off the edge. He will give them a Jamie Collins type hybrid player.
4. Oakland Raiders: Randy Gregory, DE, Nebraska-- HE will join a talented front seven with Justin Tuck and Khalil Mack. Immediate impact because those two can demand double teams at any time. 
5. Washington Redskins: Shane Ray, DE, Missouri-- With Brian Orakpo entering free agency, they will need a pass rusher to step in and Shane was very productive for multiple years in the SEC.
6. New York Jets: Vic Beasley, OLB, Clemson-- With Revis and Cro returning back to New Tork, a dynamic pass rusher will make them a force in the AFC East.
7. Chicago Bears: Alvin "Bud" Dupre, DE, Kentucky-- With a great resume as a Wildcat, he will bring that toughness and talent of the SEC to the bears. Who need to add more pieces to a depleted defense.
8. Atlants Falcons: Lando Collins, SS, Alabama-- An All-American wit the Rolling Tide. He was a playmaker throughout his career; know for big hits and causing mayhem. 
9. New York Giants: Ereck Flowers' OT' Miami-- I'm  not going to lie I got a text message telling me that Flowers will be drafted by the giants. He will be a great addition because they need to protect Eli to have any chance in the NFC East.
10. St. Louis Rams: Kevin White, WR, WVU-- Another West V receiver that has the size, speed and ability to be a #1 receiver. The have a good possession receivers and White will be the deep threat to make the defense "Kiss the Baby"  Chad Johnson voice.
11. Minnesota Vikings: Amari Cooper, WR, Alabama--Coop will be reunited with the doctor Teddy B and be the playmaker to compliment Adrian Peteson. He will get immediate separation due to his crisp routes.
12. Cleveland Browns: Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon-- Even though I got a feeling that Chip is going to make a way to get Marcus, Cleveland needs a back-up plan incase Johnny doesn't be fully rehabilitated. Marcus will be a project but they have a good defense to protect him earl in his career.
13. New Orleans Saints: Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota-- With the departure of pro bowler Jimmy Graham, you have to get first round potential to replace em. 
14. Miami Dolphins: Devante Parker, WR, Louisville--With Mike Wallace not living up to his potential and the lost of productive veterans. He will be a vertical threat early in his career. He is arguably the best receiver in the draft if he was healthy throughout his career.
15. San Francisco 49ers: Eddie Goldman, DT, FSU-- With the lost of Justin Smith , they need a good interior d-linemen. Goldman is a run-stopper and can put pressure on the quarterback. 
16. Houston Texans: Malcolm Brown, DT, Texas-- You add this talent with Watt and Clowney and be one of the best defensive lineman in the NFL. 
17. San Diego Chargers: Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin-- Ryan Matthews leaves to Philly, so this is a excellent replacement. Melvin is the best running back in this drive. He does have fumbling issues.  
18. Kansas City Chiefs: Dorial Green-Beckham, WR, Missouri/Oklahoma-- A big receiver that KC need to be more effective on offensive. He has some red flags but he will be a red zone threat early similar to Mike Evans this past season.
19. Cleveland Browns: Cameron Erving, OL, FSU-- Lets protect whoever is the starting QB next season , whether its Mariota or Manziel. Erving is a great talent who protected Winston for two years and looked good doing it. 
20. Philadelphia Eagles: Trae Wayans, CB, MSU-- A long, fast lock down corner who has an incredibly high ceiling. This will allow the Eagles to push Thurmond into the inside and like Maxwell and Wayans handle the outside. 
21. Cincinnati Bengals: Andrus Peat, OT, Stanford-- A former five-star recruit who has major potential, he had some lapses during his career but with the right coaching he will be a great professional.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers: P.J. Williams, CB, FSU-- A 2-year starter at Florida State, who is talented enough to upgrade the Steelers secondary who desperately need corners. It will be interesting to see P.J's game translate to the next level.
23. Detroit Lions: Marcus Peters, CB, Washington-- Sometimes you have to take the best available. 
24. Arizona Cardinals: Danielle Hunter, DE, LSU-- With his lanky build, he brings strength and agility to this team. In this pass happy league he will fit i. 
25. Carolina Panther: DJ Humpries, OT, UF-- An outstanding player for the Gators. He will be a starting RT but needs to be groomed into a LT. 
26. Baltimore Ravens: Todd Gurley, RB, UGA-- Even though they need a corner back and maybe a interior d-linemen, I believe you have to take the best available prospect. Especially when healthy fits the culture that's already in Baltimore.
27. Dallas Cowboys: Arik Armstead, DT, Oregon-- He will bring size and athleticism to a Cowboys defensive that will have to get better now that DeMarco is gone now. 
28. Denver Broncos: Jordan Phillips, DT, Oklahoma--With the lost of Knighton they will need first-round talent to fill his shoes. 
29. Indianapolis Colts: Eric Kendricks, ILB, UCLA-- A fast linebacker who can play sideline to sideline. He is alittle undersized but can make big plays all over the field. His big brother being in the NFL already, he have someone to show him how to represent himself on and off the field.
30. Green Bay Packers: Shaq Thompson, OLB, Washington-- Former safety with the Huskies, he will transition into the NFL perfectly. He has the skill set to be that hybrid safety that can play in the box and cover RB's and TE's.
31. Seattle Seahawks: Jaelen Strong, WR, ASU-- He will add to the recievers corp they already have. HE is big, fast strong and will win on most 50/50 balls.
32. New England Patriots: Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest-- Will be an immediate starter due to the lost of Darelle Revis. He has the talent to survive in the AFC East. 

Is There Such Thing as Rewards Without Risk (Throwback Wednesday)

By: Jimbo Brown

 

Growing up playing football in the South Florida Youth Football League I witnessed opponents and teammates get hit and have concussion like symptoms. We were to young to understand the damage we were causing because we emulated  what we saw on the professional level. The big hits and head on head collisions became apart of the game. 

The professional football players we grew up watching are now suing the National Football League for the affect concussions had on them. Over 4,500 athletes claimed the NFL concealed the dangers of concussions and rushed players back to the field while profited from them. The players who will receive compensation are suffering from dementia, depression or Alzheimer’s. When you're dreaming of playing in the NFL you don’t think about the negative effect it can have on your body. You think about how you're going to train hard so you can better you and your family situation. 

I feel the NFL shouldn’t have to pay out the money granted by the Supreme Court judge. When the money was good, players weren’t thinking about health concerns. It was understood that while playing the game you will be exposed to harmful possibilities. There are big name hall of famers who are eligible and are seeking compensation; Tony Dorsett and the family of Tony Dorsett. We have to prepare the future NFL stars with the proper techniques when engaging in contact. It starts with the little kid in Gainesville, Florida or the #1 prospect in the 2015 class. The future is what you make it.

Miami Youth Football: More than Just a Platform

By: Jimbo Brown

Growing up in Miami, their were not many opportunities for the youth to succeed. We were constantly surrounded by violence and drugs either being sold or used. In other cities, it might be unusual to see crack pipes or baggies on the streets, but in the inner city of Miami that’s every day life.  When living in Miami it is easy for you to get sidetracked and into the gang/drug culture. Those were the successful people we saw on a daily basis.  We have no choice but to turn to little league sports, football being the most popular.Youth football helped kids in  my generation in multiple ways. It keep us off the dangerous streets of Miami, helped us learn discipline, and build a brotherhood with peers we normally wouldn’t have. 

If you were able to withstand the desire to join that culture, the people in it would encourage you continue on the sports route to success. Our coaches were extended father figures and for some the father figure that they were missing. Some coaches would get so involved where they would pick kids up for practice, pay for participation and supplies, plus get involved in academics for those who needed it. When you got in trouble at home or in school the coaches would discipline you on top of being punished at home. Running, crabbing and having to hit the whole team are just some of the disciplinary tools used. Lifetime friendships have been made through playing optimist football. Most of my friends I have either played with or against during my optimist career. The Miami youth football scene is filled with many teams in several different leagues. 

When it comes to the popularity of Miami youth football it is known and respected throughout the country. Years back Uncle Luke and Snoop Dogg hosted a day filled with the best youth teams throughout the country. Most of the teams were from the Miami and  California pop warner leagues. Miami's Pop Warner and South Florida Youth Football League was arguably the two best leagues and where most of the talent in Miami was found. The programs that had consistent success and talent were: North Dade, Bunche Park, Scott Lake, Gwen Cherry, NW Boys & Girls Club, Liberty City and Miami Gardens. Many players have became stars on their high school, college and professional level. 

Teddy Bridgewater, Devonta Freeman, Allen Hurns, Eugene Smith and Kayvon Webster are just a few players who continued their success throughout all three levels. These individuals and a host of others serve as role models and give the youth hope that their dreams can come true. Showing the youth in their communities that dreams do come true.

When you Stay Ready...

By Jimbo Brown

Close your eyes! Now imagine you are a 3-year starter at your dream-school and a historically known NCAA college football powerhouse. You end your senior year by breaking the career receiving record that puts your name in the category with all the greats who played before you. Now its on to the “process” known as the NFL draft. With your talents and production in college anyone would expect to be drafted no later then the 3rd round. That wasn’t the case for undrafted free agent (UFA) Allen Hurns, now, 3rd string receiver of the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

The 3-day event became more grueling after each round, when Hurns didn’t hear his name called. After the 6th round he didn’t want to hear his name called at all. Becoming a UFA would give him the power to decide where he wanted to take out his frustration. He kept faith that God would lead him in the right direction. Hurns gets his Christian faith from his mother Ms. Erica Wilson. With the support of his mother, family and friends Hurns kept a positive outlook on the task ahead. Enabling him to hook up with his former Offensive Coordinator from his early years at UM.  His main focus would be on perfecting his technique since he was so familiar with the playbook. Given himself a edge on the rookies and veterans on the team. 

Determined to show all 32 teams that they made a big mistake, Hurns went into the rookie workouts with a big chip on his shoulder. He was determined to prove the “experts” wrong. Hurns would go to neighborhood parks around 1 am and run air routes. His early success in OTA's led to an invitation to the 90-man training camp. Once Hurns got into camp, his hard work was aided with quite a few injuries within the receiving group. From practicing with the 5th group to working with the 1’s and 2’s helped him catch the eye of the coaches. He caught the attention of the nation by outperforming every receiver in the NFL, especially the ones took in the 2014 draft.

Hurns has a strong case to start alongside veteran Cecil Shorts III, due to the fact that he out worked 2nd rounder Marqise Lee. Finishing the preseason with 14 catches for 232 yards has led experts to believe Allen is steal for the Jaguars. He averaged 17.7 yards per catch and has 45 yards more then any other receiver in the NFL. 

Since joining the team Hurns has found himself very hungry yet humble about the situation. Hurns has expressed his journey so far into three words: Dedication, Faith, Underrated. As stated on “A Few Good Minutes with Brian Sexton”, Hurns believe its not about how you get there, its will you seize the opportunity or not (Link Below).  Allen has began on a path that can become a true cinderella story. No matter if he starts or not “He will Stay Ready, So he don’t have to Get Ready."

A Few Good Minutes with Brian Sexton: Allen Hurns