Saturday, February 06, 2010
Still Playing
Super Bowl Sunday is almost here, so there aren't many NFL players still playing. This year, just 2 Illini will be on the field in Miami, but both are worth watching.
Running back Pierre Thomas is a great story. The former Illini went undrafted in 2007, but was signed by the New Orleans Saints. During his time in the Big Easy, Thomas has established himself as a key part of the Saints offense. He's had some outstanding games this season, especially in the playoffs.
On the other side of the field, corner back Kelvin Hayden has been with the Indianapolis Colts for 5 seasons. A starter when healthy, Hayden already has a Super Bowl interception. He caught a 4th quarter pass from Rex Grossman and returned it for a TD to close out the game against the Bears. In fact, he's tied for 4th in post-season interceptions for the Colts.
Congrats to both Illini. Have fun on Sunday!
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Running back Pierre Thomas is a great story. The former Illini went undrafted in 2007, but was signed by the New Orleans Saints. During his time in the Big Easy, Thomas has established himself as a key part of the Saints offense. He's had some outstanding games this season, especially in the playoffs.
On the other side of the field, corner back Kelvin Hayden has been with the Indianapolis Colts for 5 seasons. A starter when healthy, Hayden already has a Super Bowl interception. He caught a 4th quarter pass from Rex Grossman and returned it for a TD to close out the game against the Bears. In fact, he's tied for 4th in post-season interceptions for the Colts.
Congrats to both Illini. Have fun on Sunday!
Labels: Kelvin Hayden, Pierre Thomas, Super Bowl
# posted by Alma Mater : 5:47 PM
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Illini in XLII
Although I'm not a big pro football fan, I do enjoy the Super Bowl. Between the game (if it's competitive -- which sometimes happens for moments) and the commercials, it's a full Sunday evening of entertainment. Plus, there's the added bonus of two weeks of hype leading up to the big game.
I usually like to have a team to cheer for. But other than rooting for or against a perfect season, there's no compelling reason to pick a team. So I will cheer for "my" boys:
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I usually like to have a team to cheer for. But other than rooting for or against a perfect season, there's no compelling reason to pick a team. So I will cheer for "my" boys:
- Giants Guard David Diehl has started every game since he was drafted from Illinois in 2003. He was on the line that allowed Antoineo Harris rush for 1,000+ yards while Brandon Lloyd racked up 1,000+ yards receiving.
- Patriots DB Eugene Wilson was drafted the same year, and started in the secondary early in the season. He returned an interception for a TD against the Jets in December. Slowed by injuries, he has played in reserve in the post-season.
I expect to see both Illini on the field Sunday. Congrats to them both on making it to Arizona!
Labels: Super Bowl
# posted by Alma Mater : 9:59 PM
Monday, February 05, 2007
Don't be nice to your opponent until AFTER THE GAME!
MENTAL NOTE: DO NOT EVER LET ALMA MATER WISH ONE OF OUR OPPONNENTS LUCK AGAIN BEFORE A BIG GAME!
As a fellow Illini fan, I appreciated Alma Mater pointing out two former Illini players who are now with the Colts. One of those players, happens to be Kelvin Hayden, who she wished good luck on Saturday. Now, I know she is a Chicago Bears fan like me and that she was cheering for the Monsters of the Midway. However, next time, maybe it would be wise to avoid wishing one of our opponents good luck before the Super Bowl or any other big game. Then we won't have to read headlines the following day that say this or also this.
That being said (and all kidding aside), if the Bears had to lose, I would rather than lose to the Colts with good guys like Hayden, Dungy, and Manning rather than some of the other teams out there. And they really are good guys. You probably have read the various stories about Dungy and Manning but you may have missed a couple that the Tribune ran on Hayden last week. I think you will be impressed by him too if you read this story with comments from one of his former teachers and this story about his mom.
Last night's loss was disappointing and I wish the outcome had been different. If we are lucky, the Bears will be back to the Super Bowl again next year but it is a long road to get back there again. I will say that this loss of one of my favorite teams, did not sting near as badly as the Illini's loss to North Carolina back in 2005. I think that is because it was so much fun to watch that group of players and to see them perform as a true team. You felt like you knew those guys and could relate to them. Good memories...
Until Later, GO BEARS AND GO ILLINI!
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As a fellow Illini fan, I appreciated Alma Mater pointing out two former Illini players who are now with the Colts. One of those players, happens to be Kelvin Hayden, who she wished good luck on Saturday. Now, I know she is a Chicago Bears fan like me and that she was cheering for the Monsters of the Midway. However, next time, maybe it would be wise to avoid wishing one of our opponents good luck before the Super Bowl or any other big game. Then we won't have to read headlines the following day that say this or also this.
That being said (and all kidding aside), if the Bears had to lose, I would rather than lose to the Colts with good guys like Hayden, Dungy, and Manning rather than some of the other teams out there. And they really are good guys. You probably have read the various stories about Dungy and Manning but you may have missed a couple that the Tribune ran on Hayden last week. I think you will be impressed by him too if you read this story with comments from one of his former teachers and this story about his mom.
Last night's loss was disappointing and I wish the outcome had been different. If we are lucky, the Bears will be back to the Super Bowl again next year but it is a long road to get back there again. I will say that this loss of one of my favorite teams, did not sting near as badly as the Illini's loss to North Carolina back in 2005. I think that is because it was so much fun to watch that group of players and to see them perform as a true team. You felt like you knew those guys and could relate to them. Good memories...
Until Later, GO BEARS AND GO ILLINI!
Labels: Chicago Bears, Kelvin Hayden, Super Bowl
# posted by Good Hope Orange : 5:10 PM
