You can read the telltale signs of when something’s amiss. In Hollywood, a delayed release date generally means they’re sitting on a big budget bomb. In network TV, a new time slot indicates a ratings dog. In sports, playing “home” games in Spanish speaking countries means you’ve got a franchise in deep caca. Buenos Noches Arizona Cardinals!
For first time in NFL history, Mexico City will host a regular season game October 2nd between the “home” team Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers. Interesting, yes, but even more so it looks like a rescue mission for a team that’s been wilting in the sun since arriving to the desert in 1988.
“Mexico is the country with the most NFL fans outside the United States,” said NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue. “Our fans in Mexico are knowledgeable and passionate and they are ready to take the next step. They have supported our American Bowl games in record numbers and NFL programming has been part of television in Mexico for many decades. The Cardinals and 49ers play in markets with large Hispanic communities, including many people of Mexican decent. This game will generate new excitement both in Mexico and in the Hispanic communities throughout the United States, and it promises to become a milestone in the NFL’s history as a global sport.”
Translation:
I don’t know what else to do at this point. Phoenix has been a burial ground for professional teams. The Diamondbacks are nearly broke despite winning the World Series just four years ago. Bringing hockey to the desert made New Coke look like a stroke of genius, and the Suns only do well thanks to air conditioning. Because nearly everyone that lives in greater Phoenix is from somewhere else, nobody gives a damn about this team. For years the Cardinals have ranked dead last in attendance, and now, with a $450 million stadium that’s due to open next year, we’ve got to put some butts in those seats…and fast dammit! I promised a Super Bowl or two if they built the damn thing, but hey, don’t expect me to hold the bag if the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority takes a bath in this already arena saturated city. I did mention the stadium will cost $450 million for a team that averages only 38,000 a game didn’t I? Ah, but I saw “Field of Dreams” too, they’ll be fine. I mean, I know those in the area were lukewarm about a new stadium, but at least they found a way to stick most of the bill on tourists passing through. However, since the border between Arizona and Mexico is extremely porous, maybe we can get those who survive the brutal desert crossing to root for the team. After all, if Dallas can be “America’s Team”, well, why can’t the Cardinals be “Latin America’s Team”? We’ll see. I mean, with a new stadium and rising salaries, I don’t know how they’ll be able to afford a $65.00 ticket harvesting lettuce, but in America anything is possible…I think. This team is stuck here for at least a generation and the suggestion box for building any semblance of a fan base is pretty darn light. So I’m calling upon our rich friends from the Third World to rally behind this cause. At this point, St. Louis seemed like a fine place to play. At least the beer was cheep. How come the Dolphins don’t need to play in Havana?
Ay Carumba! Bienvenidos Mexico City!
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
Saturday, March 19, 2005
NOW PLAYING AT AN ARENA NEAR YOU
Anyone able to remember the uphill battle fought to bring bottled water into the American mainstream can appreciate the evolution of arena football. Successfully bypassing the graveyard where comparable leagues now rest, arena football has risen from a novelty act to national prominence in less than 20 years. “It comes from the credibility of ownership, the caliber of players, the caliber of the game and the depth of the roster,” said Colorado Crush Head Coach, Mike Dailey.
Credibility is what’s caused America’s appetite for the game to rise from a sample tasting to stocking up at Costco. For years, arena football was branded as secondary employment for wash-ups who couldn’t cut it elsewhere. However, those close to the sport are quick to note the important skill sets differentiating quality arena players from those in the NFL.
“It’s much like how the talent of NBA players isn’t utilized the same way in Olympic basketball,” said Chris McCloskey, Senior Vice President of Communications for the Arena Football League (AFL). “These are world class athletes playing iron man football.”
Some skeptics may still roll their eyes after hearing that, but one huge difference in the arena game is that nearly everyone plays both ways. Size wise, AFL lineman are a tad smaller than their NFL counterparts, but not by much, though what enables them to flourish in the arena game is better agility and quickness as opposed to brute force. Because of this, they have to be lighter. “Many NFL players just aren’t conditioned to play our style,” Coach Dailey said.
One interesting case study focusing the different attributes between NFL and AFL quarterbacks is Danny Kanell. Drafted into the NFL in 1996, Kanell played for the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons before signing with the AFL’s New York Dragons in 2002. A long ball passer by nature, Kanell ranks second in all time passing from his days at Florida State. Though once he arrived in the Arena League, he struggled; posting a mediocre passing rating of 75.3 because he couldn’t adapt to the tighter receiving lanes and condensed field dimensions. In 2003 Kanell returned to the NFL as a back-up for the Denver Broncos. “He had no choice,” says McCloskey. “He couldn’t get another job in the Arena League.” While being “forced’ back into the NFL isn’t considered a career ending move, Kanell’s unceremonious stint in the AFL has reinforced that indeed, some players are just better tailored for the arena game than others; and that the AFL is hardly a sideshow comprised of NFL rejects.
In terms of preparation, arena football is as sophisticated and high tech as other big-time sports. “Eighty percent of the preparation is the same as the NFL or major college,” Dailey said. “It’s identical, but unique to the arena game.” Like the NFL, the Arena League provides an elaborate film exchange where computer generated game scenarios are later inputted. “We scout for formation tendencies, hits-by-hash, special teams, hurry-up offenses…everything. There are lots of ways to prepare,” Dailey added.
Offensively though, the game does have it’s limitations, with rules mandating identical formations consisting of three wide receivers and one set back. At times this style of play can seem redundant; resembling sandlot ball where plays are drawn on the palm of the quarterback’s hand. “You don’t get hit with schemes of two tight ends on one play and five wides on the next,” said Dailey.
The real firepower that’s transformed Arena Football from a mall-browsing alternative to big market behemoth comes from the wave of new ownership, its money, and the clout it buys. The single most significant day in Arena Football history occurred on May 22nd 1998, where an amendment to the NFL’s bylaws allowed NFL owners to invest in other football leagues provided they remained in the same market. Until then, NFL owners were forbidden from doing so because of conflicts of interest. “Once the high-profile owners came in, the AFL had instant credibility,” McCloskey said. Among the heavyweight owners to quickly jump in included, Tom Benson of the New Orleans Saints, Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys, Arthur Blank of the Atlanta Falcons, Bud Adams of the Tennessee Titans, and perhaps the most celebrated triumvirate of owners, John Elway, Pat Bowlen and Stanley Kroenke who own the Colorado Crush. “When you have two billionaires and a multimillionaire who’s also a sports icon, you have credibility,” Dailey said. “They’re extremely committed.”
Not all owners are just football guys either. Eighties rocker Jon Bon Jovi co-owns the Philadelphia Soul, and country singer Tim McGraw is a partial owner of the Nashville Kats; bringing a cross blend of fan bases into a full suite of entertainment.
Such newfound credibility brings an even bigger prize; a national television contract with NBC. Several years prior, NBC opted not to renew its contract with the NFL, citing the exorbitant rights fees made for an unprofitable endeavor. Instead, NBC entered a four-year deal with the Arena League in 2002, where they have sole decision power, or “perpetuity”, to renew or terminate the contract. Thus far it’s proved to be winning arrangement.
“NBC pays no rights fee and splits the ad revenue 50-50 with the league,” McCloskey said, “but what’s really interesting is how NBC has a huge incentive to grow the league by receiving a percentage of the upside.” What this means is when the deal was inked in 2002, each franchise was then valued at $10 million, now, just three years later, franchise values have ballooned upwards of $16 million, so should a franchise get sold for that amount, NBC receives an undisclosed percentage of the $6 million net gain. In essence, NBC gets their programming for free, boosts franchise values via national exposure, and then ultimately receives a cut. Few are complaining. “Considering that these teams were valued at only $400,000 in 1996 it’s hard to find a better return on investment,” McCloskey added.
Since then, another deal packed with similar back-ended incentives was made with the video game maker, EA Sports, who already has long-standing partnerships with most major sports. Already a major AFL sponsor of on-field signage, EA Sports is due to release their first arena football video game in 2006. “You can’t find a better medium than that,” McCloskey said. “I mean, that’s as good as television.”
It sure is. After all it’s kids who play video games, and it’s kids who enjoy the affordable family oriented entertainment arena football provides.
In what could pass for a scout meeting for all of Long Island, packs of youngsters accompany a father or two into Nassau Coliseum. It’s a good crowd, perhaps 15,000 or more. “Make some noise,” shouts the DJ. Most happily oblige. Music from your standard dance compilation pumps up the fans, but not too loud where those in attendance must read lips. Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” comes on; presumably for the parent’s sake…at least a verse anyway. The action erupts from the initial kick-off; where last possession’s scoring drive quickly becomes old news. Touchdown, ensuing kick-off, the receiving team returns it back for another touchdown. Already 27 total points scored in the first half of the first quarter. Sunset orange end zones sporting the New York Dragons logo add warmth to the game’s primal element. The “Fire Dancers” do their thing. A sea of inflatable “thundersticks” clip-clap louder as the game goes on. Fourteen seconds remain in the game and not a soul has left the arena. The Dragons eke out a 53-51 win over the Georgia Force as the opening riff to “Crazytrain” bellows out the loudspeakers. All is well.
Afterwards young enthusiasts line-up by the hundreds for autographs and to meet the players. “We strive to make arena football exiting, affordable, fan-friendly, and most importantly, interactive,” says McCloskey.
So far, so good.
Credibility is what’s caused America’s appetite for the game to rise from a sample tasting to stocking up at Costco. For years, arena football was branded as secondary employment for wash-ups who couldn’t cut it elsewhere. However, those close to the sport are quick to note the important skill sets differentiating quality arena players from those in the NFL.
“It’s much like how the talent of NBA players isn’t utilized the same way in Olympic basketball,” said Chris McCloskey, Senior Vice President of Communications for the Arena Football League (AFL). “These are world class athletes playing iron man football.”
Some skeptics may still roll their eyes after hearing that, but one huge difference in the arena game is that nearly everyone plays both ways. Size wise, AFL lineman are a tad smaller than their NFL counterparts, but not by much, though what enables them to flourish in the arena game is better agility and quickness as opposed to brute force. Because of this, they have to be lighter. “Many NFL players just aren’t conditioned to play our style,” Coach Dailey said.
One interesting case study focusing the different attributes between NFL and AFL quarterbacks is Danny Kanell. Drafted into the NFL in 1996, Kanell played for the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons before signing with the AFL’s New York Dragons in 2002. A long ball passer by nature, Kanell ranks second in all time passing from his days at Florida State. Though once he arrived in the Arena League, he struggled; posting a mediocre passing rating of 75.3 because he couldn’t adapt to the tighter receiving lanes and condensed field dimensions. In 2003 Kanell returned to the NFL as a back-up for the Denver Broncos. “He had no choice,” says McCloskey. “He couldn’t get another job in the Arena League.” While being “forced’ back into the NFL isn’t considered a career ending move, Kanell’s unceremonious stint in the AFL has reinforced that indeed, some players are just better tailored for the arena game than others; and that the AFL is hardly a sideshow comprised of NFL rejects.
In terms of preparation, arena football is as sophisticated and high tech as other big-time sports. “Eighty percent of the preparation is the same as the NFL or major college,” Dailey said. “It’s identical, but unique to the arena game.” Like the NFL, the Arena League provides an elaborate film exchange where computer generated game scenarios are later inputted. “We scout for formation tendencies, hits-by-hash, special teams, hurry-up offenses…everything. There are lots of ways to prepare,” Dailey added.
Offensively though, the game does have it’s limitations, with rules mandating identical formations consisting of three wide receivers and one set back. At times this style of play can seem redundant; resembling sandlot ball where plays are drawn on the palm of the quarterback’s hand. “You don’t get hit with schemes of two tight ends on one play and five wides on the next,” said Dailey.
The real firepower that’s transformed Arena Football from a mall-browsing alternative to big market behemoth comes from the wave of new ownership, its money, and the clout it buys. The single most significant day in Arena Football history occurred on May 22nd 1998, where an amendment to the NFL’s bylaws allowed NFL owners to invest in other football leagues provided they remained in the same market. Until then, NFL owners were forbidden from doing so because of conflicts of interest. “Once the high-profile owners came in, the AFL had instant credibility,” McCloskey said. Among the heavyweight owners to quickly jump in included, Tom Benson of the New Orleans Saints, Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys, Arthur Blank of the Atlanta Falcons, Bud Adams of the Tennessee Titans, and perhaps the most celebrated triumvirate of owners, John Elway, Pat Bowlen and Stanley Kroenke who own the Colorado Crush. “When you have two billionaires and a multimillionaire who’s also a sports icon, you have credibility,” Dailey said. “They’re extremely committed.”
Not all owners are just football guys either. Eighties rocker Jon Bon Jovi co-owns the Philadelphia Soul, and country singer Tim McGraw is a partial owner of the Nashville Kats; bringing a cross blend of fan bases into a full suite of entertainment.
Such newfound credibility brings an even bigger prize; a national television contract with NBC. Several years prior, NBC opted not to renew its contract with the NFL, citing the exorbitant rights fees made for an unprofitable endeavor. Instead, NBC entered a four-year deal with the Arena League in 2002, where they have sole decision power, or “perpetuity”, to renew or terminate the contract. Thus far it’s proved to be winning arrangement.
“NBC pays no rights fee and splits the ad revenue 50-50 with the league,” McCloskey said, “but what’s really interesting is how NBC has a huge incentive to grow the league by receiving a percentage of the upside.” What this means is when the deal was inked in 2002, each franchise was then valued at $10 million, now, just three years later, franchise values have ballooned upwards of $16 million, so should a franchise get sold for that amount, NBC receives an undisclosed percentage of the $6 million net gain. In essence, NBC gets their programming for free, boosts franchise values via national exposure, and then ultimately receives a cut. Few are complaining. “Considering that these teams were valued at only $400,000 in 1996 it’s hard to find a better return on investment,” McCloskey added.
Since then, another deal packed with similar back-ended incentives was made with the video game maker, EA Sports, who already has long-standing partnerships with most major sports. Already a major AFL sponsor of on-field signage, EA Sports is due to release their first arena football video game in 2006. “You can’t find a better medium than that,” McCloskey said. “I mean, that’s as good as television.”
It sure is. After all it’s kids who play video games, and it’s kids who enjoy the affordable family oriented entertainment arena football provides.
In what could pass for a scout meeting for all of Long Island, packs of youngsters accompany a father or two into Nassau Coliseum. It’s a good crowd, perhaps 15,000 or more. “Make some noise,” shouts the DJ. Most happily oblige. Music from your standard dance compilation pumps up the fans, but not too loud where those in attendance must read lips. Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” comes on; presumably for the parent’s sake…at least a verse anyway. The action erupts from the initial kick-off; where last possession’s scoring drive quickly becomes old news. Touchdown, ensuing kick-off, the receiving team returns it back for another touchdown. Already 27 total points scored in the first half of the first quarter. Sunset orange end zones sporting the New York Dragons logo add warmth to the game’s primal element. The “Fire Dancers” do their thing. A sea of inflatable “thundersticks” clip-clap louder as the game goes on. Fourteen seconds remain in the game and not a soul has left the arena. The Dragons eke out a 53-51 win over the Georgia Force as the opening riff to “Crazytrain” bellows out the loudspeakers. All is well.
Afterwards young enthusiasts line-up by the hundreds for autographs and to meet the players. “We strive to make arena football exiting, affordable, fan-friendly, and most importantly, interactive,” says McCloskey.
So far, so good.
Monday, March 07, 2005
TIME TO FIX THE BLOCKING
Forget about going to Harvard, getting an MBA or becoming a neurosurgeon, if you’re big, mean and seek generational wealth, become an NFL tackle. With the bonanza of NFL free agency but a week old, we’re again seeing the price of offensive tackles soar faster than a duplex in Park Slope. But like real estate, the lingering question is whether these multimillionaires will hold their value, or go bust.
Kareem McKenzie: New York Giants
The latest Jet staple flying from Gang Green, McKenzie was brought in to solidify a Giant offensive line that for two seasons was held by Scotch Tape. Durable and disciplined, the 26-year-old right tackle commanded a left tackle price (7 years $37.75 million with a $12.5 million signing bonus). What remains to be seen is how McKenzie’s signing will impact the Giants’ porous left side; where the real bleeding is. With McKenzie on board, the Giants are content to leave Luke Petitgout, a good but not great lineman, protecting Eli Manning where he’s most vulnerable. For nearly $38 million, one might expect a better insurance policy for their wunderkid to blossom. Then again, it’s still a drastic improvement.
Jonas Jennings: San Francisco 49ers
Like the way Dan Quayle wasn’t confused with John F. Kennedy, Jonas Jennings isn’t confused with Anthony Munoz or Jackie Slater. But thanks to Seattle re-signing Walter Jones, and the Rams franchising Orlando Pace, Jennings, 27, became the top left tackle on the market. For thrifty San Francisco to spend nearly $36 million on Jennings, Cal QB Aaron Rodgers looks likely to be taken with their top draft pick. However with plenty of other holes to fill, the Niners may instead trade down in exchange for more picks. If that’s the case, San Francisco may have better spent their money elsewhere besides protecting short-term quarterback, Tim Rattay.
Chris Samuels: Washington Redskins
In the good-enough-for-government town of Washington, DC, it’s fortunate for Chris Samuels to have Dan “Deep Pockets” Snyder for a boss. For $46.5 million, with a $15.75 million signing bonus, the Skins’ re-signed a 27-year-old left tackle who shines a lot more when his right side counterpart, Jon Jansen, is healthy, than not. Jansen spent last season on injured reserve, and as a result Samuels’ impact, or lack thereof, was hard felt in the Skins’ offensive molasses. Attending just one Pro Bowl in five years, Samuels may be big and rich, but he’s certainly no Hog. Had Joe Jacoby played today, he could have afforded his own island.
Walter Jones: Seattle Seahawks
Walter Jones comes with few dings and scratches for a tackle that’s started in nearly every game for eight years. A perennial hold out during the off-season, it was necessary for Seattle to sign Jones to a fat contract and save the franchise tag for either Matt Hasselbeck or Shaun Alexander. Right now the 31-year-old Jones still has mileage left, but signing him to a seven year deal worth $52.5 million with a $15 million signing bonus is dicey. Seattle is in a hurry to cash in with what they’ve got, and so they’re wildly spending Paul Allen’s money. Such a short-term strategy may pan out. Then again, when it’s time to rebuild, dropping the megabucks to keep Jones could backfire when cap room is needed more than aging linemen.
Kareem McKenzie: New York Giants
The latest Jet staple flying from Gang Green, McKenzie was brought in to solidify a Giant offensive line that for two seasons was held by Scotch Tape. Durable and disciplined, the 26-year-old right tackle commanded a left tackle price (7 years $37.75 million with a $12.5 million signing bonus). What remains to be seen is how McKenzie’s signing will impact the Giants’ porous left side; where the real bleeding is. With McKenzie on board, the Giants are content to leave Luke Petitgout, a good but not great lineman, protecting Eli Manning where he’s most vulnerable. For nearly $38 million, one might expect a better insurance policy for their wunderkid to blossom. Then again, it’s still a drastic improvement.
Jonas Jennings: San Francisco 49ers
Like the way Dan Quayle wasn’t confused with John F. Kennedy, Jonas Jennings isn’t confused with Anthony Munoz or Jackie Slater. But thanks to Seattle re-signing Walter Jones, and the Rams franchising Orlando Pace, Jennings, 27, became the top left tackle on the market. For thrifty San Francisco to spend nearly $36 million on Jennings, Cal QB Aaron Rodgers looks likely to be taken with their top draft pick. However with plenty of other holes to fill, the Niners may instead trade down in exchange for more picks. If that’s the case, San Francisco may have better spent their money elsewhere besides protecting short-term quarterback, Tim Rattay.
Chris Samuels: Washington Redskins
In the good-enough-for-government town of Washington, DC, it’s fortunate for Chris Samuels to have Dan “Deep Pockets” Snyder for a boss. For $46.5 million, with a $15.75 million signing bonus, the Skins’ re-signed a 27-year-old left tackle who shines a lot more when his right side counterpart, Jon Jansen, is healthy, than not. Jansen spent last season on injured reserve, and as a result Samuels’ impact, or lack thereof, was hard felt in the Skins’ offensive molasses. Attending just one Pro Bowl in five years, Samuels may be big and rich, but he’s certainly no Hog. Had Joe Jacoby played today, he could have afforded his own island.
Walter Jones: Seattle Seahawks
Walter Jones comes with few dings and scratches for a tackle that’s started in nearly every game for eight years. A perennial hold out during the off-season, it was necessary for Seattle to sign Jones to a fat contract and save the franchise tag for either Matt Hasselbeck or Shaun Alexander. Right now the 31-year-old Jones still has mileage left, but signing him to a seven year deal worth $52.5 million with a $15 million signing bonus is dicey. Seattle is in a hurry to cash in with what they’ve got, and so they’re wildly spending Paul Allen’s money. Such a short-term strategy may pan out. Then again, when it’s time to rebuild, dropping the megabucks to keep Jones could backfire when cap room is needed more than aging linemen.
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