Hero’s for Haiti – The Oben Family!

Roman Oben is no stranger to the battle, no rookie when it comes to lending a helping hand when times are tough. He’s been to Africa to aid the people of Cameroon in the land where Roman is from. He’s also made a difference in his home State of New Jersey, the founder of the Roman Oben Foundation in 2003, he works to promote the positive development of youth and families through football, literacy and other community outreach projects. Working with children and charities from all over, Roman and his wife Linda are there to make a difference. How Roman and Linda fit it all in to their busy lives is a miracle as well. Blessed with a beautiful family and a few different jobs, the Oben’s are always on the go but somehow find time to help others and make a difference in people’s lives.

Since the Earthquake that came and devastated the Country of Haiti, the Oben family knew it had to act. It had to join the fight and once again throw in a helping hand when times seem their most dire. Linda Claude-Oben has deep ties to the country being a first generation Haitian-American. Her and and husband recently founded CORE (Claude Oben Recovery Effort) which has organized to once again head to Haiti and help. Roman was kind enough to email this press release that gives us some more insight into Linda’s trip.

July 28, 2010 – NEW YORK, NY – Linda Claude-Oben, wife of Super Bowl XXXVII champion and retired NFL lineman Roman Oben, leaves this Friday, July 30, on her second mission trip to Haiti, her first as co-founder of the Claude-Oben Recovery Effort (CORE).

“We were saddened by the devastation experienced by the Haitian people due to this terrible tragedy,” said Oben. “We’re fortunate to be able to contribute in any way possible and by establishing CORE, we have opened the door for both short and long-term recovery assistance.”

As a first generation Haitian-American, Linda Claude-Oben was particularly moved by the January 12, 2010 earthquake and resulting devastation, including the loss of an estimated 200,000 lives. As a recent graduate of Benjamin Cardozo School of Law at Yeshiva University, Claude-Oben spent her 2010 spring break in Grand Goâve, Haiti with the Haitian American Nurses Association of Rockland County (H.A.N.A.) on their mission trip. During the trip, she witnessed firsthand the trail of destruction left by this earthquake. Amidst piles of rubble, they provided a three-day medical clinic and distributed food and clothing to survivors.

After making a commitment to return to Grand Goâve to assist in the rebuilding process, Claude-Oben and her husband, through the Roman Oben Foundation, developed CORE. CORE was established to adopt the community of Grand Goâve and assist in their short-term goals of providing free medical care and food to those affected by the earthquake, with the long-term goal to build a standalone orphanage and permanent structure for a free medical clinic. On the upcoming 14-day trip, CORE will have two four-day missions; the first to establish a free medical clinic and the second to distribute food and clothing to local residents.

For more information on CORE, the Roman Oben Foundation or for updates on
this and upcoming mission trips, please call the Roman Oben Foundation at
800-717-0337 or visit www.romanoben.com.

Derrick Williams – Making Roar for Detroit!

Article By Barry Bach – Interview By Steve O’Reilly

Detroit Lions Wide Receiver Derrick Williams is making a huge impact in the city of Detroit. Derrick, nick-named ‘DWheelz’ while in college at Penn State, launched the Mealz on D.Wheelz program which provides school lunches for Detroit local schools. Derrick always knew he wanted to be involved in the Detroit community and his inspiration came from meeting NFL players and pro athletes who were involved in charities while he was young. Read more

Rest in Peace – Jack Tatum

The NFL world lost a legend today as the former 9 year Free Safety of the Oakland Raiders passed away. Jack Tatum was known as “The Assassin” for his brutal hits on any Offensive players that came over the middle. The former Ohio State great began his career in 1971 and retired in 1980. Read more

Ready for some Football? 2009 Season Highlights!

Mike Williams – Ready to Fly!!

By Steve O’Reilly

Mike Williams understands diversity, he understands trying times and patience and he knows everything has it’s time and place. 2010 is Mike’s time and Seattle is the place. All the stars have aligned and Mike is ready to fly with the Seahawks and show the NFL world what he’s really got. Read more

The Bump and Run

By Steve O’Reilly

There are many different types of Coverages in NFL secondaries and each one is predicated on the type of Defensive Package, the type of play-call and the type of Cornerback the Defense has. One of our readers, Allen H. posed the question, “What are the Hip Positions for Cornerbacks while playing Bump and Run, while reading the QB?” Let’s first look at this technique of coverage and then get to Allen’s question. Read more

Elvis Dumervil gets big money from the Broncos!

By Steve O’Reilly

The Denver Broncos have reached an agreement with Outside Linebacker, Elvis Dumervil. In one of the richest contracts in Denver Bronco history, the league leader in Sacks will now be focusing more of his attention on dropping the QB and less about his contractual future. From the beginning, Dumervil handled himself with complete professionalism. He signed his Restricted Free Agent tender and showed up to all the Voluntary offseason workouts and activities. The deal is said to be for 61.5 Million Dollars with 41 to 43 Million in guaranteed money. Read more

Catching up with David Bowens!!

David Bowens is a 12 Year NFL Veteran currently with the Cleveland Browns. Drafted by the Denver Broncos in 1999, Bowens spent time with the Packers, Jets, Dolphins and now the Browns. His experience and talent as a Defensive End and Linebacker has kept him the league for over a decade! We sit down with David to discuss his journey, what’s he learned about the finer points of the league and what to expect from the Browns in 2010!

David Bowens Interview from Skinnypost on Vimeo.

Chris Johnson agrees to terms with the Titans!

By Steve O’Reilly

In what could have been a long bitter standoff ended today as the Tennessee Titans and Running Back Chris Johnson have agreed to terms. This deal is different than most however and Johnson didn’t exactly sign a new contract. Instead, the 2000 yard rusher from 2009 will receive a raise! His base pay has increased about 2.5 Million for the season. He was and probably still is looking for a the big payday, somewhere around 30 Million but will have to settle for the raise for now.

The move shows that Johnson is dedicated to playing football for the Titans in 2010 and is meeting them halfway in contract negotiations. With the limited Offensive talent that they have, Johnson really holds all the cards but had softened his stance in order to get something done. With 11 straight 100 yard Rushing games, the 3rd Year Back is 3 shy of breaking Barry Saunders record for 14 in a row. He also is 3rd behind Eric Dickerson and Edgerrin James for the most rushing yards to begin his career. Johnson felt he was grossly underpaid, looking at $550 thousand this season and the lowest paid Running Back on the Titans Roster. Instead of playing hardball the two sides came to an agreement and worked out deal to get CJ in camp on time.

It was a move that we knew would happen, the Titans have little choice. With Vince Young’s recent altercation the league may penalize him to start the year and the Titans offense, save Johnson, is lacking weapons. Leverage is a big part in negotiations and Johnson had it all. While the deal isn’t absolutely complete, the two sides have formally announced that they have reached an agreement and the State of Tennessee can collectively exhale now that the best weapon in football is back in fold.

One of the possible hangups with originally doing the deal is that Johnson still has a few years left on his contract. Typically, teams don’t like to renegotiate that early in a players contract as it sets a bad precedent with other players. Another hangup could be the looming work stoppage in 2011 and Owners are leery to dole out big cash. Johnson however is well worth it and the move was a smart one on both sides. The Titans don’t have to break the bank and Chris can continue to pile up numbers and increase his value while continuing to look for the big payday!

You do have to tip your hat to a man that did what it took to make the deal happen and give the fans what they want, the best chance to win!

Wildcards – Players that could change the NFC outlook!

By Steve O’Reilly

In the first segment of this two part series we took a look at the AFC and chose a player in all four Divisions that could make a huge difference in the Playoff outlook. In this article we will do the same for the NFC. As we all know, if you win your Division than you garner a Playoff birth and that is the goal of every team as they head into training camp. Take care of your Division and move on to the postseason. Anytime you forecast Divisional outcomes this early in the game, it’s difficult to be accurate however there are story lines that warrant attention. Will Brett Favre play to the level he did in 2009? Will Kevin Kolb be able to take the reigns from Donovan McNabb? How will the Cardinals fare without their leader, Kurt Warner? All these questions will play out in due time but for now, let’s speculate on who will be the “WildCard”, the one guy or group of guys that hold the keys of destiny in their hands. Read more

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