The Oben's are no stranger to giving back and helping people!

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.

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.

Detroit, one of the poorest cities in America, benefits well from Derrick’s Mealz On D.Wheelz program. The program currently provides lunches for 10 Detroit local schools, with plans to expand to more schools during the 2010 season. Derrick will also visit new schools each week during the course of the season and he plans on visiting many students with the intent of uplifting local school communities.

On Saturday June 12, 2010 Derrick hosted a celebrity softball game at Memorial Park in Royal Oak, Michigan, to raise money for his non-profit program. The event also included a homerun derby followed by the softball game which featured Detroit Lion stars such as Matthew Stafford, Drew Stanton, Jahvid Best, Kevin Smith, Louis Delmas, Nate Burleson and Cliff Avril along with former Lions greats Herman Moore and Lomas Brown, as well as other players, former and current, throughout the National Football League. The players squared off versus the Royal Oak Fire Department, who also generously donated their time for this wonderful charity.

In addition to his DWheelz program, Derrick is also involved with the Boys & Girls Club and the Royal Oak Sandlot League, he also supports any charities or foundations organized by his fellow Detroit Lions teammates. Derrick Williams is a true gentlemen and a shining star to the NFL, his fans, and most importantly within his community in Detroit. For more info about Derrick Williams visit dwheelz.com and follow him on twitter @DWheelz12.

We sat down Derrick to discuss his Charity and much more!!

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.

This hit left Darryl Stingley paralyzed with broken neck.

Tatum was a contributor to the Raiders Super Bowl win over the Minnesota Vikings and also was the player who put the hit on the Pittsburgh Steelers Receiver that led to the Immaculate Reception by Franco Harris.

May the former Ohio State and Oakland Raider great, rest in peace.

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.

At the University of Southern California, Mike Williams was an exceptional talent. His one handed catches made fans across the country take notice of his skills. He decided that he was ready for Prime Time and take his skills onto the NFL, however the NFL didn’t agree. They had a rule in place that did not allow Williams to join the NFL Draft and he sat out a year until the time was right.

That following offseason, Williams was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 1st Round, 10th overall. The Lions had high expectations for the young talent and even though he hadn’t played football in a year, the team was optimistic. Mike is the prototypical size for a big NFL Receiver. He is 6-5 and around 230 pounds but questions quickly arose about his weight, as he beefed up and gained almost 40 pounds. Things didn’t exactly work out the way they were supposed to for Williams. To his credit, he wasn’t exactly on a “high powered” NFL offense out in Detroit and their struggles were evident. After two short seasons the Lions and Mike Williams parted ways. He was traded to Oakland and after a short stint with Raiders it was off to Tennessee. Things with the Titans didn’t work out and it seemed as though Williams NFL Career was over and he spent the entire 2008 and 2009 seasons away from the game.

The old saying however is “you can’t hold a good man down” and that just might be exactly the case with Mike Williams. Determined to shred the label that many NFL teams and pundits have given him, Mike stayed hungry to prove the NFL world wrong. He has been working extremely hard and is now a shredded 230 pounds and in the best shape of his young life. Still in his mid 20’s, Mike is a relatively low risk player at this point, a player that just might be the best gem you’ll find in 2010!

During his time at USC, Williams played under Head Coach Pete Carroll. Consequently, Carroll is the new Head Coach of the Seattle Seahawks and in need of a big possession Receiver. They kicked the tires on Brandon Marshall but that never panned out. Enter Mike Williams! Carroll is very familiar with the talent that Mike possesses and if there is anyone who can harness that unlimited potential, it’s probably Pete Carroll.

Mike Williams is now ready to show the world he is a competitor who has a desire to be the best. He’s learned from his experiences and is showing the work ethic and dedication to be a contributor to the Seahawks. He has the ability no question and with his work ethic and drive along with a Coach who he is very comfortable with, Mike Williams is … Ready to Fly!

We sat down with Mike, the new Seattle WR to discuss his future and more!!

Mike Williams Interview from Skinnypost on Vimeo.

Looks like Mike Brown, who is the Bengals owner is having second thoughts on bringing in receiver Terrell Owens.

Mike Brown said Monday that the Bengals organization is in talks regarding a possible contract with Owens’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus. Owens had a worked out for the Bengals in late March, however they decided to go with receiver Antonio Bryant, who they signed for a four-year deal.

Quarterback Carson Palmer is working out with the 36-year-old Owens in. Palmer has reported back to coach Marvin Lewis and so far the reports on Owens have been good.

Mike Brown is known for giving players with baggage extra chances. No moatter what has been reported, Brown said he sat down with Owens back in March and was really impressed with him.

Chad Ochocinco has lobbied for the Bengals Organization to sign Owens. Both of them are also good friends…oddly enough they also have the same agent Drew Rosenhaus.

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.

“We are thrilled to have agreed to terms with Elvis Dumervil on a contract extension,” Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said. “Elvis is a very talented player who will help lead our defense and is also an outstanding person and teammate. The way he has handled this lengthy negotiation this offseason is a great example of the type of player and person we want on our team. We look forward to Elvis’ impact for many years to come.”

Elvis may be shorter than most pass rushers but he uses it to his advantage!

In the 4-3 Defense, Dumervil played Defensive End, a position along the Line where the player plays in a 3-Point Stance or better known as, his hand in the dirt. Dumervil showed flashes as a Rookie and then even more in his second and third season. His size or lack thereof actually turned out to be a boon and not a burden. His smaller stature allows him to play with great leverage, and as most Tackles in the NFL are very tall, it was easy for Dumervil to use his quickness and speed to get underneath the pads of the bigger man and simply run around him for the sack.

Enter 2009 after Mike Shanahan was let go by the Broncos and Josh McDaniels hired. McDaniels switched from the 4-3 Defense to the 3-4 and Dumervil changed positions. He went from having his hand in the dirt to standing up as an Outside Linebacker. This move is where Dumervil really blossomed into one of the games elite players. He was sound in coverage and run support but more importantly, as an Outside Backer in a 3-4, he became very hard to block. Coming off the edge from a standing position, it was nearly impossible for a Left Tackle to get out wide enough in time to block him and when a Running Back or Tight End tried they were simply overmatched. The result was a league leading 17 sacks and a trip to the Pro Bowl.

The humble man who always wanted to right by his team and his family said to the Denver Post, “Money is not everything, and that’s the way I was brought up, It’s nice when you get it, don’t get me wrong, but I was always taught that you get what you put into it. And as long as you conduct yourself as such, good things will happen for you.”

After 4 seasons in the NFL Dumervil now has 43 sacks putting him third behind DeMarcus Ware’s 56.5 and Jared Allen’s 52 during that span. Those are pretty impressive numbers for a man that many doubted could size up in the NFL.

Congratulations Elvis Dumervil, you proved to be an elite player and you did it with class…Sack City Records will be spinning in Denver for years to come!

Cleveland Browns D-Lineman “Big BaBy” Shaun Rogers called 911 last Thursday night as he was driving south on Interstate 71 in Middleburg Heights when he saw an erratic driver.

Rogers had a conversation with the dispatcher, Rogers said,

“The occupants appear to be either very sleepy or drunk, he’s run off the road several times swerving across, they’re driving on a flat tire right now.”

Rogers proceeded to stay on the phone with the dispatcher and proceded to follow the car which he described as driving on a blown front tire. When the driver finally pulled over near the exit to Pearl Road, Rogers told the dispatcher that the driver turned off his lights. The back end of the car was sitting partially in the fast lanes and in danger of being hit by someone. Rogers pulled up behind them in his pickup truck and put his emergency flashing lights on to warn other drivers on the highway

“Mr. Rogers positioned himself behind that vehicle and turned his emergency flashers on to notify other drivers that there was an emergency on the road, and I don’t know what would’ve happened had he not done that,” Middleburg Heights Police Chief John Maddox said.

John Nykiel 20, was arrested by Maddox police. kiel, and was charged with driving under the influence and operating an unsafe vehicle.

Maddox firmly believes that Shaun Rogers actions on that Thursday night saved lives. He also put together a letter to send to Rogers and his bosses at the Browns organization.

“I thought his actions were above and beyond and I wanted to express to him as chief of police how much we appreciate what he did that night he helped keep Middleburg Heights safe,” Maddox said.

Maddox said they usually get calls from drivers spotting erratic driving behavior on the road, but he said Shaun Rogers took it a step further than most.

Skinnypost.com would like to take our hats off to Shaun Rogers for his act of bravery and quick thinking!

By Gayle Saunders
Follow Him on Twitter

ESPN’s “My Wish” series returns with the heart felt story of 10-year-old boy named Jailen Cooper. After he survived brain surgery, Jailen hoped to meet the Oakland Raiders and tackle his favorite player, Darren McFadden. With a little help from Raiders head coach Tom Cable, his wish became reality.

Jailen Cooper’s last couple of years have been tough. In 2006, his grandfather, Linwood May, suffered a massive heart attack and passed away. Jailen, who grew up without a father, Linwood May made up for that male role model in his life. Linwood inspired Jailen everyday through his love of football.

“They’d give each other a pound before they’d leave each other and [May] would say, ‘Raiders forever,’” [Jessie] Cooper said. “That was the last thing he said to him.”

Only a year later, doctors found that Jailen had a brain tumor. At first, they weren’t worried however by December, 2008, Jailen was in need of brain surgery. Jailen had to undergo a strict regimen of chemotherapy after the tumor was removed.

Now that its a year and a half later, things are on the up and up for Jailen who has finished his cancer treatment. Without shame Jailen says that he enjoys the sympathy his scar gets him from the female classmates of his.

“I told my mom that I was going take my chemo medication for my granddaddy,” Jailen said. “That was the only reason I was taking it. It was for him.”

With the Help of The Make A Wish Foundation, who are a national nonprofit that brings dreams alive for kids battling serious illnesses, they gave Jailen the opportunity of a lifetime. Jailen was flown out from his home in North Carolina to California to play football with his favorite team, the Oakland Raiders.

The 10-year-old was able to attend practice with McFadden and the rest of the Raiders. As the practice came to a end, finally the team gathered around for the moment Jailen had been waiting for…Jailen’s chance to tackle his hero.

If you would like to Support or Make a Donation to Make a Wish Foundation “click” the links below:
Make a Donation to Make A Wish
Become a supporter of Make A Wish

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.

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.

Johnson will be a Happy Camper!!

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!