Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Damali Gaskin

Company Name:  Philadelphia Eagles

Telephone:  267.570.4400

Fax:  267.570.4000

Email: gaskin@philadelphiaeagles.com

Website: philadelphiaeagles.com

PRESS RELEASE

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Philadelphia Eagles VS San Francisco 49ers

Will Michael Vick finish the game without injury?

Philadelphia, PA, Oct. 2, 2011 - The Philadelphia Eagles is set to host its second NFL home game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at 1:00pm at Lincoln Financial Field (1 Lincoln Financial Way ¨ Philadelphia, PA 19148).

The most talked about game for week 4 of the NFL can be watched on the FOX network or on DIRECTV - Channel 708.  However, for those who love the radio, tune in to Sirius XM 93 or Philadelphia’s 94WIP for a game that cannot be missed.

This is an important game for the Philadelphia Eagles as they are trying to gain a win over the NFC West Division Leaders San Francisco 49ers.  Not only is a win important, but the health of Michael Vick is as well.  From week to week the severity of Vick’s injuries increased.  In Week 2, Vick suffered a concussion in Philadelphia’s 35-31 loss at Atlanta and just last Sunday, Vick injured his right hand in the third quarter of a 29-16 home defeat to the New York Giants.  As a result, many were unsure of his return.  Vick told the Press that he wants to be there for his teammates and holds himself accountable for his responsibilities as a quarterback.  As of today, Michael Vick ensures his fans and team that he is sure to return to the game that he loves most regardless of what he has to go through.  Vick told NFL Network’s Albert Breer that he will be wearing a glove on his right hand, which is his injured non-throwing hand during the game, which is no surprise the Eagles would be OK to Vick going great lengths to keep himself on the field.  All in all, with the support from his team and protection in the pocket, Vick will be able to finish a game injury free and pull out a win no matter the call of the referees.  Also, with the extra support from his impact-absorbing sports equipment he is sure to withstand all hits and tackles.

This game on Sunday will be a chance for the Eagles to show the world that they are able to overcome all hardships and be the team they once were.  Although, the San Francisco 49ers has the better record over the Eagles with a NFC West division lead of 2-1, the Eagles are surely capable of pulling out a win if they don’t “give up big plays” says Coach Andy Reid.

So come show your support and let’s make this the beginning of a winning season for the Eagles on Sunday, October 2, 2011 @ 1:00pm on Lincoln Financial Field.  With your support Michael Vick is sure to withstand all hits and finish the game injury free. 

The Eagles is a well established organization that never disappoints with its increase in team performance year after year and its stellar quality in leadership.  With Coach Andy Reid the team won the NFC Eastern Division Championship in the 2010-2011 season.  So success is always in the cards for this organization. 

If you would like more information please contact Damali Gaskin at 267.570.4400 or email gaskin@philadelphiaeagles.com.

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Full Media Kit on Event

Pedersen, Miloch, and Laucella (2007) noted that here are 7 elements that should be included in a media kit.  For this event the following items will be provided in the kit:

1. Media/Press release

See blog for press release

2. Significant statistics

Offensive Comparison of the Eagles vs. 49ers

Total Yards per Game               Passing Yards per Game              Rush Yards per Game

Eagles: 408.7                            Eagles: 226.7                               Eagles: 182.0

49ers: 213.7                              49ers: 144.0                                49ers: 69.7

3. Fact sheets

Fact sheet will be used to spotlight the Eagles Organization role within the community and how they service over 50,000 low income children in the Greater Philadelphia region every year with a focus on health and education programming through their Youth Partnership Program. 

4. Frequently asked questions

These are all questions that will be asked and answered.

What is the physical status of Michael Vick?  Is Michael Vick capable of playing and winning in Sunday’s Game? What is the team’s game plan?  How will the team avoid unnecessary hits against Vick? 

5. Feature story

How Andy Reid became the 5^th coach in NFL history to win 100 or more games with a single team in a single decade on December 6, 2009. 

6. Biographical sketches of key figures in the sport organization

Biographical sketches of:

Andy Reid – Head Coach ¨ Michael Vick – Quarterback ¨ DeSean Jackson – Wide Receiver

7. Photos

Photographs of the players, coaching staff, team practice, team community involvement, etc.

References

Photograph of Children Apart of Youth Partnership Program.  Retrieved from http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/community/eagles-youth-partnership.html

Photograph of Eagles Team.  Retrieved from http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/multimedia/photo-gallery/Browns-vs-Eagles/85e45269-6550-47d7-b52d-8719d1f69cd3

Photograph of Philadelphia Eagles Logo. Retrieved from http://www.free-extras.com/search/1/philadelphia+eagles.htm

Recruiting & Fundraising

Delisio and Fleming (2005) stated in the article that recruiting and fund-raising are very similar jobs.  What one does in one area is what the other does.  The old coaching saying states “recruiting is like shaving.  If you don’t do it every day, it’s going to show.  The same could be said for fundraising.  If the director of athletics is not doing something about it every day, it will eventually show” (Delisio & Fleming, 2005, p. 50).  Fund-raising is a job that requires ongoing work.  The donor doesn’t just want to feel like you have taken their money, but appreciative in what they have done/given.  In recruiting, the individual must be sent clippings of team success, big wins, etc.  The same could be said for fund-raising, the donor should receive clippings on the impact of the donation on the department, school, athlete/student, etc. in order to make them feel good about his/her gift and contribution (Delisio & Fleming, 2005). 

Delisio and Fleming (2005) specifically stated that anyone who can recruit should be able to fund-raise.  An effective recruiter is an effective fund-raiser.  The involvement of the coaches is considered the one main component of the fund-raising process.  Although, some may not like to recruit, it is a required role they are expected to play in the solicitation process.  However, when looking deeper into both of the roles they have many similarities.  Some of the similarities include:

v  Pool of prospects

Recruiting – every student on the team is a potential prospect

Fund-raising – every individual is a potential donor

v  Qualifying the pool of prospects

Recruiting – looking for the student athlete that stands out athletically and academically

Fund-raising – relationship of the donor with the organization/company/school

v  Ability and fit

Recruiting – answers questions such as, does the recruit have the ability to play at this level?  Does he/she have the ability to fit into the system?

Fund-raising – answers questions such as, does the donor have the ability to make a gift?

v  Contact with the prospect

Recruiting & Fundraising – communication through mail.  The responders will be put at the top of the list to receive more information

v  Research on your prospect

Recruiting – all coaches subscribe to a recruiting service to evaluate the players

Fund-raising – specific sources (ex. A.D.) can locate qualified prospects

v  Personal contact with the prospect

Recruiting – contact by phone, attend games, and give invitations for campus visit

Fund-raising – contact by phone, visit, and give invitations to games and other events

v  Personal connections

Recruiting – use influential people engaged in the decision-making process

Fund-raising – use alumnus or classmates of the prospect

v  Personal visit to make the hit

Recruiting – make the scholarship offer and ask for verbal commitment

Fund-raising – request verbal commitment

v  Final stage

Recruiting & Fund-raising – obtain signature of prospect on the dotted line

v  Stewardship

Recruiting – send the individual clippings of team success, awards, etc.

Fund-raising – send the donor clippings on the impact of the donation

v  Continuous process

Recruiting – covers a set time period of about 4 – 5 years

Fund-raising – process is forever (Delisio & Fleming, 2005).

As one can see recruiting and fund-raising requires the same types of duties in order to be effective and successful.  I think one of the main similarities of the two is the pool of the prospects.  In both recruiting and fund-raising one must always remember that everyone is a potential prospect.  No one should be eliminated or overlooked because you never know what the outcome could be.  It takes a great deal of time to find the perfect student and donor, but when you find them you should never let them go.  If a recruiter or fundraiser exercises the steps listed in the similarities, then there is absolutely no reason to fail. 

References

Delisio, C., & Fleming, S.  (2005).  Recruiting & fund-raising: the two have more similarities than you think.  Coach and Athletic Director, 50-52.

Photograph of recruiting 1.  Retrieved from http://salesmomsnetwork.com/2010/11/direct-sales-recruiting-take-your-recruiting-online/

Photograph of recruiting 2.  Retrieved from http://blog.smashfly.com/2011/01/13/recruiting-crm-a-buyers-guide/

Sports Celebrity Endorsements

Dwyane Wade entered the National Basketball Association (NBA) draft in 2003, and was selected fifth in the first round draft by the Miami Heat.  He emerged as one of the best young players in the NBA within his first three seasons of the league.  Wade plays guard for the Miami Heat and with his team won the 2006 NBA Championship (Newsmakers Cumulation, 2011).  As Wade’s career began to take off in basketball, so did his endorsement deals.  Wade appeared in his first commercial for Converse sneakers in early 2005.  Later that fall, he signed a deal to become Converse’s primary endorser and face of the brand.  As a result, Wade was soon able to create his own signature shoe for Converse.  Some of Wade’s other significant endorsement deals were with Warren Henry Motors, Gatorade, and McDavid Hex Pad.  By 2007, Wade’s endorsement income was estimated around $12 million with deals specifically with Converse, Gatorade, Topps, and Lincoln Cars (Arango, 2008).  The most popular endorsement that many affiliated him with was T-Mobile.  T-Mobile signed Wade as an endorser to help the wireless carrier design a limited-edition Sidekick, the texting device/cell phone (Sports Biz, 2007).  

Recently, Freedman (2011) noted that Wade’s salary/winnings for the 2011 calendar year is about $14.2 million.  On the other hand, his endorsements are estimated at $14 million, which puts Dwyane Wade’s total revenue income at $28.2 million (Freedman, 2011).  One of Wade’s current endorsement deals is with McDavid’s Hex Pad performance apparel and sports medicine products.  Wade has worn company’s products since 2005 and has decided to re-up his endorsement deal with the company (Associated Press, 2011).  Another recent endorsement deal was when Wade signed a 3 year contract with Nike’s Jordan Brand, which is estimated at $36 million (Fraser, 2009).  Wade is also known as the most recent endorser for Hublot Watches, the Swiss watch company (Yuscavage, 2011). 

Pedersen, Miloch, and Laucella (2007) stated that athletes endorse products that maintain their current brand image and enhance it.  In relation to Wade, his endorsement deals match the character that he is trying to portray.  He is one of the leading faces in the NBA and reaches out to all types of people from all around the world.  Wade is one of the most marketable players in the NBA that is trying to establish a global brand that not only matches his skills on the court, but outside as well.  Wade chooses to endorse products that advance him to the next level, which is why he is now an endorser for Nike’s Jordan Brand.  Wade has a very clean image that makes him a role model for young children and even peers his age.  As a result of his clean image and good character, Wade is able to raise any amount of money for organizations that he partners with.  For example, Wade has co-headlined Zo’s Summer Groove, a huge charity weekend event in Miami, which has made an enormous amount of money due to Wade’s appearance and involvement with the event (Moore, 2011).  Moore (2011) stated that “it was a smart move by Mourning and the event’s promoters to put Wade as the headliner to cash in on his status as a current All-Star” (p. 1).

References

Arango, T. (2008).  Top 10 endorsement superstars.  Estimated endorsement income for 2007 among American pro athletes.  Retrieved from http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/fortune/0711/gallery.endorsements.fortune/10.html

Associated Press.  (2011).  Dwyane Wade re-ups deal with McDavid.  Retrieved from http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/truehoop/miamiheat/news/story?id=6043409

Fraser, A.  (2009).  Miami Heat star Wade lands new Nike contract.  Retrieved from http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/miami_heat_star_wade_lands_new_nike_deal/

Freedman, J.  (2011).  The 50 highest-earning American athletes.  Retrieved from http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/specials/fortunate50-2011/index.html

Moore. M.  (2011).  Lockout impacts Wade’s involvement in huge charity event, Zo’s Summer Groove.  Retrieved from http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/06/25/lockout-takes-wade-out-of-huge-charity-event-zos-summer-groove/

Newsmakers Cumulation.  (2011).  Dwyane Wade.  Retrieved from http://www.notablebiographies.com/newsmakers2/2007-Pu-Z/Wade-Dwyane.html

Photograph of Dwyane Wade on Cover for XBOX 360.  Retrieved from http://mdg005.picturepush.com/album/67851/2335108/Covers/Dwyane-Wade-Cover-2.html

Photograph of Michael Jordan and Dwyane Wade.  Retrieved from http://coralannedesigns.blogspot.com/2010/08/eoc-week-5-ad-categories.html 

Pedersen, P. M., Miloch, K. S., & Laucella, P. C.  (2007).  Strategic sport communication. Champaign, Illinois: Human Kinetics.

Sports Biz.  (2007).  Building a megabrand named Dwyane.  How Dwyane Wade of the Head is rewriting the rules of sports marketing.  Retrieved from http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_07/b4021082.htm

Video of Dwyane Wade MyTouch Commercial.  Retrieved from http://youtu.be/UFodZ1wzl4A

Yuscavage, C.  (2011).  Dwyane Wade endorses Hublot watches.  Retrieved from http://www.complex.com/sports/2011/02/dwyane-wade-endorses-hublot-watches

Olympic Media Coverage

Prime Minister Gordon Brown and John Armitt, chairman of the Olympic Delivery Authority, at the Olympic Park in Stratford

The Olympic Games is the most widely covered and televised sporting event in the world (Schneeberger, 2011).  One of the challenges for Olympic coverage is the ability to produce media tape that is live.  Rivenburgh (2002) stated that “in recent years American Broadcasters have introduced plausible live television into the Olympics”, which means a “mixing of live tape and delayed segments making it seem that the event is live or happening as we watch” (p. 36).  This type of broadcasting creates an overly produced look for the viewer.  Although the taping creates a heightened experience, its tapings are delayed, which poses a problem during the Olympic Games.  For example, during the 2000 Games in Sydney the ratings dropped because viewers were told of the tape delay (Rivenburgh, 2002).  Even though Sydney is 15 hours ahead, some would say that watching the games as they happen is almost impossible to keep up with.  However, wanting to watch the games as they are taking place makes you feel part of your country and the game that is taking place.  I remember watching the 2008 Olympic Games in China and how I was unable to watch the basketball games.  Basketball is my favorite sport and I didn’t get to watch many of the games.  I was very upset because China was 12 hours ahead of the Eastern Time Zone, so every time the game was on I was either at work or asleep.  I felt very disconnected during the basketball section of the Games.  However, I was able to watch the replay of the basketball games, but it just wasn’t the same.  What I did like was the award ceremony of the metals, that felt very real and like I was sitting right there in China.  So in that instance, plausible live television was a great thing to have and be a part of as a viewer.

Another challenge facing media coverage during the Olympic Games is the increase in cable channels.  Broadcast stations have now produced many channels that viewers can subscribe to and watch.  This creates much competition for Broadcasters of the Olympic Games because they are trying to capture the attention of all.  When there is a large audience a substantial amount of money will be generated.  The goal of broadcasters is to keep the viewers logged on to their stations.  If cable provides options then the viewers could possibly choose to watch other programs besides the Olympics.  My personal experience with this is that instead of watching track and field I will often opt to watch a movie on FX or another channel.  The only time I tuned in to watch track and field was when Usain Bolt was running.  This is an obstacle the media faces at the Olympics simply because they now have to compete against cable channels.  Games are playing on a lot of channels and viewers are still able to watch other shows due to this increase.

For the upcoming 2012 Olympic Games in London the media faces grave challenges.  In BBC News (2011) the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) stated “the economic downturn has made it difficult to secure funding for the 2012 Olympic Village” (p. 1).  With the lack of available credit, the two main 2012 schemes (Olympic Village and media center) are forced to raise money through private sectors (Ruddick, 2009).  The media center is set to house 20,000 broadcasters, photographers, and journalists (BBC News, 2011).  However, with the world falling into a deep recession, Europe must step up the construction and try to resolve key funding issues (Ruddick, 2009).  If Europe is unable to resolve the funding issues, the media center can be significantly decreased.  That would mean that less global media coverage will take place and viewers would have limited choices on stations to watch or gather information about the Olympics.

References

BBC News.  (2011).  Funding problems for 2012 village.  Retrieved from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/7635353.stm

Photograph of Olympic Village. Retrieved from

http://www.bpovia.com/blog/china-economy/london%E2%80%99s-2012-olympic-preparations-face-crisis.html

Photograph of Prime Minister Gordon Brown and John Armitt.  Retrieved from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/industry/
4284439/A-recession-of-Olympic-proportions.html

Rivenburgh, N. K. (2002). The Olympic Games: Twenty-first century challenges as a global media event. Culture, Sport and Society, 5(3), 31-50.

Ruddick, G. (2009). A recession of Olympic proportions. Retrieved from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/industry/4284439/A-recession-of-Olympic-proportions.html

Schneeberger, J. M. (2011, February 6). The Olympic Games: Future media challenges [Web log post]. Retrieved from
http://sportsnut33.blogspot.com/2011/02/olympic-games-future-media-challenges.html

Sports Information Technology

Sports information technology is an evolving area that many are adapting to within the industry.  It has been stated that computer technology and the sports industry had little correlations.  Subsequently, with the change in modern times all aspects of sports are becoming affecting by computer technology (Merchant Circle, 2011).  More specifically, Merchant Circle (2011) stated that “computers fulfill a vital role in improving everything from the performance of athletes to the management of teams and matches”, p. 1).  In the sports industry today, computers are used to make scheduling matches more efficient.  With the use of modern technology software, the computer is able to detect and prevent scheduling conflicts every time a change is made.  These same software programs can also manage practice schedules for teams (Merchant Circle, 2011).

Computer technology also allows for increased accuracy in all sporting events (Hibma, 2011).  Its main purpose is to ensure that games are played by the rules and fair.  Through the detection of sensors, balls and players can be detected going out of bounds (Merchant Circle, 2011).  For example, tennis tournaments have sensors set up alongside the out of bounds and service lines, which will give off a signal when the ball touches them (Hibma, 2011).  Computer sensors are also able to detect winners in close race finishes (Merchant Circle, 2011).

Another benefit of computer software programs is instant replay.  Digital replays can help resolve conflicts between players, referees, and coaches as to the outcome of a given play (Merchant Circle, 2011).  Hibma (2011) explained that Major League Baseball (MLB) uses instant replay to determine if a ball is hit out of the ballpark for a home run.  Most baseball stadiums are shaped differently, which makes it harder for the umpire to see if a ball was hit out of the park (Hibma, 2011).  More specifically, “baseballs can hit an obstruction and bounce back on the field, and if there is any question about the validity of a home run, an umpire will go to a room in the clubhouse and watch the monitor to make the correct call” (Hibma, 2011, p. 1).

Computer technology is also used at every sporting event in the form of cameras, which broadcast the quality of the event.  Multiple cameras are used at games and set up all around the field or court.  They are usually held up by a string and have the ability to move at any angle.  These cameras are also high definition, so every minute detail of the game is seen on television by the fans (Hibma, 2011).

Social media and other online mediums such as Twitter, Facebook, podcast, and webcasting also makes it interactive for the fans in relation to the sports industry for live postings, blogs, etc. on games, players, and teams.  Three G mobile technology also enables fans and supporters to download sports applications from various mobile devices and tablets (iPhones, iPods, and iPads), so that they can stay in touch with all things sports related.

References

Hibma, T.  (2011).  How does computer technology improve sports?  Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5038490_computer-technology-improve-sports.html

Merchant Circle.  (2011).  How does computer technology improve sports?  Retrieved from http://experts.merchantcircle.com/articles/How-Does-Computer-Technology-Improve-Sports/1026767

Photograph of cartoon 1 and 2.  Retrieved from http://www.cartoonstock.com/directory/c/computer_technology.asp

Photograph of MLB instant replay.  Retrieved from http://sportsfantalking.com/2011/08/14/baseball-rules-–-instant-replay-part-two-debunking-the-negatives



Russian Plane Crash



Wreckage of Russian Yak-42 jet, carrying a top ice hockey team, seen near the city of Yaroslavl, on the Volga River about 150 miles northeast of Moscow, Russia



I just want to take the time to offer my condolences to the family members who lost loved ones during the recently plane crash in Russia.

The plane was carrying players, coaches, and staff members of the Lokomotiv Yaroslavi Ice Hockey Team, in which 43 of them were killed.  Two individuals (flight crew member and hockey player) survived the plane crash, but are still in critical condition as of today (September 9, 2011) (International Business Times, 2011).

The Russian authorities said the plane (YAK 42) was not able to gain altitude and hit a signal tower soon after taking off from the Tunoshna Airport.  Investigators have recovered the “black box” data recordings, but the tapes were considered too wet to decipher (International Business Times, 2011).

A spokesman for Lokomotiv, Vladimir N. Malkov, said in a telephone interview, “we have no team any more; they all burned in the crash” (Barry & Kramer, 2011, p. 1).  Although this is a tragic event hopefully, the Russian’s will be able to put back together a hockey team and restore hope to those who live in the area.

Again, my heart goes out to all!!

References

Barry, E., & Kramer, A.  (2011).  Crash wipes out elite Russian hockey team, killing several veterans of the N.H.L.  Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/08/world/europe/08russia.html

International Business Times.  (2011).  Russian plane crash: Black book too wet to use.  Retrieved from http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/211282/20110909/russian-plane-crash-blackbox.htm

Photograph map of Yaroslavl, Russia.  Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/08/world/europe/08russia.html

Photograph of plane wreckage.  Retrieved from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44422789/ns/world_news-europe/

Global Sports Reporting

One newspaper in the United States that has a medium to large market is the New York Times.  The sports section in the Times is laid out very neatly and is eye catching.  The major sports that are happening today have the biggest area in the Times sports section.  For instance, the U.S. Open is going on and the sports section covers everything from umpires skipping the games to the rain cancelling the games.  Also, as baseball is approaching its post-season, viewers can get all the latest game and scoring information as well.  In the middle of the sports page there was a multimedia section, which allows viewers to watch videos on recent games and also view live full brackets of the U.S. Open.  The Times sports page also features an opinion and analysis section on top sports stories that you can read then voice your opinion on.  Another interesting section was “From the Blogs”, which contained a story on the Maryland uniforms being a fashion statement or train wreck.  That section was interesting because it shows the versatility in sports writing and covers topics that are most important to the viewers.  Viewers are also able to follow sports bloggers from all types of sports leagues.

One of the web links that were provided was a story published by the Associated Press on the Russian Jet Crash that killed 43.  This was a very sad story as it was one of the worst plane crashes ever involving a sports team.  Another main link provided on the sports page was the interactive scoreboard of sports leagues.  This scoreboard also provided links of players during the games.  The types of advertising that was featured on the sports page of the Times were for DirecTV (purchasing the NFL Sunday Ticket), Baseball gloves on sales through ESPN, and Help Panera fight hunger for the Children’s Hunger Alliance. 

A large circulation international newspaper that is English speaking is the Sun.  The Sun is a daily newspaper in London, United Kingdom that covers local news, sports, business, jobs, and community events.  In comparison to the New York Times, the Sun’s sports page seemed very congested and a little bit hard to follow.  Some of the similarities found in comparison to the Times were the interactive sports score board, a multimedia section of the most talked about stories, top sports stories happening today (ex. Football), sports discussion sections, and blogs. 

Some of the differences found within the sports page of the Sun were logos of football teams, which can be clicked on to get more team information.  Although, this newspaper was in London it still contained updated weather information for the area where you are logging-on.  For example, I live in the Dayton, OH area so the Sun shows me the precise weather forecast for my area.  The Sun also featured many sports videos throughout the entire page.  A lot of the sports articles also contained places for viewers to comment.  The Sun had web links just like the New York Times; however the links would take you to more sports videos and sports news feeds.  The Sun was very dedicated to sports news and didn’t have much advertising.  I saw three advertising links: Weight Watchers, Hyundai Cars, and sales techniques for a salesperson.  This was a very interesting newspaper to read and see in the United Kingdom for sports. 

References

Photograph of the New York Times logo. Retrieved from

http://appscout.pcmag.com/news/269910-the-new-york-times-is-top-online-newspaper-site-for-may

Photograph of the Sun logo.  Retrieved from http://www.thestudentmagazine.co.uk/thesunhack.php

In Memory of Don Meredith

I want to take the time to acknowledge one the most influential people in American broadcasting, Don Meredith.  Don Meredith was first one the starting quarterbacks for the Dallas Cowboys that took the team to three back to back division titles and to consecutive NFL championship games in 1966 and 1967.  Even though they lost both games, Meredith was still considered one of the franchise’s first stars.  After his retirement from the NFL, he later joined Keith Jackson and Howard Cosell in the broadcasting booth on Monday Night Football (ESPN Dallas/Fort Worth, 2010).  Meredith became known as the color analyst, which provided expert analysis, background information, statistics, and injury reports of teams and athletes when plays were not in progress.  He would also provide the audience with light humor and would often sing the song “The Party’s Over” when the game’s outcome was obviously determined.  Meredith was the first athlete to transition from player to color analyst.  His final broadcast was ABC’s first Super Bowl with Frank Gifford and Joe Theismann (Super Bowl XIX) (ESPN Dallas/Fort Worth, 2010).  Through all of his great accomplishments Don Meredith is a man that will never be forgotten.  His warm, kind, and funny humor brought enjoyment to viewers and supporters to the nature of the game.  I want to say thanks to Don Meredith for all his hard work and evolutionary changes he brought to broadcasting NFL games. 

References

ESPN Dallas/Fort Worth.  (2010).  Don Meredith dies at age 72.  Retrieved from http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/nfl/news/story?id=5890812

Photograph of Don Meredith.  Retrieved from http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4675363/espn-remembers-mnf-legend-don-meredith

Why I Want To Be A Sports Blogger

During my entire career history, I have not been employed or involved in anything that was related to the field of sports.  However, sports have been a part of my life ever since I was a child.  I remember playing games like tennis, tea-ball, and kick-ball.  All of those sports games I played with my sisters and the other kids in the neighborhood.  These games turned into team sports for us and we enjoyed playing them every chance we got.  My mother was a very sports oriented person also.  I would have to say that she was the one person that introduced me to sports and kept me involved.  My childhood home was across the street from a park.  At this park there was a tennis court, swimming pool, basketball court, and baseball field. 


Out of all the activities at this park, I would say that swimming was my favorite.  My mother taught me all the swimming techniques there was and I became better and better at it.  As I grew older I learned that swimming was a sport and that many individuals competed in swimming events.  One of the biggest swimming events that I watched on television was the Olympics.  During the Olympics, I watched many competitors compete against each other for the gold medal in events such as synchronizing swimming, diving, and relays.  Although, I have never been to a swimming event it still remains one of my favorite activities and sporting events, which I can’t wait to watch during the 2012 Olympic Games.  My mother has taken me to pretty much all major sporting events from hockey to baseball and even wrestling (LOL).  As of today, I still find that I am very interesting in sporting events because it has been so much a part of who I am.

With that being said, I would like to be a sports blogger because I love watching, talking, and engaging in sporting events.  I am choosing to be a blogger because I would have full control of my blog site and I would be able to cover stories more in depth.  Sportscasters on television are pretty much told what to say and not able to venture out into their own thoughts and feelings.  By having my own blog site, I would provide my viewers with as much information as possible and also encourage them to express themselves in any way possible.  No one would have control of what I write and I would feel free enough to create and talk about all things sports related.  Being a blogger would allow me to connect with my viewers and engage them in topics that are sometimes not covered on television.

Reference 

Photograph of Olympic rings.  Retrieved from http://shaunellekitty.blogspot.com/2011/04/olympic-rings.html