Rams in NJ, How to Watch Game, Jack Youngblood, McVay on ESPNLA and at FOX Studios, FUNdamentals Camp, Rams Keynotes Boys and Girls Club and PKK Challenge, CFP Selects Los Angeles, Zuerlein NFC Special Teams Player of Month & Rams Pins
Busy week for the Ram organization too.
They do a 'Where are they Now' with Jack Youngblood. Which brought back some memories (I guess that's the point...lol) but I wrote about my experiences back in the day watching him play. He was by far one of of my favorite players and honestly, I concur with him as far as best Ram players I grew up with (and met two times including hanging out drinking with him at TGI Fridays in Marina del Rey back in '85) and he played with in his 14 year career.
He also says that one of two games that I also want to re do again being that Pittsburgh and Rams Super Bowl back in the 1979 season. We had that game won through 3 quarters and then boom, two of Terry Bradshaw and Lynn Swann and John Stallworth pass and catches accordingly in their highlight reel happened in the 4th quarter.
Then, as we all know about the last year the Rams were in the Super Bowl, the Patriots had to cheat to get by that game on that Adam Vinatieri field goal in the final 3 seconds. That is the other game I wish to re do and that is actually how my Diary of a Ram Fan book starts and then again, I get into things about the defense in the 70's. And, I get deep into my deal with Eric Dickerson in the 80's.
I love the Rams. I could talk all night about them.
Overall, I very much hope there is no lag this week with the day off. I hate bye weeks because I like playing more than not playing. I would rather play than not play when I competed. I would play every day of I could.
Anyway, lots to show everyone this week. Have fun and let's hope the team stays on that winning track.
Specifically, the first year head coach talked about what he has seen from Goff this season, mentioning the young quarterback's improvement and development from year one to year two. He also discusses the additional offensive weapons the Rams have added this year that have contributed to the team's overall success and goes over his plans for the Halloween Weekend.
You can watch the full interview by clicking the link below.
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On ESPN LA, McVay visited Keyshawn Johnson, Jorge Sedano and LZ Granderson to talk about the NFL's highest scoring offense. He also discusses the team's upcoming game against the New York Giants, wide receiver Sammy Watkin's involvement in the offense thus far, and how the Rams have utilized running back Todd Gurley in the passing game this season.You can listen to the full interview by clicking the link here:
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN
McVay Visits FOX Studios During Bye Week
With FOX’s two NFL pregame shows based out of Los Angeles, the Rams’ head coach made his way to FOX Studios to appear on the broadcasts. In the process, McVay got to meet and talk with analysts like former Cowboys head coach Jimmy Johnson and former Falcons and Eagles quarterback Michael Vick.
“It was fun. It was a great group of guys,” McVay said. “I had met a couple of them. Obviously, I had a lot of respect for some of the players and meeting coach Johnson, getting a chance to talk to him.
“That’s the one thing that I would say is probably the best part about this job — is the platform it provides to get exposure to special people like a handful of those guys that I got a chance to meet yesterday, kind of pick their brain,” McVay continued. “They had some fun with some of the gameshows — we had a good time with that yesterday.”
McVay was only at the studios for a couple of hours before taking in the full slated of games back at home. But during the show, the head coach got a bit of a surprise when Vick appeared in McVay’s high school jersey. McVay, of course, was named Georgia 4A Offensive Player of the Year after leading his team to a state championship.
“It was cool, because I had never got a chance to meet Mike before and just talking to those guys and Greg Jennings,” McVay added. “I had met Tony Gonzalez through some mutual friends already, but being able to meet those players and then talk to Jimmy Johnson, you talk to Howie Long and Terry Bradshaw – that a fun experience to be able to have to continue to meet and learn from those guys."
Leading into the bye, McVay had lead he wanted to relax and decompress a bit before returning for the second half of the season. The head coach said he was able to do that over a few days off, also making a trip to Chavez Ravine.
“Really, you look at just traveling as much as we did, just was able to stay at home and relax for a few days,” McVay said. “Went to Game 2 of the World Series which, would’ve liked a different outcome, but what a great atmosphere being down there and seeing those guys compete. It was a great, competitive game. Then, going over to FOX Studios yesterday — but I was able to relax, get away. You enjoy sitting around watching some football and kind of feeling like a fan. That’s what we did yesterday.”
Now McVay and the Rams are back at their day jobs, preparing for Sunday’s matchup with the Giants in New Jersey.
“Traveling on a Friday, we’ve got to make sure that we have good focus and concentration as we prepare for them starting on Wednesday, because the players will be off again tomorrow and then we’ll come back Wednesday and resume our normal schedule,” McVay said.
Flag Football will kick off as a demonstration sport in next year’s Special Olympic Games and is currently being introduced to SOSC athletes. Senior Manager of Sports and Programs with Special Olympics Santa Clarita & Tri-Valley Regions, Wendy Ellet, believes the Rams football clinics are an unforgettable way to engage the athletes in a new sport. All SOSC athletes left last week’s skills camp with some basic football experience, a team-branded shirt, and of course, the continued support of the Rams.
“Our athletes felt empowered,” said Ellet. “They were treated like NFL football players getting to wear Rams jerseys, and they loved it. There was attention to detail that meant a lot to our athletes. The skill stations were excellent. Everyone went home proudly wearing their Rams tee shirts. The Rams’ efforts to partner with Special Olympics is greatly appreciated and I know the Rams Camp is an experience that none of us will forget. It was the best event I have ever experienced in my 14 years with Special Olympics. Pure sport and joy.”
According to Chuck Lyon, Dean and Athletic Director of College of the Canyons, the skills camp had as much of an impact on his student-athletes as it did on the SOSC athletes the event was designed to serve. He believes this project was a great way to support SOSC while also giving his student-athletes an experience they can learn from. The COC football players led the SOSC athletes in drills that incorporated football components such as kicking, punting, catching, backpedaling, throwing and line rushing. The cheers of encouragement for the SOSC athletes were boisterous and contagious as the evening had no shortage of heartfelt moments.
“We haven’t had this much fun all week. I can’t stop smiling,” said Lyon after watching his players cheerfully embrace an SOSC athlete after successfully kicking a field goal. “This is one of the best events I have been involved with in my 30 years in education. Education doesn’t just happen in a classroom. I believe this experience will be carried with them for the rest of their lives. I know it will for me!”
The Rams will host two more FUNdamental Camps and PPK Challenges this season. The top performers at each of the six camps will have an opportunity to compete during pregame of the Rams’ PLAY60 Game on December 10, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
For more information about the Rams FUNamental Camps and PPK Challenges, please click here. Information about becoming an athlete, donations and volunteer opportunities with the Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC) is available at www.sosc.org.
Rams Franklin Keynotes Boys and Girls Club Teen Summit in Thousand Oaks
On Saturday, October 21 at Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, Franklin served as a keynote speaker at the annual Teen Summit hosted by the L.A. County Alliance for Boys and Girls Clubs. Leading experts provided a full-day’s experience with the best advice to create and maintain healthy habits, with the unique concerns and perspectives of teens in mind. Professional athletes led the teens in stations of fun workout activities and all attendees went home with a Rams t-shirt and other goodies.
Prior to sharing his story, Franklin shared a few videos with the audience to provide them with some information on his background. One of the clips was a highlight tape of his days as a UCLA running back, with footage of his 37-yard touchdown run that broke the school’s all-time rushing record. The second was a video that Franklin had only seen once or twice, and a video that continues to hit home for Franklin to this day. It showed the Green Bay Packers’ Monday press briefing, one in which Head Coach Mike McCarthy publicly announced that running back Johnathan Franklin had received a neck injury that was going to sideline him the rest of the season and require rehabilitation away from the team. After nearly a year of rehabilitation in preparation for a return to professional football, Franklin was dealt another blow. He was informed by a team doctor that he was no longer able to play football, triggering his retirement in 2014.
When asked why he chose to share this difficult press conference with the kids, Franklin responded, “It was a video that I struggled watching from an emotional and acceptance standpoint in the progressions of my life. I believe if I’m talking about owning who you are as a person, your struggles and your success, I had to take the initiative to progress in my own life and take the steps and face that video. Regardless of how often that video is shown or how many times I hear the words ‘Johnathan Franklin is done playing football,’ I need to be at peace with it. It was time to face that and be an example to the youth.”
Executive Director of L.A. County Alliance for Boys and Girls Clubs, Mary Hewitt, has dedicated herself to enable youth, especially those in need, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. She found Franklin’s story and address to the kids to be a message that was consistent with the Teen Summit’s mission.
“Johnathan Franklin’s speech today was so powerful and moving,” said Hewitt. “I think the kid’s takeaway was ‘Don’t let your environment or circumstances define you – you are able to overcome them.’ I think that was a very powerfully received message that the kids will take home and it will transform them.”
Even the Mayor of Thousand Oaks, Claudia Bill-da la Pena, joined in the local efforts for the surrounding youth. She opened the event with a brief introduction and explained her role in providing local youth with resources and opportunity and how that positively impacts our community at large. Having been moved by Franklin’s story and passion, Mayor Bill-de la Pena expressed her gratitude for the Rams’ community outreach initiatives.
“We are thrilled that the Rams are here in Thousand Oaks,” said Mayor Bill-da la Pena. “What the Rams have done so far in terms of community outreach has been very exciting. The football players are going out into the local schools and then you have someone like Johnathan Franklin to inspire all of the children here today with a speech so powerful that it brings tears to your eyes. I hope what the children took away from his speech is that the choices they make are up to them, and they can last a lifetime. Having Johnathan be the keynote speaker representing not only himself, but also the Rams and our community is absolutely inspiring.”
The ever-so-humble Franklin rarely has expectations regarding how well his story will be received or what kind of impact it may have on others. He understands that everyone’s story is different, therefore the ways in which others interpret his story may vary as well. For Franklin, it’s simply about extending his hand for the benefit of others and reminding kids that they are important to him, others, and most importantly, themselves.
“I hope they take away that it’s ok to be who they are,” said Franklin. “Sports, money and other’s opinions do not give them more self-worth then they already have by just waking up each day. The power of choice and the choices that you make each day will really guide you to creating the life that you want to live.”
The 2017 Teen Summit’s takeaway was just that. Sean Eowelo, a child with Eastman’s Boys and Girls Club was sitting on a chair watching his peers partake in some activities. Curious to see what the event meant to him and how Franklin’s story impacted him, I asked Sean about his experience and what he learned.
“Just be yourself at all times,” said Eowelo. “Don’t let anybody bring you down, and make things happen for yourself.”
You can watch the podcast in the video above, stream it via SoundCloud in the embedded link below, or subscribe to the podcast via Apple Podcasts or TuneIn.
Where Are They Now?: Jack Youngblood
Q: What are you up to these days now that you’re done playing football?
Youngblood: I’m trying to stay out of trouble to be honest with you. When you have a little more time on your hands outside of the work and the routine you had while you were playing, it’s so different than the real world. I have a farm up in Jefferson County, so I try to get up there 3-5 days a month because 200 acres will keep you busy for sure and that takes up quite a bit of time and effort.
Q: Describe to me what it was like finding out you were drafted by the Los Angeles Rams?
Youngblood: What in the world just happened? In 1971 there wasn’t ESPN. I had met maybe two or three guys who had come in and interviewed me as a talent. My coach had told me, “Well, I don’t know if you got a chance to play in the NFL, I don’t know. My information is you may be drafted in the 10th or 12th or 15th round.” They had like 20 rounds back then. About that time we got down to like pick No. 15, 16, 17 or something and the phone rings in the room. They’re talking on the phone and they hand me the phone and they say, “It’s the coach from the Los Angeles Rams.” My first thought – honest to God, I am not exaggerating – I put my hand over the receiver and I said, “Who’s the coach?” I thought there were only like 4 or 5 teams in the league because on television that’s all I saw! I am holding the phone and I answer, “Hello Coach” and he says, “Youngblood, Tommy Prothro here. We’re gonna draft you!”
Q: What is your favorite memory while playing for the Rams organization?
Youngblood: There were so many great moments over the 14 years, but one that I have always reflected back on is the acceptance from both Merlin and Deacon in my first 3 or 4 weeks and into the preseason games. Both Merlin and Deacon said to me that week and put their arm around me like a big brother and said, “Kid, you can play. But we gotta teach you how to play.” I looked at both of them in the eye and said, “Trust me, I’m all ears.”
Q: Is there a game you would like to go back and replay?
Youngblood: I look back on the Super Bowl. We came so close in the 70s. In 1979 when we finally got through Dallas and Minnesota and we went to Tampa for the NFC Championship and we shut them out, that put us into Super Bowl XIV. Playing in that game, I can remember being within a step of Terry Bradshaw as he threw the ball to John Stallworth down the left sideline. I mean I literally hollered at Terry and he stepped up just a heartbeat before and then I hit him just as he released the ball. Both of us turned and looked and John went and caught that ball and went on to beat us. We had 6 minutes left in the ball game. I could have made a difference. If I’d of had that one more step, I could have made a difference in that ball game.
Q: What was your pregame ritual back in the day?
Youngblood: I had a compulsive thing about my shoestrings – they had to be straight. It had to be stitched up just right. I would tie that knot off two or three times because it wouldn’t go right the first time. It wasn’t superstition, it was discipline. It’s what we had done for years.
Q: In your opinion, who is the best player you ever played with?
Youngblood: Well for sure, Eric Dickerson. It was privileged to sit on the sidelines and sit on the practice field watching him literally dance. I can remember watching him run ‘49 no-gap’ and ‘48 no-gap’ time and time and time again. If he’d been a girl, he’d of been a ballerina.
Q: What was your favorite city to visit when you were playing?
Youngblood: New Orleans – we played at Tulane Stadium at first and then to the Dome. I hated that Dome because I’d start out a game at a weight of 250 and at the end of the ball game I’d be 230 pounds. I’d lose 20 pounds of water, it was incredible. I think it was because of the atmosphere inside that Dome. It didn’t happen in any other place. Also, what I love about New Orleans was you could eat your way down Bourbon Street.
Q: Which former teammates do you want to have dinner with tonight?
Youngblood: I would bring Rich Saul, Phil Olsen, Merlin Olsen, Deacon Jones and Bert Jones. I would bring those guys back for a fun night.
Q: Looking back on your 14-year career, what advice would you give rookie Jack Youngblood?
Youngblood: Try and be better than what you are. I never wanted to be in a situation where my opponent or the offensive lineman or tight end in front of me to be in better condition than I was or stronger than I was. I don’t think I ever got to the peak where I was satisfied with where I was. I always felt as though there was another 50-yard sprint or another hill to run or another workout that I should have done or another film I should have watched or that I didn’t see something that I should have seen and because I didn’t see it, I didn’t make the play.
Q: If there is a piece of advice you can give the team this season, what would that be?
Youngblood: This is a long run but you have to take it one play at a time. Every play, every snap, until the end of the season. That will get you to the next level where you want to be.
Zuerlein Named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month
Kicker Greg Zuerlein has been named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month after recording 51 points in October — 14 field goals and nine extra points.
Zuerlein had an outstanding start to the month, hitting all seven attempted field goals in the Rams’ 35-30 victory over the Cowboys. The kicker was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance.
From there, Zuerlein connected on one field goal against Seattle, two against Jacksonville, and four against Arizona in London.
Through seven games, Zuerlein is the NFL’s scoring leader with 84 total points. He’s 21-of-22 in field goals and 21-of-21 on extra-point attempts.
Zuerlein is the Rams’ second NFC Player of the Month in 2017, as running back Todd Gurley was the conference’s Offensive Player of the Month for September. Gurley, Zuerlein, cornerback Trumaine Johnson, and kick returner Pharoh Cooper have also been named NFC Player of the Week in the first eight weeks of the season.
CFP Selects Los Angeles to Host the National Championship Game in 2023
“Los Angeles is a world-class city with a great record as sensational hosts to college football championships, Olympics, Super Bowls and other top events,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP. “Of course, the new stadium will be spectacular.”
In partnership with the Los Angeles Stadium and Entertainment District at Hollywood Park, the nation’s biggest college football event will be played at the new NFL stadium in the City of Inglewood, set to open in 2020.
LASEC’s successful bid to host the CFP focused on utilizing the tremendous venues and assets of Los Angeles – diversity, creativity, entertainment – and the destination’s storied history of hosting the world’s biggest sporting events including the Olympics, World Cup, Super Bowls, All-Star Weekends and more.
“College football is a special game — with America’s most gifted players and storied programs lifted up by a fan base devoted like no other,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. “Los Angeles has always been where the world’s best athletes come to make history on the biggest stage, and we can’t wait to welcome the College Football Playoff National Championship to town in 2023.”
“The City of Inglewood is excited to be the home of college football’s biggest event, the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2023,” said Inglewood Mayor James Butts. “In partnership with the City of Los Angeles, we are fully committed to making it the greatest fan experience in this event's history.”
The CFP National Championship will generate over 31,000 hotel room nights. While the game will be held in Inglewood, other official and unofficial events will be hosted throughout the region. The Los Angeles Host Committee will be responsible for hosting the event and will work closely with the CFP to deliver the most successful national championship game to date on January 9, 2023.
“The new stadium and district we are building at Hollywood Park will transform the area into a year-round sports and entertainment destination delivering an unparalleled experience for all who visit,” said Los Angeles Rams Owner/Chairman E. Stanley Kroenke. “We are excited to add the College Football Playoff National Championship to the roster of premier events at our stadium including the Super Bowl and the Opening and Closing ceremonies of the 2028 Olympics.”
“As the entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles is ready to deliver a College Football Playoff National Championship like no city has ever before,” said Kathryn Schloessman, president of Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission. “This successful bid reaffirms L.A.’s status as one of the most desirable destinations for hosting global sporting events.”
“Mega events like the College Football National Championship generate an economic boost for Los Angeles as visitors fill our hotels, employ Angelenos and bring millions in direct spend to our area restaurants, attractions and more,” said Ernest Wooden Jr., president & CEO of Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board. “Thank you to our hospitality businesses for their collaboration in securing another championship event for the Los Angeles region.”
This will be the first time the College Football Playoff National Championship is played in the Los Angeles region. The BCS National Championship Game was played in Pasadena at the Rose Bowl Stadium in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014.
How to Watch: Rams vs. The Giants
BROADCAST INFO
- TELEVISION: The game will be available live on Fox with play-by-play provided by Kenny Albert and color analysis from Ronde Barber. Kristina Pink will be the sideline reporter.
- RADIO: Sunday’s contest will be broadcast on ESPN LA English Radio on ESPN 710 AM and 100.3 The Sound FM (Play-by-play provided by: J.B. Long, Maurice Jones-Drew and D’Marco Farr). Plus, tune into 1330 AM for ESPN Deportes' live Spanish broadcast of the game with Troy Santiago and Ricardo Lopez on the call.
- SOCIAL MEDIA: Follow the Rams on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat for live updates and behind-the-scenes content before, during, and after the game.
- ONLINE: The game will not be available live via NFL Game Pass*. However, fans will still be able to watch replays of every game and so much more! Click here to sign up for your FREE 7-day trial and start getting unprecedented access to every game, all year long.
*For domestic subscribers NFL Game Pass does not include live regular season, playoff, or Super Bowl game broadcasts, as well as some preseason games broadcasts. Access to these games is available within NFL Game Pass on an on-demand basis in the NFL Game Pass archives. International subscribers are able to watch both preseason and regular season games as they happen with certain restrictions. Audio feeds may be subject to availability. 2009-2011 games are temporarily unavailable. For a full description of features, requirement, limitations, and other information, visit our FAQ at NNFL.com/help/GamePass.
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Diary Of A Ram Fan. A satirical look at more than 75 years of Football's Rams history, combined with discussions of American Exceptionalism and almost 50 years of personal experience in the life of a Rams Fan. The history parallels and intertwines life to form a humorous, yet serious look at American History, World History, an American Football team, and Political Science.
