R-E-S-P-E-C-T Ain't No Jaguar Fan Got Time For That

As is true so many times, I turn on the TV to find something to watch. I have become frustrated with thousands of channels and nothing of quality. Much to my husband's chagrin, I have started DVR'ing sports stories. A Football Life and ESPN 30 for 30 are my most favorite. Over the course of the last 9 months or so, I've watched the real stories behind the Baltimore Colts becoming the Indianapolis Colts, I've watched Jimmie Johnson, Reggie White, Walter Payton, etc. As a result, I have happened upon these stories and how they have a bearing on my team.

Let me first mention that as a Jaguar fan, we are all seeking respect. Respect that
commentators say comes with winning. Respect that has eluded us for quite a few seasons now. They keep telling us we have to win to get respect. Jaguar fans need to know, we may never get respect. And truly that's OK. Winning or not. It sounds as if I am a Debbie Downer. I really don't want it to be this way. I would LOVE to think winning will solve everything. But if you watch what I have watched, maybe you'll understand what I'm talking about.

My most favorite ESPN 30 for 30 is The Band That Wouldn't Die, The Baltimore Colts Band. It makes me cry every time I see it. A dedicated citizen (if you will)club of band players left behind like last weeks trash watching Mayflower moving trucks take there lives away to Indianapolis in 1984. (Reminiscent of all the people that keep saying the Jaguars are going to L.A.) Several things about this story I didn't know: 1. Bill Irsay landed his helicopter in the then Gator Bowl in 1979 with a completely full stadium. IN JACKSONVILLE. Yes. It's called Colts Fever. I was a youngster then, so I wouldn't remember. However, I have done some checking on my own. As strange as it sounds, it's true and it ignited a fire in the citizens of Jacksonville that wouldn't be satisfied until they had there own NFL team. 2. Later on in the film, as if Irsay flying his helicopter into our stadium and Baltimore losing the Colts to Indianapolis wasn't bad enough, Jacksonville wins the bid for expansion in 1993. In the film, the Baltimore fans actually say they were upset because Jacksonville got it and they didn't. It was implied that Jacksonville didn't deserve it as much as Baltimore did because they had their team taken away through no fault of their own. I get it. I really do. But do not blame Jacksonville. Do not delude yourself into thinking that because we've never had a storied franchise that we don't deserve to have a franchise at all. WE have wanted this since I can remember. Do not get me wrong. I sincerely admire and respect that band going on without a team. That's dedication and fan hood not many cities can duplicate. But we deserved and still deserve a chance.

When I sit down to watch these shows, usually by happenstance, I never realize what I am about to watch will actually be relevant to my football story. That being said, I sit down to watch my DVR'd version of A Football Life: Walter Payton. WP was a fantastic ball player. There is no doubt. Towards the end of the show, they start talking about his decline after he retired. A contributing factor is the situation in which he was to become part owner of the St. Louis expansion team in 1993. However, they did not win an expansion team. Jacksonville did. It did not say it was the fault of the city of Jacksonville but the tone and demeanor of the narrator was not complimentary in regards to Jacksonville winning an expansion. WP would have been the first minority and former player to be part owner in an NFL team. After this event in 1993, friends and family say WP went on a downhill slide physically, emotionally and socially.

You know, maybe it's just me wearing my heart on my sleeve, fiercely defending my team on a daily basis. These two stories hinting at Jacksonville winning an expansion team on purpose so that WP and Baltimore couldn't get a team is preposterous. How can you say Jacksonville didn't deserve a chance? How dare you? Are you saying we should've "taken one for the team" so Baltimore and WP could have their way and Jacksonville should wait for a "better" time? Maybe it's trying to justify respect or lack thereof. I'm really not sure. All I know is that Baltimore has 2 Super Bowl rings and the Jaguars have none. Walter Payton is in  the Hall of Fame. Not one Jaguar has made it there yet, save Mike Thomas' jersey and gloves from the Hail Mary throw from David Garrard (those were the days). So if you look down on my Jaguars because you didn't win an expansion or monumental ownership, I just don't know what to tell you.

Jaguar Fans, we came into the league with a negative in the respect column. We had a few great seasons with Tom Coughlin and became inadvertently spoiled by the quick success. Consequently when things did not go as well, the result was tarps and black outs= more negative in the respect column. More losing seasons= more negative in the respect column. Don't expect respect any time soon. We need many winning seasons, positive publicity (feel good stories, etc.), FANTASTIC drafts and coups of the free agent kind to start to make headway. In the meantime, head up, shoulders up, Jag gear everywhere and especially on planes and out of town. All we can do is R-E-S-P-E-C-T ourselves. The rest will follow, eventually, hopefully sometime in the future.


MDK In The House

We MUST Protect This House

Part 2 Let Me Get This Right and Drinking the Kool-Aid

So, let me get this right....
It surprises you that Lance Armstrong is a jerk and used performance enhancing substances? I hate to tell you, I knew he was jerky and the fact that he uses those substances doesn't really surprise me. I've never cared much for him. Yes, I get the whole LIVESTRONG thing and what he's done for cancer awareness. But the way he has weaved himself in out of the women in his life is not very attractive in my opinion. And the way he dumped Sheryl Crow because she wanted kids, moved on to the next girl and had 2 kids with her...not cool. Anyway, long story short if he seems like a jerk he probably is a jerk.
Manti Te'o...WOW. He is a testament to NOT doing online dating. Nothing wrong with doing things the old fashioned way. My mom once married someone from Pittsburgh and she only dated him, before she married him, a short time. She failed to go to Pittsburgh and see his "other life". There were a lot of things he exaggerated about himself and not to mention he was a Steelers fan. An obnoxious one at that. What I'm getting at is if you are in a relationship, you want to meet up with them fairly soon. You know. To make sure they are who they say there are. You never really know someone, but at least you won't have a nation mocking you and your draft won't suffer from it. Is Te'o innocent? That's not for me to say. BTW Law and Order Special Victims Unit did a similar episode. CREEPY.

Drinking the Kool-Aid....
I am still drinking the Jaguar Kool-Aid. I am trying to contain my excitement about the new Jacksonville Jaguars General Manager, David Caldwell, and also the new Head Coach, Gus Bradley. My official line is "I'm Missouri. Show me." However, inside my mind I'm excited. Excited I won't have to put for sale signs in "some one's" yard during the off season. Excited that we have people with positive pedigree. Excited to get my team back on the right track. I just wanna win.


MDK in the House

We Must Protect This House

P.S. On the off chance I have struck a nerve with my whole obsession over Andrew Luck, Stanford and the Indianapolis Colts (see It's Not Called The Naive Football League), let me add the names of Pep Hamilton and Ron Turner to the story. Just wiki them. Interesting the flow of coaches between Stanford and the Colts. There are no coincidences.

We MUST Protect This House

The one thing I have noticed at the stadium, Everbank Field, home to the Jacksonville Jaguars, this season is the level of fervor of the opposing teams fans. Until very recently, I believed the Philadelphia Eagles game to be the WORST game in regards to fans that I had ever been to at Everbank Field. However, I'm not sure if it was the beating or the overall demeanor of the Chicago Bears fans that put them very close to the Eagles in my book. They were rude and obnoxious. When they began to blow us away, the Bears fans became atrocious. Even division rivals Texans, Colts and Titans don't seem to attract and draw the crazed hater fans. Then, we have the game today against the Tim Tebow Jets. Oh, sorry I meant the New York Jets. It's an easy mistake to make. Especially in Jacksonville.
I was actually called a Negative B**** today by a fan who didn't seem to care who won the game. Although he was dressed in an Orange and Blue Polo T-Shirt. So...... yeah. All because I got excited because Justin Blackmon's Fumble was reversed and therefore not a fumble.
Let me explain something in case you aren't familiar with my fandom. I get excited. I scream with the "Moves those Chains" chant. I don't care what you do in "your" stadium. This is my "house" and I'll do what I do best. I'm not swearing and I'm not drunk. I will yell when it's time on defense. I'm sorry that didn't agree with him, but calling me a female dog doesn't solve anything. Please call me a hater. But don't slander me and don't come to my "house" to act any way you please and expect me to act solemn . It's simply not going to happen.
Everyone who reads this blog knows how I feel about Tebow. He's not on my team and until he is, I simply won't cheer for him like I would my own team. Whether we are winning or losing. As a side note, Tim has played into the media hype about himself. If he would've been humble and come back to Jacksonville, he'd probably be playing. He has positioned himself in a dominating situation in New York and they have him. And they have made sure to put a halt to his success and the beloved "Tebow Time". Bright lights big city syndrome.
Opposing fans seem to think that because we are 2-11, we don't have a right to be fans, act like fans, get excited about certain successful plays. You know what I think about that? I DON'T CARE. I don't care if they think we don't deserve respect. I don't care if we get the 1st pick of the 1 st round. We have problems of gargantuan proportions. But I am not going to sit in my seat and act like I don't care about the effort given on the field. Those guys deserve my respect and I will give it to them by supporting them and letting them know I am still in my seat. And if opposing fans don't like it, they can get out of MY house.

MDK in the House

We must protect this house.

Stay calm, wear black.

Let Me Get This Right....

This hopefully will become a regular segment on this blog. Words where no words can explain what idiotic things people do.

Let me get this right:

Jimbo Fisher: "Yeah we lost but it was the Quarterback's fault. Not the fact that I'm a control freak and won't get an Offensive Coordinator." Oh, and it was Muschamp's turn at the Beach House/Condo. Reminds me of that Bowden Bowl Crap.

Jaguars: Let's give up on Mike Thomas, the only Jaguar player with ANYTHING in the Hall Of Fame (Hail Mary Jersey and gloves) and trade him to the Detroit Lions whom we played the next week. Wait for it, for a draft pick in 2014. Sooo desperate to get rid of him, Gene Smith takes a draft pick a year and a half from now. With any luck, Gene won't be here to make the pick.

Texans: The team is so GREAT that 2 wks. in a row they've been in overtime twice. Once with a 1-9 team and the second week with a team struggling to get into the playoffs. They aren't as great as their press.

NFL Refs: There seems to be an awful lot of plays that go a certain way in games where there's a "GOLDEN TEAM" =Texans, Colts. Let's even things out a little more. Shall we?

Colts: Looks like Tom Brady showed you last week that he's still in charge of the AFC and he isn't ready to give it up. So...


MDK in the House

We must protect this house.

Day 48-Stay Calm, Wear Black

It's Us Jaguar Fans Against the World

The last several days in Jacksonville have been interesting. The Alvin Brown vs. Shad Khan showdown was quite the entertainment none of us needed. Personally, I believe most of the hate and vehemence should be aimed at Wayne Weaver and Jack Del Rio for selling us a less than viable product for the last several years. I respect Wayne Weaver for bringing the Jaguars. But I believe the  venom that is spewed toward Jacksonville, its team and fans is largely a result of Wayne Weaver not firing Jack Del Rio in a timely fashion. Like after the 2007 season. Because the Jaguars have not seen a playoff game or a better than 8-8 season in five years or so, they have become an easy target to the media. Easy Pickins as we call it in the south.
This week we had the crown jewel of events go down. After a very successful soccer match between the US and Scotland (if it's not Scottish it's crap), Jacksonville was riding high. The Jaguars submitted their pick for management of the stadium and facilities to the City of Jacksonville. The city promptly sends Shad Khan a letter saying,  the decision was to be made jointly (which is not what the contract says. The Mayor just made it up. The Jaguars have the final say in who manages the stadium) and because it hadn't, the Jaguars and Shad Khan were in default in regards to their contract with the city. Rumor has it, that a management group who donated to Alvin Brown's Campaign for Mayor, was not given as big of a chance as they would've liked. Shad Khan responds with a "let me know what you want to do because I have a training camp that's supposed to take place in July and I need to know if I need to move the team to another city". Thank you Alvin Brown. I now have nightmares of Mayflower moving trucks driving down Bay Street, in the middle of the night, moving the team to the other end of I-10 (L.A.) ala Baltimore Colts to the Indianapolis Colts. Shad Khan does not play people. He spent 700 million dollars for his dream and he doesn't care about some podunk bull crap over picking the same management firm to run the stadium that's been running it for 18 years. Jacksonville doesn't even have a Mayoral Mansion.
The result of all of this was something I thought we might have put to bed. However, it is back with a vengeance. The media is now all over the Jaguars to L.A. story. It's very frustrating as a fan to listen and read all of that nonsense. I'm truly over it. Find a real story somewhere else and if you can't do that, please be quiet. That's as nice as it's going to get.
On a recent trip to Chicago, I wore a Jaguars sweatshirt on the plane (As a matter of fact, I make it a point to wear Jaguars gear all the time but especially when I fly into Chicago. You know because just because my franchise isn't a "storied" franchise, that doesn't make me any less of a fan.)  I also had a Jaguar shirt under it. Did I mention I had my toenails painted Teal? It's the off season. Why am I still wearing my gear? Because I want to and because of all this nonsense about L.A. I'm sick of it. I'm not especially fond of the color teal, but I have all but made it my travel uniform. People have to know out there that there are real Jaguar fans. They are Season Ticket Holders. They sweat to death watching in the stadium on Sundays. I can't believe I'm going to say this, Jaguar fans have feelings too. And we get really mad when people keep dissing us.We don't appreciate people talking crap about us constantly. I have been a season ticket holder since 2005. Did you know we've been rebuilding since 2005? I'm still here and I'm still going to travel in Jaguars gear. Am I drinking the Kool-Aid? Quite possibly. But I still believe. Winning silences naysayers. Winning solves everything.

MDK in the House

We must protect this house.

All the "LUCK" I Can Stand

This whole Andrew Luck thing is really getting on my nerves. I was a lot happier before this kid came along. My team had only to compete with the Peyton Manning's of the world. Now, this Luck kid is invading the draft. Having, in my opinion, been hand picked by the Indianapolis Colts to be the Successor of Peyton Manning. (See "They Don't Call it the Naive Football League") Hand picked at all costs. However, now Jim Irsay has lost his noodle by treating Peyton Manning like the plaque. Even outing him on an undisclosed surgery. Geez. This thing is going to go down all the way to the wire. March 8th I will be staying up until midnight because that's how long it's going to take for Irsay to make up his mind. But I have a feeling he's already decided. Someone might want to let Irsay know that if he keeps doing this to Peyton, no one will want to play for him. Except Andrew Luck.
There's more than 1 Luck that I have a problem with at this time. For those of you who don't know, Oliver Luck, Andrew's dad, is the Athletic Director at West Virginia. Being the die hard and unforgiving FSU fan that I am, I am extremely put out with AD Luck and West Virginia. You do not cancel a game, a commitment to play another University 6-7 months before the date.  I am surprised by the lack of sportsmanship AD Luck is showing. (And NO I really don't care if he's upgrading to a different Conference.) This past week, Savannah State was announced as the replacement. Great. What if FSU turns out to be BCS Championship level next year but because strength of schedule is cheated out of it because AD Luck didn't want to honor a commitment. It's OK West Virginia. That Karma girl hasn't been much of a friend to you and she's not about to start.
I also want to mention the ridiculousness of Andrew Luck and R.G. Griffin III. You go all the way to the combine and you aren't going to throw???!!!! Seriously??? This is the biggest interview of your life. You shouldn't get the option of what YOU WANT to do at it. Show everyone you can shine. Bunch of wussies. Same thing goes for whoever doesn't want to run the 40. Get out from behind your mother and run. Geesh. What a bunch of softies.

MDK in the House
"We must protect this house"

It's Not Called the Naive Football League.....

Guys, it's been awhile. I've missed this. Life has been a bit hectic lately. All of the football games, college and professional, kept me very entertained. You may ask why I have titled this post regarding naivete. Because it is a condition. A state of mind. It's suffered by most all of professional football fans. Even I suffer from it, occasionally.
Naivete: Believing that your team would never forsake your prize player. Hey, I wouldn't even say prize in some cases. More like beloved I guess.
What has brought me to this epiphany? The "recent" case of Peyton Manning. I'm not going there on when or if he will play for the Colts or any other team again. I am speaking of something a little more hidden but actually in plain sight. The highly anticipated Stanford vs. OSU Fiesta Bowl on January 2, 2012. I learned more in that game than I ever really wanted to know. Earlier in the day, Bill Polian, Indianapolis Colts GM, and Chris Polian, VP of the Indianapolis Colts, father and son I might add, were fired from the Colts. This event is seemingly out of the blue. As I am watching the game, different coaches and players are discussed. Todd Monken, the offensive coordinator for OSU is seen hovering around WR Justin Blackmon. Justin Blackmon is supposed to be a highly touted draft pick come April. Any idea who Todd Monken's previous employer was? The Jacksonville Jaguars. Then they pan to the other sideline. You know, the one with Andrew Luck on it? Oh, guess who one of the special teams coaches is? Brian Polian. His official title according to Stanford's website is: "Assistant Coach-Special Teams Coordinator/Recruiting Coordinator. Recruiting what? College players to the NFL? Yeah I just went there. In other words, Brian Polian has allowed unfettered access between Andrew Luck and his father Bill Polian. It supposedly began in September when Bill Polian went to "scout" Andrew Luck at the Stanford vs. Duke game. I'm sure it began way before that. Possibly with Andrew Luck not going into the 2011 draft. He was waiting. Peyton was getting older with a crappy offensive line. An injury was lurking. It sprang in the form of an injured neck, that to this date has had 3 surgeries. Did I mention that Andrew Luck has hired an uncle who is a "newbie" in the NFL agent business. Oh and by the way, Andrew Luck's dad Oliver is the Athletic Director for West Virginia. He played in the NFL and he's a lawyer. Andrew Luck coming to Indianapolis will be no mistake. It has been a well planned coming out party. So what about Bill and Chris Polian getting fired? Bill and Jim Irsay, the owner of the Colts, have apparently been friends for around 30 yrs. No real animosity was shared when he was fired. I think he knew his job was done. He had brought Indianpolis to the limelight with Peyton Manning. Now, he's brought the draft's fatted calf- Andrew Luck. Also, I believe he was fired from there being a paper trail just in case "something" came up. He's probably about ready to retire anyway. The point of all this? Indianapolis fans quit being sheep and don't think for one minute that hasn't been collusion to lose the entire season-by the way lose to Jacksonville twice the first time that's happened in franchise history-gain the Number 1 draft pick and try to rule for the next 12 yrs. Jim Irsay has worked a beauty. Indianapolis quit crying. NFL is a business. Peyton's made plenty of money. As a formidable opponent, I really hate to see him go. What I would hate even more was if he was carted off the field on a stretcher and lived his days like Christopher Reeves spent his last days. Peyton Manning is definitely one of the greatest Quarterbacks to ever play. I have been blessed to watch him and stand 5 feet from him. But I know his injury and his surgery. I'm telling you he doesn't need to play more football. He WANTS to and somebody should talk to him about that.
God Bless Y'all Indianapolis. You've got master manipulators up there. Y'all gonna be all right.

An Apology to Peyton Manning

I know what you are thinking. An apology to Peyton Manning? What on earth for? Perhaps I should begin by reminding you that I'm a die hard Florida State and Jacksonville Jaguar fan. For years I have blamed my football ills on Peyton Manning. Ills? What ills? Like the last minute throw together wins he has put together in Everbank Stadium since I've been a season ticket holder. Ugh. Except of course for the 59 yard Josh Scobee field goal in the last second to beat the Indianapolis Colts this past season.  GLORIOUS. I digress... For some reason I have recalled the details of the FSU National Championship Game in Tempe, Arizona at the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl in this manner: Peyton Manning caused us to lose the National Championship. It was his fault. As is everything else (God Bless Him). Until I was reading the book "Grateful" by Ryan Sprague. With great embarassment, I realized it was Tee Martin who was the quarterback that fateful day. No matter, FSU won a National Championship the next year. With all the remorse out of the way... I ask:
How many National Championships did Peyton Manning win? None.
How many times did he beat Florida? None.
I feel bad, but not that bad.

MDK In The House