Super Bowls, Super Players and Super Heroes

Over in Tampa, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, uh, I mean Super Bowl week. 

Yesterday, in a small community park near the Ybor City exit off of I-4 in the 813 and far from the celebrities and fancy parties associated with the Super Bowl, several NFL players got together to improve the community.  There is no doubt that for several fortunate children and families, who like many of us will not be able to purchase the high priced tickets to get into Raymond James Stadium on Super Bowl Sunday, their Christmas, I mean Super Bowl, happened today in Tampa. 

While the Super Bowl is typically all about the bright lights and big plays on the world's biggest stage, I managed to find some super (NFL) players who will play absolutely no role in the outcome of Sunday's game but instead decided to play the role of super heroes to some under-privileged kids in an impoverished East Tampa neighborhood.

Just ask Mike Furrey of the Detroit Lions (seen here carrying logs) who, when interviewed by a local news reporter and asked this question: "Hey, your into it, getting all sweaty and dirty?"  responded by brushing off his shirt and saying:

"I LOVE this stuff.  I love getting involved and building things and contributing to kids who want to make something out of their lives.  We may come from different backgrounds, but we all need an opportunity to be successful.  If I can contibute to that then that's great.  To tell you the truth, there is no place else I would rather be!" 

During the regular season, The Home Depot built 17 playgrounds, one for each week of the regular season, in each MVP’s local market and made donations to the charities of their choice.

Each player worked alongside representatives from KaBOOM!, a national nonprofit, local community partners and volunteers from The Home Depot to complete the building projects in just one day.  Throughout this process, more than 2,600 The Home Depot associates donated more than 21,000 hours of service.

The players honored as part of The Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP program in 2008-2009 included Steve Smith* from the Carolina Panthers (seen here being the hammer, not the nail); Keith Brooking*, Atlanta Falcons; Vernon Carey, Miami Dolphins; Nate Clements, San Francisco 49ers; Brian Dawkins*, Philadelphia Eagles; Braylon Edwards, Cleveland Browns; Bobby Engram, Seattle Seahawks; Mike Furrey*, Detroit Lions; Chad Greenway, Minnesota Vikings; Andre Johnson*, Houston Texans; Kassim Osgood, San Diego Chargers; Samari Rolle, Baltimore Ravens; Charles Tillman, Chicago Bears; Amani Toomer*, New York Giants; Kurt Warner*, Arizona Cardinals; and Ty Warren, New England Patriots.

The Home Depot, whose slogan is "U can do it, We can help", is the sponsor of the NFL Neighborhood MVP Award.  This award recognizes NFL players who make major contributions to their communities through their own efforts and foundations and/or by supporting or contributing to local charitable organizations.  

Among the 16 players nominated for this presitgious honor this year were two former University of Miami players: OL Vernon Carey and WR Andre Johnson (seen above throwing up "The U" for Canespace).  

As a result of his significant contributions in both Miami and Houston, Johnson  was selected as one of the eight finalists along with the Cardinals' Kurt Warner,  Keith Brooking of the Falcons, Carolina's Steve Smith, the Eagles's Brian Dawkins, Cleveland's Braylon Edwards, the Giants' Amante Toomer and the Cowboys' Jason Witten who won the 2008 award and is pictured above with NFL and Home Depot officials holding a $25,000 check to his charitable foundation.  

Johnson, who along with Ken Dorsey and Clinton Portis led the Hurricanes to the 2001 national championship, was a very humble and gracious interview. 

He is a truly grounded, down to earth and pleasent person to be around.  His calm, sincere demeanor and direct eye contact let's U know that he means what he says and says what he means.  

Watching him operate a power drill and assemble playground benches for kids in Tampa may not be as exciting to some fans as watching him catch TD passes for the Houston Texans, but to me it was worth every bit as much.

In a few more days we will have the complete Andre Johnson interview.  Until then let it be known that AJ is a true Miami Hurricane and a fan of Canespace.  Trust me when we get to the interview U will learn to appreciate Andre Johnson as a Miami Hurricane, and maybe even more importantly as a person, in an all new way.  

There are a bunch of kids in East Tampa who already feel that way...

Comments

['07 Cane]

well, now that Wake beat Duke it adds a little extra meaning to our Wake game on Wednesday...

[CarolinaCane]

you guys got it all wrong--it wasnt tubbs theyve been going after for dc, it was stubbs, daniel stubbs

[Canefantasy]

I believe we have a chance to pull in the best class or top 5 class.
Sheldon Richardson is coming this weekend. We are weak at Tightend and he can play as a freshman.
Quinton Washington is tired of living in the country and wants to play in a big city...WELCOME TO MIAMI!
Peter White- With a visit this weekend maybe we can sway him our way.
Bob Massie- May be a long shot but still has us on his list.
Marcus Hall- Loved Miami just has to sway mother when Shannon visits.
Daniel Campbell USC stopped recruiting him and we just started.
Andrew Tiller- Has potential for the future is a big boy. I am sure he ends up here if we want him.
If we can pursade Greg Reid or Debose, or Olson maybe we can pick up on more special player.
No matter what the outcome this is a great recruiting class.

[canechic]

Mary lou feel better, I have learned the hard way-always bring alcohol or lysol to work and spray computer daily and especially the phones!! But then if it is airborne??? You are just screwed!

Go Canes!

[CarolinaCane]

you guys got it all wrong--its not tubbs we are going after for dc, its stubbs, daniel stubbs

[shwarma]

If we say that we hypothetically have 5 spots left, how would you guys like to see them filled? Here's my fav 5 in order of likelihood

1) Barrington
2) White
3) Richardson or Charles
4) Hall or Washington
5) Debose or Reid

[CarolinaCane]

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- - - -
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[shwarma]

Just noticed that charles is taking a visit after signing day to USC according to Rivals

[CarolinaCane]

if my wife and i are trying to "eat right" and lose a few lbs, what the hell are we gonna eat during super bowl? the only idea i have so far is to grill my chix wings!

[SOUP]

Five spots left and what to do?

Fill them with smart student-athletes who are dedicated to the weight room, being agressive, are team players and most of all who want to Hurricanes.

Then coach them up!

[Canefantasy]

Shwarma,
I love the list. I think that Sheldon Richardson is a must get. I dont think that there is a bigger need on this team then Tight End right now. I forgot about Barrington though he would be a nice add, but I think if everyone stays healthy we are going to be amazing at LB. Brown ROLB McCarthy MLB and Spence LOLB.

[texascane]

1. Reed
2. Sapp
2. Lewis
3. A.Johnson
4. R. Wayne
5. Wilfork

[bg1906]

If we say that we hypothetically have 5 spots left, how would you guys like to see them filled? Here's my fav 5 in order of likelihood

1) Barrington
2) White
3) Richardson or Charles
4) Hall or Washington
5) Debose or Reid

Posted by: shwarma | January 29, 2009 at 10:25 AM

We have 20 commitments. RS said he'd like to take 27. We may or may not get that number. Here is my thoughts on the finish.

1.) Sam Barrington
2.) Peter White - Distance proves to be a non-factor and we land him
3.) Terrell Mitchell
4.) Daniel Campbell

The final 3 spots, if they can be filled are up in the air. These would be horses!

1.) Sheldon Richardson - long shot, but a shot
2.) Marcus Hall - Maybe 25% chance, but I still think a long shot
3.) Debose - If he visits, I think we have an above average shot, no visit, then no go.
4.) Bobby Massie - 20% shot
5.) Greg Reid - very little chance with no visit. If we can persuade him not to sign on signing day and visit the following week, then we have a shot. If that doesn't happen, no shot.
6.) Quinton Washington - I like this kid and think we can pull him, if DISTANCE isn't a factor.

[Esteban]

canefantasy, don't sleep on Jordan Futch.

[moneycane]

Three CANES made the list of offensive bust from the 2002 recruiting class

http://cfn.scout.com/2/614353.html

They also agree that Miami did a poor job of recruiting under Larry Coker. Below is a blurb about the re-ranked 2003 class, which was originally 6th. The 2004 class fell out of the top 20 after re-ranking after being dubbed a top 3 class overall.

17. Miami – Larry Coker’s recruiting classes always looked better on paper than on grass, a major reason why he’s currently out of work. The 2003 group was no different, providing some decent starters, but no star power beyond the electrifying Hester. Olsen was the closest thing, but even he never erupted with the ‘Canes, catching just six touchdown passes in three seasons. Beason was the teams’ best defensive player in 2006, taking that momentum into the NFL with a year of eligibility left on the table. The haul of offensive linemen that included Morse, Bain, Rochford and Cyrim Wimbs was supposed to be the program’s best in years, but has yet to produce an all-league performer. For a variety of reasons, Wright and Moss haven’t approached their top 5 designation, but Wright has one year left in Patrick Nix’s system to redeem himself. By the way, how in the world was H.B. Blades allowed to escape this Miami class?
Hits: TE Greg Olsen, CB Devin Hester, LB Jon Beason, G Derrick Morse, LB Glenn Cook, TE Kevin Everett and P Brian Monroe
Misses: S Willie Cooper, RB Tyrone Moss, QB Kyle Wright, OL John Rochford,

[texascane]

The kid just won't leave me alone...my alma mater. HELP!

Ex-Miami QB considers Tech

January 26, 2009 · Print This Article

BY DON WILLIAMS
AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

The Tampa (Fla.) Tribune reported Sunday that Texas Tech is one of a handful of schools former Miami (Fla.) quarterback Robert Marve is considering as a transfer option. The Tribune quoted Robert Weiner, Marve’s high school coach in Tampa, saying Marve is looking primarily at Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Purdue, Tech and South Florida.

As a redshirt freshman last season, Marve passed for 1,293 yards with nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He was suspended from Miami’s bowl game, however, and announced in December his intention to transfer.

Weiner said Marve won’t announce his decision until after the Feb. 4 national signing day.

“It’s still an ongoing process,’’ Weiner told the Tribune. “There are a lot of schools that are interested.’’

Marve, listed at 6-1 and 210 pounds, was Florida’s schoolboy Mr. Football in 2006 and a Parade magazine all-American. He is a son of Eugene Marve, a linebacker who spent 12 seasons in the NFL.

To comment on this story:
don.williams@lubbockonline.com uE06C 766-8734
jeff.walker@lubbockonline.com uE06C 766-8735

[bg1906]

Also with Terrell Mitchell, that's assuming he has or gets a committable offer.

[hurriphin]

Hang in there Mary Lou!!

[Esteban]

and speedwrecks, Bryce Brown is good but not Adrian Peterson out of high school good. Peterson ran so violently that you can tell guys were scared to tackle him. Plus one thing that Bryce Brown doesn't seem to have from the highlights I've seen of him is much shake or even a faint make you miss in the open field quickly move. The spin move seems to be what he does or he tries to out run the person to the outside. It's a good spin move, but he's gonna have to develop another move in the open field or he's not gonna break as many big ones as he'll have the chance to.

[CarolinaCane]

bg--i know who the dc choice is now--between you and me, it's mike fiori isnt it?

[solarcane]

soup great article

Here's an idea.

Contact Habitat For Humanity Miami

http://www.miamihabitat.org/contact/board.html

or the

UM Butler Volunteer Center

http://www6.miami.edu/UMH/CDA/UMH_Main/0,1770,2577-1;29655-2;1241-3,00.html

Get as Many Canespascers as possible to dedicate one weekend or one Saturday this year to help those that need it most.

Bring plenty of Canespace Shirts and
Have Manny tell the right people Canespace is doing something over at ______.

Charity work is much more rewarding when it's done for the good not the publicity, but You would be helping people and getting Canespace some valuable good press

good luck
peace

[canechic]

Carolina Cane-Daniel Stubbs? What is he doing now?

You can have lots a veggies with no dip but lots of Salsa(zero pts)

[shwarma]

We have 20 commitments. RS said he'd like to take 27. We may or may not get that number. Here is my thoughts on the finish.

1.) Sam Barrington
2.) Peter White - Distance proves to be a non-factor and we land him
3.) Terrell Mitchell
4.) Daniel Campbell

The final 3 spots, if they can be filled are up in the air. These would be horses!

1.) Sheldon Richardson - long shot, but a shot
2.) Marcus Hall - Maybe 25% chance, but I still think a long shot
3.) Debose - If he visits, I think we have an above average shot, no visit, then no go.
4.) Bobby Massie - 20% shot
5.) Greg Reid - very little chance with no visit. If we can persuade him not to sign on signing day and visit the following week, then we have a shot. If that doesn't happen, no shot.
6.) Quinton Washington - I like this kid and think we can pull him, if DISTANCE isn't a factor.

Posted by: bg1906 | January 29, 2009 at 10:38 AM

Bg - While we do have 27 slots, we only have 15 next year so I think carrying over one or two ships' would actually be a good idea.

I thought Mitchell was out that's why I didn't include him (thought coach said we got in too late) and as Campbell is a grades issue I purposefully did not include him since that has more to do with academics than recrutiing (the reason why certain kids are never even recruited to begin with)

I agree with what you said about Debose and Reid (hence why I put them together on my list) though I am suprised you have Massie ahead of Washington (I think the last visit always helps and thats why I put him on my list and not Massie. Also I think Washington is battling with the same issues as Hall, hence why I put those two together)

Charles I am realizing is a total pipe dream (since he is stretching out recruiting I actually think this hurts us) so maybe he should be replaced with Mitchell

[solarcane]

Texas,
Remember I told you four weeks ago TT was offering Marve a look?

I said Marve couldn't pull of Nix's five plays how would he learn something like TT's offence??

peace

[reggaebob]

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/football/story/877143.html

anyone read that? kinda pathetic if you asked me. you dont take down old yeller then make him into a prada handbag... (sorry for the harsh analogy but seriously)

[canesteeler]

...

[solarcane]

reggaebob

that was cold analogy.... but everyone that read it grinned

peace

[canechic]

canesteeler you in Miami or Pittsburgh?

[CaneSniper]

Greg Reid is 5' 8" and 165 lbs. Even if he's got great speed do we really see him as a dominant player at this level?

[CaneSniper]

Marve looking at OK and OK St is a joke. His dad made a big public plea for Robert to get cleared to play at Florida becuase he has cancer and needs his son close. Now he's looking to bypass UCS and USF for an Oklahoma school. What a joke.

[canesteeler]

I hate the fact the Steelers have no Canes on their roster I was a Steeler fan growing up in New Kensington PA way before making my way south in 1980 and becoming a Canes fan.

[CaneSniper]

I don't think we have a shot at Massie, DuBose or Greg Reid. But I'm think we get Marcus Hall and Pete White. Sheldon is a long shot. I agree that we will likely get Barrington also.

[CarolinaCane]

letting hb blades go to pitt is not as bad as letting maurice crum jr go to notre dame!!!

[TonyCane]

I saw that some of you got into an old school wrestling discussion a few days ago. Which wrestler's character do you think best represents the mentality of the U?

The Rock?
MVP?
Sid Vicious?
Scott Steiner?
Legion of Doom?

[Mr Troutman]

Weiner said Marve won’t announce his decision until after the Feb. 4 national signing day.

“It’s still an ongoing process,’’ Weiner told the Tribune. “There are a lot of schools that are interested.’’

Who is this guy kidding. Schools are buisy recruiting other high school talent and they know they are taking a risk with Marve. I'm not bashing the guy but don't SOUP everyone up on thinking he is wanted by a lot of schools. Inheriting a problem is not on everyones priority list. He has potential no doubt, but he has to settle down and be a mature athlete. Shannon has done all he can with him so it was best that he parted ways and move on.

[SuperCooper]

FYI, Whipple met with Bryce last night in Nebraska, then he drove to Kansas to meet with Butler. Earning that paycheck, lol.

[CanesgirlNC]

Canesniper - I know - Eugene Marve has spin moves - problem is they are old and don't really work well

[MaryLouAlumni]

We spray with Lysol and rub our hands with that sanitizing stuff, but to no avail. It's hard to say who I got this from, but to be blunt, the office that I work in, is loaded with green card foreigners, who, quite frankly, are not the most hygenic. But, it could have come from anyone and floating in the air or on the paperwork, the keyboard, the pencils etc. I have to touch everything doing this job. I don't want anyone to think that I harbor any ill will against anyone. I'm a very caring person, but it gets a little tough, when nobody speaks english and they aren't clean at all. But cleanliness covers everyone. I'm rambling, so forgive me. I just took another pill!!
Later

[shwarma]

Glad to hear that Super. I understand all the noise going on with this, but I think in this particular instance, patience and acceptance (meaning it is what it is regarding the way Butler is handling this) is the way to proceed.

I only see Bryce wearing orange and green.

[CanesgirlNC]

Texas,
Remember I told you four weeks ago TT was offering Marve a look?

I said Marve couldn't pull of Nix's five plays how would he learn something like TT's offence??

peace

Posted by: solarcane | January 29, 2009 at 10:56 AM

LOL - someone has gotta run that scout team! Ouch!!!!! ;-D

GO CANES!!!

[bg1906]

Shwarma,

They were in no particular order. Washington I like a lot. Mitchell is on tap to visit this weekend. With the numbers, RS himself said he's looking to sign 27, so we may or may not get that number, but that's what he said in his last press conference. We've had some attrition and also I'm sure there my be several more players between now and fall that may leave the program as well. Campbell, even with grade issues may sign with us, but still have to go to prep school again, or may get the scores. We'll see.

[canechic]

canesteeler yes we still love you, just hate the sqeelers! LOL

Eugene has done his son the biggest diservice. He thinks he is doing good but I think he has made a mess for Robert. I hope he (Robert) gets his life together and starts taking better advice.

Go Canes and Go Cards!!!

[CanesgirlNC]

MaryLou - hang in there! Coming in contact with so many is tough. My friends own a restaurant and handling all that money - they are always getting sick

[macjones de Albuquerque]

Speedy recovery MarylouAlumi!! Brighter days are around the corner for you.

[CanesgirlNC]

Canechic - every time the parents get all involved - nothing good ever happens - coaches usually know best

[SuperCooper]

Glad to hear that Super. I understand all the noise going on with this, but I think in this particular instance, patience and acceptance (meaning it is what it is regarding the way Butler is handling this) is the way to proceed.

I only see Bryce wearing orange and green.

Posted by: shwarma | January 29, 2009 at 11:16 AM

Yup, and his dad was impressed from what he heard from Whipple. Good news indeed.

[canechic]

Is cold in NC canesgirl?

[bg1906]

Super...

Whipple is a smart man. That extra effort will pay off huge. He didnt' have to do that. I'm sure they appreciate the extra effort.

[Mr Troutman]

MaryLou,

That just mean the office is immune to Lysol and any other spray that is sprayed. You all need to treat that place like a hospital and keep it freezing so air borne bacteria will die. Better yet U all need to wear the hospital mask that prevents U from breathing.LOL!!

[CarolinaCane]

31 degrees here in boone, nc--going to snow a bunch tomorrow