I’m an American. Was born here, raised here. I’m proud of that. Never felt the need to apologize for it either. Being an American means something to me. It also comes with a certain set of likes and dislikes, some of which may differ greatly from masses of humanity in other parts of the globe. “Cultured” people may say that I’m naive, or even closed minded. I think my tastes are just a byproduct of my upbringing and the sum total of my experiences. Don’t get me wrong, I’m open to trying new things. But, for example, it doesn’t take me long to realize that my Korean friends eat stuff I’ll never find appetizing. No matter how good they say it is, I’m not going to be down with the fish-guts soup. Give me a burger and chili-cheeze fries all day baby. I’m an American.

Every four years (I think it’s every four years isn’t it?) I’m reminded of my place in the world as it pertains to my favorite sport: football. While I’m prepping for the upcoming NFL season, natives from the 6 other continents take to the streets to cheer for their countrymen with ravenous passion: they love their futbol. I call it soccer. The biggest star in the world is a guy from Argentina named Lionel Messi. I spent two weeks in Buenos Aires once (I loved the food, by the way – lots of beef), and the people there were so kind and welcoming. They were also intense when it came to their soccer. Worse than we are about football, for sure.

Now I must admit, I enjoyed soccer as a kid. It was a good way to get exercise and competing against my classmates always got my juices flowing. But I felt the same way about kickball. And dodgeball was even cooler. So why should I care about soccer now? I remember a few years ago when Posh Spice’s husband came over here to play soccer in the USA, it was supposed to be the beginning of a new era in our country. While I must admit I initially enjoyed oogling at Posh, I later noticed she looked a little bit too much like Falcor from Neverending Story. That’s about as close as I got to caring about soccer.

Posh has a nice body, but her face looks like a flying dragon. I want to hear her yell "ATREYU!!!"

I know the World Cup is something millions of people are passionate about, but I just can’t jump on board. Why should I care wh0 kicks the ball hardest for Cameroon? Never been there, have no desire to go.  A good buddy of mine rebuffed me on Saturday for not caring that the US was playing England. He said it was the first time these two teams had played in 60 years, and that I should get my kids watching it even if I didn’t. Why? If the rivalry is so intense, don’t you think it would be cool to see a rematch before 2070 rolls around? I’m told that match ended in a 1-1 tie. I digress.

Two of my best friends have wives from France and Brazil respectively. I can understand how people from those countries are enthralled with World Cup action, and I’m not trying to say they shouldn’t be. But if you went to Paris, I’m guessing you’d have a hard time finding anyone who cares that Brett Favre played for the Vikings, this past season – and beat the Packers TWICE! Rightfully so, they shouldn’t give a rip. We care because we live here, and people from Wisconsin are annoying idiots. I think it’s funny that my two buddies have to pretend to pay attention to the World Cup. I guess they think it’s funny that my wife makes me watch Dancing With The Stars and American Idol.

The bottom line is this: I see no need for Americans to go out of their way to feign passion about the World Cup. After all, there’s no way we can win the damn thing, so why waste the time? I tried watching a match once, and it was painful. Three-and-a-half hours later and the game ends in a 0-0 tie? That’s not cool. I’ve got a lawn to mow, kids to spank, and the grill is calling for for burgers to be thrown on it. I think I’ll add some cheese to these patties, but which kind? Obvious choice: American. I like it that way.

Football fans can thank the NFL this year. Not only is the league draft viewable in primetime, but we also get an extra day of coverage. While traditionalists may second guess the move to a Thursday night slot in April, league brain wizards knew exactly what they were doing.  Fantasy freaks around the country will now be tuned in for three straight days of draft action (as opposed to just two); wanting to see where prospects land. Fans will always follow their favorite teams in the draft, but experienced fantasy owners can multitask.  In addition to watching how the Vikings address needs, I’ll also be focused on the tailbacks. Fantasy’s top producers have long been running backs, and RB is a young man’s position. Success happens when opportunity and preparedness meet. That said, here’s who I like, and where I hope they go.

1. C.J. Spiller, Clemson RB - Ideal fit: Seahawks A true game breaker, Spiller is the unanimous choice as the top rookie fantasy prospect heading into the draft. He’s got a swagger, runs well enough inside, and can strike from distance. It’s a bit of a reach to see him going inside the top 11, but if Miami passes at #12, Spiller could land softly to Seattle at #14. Such a scenario would almost certainly maximize his value from a statistical standpoint, and it’s hard to think C.J. would fall much further.  With just Julius Jones and Justin Forsett in front of him, Spiller would quickly become the team’s top offensive threat. In Seattle, Spiller could become a star. By the way, the Chris Johnson comparisons may be a bit premature.  Bad fits: 49ers, Giants, Oakland
2. Ryan Matthews, Fresno St. RB – Ideal fit: Texans    Many draft experts think Matthews’ game translates to the professional ranks better than Spiller’s does. While I stop short on that assertion, I recognize a Matthews/Kubiak marriage could do for fantasy owners what the Pitt/Jolie marriage did for orphans. The Texans are certainly a team on the rise and with Matthews in the fold, Steve Slaton could return to a more natural role as a complimentary player. Matthews has a size/speed combination few others in this class can boast, so he’s one to watch closely. If he falls to #28 and lands in San Diego, turn out the lights. Bad fits: Giants, Steelers, Bengals
3. Jahvid Best, Cal RB – Ideal fit: Packers Best’s detractors always cite his size as a negative, but recent trends in the NFL may be changing those age-old assumptions. We’ve recently seen players like Darren Sproles and Jamal Charles explode onto the scene as big-play weapons in the running game. If the grind-it-out game is fading, Best’s prospects must be rising. It’s hard to project him as a first-rounder, but Green Bay would likely love to add him to their mix at #56 if he falls that far. Bad fits: Bucs, Patriots, 49ers
4. Joe McKnight, USC RB – Ideal fit: Chargers  Despite the glaring hole at tailback, I don’t see the Bolts spending a first-rounder at the position unless Matthews or Spiller would fall. Since that seems highly unlikely, look for a guy like McKnight to be targeted with the #40 selection. McKnight would love his role in this wide-open offense, and has home-run ability packaged with decent size. Sproles would have to do most of the 3rd down work, but McKnight would be in line for very nice production. Hey, if LaDainian Tomlinson could score 12 TD’s in this offense last year, McKnight could do more. Bad fits:Redskins, Raiders, 49ers
5. Montario Hardesty, Tenn RB – Ideal fit: Dolphins The Ronnie Brown era has had its moments, but with another season-ending injury suffered last year, it is now time to address the future of the position in South Beach. Hardesty is a do-everything back who could eventually supplant Brown, and he may well be available in the early third-round at #73. Hardesty hasn’t had as much pub as a few others in his draft class, but should he land in the right situation, Montario could make an impact quickly. Bad fits: Bucs, Patriots, Raiders

This draft class is exceedingly deep at the running back position, with as many as 10 guys who could succeed at the next level. But like Tiger and his mistresses, it’s all about opportunity. So who else should we watch closely during the draft?

Bruisers Anthony Dixon, Toby Gerhart, Jonathan Dwyer and LeGarrette Blount will all be given a chance to compete somewhere. Any of these guys could perform well in short-yardage roles, but need to be paired with a smallish burner. Still, there are no guarantees in this bunch. It’s fun to speculate, but in all likelihood at least two of these guys won’t do anything noteworthy in their NFL careers.

Finally, Dexter McCluster is a versatile threat who could provide pop in the big play department, but it’s hard to see him as a fantasy force anytime soon. Ben Tate is also worth monitoring, depending upon who grabs him.

The lifespan of the NFL running back has shortened, meaning fantasy owners need to find quality players early in their respective runs. Dynasty players should find several prospects with bright futures in the 2010 tailback class, and fantasy nation will be tuned in April 22-24th. We’ll re-evaluate things as the summer progresses, but for now, let’s see who gets the best opportunities.

Shonn Greene is about to be the man. The ferocious rookie took the NFL by storm in the postseason, and in the process, showed the Jets brass that he has what it takes to carry the load. Greene is the perfect fit for this smashmouth offense, and will now only be sharing with a yet-to-be healthy Leon Washington. Yes, this is a striking development.

Not striking because Greene doesn’t deserve such an opportunity, but surprising given the success of Thomas Jones for the past two seasons. Jones was solid again in ‘09, posting a career-high 1402 rushing yards, but he’ll be 32 at the start of next season, he was expendable given his bloated salary. I should note again, I think Jones has a lot left in the tank. Look out if he lands in San Diego, but that is another discussion; another debate.

I’m here right now to gush about Greene, and pontificate about his prowess. I had a feeling that the decision to trade up for him was calculated, and that plan is now unfolding. I’m penciling Greene in for around 325 carries (Jones had 331 last year), and 15 TD’s. After all, Leon Washington will do more 3rd down duty and special teams stuff as he returns to form from a devastating leg injury. The team has sacrificed Jones to pay Leon for his loyalty, but the workload will be shouldered by the kid from Iowa. Just a few weeks away from St. Patties day, this year I’m pullin’ out my new (second) favorite color… Cha-ching, let the Greene Machine ring!

It’s a new year, so it seems a batch of NFL Newslinks is long overdue. Here is a list of things that are happening as we approach the Divisional Round of the NFL Playoffs. Let the coaching carousel continue.

• LaDanian Tomlinson has lost it completely. Not only is he a shell of his former self, but he’s releasing corny music videos too?
• The Giants have formally approached Jim Haslett about their defensive coordinator vacancy, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
• The Redskins have reportedly offered Broncos RBs coach Bobby Turner a spot on their staff, with the title of “associate head coach.”
• The Packers have denied the Bears permission to interview QBs coach Tom Clements for Chicago’s offensive coordinator vacancy.
• SI’s Peter King reports that Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio is making calls to potential staff members in anticipation of leaving Jacksonville for USC.
• As anticipated, the Seahawks named Pete Carroll head coach. Carroll speaks out about his return to pro ball.
• Andy Reid says Donovan McNabb will be back as the starting Philly QB next season.
• Evidently the Seahawks reached out to Tony Dungy to guage his interest in becoming the team’s president.

The Dallas Cowboys’ star is one of the most recognizable symbols in all of sport. It’s seen it’s fair share of action (cue Terrell Owens/Emmitt Smith/George Teague highlight circa 2000), and is again the focus of action leading up to this Saturday’s playoff showdown with the Eagles. The video is right here, and you’ll enjoy it. The sadistic part of me does wish, however, that Owens were playing in the game this weekend.

After all, he did have stints with both of clubs, and has a propensity for spitting…

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Right?

Well, it’s official. After days of speculation, the Redskins have announced that Mike Shanahan will take over football operations and serve as coach of the team. ‘Skins owner Dan Snyder wasted little time firing Jim Zorn (was Zorn forced to ride on the wing of the plane after Washington’s week 17 collapse?), and Snyder has found a capable replacement. But will this marriage work?

Certainly, a once-proud franchise like Washington should have a stellar coach. Let’s forget the Norv Turner experiment, the Saban debacle, the one-year turn of Marty Schottenheimer or the Steve Spurrier disaster. Lets especially forget that this club also gave Richie Petibtbon a year at the helm back in ‘93. Yeah, Richie-freaking-Petibtbon. Realistically, Washington’s leadership (in NFL coaching circles AND in congress) has been especially weak on a highly frequent basis in the past few decades. A familiar theme is emerging; Washington needed a change.

Shanahan comes to town with an air about him. He’s not Joe Gibbs, but Shanny does own two Big Rings. Still, questions do lurk about Shanahan himself. Last season’s collapse in Denver revealed many holes in his staff, and his leadership came into question. Shanahan detractors will point out that since John Elway’s retirement, Shanny has won just one playoff game. Despite this post-season gloom, Shanahan can build a juggernaut offensively, and thus excitement in Washington is justly deserved. But will Shanahan’s change in leadership turn this underachieving group around?

Some people have blamed Daniel Snyder for the Redskins’ recent troubles, and it’s easy to see that logic. Snyder is the perpetually meddling owner of an annoying kind… with an air of elitism, his franchise has been anemic of late. The Hogs of yesteryear have faded, and this group needs a collective snout lift. Snyder does put his money where his mouth is though, and thus his fans can’t complain too badly. Still, will Danny Boy actually be able to stay out of Shanahan’s way? We’ll see.

This won’t be the first time in recent memory that leadership in Washington comes espousing change. But is change in and of itself a guarantee things will get better? Only time will tell.

Obviously ‘Skins fans are ready for something different.

When we started this site back in July, we didn’t really know what to expect. Having run a different fantasy football related site for five years, we knew we wanted GoHuddleUp.com to be different. The hopes were grand. In retrospect, probably too grand. I’m a full-time student, with a family, and I work (as a painter) to pay my bills. Still, my passion has always been to let my voice be heard. Unfortunately, like the snow in Minnesota has piled up this winter, my real responsibilities piled high this fall. Such business has precluded me from being able to spend time on GHU.

Nevertheless, a new season is upon us. It’s a new year. NFL playoff time is here, and my favorite team (Vikings) has a real chance to win the Super Bowl. With such newness comes renewed hope.

I promised myself long ago that I wouldn’t make New Year’s resolutions any more, because I’m just no good at them. Instead, I’m trying to focus more on the things that really matter to me and let the other things fall away. As a result, I’m going to try to be more active over here on GHU.

We’ll see how things go. Either way, it’s going to be an interesting couple of months as the NFL season concludes.

While most people in Chicago are forcusing on how Jay Cutler is playing like a royal behind, it was his teammate, Devin Hester, who showed the entire world his rear end on Sunday Night. Devin: try on some undies dude!

Here’s the video:

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Sometimes in sports you get a feeling that you’re watching history unfold before you. Michael hitting the shot over Ehlo, Kirk Gibson running the base paths in the World Series, or Mike Tyson falling flat against Buster Douglass. Moments like these are etched in our minds for a lifetime; woven into the fabric of history. This past Sunday night was one of those events, as Peyton Manning and Tom Brady went head-to-head in a game that is already being dubbed an instant classic.

But I’m not here to question Bill Belichick’s call on fourth-and-two. That’s already been done. Ad nauseam.

In stead, I’d rather focus on the reason why Belichick made that tough decision: Peyton Manning’s greatness. Manning has already won three NFL MVP awards, a Super Bowl MVP, and has set countless passing records throughout an illustrious 12-year career. He’s also never missed a start, and is basically a coach on the field. As crazy as it sounds, this may be the best football we’ve ever seen Manning play.

Manning has topped 300 passing yards in eight of nine games this season while leading his club to a 9-0 start. He’s also averaging more than 2 TD’s per game over that span, and completing nearly 70 percent of his passes. Simply put, Peyton Manning is the MVP of the league again. I know Drew Brees is playing at an extremely high level as well, but Peyton is doing all of this with a new coaching staff in place and without long-time hookup Marvin Harrison. My guess is that Manning would win in a head-to-head duel as well.

So as the season unfolds, sit back and enjoy Peyton’s reign. It may be a long time before we see another QB with his vision, composure, knowledge, and rocket arm again. He may not be flashy, but Peyton Manning might just be the best QB to ever play in the NFL. And there’s no way he’s retiring with only one Super Bowl ring. My guess is that we will get another one of those “magical moments” at some point down the road. Maybe even in February.

Those of you who regularly read my postings on this site have probably wondered where I’ve been lately. We’ll, just like my favorite team, I’ve taken a couple weeks off. The Minnesota Vikings didn’t play a game in week 9, and they basically had another bye week yesterday as they hosted the hapless Lions. Honestly, I didn’t even watch the game because the outcome was decided before the opening kickoff. Actually, I missed the entire day of football yesterday as I returned from a fantastic hunting trip out in Wyoming.

Now back to the grindstone this week for both myself, and for my favorite club. Fantasy’s stretch run is beginning, and the Vikes have a couple of competent opponents coming up, so we’re all getting refocused. More content to follow soon…