Was awesome to do the Leap in uniform for the first time. Be sure to watch it on #NFLMobile @verizonwireless

— Eddie Lacy (@Lil_Eazy_Ana_42) May 19, 2013

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If a picture says a thousand words this video is at least a million.  Pro Player Insiders Emma Roll takes you behind the scenes at the Rose Bowl photo shoot at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere.   Here about 40 of the top NFL draft picks clowned around, posed for the camera, signed many trading cards and showed their swag in their team uniform.

The post It’s a Wrap: Rookie Premiere 2013 appeared first on Pro Player Insiders.

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What does a super hero mixed with qualities of the Incredible Hulk, Wolverine, and Night Crawler equal? You got it …Steeler Nation’s newest QB and super hero enthusiast Landry Jones.

The former Oklahoma Sooners quarterback could have entered the NFL Draft in 2012, but held out and returned to Oklahoma for his senior season. This past month Jones was a Pittsburg Steelers’ fourth round draft pick. This well spoken rookie made it very clear he is ready to get on the field and compete.

Theresa Villano of Pro Player Insider’s was able to sit down with Landry Jones at the 17th Annual NFLPA Rookie Premiere. Landry opens up about his newly drafted WNBA wife, moving to Pittsburg, his new teammates and that he is a super hero nerd. Check it out:

Pro Player Insiders: What will be the hardest transition from you from college to pros?

LP: The speed of the game. You got guys that are able to run and do a lot of different things, so I think the speed of the game.

PPI: You are actually playing behind “Big Ben.” Have you spoke with him yet?

LP: He has spoken to me. We are just now doing our workouts and string to get into things. Once OTAs start we will speak more and starting to figure things out a little.

PPI: What should Steelers fans look forward to you doing on the field?

I am going to compete. I enjoy the sport and I will compete. I am glad the Steelers are giving me a chance and I will go out and compete to get to the playoffs.

PPI: What do you want to do when you get to Pittsburg? Hitting up any landmarks?

LP: I have no idea, never been to the east coast. I have grown up in New Mexico. I haven’t really been to that side of the country. My wife and I will figure some stuff out and have some fun with it.

PPI: When you were a child, when did you start practicing your autograph or realize you wanted to be a football player?

LJ: I never really practiced my autograph. It is still pretty terrible to this day. But I think first grade I decided I kind of wanted to pursue this deal. It’s kind of when kids have that dream of what they want to become. I remember in first grade deciding to be a football player. I have seen that dream come true. In first grade I did kind of sit down and say, “Hey I am going to pursue this!”

PPI: People forget that players are more them just football players… they have family. I know you have a wife tell me a little bit about her?

LJ: My wife is Whitney Jones. She played basketball at Oklahoma, so we met at Oklahoma. She is from Fort Worth, Texas. Greatest thing about her is…well I am just so lucky to have her in my life. It’s pretty sweet being married. And she just got drafted to San Antonio

PPI: So you guys spend a lot of time an apart?

LJ: I don’t know yet. She actually injured her knee this year. So she has this year to rehab and next year I guess we will figure it out.

PPI: What are some of your hobbies outside of football?

LJ: I like to play golf. It’s kind of a creed of quarterbacks that they have to be good golfers. I am not very good but I do enjoy playing. I like to play guitar and watch movies. Football players are normal people.

PPI: You made a lot friends out here at NFLPA rookie premiere, who have you bonded with anyone here or acknowledged anyone’s swag or has a lot of character?

LJ: I think Le’Veon Bell has some swag to him (fellow Steeler draft pick sitting in the room). But I am still trying to show him some things….walk him through some things (chuckles). Le’Veon is a great guy. I know Kenny Stills the best because I played with him.

PPI FIRE 5 Featuring Steelers’ Landry Jones:
Brace yourself your about to feel the heat with PPI’s Lifestyle questions. We
need to know how you roll off the field….ready?!

1. Favorite Food/Restaurant

LJ: Chicken fried steak

2. Clothing Brand/store you’re found in the most

LJ: Quicksilver

3. Childhood/current nickname

LJ: Jones sounds like Hones… Spanish for Jones

4. If you could be a super hero who would it be and why?

LJ: Whitney (my wife) and I have actually have this conversation often. I would be a mix of The Incredible Hulk, Wolverine, and Night Crawler. Wolverine healing abilities obviously, Incredible Hulk because he tears up some stuff, and Night Crawler.

5. Where is your terrible towel?

Don’t know much about the terrible towel yet but I look forward to getting one.

Follow @Theresa_PPI @PlayerInisders for more under the helmet access.

The post Landry Jones Preparing to Be Steelers’ Super Hero appeared first on Pro Player Insiders.

“We use this opportunity for two things. One, it is probably the first time they have all been together as the top rookies that come into the National Football League that is out of the draft. The other thing we impress upon, is that it is also probably the last time they will be together for the rest of their careers.”

Watch the complete interview below.

The event based at The Loews Hotel in Hollywood, is the first affair post draft where the top rookies will get a head start on their career. It is a chance to allow them to understand the remarkable opportunity and responsibility that comes with being an NFL player.

At the end of the weekend the rookies will wear professional jerseys for the first time. They will autograph their first authentic rookie cards and take part in photo shoots at the Rose Bowl by trading card companies Panini America and Topps.

2013 Rookie Draft Class attendees:

Bills – EJ Manuel, Robert Woods
Dolphins – Mike Gillislee
Patriots – Aaron Dobson
Jets – Geno Smith
Bengals – Tyler Eiffert, Giovanni Bernard
Ravens – n/a
Steelers – Le’Veon Bell, Landry Jones, Markus Wheaton
Browns – n/a
Colts – n/a
Jaguars – Denard Robinson
Texans – DeAndre Hopkins
Titans – Justin Hunter
Chiefs – Travis Kelce
Broncos – Montee Ball
Raiders – Tyler Wilson
Chargers – Keenan Allen
Eagles – Matt Barkley, Zach Ertz
Redskins – Jordan Reed
Cowboys – Gavin  Escobar
Giants – Ryan Nassib
Packers – Eddie Lacy, Johnathan Franklin
Bears – n/a
Lions – Theo Riddick
Vikings – Cordarrelle Patterson
Falcons – n/a
Saints – Kenny Stills
Bucs – Mike Glennon
Panthers – Kenjon Barner
Rams – Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey
49ers – Quinton Patton, Marcus Lattimore
Seahawks – Christine Michael
Cardinals – Stepfan Taylor, Ryan Swope

 

The post DeMaurice Smith On the Evolution of Rookie Premiere appeared first on Pro Player Insiders.

The Bears selected Long with the 20^th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft out of the University of Oregon. The 6-6, 313-pound Long played in 11 games for the Ducks in 2012, starting the final four contests at left guard. He spent two seasons (2010-11) at Saddleback Community College spending 2010 at defensive end before making the transition to offensive line in 2011. Long is the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Howie Long and the brother of St. Louis Rams DE Chris Long.

The post Bears Agree to Terms With Kyle Long appeared first on Pro Player Insiders.

Sims was Miami’s second fourth-round selection (106^th overall) in the 2013 NFL Draft out of Michigan State University. He saw action in 39 games at Michigan State, where he caught 59 passes for 707 yards and two touchdowns.

Born September 18, 1991 in Detroit, Michigan, Sims attended St. Mary’s Catholic High School in Orchard Lake, Michigan where he lettered in football and basketball.

Name                             Pos.   Hgt.  Wgt.  Birthdate    Exp.  College                 Hometown

Dion Sims            TE     6-5    262    2/18/91       R       Michigan State     Detroit, Mich.

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As part of the 2013 NFLPA Rookie Premier, 21 top NFL Rookies conducted a healthy lifestyle and fitness program for 150 3^rd-5^th graders from Sunrise Elementary in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles.  This One Team | One Community initiative encouraged youth to stay fit while having fun in a safe and competitive environment.

The kids enjoyed fresh smoothies and participated in non-contact football stations led by the Rookies.  Developed in partnership with LA’s BEST (an afterschool enrichment program of the Los Angeles Unified School District, and in support of Let’s Move!), the clinic proved to be a success- with each student smiling and cheering his or her fellow teammates on.

The event was geared towards both boys and girls, not only in support of fitness for all, but more specifically: football for both genders.  Amongst the new rookies and coaches, Deeann Rivera, a former professional female football player, also came to speak to the students- particularly the girls, about being able to play football professionally when they grew up.

Although the event was for the kids, it seems that the rookies were having as much fun participating and helping at the clinic.  One player spoke of how football is the love of his life, but his passion is being able to come to the community and give back at events such as this one.  Gavin Escobar, 47^th pick in the 2013 Draft, shared the same sentiments.  We got a chance to chat with him for a few minutes during the clinic.

Pro Player Insiders Interviews the Dallas Cowboys’ newest Tight End, Gavin Escobar at NFLPA Rookie Premier Youth Fitness Clinic at Sunrise Elementary School, Los Angeles, CA.

Pro Player Insiders:  Has this been a dream of yours your whole life?

Gavin Escobar:  Yeah definitely.  Probably, my first love was Basketball and once I started playing football- it was definitely my second love.

PPI:  What does it feel like to be here right now?  I mean, you’re in the NFL, you made it!

GE:  It’s great being out here with these kids. I remember when I was this age and I loved to play.  I played sports all the time.  It’s just fun being around these kids who are enjoying life and enjoying running around.

PPI:  So you’re here as a role model for them (the kids).  Who were your role models growing up in the NFL?

GE:  In the NFL, I liked watching guys like Jeremy Shockey, Tony Gonzalez, and Jason Witten.  Football-wise those are my role models.

PPI:  Now, what current players are you looking forward to playing with the most?

GE:  It’d be great to catch passes with Tony Romo and learn from Jason Witten.  So I’m really excited for the opportunity.

PPI:  You’re going to the Cowboys- what are you excited to see in Texas?

GE:  I don’t know much about Texas.  I’ve heard Austin’s really cool, so I’m gonna have to check out that sometime.  I’ve been to Fort Worth before.  I don’t know much about Dallas either, but I’ll have time to explore in the offseason.

PPI:  Are you happy to be in the NFL? Are you glad to be on the Cowboys?

GE:  I’m happy to be with the Cowboys and stay with them as long as I can.

PPI:  Did you have a distinct moment when you told everyone else “I want to be in the NFL” and it became your goal in life?

GE:  I remember during the recruiting process in high school… I was a wide receiver in high school, and I had a coach who was playing overseas at the time; and he told me, “You know if you stick with Tight End you could really play at the next level.” And that kinda stuck with me going into college and I was always thinking NFL from that point on.

PPI:  Did people always tell you that you should go into the NFL or that you should play basketball- HOW TALL ARE YOU?

GE:  I’m 6’6”.  Basketball, I’ve been playing that even before I was playing football.  But through high school, I kind of realized I’m better at football… and I love it too.

PPI:  So where can we find you when you’re off the field?

GE:  Off the field you can find me out in the open, doing something fun…nothing crazy, obviously.  But I like being active.  I like doing this kind of stuff, so that would be great to do in the community in Dallas.  I just like being on my feet, not so much playing video games all day, you know?

PPI:  A very active player… Now here in the NFL – you’re not only going to play, you’re going to learn the business of football?  Have they started to talk to you about all of that?

GE: I’m learning as I go.  I’m hearing stuff from players, hearing stuff from the NFLPA.  I’m learning a lot right now- I’m just taking it all in.

PPI:  You’re first game in the NFL, who or what will you be thinking about on that day?

GE:  I’m going to be thinking about my assignments and my plays. Cause I’m not trying to mess those up.  That’s what I’m going to be thinking about.

PPI:  So now for a couple fun questions…  What is your favorite food or restaurant?

GE:  Fast food wise, I’m gonna go with In N Out.  Restaurant wise, I went to Flemmings once during the recruiting process and that was one of the best steaks I’ve ever had, so I’m gonna go with Flemmings.

PPI:  Did you grow up with In N Out or was it a trek for you?

GE:  I was born in New York and lived in New Jersey for a while, but I had some family out in California, so whenever we would come visit, we would always go to In N Out.  So that’s been my spot.

PPI:  What’s your favorite clothing brand or store you like to go the most.

GE:  I’m not too big on shopping or clothing really.  I wear shorts and a T-shirt as much as I can.  So I’m gonna just say Nike, they got the best stuff that I like.

PPI:  Do you have a favorite musician/ artist/ or band?

GE:   You know I’m kinda old school.  I like listening to anything like Jackson 5 to the Temptations, stuff like that, on a regular basis at least.

PPI:  Now here’s a question, are you a dancer though?

GE:  Yeah, I’ll dance.  I mean I probably won’t dance for you right now, but…

PPI:  …We can maybe find you on the dance floor later on?

GE:  Yeah.

PPI:  Do you have a nickname?

GE:  No… well actually, you know, some people like to call me Pablo because of my last name, but I don’t know if that’s appropriate…

PPI:  ¿No hablas Español? (You don’t speak Spanish?)

GE:  No.

PPI:  ¿Yo puedo hablar mas que tu?  (I speak more than you?)

GE:  I can understand a little bit.  My father spoke it fluently when he grew up, but my mom doesn’t so it never got passed on to me.  So I’m working on Rosetta  Stone.  …I need to.

PPI:  That’s good.  Or you can just go on an extended trip somewhere…

GE:  Yeah.

Follow @MsEmmaRoll @PlayerInsiders 

The post Cowboys’ Rookie TE Gavin Escobar Tackles Youth Fitness appeared first on Pro Player Insiders.

He said overall practice speeds have been fast and it’s possible we’ll see speeds of up to 230 mph this as teams prepare for Saturday’s run for the pole position for the 500.

New this year, an idea lifted from the Super Bowl village a year ago – a zipline for adventurous race fans to try.  It’s on the infield inside Turn 4 at the north end of the track.

The post Indy 500: Fast Friday appeared first on Pro Player Insiders.

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Pro Player Insider’s Theresa Villano caught up with CP to get to know more about the story behind his love of Country music, H&M, his hair, Rookie Camp and most of all, his mother.

Pro Player Insiders: The Vikings picked you up (drafted you). What an amazing day and amazing moment. You’re moving to Minnesota what will you bring their team?

CP: I really don’t look forward to do anything besides learn my playbook and I expect to be out there learning form the older guys. I will be ready for the team.

PPI: Which veterans, if any, have you met so far?

CP: The veterans really weren’t there but it was an honor to be with Greg Jennings and playing under his wing. He was coaching me up on every little thing. It feels awesome.

PPI: Greg Jennings mantra and favorite hashtag is #itsagreatdaytobegreat, what will be your mantra?

CP: I really don’t use one but I wake up every morning and pray. I got that little prayer in the morning that most guys don’t have. I got that little prayer. It’s awesome. That’s my hashtag #prayedup.

PPI: What is your nick name?

CP: CP!

PPI: Mall of America is in Minnesota so what will you buy with your first NFL check?

CP: I won’t go to the mall. I will probably buy my mom a car or a house. She took care of me for 22 years. It’s my time to pay her off. I don’t want her to worry anymore.

PPI: Who will you think of when you walk on the field the first time?

CP: I always think about my mom. I think about her all the time and call her all the time. I get on her nerves all the time, to see what she is doing. She is my everything!

PPI: Who have you connected with here at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere?

CP: DeAndre Hopkins (Houston Texans No. 27th Pick in 2013 draft) and I played with Justin Hunter (at Tennessee). I keep it with the receivers. I have to look at the schedule when I get home to see what guys I will be playing against when I get back home.

PPI: Speaking of WR receivers, I watched an interview with you and your fellow receivers. In the interview you guys were talking about WR’s being divas? Is this true?

CP: Us receivers get a lot of attention and always want that perfect pass. We always want the ball and then we complain (chuckles). We are all divas in our own ways. We just want that rock…we got to have it.

On his hair, fashion, and swag…

PPI: Your hair is awesome what’s going on back there (chuckles)?

CP: Just got my dreads braided up. My hair was getting too long so it wasn’t in my face.

PPI: Who has the most swag in this rookie class?

CP: You can’t worry about anyone else’s swagger. I work on mine and keep my swag up. Can’t worry about someone else’s swag.

PPI Fire 5:  Featuring Minnesota Vikings CP:
Brace yourself your about to feel the heat with PPI’s Lifestyle questions. Vikings fans need to know how you turn it up off the field.

1. Favorite Food/Restaurant?

CP: Steak- I just discovered a new restaurant called Roof Crest. The steak just melted in my mouth. There is one in LA and the have then all over.

2.  Clothing Brand/Store you’re found in the most?

CP: H&M-People go for the high priced stuff to look good. It’s not necessarily the price of stuff that looks good. I shop at H &M. I love that store. My friend took me to that store when I came to California. I can’t stop thinking about that store and I think about (the clothes) there. They have affordable gear and their stuff looks good. I like the tight fit.

3. Favorite Musician/Rapper/Band?

CP: Rascal Flats- You don’t get this a lot. I am a black guy but I went to junior college in Kansas and then Tennessee. I like country music. Rascal flats is my band. I am getting set up to go back stage with them pretty soon here. I look forward to that

4. If you could be a super hero who would it be?

CP: FLASHY- My super hero would be “FLASHY.” I like to be flashy on and off the field.

5. Since you are “flashy” do you have a signature TD dance?

CP: Yeah, I have a couple moves (**TD dance demonstration in video interview posted above).

Vikings fans have a lot to look forward to this season as CP channels his “flash” on and off the field. No doubt Christian Ponder should give him the rock.

Follow @Theresa _ppi @PlayerInsiders 

The post Introducing Viking’s Cordarrelle “The Flash” Patterson appeared first on Pro Player Insiders.

2013 Rookie Draft Class attendees:

Bills – EJ Manuel, Robert Woods
Dolphins – Mike Gillislee
Patriots – Aaron Dobson
Jets – Geno Smith
Bengals – Tyler Eiffert, Giovanni Bernard
Ravens – n/a
Steelers – Le’Veon Bell, Landry Jones, Markus Wheaton
Browns – n/a
Colts – n/a
Jaguars – Denard Robinson
Texans – DeAndre Hopkins
Titans – Justin Hunter
Chiefs – Travis Kelce
Broncos – Montee Ball
Raiders – Tyler Wilson
Chargers – Keenan Allen
Eagles – Matt Barkley, Zach Ertz
Redskins – Jordan Reed
Cowboys – Gavin  Escobar
Giants – Ryan Nassib
Packers – Eddie Lacy, Johnathan Franklin
Bears – n/a
Lions – Theo Riddick
Vikings – Cordarrelle Patterson
Falcons – n/a
Saints – Kenny Stills
Bucs – Mike Glennon
Panthers – Kenjon Barner
Rams – Tavon Austin, Stedman Bailey
49ers – Quinton Patton, Marcus Lattimore
Seahawks – Christine Michael
Cardinals – Stepfan Taylor, Ryan Swope

 

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