Nothing to See Here: Old News with JK – Presidents Day Edition

February 16, 2015

Happy Presidents Day everyone! And by the way, bonus points if you can identify the president above. Yeah, good luck with that.

Anyway, ever wonder what happened in football on February 16th in the past? Well, I did.

So here you go, let’s do a little time traveling…

2004

Pioneering Celebration Injury Master Moves On

Everyone remembers Detroit Lions’ linebacker Stephen Tulloch “discount double checking” his way to a torn ACL after sacking Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. But did you know that he wasn’t a pioneer?

Former Arizona Cardinals’ kicker Bill Gramatica is most remembered for his on field injury, not caused by the game, but caused from a celebration. After hitting a 43-yard field goal, giving the Cardinals an early 3-0 lead over the NY Giants, he tore his right ACL landing from a celebratory jump and fist pump.

Currently, Bill Gramatica (and his brother Martin) are in real estate and is currently a VP of Sales for Gramatica SIPS International, focusing on energy efficient building design.

Washington Redskins “Bailey” Try to Stop the “Champ” from Leaving

Cornerback Champ Bailey was 7th overall NFL draft selection by the Washington Redskins in 1999. In 2004 he was traded to the Denver Broncos and released in 2014 shortly following Super Bowl XLVIII. Bailey signed with the New Orleans Saints shortly after but was released before the season started. Bailey was 12 time Pro Bowler and #26 on the all time interception list.

NBC Sports Photo

2005

Hall of Fame Offensive Tackle Locks In Career as a Seahawk

Being drafted 6th overall in 1997 by the Seattle Seahawks, offensive tackle Walter Jones was destined for great things. After many years of service, the Seahawks inked a 7-year deal in 2005 worth 52.5 Million to ensure his legacy remained in Seattle. Starting in 180 games in Seattle, Jones played his entire career for the Seahawks. During his career, the Seahawks attempted 5,500 passes with Jones on the field, while Jones gave up only 23 sacks and had only 9 holding. He also made the Pro Bowl nine times during his illustrious career. In 2014, Walter Jones was selected for the Football Hall of Fame.

Imgaarcade.com Photo

2006

Hall of Famer That Built the Foundation for the Steel Curtain dies at 80

Although he was before the famous Steel Curtain defense in Pittsburgh, he definitely provided the blueprint that became the identity of the Steelers for years to come. Defensive Linesman Ernie Stautner was drafted in the 1950 NFL draft in the second round by The Pittsburgh Steelers where he played his entire career, retiring in 1963. Stautner was a 9 time Pro Bowler, missing only 6 games. He retired as a career leader in safeties 3 and ranked third in fumble recoveries with 23. Staunter was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1969. After Stautner’s football career, he went into coaching for various NFL teams and ended his career as head coach to the Frankfurt Galaxy, of NFL Europe.

In 2006, Stautner passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s.

Behindthesteelcurtain.com Photo

ChiPs Takes Down Former Defensive Back Darryll Lewis

No, it wasn’t Ponch and John, but it might as well have come out of an episode of ChiPs.

Bestsportsphoto.com Photo

Former defensive back Darryll Lewis was drafted by the Houston Oilers in 1991. Lewis finished his career with 32 interceptions, which he returned for 555 yards and 5 touchdowns. He recorded 5 sacks and 8 fumble recoveries.

But Lewis really hit the big time when he (then 37, now 46) was charged for evading arrest and possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor charges of resisting arrest and taking a vehicle without owners permission.

The kicker was that he wasn’t even originally arrested for the drug charges. Lewis was actually arrested after leading California Highway Patrol Officers (ChiPs) on a chase that began after he failed, of all things, to pull over for an alleged carpool lane violation.

Lewis then pled guilty and was sentenced to 32 months.

2009

Pre-BeastMode Lynch Hides a Firearm in Cali

Drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round (12th overall) of the 2007 NFL draft, Marshawn Lynch was considered more of a mediocre running back (unable to break 100 years in a single game), certainly not a “beast.” In 2009, Lynch was arrested in California for felony charges of possession of a concealed firearm. Lynch was suspended for 3-games for the weapons charge for violating NFL personal conduct policy. In November 2009, Lynch was replaced with running back Fred Jackson.

In 2010, Lynch started 3-games for the Bills before he was traded to Seattle. You know the rest of his story.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3Cch8TI7RQ

2011

Turns Out He Wasn’t the Franchise After All…At Least Not in Indy

In order to leverage a deal with Peyton Manning, the Indianapolis Colts used their franchise tag in 2011. Apparently it worked, as in July 2011, the two sides negotiated a 5-year $90 million dollar contract. Unfortunately, it was all for not, since Peyton didn’t play a single game in 2011 due to neck surgery in May. The Colts released Manning in March of 2012. Manning quickly signed with the Denver Broncos for a 5-year $96 million dollar contract. And we know how that went as well.