Manti Te'o a man amongst words

When it comes to Notre Dame football in the past decade, one name comes to mind,  Manti Te'o. He has been the face of Irish nation for the past 4 years. Te'o's passion for life, football, and family have been an imprinent of what it takes to be a member of the fighting Irish. "Fighting Irish began as a slur -- a term of opprobrium. But we took it up and made it a badge of honor -- a symbol of fidelity and courage to everyone who suffers from discrimination; to everyone who has an uphill fight for the elemental decencies, and the basic Christian principles woven into the texture of our nation. Preserving this tradition, and this meaning of Irish at Notre Dame does honor to every one of us."(New York: Doubleday, 1990)
The first aspect of Manto Te'o that stands out is his passion for family life. When a person loses two passionate people in his life in less then 24 hours, and still has the mindset and courage to step onto the football field the same weekend is tremendous. When it comes to a team sport, supporting your teammates is vital for a team to pursue perfection and chemistry. When Te'o stated “I’m human, I have my own mistakes. I have my own weaknesses. But that doesn’t exempt me from being there for somebody. I’m a knucklehead sometimes, but if I can have an impact on somebody’s life in a positive way, I’m going to do it. Te'o put those words in stone the night he stepped onto the field against the Michigan State Spartans. He helped his team defeat the Spartans 20-3 recording 12 tackles as they rolled past the Spartans.
Throughout the Irish's season Manti Te'o has battled through adversity weekend by weekend   ensuring the Irish an undefeated season. Even when the Irish were underdogs Te'o had the team mindset and mentality to focus his teammates to play to there top potential. When it comes to the Heisman trophy and its Heisman Trust Mission Statement "The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity. Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work. The Heisman Trophy Trust ensures the continuation and integrity of this award. The Trust, furthermore, has a charitable mission to support amateur athletics and to provide greater opportunities to the youth of our country. Our goal through these charitable endeavors is for the Heisman Trophy to symbolize the fostering of a sense of community responsibility and service to our youth, especially those disadvantaged or afflicted. All assets of the Trust beyond the expense of maintaining the annual presentation of the Heisman Memorial Trophy are reserved for such charitable causes. The Trustees, who all serve pro bono, are guided by a devotion to college football and are committed to community service and the valued tradition which the Trophy represents."(Heismantrophey.com) No one deserves the trophy more than Manti Te'o.

Manti Te'o may be a "meat head football player" in some peoples minds, but when your really look into his inner person you see a genuine college athlete. Te'o has gone out of his way to help others and his community. When Te'o heard about a dying 12-year-old Catholic girl from suburban Detroit who was suffering from a deadly brain tumor. He took time out of his busy life of football, college, and family to write the young girl's family. "Dear Mr. and Mrs. Smith." Te’o wrote an emotional letter, via email. Picture a big, strong linebacker sitting at his computer, "most likely crying," as he said, over someone else’s pain, some stranger’s pain. All he had known about Bridget, all he had been told through a mutual friend, was that Bridget's brain tumor was finally proving too powerful and that she wasn’t going to get out of the hospital again. And she loved Notre Dame football and Manti Te’o. “Obviously, going through what I’ve gone through, with my girlfriend passing away from cancer, that whole thing hit home for me,’’ Te’o said in a private moment the other day, “My whole thing was just to reach out and let them know I’m here. “Just letting them know that the heavenly father is always there. Although it may not seem like it right now, He’s always there to help. It was definitely hard to write.“And I think it helped to ease my pain, too.’’
If this doesn't paint a picture perfect college athlete/student I don't know what will. The amount of compassion and integrity that Te'o has for others is truly something else, and I feel everyone should strive to be a better person like him. Te'o has been as close as it gets to your ideal Heisman candidate, and I will really contest the real meaning behind the Heisman trophy if he does not win.

Cyber Monday Deals & Trading Cards for Christmas

What will you be getting everyone on your holiday shopping list? Sometimes the hardest people to buy for are the ones you know the best. This year I'm really trying to get my loved ones exactly what they want, especially my son. My son, Collin, and nephew have grown to love trading cards, specifically baseball, and it has become a big deal at my house.

Also on the top of my Collin's Christmas list is an iPad, iPhone or iPod (yes, he is only 13 and is wanting all these expensive products). I can tell you right now that he won't be getting those items from me. I plan on getting him a baseball card set that he has had his eye on. However, what will be so fun is that he is not expecting me to get it for him, because it is a little pricey. I told him there was no way he was getting that (ha ha).

(All holiday shopping done already thanks to Black Friday and Cyber Monday!)

The truth is my wife and I have been planning on purchasing it for him on Cyber Monday. The baseball card package was originally $150.00 and I got it for $108.95 ($41.05 saved!) with free shipping! I literally can't wait to shock my son on Christmas. I am already squirming in anticipation.

Top 5 Golf Tweeters

These golf tweeters tweet daily about their news, information and most of all entertainment from the golf world. 

1. Keegan Bradley: 2011 PGA Champion: Keegan is one of the most active tweeters on the PGA Tour! He interacts with fans and loves all of his Boston teams. 

2. Rory McIlroy: No. 1 player in the world. McIlroy is one of the most likable on Twitter. He gives his fans a glimze into his world all about golf. 

3. Bubba Watson: Bubba is the 2012 Masters champion. Watson is the most entertaining tweeter. He incorporates giveaways, videos and pics of his son sporting his Master's jacket. 

4. Gary Williams: Gary is the host of the Golf Channel's "Morning Drive". He regulary is ranting about Morning Drive and continues funny, worth seeing tweets. 

5. Ian Poulter: Two time PGA Tour Winner, Ryder Cup Star. Poulter will bring you right into his life. If there was one golfer to follow he would be it. 

Why sports teams are showing up on Pinterest with Panini Cooperstown Baseball Cards

Individuals, businesses and now even sports teams are showing up on the social sharing site, Pinterest. Pinterest has gained a reputation for being mainly appealing for women, but the tables are turning. Not only does Pinterest appeal to the ladies but it is also showing men there are things they are interested in as well.

The Boston Celtics just joined Pinterest, as well as NBA, NFL, NHL franchises, MLB, college teams and women's sports teams. The Celtics have the largest follower count so far and are beginning to see just how powerful Pinterest can really be. If these teams have Panini Cooperstown Baseball Cards, then they are probably on Pinterest.

What do sports teams have to do with Pinterst? Good question. The thing that many people don't realize about Pinterest is that it applies to a broad range of people. Pinterest should be utilized for businesses, and sports teams are technically a "business".

In order to gain a large following and interaction on Pinterest you need to portray your whole brand image. Many times it's common to only want to "sell yourself" but that won't get you far in social media, especially Pitnerest. Pinterest is a place where you find inspiration, great ideas and sharing with friends/family. Give your pinners a reason to want to follow you as well as to be interested in you.

Baltimore Ravens for the Win

Playing without star player Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh turned up the heat within the first 43 seconds of the game. But it wasn't quite good enough.The Baltimore Ravens used their 63 yard punt return to their full advantage and defeated the Pittsburge Steelers 13-10 on Sunday night.

The Ravens went three-and-out on their first possession, but their defense gave great reason to put points on the score board. Ravens corner back Chris Johnson ripped the ball out of Wallace's hands and recovered the fumble while returning the ball to the Steelers' 12 yard line.

Baltimore's special team scored more points later in the first quarter when Jones found a seam left and received a seal block by Considine while weaving in for a touchdown. Jones discussed after the game:

"Well, all week in practice, we knew we had two kick returns already for touchdowns and the whole special teams unit, we kept complaining that we hadn't had a punt return yet," Jones said. "So that's one thing we emphasized and worked on all week and everybody did a great job on blocking."