Why Football Matters (And Other Thoughts)

As has been discussed previously in this space, PCR writer Robert Gilbert recently released the e-book "Going Beyond: Vision, the NFL, and the 2010 Carolina Panthers." 

David Masciotra, author of "Working on a Dream: The Progressive Political Vision of Bruce Springsteen," provided the introduction for Gilbert's book, and recently released the introduction on his blog for ChicagoNow.

After the jump is an excerpt from his introduction, with a link to the full text.

2011 NFL Combine; NFL Draft Breaking News

NFLPA E.D. DeMaurice Smith

Union officials and player agents are meeting to discuss the withholding of players from NFL Combine and NFL Draft activities. NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith has been and will continue meeting with agents to discuss boycott options. 


In the end, while both sides claim to have the fans' interests at heart, both continue serving themselves. 

Should the Carolina Panthers draft Nick Fairley #1 Overall? Maybe not.

Auburn DT Nick Fairley, celebrating

Many NFL media pundits, and many fans alike, think that the Carolina Panthers should draft Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley with the first pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Awed, perhaps, by the difference-making abilities of recent high defensive-tackle selections, like the Detroit Lions' Ndamukong Suh and the Baltimore Ravens' Haloti Ngata, they see the disruptive force Fairley was on opposing offensive lines this past college season, and the brilliant performance he put on in the BCS National Championship Game between Oregon and Auburn.