Blog Archives
Cards In The NFL
The National Football League (NFL) has become America’s past time. The Superbowl is one of the most watched televised events year after year. The halftime show has become so iconic, that even Queen Bey herself (Beyonce) has paid to perform during it.
At the University of Louisville, we have the opportunity to cheer on a really good team every year. But we do not have a professional team in our backyard. So this gives us the unique chance to (almost) pick who our favorite NFL team is. Some of us have family ties to certain teams, others had a favorite collegiate player that they followed into their professional careers. Whatever the case may be, Louisville has a wide variety of NFL fandom roaming our streets.
Nunnsense: The Legacy Of James Quick
Photo: Athlon Sports
The legacy of James Quick is one that can be interpreted in many different ways. It all depends if compare his college career to the expectations most people had for him or if you compare his actual statistics and contributions during his time at Louisville to every other receiver that came before him.
It all began at Trinity High School when James became the first-ever freshman to start a game for the storied football powerhouse. He also won the state championship in the 200 meter dash in both his freshman and sophomore years. James became the first player in Kentucky high school football history to score a touchdown in four straight state championship games (’09 -’12) and had received offers to play at almost every major college school. Read the rest of this entry
Brandon Radcliff Signs Deal with Titans
Photo: Tim Haag/CardinalSportsZone.com
Former Louisville running back Brandon Radcliff has signed a deal with the Tennessee Titans, according to a statement from the team.
Radcliff, who went undrafted this spring, was signed to the Indianapolis Colts, but released in June. He was linked to a workout and potential deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers last week, but opted to sign with the Titans instead.
As a member with the Titans, Radcliff will be fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster, alongside former Pro Bowler DeMarco Murray and former Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry.
Radcliff ended his collegiate career with a career-high 903 yards and six touchdowns in 2016, and posted 12 TDs in 2014. The former Louisville back ended his career with 2365 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns on the ground.
The Titans open their preseason schedule on August 12th against the New York Jets. The Titans also host the Panthers (Aug. 19) and Bears (Aug. 27), before closing the preseason on the road against the Chiefs (Aug. 31).
Brandon Radcliff Works Out For Steelers
(Kentucky.com)
Louisville legend, Brandon Radcliff worked out for the Pittsburgh Steelers today as a free agent. Radcliff finished the 2016 season with 903 yards, averaging 6.5+ yards a carry.
Teddy Press Conference & Comments
ESPN.com
Former Card Teddy Bridgewater spoke up for the first time in 11 months today after a gruesome leg injury. While it was a big deal to a few people, to many others it was understood. Take your time, rehab & come back stronger. Here is an excerpt from Teddy’s presser plus a video of the press conference.
Enjoy!
Teddy Bridgewater Update
Photo: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Some good news from the Minnesota Vikings today! Teddy Bridgewater has been placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list. See what the Viking’s organization had to say below.
Nunnsense: DeVante Parker Is Ready To Be An Elite NFL Receiver
Photo: Allen Eyestone / The Palm Beach Post
After being drafted 14th overall in the 2015 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins, Card forever DeVante Parker has not exactly lived up to the elite receiver status that the Dolphins had hoped for. His 2 year career totals of 82 receptions, 1,238 yards and 7 touchdowns is more like what the Dolphins had hoped for in one year.
So what is the reason for Devante’s less than elite numbers? Well, it’s definitely Read the rest of this entry
Elvis Dumervil Has Signed With The 49ers
Photo: OurColoradoCommunitynow.com
Card forever, Elvis Dumervil has signed a two-year deal with the San Fransisco 49ers. Dumervil, who is 33 , has 99 sacks in his 10-year career. Dumervil is a five-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro. He tied his career-high with 17 sacks for Baltimore in 2014 but an Achilles tendon injury limited him to just 6 sacks in 2015. After off-season surgery, Dumervil just appeared in 8 games last season with only 3 sacks. Baltimore released him on March 8th in a cost-cutting move, freeing up $6 million in cap space.
Adam Wells of Bleacher Report says “Last year was the first time Dumervil has missed more than one game in a season since 2011. It may have been a bit of bad luck at the wrong time for the 33-year-old, leading the Ravens to dump him when his value was at its lowest.
In a league that places incredible value on pass-rushers, Dumervil could end up being a steal this offseason. He may have to be limited more at this stage of his career, getting on the field in obvious passing situations, but no one will care as long as he still gets to the quarterback.”
New 49ers General Manager John Lynch Tweeted, “Faithful – Just added another stud to harass QBs. Thrilled to announce we’ve agreed to terms w/ (Elvis Dumervil). Welcome to the squad. #BrickByBrick”
Calvin Pryor Dealt To The Browns
Credit: AP via newyorkjets.com
Announced via Twitter today, the Cleveland Browns traded for former U of L safety Calvin Pryor in a deal with the New York Jets.
Pryor, who was a first round draft pick for the Jets in 2014, started 38 games for the Jets during his three-year run, recording two interceptions in 2015 and two fumbles.
Despite the reliability as a starter for the Jets, New York took two safeties – LSU’s Jamal Adams and Florida’s Marcus Mayes – in the NFL draft last month. Pryor’s fifth-year option was also declined, bringing his future with the Jets into question.
Pryor was dealt to the Browns in exchange for LB Demario Davis. Pryor could compete for a starting spot as a safety for the Browns, but will have to contend with first-round pick Jabrill Peppers, along with current starters Ibraheim Campbell and Ed Reynolds.
James Quick And Josh Harvey-Clemons Ink Rookie Contracts With Redskins
Photo: GoCards.com
Photo: Tim Haag/CardinalSportsZone.com
Former-Louisville standouts, WR James Quick and Safety/LB Josh Harvey-Clemons have signed their rookie contracts with the Washington Redskins for the upcoming NFL season. Harvey-Clemons was drafted in the 7th round, while Quick was later signed as an Undrafted Free Agent.
Harvey-Clemons’ contract is for 4 years and $2,484,306 total, with $84,306 as the signing bonus. The Redskins look like they will be playing the former-safety/LB hybrid as more of a Linebacker. Harvey-Clemons will be an unrestricted free agent in 2021.
James Quick’s contact is for 3 years and $1,665,000 total, with no signing bonus. Quick will look to add a much-needed spark to Washington’s WR corps. He will be a restricted free agent in 2020.
While there weren’t as many Louisville players drafted as originally thought, that isn’t stopping the former-Cardinals from making deals. Congrats to James and Josh and best of luck going forward.
Go Cards!
Teddy Bridgewater’s Road To Recovery
As former Louisville Cardinal and current Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater continues on his journey to overcome a gruesome injury and return to the gridiron, we will provide the latest news and updates on his recovery. Get well soon, Teddy.
6/16/17 (Latest Update):
In an ESPN piece about Bridgewater’s remaining steps to take before he returns to the field, several Vikings, including TE Kyle Rudolph, WR Laquon Treadwell and Head Coach Mike Zimmer are astounded by the speed of his recovery, as well as his work ethic to make sure he returns to form.
5/24/17:
Teddy Bridgewater gets the green light to progress his rehabilitation after having a positive meeting with his doctor.
5/22/17:
As part of his rehab process, Teddy Bridgewater takes the practice field for the first time since his injury.
5/5/17:
After months of speculation that Bridgewater may not ever be able to play in the NFL again due to his injury, Vikings coach Mike Zimmer stated that he’s “more optimistic now about him potentially playing than I have at any point in time”.
Lozo Vs. Marcus Smith In Fund Raising Battle
Former Cards, and current NFL stars, Lorenzo Mauldin and Marcus Smith are having a battle to see who can raise the most money for their charity. Mauldin’s charity is the Orangewood Foundation and Smith’s is representing the MII Foundation. The battle ends today, April 2nd.
Cardinals In The NFL: 2016 Season In Review
The NFL’s 2016 season saw action from 22 former Louisville Cardinals on 15 different teams, with at least one player representing each position in football. The 2016 NFL Draft also felt the Louisville Cardinals’ presence, with the selection of Sheldon Rankins with the 12th overall pick. The Bills, Steelers and Jets feature multiple former Cards on their rosters, with the Steelers having 2 and both the Bills & Jets having 4 (The Bears also had multiple prior to Greg Scruggs being waived). 3 postseason teams have former Cards on their rosters (Steelers, Dolphins, Patriots), as well as the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots (Greg Scruggs).
(Click more for all players)
Nunnsense: Is Lamar Jackson The Best Player On His Team?
(Photo Cred: Andy Staples)
Barring any unforeseen incidents, Lamar Jackson will be the first Louisville football player to be invited to New York for the Heisman Trophy awards ceremony as one of the three finalists. As of now, Lamar is not only expected to be invited but he is the favorite to win the award. With all the Heisman talk swirling around the program, it has prompted much talk of Lamar’s place among the best players to ever wear a Louisville jersey (and he is only a sophomore). Although it’s all opinion, many believe he will be considered the best Louisville player ever. Read the rest of this entry
Lorenzo Mauldin’s Story (New Video)
Lorenzo Mauldin was definitely a crowd favorite during his time at The University of Louisville. He was very approachable and interactive on social media. He called Card nation his family and we accepted him with open arms. We all know his story and what type of guy he is so his success shouldn’t surprise any of us. He was a starter in this past Sunday’s game for the New York Jets. He recorded his first sack of the season. Although it was against my Cincinnati Bengals, I was still excited for him.
Here is a new video talking about his rough road to the NFL. Read the rest of this entry
Eli Rogers is Big Ben’s New Weapon
Jerry Fowler of ESPN wrote a nice article about Eli Rogers. The article covers Eli as a very nice complement to Antonio Brown, Eli’s long road to success, his friendship with Teddy Bridgewater and the culmination of it all. It’s worth checking out. The link is posted below…..
Eli Rogers Taking First Team Reps In Steelers Training Camp
Eli Rogers played for Louisville from 2011-2014. He had 2020 yards and 12 touchdowns and averaged 11.5 yards per reception in his career. Eli Rogers signed a 3-year contract worth $1.575 million as an undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2015. He got injured in training camp last year after making it all the way to taking first team snaps in practice. He is taking first team reps in training camp once again after rehabbing from his injury. He shocked the world last summer after taking the Mini-camp world by storm:
“We’ll see when we get to the games,” Todd Haley said, “but everything we’ve seen to this point, we haven’t had a slot guy like him since I’ve been here. It hasn’t been close.” Here is the story from the Pittsburgh Gazette……
EDITOR’S NOTE: @Jeremy_CSZ: I have been talking to Eli throughout his rehabilitation and he has been positive, upbeat and focused. Do not be surprised if Eli Rogers goes from undrafted to a Pro-Bowler in a matter of years. Read the rest of this entry
Teddy Bridgewater Surprises Superfan For His Birthday
Meet Obadiah Gamble aka Skolbadiah.
Gamble is a six year old future rap star (see below video) and a huge Vikings fan. Gamble is particularly fond of former University of Louisville and current Minnesota Vikings QB, Teddy Bridgewater.
According to the original post by CityPages.com, Gamble turns seven on Sunday. And who does he want in attendance at his birthday party?? None other than Mr. Teddy Bridgewater.
Cardinals On The NFL Breakout List
AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt
USA TODAY posted a list of their predictions for the top 10 breakout players for the 2016 season. 2 of them were former Cards. 1 of them was on his way to super-stardom last year. The other had the potential to be a big star but didn’t get an opportunity.
Football Cards In The Pros
Here is another great video from @UofLFootball regarding Cards in the NFL. Enjoy!
