Ron Jaworski sat down with the now must listen On The DL and the MNF Analyst talked about everything from QBing in Philly to athletes who automatically get spots in a booth upon retirement. The whole thing is worth a listen but here are a few quotes....

On Kornheiser: "I love Tony Kornheiser and I love his role. Just how I love Mike Tirico and what he has to do."

On the nixing of sideline reporters: "I think the focus is going to be on the game.....I tune in for the game and I think the game needs to be the centerpiece of the telecast. And Suzy and Michele are absolutely fantastic. I couldn't think of two better sideline reporters, two better people. They're absolutely incredibly talented ladies, but the focus now is going to be more on the game.

On athletes on TV: "There are a lot of great names that made the transition to television and failed. You know Joe Montana comes up rather quickly......I'm doing Monday Night Football now but it took me 17 years to get to the position. In the interim I've worked every position in television."

On Michael Strahan: "I think the networks do care about fan perception. I think Michael Strahan is guy that's done studio shows in his bye week, we've had him at ESPN....I think the personality will come across well on television. The only thing I question is the depth."

On his glasses: "You know, it's amazing, after 17 years in broadcasting I get more blogs and emails about my glasses then about anything I’ve ever done on television. I look at it this way – at least people are watching. I change them up every year, so I’ll have a new look this year."

Great interview and he really didn't even hold any punches outside of not commenting on Emmitt Smith. He's the perfect example of how hard work can get you prepared for the booth and is basically the anti-Smith. It's one of the main reasons that people love him as an analyst on MNF.

Ron Jaworski talks with the DL (On The DL)
Ron Jaworski: Yes, I Know I Look Like An Old Lesbian (Deadspin)

I'll say it. I'm really starting to miss Emmitt. The guy provides so much for the Internet and this site in particular and it's just not the same without him. That's why I had to pass along this quote from DallasCowboys.com via PFT....

Emmitt also had an opinion on Adam Jones, saying, "If he's not getting arrested I'm OK" with him. But the one refrain we seem to be getting from veteran players, and echoed out here by Emmitt was this: Adam Jones can have all the great influences or guidance in the world around him, "You can be with the guy and in his ear 24 hours a day, but at the end of the day you can't be there the whole time."

Ah yes. It's like he never left us at all. I wish you were with us 24-hours a day Emmitt.

At Long Last Some Tangible Evidence (DallasCowboys.com)
More Wisdom From Emmitt (PFT)

The last time we were talking about this it was in regards to a Bill Simmons comment during one of his marathon chats. ESPN edited out the Emmitt jab then and it appears they're still practicing it today. Via Pro Football Talk....

In a new feature for ESPN.com’s Page 2, Hruby has been tracking absurd quotes in power-ranking style. Volume 2 of the Absurd Quote Power Rankings moved from No. 9 to No. 5 the following gem from ESPN’s own Emmitt Smith: “What happened tonight, the strength of the Patriots team got debacled.”

So we posted a blurb on it, and went about our business.

But then something happened. The list got changed. Emmitt’s quote fell from No. 5 all the way to, as Hruby says with a jab at Mike Tyson, “Bolivian.” This link goes to the revised version of the Absurd Quote Power Rankings, where Emmitt is off the list. (Actually, Emmitt’s quote is still mentioned, but only as being dropped from the roster.)

Yep. It's gone from the list. I don't know how you can drop from #5 to off the charts without someone making it happen, but he I could be wrong. Protecting Mr. Smith will only make me/us make more fun of him ESPN. The guy is a gold mine of idiotic statemetns. Just saying.

ESPN Prevents Poking Fun At Emmitt (Pro Football Talk)
Bill Simmons Takes A Shot At Emmitt Smith During His Marathon Chat (Updated: ESPN Takes It Down) (Awful Announcing)

Emmitt Smith was in Texas yesterday to show his support for Presidential hopeful Barack Obama, and you could not understand my joy when I found out he was speaking for five minutes. I clicked on the link JK from LIO sent me and got out the popcorn. Then something happened. Emmitt spoke clearly, concisely, and with confidence. He made sense! He....he gave a great public speech....

Political affiliatons aside, that was amazing. I just can't get over how good of a speech that was and how he can't do that on Sunday/Monday Countdown. Emmitt just done blowed my mind.

Everyone was calling for Emmitt's head about Week 3 of this past season, but he grew on us. He was the lovable loser, and he was so bad for ESPN that he was good. I mean this site wouldn't be where it is today without him. Well there's a good rumor floating around the "Leader" that he may actually be back for another season.

Via PFT...

At a time when most folks who pay attention to the television coverage of the NFL believe that Emmitt Smith will be “blowed up” by ESPN, a media source tells us that the current plan in Bristol is to bring Emmitt back for 2008.

Said the source, “ESPN isn’t crazy about Emmitt but the network feels like if they let him go, they would have been bullied into doing so.”

The source cautions that the decision isn’t set in stone. “People change their minds there every other second,” the source said.

We need Emmitt back for another season ESPN....don't make me start a petition. Hey if anything he'll distract everyone away from how annoying Chris Berman is for another year.

Return of the Emmitt?

No it's not for most misused phrases or errors during a live telecast. It doesn't even have anything to do with Sports. Our friend Emmitt is the proud owner for the Guinness Record of "Largest Dish Ever Washed". Seriously...

Helping set the record on February 1 in Phoenix was legendary football star Emmitt Smith who cleaned the giant plate, which measured 10 feet in diameter. The dish was filled with potato skins and chili and topped with sour cream to mimic a traditional sporting event snack, and was then cleaned in under three minutes by the football hero. Emmitt's game winning combination involved a bottle of Dawn Direct Foam, a sponge and a bucket of water.

Way to go Emmitt! We are all so proud of you!!!

Emmitt Smith & Dawn Direct Foam Set Guinness World Record for Largest Dish Ever Washed (Yahoo Biz)

(Thanks to Anon for sending the video along)

C.Mottram has gotten pretty good with the video editting skills as evidenced by his stalking photos set to "Every Breath You Take" by The Police, but I think this one beats that one by a landslide.

Chris Berman is not happy with Emmitt Smith.....

Those two are just too much fun aren't they? Can we get them on some College Basketball shows or something ESPN? Is that too much to ask?

Berman Finally Tells Off Emmitt ... Sorta (The Sporting Blog)

I watched the better part of the late edition of Sports Center, and between Sean Salisbury spitting on people (he nailed Emmitt at one point), and hearing the phrase "punch them in the face/mouth" about 100 times....I was done for the evening.

But not before pulling all of the Emmitt clips and turning them into one great video that describes this Giants upset better than anything out there. Enjoy!

I/We have a lot of fun with Emmitt, but like I've said before...I don't think he's all that bad. He starts along this path of making a perfect point and one word or phrase just trips him up. I know what he wants to say and I'm almost rooting for him to get it right.

He's just not live TV material at the moment and this collection of clips illustrates that pretty well. I'm not sure he'll be back or not, but let's hope he doesn't get "debacled" in the offseason and that we can "tilt our caps" to him again for years to come.

Thanks for a great NFL Season Emmitt!

(Firefox isn't playing videos for me for some reason. It works in IE if you want to watch.)

So we have a 3 Hour edition of Countdown and Emmitt to start our day off today and I couldn't think of a better way to start a Super Bowl Sunday. I'll be in and out of this place for the better part of the show and if you hear anything fishy be sure to leave it in the comments (I don't think TSH has ever made a more appropriate photo).

Oooh Tom Osborne gets some face time on the intro for this perfection thing. Don Shula seems particularly excited to be doing this.

Haha...Chris Berman just coughed something up on the intro that'll be up shortly.

"If they go 19-0, this team will be in an elite class by itself for this season and this season only."- Emmitt Smith

I think I know what you were trying to say there Emmitt, but you didn't say it quite right. We know they were elite of the NFL this season.

Someone needs to tell Berman that the Patriots lost two preseason games. He said they were undefeated in the presason, regular season and now playoffs. (Via Steve)

Great point Steve. I've heard multiple people say this over the past week. Also his tie is just amazing...I can't stop staring at it. Whoa is Arlen Specter's head really that big, or his body that small? That's scary.

Nice Emmitt! He got through a whole minute of commentary about Spygate without messing up. Great job. Ron Jaworski just said he was okay with the Patriots video tapping and that he was involved in sign stealing himself. Steve Young did not look happy. Here's the vid....

Go Rodrigo y Gabriela! Whoa....they are pretty badass.

Guitar players??? Bring on Bonerama!! (Via Mal)

Here's your Berman vid....too funny....



"If you're the Giants you have to prepare for a 100% Tom Brady"- Tom Jackson

Umm...okay. Great insight Tom. Whoa Mike Ditka is yelling at people now....and Keyshawn talks to little birdies. Why did they have to do that on the mini field?

"Here we go....don't be afraid to come over here now."- Chris Berman to the camera when it didn't immediately come to him when he was talking.

Uh oh....he's going to go ballistic during the break.

Wow....Belichick has one hell of a herp outbreak going on during this Navy sketch.

Bill Belichick's cold sore in HD = the Cloverfield Monster. (Via Mez)

If you're bored with ESPN you can head over to FOX for the Alec Baldwin hour. He's on the Packers for some reason now and I keep waiting for him to say, "You ask me if Brett Favre has a god complex. Let me tell you something....Brett Favre is God."

"Junior Seau to perhaps on Special Team get a Touchdown if the situation dictates itself."- Chris Berman

WTF is he talking about?!?! Like a fumble recovery for a score? I'm also pretty sure that Seau doesn't play on Special Teams.

I must admit here to all of you that I find the Jimmy Kimmel Show hilarious. Well the JKS did us all a great service last night by putting together all of the best clips of Emmitt's first season on ESPN. They even have one that we all missed!

Pardon the quality, but until networks start letting us embed videos this is what you get.

That's right folks....The Patriots need to go to Arizona "sharp as a whistle"! God I love you Emmitt. Just amazing.

This clip just bloweds my mind on numerous levels. Sean Salisbury, Emmitt Smith, and Stu Scott are talking how to cover Randy Moss....sounds like a bad joke right? Well just wait for Emmitt at the 1:10 mark....

Okay first of all, how does Sean Salisbury know who LL Cool J is and Emmitt doesn't. Secondly, what in the hell are they doing on that field? They're basically walking in circles and have their backs to the camera the whole time. I even spliced out about 2 minutes of that nonsense as well.

I don't know about you, but I think Moss would go for 340 and 5 TDs if you tried that gameplan.

It's 4 hours or so until gametime so I'm going to kill some time by breaking down the 2-hour edition of Countdown. Why you ask? Well I ask you why not??? First up....Ray Lewis talking about weather and saying "the bottom line" a lot. Video in a few...

Not bad, but he had a little bit of Emmittitis in a few spots. I'm going to need some help with this second video. Is Berman making a joke or did he really just call Norv Turner....Norv Turnover?



Did anybody else think the whole Brady Bunch thing was incredibly cheesy? (Via Nos)

Yes....yes I did, but I didn't think it was as bad as the Brett Favre running naked thing. I also laughed at the Brady one at least twice.

Emmittisms of the day and other quotes:

"9 straight road wins make them the best road team since Hannibal."- Chris Berman

"If the Giants win today they possibly go onto the SuperBowl."- Emmitt Smith

Man I was with you Emmitt. You were actually making a great point there for a second....

You may have seen that WLUK-TV in Green Bay is pulling an episode of Seinfeld that airs at 5:30 this Saturday (because Eli Manning is a fan of the show), but what's lost in the stunt is what you can vote on to replace it.


I wonder which one is going to win? Surprisingly the Emmitt infomercial isn't last though, and who knew he was a sponsor for a company called Good Feet?

The Good Feet Store, a California based franchise and retailer of custom-fitted arch supports and natural sponge rubber cushions, announced today that Emmitt Smith has been signed to a four-year endorsement deal. Beginning this spring, Smith will star in an advertising campaign for The Good Feet Stores tagged “Good Feet – Insert Comfort Here,” which will include a new infomercial, television and radio commercials and in-store marketing materials and signage.

Nice. I can't wait for the outtakes.

GB TV Station Pulls Seinfeld To Piss Off Manning (Sports By Brooks)
FOX 11 to Manning: No Seinfeld for You! (My Fox Wisconsin)
Fast-Growing Franchise "The Good Feet Store" Signs Super Bowl and Dancing Champion Emmitt Smith (GoodFeet.com)

I know tenses are confusing. Hell I almost failed Spanish class in High School when I got to the past tense part of the Language. Tough stuff. Well you know what the difference between Emmitt and I is? Mr. Smith is trying to speak ENGLISH, not a second language.....

Blowed, Blown, Blows, Blowses, Blowdid, Blowning, Blowing, Blowsing.....What else can he come up with? Also, promoting humble pie??? Seriously.

I'm done trying to understand what Emmitt Smith is talking about, but you know it's bad when Chris Berman has to try and explain what the hell you're talking about.....

I don't know if he was trying to make a joke like the rest of the crew, but that was terrible. I actually chuckled at the other three and new by the time it got to Emmitt he'd screw his up. Man he is the gift that keeps on giving.

I mean to put this up earlier, but I've been battling Internet issues all day. ESPN got Adrian Peterson to stop by the set post game and he was forced to ask Emmitt Smith for some advice by Emmitt himself....

Emmitt's still not the best at putting words together on-air, but I honestly though this was the best piece of analysis he's provided this year. Even if it was forced upon Peterson. God is obviously a big part of most player's lives, so I won't bash him for that, but the rest was actually good advice. Being a great blocking back will keep you on the field longer and ultimately give you more touches.

Seems like a simple equation, but I never really thought of it that way.

The Week 13 Monday Nighter is upon us and I finally get Brady! I'm sick of S2N live-blogging all of his games and it's about time!!! The fun gets underway whenever Emmitt starts talking crazy talk and it appears that's already....

"[Adrian Peterson] is redefining the way teams defend the running ability."- Emmitt Smith (Via Sam)

Wow Mercury Morris is a special guy. It's a good thing the Dolphins won all those games because he wouldn't have any friends at all. Good lord.

Whoa. The wind saved that one. The Field Goal is Good and the Ravens have a TD lead on the Unbeatable Patriots....

10-3.

"Every Husband Needs A Wife"- Mercury Morris, Wow Mercury Morris pulls a Cedric Maxwell (Via Anon)

More on Mercury Morris (Construda)

I'll have the video up soon.

Stu Scott is missing from the set again today, and we've got Wendi Nix as the on field reporter before the game. I miss you Stu. No one handles Emmitt like you. Sal Pal can't hold a candle to you.

Is there a Led Zepplin album coming out tomorrow? That's all they're playing in the pregame.

Whoa Belichick looks especially Hobo-like tonight. It's a ridiculously windy night so he's sporting the headband thing that covers the year. Jaws is harping on his Randy Moss taking plays off thing now.

Oh nice, the Patriots line shopping at Bass Pro. Shooting a bow and arrow down a halfway actually looks like fun. Matt Light is the winner....good shooting.

Anyone catch Emmitts math? When he talked about the how the Cardinals confused his Cowboys "with 3 down linemen, 2 linebackers and 5 DB's". Uh Emmitt that's only 10 pal. (Via Steve)

Redskins-esque. Belichick and Steve Young both look to be struggggling in this weather. They both look sickly.

Why do they even bother to pick the game if everyone's picking the Pats. Someone made a comment earlier today that we wouldn't want the Pats to go undefeated because they would be so damn annoying. Well I think they're already annoying and they're nowhere close to how annoying the 72 Dolphins are.

Wow that moment of silence was tough to watch. Ray Lewis was seemed ready to breakdown. Lavar Arrington's speech earlier today also was a tough one to watch.
____________________________________

That was a weird and creepy intro. Tirico tells us that Belichick is from Annapolis and like many of you already know....he went to my same high school! Hail Annapolis High!!!

Pats ball. 5 yard pass to Welker to start the game. Brady to Welker again first down. This is going to get repetitive. Hey a run! Maroney gets nothing on that one. Brady gets about 4 minutes in the pocket and hits Stallworth down the sideline for a huge gain and a face mask penalty.

A run by Maroney gets a few, but a defensive 12-men penalty makes it 1st and 5. Suggs sacks Brady but he cheated to do so. Offsides. First Down and 1 at the 5.

Maroney gets that yard and it will be first and goal now from the twoish yard line. Play action to Watson....broken up by Ray Lewis. Great play, but you're going to have to do it 3 more times. Make that 2....Evans runs it and gets nothing. Timeout Ravens.

Wow! Brady had even longer to throw that one and Watson just dropped it in the back of the endzone. FG attempt from Gostkowski. Great stand there by the Ravens.

3-0 Pats.

"Brady has mobility like no other quarterback, apparently." (Via MannysHeadStash)

Mike Vick has nothing on him, er Jeff Garcia has nothing on him.

McGahee opens with a 9 yard run and follows it with another 6 for a first down.

"It's way to early to say what I'm gonna say. Maybe this is the night."- Tony Kornheiser

Uh okay Tony.

A penalty on the Ravens take them back five and McGahee runs for a couple. 2nd and 12...screen to McGahee gets two yards. Incomplete and the Ravens are punting.

Michele tells us it's windy....no shit Michele. Those of us in the area who went outside in the past five minutes aren't leaving again anytime soon. I don't envy you tonight.

Brady incomplete, Maroney for nothing.....3rd and long....Incomplete! Rolle batted it down and the mighty Pats go 3 and out. Amazing. If this game ends 3-0 like last week's game I'm quitting this site.

McGahee for zippy, Incomplete, and.....Holy Cow! A huge play to Darling!!! The Ravens longest play from scrimmage ends up in the Red Zone! I'm shocked. There also should have been a face mask penalty as Boller rolled out but no call.

"If they get a Touchdown here a lot more people will be sticking around than we originally thought."- Tony Kornheiser

McGahee is running like a gazelle in between Patriots and picks up another first. First and Goal at the nine. No gain on first for Willis. Mason gets a catch at the four and is met by Vrabel. 3rd and Goal.....

TOUCHDOWN RAVENS!!! Boller to Mason....beautiful pass in traffic....

7-3 Ravens.

Is tonight the night? Ray, Ed Reed, and McGahee in the pregame were intense.

Pats ball at the 25....And a sack!!! Ivy gets to Brady. 2nd and 16. Maroney for five and it's third and long for the Pats. That's the end of the first and we've got ourselves a game.

Brady floats one to Gaffney and he's open! He drops it. There was a penalty anyway and the Pats go 3 and out again!

Ravens ball at their 35. Hey a Buddy Ryan sighting and he's in a blanket.

"I played for Buddy Ryan."- Jaws
"Did you knit him that blanket."- Tony Kornheiser

Boller hits Mason for a twenty yarder and the Ravens are into Pats territory! McGahee for two, but he follows with a huge run on 2nd down. 20 more yards for Willis. Another run on first down but Willis gets only a yard. Boller had Mason on the deep out but the wind caused it to sail out of bounds. 3rd and 9....Musa Smith runs for two. The wind is too much for Stover and the Ravens will go for it.....

Got it!!!!! Boller to Mason on the sideline as Kyle got blasted as he threw that one. First down.

"I like how they're blaming Boller's inaccuracy on the wind...instead of how he's Kyle Boller." (Via NHZ)

Good point. Incomplete on first down and a run for nothing on second and it's 3rd and 9 for the Ravens. Quick out to Wilcox and that's short of the first down. A Field Goal attempt upcoming for the Ravens and Hobbs is hurt. Where's Troy Brown? They just signed him again....get him a uni!

FG is good after the wind guided it in and the Ravens have a TD lead on the Unbeatables....

10-3

Short squib kick is picked up by Heath Evans and returned to the 40. Nice run by Maroney is followed by a long completion to Stallworth....Pats going no huddle. 8 yard pass leaves it at 2nd and 2 and Maroney picks it up. 1st down at the 20.

Brady floats one to Moss in single coverage but it's incomplete. Brady to Welker gets 7 and it's 3rd and short....

Moss catches it after a juggle and it's incomplete, but there's a flag on the play. Holding on the Ravens, and that'll kill you. 1st and Goal. Brady goes to Moss for 5, and on 2nd down McAllister just tackles Moss in the endzone...interference and a first down at the two.

Vrabel's in and you know they're going to him. They do and it's incomplete. Finally someone figured it out.

TOUCHDOWN PATS! Heath Evans on the run. That was easy....

10-10.

"He looks like my paper boy."- Tony Kornheiser on the Patriots young coach.

McGahee runs for a few and then a nice completion to Mason...no incomplete. It hit the turf. Ravens punt. Good coverage by the Ravens and the Pats get it at their own 32.

Kevin Faulk picks up four followed by an incomplete pass from Brady...3rd and 5...Pass to Watson and a great open field tackle by Winborne to stop the big TE. Pats punt again.

Ravens ball at their 12. Musa Smith picks up six and that's the two minute warning.

The punter with three punts....that's more than he had all year. He may have to sue for workman's comp."- Tony Kornheiser

(In my best Terry Bradshaw voice) Not Funny Tony! Not Funny.

Musa gets nothing on 2nd and it's 3rd and 2. Smith again and he's blowed up by Junior Seau. Loss of two and the Ravens will be punting to the Pats with 1:13 left after a NE timeout.

Deep ball to Moss!!! The pass it short and Ed Reed gains up the ground. Of course Jaws and Tirico say it was the wind.

PICKED! ED REED!!! And he's returning it into Pats territory.....fumbles!!! Pats get the ball back at their own 30. How do you like that? Patriots run out the clock and there's some pushing and shoving. Good half.

10-10.

2nd Half Thread

Update: And there you have it....after two hours it has been changed!

Scott (Chicago, IL): You should have started the chat at 9:00 am, because you would have, easily, broken the record, seeing how everyone who is in this chat is at work, and would be on it til 5:00 with you. What are you going to do at 5:00 when everyone leaves work? I love you, but I don't love you enough to stay late at work just to chat about inane things going on in the world!
SportsNation Bill Simmons: (12:18 PM ET ) We thought about this, but 9:00 am equals 6:00am West Coast time, and I am incoherent when it's that early.

Update #2- Here we go again!

Emmitt Smith: Would you agree that the NFC West is one of the worst conferences in the NFC? You're gonna smash the chat record. Don't quit, don't even quit.

SportsNation Bill Simmons: (1:20 PM ET ) I think the NFC West is going through a rice of passage right now, so you can't make it an escape goat.


That one might be inside enough that ESPN won't change it.

I don't think this is near the top of the "Emmitt Mistakes List", but seriously....does he know the name of anyone in the league?

That's right folks the coach of your 6-4 Cleveland Browns.....Romeo Cornell!

I was so with him on this point. Everyone's talking about the Broncos and Chargers, but no one is paying attention to the Texans. Great train of thought....until this...

"They are definitely a fortable opponent, don't slip on the Texans."- ES

Good god. Please do not subject me to this anymore. Please....I beg of you.

Update: The NFL is not big fans of my previous videos, which is why this one isn't currently showing up. If you haven't seen it yet give me 15 minutes for the switcheroo.