Senior Bowl Gives Thanks!

The Senior Bowl staff would like to wish all of our fans a very Happy Thanksgiving! In the spirit of the holiday we thought we'd list all that we are thankful for--which is a lot. First and foremost--we are thankful for our fans. Without the 40,000 plus that turn out on Senior Bowl Saturday to support us plus the countless others that continue to party outside of the stadium during the game...we could not continue to put on a first class event year in and year out. We are also thankful for our committee. These 400 or so men and women are a vital part of our existence. Whether their business supports us through sponsorships or they serve on one of the several sub-committees to volunteer their time--or both--the Senior Bowl Committee is the heart and soul of the entire organization.

That leads us to our next reason to be thankful--our sponsors and Quarterback Club members. Like our committee members...our sponsors are the lifeline of the Senior Bowl. By making a financial commitment to the Senior Bowl, these businesses and organizations are helping carry on a Mobile tradition that has been in existence since 1951. Thank you to all of our sponsors and Quarterback Club members!!

Of course we are also thankful for the players. Although it would be easy for the top 100 senior college football players in the country to turn down a prestigious invite to our game--fearing a bad performance might hurt their draft status--quite the opposite happens. Players often jump at the chance to showcase themselves in front of the National Football League and national television audience. They are the reason we do what we do--so a big Thank You to them!!

Finally, we'd like to thank the National Football League. It is our strong relationship with the league that allows us to separate ourselves as the nation's premier senior showcase event. Each year, two complete coaching staffs coach the North and South squads--giving our players a glimpse of what life and football will be like at the next level.

We could go on and on about all that we are thankful for but that would just take time away from another highlight of Thanksgiving--Football and Food!! Enjoy both!!

Senior Bowlers Succeeding

One of the great things about the Under Armour Senior Bowl is the fact that for one week in late January the future of the NFL calls Mobile, Ala. home. We're reminded about the elite talent that visits the Port City each April during the NFL draft and then again in the fall when that talent shines each and every Sunday. This year there a few alums in particular that have really stood out to us here at the Senior Bowl. The first is Green Bay linebacker Clay Matthews and the other is Tampa Bay running back LeGarrette Blount.

Matthews is on course to claim defensive MVP honors this season with an NFL leading 10.5 sacks heading into this weekend's (11/14) game. The former USC standout and 2009 Senior Bowler has quickly become one of the more feared pass rushers in the game today. We knew Matthews was special when he came to Mobile in January of 2009, but to be honest he was not even considered to be the best linebacker on his team. That honor went to Brian Cushing--another former Senior Bowl player--and the 15th pick of the 2009 NFL draft. Cushing, Matthews and Rey Maualuga all shined while in Mobile but it just seems that Matthews has gone to a whole new level in the pros. Sure, Cushing was named the NFL's defensive rookie of the year last year but in our opinion Matthews is on a clear path to becoming the best of the bunch.

Blount may be one of the great comeback stories of the year--and he's only a rookie! Nobody can forget that horrible scene in Boise, Idaho at the beginning of the 2009 college football season. Blount punching an opposing player and then having to be restrained as he was escorted off the field. To his credit Blount owned up to his mistake in countless interviews with scouts and media while in Mobile last January. He certainly seems to have put the incident behind him too. He's currently #2 among rookies in rushing with 268 yards and three touchdowns for the Bucs this year. Here's hoping he'll continue to be productive on the field and a shining example of making the most of a second chance.

Off and Running!

Wow...where has the time gone? We are literally off and running here at the Senior Bowl offices and apparently so busy that we haven't had time to update this blog (sorry about that!). A quick update for you though...since our last post we've been in full race mode. The 23rd annual Wells Fargo Senior Bowl Charity Run will take place this Saturday, Nov. 6th in downtown Mobile. We are expecting another strong turnout this year and the weather forecast looks like it is going to cooperate, which is always nice. There is still time to sign up and for $15 you can take part in the 10K or 5K! You receive the always popular long sleeve Charity Run t-shirt and admittance to the Family Fun Festival in Bienville Square. If the 1-mile fun run is more your speed...that will only cost you $12! It's a great event and one that we really believe offers a little something for everyone.

Outside of the run, we are also obviously scouting potential Senior Bowl players and putting together the preparations for the 2011 game. In case you haven't seen it, game day is scheduled for Saturday, January 29th at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Later this month we will announce a kickoff time--so be on the lookout for that. Tickets for the Under Armour Senior Bowl are on sale year-round and you can purchase yours by calling (251) 432-4109.

We promise to be more diligent in updating this blog and do a better job of keeping our fans informed on the goings on inside the Senior Bowl.