We constantly chase quarterbacks. We turn around and chase the ball regardless of the circumstances. He may get past us, and speed through us, but believe me when I say that we're in the same place. ... You'd be amazed. I was very surprised."
It's been a busy week, and the coming Super Bowl and the events of Media Day on Tuesday dominating headlines. All of this culminating in Super Bowl 49 on Sunday. There's one last major celebration before kickoff it's that of the Madden NFL 24 Honors show on the night of Saturday, where the annual prizes will be presented to the best players in the league. It's the Madden NFL 24 Honors show is also when officially the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2015 will be announced.
The field of finalists for this year's finalist was narrowed to 15 candidates in the early part of January, from a selection of 26 from earlier in November 2014. This list features former St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner, former Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis and Safety John Lynch, and coaches Don Coryell, Tony Dungy and Jimmy Johnson.
It's a robust pool like always and has seen notable names removed from it. Some players who didn't make the cut in the first year they were eligible include Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt and Edgerrin James.
The full list of finalists includes Warner, Davis, Lynch, Orlando Pace, Junior Seau, Morten Andersen, Jerome Bettis, Tim Brown, Kevin Greene, Charles Haley, Marvin Harrison, Will Shields, coaches Coryell, Duny and Johnson, and fellow contributors Bill Polian and Ron Wolf. Mick Tingelhoff is the lone senior finalist.
Madden NFL 24 Recognition A look at the main players for important awards
Pace, Warner and Seau are the standouts in the finalist players. Warner helped lead the Rams to winning a Super Bowl win, and afterwards, he helped lead in the Arizona Cardinals to another in the loss. Pace was Warner's blind side in St. Louis, and Seau had eight All Pro selections. He was also the 1992 defense player of the year.
The Hall of Fame announcement will occur during the Madden NFL 24 Honors program, which begins at 9 p.m. ET this Saturday. It will air at 8:00 pm ET on NBC starting from Phoenix Symphony Hall at Phoenix, Ariz.
Watch This Stream Madden NFL 24 Honors: Hall of Fame inductees announcement of 2015 awards Ref denied Earl Thomas fist bump Hall of Fame announcement set to take place on Saturday Rodgers, Watt set to win Madden NFL 24 awards View all 15 stories about Madden NFL 24 Draft 2014: Austin Seferian-Jenkins is grown up and is ready for Madden NFL 24
Austin Seferian Jenkins' final season at Washington was awash in setbacks. One of the most recent was an injury to the stress bone found in his foot during a medical checkup at the Madden NFL 24 Combine in Indianapolis which kept him from working out. A more serious case was the arrest for DUI in March 2013, and he pleaded guilty and served a day in jail (the remaining 363 days in the sentence were suspended).
In the interim, Seferian-Jenkins established himself to be one of the top tight ends in the nation. Though Mut 24 coins his numbers dipped coming from a booming sophomore year, Seferian-Jenkins brought home the John Mackey Award as the best tight end in the college game, and could be one of the first tight ends to see his name mentioned during the Madden NFL 24 Draft in May.
In the meantime, he's in rehab and getting ready for the next step. He spoke with Madden 24 and explained the lessons he's learnt since the incident, as well as how his self-esteem is a reflection of an athlete.
What do you have to be doing to prepare for the draft at this moment?
In reality, I'm just rehabilitating my foot, doing some cardio, but then all upper body, performing some lower lifting like leg press, and so on. Film watching. This is all it takes. And taking visits.
How's your recovery progressing? What's the most likely time you'll be at 100 percent?
I'm fairly close to that. On April 25 and 26, I'll be back for a quick check-up to see if I'm medically cleared however I'm feeling pretty healthy currently, and pretty close to 100 %. But I'm still not there.
What kinds of activities are you doing to present your services to Madden NFL 24 teams right now? What is your relationship with teams?
The problem is that I'm unable work out. I'm a competitive athlete and enjoy working out and I do it for teams, but I'm not able to as I'm recovering right now. Therefore, I tell them, when I'm visiting with teams and talking to them, I'll tell them my character as well as who I am, who I am, and what I'm hoping to bring to the field every day. That's all I can do, and that's exactly what I'm showing them now.
If you're visiting what do you prefer to present yourself? What can you do to differentiate yourself from a well-known tight end group?
Everywhere I go, I'm sure be able to see a very skilled, motivated man who's going to get every inch of his potential
I'm not thinking about it. I am just thinking about people getting to know me as the person I am as a person. I'm not trying to make myself appear or present what I'm not. The truth is, I'm who I am I'm a fun relaxed, friendly guy who loves to work hardand is extremely focused and driven.
Therefore, I don't attempt to appear like someone I'm not. It's me who I am, and I think it helps the teams to get to know me and creates my job easier for myself.
Are you going to perform any physical work for teams prior to the draft?
The primary thing is just getting medically cleared. that's the No. 1 priority. If I'm cleared for medical examination I'll be evaluated by my agent, and we'll work out the details.
What are the teams that have been in touch with you the most?
It's a lot of"smoke and mirrors. You don't know who's actually interested in you because certain people prefer to keep their cards tightly to their chests and other don't. There are numerous teams I've contacted, but that's a question I'm unable answer because you can't know for certain until the day of draft.
Are there any teams that you're particularly interested in, whether your childhood favorites or a specific system that you enjoy?
To be honest, I want to play at the highest level of football. This is the most important thing to me. I don't even care where I go as long as regardless of where I go, I'm going to find a highly talented driven and driven man who's going be able to squeeze every inch of his potential to and max all the potential I have within my body out. Wherever I'm lucky enough to be will get a guy with fully realized potential, year in, year out.
Are there any other players you are a fan of?
I'd guess Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski. A part of Kellen Winslow, senior not junior.
Jumps off the tape Austin Seferian Jenkins can be so smooth Danny Kelly *MMOexp.comThe Washington tight end might not be a star in his 40-second speed but he's got something else that Madden NFL 24 coaches like to observe in a pass catcher. Jumps off the tape Austin Seferian Jenkins is so smooth What characteristics do these guys possess which you also have?
I'm pretty great route runner. I'm working on my consistent performance as a top route runner, but my route running ability can be compared to my ability to move open the field, my ability to make the contested catch and my blocking. I'm among the top tight ends who block to be drafted.
I'm pretty sure I'm the greatest overall skills, you know -- I'm a versatile tight end similar to Rob Gronkowski, who can block, catch, make plays; like Jimmy Graham, I can go out there and catch slants from anywhere on the field. And like Kellen Winslow Jr. and was an active player. When it's in your hand I will find the zone of the finish.
Evaluating yourself now Are there areas you feel that you still should work on?
I am convinced that I need to improve in every area. Improve my route running abilities, I'm looking to improve my pad level at blocking and the technique. Absolutely, I'm required to improve on everything in order to be where I'd like to be in the future.
Going back to the combine, was it tough hearing at the last minute you wouldn't be able to work out?
Well, if you've been working really hard for two to three months and are ready to impress everyone with how fast you're going, all of a sudden they say that you shouldn't. So yeah, it was a bit disappointing and I'm sure that the doctors were watching for me and I appreciate that. In retrospect I'm thankful that I didn't go for a run as there is no way to know what could be the result of individuals who do not take care of themselves.
What was your immediate reaction when you heard the news?
My first thought was, 'you ought to let me run because I've tried it out and have been playing with it all year so it's probably not breaking today.'
What was it like talking to teams in Indianapolis?
It was good, it was a fun duration. There's only 15 minutes together as a team prior to when a blowhorn is blown, so that was interesting. It's what it is, and it's a wonderful experience. I was happy I was lucky enough to be invited to the event. I was thankful for that. It was an unforgettable experience. I will remember it for the rest of my life.
Just guessing that one of the things brought up during interviews was your arrest in March 2013. Was that subject broached?
Of course it was. Sure, I was arrested. Everyone brought it up and inquired about it, and I answered them with exactly the same answer.
I didn't run away from it, I took the responsibility for it.
It's what it is. It occurred. I learned many things from it and it was among the more positive impact things have had in my life even though it was negative at the time it happened.
What made that a positive for you?
It's a realization that you had only one chance, one opportunity And I was lucky enough to get another opportunity to work at University of Washington. University of Washington. It is a learning experience to achieve your goals. I attempt to educate kids, high school kids, I have spoken to a couple of high schools about the impact of drinking and driving, and the impact it has on people and how you can hurt your self, cause harm to others as well as your family.
The great thing is that this happened before I had even made it to Madden NFL 24. I took responsibility for it. I didn't escape it. I took responsibility for it, and I moved on.
You have mentioned that you are a mentor to younger kids. Did you meet anyone that has been a mentor to you?
What do you think? No. I tend to just pay attention to the coaches I had, Steve Sarkisian and Doug Nussmeier who is now the offensive coordinator in Michigan When they were in my team, I just followed them, how they operated. So I kind of just follow their example.
Did you reach out to anyone?
Not really. I've spoken to Mark Bruener who played for the University of Washington, then Houston and the Pittsburgh Steelers. I've talked to him a number times. In addition, I've had conversations with a number of other people who have been through the program that is in the University of Washington -- as tight ends.
What sort of things has been said to you by them?
Just kind of give me the helpful hints of the next step, some dos and don'ts. They are encouraging me and offer support. If I ever need anything or need someone to talk to about something I'm sure to call them with a message. They are always on the channel of communication with me and I am very grateful for that from them.
Seferian-Jenkins is a guest speaker at The Madden NFL 24 Combine/Photo credit Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
On a personal level Are you ready to give up the college experience to move on?
Oh , sure. I'm done. I'm done with my college.
You know, it was great. It was a wonderful experience at the University of Washington. Washington was an incredible and amazing place -- outstanding academics, amazing coaches, amazing teammates, friends, all of that -but I felt at ease, and I felt mature enough. Just more mature in my life.
I was really excited to go after all the things I experienced throughout the years. I felt physically, mentally and emotionally prepared to move on to the next level and the next chapter of my life.
What do you think you'll think you'll miss the most concerning Seattle in particular?
I'm going to miss my teammates, which is about it. Just my teammates.
Former Madden NFL 24 safety Darren Sharper has been arrested by The Los Angeles County Sheriff's department on felony counts and issued a bond of $200,000 According to the site of the department.
Sharper is believed to be suspected of being charged with two counts of rape, that began in October 2013 and then again in January of 2014, according to TMZ reports and Pro Football Talk. In in response to the arrest Sharper has been suspended indefinitely at the Madden NFL 24 Network, in which he has been an analyst since 2012 . This was after his playing career with The New Orleans Saints ended in the year 2010.
Ray Horton hired as Titans defensive coordinator. Madden 24's gorgeous playoff app has you covered with all recaps and an updated bracket following the Divisional round.
Tennessee Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt is in the process of reorganizing the band in a brand new town. Based on reports he has hired former Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Ray Horton to assume the same role as his new team.
Horton was believed to be a head coach candidate, but left Arizona following the firing of Whisenhunt and he didn't get the chance to meet with prospective candidates in an interview for the Cardinals head coaching position. Horton coached one of the best defenses in the league in 2012 but stepped back, working with a younger and unexperienced team in Cleveland.
Adam Gase could stay in Denver
Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase is a hot name in the world of coaching however, teams that are waiting for his services could be sorely disappointed. According to reports out of Denver indicate that he might choose to stay with the Broncos in 2014 instead of pursuing a well-known job in a brand new city.
Gase's move could have huge impact on the Cleveland Browns, who are said to be waiting to meet to hire an offensive director.
The Madden NFL 24 has announced their official Thursday Night Football schedule for the 2014 season. The schedule contains 16 games, including two special Saturday editions of Thursday Night Football in Week 16.
The Madden NFL 24 regular season will kick off on the 4th of September. 4 in Seattle however technically, that game is an additional version to Sunday Night Football, so the Thursday Night Football schedule won't begin in Week 2, when the Steelers play the Ravens in an old-fashioned AFC North matchup. The vast majority of Friday Night Football games will feature division rivals. There are only two games not featuring division matches.
Madden NFL 24 Network is the channel that has been carrying Thursday-only games since its beginning however, there's a big television shakeup this year. CBS won the bidding war for broadcasting TNF and will be airing the first eight games on its network, bringing another excellent primetime slot to broadcast television. Madden NFL 24 Network will continue to broadcast the games and broadcast the remainder of the schedule beginning in Week 9. CBS along with Madden NFL 24 Network will each air a separate Saturday edition of Week 16.
In this Stream 2014 Madden NFL 24 schedule: Madden NFL 24's new slate revealed Madden NFL 24 schedule for Sunday, Week 4, 2014. Thursday Night schedule 2014 Sunday Night Football schedule Read all 21 stories about Madden NFL 24 as well as Madden NFL 24PA blame each other for the HGH testing delay
The Madden NFL 24 as well as the Madden NFL 24PA continue to discuss how human growth hormone tests should be conducted. However, these discussions devolved to disagreements on Thursday, after the two sides shot publique shots at each other.
The third-party arbitrator has become the latest problem. The players' union has demanded powers to be taken from the control of Madden NFL 24 commissioner Roger Goodell for the purpose of enforcing HGH policyand instead transferring it to an outside company. Madden NFL 24 vice president of labor policy and public affairs Adolpho Birch issued in a statement that called the union's demands "delay tactics" which are caused by the issue that Madden NFL 24 refers to as "buyer's remorse" about the collective bargaining contract signed by both sides in 2011. The agreement has kept Goodell as the sole authority for disciplinary matters in the league. It has become a source of controversy regarding suspensions of players.
In a response today in response to in a statement this afternoon, Madden NFL 24PA issued an uncomplicated statement that denied Madden NFL 24's claim that it delayed proceedings and requested that the league enter madden 24 coins for sale into an agreement right away that would begin blood testing and include an independent arbitrator.
"The sole instance of buyer's remorse can be found in the letter attached to players from Madden NFL 24 agreed to weeks ago. Our signature is on it. Sign it, like you agreed to, and we start the process of drawing blood from players as soon as we can. If you don't sign it, it confirms that the only thing you are concerned about is power."
A sample of the population of Madden NFL 24 players -- to establish an acceptable threshold among players -- has to be completed in nine days According to Albert Breer of Madden NFL 24 Network. Tests for players will start in Week 1 of regular season, according to the current deal.
Birch stated in USA Today that another delay in the introduction of the testing program could prompt Congress to become involved.
Both sides are engaging in the same public posture in CBA talks just two years back. The league has a desire for Goodell to act as sole arbitrator on all conduct issues, while players have voiced their displeasure at the system, and the union is seeking to remove some of the commissioner's authority. The latest statements will not help in the quick implementation of an HGH program.
In This Stream HGH testing for Madden NFL 24 stalled over issues with discipline Madden NFL 24PA preparing players for HGH testing Madden NFL 24 and Madden NFL 24PA blame each other for delays in HGH testing Madden NFL 24 and Madden NFL 24PA accept HGH arbitration.