{FUN} Real women win fantasy

{FUN} Meet Boom Herron's Uno

Daniel "Boom" Herron is an American football running back for the Indianapolis Colts. 

I am a sucker for players and their furry friends!  Here is a great story about Boom Herron and his dog, Uno...

Dan “Boom” Herron is a fun guy. Always smiling and laughing, the running back for the Indianapolis Colts is passionate about football and family. But if you really want to see his face light up, ask him about Uno.

“You want to talk about my dog?”

Named for his jersey at Ohio State (No. 1), Uno is a ten-month-old American Bully, who quickly worked his way into Herron’s life and his heart.  {read more}

{FUN} Sometimes prayer helps!

{FUN} Father's Day Humor

{WORKOUT WEDNESDAY}- 15 Exercises From the Around the NFL

Today’s NFL players are bigger, faster and stronger than ever before, but you may be surprised by how the game’s biggest stars spend their time in the weight room.

Most important, though, is a player’s ability to report to camp 100% healthy and remain injury-free for the full 16-game season.

That’s not to say that players are going soft in the off-season. The reality is that players have wised up in regard to their training programs. Players are training smarter, not harder.

Uphill Speed Ladder

Patrick Peterson Uphill Speed Ladder

Who’s doing it: CB Patrick Peterson

Why he does it: Peterson says, ”Going uphill makes your muscles work harder than they would if you were just on a flat surface; you’ll get more out of it.”

How to do it:

Start directly in front of the ladder at the bottom of the hill. Starting with your left foot, rapidly tap both feet in each rung of the ladder until you reach the top.

Resisted High Knees

Chris Johnson Resisted High Knees

Who’s doing it: Chris Johnson

Why he does it: Resisted speed drills help to improve CJ’s sprint technique and stride length. To drive through the resistance, he must open up his hips to rapidly strike the ground with each stride.

How to do it: Rapidly drive your knees up in an opposite-arm, opposite leg, pattern while a partner applies band resistance from behind.

Sets/Distance: 4×15-20 yards

Bounding

Who’s doing it: All-Pro return man and playmaking WR DeSean Jackson

Why he does it: Bounding helps to reinforce muscle synchronization; in other words, it ensures that his speed muscles are firing explosively and in the correct sequence. Simply put, bounding is an easy-to-perform exercise that produces sophisticated results.

How to do it:

• In continuous fashion, bound from one leg to the other
• Cover as much ground as possible with each rep, working on driving your feet into the ground underneath your body

Sets/Reps: 2×5 each leg

Dumbbell Bench Press

Patrick Willis Dumbbell Bench

Who’s doing it: Patrick Willis

Why he does it: Willis says, “When I was growing up, it was all about the Barbell Bench Press. Now, I want to make sure one arm is just as strong as the other, so I use dumbbells.”

How to do it:

• Assume position on bench holding dumbbells near chest.
• Without arching your back, drive dumbbells toward the ceiling until your arms are fully extended.
• Lower the dumbbells with control to start position; repeat for specified reps.
• Superset the exercise with Dumbbell Rows to get full upper-body workout.

Sets/Reps: 3×6-8

Landmine Row

Who’s doing it: Ndamukong Suh

Why he does it: Pulling exercises that strengthen the back are every bit as important as the Bench Press and other upper-body pushing lifts. The Landmine Row allows Suh to load up on the resistance without putting as much pressure on his lower back as he would by performing a heavy Barbell Row.

How to do it:

• Straddle the bar and assume athletic position with your back flat and chest up.
• Grab the rope attachment wrapped around the bar near plates; assume a 45-degree forward bend at your waist.
• Drive your elbows back until your hands reach the outside of your chest.
• Lower weight with control until your arms are straight; repeat for specified reps.

Sets/Reps: 3×8-12

Chain Push-Up

Who’s doing it: Cam Newton

Why he does it: The chain not only adds more weight to the movement, it also forces Newton to engage his core muscles throughout the set. As he pushes up, more of the chain lifts off the ground, increasing the resistance at a point where Newton is strongest.

How to do it:

• Assume push-up position with heavy chains positioned across your lower back.
• Perform controlled push-ups for as many reps as possible.

Sets/Reps: 4x max reps

Dumbbell Push-Up-to-Row

Reggie Bush Dumbbell Push-Up-to-Row

Who’s doing it: Reggie Bush

Why he does it: The Dumbbell Push-Up-to-Row trains Bush to stabilize his core and control his body in space, which improves his ability to stop on a dime and make defenders miss in the open field.

How to do it:

• Assume push-up position on the floor with your hands gripping light dumbbells.
• Perform Push-Up and then row with your right arm.
• Perform Push-Up and then row with your left arm.
• Repeat sequence for specified reps.

Sets/Reps: 4×16 [16 Push-Ups with 8 Rows per arm]

Tricep Press

Who’s doing it: NaVorro Bowman

Why he does it: Bowman hits every muscle group during every one of his off-season workouts. Rather than isolating the triceps, he doubles up on the benefits by performing suspension training arm exercises, which force him to stabilize his core through the duration of the exercise.

How to do it:

• Hold handles of straps with your palms facing out and arms fully extended while leaning forward at a 45-degree angle.
• Bend your elbows until your hands are behind your head.
• Drive your hands forward until your arms are straight to return to start position.
• Repeat for specified reps.

Sets/Reps: 2×12

Kettlebell Lateral Lunge

Who’s doing it: RB Trent Richardson

Why he does it: The Kettlebell Lateral Lunge strengthens the muscles that are activated when Richardson is forced to change direction or execute a move such as a Jump Cut. It also enhances core and back strength and increases hip and groin flexibility.

How to do it:

• Stand with your knees bent slightly and feet shoulder-width apart while holding kettlebell with both hands in front of you.
• Step to the right with your right foot and lower your hips into a lateral lunge.
• Drive through the hip to return to starting position.
• Finish all reps on the right, and then switch to your left.

Sets/Reps: 3×5 each leg

Kettlebell Bulgarian Squat

Who’s doing it: A.J. Hawk

Why he does it: The Kettlebell Bulgarian Squat increases quad and glute strength, improves balance and stability, and helps to eliminate  lower-body strength imbalances. Think of it as a three-pronged approach to injury prevention.

How to do it:

• Assume split stance with your rear foot on a bench behind you.
• Hold kettlebell in the hand opposite your front leg.
• Lower your hips until your front thigh is parallel to the ground.
• Drive up to start position; lower and repeat for specified reps.
• Repeat set on your opposite leg.

Sets/Reps: 3×10 each leg

Glute Ham Raise

Who’s doing it: Steven Jackson

Why he does it: The Glute Ham Raise is good for helping to prevent hamstring pulls, which often occur when the quads are overcompensating because the hamstrings are weak. Strong hamstrings are also a must for speed development.

How to do it:

• Assume position on the Glute Ham Raise machine.
• Lower your upper body until your waist is bent 90 degrees.
• Fire your glutes and rise up until your upper body is parallel to the ground.
• Drive your knees into the pad until your knees are bent 90 degrees and your body is upright.
• Lower with control; repeat for specified reps.

Sets/Reps: 3×6

TRX Hip Press

Who’s doing it: Antonio Brown

Why he does it: The Hip Press is an exercise that activates the glute muscles and helps Brown unleash his blazing speed on the field.

How to do it:

• Hold handles of straps with your palms facing in and your arms fully extended.
• Keeping your back straight and parallel to the floor, squeeze your glutes and extend your hips toward the ceiling.
• Lower to the starting position; repeat for specified reps.

Sets/Reps: 2×15-20

Cable-Resisted Physioball Crunch

Who’s doing it: DeMarcus Ware

Why he does it: Ware says, ”Everything I do starts with the core. The majority of the moves I do on the field, I’m going to have an offensive lineman grabbing and tugging on me, so I have to use my core to make an explosive movement” to beat the block and get to the quarterback.

How to do it:

• Lie with your upper back on a physioball with a cable machine behind you.
• Hold abdominal crunch straps in each hand just above your chest.
• Perform crunch, keeping your core tight.
• Slowly return to start position; repeat for specified reps.

Sets/Reps: 3×10-12

Side Plank

Who’s doing it: Drew Brees

Why he does it: This exercise targets the obliques, which protects the lower back. For a quarterback like Brees, the obliques play a critical role in his ability to pull through a throw and drive the football downfield.

How to do it:

• Lie on your side with your right elbow underneath your body.
• Keeping your body straight, rise onto your elbow and the outside edge of your right foot; hold for specified time.
• Perform on opposite side.

Sets/Duration: 2×45 seconds each side

Russian Twist

Who’s doing it: QB Peyton Manning

Why he does it: A strong core is key for increasing throwing velocity and also helps Manning better absorb those bone-crunching hits he takes in the pocket.

How to do it:

• Sit on the ground with your knees bent and your heels just off the floor.
• Holding a med ball at chest level, rotate left and touch the ball to the floor.
• Rotate right and touch the ball to the floor.
• Repeat in a controlled manner for specified reps.

Sets/Reps: 2×10 each side

So, do you like to change up your workouts or stick to a steady routine?  Do you like to go out to the field and pretend you are Peyton Manning?  Let me know! 

-Christi, FCC 

NOTE: information from stack.com 

{STYLE} The Patriots...Keepin' it Klassy

The Patriots and their new bling...yuck.  It makes me sad to see a team or a player think that they have to cheat or play around the rules to win.  However, the size of this ring proves once again how incredibly Klassy the Patriots are.  Enjoy your time off, Brady...I hope this ring was worth it. 

Quick vocab lesson: Klassy

The opposite meaning of the word classy. Mostly used on social media websites where people try to impress their peers and brag about looking wealthy or classy, but in fact leaves the opposite impression.

"Kim Kardashian's dress is so Klassy!"

This is what 205 diamonds looks like...

The team says it is the “largest Super Bowl ring ever made” with 205 diamonds in all. Maybe they are making up for their deflated balls? lol

And I thought Giselle was the Diva in this relationship..."I want all the big diamonds!" 

stay Klassy New England... 

maybe now Bilichick can get a new sweatshirt? 

So many more comments come to mind with this topic...what are your thoughts on NFL Players walking around with 205 diamonds?  Let me know! 

-Christi, FFC

{FOOTBALL} Tight End Tuesday

In the modern NFL offense, the tight end can play a vital role. Elite quarterbacks like Tom and Peyton use tight ends to create mismatches with the defense. 15 different tight ends scored 5 or more touchdowns in 2014, so there are points on the board for you to grab early and midseason.

According to Rick Rosen with Heavy.com here are the top 10 Tight Ends for 2015:

1. Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots

I can’t argue with this one. As goofy as Gronk is front of cameras, on the field he has been a monster. Last season he showed stretches of dominance, scoring in three straight weeks in weeks 13-15. Gronk had eight games where he was targeted 10 or more times, which is a large number for his position. If Gronk can stay healthy, he is a unanimous choice for top fantasy tight end this season.

2. Jimmy Graham, Seattle Seahawks

From a pure talent perspective, Graham belongs at this spot. However, his unexpected move to the Pacific Northwest puts his future role in doubt. He changes to a completely different offense, one built on a physical run game and Russel Wilson improvisation. Seattle tight ends caught only 6 of Wilson’s 20 touchdown passes in 2014, but Graham should help those numbers improve. One area Graham will be a threat is in goal line situations, where Seattle can sometimes struggle.

3. Greg Olsen, Carolina Panthers

Olsen is a great pick at tight end as a reliable, week to week tight end. Olsen averaged 63 receiving yards per game last year, trailing only Gronk (75) at the position. Now 30, Olsen has appeared in every game for Carolina since joining the team for the 2011 season. Carolina made a big investment in Cam Newton in the offseason, so Newton should look to his security blanket often once again in 2015.

4. Dwayne Allen, Indianapolis Colts

Dwayne Allen had his breakout fantasy year in 2014, despite being injured for the playoff run. Allen scored a touchdown 7 of the first 9 weeks of the year, which is impressive considering he was never targeted more than seven times. Splitting time with Coby Fleener, Allen is the better receiving threat of the two, while Fleener is a better blocker. Allen should put up bigger numbers in 2014 if he can stay healthy for Andrew Luck and the Colts.

5. Martellus Bennet, Chicago Bears

Bennet had his best season yet in 2014, posting career highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. Bennet benefitted most from Marc Trestman’s spread offense, but that system is no longer in use in Chicago. Still, Bennet remains a solid red zone option, and that should only improve given the departure of Brandon Marshall.

6. Julius Thomas, Jacksonville Jaguars

Past performance will earn Julius Thomas more than $15 million in 2015 alone, but he has a tall task ahead of him in Jacksonville. Thomas will be one of the primary options for growing Blake Bortles, and will have to fight off more attention than ever. Thomas scored 12 touchdowns last year even though he only appeared in 13 games. Thomas, who is 26, will get a chance to shine for a team that hasn’t experienced success in a long time.

7. Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers

When fantasy pundits touted Ladarius Greene as the inevetible successor to Gates position, Gates’ fantasy value took a hit. In week 2 Gates lit up the Seahawks for three touchdowns, and went on to post his best season totals since 2005. A decade later, Gates and Phillip Rivers are still together, and that longeivty has built a trust between the two. Rivers trusts to throw to Gates even when he is covered, knowing that Gates excels in winning the ball mid-air.

8. Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys

At 33, Witten is past his prime years. But he and Tony Romo have a great connection, and Witten is still a go-to on third downs. Given the news that Dez Bryant may hold out, Witten may prove even more important as one of the veteran leaders of the offense, as they go into 2015 without Demarco Murray and perhaps, without Bryant.

9. Kyle Rudolph, Minnesota Vikings

I’m pretty high on Minnesota this year, even naming Adrian Peterson number one in our running back rankings. One of the biggest reasons I like their offense is Rudolph, who is a difference maker with his size and hands. Rudolph has missed a combined 15 games the past two seasons, but when healthy will be a key option for Teddy Bridgewater. The last time he played a full season, Rudolph was targetd over 90 times and scored nine touchdowns. Rudolph will be a low-value play early in the season that could blossom around October.

10. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

For receivers in the league, it doesn’t matter how good you are if you don’t touch the ball. And Travis Kelce suffers from not touching the ball. Kelce appeared in every game in 2014, but only broke 90 yards twice and only scored 5 times. In an offense built around Jamaal Charles, Kelce primary function was as a blocker. But people noticed Kelce, and the athletic 25 year old should be on your radar this season.

So where do you like to draft a Tight End?  Do you think Gronk is going to be a beast again this year? Let me know!

-Christi, FFC

ARTICLE CAN BE FOUND: http://heavy.com/sports/2015/06/fantasy-football-rankings-2015-top-10-best-tight-ends-players-list/