Rex Ryan says Jets would have beaten Packers in Super Bowl XLV - ProFootballTalk

AP

To little surprise, Jets coach Rex Ryan’s gift of gab translates well to the written word.

In his new book, Play Like You Mean It: Passion, Laughs and Leadership in the World’s Most Beautiful Game, Ryan applies a twist to his habit of predicting that the Jets will win any and every future Super Bowl by declaring that, if the Jets had advanced to Super Bowl XLV, they would have emerged victorious.

“I thought Green Bay was to going to have the upper hand on Pittsburgh,” Ryan writes, via Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.  “Their passing attack was giving everyone problems.  But I truly believe we would have beaten Green Bay.  We only lost to them 9-0 during the season, and we gave them two of the field goals because of mistakes.”

We’re starting to wonder why the NFL even bothers to play the games.  Just declare the Jets to be the champions of all past and future Super Bowls and be done with it.

Actually, given the manner in which the 2011 offseason has unfolded, that might not be a bad approach.

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Happy Birthday to Season 4's Nikko and Scott!

This week, two Season 4 finalists celebrate their birthdays: Nikko Smith and Scott Savol.

Ninth place finalist Nikko Smith turned 29 years old on April 28^th. The "Comeback Kid" had a rollercoaster ride on Idol's fourth season when he was originally voted off during the semi-finals round. After contestant Mario Vasquez left the competition, Nikko was invited back and made it to ninth place. As a result of being in the Top 10 Idols, he spent the summer on tour with his fellow finalists. About two years ago, Nikko released an album entitled Revolution. Currently, Nikko has a single out called "Speakaz Blow." The son of Baseball Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith, Nikko has performed The Star-Spangled Banner numerous times, including at Game 4 of the 2006 World Series.

Scott Savol turns 35 on Saturday, April 30^th. "Scotty the Body" made it all the way to the Top 5 of Season 4. The soulful singer found success on American Idol with songs by Luther Vandross, The Temptations, Brian McKnight, and more. Since appearing on Idol, Scott performed in Season 9 semi-finalist Todrick Hall's Oz, The Musical. Fellow Season 4 finalists Mikalah Gordon and Vonzell Solomon, as well as Season 2's Rickey Smith, performed alongside Scott. Then, in 2008, Scott joined Idol finalists read more

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Artwork for Steven Tyler’s Single

American Idol Season 10 judge Steven Tyler shared the artwork for his upcoming single, "(It) Feels So Good." The song will premiere on Ryan Seacrest's morning radio show on Monday, May 9, and the song will be available for download on iTunes on Tuesday, May 10.

View the artwork for "(It) Feels So Good."

Before he releases his single, Steven Tyler will release his autobiography, DOES THE NOISE IN MY HEAD BOTHER YOU?, on Tuesday, May 3.

Steven Tyler is hard to miss these days! He's a beloved judge on American Idol every Wednesday and Thursday on FOX, and this week he graces the cover of two magazines: Rolling Stone and PEOPLE.

Chat about Steven in the Idol forums.

Source: "American Idol 10 Live Feed" via Glen in Google Reader

Top 6 Results and Top 5 Details

Lauren Alaina, James Durbin, Jacob Lusk, Scotty McCreery, and Haley Reinhart are this season's American Idol Top 5 finalists after Casey Abrams was eliminated on tonight's show. On Wednesday's performance show, the Top 6 performed the songs of legendary singer/songwriter Carole King, and Abrams, 20, from Wilmette, IL, sang "Hi De Ho." Thursday night's episode also featured performances by Season 9 Idol finalist Crystal Bowersox and Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter/producer Bruno Mars.

On Wednesday, May 4 at 8/7c, the Top 5 finalists - Lauren Alaina, James Durbin, Jacob Lusk, Scotty McCreery, and Haley Reinhart - return to the Idol stage to perform songs from "now and then" - one current song and ... read more

Source: "American Idol 10 Live Feed" via Glen in Google Reader

2011 NFL Draft Results: Derek Sherrod Picked By Green Bay Packers - SB Nation

Read More: Bryan Bulaga (OT - GBP), Green Bay Packers

With the 32nd pick in the 2011 NFL draft, the Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers have selected OT Derek Sherrod. This is an interesting pick considering the Packers went with an offensive tackle in the first round last year with OT Bryan Bulaga. 

The Packers know their meal ticket goes through QB Aaron Rodgers so they might as well do all they can to protect him. The Packers had no glaring needs so Sherrod is a nice, safe pick with a low chance of busting.

The Packers hit on a lot of their first round picks so my early prediction would be that Sherrod turns into a solid contributor.

Check out Acme Packing Company for the full run down on Sherrod in Green Bay. 

The first round of the 2011 NFL Draft is underway and SB Nation has everything you need to keep up with it: news, rumors, player profiles, scouting reports, the full NFL draft schedule, NFL mock drafts, draft projections and more. Check it all out at SB Nation's NFL Draft hub and our NFL Draft blog Mocking the Draft.

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Steven Tyler's Autobiography

The quintessential rock megastar, Aerosmith front man and lead singer Steven Tyler has written his long awaited autobiography. DOES THE NOISE IN MY HEAD BOTHER YOU? offers an in-depth look into the rock and style icon's legendary life and career.

Daniel Halpern, Publisher for Ecco, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, bought world rights in conjunction with Harper UK from Queen Literary Agency, New York. And now, the never-before-told, no-holds-barred memoir, DOES THE NOISE IN MY HEAD BOTHER YOU?, written with David Dalton, will be published on May 3, 2011 around the world in English.

Widely known as 'America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band', Aerosmith is the bestselling American hard rock band of all time. Steven Tyler, a household name around the world, is famed for his distinctive vocals, hit songs and videos, on-stage acrobatics, his bright, colorful outfits with his trademark scarves hanging from his microphone stand, and his widely reported spells in rehab for drug and alcohol addiction. Aerosmith members have begun writing the next album expected for release in 2011 and the band will tour Japan and South America later in the year. Dates and information to follow soon.

Tyler has reached new levels of popularity as a judge on American Idol's current Season 10. Loved for his irreverent attitude and reliably hilarious comments, he was recently called a "genius" by The New York Times.

With twenty-one Billboard Top 40 hits, Aerosmith has sold a staggering 66 million albums in the U.S. and 150 million albums worldwide. They hold the record for the most gold and multi-platinum albums by an American group. Hits include Walk this Way, Dude (... read more

Source: "American Idol 10 Live Feed" via Glen in Google Reader

Danny Gokey at This Weekend's Country Music Marathon

As the sun is rising on Saturday, April 30^th, more than 30,000 runners and walkers will toe the start line at the 12^th annual Country Music Marathon & Marathon. Just before the gun fires, Season 8 American Idol star and RCA Nashville recording artist Danny Gokey will sing the national anthem, providing a moment of inspiration and reflection for the thousands watching.

Danny's appearance and performance at the largest running event in Tennessee goes far beyond his race day anthem. He is also raising awareness for Sophia's Heart, a non-profit organization in honor of his late wife. Through his organization, Danny hopes to carry on his late wife's legacy by showing the love and passion that he and her both shared for children by promoting education, music and the arts, as well as providing charitable donations of food, shelter, clothing and medical support.

"Danny's talent, music and passion made us reach out to him to not only sing the anthem for our event but to also help him get the word about his charity, Sophia's Heart," says Adam Zocks, General Manager. "Since Danny is also a runner, it's a perfect way to involve him in our event and we hope that this is just the beginning."

Danny released his debut album, "My Best Days" last March and is currently in the studio working on his sophomore album. Danny made his movie debut with a cameo and musical performance in the made for-TV family movie, Truth Be Told, which premiered on Fox on April 16^th. This past weekend, Danny performed at the Grand Ole Opry and will join Taylor ... read more

Source: "American Idol 10 Live Feed" via Glen in Google Reader

Carole King Songs Compilation Album, Includes Duets

The "American Idol Top 6 Season 10" album compilation, featuring the full length Carole King songs performed by individual contestants, as well as the duets, from Wednesday night's show are now on sale once again exclusively on the iTunes Store. Individual songs will also be available for sale.

The songs released on iTunes are studio versions recorded by the Idols under the guidance of Jimmy Iovine's team, including some of the hottest producers in the business, such as Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Don Was, "Tricky" Stewart, Rock Mafia, Jim Jonsin, Ron Fair, and Dallas Austin. The 9 individual tracks and compilation album are released on the 19 Recordings/Interscope label. The compilation album will sell for $6.99.

Track listing for the "American Idol Top 6 Season 10" album compilation is:
Casey Abrams - "Hi De Ho" produced by Don Was
Haley Reinhart - "Beautiful" produced by Tricky
read more

Source: "American Idol 10 Live Feed" via Glen in Google Reader

American Idols LIVE! 2011 Tour Info

AMERICAN IDOL will heat up arenas across North America, when AMERICAN IDOLS LIVE! returns for another summer jaunt, showcasing performances by this season's top 11. The tour commences in West Valley City, UT at the Maverik Center on Wednesday July 6^th and wraps up Saturday September 10^th in Rochester, NY at the Blue Cross Arena. Tickets will be available for purchase Friday, May 13^th at 10am via AmericanIdol.com, Ticketmaster.com, and aeglive.com.

AMERICAN IDOLS LIVE! 2011 lineup promises to be the most memorable yet given the diverse and daring talent on the roster, and it's hitting markets all across North America with 45 dates confirmed. The Top 11 comprising the tour-Casey Abrams, Naima Adedapo, Lauren Alaina, James Durbin, Stefano Langone, Jacob Lusk, Scotty McCreery, Paul McDonald, Thia Megia, Haley Reinhart, and Pia Toscano-are primed and pumped to give fans a night of unique and ... read more

Source: "American Idol 10 Live Feed" via Glen in Google Reader

Wednesday Voting Numbers

Here are the ways you can vote for your favorite contestant tonight, April 27th.

4/26/11 1

American Idol Show # 1031- TOP 6 Chyron And TWO VOTE Numbers

JACOB LUSK JACOB LUSK

1 866 IDOLS 01 Text "VOTE" To 5701

1 866 43657 01 phone lines open at end of show

1 866 IDOLS 07 Text "VOTE" To 5701

1 866 43657 07 phone lines open at end of show

Vote Online at AmericanIdol.com

LAUREN ALAINA LAUREN ALAINA

1 866 IDOLS 02 Text "VOTE" To 5702

1 866 43657 02 phone lines open at end of show

read more

Source: "American Idol 10 Live Feed" via Glen in Google Reader

2011 NFL Draft: Should the Green Bay Packers Draft Brooks Reed? - Bleacher Report

Coming off a Super Bowl victory, the Green Bay Packers have a few needs that need to be addressed.

One of those needs is at outside linebacker.

Sure, Clay Matthews owns one of the outside linebacker spots, but the other is completely up for grabs.

Erik Walden, Brad Jones and Frank Zombo are expected to do battle for that spot, but I'm thinking Green Bay would like to improve on those guys.

Enter Brooks Reed.

The kid from Arizona is a stud, and he's been skyrocketing up draft boards of late.

He may not be the biggest kid on the playground, but Reed is the hardest working.

He has the best motor of any defensive player in the draft, and he has long blond hair. Sound familiar?

That's right, many people are calling Reed the Clay Matthews of this draft. But that's probably unfair.

Reed is no college walk-on. He's also not as big or strong as Matthews, but then again, how many people really are?

Clay Matthews has proved himself to be a great teammate and all-around guy in his two years in Green Bay. If you don't think he would take a hard-working, long-haired, pass-rushing outside linebacker under his wing and make him the best possible player he can be, you're crazy.

Same goes for outside linebacker's coach and former long-haired pass-rusher Kevin Greene.

Which is why I think Green Bay should make Brooks Reed a Packer.

Because, even if he's not the talent that Clay Matthews was—and he probably never will be—he could still become a pretty disruptive pass-rushing threat playing across from a guy as talented as Matthews.

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Source: "Super Bowl 2011" via Glen in Google Reader

Enter the Idol Tour Sweepstakes

Enter the American Idols LIVE! Tour Sweepstakes for a chance to win one pair of tickets to see the Season 10 Idols perform LIVE in your city!

You have from now until May 6, 2011 to enter the sweepstakes. Of course, you can't win unless you enter...so click here and get started!

Source: "American Idol 10 Live Feed" via Glen in Google Reader

Carrie and Kelly Earn CMT Nominations

The 2011 CMT Music Awards nominees were revealed this morning. Season 4's American Idol, Carrie Underwood, was nominated for the big title of Video of the Year, as well as Female Video of the Year. First Idol Winner Kelly Clarkson, new to the country music scene, received a nomination alongside Jason Aldean for Collaborative Video of the Year.

The nominations that include Idol alumni are as follows:

Video of the Year
Carrie Underwood - "Undo It"

Female Video of the Year
Carrie Underwood - "Undo It"

Collaborative Video of the Year
Jason Aldean with Kelly Clarkson - "Don't You Wanna Stay"

Video Director of the Year
Chris Hicky (award-eligible video includes Carrie Underwood's "Undo It")
Roman White (award-eligible video includes Kellie Pickler's "Makin' Me Fall in Love Again")

Online fan voting in all 10 categories is now open at CMT.com through June 7, 2011. The show will take place in Nashville on June 8.

Congratulations, Carrie and Kelly!

View photos of Kelly and Jason's performance of "Don't You Wanna Stay" from Season 10's Top 8 results show.

Source: "American Idol 10 Live Feed" via Glen in Google Reader

Justin Guarini Welcomes Baby Boy

American Idol's first runner-up, Justin Guarini, is a new dad! Justin and his wife, Reina Capodici, welcomed a son named William Neko Bell Guarini today, April 26, at 6:26 AM. William weighed in at 7 lbs., 2oz. and he joins big sister Lola, Reina's 5-year-old daughter from a prior relationship.

Justin, who just wrapped his role as "Will" in Broadway's American Idiot on Sunday evening, told PEOPLE, "Quite a polite fellow for waiting until late Monday, early Tuesday to make his entrance. With a full head of curly brown hair, wide open and alert eyes he came charging into the world."

Congratulations, Guarini Family!

Read more about Justin's role on Broadway in American Idiot.

Source: "American Idol 10 Live Feed" via Glen in Google Reader

Idol Round-Up

American Idol alumni are all over the music charts, performance schedules, and news this week. Take a look at some of the news of note.

On the Charts
American Idol Kelly Clarkson's "Don't You Wanna Stay" with Jason Aldean is gaining airplay on USA TODAY's AC and Hot AC formats. This week, the song is #35 on the AC chart and #39 on the Hot AC top 40 chart. Kelly celebrated her 29th birthday yesterday, and she performed the hit song on Idol with Jason during the Top 8 results show. View photos.

Idol Fantasia's "Collard Greens & Cornbread" entered the Urban AC top 40 at #30. She performed the single on a recent Season 10 results show. See pictures of her performance.

Season 5's Mandisa has a hit with "Stronger." The song moved up a slot on the Christian AC chart, now sitting at #2; she's also at #13 on the Idol airplay chart. Recently, Mandisa visited "Extra's" Mario Lopez at The Grove to talk about her new album, What If We Were Real. The interview and a performance of the title track of the album aired Thursday, April 7, 2011.

Idol alumni read more

Source: "American Idol 10 Live Feed" via Glen in Google Reader

Happy Birthday, Danny Gokey!

Season 8's third place finalist, Danny Gokey, turned 31 on Easter this year (Sunday, April 24). Danny has come a long way since being a 28-year-old on American Idol.

On March 2, 2010, Danny released his debut album, My Best Days. The record was so successful that he achieved the highest first-week album sales by a debut country male in 18 years! Two days after his album debuted, Danny performed "My Best Days Are Ahead Of Me" on the Top 20 American Idol results show. View photos of his performance. Last winter, Danny released "Tennessee Christmas" and he was nominated for Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist at FOX's inaugural American Country Awards.

This summer, Danny will join award-winning, multi-platinum artist Taylor Swift in the eastern U.S. and Canada leg of her world tour! Get dates and locations. The 2nd Annual Danny Gokey Cruise to benefit his Sophia's Heart charity has been scheduled for February 2-6, 2012 from Florida to Mexico. This year's event raised more than $25,000 for Sophia's Heart!

Happy Birthday, Danny!

Are you ga-ga for Gokey? Check out his photo gallery.

Source: "American Idol 10 Live Feed" via Glen in Google Reader