Green Bay Packers: 7 Breaks the Pack Must Catch in 2011 - Bleacher Report

By (Contributor) on May 21, 2011

As we know, the Green Bay Packers overcame many issues that occurred both late in the season and early in the season to win the Super Bowl.

They didn't do it without a little luck, though. No, their journey had it's fill of lucky breaks.

This season the Packers look to return players from the IR and be an even scarier team than they were.

Even though they're good, it doesn't mean they're invincible. And if they want to get far and make a run this season, there are seven important breaks the Pack must catch to make it to the Super Bowl in 2011.

Start the Season off Strong

Being the Super Bowl Champions, the Packers kick off the 2011 season with a home game against the New Orleans Saints. That is, if there is a season by then.

But look at the first five games of the Packers season. They have what should be easy games against Carolina and Denver, but the other three are no laughing matter.

There are games against three NFC teams that made the playoffs. They are vs. New Orleans, at Chicago and at Atlanta.

These teams owned the five, two and one seeds, respectively.

Don't expect the Packers to lose all of them, and if the Packers win two or three, then they'll be off to a great start.

Figure out the Linebacker Spot Opposite Clay Matthews

In 2009, the Packers and Clay Matthews agreed to a five-year contract that could be worth up to $13.275 million dollars, according to ESPN.com.

If you ask me, Matthews is way underpaid. But anyway, back to the subject.

Matthews was drawing double teams a lot last year, partially due to the inadequate play of the linebackers opposite him.

Currently it seems as if Frank Zombo and Erik Walden will be the top candidates for the spot opposite of Matthews.

Walden had one amazing game with 12 tackles and 3 sacks but hasn't been as productive since. Zombo had four sacks in about 600 plays. That type of production isn't going to cut it.

If the Packers can find a solid pass rusher at the open outside linebacker spot, it will take a huge amount of pressure off of Matthews.

Mike Neal Fills a Void at Defensive End Left by Cullen Jenkins

This ties into a prediction somewhat.

Cullen Jenkins feels that he's "99 percent sure" that he won't be coming back to Green Bay. It's safe to say he won't be a Packer next season.

Before injuring his shoulder and ending his rookie season, Mike Neal showed incredible promise with both strength and speed.

He looks to be one of the starters at defensive end for the Packers if he improves his technique.

If the Packers want to replace Jenkins' 7.5 sacks last season, then they better get someone to fill in for him. And that person is Mike Neal.

Side Note: Jenkins spoke highly of Neal's work ethic, brute strength and speed.

Aaron Rodgers Learns How to Slide

Last season, Rodgers suffered two concussions, one against Washington and one against the Lions.

Concussions are a big deal, as enough of them have ended players' careers. Let us hope that it doesn't do the same to Aaron Rodgers.

When taking off and running, Green Bay's star quarterback has a tendency to wait until he gets tackled.

That resulted in the concussion against Detroit.

Fans appreciate when their quarterback wants to work to gain the extra yards, but if Rodgers wants to stay healthy, then he better learn to slide.

Stay Healthy as a Team

Injuries weren't completely bad for the Packers.

In fact, they paved the way for several young, promising players.

Take for instance James Starks, who took over for Ryan Grant. Or Andrew Quarless, who saw his playing time increase after Jermichael Finley got injured. And what about Bryan Bulaga starting after Mark Tauscher went down?

Some good came out of it, but it'd be best if the injury bug stayed away.

If the Pack can stay healthy, the team will just be that much more dangerous.

If they can't, then this season might not end the same way last season did.

Wide Receivers Stop Dropping Passes

With the addition of Randall Cobb, the league's arguably best receiving unit just got better.

However, there was one thing in 2010-2011 that the Packers' receivers weren't even close to the best at: dropped passes.

And it wasn't just one specific player, although James Jones did have some notable drops in the playoffs.

In the Super Bowl, Jordy Nelson had a huge game. He snagged the ball nine times for 140 yards, seemingly a great game.

But the former Kansas State star also dropped three balls he should've caught.

The Packers as a whole had tons of passes go through their hands on the season. 

If the Packers and new addition Randall Cobb can keep their hands on the ball, more wins should come their way.

Maintain Locker Room Attitude

During last year's magical Super Bowl run, there was something special about the locker room.

As the Packers went on a 6-0 run to end the season with their Super Bowl, the team really seemed to fit together.

When Charles Woodson got injured, he claimed that other players on the team went up to him and told him that they wanted to win the Super Bowl for him.

It's that type of cohesive locker room attitude that helps a team get through the season.

If they retain that magical locker room feeling, nothing will get in their way.

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Season Finale Headquarters

AmericanIdol.com will be providing extensive coverage of all things related to the Season 10 finale, Lauren Alaina, and Scotty McCreery.

Click here to visit finale headquarters.

After Tuesday's live performance show, we'll have the performance videos and video recap available. At noon on Wednesday, May 25^th, you can watch the performances from every angle with brand new 360 video performances and check out photos from the Top 2 performance show.

Then, at 6pm ET/3pm PT, catch the red carpet arrivals and interviews in 360 hosted by Season 9's Didi Benami and Season 6's Brandon Rogers. We will also have a live photo stream from the red carpet, and the AI-Insider will blog the red carpet arrivals and events as they happen.

On Wednesday night, chat about the finale performances and results in the #1 Idol Community.

Come back Thursday for all of the post-show entertainment including a 360 look at the star-studded performances, see a recap of the show, check out photos, and re-watch the last 5 minutes of the finale.

TIMELINE OF EVENTS

Friday, May 20 - Tuesday, May 24: Watch Lauren & Scotty interviews, performances, and view photos. Ask Brandon ... read more

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

Lauren and Scotty Throughout Season 10

Your Top 2 American Idol finalists have come along way since we first met them at hometown auditions. Take a walk down memory lane with their Road To Hollywood interview, photos, performances, hometown visits, and more!

Lauren Alaina
Lauren's first American Idol interview
Lauren's Season 10 performances
Lauren's Season 10 photos
Lauren's Season 10 interviews
Lauren's Hometown Visit

Scotty McCreery
Scotty's first American Idol interview
Scotty's Season 10 performances
Scotty's Season 10 photos
Scotty's Season 10 interviews
Scotty's Hometown Visit

And while you're at it, check out Haley ... read more

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

New York Jets Linebacker Bart Scott Says Season Without Super Bowl Title Would ... - NESN.com

The NFL season does not begin for another three months, but the New York Jets have already made it clear that anything less than a Super Bowl championship will be viewed as a failure.

"I think it's about time we get it done and see this thing through because, after a while, people are going to start to look at it as a joke," Jets linebacker Bart Scott told ESPN's Sal Paolantonio.

Scott's comments echo the sentiments of Jets head coach Rex Ryan, who guaranteed a championship this past February for the second straight season. Ryan made a similar guarantee before last season, but the Jets failed to reach the Super Bowl, falling to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship after upsetting the Patriots in Foxboro in the divisional round.

The Jets will begin their title hunt on Sunday, Sept. 11, when then host the Dallas Cowboys.

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Anthony Fedorov’s Debut Single

Season 4 finalist Anthony Fedorov announced that he will release his debut single, "You're Perfect," on June 29^th. The song will be available for purchase on iTunes, AirgoMusic.com, and AnthonyFedorov.com.

Anthony has been hard at work on his debut EP, Never Over. In an exclusive interview with us, Anthony opened up about the EP, writing, his inspirations, and his Idol alumni friends. Check it out.

To promote "You're Perfect" and Never Over, Anthony has been chatting with fans via Ustream and he plans on sharing some photos and videos with AmericanIdol.com in the near future. Stay tuned!

Read our most recent interview with Anthony.

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

It's Teen vs. Teen

Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery are American Idol's Top 2 finalists after Haley Reinhart received the fewest of America's record-setting 95 million votes - the highest number of votes ever for a non-finale episode. In a season full of surprises, next week's final performance show promises to be a night to remember as 16-year-old Lauren and 17-year-old Scotty - the youngest contestants ever to battle it out in the finale - go head-to-head at the Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE Tuesday, May 24 at 8/7c on FOX.

Tune in the following night for the biggest television event of the season and the momentous conclusion of the celebrated 10^th season that featured new judges, a new musical coach and some of the best young, undiscovered talent in the country. Over 125,000 auditioned, and next week only one finalist will be crowned the next American Idol on the two-hour season finale Wednesday, May 25 starting at 8/7c. The finale and concert spectacular will feature special performances, surprise guests and a Top 13 reunion before America's vote is revealed.

Watch Haley Reinhart's Curtain Call interview.

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

New Voting Record

An astonishing 95 million votes were cast following last night's American Idol performance show - the third-highest number of votes in the show's history and the highest total ever for a non-finale episode. Tune in tonight, Thursday, May 19 8/7c, to find out who will compete in next week's season finale.

Don't miss a minute of the two-night season finale airing LIVE from the NOKIA Theatre L.A. Live. The Top 2 will take the stage to impress the judges and compete for America's votes in the spectacular final performance show Tuesday, May 24 at 8/7c on FOX. Catch the thrilling final results show the following night, Wednesday, May 25 starting at 8/7c, for special performances, surprise guests, a Top 13 reunion and the crowning of the next American Idol.

We will have complete finale coverage--including 360 live videos, photos, and live blog--right here on AmericanIdol.com.

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LaMarr Woodley: “Every year we seem to prove everybody wrong and be a ... - Sports Radio Interviews

May 19, 2011 – 11:30 am by Michael Bean

Assuming there is a 2011 NFL season, LaMarr Woodley is scheduled to play under the Franchise Tag for the six-time Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Does Pittsburgh plan to keep Woodley around long term and re-sign him to a big contract at some point this offseason or next? Most Steelers fans sure hope so, but I’m not convinced the organization will pony up the money it could take to retain him. I’m also not convinced that Woodley is going to age as well as some, like say, his counterpart on the opposite side, James Harrison. That will play itself out eventually. Woodley’s already played the waiting game once last year while seeing if he was going to get paid handsomely by the team that drafted him in the second round of the 2007 draft. From the sound of it, he’ll be just fine staying focused and helping the team win for another year before worrying about his future with the Steelers.

Woodley joined 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh to talk about how the lockout has affected him personally, if he feels like he’ll be at a disadvantage from not having worked out in a group with his teammates this offseason, how long it took him to get over the Super Bowl loss to Green Bay, what game outside of the Super Bowl was most memorable for him last year, if he was at all affected mentally last season by not being re-signed by the Steelers to a long-term deal, reaching out to rookie defensive lineman Cameron Heyward, how he thinks the defense can still help the Steelers get back to the SB despite everyone thinking it’s too old, and how he’s going to try to make it out to LA next week to support Hines Ward in the final of Dancing With The Stars.

On how the lockout has affected him personally:

“I’ve just been doing what I do every year and that’s just staying in shape. A lot of people are so concerned about the Lockout right now, but we’re locked out during the season. Usually right now, we’d probably be in OTAs which is non-contact practice with helmets on, but every guys is just doing what he’s supposed to do to stay in shape even though we don’t have OTAs.”

If he feels like he’ll be at a disadvantage from not having worked out in a group with his teammates this offseason:

“No disadvantage at all. When we were in OTAs, most of the time it was watching film and practice maybe lasted an hour. So that don’t put us at a disadvantage at all, there’s no contact involved. It’s not like it’s full speed. Once we get to “training camp, everybody’s on the same playing field.”

What what would happen to him and his future if there is no Franchise Tag in a new Collective Bargaining Agreement:

“Honestly, I can’t tell you what would happen in that situation right there. They told me once the CBA was worked out or whatever that we were going to work out a long-term deal. So either way it goes, hopefully we’re working on something when everything gets figured out.”

How long did it take him to get over the Steelers loss in SB XLV to the Packers:

“You know, I was actually just watching the NFL Network’s Greatest 20 Games from the 2011 season and the Super Bowl made No. 19.  I know we had opportunities to win that game and we just had too many mistakes. Green Bay was just a better team that day. But it’s not a game that’s going to be in the back of my mind throughout the season. All I want to do is make sure we get back to that Super Bowl, and when we get back there, hopefully this time we win the game.”

If there was a game outside of SB XLV that he thought was most memorable last year:

“Oh, the game I probably enjoyed the most was probably a great game for us against the Baltimore Ravens. I think they had us down 21-3 going into halftime which was somewhat similar to the Super Bowl. But against a team like Baltimore, we fought all the way back and came out on top.”

If he was mentally affected by not being re-signed to a long-term deal at around this time last year:

“No, the approach I was taking and always take is ‘things you can’t control, don’t be upset about it, don’t worry about it.’ That was out of my control whether the Steelers wanted to sign me to a long-term deal. So I wasn’t worried about it. I had a few interviews and sometimes people asked me questions, I just tell them what’s on my mind and sometimes they can get taken the wrong way. But I wasn’t one of those guys who was really concerned with their contract situation because I wasn’t going to let that be a distraction towards me or my teammates going into the season because I knew the ultimate goal was going to the Super Bowl.”

On if the defense can help the Steelers get back to the Super Bowl again despite its age and if rookie Cameron Heyward will be able to contribute:

“Oh definitely. Every year they talk about our defense being an old group, but every year we seem to prove everybody wrong and be a contender in the Super Bowl. So we’re not worried about how our team is aging. When he comes in he’s going to be with a bunch of veteran guys, guys like Aaron Smith showing him the way. He’s really going to learn a lot and he’s really going to help us win this year.”

On Hines Ward’s impressive showing on Dancing With The Stars:

“He’s been doing a great job, definitely focused. The guy can move! I didn’t know Hines can move like that, and he keeps that smile on his face and he’s really into it. Actually I’m thinking about going out there on Monday to be in the audience this week. I’ve been invited before but the whole thing I’m hesitant about is that five hour flight — that’s a long flight to the West Coast.”

Is Ward going to get any flack from his teammates for the whole DWTS ordeal:

“Oh no. I tell you one thing, he looks better than Ochocinco out there. So that’s another beating we gave the Cincinnati Bengals having Hines Ward outperform him.”

Listen here to Vinnie & Cook on 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh

Tags: 93.7 The Fan, LaMarr Woodley, NFL Lockout, Pittsburgh Steelers, Super Bowl XLV

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Winners & losers: Sorting out the Class of 2011 recruiting battles - SportingNews.com

The final day of the spring signing period for college basketball recruits passed Wednesday, but it’s not like the clock hitting 0:00 in the Super Bowl. The recruiting season never really ends.

With top-50 shooting guard Trevor Lacey choosing to stay home at Alabama, though, just about all the elite 2011 prospects are off the board. So this is an opportunity to measure the winners and losers in this year’s recruiting race.

Loser: Tennessee. A year in NCAA purgatory pretty much wiped out what could have been -- and needed to be -- a banner year for the Volunteers.

Winner: St. John’s. When Steve Lavin took the job last spring, he understood he’d lose his whole team after his first season. So he recruited a whole new team: Nine players, including underrated wings Maurice Harkless and Sir’Dominic Pointer.

“What Steve Lavin and his staff were able to do in such a short time was incredibly impressive,” Scout.com analyst Evan Daniels said. “They have a lot of guys at the same position, but they have a lot of guys who are going to help them -- and help them right away.”

Loser: UCLA. With Malcolm Lee and Tyler Honeycutt checking out early, the Bruins could have used a big-time wing to complement their solid frontcourt. Can four-star shooting guard Norman Powell make an immediate impact?

Winner: Duke. The Blue Devils lost a tremendous amount of production with Kyle Singler, Nolan Smith and Kyrie Irving gone. Asking Austin Rivers to cover all that production is a bit much -- but he’s just confident enough not to mind.

Loser: Boston College. Perhaps Steve Donahue shares Al Skinner’s gift for uncovering sleeper stars. Craig Smith and Jared Dudley were among the unknowns who once flourished at BC. The Eagles’ seven-man class includes only one prospect rated by Scout.com among the top 25 at his position.

Winner: Kentucky. John Calipari lined up another group of top-10ish prospects, featuring small forward Michael Gilchrist and power forward Anthony Davis -- rare freshmen who’ll improve UK’s defense more than its attack.

You know what could really make UK a winner? If the NBA were to adopt a 20-year age limit and the Wildcats got to keep this group for two full seasons.

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What Do You Think of Season 10?

What Do You Think of Season 10? We want to know! Take this survey and give us your honest opinion on the judges, the finalists, the format, the website, and more.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY

Let your voice be heard!

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

AT&T Brings Fans Closer to Idol Favorites

With just two more weeks until America crowns the Season 10 winner of American Idol, Wednesday, May 25 starting at 8/7c, AT&T* today announced exciting ways fans can still interact with their favorite Idol contestants - from joining an Idol contestant on a hometown visit to meeting favorite contestants from seasons' past.

New Idol-themed events happening through the end of the season include:

AT&T Idol Celebration: As part of the finale activities, AT&T will host a first-ever free AT&T Idol Celebration - on-site in Los Angeles - just before the final performance show on Tuesday, May 24 8/7c. The celebration begins at 1 p.m. PT. Former Idol contestants scheduled to perform include: Kimberly Caldwell (Season 2), Diana DeGarmo (Season 3), Bo Bice (Season 4), Ace Young (Season 5), Blake Lewis (Season 6) and Jason Castro (Season 7). Talent subject to change.

AT&T $10,000,000 Idol Sweepstakes!: Delivering its largest Idol sweepstakes to date, one lucky fan is winning a trip for two to the American Idol finale with a chance to play for up to $10 million on May 24. Short of the ultimate prize, several prizes are still being awarded, ... read more

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

Beyoncé's Music Video to Premiere on American Idol

The intensely-anticipated video for "Run The World (Girls)," the lead single from Beyonc's upcoming new album, will premiere on American Idol this Wednesday, May 18.

In addition to the music video premiere, Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery, and Haley Reinhart return to the Idol stage to perform three songs - one selected by the judges, one selected by in-house mentor Jimmy Iovine and one individual choice. In addition, viewers will get a peek at the extraordinary trips the Top 3 took when they visited their hometowns.

Join the excitement and chat with fans in the Idol Community.

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

Happy Birthday, RJ Helton!

The first American Idol contestant to ever receive a wild card, RJ Helton, celebrates his birthday today. As part of American Idol's first season, RJ was one of five people given a second chance to receive a spot in the finals via the wild card, and with his performance of Stevie Wonder's "Lately," RJ moved on to the Top 10. His journey didn't end there; RJ made it all the way to fifth place.

In 2004, RJ released an album called Real Life, which he also helped co-write. The Christian-oriented album made it to the Top 20 on the Billboard Christian charts. Matthew Knowles, Beyonc's father, managed RJ and the production of his urban/pop/Latin album. RJ has also participated in concerts with fellow Idol alumni including Scott Savol, Brandon Rogers, Carmen Rasmusen, Haley Scarnato, and Vonzell Solomon in "America's Favorite Finalists" in 2008. In April 2010, RJ joined Idol alumni at Feeding America food banks to give back in the spirit of American Idol's Idol Gives Back.

View photos of RJ and the Season 1 gang on American Idol.

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

Top 4 Results and Top 3 Week

Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery, and Haley Reinhart are this season's American Idol Top 3 finalists. James Durbin was eliminated on tonight's show after he received the fewest of America's almost 72 million votes. On Wednesday's performance show, the Top 4 performed two songs: one inspirational song and one from the renowned American songwriting and producing duo of Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Durbin, 22, from Santa Cruz, CA, sang "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Love Potion No. 9."

Tonight's episode also featured the world premiere of the video for Idol judge and rock-and-roll legend Steven Tyler's first U.S. solo single, "(It) Feels So Good," as well as a performance by Season Six Idol winner Jordin Sparks.

On Wednesday, May 18 at 8/7c the Top 3 - Lauren Alaina, Scotty McCreery, and Haley Reinhartread more

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

Jennifer Lopez Spreads the "LOVE?"

Season 10 judge Jennifer Lopez released her seventh studio album, LOVE?, on May 3 and it has made quite an impact locally and internationally. Here are a few exciting facts about Jennifer's success:

-Jennifer's LOVE? captures Top 5 album debut in the U.S.
- LOVE? album debuts Top 10 in over 10 countries including: UK, Germany, France, Canada, and Mexico.
-Over 1.5 million copies of Jennifer's single, "On the Floor," sold.
-"On The Floor" went to #1 at iTunes in 19 countries
-"On The Floor" has garnered over 170 million online video views to date.
-"On The Floor" is currently #6 at Top 40.

With fire, wind, shattered glass, and a bird's-eye-view of some killer dance moves, Jennifer performed "On The Floor" during the Top 5 results show. View photos of her performance.

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

Darren Sharper not ready to call it quits - CBSSports.com (blog)

Posted by Andy Benoit

Darren Sharper has played 14 seasons in the NFL. Most of them solid if not spectacular. His résumé – 63 interceptions, 11 touchdown returns and a Super Bowl from his career-best ’09 season – will warrant a serious Hall of Fame discussion once he retires. (Five of the seven players in NFL history who have as many interceptions as Sharper are enshrined in Canton.)

Seemingly, that retirement should come in 2011. Sharper is 35. He missed a large chunk of last season recovering from a knee injury. His starting job was bequeathed to the younger, rangier Malcolm Jenkins. And, most importantly, his contract with New Orleans has expired.

But retirement will not come in 2011 – at least not if Sharper has his way.

"After last season, I really was very frustrated with how my season was and how our season went," Sharper told John DeShazier of the Times-Picayune. "If that was going to be my last year in the league, I didn't want it to go like that, in terms of being frustrated all year and not playing like myself. I want to show how healthy I am this year and play like I'm used to playing."

Sharper is working out with other Saints players and claims he’s back to 100 percent.

"I feel like pre-surgery," he said. "My knee is healthy, my body has had time to rest and recover, and I really feel good running. After a workout I don't have to worry about icing it down or anything, I don't have any swelling, and I've been pushing it pretty hard, working out harder than most of the young guys out here training. And I've been able to bounce back the next day."

If this is true, instincts and experience can make Sharper one of the better free safeties in the game for at least another year. It’s not a question of whether a team will take a flier on a healthy Sharper, it’s a question of which team it will be.

"I would love to come back to New Orleans, but as a free agent you always have to keep all your options open. There are a lot of teams out there that have a chance to win a championship, and that's my main goal, to be able to play, and play well, and have a chance to vie for another championship."

For more NFL news, rumors and analysis, follow @cbssportsnfl on Twitter and subscribe to our RSS Feed.

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Former Michigan cornerback Charles Woodson says he's healthy and ready for the ... - AnnArbor.com

Charles Woodson became a Super Bowl champion in February. Back in Ann Arbor for his annual Brian Griese/Steve Hutchinson/Charles Woodson Champions for Children's Hearts charity weekend, the 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year said he isn’t done playing.

Charles Woodson, shown earlier this year at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, said he's ready to return for his 15th season in the NFL.

Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com

When asked how much longer he'll play, the 14-year NFL veteran was somewhat vague and left it in the hands of his current team, the Green Bay Packers.

“I don’t know,” Woodson said. “As many as they’ll have me in Green Bay.”

Woodson broke his left collarbone in the first half of Green Bay’s 31-25 win over Pittsburgh in Super Bowl XLV and afterward was in considerable pain as documented by reporters there.

On Sunday, Woodson said the collarbone “feels fine” and anticipates being ready to start the 2011 season, whenever that happens.

There is one thing Woodson knows now, though. He’ll be forever known as a champion.

To him, that’s a big deal. He won the 1997 Heisman Trophy at Michigan and won a national championship with the Wolverines the same year.

He had also been to the Super Bowl once before with Oakland, losing to Tampa Bay, 48-21 in Super Bowl XXXVII.

He waited eight seasons to return to the Super Bowl.

“It feels good,” Woodson said. “It’s what you play the game for, what I always played the game for on any level, to try and win the championship. Finally, this year I was on a team that was able to get it done.

“It’s a thing where from now on, for the rest of history, I’ll be a champion, always looked at as a champion. That says it all.”

Michael Rothstein covers University of Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at (734) 623-2558, by email at michaelrothstein@annarbor.com or follow along on Twitter @mikerothstein

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