Jackson slimed down and suited up
 

http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pb.../APS/307260685



The Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS --
New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Grady Jackson was on the field when the team went through its first training camp practice on Saturday.

Jackson, who had been criticized for being overweight and out of shape during the season last year, and missing the offseason work this year, missed the mandatory 6 p.m. meeting Friday night. He had called coach Jim Haslett and told him he would be late for personal reasons.

Jackson was demoted from his starting spot after he weighed in at 366 pounds in the first minicamp in May.

"I've just got to work my way back up," Jackson said. "It's no problem."

Jackson said he weighed 343 pounds after spending the time before camp working out and working with a nutritionist.

He worked very little Friday morning, but Haslett said Grady would get back into the lineup.

Jackson refused to elaborate on his personal problems, but said he was not overweight or out of shape last season. He skipped the offseason work because of the talk about his contribution to team problems last season.

"The rumors were that it's all Grady and Norman's fault that there are problems with the defense," Jackson said. "I didn't feel like I was part of this team."

Norman Hand was traded during the offseason. The Saints also drafted defensive tackle Johnathan Sullivan and on Friday added veteran defensive tackle Henry Ford.

"I hope I'll be starting for the Saints," Jackson said. "But I think I'll be starting somewhere when the season opens."

---

ARRON'S ARM: Quarterback Aaron Brooks said he thinks the lingering effects of his offseason shoulder surgery on his throwing arm are behind him.

"I don't feel there's any problem, any discomfort at all," Brooks said after morning practice.

If anything, Brooks said, his arm is stronger after 18 weeks of intensive training.

"I heard a couple of balls whistle," Haslett agreed. "When you hear a ball whistle you know he has his velocity."

Brooks said he is still adjusting, however. Not to his job, but to being a married man. Brooks and Tisa Parker were married on June 29.

---

HAPPY FANS: Between 1,500 and 2,000 fans sweated out the morning practice with the players.

"They were so close I was talking to some of them between plays," said cornerback Dale Carter.

And the fans were talking to the players, too.

"Hey Hollywood, make it happen baby," a group in the bleachers shouted at wide receiver Joe Horn.

"He's Hollywood because he likes that spotlight," a man said.

"Come on Hollywood, it's all Sunset Boulevard," another yelled.

Jackson slimed down and suited up
 

norman? u mean grady?

Jackson slimed down and suited up
 

Good news, but if he can get down to 325 or lower, he can be a flat out stud.
18 lbs in 5 weeks isn\'t that hard to do when your 343 lbs to start with.

With the addition of Ford, a hot shot rookie Sullivan, along with a motivated Smith (who can play all four spots on the line), perhaps a Grady that brings his A-game, the DT spot seems to be as solid as we\'ve had in years, and now appears relatively deep. We may not be the TB Bucs yet, but we look a lot better than last year.

I\'m sure Grady\'s hurt feelings will heal when he busts somebody in the mouth and all the players start hootin and hollerin and Haslet gives him that quick little grin of approval.

Jackson slimed down and suited up
 

Glad to hear he\'s in camp hope he gets it together. The local news covered the first practice and showed Grady huffing and puffing pretty bad. He had to take himself out of some of the drills being run, so he still has a way to go before he is ready to play.

Jackson slimed down and suited up
 

This is what Grady looks like.




http://www.wwltv.com/sports/saints/c...images/003.jpg

Jackson slimed down and suited up
 

Oh my, not a pretty sight. Thats slimmed down??? I suddenly feel sick.
No wonder Haslet was worried about him.

Jackson slimed down and suited up
 

LOL tweeky,


The important thing is he\'s back with the Saints now. You know I didn\'t realize that Grady had 5.5 sacks last year until I read it yesterday. That\'s not bad for a DT. If they bring him along slowly and find a way to motivate him, he could be a big help to the defense this year.

Jackson slimed down and suited up
 

Please don\'t let Sullivan\'s agent see this picture. It\'ll cost us an extra million.

Jackson slimed down and suited up
 

Oh Pak, I\'m surprised B&B didn\'t hammer you yet on the typo...
Who exactly applied the slime to Grady???

Jackson slimed down and suited up
 

what u talkin bout?

Jackson slimed down and suited up
 

Now that\'s funny. Pak send me your email address please I want you to look at the fantasy football leagues.

Jackson slimed down and suited up
 

I\'m not a nazi, people, sheesh. There\'s a diifference between those who try and those that don\'t. ;)

Jackson slimed down and suited up
 

Soooo, you discriminate with the grammar hammer huh?

Jackson slimed down and suited up
 

Quick, someone create a Black & Gold Nazi for B&B\'s avatar.

Jackson slimed down and suited up
 

email those two pictures to me and I will host them for you. Strike 9 sucks. You can get my email address off the fantasy football page.

I don\'t discriminate, my hammer falls on the just and the unjust, alike :cool: