tiggerpolice

NOTES, QUOTES

—Two of the Saints' marquee offensive players recently earned recognition from The Sporting News for their off-field work.

Quarterback Aaron Brooks, the team's nominee for the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award last season, and two-time Pro Bowl running back Deuce McAllister were honored as "Good Guys" by the magazine for their community service.

Brooks was chosen for his work in developing a summer reading program for youngsters in the New Orleans area and in his hometown of Newport News, Va. His "Read to Pass" program met its goal of having 10,000 children read eight books last summer.

McAllister, who helps children's groups year-round through his "Catch 22 Foundation," gave $1 million to the Ole Miss athletic department — a donation that helped fund his alma mater's indoor practice facility.

—Members of the Saints' organization were among those who mourned the passing of former Kansas City Chiefs and Saints coach Hank Stram last week.

Stram coached the Saints in 1976 and '77, but a two-year record of 7-21 led to his dismissal after the 1977 season by former owner John Mecom Jr.

Stram, who was known as an innovator on offense, was handcuffed in his first year with the team by the loss of star quarterback Archie Manning to season-ending shoulder surgery.

The Saints, who were also stung earlier this year by the death of former Pro Bowl linebacker and fan favorite Sam Mills, issued a statement following Stram's death.

"It is with great sadness that the New Orleans Saints learned of the passing of Hank Stram, and as an organization our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Hank was an innovator in the NFL, and his legacy is firmly in place within the league as a coach and as a caring, generous person. Hank kept his home in the area after serving as the club's head coach from 1976-77 and was a fixture in the community. He will be missed."

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We've always felt young players make their most progress between their first year and second year. Colby is benefiting from the off-season program, and now he knows what to do. He played extremely well the last four games last season and was a big part of our turnaround. We expect that to carry over and look for him to keep that improvement going." — Saints defensive coordinator Rick Venturi on the progress of weak-side linebacker Colby Bockwoldt.


http://www.usatoday.com/sports/footb...aints/home.htm

saintswhodi

Doesn't look good for Sullivan.

RDOX

As long as the Buffet line is open, Sully will do well. He attended the Gravy Jackson/Norman Hand school of eating.

WhoDat

Yeah, that seals the deal for Sullivan... so long as you believe ANYTHING that Rick Venturi says. LOL

I trust Venturi's opinion about football about as much as I trust BnB's opinion about women. LMAO