Vince Lombardi

We already know that an ESPN Films-based Vince Lombardi movie, starring Robert DeNiro, is currently in production and slated for a 2012 release.

Today, it was announced that HBO is concocting a special of its own on the legendary coach and iconic NFL figure.

According to Milwaukee-Wisconsin Journal Sentinel, HBO Sports, in conjunction with NFL Films, will air a new documentary chronicling the life of Lombardi on December 11.

Ross Greenburg, president of HBO Sports, speaks on the announcement:

“Vince Lombardi lived a remarkable life. There isn’t a football fan alive who has not heard of Vince or does not know his famous line, ‘Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing,’ but how much do people really know about this complicated genius? We plan to peel back the layers for a biography that will serve as the definitive account of an NFL icon.”

The documentary will feature interviews from Lombardi’s family, such as his son Vince Jr., daughter Susan, and brother Harold. Not to mention discussion from former players Sam Huff, Frank Gifford, Jerry Kramer, Sonny Jurgensen, and Bart Starr; just to name a few.

Be sure to set your DVR’s….I know I will.

Here’s a cool video from NBC Sports explaining how they get the yellow first-down line to appear on the field, and the process it takes to pull off the animation for the viewing audience.

This year, Madden fans will be treated to a nice surprise when they fire up this year’s edition of EA’s cash-cow. The extra-vocal Gus Johnson will be Madden 2011’s primary announcer, along with color commentator Cris Collinsworth. Above is an interview with Gus Johnson that goes into detail about what it’s like to announce on the game, and what to expect.

August 10th. August 10th. August 10th.

The fans voted, results were tallied, and Drew Brees will be featured on the cover of Madden 2011.  If  there was anyone who could beat the Madden curse, it’s Drew Brees. This transplanted New Orleans son has voodoo on his side.

The game is set to release August 10th. Pre-order your copy today from Amazon. Here’s the new trailer for the game:

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Ryan Leaf

The AP is reporting that former NFL QB Ryan Leaf was sentenced to 10 years of probation this morning after pleading guilty to felony drug charges, eight of them. It’s hard to beat on a guy for addiction, but dang Ryan. Whenever one of the players at West Texas A&M got injured, he would go visit and walk away with some of their pain meds. Brutal. At 33 years old he is one hell of a mess. Every time he gets a new chance he finds another way to self destruct. Hopefully this is his bottom out and he finds a way back to some kind of normalcy. It’s surreal to think that 12 years ago there was a hearty debate about who should go #1 in the Draft, Leaf or Manning. You know some of you were arguing for Leaf. Don’t try to deny it now.

No, you’re not crazy. It was supposed to be released today. Well, that’s what we thought since it was released this Tuesday of this week LAST year. I mean, it’s not like we live for this stuff or anything….  But the NFL powers that be are still working on it. Latest word is it will be released later this week. Or sometime next week. Gee, glad we have a firm date to look forward to.

UPDATE: Jaguars beat writer Michael C. Wright is hearing that the schedule will be released this Thursday.

UPDATE 4/14: Schefter just posted this Tweet – “Latest NFL schedule release in memory. But schedule maker now has extra time to adjust for McNabb and Redskins, and Marshall and Dolphins.” Kinda makes you wonder. The NFL COULD have been holding up because the big McNabb trade was looming. I’m just sayin…

Former NFL WR and Olympic gold medalist Willie Gault will turn 50 in September. He runs a 4.40 40. To put that in perspective, if he ran at the 2010 Combine, he would have been tied for 5th with the fasted time.

He also thinks he can still play at the NFL level.

In a new article by Jeff Pearlman for Sports Illustrated, Willie talks about his fitness regime. “I might have an oatmeal raisin cookie once in a while, but I don’t live to eat. I eat to live. I treat my body like a temple, because it’s the only one I have, and I want to use it as long as possible.”

About his speed? “Chris Johnson is faster, Reggie Bush too. But save for those two and maybe two or three others, I’m right there.”

On the NFL? “I know the idea of a 50-year-old in the NFL is crazy. I know it’s improbable. But speed is speed.”

Let the Raiders jokes commence…

Who gets the curse? For the first time ever, YOU get to decide. EA Sports is putting the cover up for a vote. Chris Erb of EA Sports told ESPN that, “The idea behind this promotion is that throughout the years, no matter who we end up putting on the cover, it’s never the right choice, so the idea here is to bring the consumers into the process and have a voice.”

Who are the nominees? Reggie Wayne, Drew Brees and Jared Allen.

Jared Allen isn’t scared at all and welcomes the honor. “Madden has never done me wrong and all of my characters in the past have been pretty awesome. A lot of people come up to me and tell me that they’re sacking the crap out of the quarterback in the game… If I make the cover, I’m going to straighten my mullet and make it as trashy as possible. You have to highlight the tools that got you there.”

Polls are open through Monday, March 15, 2010.  Vote HERE

Chad Ocho Cinco will be starring in a new hour long series for VH1 called The Tournament.  The premise of the show is a dating tournament, in which women are seeded in brackets, and face off to compete for Chad’s affections.

The show starts with Ocho Cinco traveling the country in search of his “first 85″ prospects. He’ll then cut the pool down to his Sweet Sixteen. The Central, Southern, Western and Northern brackets will have four contestants each. Ten weeks, starting in July. Mark your calendars!

The question is, will Ocho Cinco get better ratings than TO did?

ESPN Films has just announced their forthcoming major motion picture, Lombardi, starring Oscar winning actor Robert DeNiro. The script will be penned by Eric Roth, who might be most well known for Forest Gump, but also wrote the screenplay for Ali, starring Will Smith.

Charles Coplin, NFL VP of programming, shared that, “There are few actors who could accurately portray the fire, passion and grit of Lombardi, and we’re thrilled to have Robert De Niro on our team.” The film is expected to focus on Lombardi’s time with the Packers during the 1960’s when he lead the franchise to five NFL Championships. Lombardi should hit theaters in early 2012.