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CrazyCowboy · 05-22-2005

May 22, 2005, 1:16AM

McCLAIN'S NFL NOTEBOOK

Players take magic (red) carpet ride

The Longest Yard premiere gives athletes a dose of real star power

By JOHN MCCLAIN
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle

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[/font] function MM_openBrWindow(theURL,winName,features) { //v1.2 window.open(theURL,winName,features); } [/font]Many current and former NFL players shared the red carpet in front of Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard with actors, actresses, directors and producers.

The occasion was Thursday's premiere of The Longest Yard, the Jack Giarraputo-produced, Peter Segal-directed remake of the 1974 classic that stars Adam Sandler, Chris Rock and Burt Reynolds and opens nationwide Friday.

Fans lined up five deep along one of the country's most famous streets, and each time a limousine stopped and the doors opened, they screamed so loud it's amazing that windows didn't shatter.

As the stars and celebrities walked the red carpet, they were interviewed by print and broadcast reporters and photographed by paparazzi.

Because The Longest Yard includes such former NFL players as Michael Irvin, Bill Romanowski, Sean Salisbury, Brian Bosworth and Terry Crews, the premiere attracted a lot of current and former players: Donovan McNabb, Terrell Owens, Bertrand Berry, Willie McGinest, Eric Dickerson, Rod Woodson, Lincoln Kennedy and Terrell Davis.

Packers receiver Javon Walker, who's not participating in Green Bay's offseason program because he wants a new contract, was working the other side of the red carpet as a member of the media. Walker was doing interviews for Jim Rome.

Receiver Braylon Edwards, Cleveland's No. 1 pick, also got the red-carpet treatment.

Such stars as Russell Crowe, who's starring in Cinderella Man, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, the California governor, also walked the red carpet and attended the post-premiere party.

When the film began, there was thunderous applause when the biggest stars — Sandler, Rock and Reynolds — made their first appearances.

Reynolds, who played quarterback Paul Crewe in the original and plays coach Nate Scarborough in the remake, received the loudest ovation. His character is a former Heisman Trophy winner from Florida State who has been incarcerated for so many years that most believe he's dead.

Cowboys hit Hollywood

Two stars who walked the red carpet together Thursday night at Grauman's Chinese Theatre were former Dallas Cowboys Michael Irvin and Emmitt Smith.

Irvin has a co-starring role in The Longest Yard, and of all the athletes in the film, he's the most convincing. He seems to be a natural actor, which doesn't surprise many of those who have followed his career as a receiver who earned three Super Bowl rings and as a studio analyst for ESPN.

Smith, who retired after last season as the NFL's career rushing leader, is expected to begin a broadcast career this season. Watching Irvin get the kind of attention he has been receiving in the film industry might make Smith consider a career in Hollywood.

Playoffs or bust?

Owner Bob McNair has made it clear to everyone in his organization that he expects to seriously contend for the playoffs in the Texans' fourth season. Fans who have helped them sell out every home game expect the same thing.

Recent interest in such veterans as outside linebacker Peter Boulware and offensive tackle L.J. Shelton shows that general manager Charley Casserly and coach Dom Capers want to continue to bolster their two weakest areas — pass rush and pass protection.

Victor Riley's addition as a veteran offensive tackle provides better depth than the Texans had last season.

Riley is a right tackle, but Shelton is a left tackle who started for the Arizona Cardinals before coach Dennis Green decided to get rid of him.

Expect Casserly to continue to check out veterans who might help protect David Carr and put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Saban woos Williams

Agent Leigh Steinberg said last week that running back Ricky Williams will report to the Miami Dolphins in training camp.

Coach Nick Saban, who used the second pick in April's draft on running back Ronnie Brown, said Williams wants to return and that it's definitely a possibility. Williams told ESPN.com "I've still got 4,000 yards left in me."

In his first season, Saban needs all the help he can get. Last season, Miami averaged 17.2 points and 275 yards, its worst production since 1969.

The question becomes why the Dolphins would want Williams back.

Williams owes the Dolphins $8.6 million of his signing bonus. He reached an agreement in April with a woman to pay her $4,200 a month and to set up a $300,000 trust fund for the child he fathered.

Williams weighs 195 pounds, down from 230 with the Dolphins and 250 with the New Orleans Saints. He'll serve a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy if he returns. He's one more positive test from being suspended for a year.

Williams recently returned from India, where he spent a month doing yoga to get his body and mind in harmony.

Whiz kid

Minnesota running back Onterrio Smith's year-long suspension for another violation of the league's substance abuse policy had nothing to do with him being caught with the "Original Whizzinator" and dried urine at the airport.

Smith, who has had problems with marijuana since he was kicked out of Tennessee and transferred to Oregon, will have a year to try to kick his problem.

Meanwhile, the Vikings are still loaded at running back with Michael Bennett, Moe Williams, Mwelde Moore and rookie Ciatrick Fason.

Fragile back

When running back Eddie George played for the Tennessee Titans, he never missed a start because of an injury. He was replaced last season by injury-prone Chris Brown, who suffered a broken hand during the offseason program.

In his first two seasons, Brown missed 10 games and failed to finish five more because of injuries. George, who spoiled the fans because of his durability, wants to return to Tennessee.

The Titans would have taken running back Cedric Benson if he'd been available in the first round of the draft. Although Brown is expected to be ready by training camp, general manager Floyd Reese might step up his interest in Buffalo running back Travis Henry.

Safety outlet

Teams needed a free safety will have a shot at Tennessee's Lance Schulters, who's going to be waived after June 1 for salary-cap reasons.

Schulters, scheduled to earn a base salary of $2.75 million this season, has been replaced by Lamont Thompson.

The Dallas Cowboys, who are still looking for a replacement for Darren Woodson, should check out Schulters.

Big void to fill

Jacksonville running back Fred Taylor is still recovering from knee surgery, and there's speculation the Jaguars might have to begin the season without him.

Without Taylor in the lineup, the Jaguars are 0-8 against playoff teams. Their first four games are against playoff teams, which puts a lot of pressure on LaBrandon Toefield, who would have to pick up the slack along with fullback Greg Jones.

No surprise that Jacksonville is another team interested in Buffalo running back Travis Henry.

John McClain covers the NFL for the Chronicle. john.mcclain@chron.com

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Hostile · 05-22-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrazyCowboy

Smith, who retired after last season as the NFL's career rushing leader, is expected to begin a broadcast career this season. Watching Irvin get the kind of attention he has been receiving in the film industry might make Smith consider a career in Hollywood.

I love Emmitt, but unlike Troy, Woodson, and Irvin I never saw him in this role.

Nav22 · 05-22-2005

Quote:

I love Emmitt, but unlike Troy, Woodson, and Irvin I never saw him in this role.

I totally agree.

Hostile · 05-22-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nav22

I totally agree.

I wonder which network is looking at him?

**MichaelWinicki** · 05-22-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hostile

I love Emmitt, but unlike Troy, Woodson, and Irvin I never saw him in this role.

I fully agree.

Dorsett and Herschel would have been better choices.

dargonking999 · 05-22-2005

well since ESPN keeps taking all our retired players on maybe its them

Hostile · 05-22-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichaelWinicki

I fully agree.

Dorsett and Herschel would have been better choices.

I don't think they fit the role either.

Not even Deion, who is charismatic, really fits the role.

I think you need someone who is analytical and/or entertaining. I see Irvin as an entetainer, but when he just sticks to football he is analytical.

Troy pulls no punches. That alone makes him entertaining to me. I don't always agree with him but there's simply no doubt he fits the role. Proof of his analytical side is found in his ranking system that makes more sense than yardage. I think the NFL should adopt it.

I only heard Woodson in NFL Europe a couple of times but he reminds me a bit of Ronnie Lott. He will talk about the emotions and passions of the game.

Maybe Emmitt will surprise me. I just don't think the job is tailor made for him.

**MichaelWinicki** · 05-22-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hostile

I don't think they fit the role either.

Not even Deion, who is charismatic, really fits the role.

I think you need someone who is analytical and/or entertaining. I see Irvin as an entetainer, but when he just sticks to football he is analytical.

Troy pulls no punches. That alone makes him entertaining to me. I don't always agree with him but there's simply no doubt he fits the role. Proof of his analytical side is found in his ranking system that makes more sense than yardage. I think the NFL should adopt it.

I only heard Woodson in NFL Europe a couple of times but he reminds me a bit of Ronnie Lott. He will talk about the emotions and passions of the game.

Maybe Emmitt will surprise me. I just don't think the job is tailor made for him.

I remember when Roger tried it and he was the boring guy I ever heard.

SALADIN · 05-22-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hostile

I wonder which network is looking at him?

Comedy Central?

Sorry Emmitt, it was just too easy

**WoodysGirl** · 05-22-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hostile

I wonder which network is looking at him?

Best D*** Sports Show Period. That's where alot of ex-football players do their training. Rodney Peete is the latest.

Like you, I've never seen him in that light. For some reason, I just don't see him jumping str8 in front of the camera. I think he'll do some radio and maybe some of the ESPN2 or Espnnews broadcasts or maybe even NFL Network.

I think I remember reading that he was doing alot of auditioning during the SB festivities with all of his appearances on Espn w/Mike.

Even so, I wish him the best. It's not like he can't do it. If Steve Young can do it and I've never thought he was the best analyst, then I think Emmitt can do it.

Hostile · 05-22-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woody'sGirl

Best D*** Sports Show Period. That's where alot of ex-football players do their training. Rodney Peete is the latest.

Like you, I've never seen him in that light. For some reason, I just don't see him jumping str8 in front of the camera. I think he'll do some radio and maybe some of the ESPN2 or Espnnews broadcasts or maybe even NFL Network.

I think I remember reading that he was doing alot of auditioning during the SB festivities with all of his appearances on Espn w/Mike.

Even so, I wish him the best. It's not like he can't do it. If Steve Young can do it and I've never thought he was the best analyst, then I think Emmitt can do it.

Okay, now I can actually see him being more successful on a show like that. It is more of a roundtable show than an actual analysis. Just my opinion but they don't offer much in the way of actual worth to the rabid sports fan, but they are damned entertaining. Emmitt is very engaging and could maybe find a niche in this setting.

Thank you.

BTW, good anaylsis on Steve Young.

Seven · 05-22-2005

Agreed. I don't see Emmitt as a sportcaster. Probably better suited as an analyist for special segments on ESPN, FOX or where ever. 10-20 minute segments where he shares his analysis with all the cool props, vids and stuff. JMO. What do I know.

diehard2294 · 05-22-2005

yeah I dont believe it will fit him well. I sometimes have a problem listening to MI. I also remember how bad J. Montana was for NBC

Everlastingxxx · 05-22-2005

I think something that is often missing is the "likeable" factor. Emmitt Smith is very likeable. I have always enjoyed his interviews and thoughts. I hope he does well and stays involved in the NFL.

Hostile · 05-22-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by diehard2231

yeah I dont believe it will fit him well. I sometimes have a problem listening to MI. I also remember how bad J. Montana was for NBC

I am fine with MI until he tells me how sharp his clothes are. I could care less how he is dressed. I want to hear about football.

Montana was dry. Eric Dickerson on the sidelines was bad. Tony Siragusa is too and that shocks me. I figured his personality could carry him.

I felt the same way about Nate Newton. Wish he hadn't screwed that up. I think he could have been great.