A look back at the roots of video game football

When you look at how insane the graphics are on current video games, you tend to forget just how crappy games were in the past. So for no real specific reason, let's take a look back, in terms of football video games, to see where we started and how we got on the right path. Because the road to Madden was a bit bumpier than I ever thought.


Believe it or not, this commercial is actually from 1971, even though it looks like it came from another dimension. I realize it's for electric football, but hey, this was THE game to have before video games existed. At least, that's what the commercial seems to suggest to me. By the way, how did that receiver catch that pass?



Ah, yes. The Coleco Head-to-Head football game. Truly a game that pushed video game football ahead. Actually, this game probably set video game football back 10 years. Watch this commercial closely to see the football players in it who happen to be, uh, rectangular blinking lights. This is real competition! No, no it's not.



Soon football graduated to the Atari, where finally the junk moving on the screen actually kind of looked like people, except for that invisible linebacker who sacks the quarterback. Too Tall Jones did the right thing by attaching his name to this game. Best decision ever.



Naturally Intellivision couldn't let Atari corner the crappy football video game market, so they came along with their own version, and had George Plimpton hawk it.



Nintendo followed all of this up with the epic 10-Yard Fight. A game so bad, it didn't even get its own commercial.



Finally a football game worthy of actually being played happened when Tecmo Bowl was released. And it of course begat one of the greatest video games of all time, Super Tecmo Bowl. The game that made Bo Jackson a legend in his own time.

It hasn't all been perfect since then. We've had games like Gerry Glanville's Pigskin Footbrawl, but at least Tecmo got us on track. So just remember, we've got it pretty good right now. And Madden sure as hell beats electric football.

-WCK

The 21st anniversary of The Fridge GI Joe action figure is coming up

I'm not sure how many of you out there remember The Fridge. My only memory of him, aside from the Super Bowl Shuffle, is when he ran through about 40 New England Patriots for a touchdown during the Super Bowl in 1986. Later that year though, The Fridge received one of the greatest honors in American history. He became the first - and last - pro football player to be made into a G.I. Joe action figure. That was primarily because everyone hated the figure so much. Reportedly the reason why The Fridge was even considered was because a deal to introduce Rocky Balboa into the toy line fell through, apparently because Sylvester Stallone's likeness was licensed for the new Rambo toy line. I totally remember that toy line, uh, not so much. Anyway, since the idea to create this ill-fated G.I. Joe action figure happened right around this time of the year and we're nearing the 21st anniversary of its release (it was available to get from late 1986 through 1987 and again in 1989), here's a look back at The Fridge's valiant fight to stop the evil Cobra Commander.

Believe it or not, somebody actually made The Fridge the Joes' physical training instructor. The Fridge taught them how to effectively eat a 10,000 calorie per day diet.

His weapon was a black football attached to a chain. Which I guess makes some sense. Sort of.

The Fridge was also not an easy character to get. You had to save up 5 Fridge proof of purchase certificates to get him. Interestingly, the Fridge also had a 900 number you could call. Seriously.

And last but not least, he even appeared in a cartoon commercial.


I don't think I'm the only one that seems to remember the Fridge being slightly fatter in real life. But whatever.

The only other pro athlete (by which I mean non full-time pro wrestler) to be turned into a G.I. Joe action figure was Ted Williams - who was a decorated Marine Corps pilot.

-WCK

More High School football fights

Yesterday we brought you that video of two Florida high school football teams fighting that resulted in a combined 58 suspensions. Well, that video was surprisingly not that great. So today we bring you another fight, which happened in Michigan this last weekend. Only 11 suspensions resulted from this dust-up, but they were all from one team. One kid gets absolutely crushed and gets up like he was hit by a bus. But my favorite part is when two guys on the same team nearly duke it out. Now that's teamwork.

Note to self: Never attend Jackson High School.

-WCK

It's not the U versus FIU, but it'll do

I don't know why, but some sportswriter for a Washington paper had this video linked on his blog today. He was congratulating his local high school sports teams for not doing what happens in the above video. Which obviously means they play wuss football up in Washington. In Florida, however, they take no prisoners. This is a fight between two high school Florida football teams, Miramar and Flanagan from Sept. 28th. Miramar high school football rules! An unreal 58 players were suspended as a result of the brawl and most for the whole season. In addition, Miramar was fined $5,550 and Flanagan $6,800. The game was called off halfway through the third quarter. It'll be finished later this month in a 4-on-4 tag football game by the 8 total players who weren't suspended for sticking a shiv in someone.

I'm not really sure why there were so many suspensions. For 58 suspensions I expected to see at least one guy using his helmet as a weapon, and one or two Neds. Maybe even an anti-aircraft missile. But no. So anyway, enjoy this somewhat disappointing video of high school kids wailing on each other.

-WCK

A reminder that football is a dangerous sport

A more serious post here. Although I know we all wish Kevin Everett hadn't been seriously injured earlier this season, he has thus far made a remarkable recovery.

But not everyone is always so lucky.

A 13-year-old North Carolina football player died early Thursday after being critically injured on the field during a Wednesday game.

According to WSOC Charlotte, North Lincoln Middle School player William McLeod, 13, was hurt during a game at West Lincoln High School shortly before 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. A student said William, a wide receiver, got hit from behind, flew into the air and landed on his head, suffering internal head injuries.

Paramedics rushed the teen to Carolinas Medical Center-Lincoln and then transported him to CMC-Main in Charlotte for further treatment. Ted Mankowski, operations manager for Lincoln County EMS, told the Gaston Gazette that McLeod had a pulse and blood pressure when he arrived at CMC and his breathing was being assisted by ventilation. The teen was in critical condition the entire time and passed away at the hospital during the early morning hours.

-100%

How much will Fire(Coach's Name).com set me back?

After a weekend of football that saw five top 10 college teams fall, Norv Turner solidify his title as worst coach in NFL history, and Lovie Smith back a QB who's maybe as bad as Rex Grossman, you have the feeling that a lot of fans around the country are pretty pissed today.

Naturally, when you're pissed at a football coach, the only rational thing to do is get your hands on a Fire(Whoever my coach is).com domain name. Back in the day, that would have been relatively simple. Just sign up, pay a few bucks, and rant away. But these days, in this tech savvy (and greedy) world, you're going to have to shell out for that right.

That's because there's a site called Redshirted.com that annoyingly owns the rights to a lot of FireCoachWhomever.com domains. Let's see what some of the big names potentially on the hot seat go for.

fireLovieSmith.com - $150 (I have a feeling this price may escalate real soon)
fireRomeoCrennel.com - $150
fireJoeGibbs.com - $250 (You've still got it Joe)
fireMarkMangino.com - $100
fireSlyvesterCroom.com - $250
fireRichRodriguez.com - $250

And just for fun:
fireMikeMartz.com - $50 (What a bargain! Of course it's a little strange to have a web site dedicated to firing your offensive coordinator)

Now I know what you're thinking. What does Norv go for? Ah, my friend, you will have to bid on that. Quite frankly, if I were Redshirted, I wouldn't let that sucker go until I got a couple G's for it. My guess is everyone in San Diego wants that domain name right now.

Some of the names you can't get, because they're already sold, include Brian Billick, Urban Meyer, and Dennis Green. I know for a fact that fireDennisGreen.com was crucial to his demise in Arizona. Or maybe it was just because he sucked. Whatever.

Anyway, if you don't mind spending all your hard earned blog money, then soon you too can bring down the hated coach of your choice. I'm just pissed that fireNickSaban.com is already taken. But then that's hardly surprising.

-WCK

What in the hell is this?

Football is a pretty rough sport. That's one reason why you don't buy footballs at the makeup counter or a woman's dress department. But don't worry, one company is looking to change that.

Uh, why?

The football you see above is part of Chanel's 2007 fall accesories line. And you'll be even more thrilled when you hear the price - $195.

Man, the other side of that football better be diamond-encrusted or I have a feeling this won't exactly be a top selling item.

Anyway, here was some woman fashion blogger's take on the football.

When I saw this I was like "wow, that is the perfect marriage between fashion and football." This football represents my marriage in some strange way LOL. It is a really cute gift for a guy that is into fashion, and if his fav. sport is football, which would be RARE.

Let me go out on a limb here and say that actually would be rare. I watch football in sweats with Doritos strewn across my chest. Let me also go out on a limb and say no man in his right mind would ever be caught dead throwing a Chanel football around. Let alone pay $195 for one.

UPDATE: It seems Deuce did this story months ago, which I totally missed since it wasn't football season when they did it. So for their take, here you go.

-WCK

An interview with a potential All American Football League Player

Some of you may be familiar with the All American Football League. It's a pro league expected to start in April of 2008 and as of right now, several tryouts have already occurred. What makes this league unique is that to compete in it you must have a 4-year college degree.

The league has some interesting ideas as well, which include creating partnerships with NCAA Division I Football schools to host games. The league will be led by former NCAA President Cedric Dempsey.

We had the chance to speak to Drametrice Smith, who is expected to play in the league when it kicks off in 2008. Smith picked up a number of academic awards during his college career and graduated with a degree in communications in 2006. He's currently doing PR work for the league and judging by his exclamation marks at the end of many of his answers, he's ready for this league to get rolling.

So let's get on with the interview. Questions in bold, answers in italics.

What is the overall vision of the league and what is the league trying to accomplish?
To put quality athletes on the field as well as fill the stadium seats. It's only two things that matter Athletes and Fans! Vision, is to improve grad rates throughout the country.

Many players who plan on playing in the NFL leave school in the spring to concentrate on preparing for the NFL combine, workouts, and the draft. Do you think the AAFL can actually change this pattern so more players graduate?
That’s the ultimate goal of this league is to give a guy a chance to focus on school first. Education is vital once you have a degree no one can take your education from you.

Under the current model, the league has signed an agreement with the University of Florida to play some home games in Gainesville. Orlando's Citrus Bowl is expected to host the remaining games. The League has also signed contracts with the Universities of Tennessee, Purdue and NC State to host League teams. And the League has signed a contract with Legion Field to host its Alabama team. Still under consideration are independent sites in Georgia, Michigan, Texas, Mississippi and Arkansas. How many teams do you hope to have in the league by kickoff in April 2008? Will you look to expand after 2008?
Right now, 8 teams hopefully more. Most definitely the league is going to expand, teams are already just waiting to see how the first season kicks off. Then they will jump on the band wagon.

What other schools are being targeted by the league as host sites?
Nebraska, Ohio, Florida State

Are you concerned that with the top college players going into the NFL, that there might be a lack of talent in the AAFL?
No, that’s a misconception its great quality athletes all across the country. Not, everyone ends up in the NFL on there first go around, some athletes are late bloomers. The AAFL may end up just being a productive feeder for the NFL in the near future.

Similarly, are you concerned that the AAFL may lose its top players to the NFL?
That’s great if we lose top players to the NFL that means the NFL supports the AAFL therefore the league will be around for a while. This opens the door for the next graduate to get an opportunity to go out and show cases their talent.

The league almost seems to be the equivalent of a minor league version of the NFL. Would that be a fair assessment?
No, that’s not a fair assessment minor league teams don’t use great facilities and minor leagues don’t have the financial background this league has in place.

One of the league’s key concepts is to have players playing on teams that match up with the school or region that they played college ball at. That way the fan base is already familiar with the players. How do you think fans will take to players that aren’t from their particular region, seeing as there will likely be a fair number of these players?
If an athlete goes out and makes a difference on the field, where he came from will just be history. The fans maybe upset in the beginning, once the season gets rolling and each state is represented right then the country will fall in love with the AAFL.

According to the web site, the colors of the state university school will be utilized for teams, as well as the band and cheerleaders when and where possible. Is there a danger that the league is trying duplicate the college experience too much? Or do you think fans will appreciate that?
This is a great idea tying to that rich tradition that already exists, and just throwing a professional twist into the mix. The fans are going to love this, football year round, something they love with passion.

It is likely that if teams get their players from specific regions, former rivals will now be playing on the same team. Do you think fans will have a problem with this?
From the players’ perspective, I don’t see that being a big issue. But do you think that will bother fans? No, some host universities will not employ true rivalries such as Alabama and Auburn, no way will these two combine for a team in this league. Rich tradition will die, must keep that rivalry going for the fans. Certain teams can coincide with ex-rivalries but some are just a no, point blank no!

It’s been said on the AAFL web site that the average player's total yearly compensation, including benefits, is to be around $100,000. With 40 players per team, and six teams, that’s already $24 million per year spent on the salaries of players. I assume there also still needs to be wide scale promotion of the league as well which will cost more money. With ticket prices starting at $10-$15, and TV deals yet to be completed, do you think it will difficult for the league to turn a profit?
TV deal will be completed very soon, the league will turn a minus cal. profit this year to get it up and running, but when it expands then the revenue is generated!

There is also the potential for fan ownership of teams. Do you expect a fair number of people to be interested in team ownership? Yes, if they can come up with the money someone will purchase a team. Money talks a thousand miles.

Despite the fact that the league’s major goal is to increase the graduation rate of football players, do you think there’s a conflict of interest in having professional teams playing on college campuses?
No, its motivation in my eyes to those athletes who are playing for those universities to see players from the AAFL as role models, to inspire them to get their education. Also, AAFL will be giving back to the community during off season. This league is a positive issue in America, its here to help the NCAA and NFL stepping stone!

What do you hope to accomplish and what do you hope the league accomplishes in this first year?
My goal for this league is to come into camp into shape, go out there and be the most dominant player I can be. Put God first and everything else will take care of itself. The league will accomplish many things, I just hope one day that the league will have plans for us after football; I also hope the league fields teams all across the country to reward those athletes who did the right thing by going to class! No matter what happened on or off the field, they have a degree give them a shot!

-WCK