Between free agency and training camp, the NFL has been non-stop since the lockout was lifted. That’s a GREAT thing when you’re an avid football fan, like myself. That’s a bad thing when you’re a football blogger who is fighting a MEAN summer cold. But I can’t let the day go by without a recap and my thoughts on the top stories of the weekend.

News Story: The Eagles have been BUSY the past few days. In a surprising twist, Philly landed the hottest free agent in the market in CB Nnamdi Asomugha. In addition to that, they traded for CB Dominique Rodgers- Cromartie, signed Vince Young to a 1-year deal and DL Cullen Jenkins to a multi-year deal

My thoughts: The Eagles mean BUSINESS this time. I truly believe this is a desperation free agency for them, of sorts. The Eagles should have about 2 Super Bowls at this point, and with the Phillies and Flyers having major success, they were slowly becoming the 3rd fan fave in their town. These moves bring them back to the top and gives them a better chance and finally bringing home a Lombardi trophy. Sometimes desperation is good, because desperate measures can bring better results. We’ll find out starting Sept. 11th.

News Story: The Jets allegedly had comedian Adam Sandler call Asomugha to try and lure him to the Big Apple. Yeah, you read that right… Adam Sandler!

My Take: LMFAOOOOOO!

News Story: Speaking of the Jets, they inked a deal with WR Plaxico Burress for one year, and agreed to terms with Antonio Cromartie with a 4-year deal.

My Take: Plax back in NY could be a good thing. I think he fits in well with the team. How he will do on the field, is hard to say. Jamal Lewis and Michael Vick both had slow seasons when coming from incarceration, so it will be interesting to see how Plax responds. The deal was low risk, so it works great for both sides.

As for Cromartie, this was the right choice by NY all along. Asomugha was an upgrade, but an unnecessary one. Because the way I remembered it, poor tackling from the front 7 was the reason why the Jets didn’t advance from the AFC Championship Game last year.

News Story: Peyton Manning re-signs with the Colts on a 5-year, $90 million deal. The deal allegedly was undervalued for Manning’s resume, yet the cap-friendly deal helped the team re-sign Joseph Addai

My Take: I’d be a liar and a hater if I said I didn’t like Manning. Another classy move to show he’s a stand up guy. Very rarely do you see a man of his football caliber try and make a move for the betterment of the entire team. Kudos to him.

News Story: In more serious news, Dolphins WR Brandon Marshall told the media yesterday that he’s been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, which has been known to stem from things such as unstable personal relationships, a negative self-image and a fear of failure. Marshall said no one has ever helped him since being in the NFL, and that he’s paid about $60K for treatment.

My Take: This is a HUGE step in the right direction for Marshall. Mental illness is very real, and a lot of times left untreated (particularly in the Black community). Marshall says he wants to lobby Congress for funding of the illness and I’m with him 110%. Too many times people leave their sickness unattended and allow it to consume them. I hope Marshall gets the help he needs.

This past weekend, Hall Of Fame inductee Deion Sanders hosted his 2nd annual youth football tournament, along with former Ravens/Browns RB Jamal Lewis, in Atlanta, GA. Teams from Dallas, TX, Baltimore, MD, Atlanta and Athens, GA took part in the weekend of football games that were separated in 3 age groups (10 and under, 12 and under & 14 and under). Sanders’ TRUTH team from Dallas, TX was there to represent.

During the tournament, I was able to sit down and have a conversation with Primetime. While the interview was great, it’s extremely hard to hear him due to his soft spoken demeanor (who knew?!).

Here are a few tidbits from his interview that are hard to hear:

On his reason behind the youth tournament:

I gotta reach [out to the youth], I gotta touch them, I gotta inspire them… hopefully to motivate them to get educated and to just dream….I think it’s a direct result of us [as adults], we stopped dreaming… we gotta get back to the roots, the basics, the core…and start spending time and loving [the children].. to let them know, they can make a difference

On the teams to watch for the 2011 season:

You have to fall back on the teams that faired well from last year… you gotta love New England  because of Tom Brady, the Pittsburgh Steelers are always gonna be there as well as Baltimore in the AFC and I can’t sleep on the New York Jets…. when you move over to the [NFC], I like New Orleans…. Tampa Bay came out strong…the Atlanta Falcons, I always save the best for somewhat last and I cannot discount, the Dallas Cowboys

On a take your pick segment that I quizzed him on:

Nnamdi/Revis: I like Revis… he dominates and plays both sides of the field

Andre Johnson/Calvin Johnson: Andre Johnson, and it’s not even close. Calvin is a young, grown man who’s coming on strong, But Andre is a grown man already… one of the better receivers of the game

Chad Johnson/Chad Ochocinco: I like Johnson. Johnson put up better numbers than Ochocinco. Ochocinco is my boy, I love him….but when Chad Johnson was Chad Johnson (pauses) Whoo… he was on.

T.O./Randy Moss/Plaxico Burress: Plaxico ain’t even in that conversation. I love him… but, T.O.could go down in history as one of the greatest to ever play the game. Randy Moss, WILL go into the Hall Of Fame one day and statistically is one of the greatest receivers to ever play the game.

Sanders also hosted a Red and Black Gala, to celebrate his Hall Of Fame induction. Those that came to celebrate his honor were NFL Network’s Jamie Dukes, Chilli from TLC, MLB player Brian Jordan and Keith Sweat, just to name a few. Sanders walked the red carpet with his gorgeous wife, Pilar. The event was a success, ending the night with Sweat serenading the audience with his old school hits (don’t judge me, I was amused!).

Former Giants WR Plaxico Burress gave his first interview since going to jail nearly 2 years ago due to gun charges. Plax talked to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith about his experience in prison, his feelings behind his sentence, his reputation in the NFL before the prison sentence and why he can return to old form after his stint in jail.

Plax has had a reputation on him thats not too positive. He’s been known to miss practice and has admitted such. Whether or not he becomes a new man in football remains to be seen, but it’s interesting to hear what he has to say, in the least.

I hope Plax has learned all he’s had to while locked up. I hope he goes to a team and does well whenever football returns. Good luck Plax.

Today is the day that Plaxico Burress finally received his walking papers from prison. Burress was spotted leaving the facility and was greeted by agent Drew Rosenhaus as well as his family. Plax was also seen bonding with his daughter who was born during his stint in prison.

Also noted: Plax’s choice of head wear. He was seen rocking a Phillies hat- you know, as in PHILADELPHIA! Mike Vick has publicly stated that he would love to see Plaxico as an Eagle. Fans have taken that and run wild with it, but lets not forget who the head coach of the Eagles is. Andy Reid, who has already had WR issues in the past. If I had to guess, I say Plax isn’t an Eagle, but it will be interesting to see where he lands.

Glad to see him finally come home. S/O to BlackSportsOnline for the vid.

If you haven’t heard, former Giants WR Plaxico Burress is about to be a free man tomorrow. And if he can get to any form of his former self, his talents will be requested by a few NFL teams. The biggest question isn’t if he’ll be picked up, it’s WHO will pick him up. ESPN’s Cris Carter has a few ideas of teams he can possibly help out.

Carter also talks about reasons why teams may think twice about him due to his previous work ethic, before going to prison 2 years ago. Personally, I think Plax can go to Oakland, because Al Davis loves bad asses and they could use his services. While Michael Vick has expressed wanting to play with his hometown buddy, I’m not so sure Andy Reid wants to go there. Remember, he had WR issues in the past with Terrell Owens, so Philly may pass on Burress.

With the NFL Lockout STILL going on, we may not know his whereabouts for a while. So until the players and owners can come to an agreement, we’ll be playing the guessing game until free agency actually opens up.

Welcome home, Plax! (I’m a day early, so what!) Now go and get in football shape and get a job!

Sorry Giants fans. Looks like the former Giants WR isn’t looking for a reunion in the Big Apple. Plaxico Burress is set to be released this June after doing a 2 year stint for the famous self inflicted wound heard around the league back in 2008. But Burress wants a warm weather city to start his comeback campaign.

It’s been reported that Plax is looking to play closer to his Miami, FL. home, possibly wanting to play in Miami, Jacksonville or Tampa Bay. A possible acquisition to any of the 3 teams could be a big boost in the WR groups.

Miami- On opposite side of Brandon Marshall, brings 2 big threats

Tampa Bay- could help develop emerging stars Mike Williams and Arrelious Benn

Jacksonville- Could be an immediate impact to roster, in part because the most known player in the WR group is Mike Sims-Walker. Don’t know who he is, either? Google may help.

There’s no telling if any of these teams would have a vested interest in Burress once he is released. He’s stated that he’s lost about 14 pounds since being in prison, but if you ask me it looks more like 30 pounds. While I’m sure Plax is in great shape, you have to wonder how fast can he get back into “football shape”. I wish Burress nothing but the best. I’m sure one of those teams would welcome him with open arms.

I say all the time, Twitter can be the gift and the curse. It allows people to express their feelings in “real time”, unlike any other social media networking tool out there. And just like regular people, media and athletes use it to let off some steam. So it was no surprise when Ravens WR Donte Stallworth saw a tweet from ESPN’s Adam Schefter that lead him to a series of tweets over a 3-day span.

Over the weekend, Schefter reported the status of former Giants WR Plaxico Burress and his return to the NFL. Schefter then proceeded with a series of RTs from followers. One stood out to many:

Keep in mind that while Schefter didn’t actually tweet that himself, he didn’t condemn/argue it either. lSome folks assumed he agreed with that point, while using the Retweet as a cop-out, if you will.  Leonard Little isn’t known to be on Twitter, but Stallworth definitely is. After learning about the tweet, Stallworth then decided to address Schefter:

Stallworth then clarified his thoughts and feelings regarding other people’s views on his 2009 accident in which he was charged for DUI Manslaughter,

Twit fam, thanks for all your positive tweets. I’ve said it many times that you have been an integral part of helping me get through my days

Everyone’s entitled to their opinion, I get it. It would be asinine to think everyone will forgive me of my past transgressions like God has

In what I feel has been an attempt by him 2 perpetuate indignation towards me by juxtaposing my situation w/friend Plax on SEVERAL occasions

In a rare occurrence, I let my emotions engulf my rational thought when I have ALWAYS ignored him and many others. For that fam, I apologize

God knows I’ve been sincerely contrite. I am human but I promise you I will not react to negativity on my timeline EVER again. Love y’all

It’s hard for guys like Stallworth and Mike Vick to get a second chance, mainly because they are athletes, celebrities if you will. Many people feel they are given the, “easy way out” and don’t have to deal with their mistakes in the same light as others in a lower tax bracket. Whether or not you agree with that, athletes are humans, too. Stallworth’s response was no different than most people’s possible reaction under similar circumstances. If you follow Stallworth on Twitter, you would know he’s a very articulate person that is smarter way beyond football. To see him have a “human” moment online was different for him, yet understandable.

Shout out to Stallworth for taking the high road even though folks constantly feel the need to remind him of his past. Keep ya head up, 18! Oh yeah, and #WeWantPlax #RavensWRfor2011andbeyond