McNabb Supports Agent...Or Does He?

"When I read the whole thing, I didn't see nothing wrong with it," McNabb said on his paid weekly radio show on ESPN 980.

McNabb, who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in speech communication from Syracuse University, is surely cognizant of his use of a double negative.

Follow us on Twitter@HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

Christmas Ornaments of Eagles Football Past

This was a hot item three years ago.

Follow us on Twitter@HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

"FedEx has been very desirous that Donovan McNabb do well..."

How else do you explain this other than flat-out insulting? This wasn't for the game, this was for the weekend. They awarded LT the Outstanding Ground Performance.

Follow us on Twitter@HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

Authentic McNabb Jersey Taking Up Space on So. Jersey Thrift Store Rack

They can't even seem to give this away to homeless Eagles fans.

Follow us on Twitter@HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

Donovan McNabb Just Can't Let Go of the Past

Skins fan @cmatthews58 shot me a note imploring me to take a look at my favorite ex-Eagles quarterback's official website, donovanmcnabb.com: "Quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles."

For someone who "earned" a degree from the prestigious SI Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse, the quarterback seemingly can't be less in tune with media - new or old.


It's not like the site isn't updated (see above news and blog sections).

It's just that Andy Reid isn't around anymore to coddle him through it.

Follow us on Twitter@HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

Donovan McNabb Implores You to Drink the Kool-Aid

Or given the big "eff you" he threw at his teammates after yesterday's loss, it might as well be Haterade.

Having magnificently mangled another two minute drill, missed open receivers and played over-all unspectacularly in a game that cost them a #2 seed, Division Championship and first round playoff bye, the 34-year old moaned about the efforts of those damned kids:

"We showed our youth in situations where everyone began to look around to see who was going to make the play instead of stepping up and making that play. And that's something that comes with the territory when you have a young group."

Follow us on Twitter@HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

SI's Andrew Pefloff: McNabb's Not as Good as He's Perceived Nationally

Philadelphia fans have long been accused by the national media and football-loving community of not fully appreciating the quarterback they have in Donovan McNabb. The Philly phaifthful counter that watching him week to week they've been long exposed to his inconsistency and inability to perform in the clutch.

This morning on 610 WIP in Philadelphia, Sports Illustrated's Andrew Perloff defends the McNabb haters' perspective.

"When you need to come back, does McNabb really have that Peyton Manning thing? Or even you see Phillip Rivers in the 4th quarter has his confidence. I'm not sure McNabb has the consistency to do that...There are probably ten other quarterbacks in the NFL I would take going into the fourth quarter when they're losing. But nationally, they just see the numbers and they see the highlights and they see the long passes and they think he's great. A lot of people think he's underappreciated in Philly and would be better in a situation like Chicago. I personally don't think that...

I think he's good, but I don't think he's quite as good as he's perceived nationally."

On behalf of Eagles fans, I'd like to thank you for saying the what needed to be said.

Follow us on Twitter@HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

McNabb Brings the Funny in IHOP Commercial

The fat quarterback holds his own at first.



But this clip had Philly fans booing and calling for Michael Vick to replace him as IHOP spokesman.

Follow us on Twitter@HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

On Second Chances: When Did Mcnabb Become Such a Forgiving Person?

In his post-game press conference following last night's pre-season loss to the New England Patriots, Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb issued his comments on his team's signing of convicted dog-fighting conspirator Michael Vick saying, ""I pretty much lobbied to get him here. I believe in second chances and what better place to get a second chance than here with this group of guys."

There are, however, a few individuals to whom Donovan is less forgiving and less willing to give a second chance in the Eagles' locker room.

Here' are a few folks towards whom McNabb has yet to forgive and re-embrace...

Terrell Owens


Hollywood Freddie Mitchell


Crippled Mummer Dan Leone


Rush Limbaugh


Progresso Soup Loyalists



These Animals

Follow us on Twitter@HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

The King of Pop and the Sports Figures He Inspired

In a few hours, hundreds of thousands of dillusional idol worshipers will descend upon the Staples Center in LA to pay homage to recently deceased pop cultural wackadoo Michael Jackson.

Over the years, several athletes have paid their own respects to King of Pop in their own unique and special ways. Today, we look back at some of those tributes.

Frank Drebbin, Moonwalker

Byron "Beat It" Houston

Bruce "Man in the Mirror" Jenner

Ray "Smooth Criminal" Lewis

Billie Jean King is Not My Lover

Donovan "Thriller" McNabb

"Iron" Mike Jackson

Heee Heeee...Oowww

Play Him Off, Ron Artest...

Follow us on Twitter @HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

Donovan McNabb Seminar Speaker: "Known For His Leadership Skills"

I have been inundated by advertisements through the mail and over the radio air waves to attend a Philadelphia Business Seminar from a company called "Get Motivated" which features prominent names in sports, business and politics.

Among the presenters is Eagles QB Donovan McNabb, who, given all his mediocre success, is being touted as a persevering leader.


"Donovan McNabb is the elite multi-dimensional quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles. He is one of the NFL’s most recognizable and respected players, known for his leadership skills and for his ability to persevere. Donovan is going to fire you up and get you ready for success as he shares his top strategies for scoring touchdowns on and off the field:

• How to get a Vision, Remain Focused and Accomplish your Goals

• How to Outwit and Score Against your Toughest Competition

• Keys to Setting and Attaining Personal and Professional Goals

Follow us on Twitter @HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

Have You Gotten Your BlogsWithBalls Tickets Yet?

Donovan McPussy

#5 is a real pussy.

God, they make it too damn easy.

You can see philly.com's full Eagles fan gallery here.

Follow us on Twitter @HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

Mike Quick Keeps It Real About Birds...on NY Radio

It's about time someone with Eagles ties said what needed to be said. Conveniently, he did so 80 miles up the NJ Turnpike and out of earshot of most Eagles fans, on WFAN's Boomer and Carton show.

The former Eagles star wide receiver and current radio color commentator admitted that we've seen the Eagles' offense "stink" many a times this year and that it's their defense that has gotten them as far as they did. Not just that. He finally took the franchise' brass down a peg by saying that the team "backed their way into the playoffs" and admitted that he had plans to golf in Carolina this post season but was forced to stick around and cover games.

For fans used to being forced fed talking points about the team being the "gold standard" of the NFL, it was refreshing to hear one of their own admitting that this year's squad should be grateful to be where their at and that it was of their own doing that they are.

Quick rightfully praised they play of Dawkins, Mikell and others on the defensive end for firing up the team. He was also accurate in saying that they Eagles can beat any of the remaining playoff teams, but conversely could also lose to any of them.

On a side note, he told us that the reason that Hank Baskett landed Kendra Wilkenson, who has been hanging around the Philly locker room, is because he is a "big, handsome kid" who "hangs out at the right places."

Audio Here.

Follow us on Twitter @HHReynolds or Click Here to get HHR in your inbox.

McNabb's Post-Game Passive Aggressive Jabs at Philly Fans

Nice win, Donovan. But after all these years, you just don't get it.

I should have been enjoying today. But you just had to take your shots didn't you? And you just don't grasp the fact that if you are half the player you think you are, you'd learn how to play like it...consistently (and maybe with a little humility?).

"They've (critics) thrown me out, they ran over me, spit on me…but you know what…I just continue to prevail."

All this time while you were wishing for a #1 receiver, we were wishing for a #1 quarterback.

Sure, bask in the glory of your victory yesterday. The stars aligned and it was a thing of beauty.

But make no bones about it - you had no business being there. In large part because of your play specifically.

McNabb "prevailing" yesterday.

So while you rub it in the face of your "naysayers" and "detractors" in yesterday's post-game presser, thank your old buddy Jeff Garthia for shitting the bed against a 4-win Oakland team to erase the blunders of your inexcusable tie against the Bungles, and for failing to show up half the year.

Yeah, I hope the Birds go far in the playoffs. But I won't hold my breath and I probably won't miss you when you're gone.


Choice words from McNabb via PhiladelphiaEagles.com:

On reading his critics and the revival of his game this season: "No. I've been kind of revived I guess. They've (critics) thrown me out, they ran over me, spit on me…but you know what…I just continue to prevail. I just continue to keep my chin high…stay positive, and just make sure that guys in this locker room understand that if given the opportunity…that we will take full advantage of it. Knowing that last week just wasn't us, and if anything worked in our favor, with all these scenarios, that I would not let them down."

On keeping his head up through all the adversity: "You know what…I think it's easier now, and I say that because I've been through those types of experiences for years. I think when you go through something for the first or second time; you don't know how to handle it. But me being apart of something like that, and it happens, over, and over, and over again…the way that I continue to show that it never affects me, is by just going out and doing my job."

On getting tired of hearing the negative talk: "We're human beings, you get tired of it, but you never let them see you sweat. And you never show that it bothers you because you kill them with kindness, and when you kill them with kindness and you go out and you do your job, people understand that it never really affects you."

The Skip Bayless Homoerotic QB Jinx

Mike "The Fish" Fisher at DallasBasketball.com did a fantastic followup on our blurb about Skip Bayless' ogling of NFL QB hotties on First Take last week: "Skip has five budding bromances. Brady and Brett and Tony and Kurt and Donovan. ... it's like two threesomes! Except. ... once Skip proclaimed his manlove, things went south for the objects of his affection."

ESPN's Queer Eye For The NFL Straight Guy Goes 0-For-5

The Next Food Network Quarterback

The Food Network has taken obscure kitchen-bound chefs and uppity home makers and turned them into international celebrities with cross-platform marketing appeal.

They have become the face of the Network and its mouthpieces, much the way quarterbacks have for both their respective teams and the NFL in general.

Food Network stars each have their own unique styles and quirky, albeit many times annoying, personalities. Much like NFL quarterbacks.

Pull up a fork and knife because after much, much too much discussion on the matter, the HHR staff offers you its Food Network Star/NFL Quarterback comparisons.

We start off with the Dean of the Food Network, Alton Brown...

Alton Brown: Good Eats; Feasting on Asphalt; Feasting on Waves; Iron Chef America

HHR Impressions

CR Dunbar: Alton gives me the creeps like Pennington. He can manage a decent show, but will never make the leap to primetime.

the chief: ALTON IS PRIME TIME. He’s on constantly, on like 5 different shows (Good Eats, Iron Chef, and his road/boat trip series). He’s unstoppable. He's Peyton Manning. He's everywhere at once.

Ariel: But he is creepy and knows too much about food. He is not Peyton Manning. Peyton Manning could be your Bobby Flay - on lots of commericals, sort of the wholesome face of professional football, likable, a big draw....

the chief: The only thing creepy about Alton Brown is how awesome he is.

Ariel: Expert on all things culinary... extremely intelligent, but a bit too intelligent and quirky to stomach. He could be your Tom Brady. Like too perfect.

the chief: You people are blasphemous, I tell you.

Ariel: Spoken like a true NE fan. I am telling you, Alton is Brady.

The Cynic: I don't say this very often, but the chief is right on this one. Alton Brown is the shizznit. (Also something I don't say very often.) However, I like the Alton Brown = Tom Brady analogy. They're both extremely good at what they do, you don't know anybody who just hates them and yet there's something a little disconcerting about them because they're almost too perfect.

NFL QB Counterpart: Tom Brady

Paula Deen: Paula's Party; Paula's Home Cooking

HHR Impressions

Ren: She’s a squealing, old Southerner. Sounds like Favre to me.

Ariel: Paula Deen is very charismatic, charming, and lovable. And loves her some butter.

Willard: Favre should be Paula Deen. Looks great and gets results but in the end, going to kill you. His interceptions are like butter.

Ariel: I like Farve as Paula Deen, but I also like Collins as Paula Deen (always seems intoxicated).

NFL QB Counterpart: Brett Favre

Emeril Lagasse: Emeril Live; Essence of Emeril

HHR Impressions

Rusty: Philip Rivers…they both like to yell. BAM!


NFL QB Counterpart: Philip Rivers

The Neelys: Down Home with the Neelys

HHR Impressions

Ren: Much too pleasant on screen to actually like one another. Something's dead wrong about their relationship. Reminds me of McNabb/Reid.

NFL QB Counterpart: Donovan McReid

Sandra Lee: Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee

She describes the philosophy as "70% store-bought/ready-made products accompanied by 30% fresh and creative touches, allowing you to take 100% of the credit.

HHR Impressions

Willard: That is Kerry Collins. Not even his team. All of a sudden he is Jesus Christ, Superstar.

Rev. Shaw Moore: Kurt Warner has to be Sandra Lee ... where would he be without Boldin and Fitzgerald?

Ren: Leinert’s Backup. I like Collins.

NFL QB Counterpart: Kerry Collins

Giada De Laurentiis: Everyday Italian; Behind the Bash; Giada's Weekend Getaways; Giada in Paradise; Giada at Home

HHR Impressions

Ren: Pretty face surrounded by big boobs. Sounds like Tony Romo and the Cowboys.

NFL QB Counterpart: Tony Romo

Ina Garten: Barefoot Contessa

HHR Impressions

Ren: One, if not the only, calm, soothing presence on the channel.

Assassin Ave: Is there a Jewish QB?

Ariel: This person also should be like a comfort food - you can always rely on them in a pinch.

Ren: Brees?

Assassin Ave: I thought of Brees, but not sure i see him as a calming influence. McNabb may be more calming. He seems pretty chill. He was very chill on Cribs.

Ariel: Mcnabb is NOT like comfort food. He is like spicy food that always gives you heartburn - but you eat it anyway.

NFL QB Counterpart: Drew Brees


Guy Fieri: The Next Food Network Star; Guy's Big Bites; Diners, Drive-ins & Dives

HHR Impressions

Ren: Fiesty, Cliched, Flamboyant. Garcia?

the chief: Guy's Big Bite? I say Palmer. That dude bites big-time.

Ariel: What about Roethlisberger? Biker-type. Kind of badass.

NFL QB Counterpart: Ben Roethlisberger

Mario Batali: Molto Mario; Ciao America; Iron Chef America

HHR Impressions

Ariel: Mario Batali is old school, one of the originals. Been around a while, but sort of in the background. Kind of like Jake Delhomme. Consistent, but not the first chef you think of. Never has a terribly bad season, and maybe gets to shine once or twice.

Ren: Plus they can go 8-2 and no one even knows it.

Ariel: There you go.

NFL QB Counterpart: Jake Delhomme

Cat Cora: Iron Chef America

HHR Impressions

Ren: Love her. But since she does shots after each match on the Iron Ref (and I hate to do this), only one man jumps to mind: Orton.

NFL QB Counterpart: Kyle Orton

Masaharu Morimoto: Iron Chef America

HHR Impressions

Ren: Foreign. Speaks very little English, but solid. Eli Manning.

Michael Symon: The Next Iron Chef; Dinner Impossible

HHR Impressions

Ariel: Mike Symon won Next Iron Chef... but he is the new badass on the block.

NFL QB Counterpart: Matt Ryan

----------

This is the part of the show when things got a little hairy. We'll let The Cynic explain:

"We all know that Peyton Manning is the biggest endorsement whore in pro sports. So the decision really comes down to this--who is the bigger media whore between Flay and Ray? Which one would stoop to, for example, pose for a skin mag? Hmmm, I wonder."



Bobby Flay: Iron Ref America; Boy Meets Grill; BBQ with Bobby Flay; Throwdown! with Bobby Flay; Grill It! with Bobby Flay

HHR Impressions

CR Dunbar: Bobby Flay doesn't back down from a challenge and takes a unique angle. Tom Brady. Plus rugged ginger looks.

Willard: BUT, if you watch Challenge, Flay always 'loses' to the hometown guy so in that respect, he is Matt Hasselbeck.

Ariel: See I think of Bobby Flay as the Food Network whore. He has like 3 shows of his own, guest stars on about a half dozen more. Who is like the call-girl for the NFL? Peyton Manning.

CR Dunbar: You shut your mouth. Flay is the man.

Ariel: I love him but he is a whore.

Rachael Ray: 30 Minute Meals; Rachael Ray's Tasty Travels

HHR Impressions

Ren: Dumpy, Endorsement Whore. Peyton Manning.

Ariel: Well, Ray has moved beyond the Food network. She is a self-promoting opportunist. And I don't think that off-camera she is a nice person. I have heard the opposite about Bobby Flay.

The Cynic: As for the whole Bobby Flay/Rachel Ray = Manning debate, I just know this.

1. My wife worships at the unholy Church of Rachel Ray.
2. My wife would leave me in a heartbeat for Peyton Manning.

Coincidence?

----------

Too close to call. Peyton Manning is such an endorsement whore that he is nothing less than the combined whoreness of Rachel Ray and Bobby Flay.

Still Hungry? Taking in a sporting event any time soon? Find out what the locals recommend at FanFoodie.com.

When Politics Reflects Sports

...we come down much harder on sports.

Geraldine Ferraro is to Rush Limbaugh as Barack Obama is to Donovan McNabb.

From ABC News' Political Punch:

Clinton campaign finance committee member, former vice presidential candidate, and former Rep. Geraldine Ferraro, D-NY, told the Daily Breeze of Torrance, Ca., that, "If Obama was a white man, he would not be in this position. And if he was a woman (of any color) he would not be in this position. He happens to be very lucky to be who he is. And the country is caught up in the concept."

Is she saying that the public "has been very desirous that a black [presidential hopeful] do well?"

For some reason I don't see Walter Mondale's former running mate getting as much flack for this as the overweight pundit did.

AirTran Wants to Give You the Donovan McNabb Treatment

And by the McNabb treatment they mean:

...feel unappreciated.
...be surrounded by mediocrity.
...be labeled a "company man."
...be booed.
...throw up in high pressure situations.
...be wished death upon.
...feel as if you're being run out of town.
...be constant subject of rumors.
...be judged based on race.
...have your words taken out of context.
...have fans call for your backup.

Quite a marketing strategy they have there.

Damn, Dirty Cheaters

I made note a little while back in the "NFL Un-boo-ables" piece that the svelte likes of Todd Stinkston and James Trash had little chance of getting off the line of a Panthers playoff team on which even the punter was roiding. Cheaters.

Now, in light of the Pats spying controversy, everyone basically acknowledges that this is not an isolated incident and that Billy Belicheat has been engaging in these shenanigans for some time now.

Merrill Reese brought up a good point on WYSP this morning - punishing a wealthy team like New England by taking away a 2nd or 3rd Rd. draft choice hardly punishes them, as they will simply go out, as they have, and find some nice, high-priced free agents to more than make up for it.

So, Mr. Commissioner, I think it's only fair to make like the NCAA and start stripping them of their Championships.

Let the parade down Broad and Pattison begin! Congratulations Donovan and Fat Andy. Consider the monkey lifted off your backs. Philadelphia can rejoice. The Curse of Billy Penn has effectively been lifted!