Name	Rey Maualuga
Width	200
Caption	Rey Maualuga during his tenure at USC in September 2007
Currentteam	Cincinnati Bengals
Currentnumber	58
Currentpositionplain	Linebacker
Birthdate	January 20, 1987
Birthplace	Fort Sill, Oklahoma
Heightft	6
Heightin	2
Weight	255
College	Southern California
Draftyear	2009
Draftround	2
Draftpick	38
Debutyear	2009
Debutteam	Cincinnati Bengals
Pastteams
Status	Injured Reserve
Highlights
Statweek	17
Statseason	2010
Statlabel1	Tackles
Statvalue1	138
Statlabel2	Sacks
Statvalue2	2.0
Statlabel3	Forced Fumbles
Statvalue3	3
Nfl	MAU059326

Rey Maualuga (born January 20, 1987) is an American football linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bengals in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Southern California.

Early years

Maualuga was born at Reynolds Army Community Hospital in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, to American Samoan parents, Talatonu and Tina Maualuga. His father, Talatonu, was in Oklahoma serving with the United States Army. Within a few months the family moved to Waipahu, Hawaii, near Honolulu. Financially, the family struggled in Hawaii. He attended USC and played for the USC Trojan football team (2005-2008 seasons) under head coach Pete Carroll and linebacker coach Ken Norton Jr. Carroll's Trojans had previously developed strong linebackers such as Lofa Tatupu and Keith Rivers, as well as Maualuga's fellow senior teammates Brian Cushing, Kaluka Maiava and Clay Matthews III, which were touted as one of the most talented linebacker corps in college football.

As a freshman in 2005, Maualuga made the Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-American first team and Scout.com Freshman All-American first team; also he won USC's John McKay Award (most competitive spirit). Off the field his career started with occasional spirited and reckless partying that led to an October 2005 incident where he got into a fight at a Halloween party and was arrested for misdemeanor battery. He was the defensive player-of-the-game in the 2008 Rose Bowl.

Maualuga wears jersey number 58, which was previously worn by former Trojan linebacker and NFL Pro Bowl player Lofa Tatupu, who, like Maualuga, is also of Samoan descent. Mindful of his heritage, Maualuga displays many bold, warrior-like Polynesian tattoos on his arms and legs. Some NFL scouts have compared Maualuga to former Trojan and NFL linebacker great Junior Seau and former Trojan and current Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, both of Samoan descent, for their sideline-to-sideline aggressive style of defense play, and Polamalu's shared preference for displaying long Polynesian warrior-style hair tucked under their football helmet.

In addition to being named the 2008 winner of the Chuck Bednarik Award, Maualuga was named to the 2008 All-American team by the AP, ESPN, Walter Camp Football Foundation, CBS Sportsline.com, Sporting News, Football Writers Association of America, American Football Coaches Association, College Football News and Rivals.com. Maualuga was also chosen to participate in the 2009 Senior Bowl with some of his other USC teammates.

Professional career

Pre-draft

Maualuga was one of twelve graduating 2008 senior USC players, including the four senior linebackers (Cushing, Maiava, Matthews), invited to the 2009 NFL Scouting Combine.

In the lead up to the 2009 NFL Draft, Maualuga was ranked as one of the top middle linebackers entering the draft, alongside Ohio State's James Laurinaitis. USC linebackers Maualuga, Cushing and Matthews were all featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated's 2009 NFL Draft Preview magazine, as all three were regarded as potential first round selections.

Professional football

Cincinnati Bengals

Despite being projected as a first round pick, Maualuga was picked in the second round by the Cincinnati Bengals. Maualuga was projected by some, and expecting, to go 16th overall to the San Diego Chargers, who instead opted to select hybrid linebacker/defensive end Larry English out of Northern Illinois. After being selected, Maualuga cried as he gave thanks to his late father and said he was thankful for his opportunity as "Nothing like this was ever expected for our family." His selection came one year after the Bengals used a first-round pick to select Maualuga's college teammate, linebacker Keith Rivers.

On December 30, 2009, Maualuga was placed on injured reserve due to a broken ankle he suffered a week before. He finished his rookie season with 64 tackles, one sack, three forced fumbles and three pass deflections in 15 games started.

Personal

During Maualuga's freshman year he wrote "RIP" on the eye black paint under his right eye and "DAD" under his left eye in honor of his dad who died two days before the BCS National Championship Game following the 2005 season. His dad died after battling brain cancer, and from at least his junior season, black eye paint under both eyes read "DAD" in silver. He has two younger brothers.

His paternal grandparents were the late Lete Maualuga and Emeline Maualuga of Sili/Olosega, Manu'a in American Samoa.

Maualuga was arrested on January 29, 2010, on charges of drunken driving and careless driving at the Kenton County jail in Covington KY. That same day, the TMZ website published a photo purportedly showing Maulauga's arrest at the crash scene, and reported that Maualuga's blood alcohol level at the time of the crash was about double the legal limit. He was driving a Pontiac Sunfire at the time.

On February 2, 2010, Maualuga pled guilty to the drunken driving charge. He was given a 7-day suspended jail sentence, two years probation, drivers' license suspension for 90 days, and fined $350. He apologized for his actions when he made his plea.

References

External links

Cincinnati Bengals bio

USC Trojans bio

Category:1987 births Category:Living people Category:American people of Samoan descent Category:People from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Category:Players of American football from Oklahoma Category:People from Honolulu, Hawaii Category:Players of American football from Hawaii Category:People from Oxnard, California Category:People from Eureka, California Category:Players of American football from California Category:U.S. Army All-American football players Category:All-American college football players Category:American football linebackers Category:USC Trojans football players Category:Cincinnati Bengals players Category:American Samoan players of American football

Name	Erin Andrews
Caption	Andrews at a 2007 college football game
Birthname	Erin Jill Andrews
Birth date	May 04, 1978
Birth place	Lewiston, Maine
Education	University of Florida
Occupation	Sideline reporter for ESPN
Title	Sideline Reporter
Credits	National sideline reporter
Agent	IMG
Url	http://www.espnmediazone3.com/us/2009/10/andrews_erin/ Erin Andrews ESPN

Erin Jill Andrews (born May 4, 1978) is an American sportscaster, popular among male sports fans for her beauty. In 2007 and 2008, she was voted "America's Sexiest Sportscaster" by Playboy magazine. Andrews became an Internet sensation, when in 2009 she was videotaped while naked in her hotel room without her knowledge.

Biography

Andrews was born in Lewiston, Maine to Stephen and Paula Andrews. She moved to Tampa, Florida as a young girl when her father, a six-time Emmy Award-winner, began working as an investigative journalist for WFLA-TV. After attending Bloomingdale High School near Tampa, Andrews graduated in 2000 from the University of Florida with a degree in telecommunications. While there, she was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. Andrews was also a member of the Dazzlers, the Gator basketball dance team, from 1997–2000. In the video, the woman was seen curling her hair unclothed in front of the mirror. The next day, Andrews authorized her attorney to issue a statement via PRN news writer verifying that she was the woman in the video, and that the video was made without her knowledge or consent. The video was removed from sites that had posted it and an investigation was launched. This incident was also heavily reported in the international media.

On September 11, 2009, Andrews appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show in what Andrews called her "first and last interview" about the situation. Andrews described the situation as a "nightmare", and stated that at the time she discovered the video she believed her career would end.

On October 2, 2009, the FBI announced the arrest of a Chicago, Illinois area suspect. Michael David Barrett, a 47 year old divorced father, was charged with interstate stalking for taking the videos, posting the videos online and trying to sell them to celebrity Web site TMZ.com. FBI agents matched information in the e-mail to Barrett. On December 15, 2009, Barrett pleaded guilty to the interstate stalking charge. He was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and ordered to register as a sex offender.

In July 2010, USA Today reported that Erin Andrews has sued Radisson, Marriott, and the alleged stalker.

Andrews is working with US Senator Amy Klobuchar to enact a new federal anti-stalking law.

Death threats

In April 2010, it was revealed that Andrews had been receiving email death threats since September 2009. The FBI was notified and security around her was tightened. It has been reported that the e-mails were sent to The Dan Patrick Show.

Sportscasting career

game at Miller Park.]]

In 2000, Andrews began work as a freelance reporter with FSN Florida. In 2001 she moved on to the Sunshine Network, serving as a Tampa Bay Lightning reporter, and in 2002 she served as a studio host and part-time reporter for Turner Sports, covering the Atlanta Braves and college football for TBS and the Atlanta Thrashers and Hawks for Turner South. She was rushed to the hospital, but she only suffered bruises.

It was announced that starting in late 2010, Andrews will host ESPN's College Gameday from 9:00am to 10:00am on Saturdays on ESPNU and be a Good Morning America correspondent.

Dancing with the Stars

On March 1, 2010, it was announced that Andrews would be a celebrity contestant on Dancing with the Stars for its tenth season. The season premiered on Monday, March 22, 2010. Her partner was Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Andrews was one of three contestants to make it to the finals, where she placed third.

References

Category:1978 births Category:Living people Category:American television sports announcers Category:College football announcers Category:College basketball announcers in the United States Category:Major League Baseball announcers Category:National Basketball Association broadcasters Category:National Hockey League broadcasters Category:People from Lewiston, Maine Category:People from Tampa, Florida Category:University of Florida alumni Category:Women sports announcers Category:Participants in American reality television series Category:Dancing with the Stars (US TV series) participants

Caption	Lewis in June 2010
Color	#ED4E16
Fontcolor	black
Name	Marvin Lewis
Dateofbirth	September 23, 1958
Birthplace	McDonald, Pennsylvania
College	Idaho State
Position	Head CoachQuarterbackSafety
Career highlights	yes
Stats	yes
Coach	yes
Pfrcoach	LewiMa0
Databasefootballcoach	LEWISMAR01
Record	60-67-1 (Regular season)0-2 (Postseason)60-69-1 (Overall)
Coach	yes
Coachingyears	1981-19841985-19861987-19891990-19911992-19951996-200120022003-Present
Coachingteams	Idaho State University(linebackers coach)Long Beach State(linebackers coach)University of New Mexico(linebackers coach)University of Pittsburgh(linebackers coach)Pittsburgh Steelers(linebackers coach)Baltimore Ravens(defensive coordinator)Washington Redskins(defensive coordinator)Cincinnati Bengals(head coach)

Marvin Ronald Lewis (September 23, 1958) is the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League, a position he has held since January 14, 2003. Previously, he was notable as the defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens, whose record-setting defense helped them win Super Bowl XXXV 34-7 over the New York Giants.

In 2005, under Lewis, the Bengals had their first winning season and won their first division title in fifteen years, and is now a total tool of Mike Brown.

The Associated Press named Marvin Lewis its 2009 coach of the year following a 10-6 regular season and another AFC North division championship. He is the first Bengals coach to win the award since team founder Paul Brown in 1970.

Marvin Lewis was born in the Pittsburgh suburb of McDonald, Pennsylvania and attended Idaho State University and primarily played linebacker. In 2001, he was inducted into Idaho State University's Sports Hall of Fame.

Coincidentally, Idaho State's sports teams are also called the Bengals and their colors are also orange and black.

Playing career

In addition to playing quarterback and safety at Fort Cherry Junior-Senior High School (PA), Marvin Lewis wrestled and played baseball. He was a three-time All-Big Sky Conference selection.

Lewis was not drafted by a National Football League team and he never pursued a professional playing career.

Coaching career

College

Marvin Lewis began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Idaho State before becoming the team's linebackers coach for four seasons (1981–1984). Idaho State won the NCAA Division I-AA Championship during his first year with the team.

Lewis was an assistant coach at Long Beach State University (1985–1986), the University of New Mexico (1987–1989), and the University of Pittsburgh (1990–1992).

National Football League

Assistant Coach

Marvin Lewis had coaching internships with the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers before being hired as the linebackers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1992. He was on the Steelers' Super Bowl XXX team which lost to the Dallas Cowboys.

The newly-relocated Baltimore Ravens (formerly the Cleveland Browns), hired Lewis as their defensive coordinator in 1996, a position that he held for six seasons (1996–2001). In 2000, the Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34-7 in Super Bowl XXXV thanks largely to a defense that allowed the fewest rushing yards (970) and the fewest points (165) in a 16-game regular season. "If ever a man proved his worth as a future head coach, Marvin Lewis did it with this complete domination of the Giants in their 16 possessions: Punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, punt, interception, punt, interception, interception, punt, interception, punt, punt, punt, end of game", wrote Sports Illustrated writer Michael Silver after the game.

Lewis was a prime candidate for several NFL head coaching jobs, but was passed over each time. Most notably, he nearly became head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2002. General manager Rich McKay was ready to formally offer the job to Lewis, and the Ravens actually held a going-away party for him. However, the team's owners, the Glazer family, were unwilling to give the job to another defense-minded coach after firing Tony Dungy. Shortly afterward, Lewis was hired by the Washington Redskins as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach under Steve Spurrier.

Head Coach

Cincinnati Bengals

Marvin Lewis became the ninth coach in Cincinnati Bengals history on January 14, 2003, when he was hired to replace Dick LeBeau, who was fired after the worst season in franchise history, edging out Tom Coughlin (now head coach of the New York Giants) and Mike Mularkey (now offensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons). Lewis also had interviews with the Buffalo Bills, the Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Cleveland Browns. Lewis also declined head coaching positions in the college ranks with the University of California, Berkeley and Michigan State University to continue pursuing his goal of becoming a head coach in the NFL.

A contending team in the mid-late 1970s through the 1980s, the Cincinnati Bengals had fallen on hard times in the 1990s and had had several head coaches. After consecutive 8-8 seasons, Lewis shaped the Bengals into contenders with a nucleus of young players such as quarterback Carson Palmer, running back Rudi Johnson, and receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, defensive backs Tory James and Deltha O'Neal.

In his eight seasons with the Bengals, Marvin Lewis has compiled a 60-67-1 regular season record.

The Bengals dropped to 8-8 the following year, a disappointing season in which they started out 8-5 and then lost their last three games of the season, any one of which could have gotten them into the playoffs with a win. Then they recorded two consecutive losing seasons, including a 4-11-1 record in 2008, the worst of Lewis' career. But in 2009, Cincinnati recorded their second winning season under Lewis' tenure. This included wins in all six games against their AFC North opponents, marking the first time in franchise history they accomplished this feat. The Bengals finished the season 10-6, winning the AFC north title and earning only their second trip to the playoffs in 19 years. On January 9, 2010 The Bengals were defeated by the New York Jets 24-14 in the opening round of the playoffs. On January 16, 2010 Lewis was named the Associated Press 2009 NFL coach of the year, after the Bengals improved from a 4-11-1 record in 2008 to a 10-6 regular season record in 2009.

On January 4, 2011, Lewis signed an extension with the Bengals.

Head coaching record

Coaching tree

NFL head coaches under whom Marvin Lewis has served:

Bill Cowher, Pittsburgh Steelers (1992–1995)

Ted Marchibroda, Baltimore Ravens (1996–1998)

Brian Billick, Baltimore Ravens (1999–2001)

Steve Spurrier, Washington Redskins (2002)

Assistant coaches under Marvin Lewis who have become NFL head coaches:

Leslie Frazier, Minnesota Vikings (2010–)

Notes and references

External links

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis

Marvin Lewis Community Fund

Behind the Scenes with Marvin Lewis - video by the NFL Network

Category:Sportspeople from Pennsylvania Category:National Football League head coaches Category:African American coaches of American football Category:Players of American football from Pennsylvania Category:American football linebackers Category:New Mexico Lobos football coaches Category:Idaho State University alumni Category:Pittsburgh Panthers football coaches Category:Pittsburgh Steelers coaches Category:Baltimore Ravens coaches Category:Cincinnati Bengals head coaches Category:Washington Redskins coaches Category:Idaho State Bengals football coaches Category:Idaho State Bengals football players Category:National Football League defensive coordinators Category:1958 births Category:Living people

Caption	Justin Forsett
Width	225px
Caption	Forsett with the Seattle Seahawks in September 2009
Currentteam	Seattle Seahawks
Currentnumber	20
Currentpositionplain	Running back / Punt returner
Birthdate	October 14, 1985
Birthplace	Lakeland, Florida
Heightft	5
Heightin	8
Weight	198
Debutyear	2008
Debutteam	Seattle Seahawks
College	California
Draftyear	2008
Draftround	7
Draftpick	233
Pastteams
Status	Active
Highlights
Statweek	17
Statseason	2010
Statlabel1	Rushing yards
Statvalue1	1,142
Statlabel2	Rushing average
Statvalue2	4.9
Statlabel3	Rushing TDs
Statvalue3	6
Nfl	FOR530271

Justin Forsett (born October 14, 1985) is an American football running back and punt returner for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seahawks in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at California.

Early years

Forsett was born in Lakeland, Florida. He moved to Arlington, Texas in his sophomore year of high school after living in Mulberry, Florida. Forsett attended high school at Grace Preparatory Academy in Arlington, where he set several school records. In his final two seasons, he had 63 touchdowns and rushed for nearly 5,000 yards, leading Grace Prep to two Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools division 4A state championships. In high school, his nickname was "The Truth." His father Rodney is a minister and a coach. Forsett plays the tenor saxophone and taught himself a little piano. He lists video games and photography as his hobbies. The Texas Longhorns decided not to offer Forsett a scholarship because of his size. Forsett ended his college career on a high note, rushing for 140 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 42-36 Cal victory over Air Force in the 2007 Armed Forces Bowl.

Statistics

Rushing

Receiving

Professional career

First stint with Seahawks

Forsett was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the 7th round in the 2008 NFL Draft. He scored his first NFL touchdown on August 16, 2008 in a preseason game against the Chicago Bears. A game in which he also totaled 261 all purpose yards, 136 rushing and 125 on return yards. The total was 55 yards more than the entire Chicago Bear offense for the night. One game into the regular season, Forsett was waived by the Seahawks on September 5, 2008.

Indianapolis Colts

A day after being waived by the Seahawks, Forsett was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts on September 10, 2008. He was waived on October 8.

Second stint with Seahawks

A day after being waived by the Colts, Forsett was re-signed to the practice squad of the Seattle Seahawks on October 9, 2008. Forsett was then signed from the practice squad on October 14, 2008 and is currently the return specialist. For the 2009 season, he was slated to compete with Julius Jones and Edgerrin James for touches in a crowded Seahawks backfield. After the release of Edgerrin James, Forsett became the teams No. 2 back which gave him an opportunity to get more touches and make a bigger on-the-field impact. On November 15, Julius Jones, the starting running back for the Seahawks, left a game against the Arizona Cardinals with a bruised lung. Forsett filled in for Jones, rushing for 123 yards and his first regular season touchdown. He started as the primary running back on November 22 game against the Minnesota Vikings, scoring his second touchdown on a 9-yard run. With the Seahawks' running game struggling, Forsett also caught 8 passes for 80 yards. On November 29 against the St. Louis Rams, he rushed for a career high 130 yards and two scores. With the return of Julius Jones in week 13 against the San Francisco 49ers, Forsett was relegated back to the position of 2nd-string running-back. He saw only 8 touches, rushing for a net gain of 9 yards, reception of 25 yards, and one touchdown. When asked if Forsett will be elevated to the position of the primary running back for the Seattle Seahawks, Coach Jim Mora responded,"You'll see them both and we like them both." But Mora confirmed that Forsett will see more touches, "Are we going to see more of Justin? The answer is yes, absolutely."

References

External links

Cal Bears bio

Seattle Seahawks bio

Category:1985 births Category:Living people Category:People from Lakeland, Florida Category:American football running backs Category:American football return specialists Category:California Golden Bears football players Category:Seattle Seahawks players Category:Indianapolis Colts players

Name	Juice Williams
Width	250px
Caption	Juice Williams at the 2007 Fighting Illini Fan Appreciation Day
Currentteam	Free Agent
Currentnumber	--
Currentpositionplain	Quarterback
Birthdate	November 19, 1987
Birthplace	Chicago, Illinois
Heightft	6
Heightin	2
Weight	225
College	Illinois
Undraftedyear	2010
Pastteams
Highlights

Isiah John "Juice" Williams (born November 19, 1987 in Chicago, Illinois) is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He was undrafted in 2010. He played college football at Illinois.

After his Senior year of high school in 2005, Williams was considered a top recruit for the quarterback position.

Personal

"Juice" Williams is the son of Stanley and Anita Williams. Williams nearly died at birth due to his large size of 13 pounds and 8 ounces. He has two brothers and four sisters.

Williams was dubbed "Juice" by his grandmother because of his large size as a child. "I was kind of big … you know, big and juicy, I guess."

He was a high school honor student and attended the same school as former Illinois star Dick Butkus. During this game he threw for 4 touchdowns and completed 12 passes of 22 attempts. He threw a total of 140 yards and rushed for 70 yards. Williams amassed over 350 yards of offense en route to a 41-22 victory over in state rival Northwestern in the regular season finale. Williams totaled over 2200 yards of offense and scored 20 touchdowns, as he led the Illini to a 9-3 record and their first bowl berth since the 2002 Sugar Bowl. Illinois was selected to play against perennial power USC in the Rose Bowl, the Illini's first time playing in the Rose Bowl since 1984. Illinois would lose the game 49-17, with USC scoring 28 points off of 4 Illinois turnovers (2 interceptions and 2 fumbles on runs after completions. Williams threw for his highest passing yard total to date (245), but had no touchdown passes and 2 interceptions.

2008: Junior year

Illinois entered the 2008 season ranked as the #20 team in the nation, despite the loss of Big Ten MVP Rashard Mendenhall. Williams and the Illini opened the season vs. Missouri, and despite one of the best passing games in Illinois history where Williams threw for 451 yards and 5 TDs, the Illini lost to 6th ranked Missouri 52-42. The Illini would pick up their first win of the season vs Eastern Illinois, where Williams amassed 174 yards rushing with 2 TDs in the 47-21 victory. Williams and the Illini struggled in a 20-17 victory over Louisiana-Lafayette, in which Williams amassed just over 180 yards of total offense. After a bye week (the first at Illinois under Ron Zook), the Illini traveled to Penn State and fell 38-24, with Juice passing for 183 yards and rushing for another 64. Illinois next traveled to Michigan and Juice amassed 431 yards of total offense (310 passing, 121 rushing, 4 total TDs), which is both the most total yards in Michigan Stadium history and the most given up by any Michigan team, as the Illini won 45-20. The Illini fell flat vs Minnesota the following week, losing 27-20 despite Williams throwing for a career high of 462 yards along with 2 TDs. Williams had a solid game vs Indiana, passing for 271 yards and 4 total TDs.

2009: Senior year

Illinois entered the 2009 season ranked as the #35 team in the nation. On August 3, 2009 Williams was named to the 2009 Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award Watch List. Then On August 27, 2009 Williams was named to the 22-man watch list for the 2009 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award, given to the nation's top senior signal-caller.

Williams was pulled out of a game against Ohio State for throwing 2 key interceptions. Coach Zook announced on October 5 that Juice will be benched in favor of Eddie McGee.

Williams and his Fighting Illini finished a losing 2009-2010 season on December 5, 2009 to Fresno State. During that game Juice Williams surpassed former Illini Jack Trudeau to become second in team history with 56 career touchdown passes.

Career stats

:Statistics up to date as of October 11, 2008. High School stats from Rivals.com. College Stats from ESPN.

Passing

Rushing

Professional career

Williams went undrafted in the 2010 NFL Draft. The Chicago Bears invited Williams to attend a rookie mini-camp tryout. The Bears had Jay Cutler, Caleb Hanie, and Dan LeFevour already on the roster. During the offseason, Chicago also picked up Todd Collins and Matt Gutierrez. Williams has not received any other invitations from professional teams.

On October 4, 2010 after a game against the New York Giants in which both starting QB Jay Cutler and 2nd stringer Todd Collins were knocked out of the game, Williams tweeted that the Bears had contacted him and that he was "high on [their] list."

References

External links

Illinois Fighting Illini football bio

Category:Living people Category:1987 births Category:American football quarterbacks Category:American Christians Category:Illinois Fighting Illini football players Category:Undrafted National Football League players

Name	Aaron Rodgers
Width	280px
Caption	Rodgers during the 2008 preseason.
Currentteam	Green Bay Packers
Currentnumber	12
Currentpositionplain	Quarterback
Birthdate	December 02, 1983
Birthplace	Chico, California
Heightft	6
Heightin	2
Weight	220
Debutyear	2005
Debutteam	Green Bay Packers
Highlights
College	California
Draftyear	2005
Draftround	1
Draftpick	24
Pastteams
Statweek	17
Statseason	2010
Statlabel1	TD–INT
Statvalue1	87–32
Statlabel2	Passing yards
Statvalue2	12,723
Statlabel3	QB Rating
Statvalue3	98.4
Nfl	ROD339293

Aaron Charles Rodgers (born December 2, 1983 in Chico, California) is a professional football player, the starting quarterback for the Green Bay Packers of the NFL. Rodgers was selected in the first round (24th overall) of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Packers. Rodgers played college football at California, where he set several school records, including lowest interception rate at 1.43%.

Professionally, Rodgers is the NFL all-time career leader in passer rating during the regular season (98.4), and during the playoffs (129.4) among players with at least 100 playoff passing attempts. and pass interception percent (2.0%).

Early years

Rodgers is from Chico in Butte County, California. He attended Pleasant Valley High School in Chico, starting for two years at quarterback and garnering 4,421 passing yards. He set single-game records of 6 touchdowns and 440 all-purpose yards. Rodgers also set a single season record with 2,466 total yards in 2001 and graduated in the spring of 2002.

College career

2002

Rodgers garnered little interest from Division I programs with only one offer, that of a walk-on, from Illinois. He declined the invitation and attended Butte Community College in Oroville, about 30 miles (50 km) southeast of Chico. During his freshman season, Rodgers was discovered by California head coach Jeff Tedford, while recruiting Garrett Cross of Chico High School.

2003

As a junior college transfer, Rodgers had three years of eligibility at California. He was named the starting quarterback in the fifth game of the 2003 season, against the only team that offered him a Division I opportunity out of high school, Illinois. As a sophomore, he helped lead the Golden Bears to an 8–6 record, including an upset overtime win over then-No. 3 ranked USC in his second career start and an Insight Bowl victory against Virginia Tech. In 2003, Rodgers tied the school season record for 300 yard games with 5 and set a school record for lowest percentage of passes intercepted at 1.43%.

2004

As a junior, Rodgers led Cal to a top-five ranking at the end of the regular season, with their only loss coming in a closely contested and well-played game at #1 USC, 17-23. In that game, Rodgers set a school record for consecutive completed passes with 26 and tied an NCAA record with 23 consecutive passes completed in one game. Rodgers set a school single game record for passing completion, completing 85.3% of his passes in that game. Rodgers also holds the school career record for lowest percentage of passes intercepted at 1.95%.

After Texas was picked over Cal for a Rose Bowl berth, the fourth-ranked Bears earned a spot in the Holiday Bowl, but lost to Texas Tech, 45-31. After the season, Rodgers decided to forgo his senior season (without a redshirt) to enter the 2005 NFL Draft.

College career statistics

Awards and honors

2003 Honorable mention All-Pac-10

2003 Insight Bowl Offensive MVP

2004 Cal Co-Offensive MVP 2004 First-team All-Pac-10 2004 Second-team Academic All-Pac-10 2004 Honorable mention All-American by Sports Illustrated

Professional career

Green Bay Packers

Backup seasons (2005–2007)

Rodgers was expected to be selected early in the 2005 NFL Draft and was thought of as the potential number one pick overall. He had posted impressive numbers as a junior with Cal, throwing for 2,320 yards with a 67.5 completion rating. He had tied an NCAA record when he completed 23 consecutive passes against the eventual national champions, USC. He threw for 24 touchdowns and only 8 interceptions in his last college season, impressing many NFL scouts. His slip to the 24th choice became one of the biggest stories of the draft, though he was still the second quarterback selected. In addition to the fact that many teams drafting between second and 22rd positions had positional needs more pressing than quarterback, Rodgers' moderate height (6'2") may have contributed to his precipitous slide. Rodgers is one of six quarterbacks coached by Jeff Tedford to be drafted in the first round, joining Akili Smith, Trent Dilfer, Joey Harrington, and Kyle Boller.

In August 2005 at age 21, Rodgers agreed to a reported five-year, $7.7 million deal that included $5.4 million in guaranteed money and had the potential to pay him as much as $24.5 million if all incentives and escalators were met.

Rodgers spent a disappointing 4–12 2005 season as the Packers' back-up quarterback behind Brett Favre. Rodgers had little playing time during the year, but played in a win against the New Orleans Saints and in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

When Favre decided to continue his career into the 2006 season, Rodgers was forced to continue in his role as the second quarterback on the depth chart.

On November 19, 2006, Rodgers broke his left foot against the New England Patriots in a 35–0 defeat at home while filling in for an injured Brett Favre and missed the remainder of the 2006 season. Rodgers made a full recovery and was ready for the start of the 2007 season.

Weeks after an emotional interview with NBC's Andrea Kramer following the team's season-ending victory at Chicago, Favre announced he would stay with the Packers for the 2007 season, again postponing Rodgers' hopes of becoming the Green Bay Packers' starting quarterback. Prior to the 2007 season, rumors surfaced about a potential trade involving Rodgers in which he would be traded to the Oakland Raiders for wide receiver Randy Moss. However, Moss was traded to the New England Patriots during the second day of the 2007 NFL Draft, and Rodgers stayed in Green Bay. The Oakland Raiders received a fourth round draft choice in the trade for Moss.

Rodgers stepped in when Favre was injured in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football on November 29, 2007. Rodgers completed 18 passes for 201 yards, with no interceptions. He also threw his first touchdown pass, but was sacked three times. Rodgers brought the team back from a 17 point deficit to a 3 point deficit, but the Cowboys went on to win 37–27.

Starting seasons

2008

Brett Favre's retirement announcement on March 4, 2008, opened up the Packers' starting quarterback position to Rodgers for the 2008 season. Although Favre decided to return from retirement, he was traded to the New York Jets, meaning Rodgers would remain the starter.

With Rodgers making his debut as a starter, the Packers beat the Minnesota Vikings 24–19 at Lambeau Field. This marked the first time since 1992 that a quarterback other than Favre started a regular season game for the Packers. Rodgers ended the game with 178 yards passing and 2 touchdowns (1 passing/1 rushing). In just his second NFL start the following week, Rodgers was voted the FedEx Air award winner after passing for 328 yards and three touchdowns in a win against the Detroit Lions. During the fourth week of the season, Rodgers streak of 157 consecutive pass attempts without an interception ended when he was intercepted by Derrick Brooks of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The streak was the third longest in franchise history behind Bart Starr (294) and Brett Favre (163). Rodgers suffered a severe shoulder sprain in the game but continued to start and played well in a win against the Seattle Seahawks two weeks later which to many proved his toughness. Despite early successes, Rodgers had been unable to win a close game during the season despite seven opportunities to do so. On October 31, 2008, Rodgers signed a six year, $65 million contract extension through the 2014 season.

2009

For the opening game of the 2009 season, Rodgers recorded his first win in a comeback situation. The Packers were trailing at the beginning of the 4th quarter when Rodgers completed a fifty yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Greg Jennings with about a minute remaining in the game to contribute to the 21-15 victory over the Chicago Bears. Rodgers was named NFC Offensive Player of the Month for October 2009, when he passed for 988 yards, completed 74.5 percent of his passes, and recorded a passer rating over 110 for all three games played during the month. After a mediocre 4-4 start to the season and a devastating loss to the previously winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team began to heat up. Rodgers led the Packers to five straight wins, in which he threw for a total of 1,324 yards, 9 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions. Rodgers and the Packers won two of their last three games, finishing the second half of the season with a 7-1 record and an overall 11-5 record; good enough to secure a wild card playoff berth and clinch the fifth seed in the playoffs. Rodgers also made the record books, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history ever to throw for 4,000 yards in both of his first two years as a starter. His passing yardage made him second all-time in Packers history, behind only Lynn Dickey's all-time single-season record.

In his first action as a starter in the playoffs against the Arizona Cardinals, Rodgers's first pass was intercepted by Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Rodgers settled down after that miscue, however, and finished the game 28 of 42 for 422 yards with four touchdowns. Despite Rodger's offensive efforts, the Packers lost the game when he fumbled on the last play of the game in overtime. The ball was returned by Karlos Dansby for the winning touchdown in the 51-45 Cardinals victory. It was the highest scoring playoff game in NFL history.

Due to his regular season performance, Rodgers earned a trip to his first Pro Bowl as the NFC's third Quarterback behind Drew Brees and Brett Favre. However, after Favre dropped out due to injury and Brees was replaced due to his participation in Super Bowl XLIV, Rodgers became the NFC's starter for the game. He finished the day 15 of 19 passing with 197 yards and two touchdowns, despite the NFC losing the game.

2010

After leading his team to a 2-0 start in 2010, the Packers lost three of their next four games including back-to-back overtime losses. The two overtime defeats brought Rodgers' record in overtime games to 0-5. During Week 12 against the Atlanta Falcons, Rodgers threw 35 passing attempts, putting him at 1,505 for his career – making him eligible for all official NFL quarterback records as recognized by the NFL. In Week 14 of the season, Rodgers sustained his second concussion of the season. The rarely used Matt Flynn was put into the game as Rodgers' replacement. The Green Bay Packers lost the game 7-3 to the Detroit Lions. Rodgers missed the next week's regular season start ending his streak of consecutive starts at 45 which is tied for the second longest in team history.

Professional statistics

References

External links

Packers.com - Aaron Rodgers

Cal Bears.com - Aaron Rodvers

Pro Football Reference.com - Aaron Rodgers

Category:1983 births Category:Living people Category:American football quarterbacks Category:California Golden Bears football players Category:Green Bay Packers players Category:People from Chico, California