Holiday Lights At The Empire State Building
For the past few nights the Empire State Building has been celebrating the holiday season with the its first-ever holiday light-and-music show series choreographed to a mix of classic and modern holiday songs.
The shows will continue until tomorrow night where viewers will have the rare opportunity to help select ESB’s lights for the fifth and final show. The ESB Holiday Light Show Team will review YouTube views, Facebook comments, Tweets, and other social media comments to select the Christmas Eve performance.
Fans in New York and around the Tri-State area can tune into radio station 106.7 Lite FM to enjoy the synchronized soundtrack of holiday favorites in real-time during the light shows.
Here was the Light-and-Music Shows Recap:
Friday, December 20: “Holly Jolly Christmas” (Burl Ives) and “Christmas Wrapping” (The Waitresses)
Saturday, December 21: “Let It Snow” (Dean Martin) and “All Alone on Christmas” (Darlene Love)
Sunday, December 22: “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” (Brenda Lee) and “Sleigh Ride” (Karmin)
Monday, December 23: “Jingle Bell Rock” (Bobby Helms) and “Run Rudolph Run” (Keith Richards)
Tuesday, December 24: Encore light show performance decided by social media sentiment
Dec 23rd
Chocolate Milk REFUELS The Winter Olympics
Got Chocolate Milk’s new documentary series REFUEL USA follows USA Men’s Hockey’s Zach Parise and the Women’s Ski Jumping Team on their way to compete in Russia at the 2014 Winter Olympics.
In this trailer Parise and the Ski Jumpers talk about what it means to be able to compete internationally and what drives them to perform at their best. The debut episode of the REFUEL USA series introduces the women, their personalities, while giving us an inside glimpse into the world of Ski Jumping athletes.
Ski jumping has always been one of the most thrilling extreme sports, but this is the first year women have been allowed to participate alongside their male counterparts at the highest level. Plus recent studies have shown drinking 16 oz. of fat-free chocolate milk led to greater replenishment of glycogen, a principal storage carbohydrate, in muscles post-workout.
Dec 23rd
Shaquille O’Neal Interview
NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal has been doing great charitable work for a few years now with Toys R Us for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. The 2013 Toys for Tots campaign is currently underway and O’Neal, who is better known as “Shaq-A-Claus” this time of year started up a new tradition this year. It is called the “No Wish Too Big” campaign. Kids in need can wish for whatever they want as Toys R Us and Shaq try to fulfill those wishes.
If you want to help click here to go to the Toys for Tots website at Toys R Us.
Shaq and I were able to talk about his charitable work, his career in the NBA, and dancing.
Art Eddy: First off let’s talk about the great work you do with Toys R Us for the Toys for Tots program. You have done this for some time now. What inspired you to help out with this program?
Shaquille O’Neal: Well it is a great program that has been going on for a numerous amount of years. In 1992 my mother called me. She wanted to buy some kid toys. She was at a center that had about 500 children. I asked her what she was doing. She told me that these kids won’t be getting anything for Christmas because of their family situations.
I told her to have the kids write down about 10 items of what they want. She faxed me the list a couple hours later. Me and a couple of friends of mine went to Toys R Us and racked up a bunch of toys. That is how “Shaq-A-Claus” started.
I was contacted by Toys R Us about five years ago because they wanted to do that on a bigger scale. “Shaq-A-Claus” goes on in five states. It goes on in New Jersey and New York. We did it in Atlanta. We did it in Orlando. We are going to finish it off in L.A.
Toys R Us has always been my favorite store. My favorite song has always been (starts to sing) I don’t want to grow up. I am a Toys R Us kid. I love Geoffrey the Giraffe. Toys R Us is a great organization. They do great things. They showed me some alarming stats. I think 10 to 20 million kids will wake up on Christmas and not receive anything. With the help of Toys for Tots, people giving monetary donations and giving toy 
donations I think we can cut down that number.
AE: How can people help you guys out with this great cause?
SO: You can go to Toys R Us dot com slash Toys for Tots. You can donate at your local Toys R Us or Babies R Us. You will see a big ol’ box there. You can donate money, gift cards, and toys and we will get them out.
AE: Talk about the “No Wish Is Too Big” campaign for this year.
SO: Whatever you want just holler at Shaq and Toys R Us and we will try and make it happen. This year a lot of kids want XBOX’s and all those things. I am putting out a call to all my friends and family. Bikes, iPods, iPads, Monster headphones, Shaq shoes and other stuff to try and do our best to make these kids happy.
I was one of those kids that didn’t get a lot for Christmas. There was one toy that changed my life. It created the Shaquille O’Neal brand. It was a Dr. J. autographed basketball.
AE: I remember you saying that before in an interview. It is great to have that story about a toy that stands the test of time for you. To me that is exactly what you are doing with Toys R Us for this program. These toys will create a memory for them just like the Dr. J. basketball did for you. You guys are doing such a wonderful campaign.
SO: Thank you. Imagine seeing a kid wake up on Christmas and opening up gifts and saying thank you to their mom and their dad. Christmas should be joyous time for everyone.
AE: Moving to basketball do you have one moment or season in your great career that stands out the most? Or do all of the seasons in your outstanding career mesh together for you?
SO: Everything is kind of pushed together. I am happy for the four titles. The only thing that is disappointing is that I missed over 200 games due to injury. I averaged about 25 points a game. That is about another 5,000 points that could have been added to my career. Then that would have put me at number two in scoring. Then of course I missed 10,000 free throws. If I made half those that would have brought up closer to Kareem.
There is always the talk about who is the best big man. Who is the most dominant? I think accolades and stats will never lie. I really wanted to pass Wilt Chamberlain in points so I could woefully and modestly brag to say I was the most dominant big man ever. I think I am 1,800 behind Wilt.
AE: One thing that I loved about watching you play was that you looked like you were having fun. You still were focused and I know that the NBA is a player’s livelihood, but do you feel that some players might take the game too seriously?
SO: I don’t want to speak for other players, but economically you have to understand that dads and moms pay a lot of money for these seats. I was like okay if you are going to pay this much money to watch me play I am going to put on a Broadway type of performance for you. That is why I did what I did. I wanted to play hard. I wanted to smile at little kids and throw them wristbands.
If you can just make one person happy or change their life or make the whole arena happy than I think that you are doing your job. We make a lot of money and they charge a lot of money. My job was to always put on a good show. If a dad is going to pay $200 to have him and son watch Shaq, Kobe, and the Lakers play up against the Miami Heat, I have to give them a good show.
You never want to have someone say ‘Oh my God. Why did I pay for these tickets? This game was awful.’ So my job was to put on a great show for them.
AE: Was your first NBA title the sweetest?
SO: Yes. The first one was the sweetest. I had accomplished a lot before I got there. There were critics out there that would say he is not concentrating. He is doing this. He is doing that. He will never win a championship. Then to have the rite of passage to being considered one of the greatest is nice to have on your resume.
AE: I would love to finish our chat with a quick round of about four questions. Is that cool with you?
SO: Yeah!
AE: What is your favorite shoe from your line?
SO: The Shaq Ones.
AE: What is your favorite nickname that you had during your playing days?
SO: My favorite nickname is “Diesel.” I am like an 18 wheeler with no brakes coming down the hill onto 
oncoming traffic.
AE: Where was your favorite place to play in the NBA?
SO: Favorite place to play was Miami. It was always sunny and my joints were feeling nice.
AE: I loved your dance routine with Jabbawockeez during the NBA All-Star Game. How long did you prep for that?
SO: I didn’t prep for that. It took me two minutes because when I was young I was already a break dancer.
Dec 19th
Anthony Becht Interview
Anthony Becht played 12 years in the NFL at the tight end position. In his career he has played for the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals, and Kansas City Chiefs. Since retiring Becht is still involved with football. He works for ESPN and is the Buccaneers Pre and Post Game Host for 620 WDAE.
Recently he has teamed up with Mohan’s Custom Tailors and the Doe Fund to help those in need this holiday season. Mohan’s is looking for people to donate suits or overcoats that they don’t use anymore. This charity event kicks-off a holiday season of giving at Mohan’s. When people come in and donate their suits they will receive a $100 credit toward a new custom tailored overcoat. Then those donations will be cleaned and donated to charity.
I was able to chat with Anthony about his playing days in the NFL, fatherhood, the work he is doing with Mohan’s and the Doe Fund, and this current season in the NFL.
Art Eddy: Let’s talk about the great work that you are doing with Mohan’s Custom Tailors and the Doe Fund to help those in need this holiday season.
Anthony Becht: I really think it is outstanding. I have teamed up with Mohan’s Custom Tailors after my career. Just for the fact that they have some great suits. They wanted to team up and work together to work with a charity each and every month of 2014. To kick off the year they are going to work with the Doe Fund.
Basically Mohan’s are going to donate suit jackets and suits that customers bring in. They will clean them up and give them to the Doe Fund. We see a lot of charities that supply the homeless with shelter and food. I think the Doe Fund really does a great job. What they do is actually get those in need in the workforce. They find them jobs, get them educated, and get them back on their feet so their long term success is greater than the short term.
Those people can’t afford suits or jackets. For Mohan’s to provide jackets and reach out to this charity and work with them is bar none an outstanding idea in the long term for these people in need.
AE: How can people help you guys out?
AB: They can go to Mohan Tailors dot com. They can reach out to Mohan’s if they have a suit or anything they have that they are no longer using. They can go to Mohan’s and receive a $100 discount towards the purchase of a new suit, custom suit, or overcoat. Basically the goal is to get these coats and overcoats to those people in need.
Hopefully we will be able to get over a thousand of these jackets back to the people in need. I just think it is a great idea. Just reach out to Mohan’s. Go to their website. You can call them at 212-697-0050 to get more information.
AE: Moving to sports, you played for 12 years in the NFL as a tight end for the Jets, Bucs, Rams, Cardinals, and Chiefs. Looking back at your career what do you take away the most from your days in the league?
AB: One thing Art is that it goes fast. You don’t realize how the years pile up. All of a sudden bam it kind of hits you and your career is over. I have been very fortunate. The average in the NFL is three and a half years. I definitely surpassed that playing 12 seasons.
I got to play in New York, one of the greatest cities in the world. I came down to Tampa, where I live now, and I got to go to a few places at the end of my career. I really got to see the country and see the fans, and play with different coaches and teammates.
The fact that I got to play such a long time and the longevity to stay somewhat healthy throughout my career and not miss many games was great. Being that blue collar type of tight end playing in the NFL opened up many opportunities when I was playing and now with my post football career in the media world.
AE: You played for a few different quarterbacks in your career. How long did it take you to build a chemistry with a quarterback when you started playing for a new team?
AB: As a tight end that was the first thing I did. When I came to New York I had Chad Pennington and Vinnie Testaverde sitting right next to me at my locker. Immediately you try to build those bonds. That is important. I think any wide receiver, tight end, running back in this league the first person you are trying to make friends with is the quarterback.
Anything you can do to build that extra work or continuity and getting on the same page is huge. As I grew into my career and went to different teams I was kind of a guy that got gravitated to as a leader. I would be with those quarterbacks from just an experience standpoint.
For any young guy coming into the league build a relationship with the quarterback, the coordinators, and just everybody to get on the same page and put that extra work in. It can really help you develop yourself as a better player and extend your career.
AE: Did you have a few guys on opposing teams that you enjoyed matching up against?
AB: Yeah, there had been some opponents obviously playing against different teams especially in the AFC East. You look at the Miami Dolphins. They were always a big rival. You are playing against Jason Taylor twice a year. He was one of the more phenomenal defensive players to play during my time.
You look at the Patriots. Guys like Willie McGinest and Tedy Bruschi, these guys were just hard-nosed defensive players that accentuated what the NFL was really all about. There were challenges for me. When I was a young guy with the Jets going against these high caliber players was tough early, but made me a better player as I went on in my career. It helped me extend my career and play a long time in the NFL.
AE: Switching to this year, who is your pick to win the Super Bowl?
AB: When I look at the NFC I really see teams that are in the bottom tier of the playoff situation are really trying to fight for their position. Originally I thought the Saints were going to be a team that could really make some noise moving forward. They had an outstanding season. We see them have their struggles with the Rams recently.
I think the big thing for me is the consistency. The Seattle Seahawks have been the most consistent team. When you look at the quarterback play in Russell Wilson everyone is picking them, but that is really the main factor. Every single week they have had the ability to go out and play hard, play good, and win each and every game. They could easily be undefeated.
On the AFC side you think that it will be the Denver Broncos, but you are starting to see some flaws with this team. They struggle on defense. I feel that no matter how many stats Peyton Manning puts up they need every single yard and every touchdown. That could be a problem moving forward.
Look at the Patriots and the Ravens. I think it is going to be one of those cold weather teams that if they can just get into the playoffs, they can make some noise. Look at the Ravens. They are a team that understands the situation. They can play hard-nosed defense. They have an experienced quarterback that can make some noise. Overall though if the Broncos get hot and they can do anything with their defense then they would be the favorite going in to the playoffs.
AE: Any team surprise you this year either in a positive or negative way?
AB: I think in a positive way the Carolina Panthers have done an outstanding job this year. You talk about the head coach, Ron Rivera. Everyone wanted to fire him last season, but all of a sudden they stuck with him. Cam Newton became a better player. They get a few defensive players like Luke Kuechly and other defensive linemen that come in and really help build that team.
Now they are really a complete football team. They can run the football. They can play defense. To me they have been the surprise. I thought that they would be better, but I didn’t think that they would be in the mix to potentially with the division.
Dec 18th
Tamika Catchings Interview
Tamika Catchings is a household name for many basketball fans. The former NCAA champion and WNBA legend has even won gold in the Olympics. Catchings doesn’t just excel on the court. She is a leader in her community and has her own charity called Catch the Stars.
She also assists with the Allstate WBCA Good Works Team program. This campaign nominates 10 college basketball players from all divisions of the sport who participates in community service activities is a well-rounded student-athlete. There were 84 nominations submitted by athletic departments from colleges and universities. Catchings, along with other select voters, will name the final award recipients in February.
Tamika was kind enough to take time from her busy schedule and chat with me about basketball, the Good Works Team, and what she looks to do after the WNBA.
Art Eddy: Recently, you partnered with Allstate and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association to be part of the WBCA Good Works Team. What has this experience been like for you?
Tameka Catchings: This has been a great partnership. It’s a combination of the things that I believe in with young ladies playing basketball, but most importantly realizing the impact they have off the court in their respective communities and abroad.
AE: The WBCA Good Works Team recognizes student-athletes for their commitment to serving others. What is the process like for these finalists and when will a winner be announced?
TC: These young ladies are selected by their Athletic Directors who send a form talking about the players and a list of all of their charity work. From there, there’s a selection group that goes through each of the nominations.
We eventually have to get the Allstate WBCA Good Works Team down to a total of 10 female student-athletes. Five of the ladies come from a D1 school, and the other five come from D2, D3 and NAIA schools.
AE: Speaking of community service you have your own charity called “Catch the Stars.” Tell me a bit about that program and what inspired you to start that up.
TC: My Catch the Stars Foundation empowers youth to achieve their dreams by providing goal setting programs that promote literacy, fitness and mentoring. We serve boys and girls ages 7 to 16 and offer about 12 different programs throughout the year that tie to our three buckets: literacy, fitness and mentoring.
I was inspired to start it up because of all of the people that came into my life throughout my journey of being a professional basketball player. Everyone played a little or big role in my life, and my goal is to turn around and help these kids realize their dreams and passions as well.
AE: Moving onto the court. You played at the University of Tennessee and won a NCAA National Title there. You played for legendary head coach Pat Summitt. What did you take away the most from Coach Summitt?
TC: One of the main things I took away from being under Coach Summitt was just about being great women overall. She didn’t just focus on one aspect, she focused on what we did on the court, what we did off the court, and what we did in our community to help others. That’s another reason why I’m so passionate in helping our youth.
AE: You also won an Olympic Gold medal. What was it like to play for your country and come out on top?
TC: It’s a true blessing and honor to be able to represent the USA. Every time I have an opportunity to play for my country, I think about playing on the highest level and with the best players in the world.
AE: Your success didn’t just end there. In the WNBA you made a name for yourself as a WNBA Champion as well as a WNBA MVP. With all these accolades what keeps the fire burning for you to compete at the pro level? 
TC: The thing that keeps me burning is that I can be better. When I’m done playing I want to know that I gave everything that I had every time I stepped on the court. As long as I’m playing, I will continue to strive to be better today than I was yesterday.
AE: Reading up on everything you do it seems that you are always on the go. When you do have free time what are you doing to relax?
TC: Free time? What is that? (Laughs) Just kidding. I love being with my family so every day that I’m here in Indianapolis I try to end my day spending time with my little nephews before coming home and hanging with my oldest nephew, he lives with me.
AE: After your pro career is done have you thought about your next goal you want to accomplish? Would you get into coaching?
TC: When I’m finished playing I ultimately want to be a General Manager for a WNBA or NBA Team. I don’t want to coach because I don’t know if I have the patience to do that, but I love the thought of being a GM. I also would love to get married to the man of my dreams and have kids and a family.
Dec 18th
MANjr’s Gift Guide Part 3
We are back for quite possibly our last gift guide for 2013. We all have someone on our list that we forgot or they just got us a gift and need to reciprocate. Here are few ideas that might come in handy.
Eggnog Time – Southern Comfort Style 
With the holidays quickly approaching, parties will be in full swing and it wouldn’t be a true holiday party without eggnog! Southern Comfort releases a limited-time holiday eggnog available across the country in most grocery stores. (It was just voted best holiday eggnog by the folks over at Thrillist) It’s alcohol free, but all you need to do is add 1-2 oz of regular Southern Comfort to your glass of eggnog and sprinkle some nutmeg on top and you’re ready to go. Below is the basic recipe along with a twist on the recipe to class it up a little.
Southern Eggnog
1 cup Southern Comfort
4 cups Southern Comfort Eggnog
Nutmeg
Combine Southern Comfort and Southern Comfort Eggnog in a punch bowl and stir. Dust with nutmeg.
Southern Eggnog Martini
1 oz. Southern Comfort
3 oz. eggnog
Ground nutmeg
Combine chilled ingredients in a shaker (no ice). Shake. Strain into a chilled martini glass rimmed with nutmeg.
T
he American Soap and Hatchet Set – Duke Cannon
Duke Cannon is committed to a life of working hard, living well and taking pride in what he builds. That’s why he only creates and uses products made in the USA. Just in time for Christmas you can pick up the Duke Cannon’s American Soap and Hatchet set. It can be used by workers, explores, and craftsmen. Each item serves a purpose.
The Duke Cannon hatchet is made of razor sharp U.S. Steel forged with genuine hickory. Each hatchet is hand crafted and no two are exactly the same. The sheath is custom made by saddle makers in Montana and is made with superior grade leather and is dressed with a nice finish and brass stud fastener durability.
To keep you noggin warm the Carhartt cold weather skull cap protects against all the elements. Duke strictly forbids anyone named Skyler to wear this cap.
Lastly you can enjoy all five big ass bricks of Duke Cannon soap:
- SMELLS LIKE VICTORY
- SMELLS LIKE ACCOMPLISHMENT
- SMELLS LIKE PRODUCTIVITY
- SMELLS LIKE NAVAL SUPREMACY
- HEAVY DUTY HAND SOAP
Brenthaven 13 inch BX2 sleeve
Brenthaven’s MacBook cases for the 13″ MacBook Air are created with your MacBook’s safety in mind. We combine the highest quality materials with expertly designed protection systems to create the perfect MacBook Air case. Our custom fit 13″ MacBook Air sleeves snugly wrap your MacBook in high density foam to provide edge and impact protection. A soft faux-fur liner keeps the screen scratch free while inside the MacBook Air sleeve.
We have created an environmentally friendly 13″ MacBook Air case with our Ecco-prene Sleeves. This slim sleeve come in a range of colors and is made from a neoprene alternative that is 100% toulene-free, PVC-free, and recyclable.
Our ProStyle Sleeves and couriers for the 13″ MacBook Air are made from Micro-Ballistic Nylon that is built to last, we stand behind our products, confident in their quality and durability. Like all Brenthaven products our MacBook Air cases come with a no-questions-asked warranty and Lifetime Guarantee.
Hobie Polarized Sunglasses
Hobie Polarized sunglasses are the best sunglasses on the market today. Exceeding the standards of world champion watersport athletes, the Heritage Series features our highest quality, thin, lightweight and durable Borosilicate Glass polarized lenses with Hydroclean Plus™ Polarized lens technology, set in carefully crafted frames of Grilamid TR-90. The Heritage Series also features precision flex hinges for a custom fit and extra durability on some models. Megol nose pads and Megol temple tips are available on some models as well. Each style has been carefully rated by size, with measurements, in an effort to assist you in making informed purchasing decisions. Hobie Polarized frames are all backed by our Friendly Lifetime Warranty.
Brenthaven Messenger Bag
Brenthaven Messenger bags designed for both PC and Macs offer a stylish and comfortable laptop protection system. With the non-detachable ergonomic strap our Messenger Bags are ideal for students, professionals, and bikers. All messenger bags feature our High Density Foam protection system and are backed by our 100% lifetime guarantee.
The Pacific Messenger Bag is our newest addition to the line. The rugged ballistic nylon exterior keeps this bag looks new for years to come while unique reflective accents provide night protection. Carry both your iPad and MacBook in one with two ultra-padded custom fit device compartments.
We’re also very excited to present our Project 2 Messenger Bag, inspired by Kona Bicycles, created by Brenthaven. This spacious bag secures snugly with an adjustable strap that features an easy-access iPhone pocket. Perfect for bikers the bag features a flashing safety light, and internal waterproof dry bag to keep your laptop safe while biking.
Dec 17th
Heineken Carol Karaoke
Heineken debuted their latest test to inspire people in a “will you or won’t you” moment, with a challenge fit for the holiday season – Carol Karaoke. People who thought they were enjoying an evening of karaoke with a small group of friends were suddenly surprised with a challenge to sing a holiday carol to an audience of thousands way beyond the karaoke room, the results of which are captured in a video.
Heineken invited unsuspecting New Yorkers for an evening of Carol Karaoke at Karaoke Boho in the NYC’s West Village– as long as they promised to sing one carol. People were asked to choose a carol from “Jingle Bells,” “Deck the Halls” and “The 12 Days of Christmas,” and then in a surprise twist, were challenged to sing to thousands of strangers. Those who decided in a matter of seconds to keep singing were broadcasted in well-known public places, including a Jumbotron at an NBA game, on the TV of every NYC taxi for a week and on a famed Times Square billboard.
If you want to rock the mike and be a crowd pleaser at this year’s holiday party, Heineken’s Carol Karaoke survey found you may want to keep it classic – Americans list their favorite holiday tune to sing as “Jingle Bell Rock” (31%), followed by “Winter Wonderland” (20%). For those who want to flex their vocal cords, a little Mariah Carey will go a long way – the third most favorite song to sing is “All I Want for Christmas is You” (13%).
Dec 16th
BACARDÍ – UNTAMEABLE SINCE 1862
Discover how the Bacardí family had the irrepressible spirit to overcome fire, earthquakes, prohibition, revolution and exile — none of which could defeat their spirit, because True Passion Can’t Be Tamed. Find out more about the Bacardí family story at www.bacardi.com.
Dec 16th
The Family Blu-ray Giveaway
In the dark action comedy “The Family”, a Mafia boss and his family are relocated to a sleepy town in France under the Witness Protection Program after snitching on the mob. Despite Agent Stansfield’s (Tommy Lee Jones) best efforts to keep them in line, Fred Blake (Robert De Niro), his wife Maggie (Michelle Pfeiffer) and their children, Belle (Dianna Agron) and Warren (John D’Leo), can’t help resorting to old habits by handling their problems the “family” way. Chaos ensues as their former Mafia cronies try to track them down and scores are settled in the unlikeliest of settings, in this subversively funny film by Luc Besson.
The chemistry between De Niro’s character and Tommy Lee Jones character is great. Jones and De Niro have this dry sense of humor that you come to love with these two great actors. This is something you come to expect when you see their names attached to the film.
De Niro’s family also take part of the spotlight as well. Of course just like De Niro and Jones, Michelle Pfeiffer has this dry sense of humor that goes along with a family that is tired of moving around the globe. Their kids Belle (Dianna Agron) and Warren (John D’Leo) best scenes take place when they are learning the in and outs of their new high school.
This is very funny comedy and you will enjoy the acting, dialogue and yes action in this dark comedy,
The film sees Robert De Niro’s character make a list of 10 reasons he’s a ‘good guy’ – despite being a violent mobster. We thought it could be fun if you use the comment section to tell us why you are a good guy,
To enter, just like us on Facebook and tell us why you are a good guy!
Dec 16th
Kurt Warner Interview
Kurt Warner had a brilliant career in the NFL. Whether it was him leading the St. Louis Rams to a Super Bowl victory in 1999 or taking the Arizona Cardinals to their first ever Super Bowl berth in 2008, Warner left his mark in the NFL. Kurt has been named MVP in the league as well as in Super Bowl XXXIV.
Besides excelling on the field Kurt does even more off the field with the work he does with his foundation, First Things First. The foundation is devoted to impacting the lives of others using Christian values, providing aid and supporting those in need. The foundation supports children’s hospitals, people with developmental disabilities, and single parents to name a few.
Kurt Warner is now an analyst for the NFL Network. Check him out every Sunday on NFL GameDay Morning at 9:00 AM ET.
Kurt was able to chat with me about who he thinks has the best shot at winning this year’s Super Bowl, his playing days, and his foundation.
Art Eddy: You do an excellent job breaking down games for the NFL Network. You are a few years retired from the league. What are some of the major changes to the game since you retired?
Kurt Warner: I think the biggest thing is passing aspect of the game due to the new rule changes. Also the nature of the talent that has come into the league like the tight end positions. The athletes that are coming into those positions now has really driven it to become a pass first league more so than any other time in the history of the game. I think that has been the biggest change. It has become difficult to play really good defense.
AE: Which teams are fun to watch for you and the crew at the NFL Network?
KW: I appreciate the game having played it. I enjoy watching a lot of different things. Of course I enjoy watching passing teams, their passing concepts, and a good quarterback on how they read and decipher defenses.
I also like watching good defenses. To see how teams like Seattle are able to week in and week out just come up with schemes and have the talent and the ability to stop teams. Like when they played the Saints. It is rare because of the changes and the athleticisms of offenses. It is rare for defenses to come out and shut down really good offenses like that. You have to appreciate what they are doing and how they are able to do that week in and week out.
AE: Who is your pick to win the Super Bowl?
KW: Right now I think that it is still between Denver and Seattle. I think that those are the two best teams from an all-around team standpoint. What a great battle it would be to see a Seattle defense up against Peyton Manning and the crew that he has.
I think it would be a great matchup. I think it would be fun. There would be a lot of great storylines. I think that those are the two best teams right now. I think what you are going to see is what will happen on the other side of the ball. Denver’s defense, can they step up and be able to make the plays needed to win a championship.
It is the same with Seattle’s offense. Russell Wilson is playing great right now. You want to see that offense continue to do that. If so I would give them a slight edge because they are better on both sides of the ball. I think it would be a great matchup.
AE: What is your take on having the Super Bowl at MetLife Stadium this year where it could snow or rain?
KW: I am not a big fan of it. I don’t want the history of our game to be determined by weather. I understand why you have home field advantage and why you play the games during the regular season, but if you are a team that plays in a dome it is not your fault.
The problem is that it is hard to really prepare to go out into the elements. I think we get to see that a lot. Teams get a week to prepare and spend some time in the city, but it is very difficult to acclimate yourself with the weather. These teams that are dome teams or warm weather teams I think it is an unfair advantage if you are putting them into a poor weather situation with a team that is used to it.
I understand all about football and how it has been built. It is a game that is played outdoors and in the elements. I want there to be a situation where both teams have an equal opportunity to play their best football. So with that, may the best team win. I am not a big fan of that. I know other people really like that and think that it is part of the game.
I think that certain teams would have a disadvantage by going out in the elements, especially in that kind of game.
AE: Speaking of Super Bowls, you and the St. Louis Rams beat the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV. To me that was one of the best Super Bowls in the history of the NFL. You won the MVP award and that game is known to many as the “One Yard Short” game. What did you take away from that game?
KW: Anytime you win the Super Bowl and get to the pinnacle of your job, your career in the business that you are in is phenomenal. To win such a great football game, I have been fortunate. I played in three unbelievable Super Bowls. Two Super Bowls that could have gone either way came down to final plays.
It was great to be able to get that win in my first Super Bowl. It was great to see how the team had to step up. The offense had to make a big play to get us ahead and then the defense had to make a big stop. That is what football for me is really all about. You win championships as a team. All sides have to come together. I definitely saw that in my first Super Bowl and that was one that I will never forget.
AE: You have played with some great guys like Torry Holt, Isaac Bruce, Marshall Faulk, Larry Fitzgerald, and Anquan Boldin. As a quarterback it must have been a dream to have those players as teammates. 
KW: No great quarterback is ever great without having great players around him. You can go down the list. To have those kind of guys to count on, guys who were big time players in big time moments was so much fun. It made my job so much easier to know that those guys were on the other side and know what they could do and trust them in any situation.
I was really, really fortunate to play with some really great players. It was a huge reason of why I had the success that I did.
AE: How tough was it to step away from the game?
KW: It really wasn’t that hard to step away. The reason was that the last few years were extremely rewarding. No one really gave us a chance. We didn’t necessarily have a great team, but we were able to overcome a lot. We were able to come together at the right time to do some really special things. It was rewarding, but at the same time it took a lot out of me.
I was asked to do a lot. The mental stress and the pressure to live up to certain expectations was really hard. It had an effect on me both mentally and physically. Understanding that and knowing how much I had to give, you understand the reward, but also the cost of it. When I weighed all of those things it was actually an easy decision to walk away.
The game had been tremendous to me. I accomplished more than many people expected me to. I was very proud of what I was able to do in my career. It became much easier for me to say that I am not willing and able to give what my team and teammates deserve that I have to step away. As hard of a decision that it was just because it is never easy to say goodbye, at the same time it was the right decision. I knew I didn’t have what it takes to give what I always had.
AE: Tell me about the outstanding work you do for your foundation First Things First.
KW: It something that we started about 12 years ago. We started it because we didn’t want to limit God in his reach with our lives. We didn’t design to say hey we are going to focus on this group or that group. We have been varied in the programs that we have run.
From working with Make-A-Wish and taking families down to Disney with us every year to doing homeownership programs like Habitat for Humanity and working with children’s homes and orphanages. We just have a variety of things.
We just are now working to help with supportive living for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our son was injured when he was young and deals with these challenges on day to day basis. We have come to understand that when he gets passed high school all the challenges that are out there to really allow them to thrive and have a purpose and derive in live.
That is our next endeavor is to build what we call Treasure House for these individuals and these families to have a next step and have dreams in life. Our foundation encompasses a lot of different things, but wherever God directs us or takes us in life He usually seems to open up a door to allow us to help in that area. That is how we designed our foundation from day one. We will be where God takes us and if a door opens up we will go through it and see how we can help.
Dec 16th
