Pumped-Up Pioneers: The '63 Chargers

In 1962, the San Diego Chargers trudged to a 4-10 record as coach Sid Gillman watched broken bodies and losses pile up. In 1963, he was ready to try things no one had ever done. Gillman found Rough Acres, a failed dude ranch 70 miles east of San Diego, down a dirt road from the tiny town of Boulevard, Calif., and its one bar, and set the Chargers up to train there on the flat, dusty surface that looked like it had been cut out of a hill. But in the late summer heat, usually in the high 90s, the players didn't see the field for what it really was. Gillman chose this spot to be his football laboratory, the place where he could remake the game by mixing iron and pills and even the colors of the men themselves. Rough Acres was where he introduced the game's first strength coach, its first weightlifting program and a conscious effort to racially integrate his club. It was also where Gillman and his staff handed out little pink pills called Dianabol. It is an anabolic steroid. Dianabol was the brand name for methandrostenolone, an artificial form of testosterone designed to promote healing and strength in patients. In 1963, it had been on the market for only five years, and used by U.S. weightlifters for fewer than three. But steroids have come under the glare of public scrutiny over the past 20 years, and some of that light has filtered back to the beginning. The story of the '63 Chargers needs to be revised. Memories are hazy and accounts differ, but this much is clear: For at least four or five weeks during training camp in 1963, the Chargers handed 5 mg of Dianabol to their players three times a day. After a team meeting before the start of the regular season, at which Mix raised objections, the pills were no longer mandatory, but they remained readily available for at least two seasons. And according to documents filed in a later lawsuit, Chargers team physicians continued to write Dianabol prescriptions for some players from 1965 until at least 1970, although the players who spoke to ESPN denied knowing about it at the time.

James Harrison: The Silverback

James Harrison is one of those players that many players love to idealize. He started out at in Ohio and played at Kent State. He started out his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2002. He backed up Joey Porter up until 2006 and then got his shot. Then 2007 and 2008 Harrison was voted the team MVP by his peers of teammates. This year he also got the Defensive Player of the Year after the great season with 101 tackles, 16 sacks, and 1 int. He makes all Offensive Tackles, Tight ends, and Halfback look silly when they go up against them.

Troy Polamalu: The Samoan Sniper

Troy Polamalu has been a wrecking crew ever since he has entered the NFL in 2002. Even in college and at the high school he was a big play maker. At USC he was a 3yr start and a power house at that. With 278 tackles (29 for losses), 6 interceptions (3 for TDs), 13 deflections, 2 fumble recoveries and 4 blocked punts which opened many eyes. Now in the league with his long flowing locks, amazing speed, and high flying skills he has made a huge name for himself in the league. Every year his name is on the top of the list for defensive player of the year and always talked about when it comes down to the best safety in the league. I believe he is the best all around safety in the league right now. He makes the big hits when needed, big plays when needed and makes many key turnovers.

Michael Vick, Back in the NFL?

As we all know after Michael Vick finishes his sentence in jail he has the chance to return to the NFL with the go ahead from Commissioner Roger Goodell. What most probably doesn't know is that Wednesday that an agreement was reached with Vick's representatives to shoot a Public Service Announcement(PSA) for anti-dogfighting for PETA. But after Vick's attorneys found out that PETA was not supporting Vick in his return to the NFL all agreement where thrown out the window. As for the insurance of Vick's return to the NFL Goodell wants to make sure that he is mentally capable of remorse. On the other side PETA wants a brain scan and a full psychiatric evaluation before returning but that is all Goodell's call. Well Mike has till May to June of 2009 to get his mind right so that he can return. I believe Vick will come back seeing as that Pacman Jones was aloud to return after his multiple run ins with the law.

Ryan Clarks knock out blow to Willis McGahee.

The question in everyones mind is where does the fine line between helmet to helmet and a hit that lead to the helmets to connect. Last nite the world witnessed one of the biggest hits probably this season. Both Ryan Clark and Willis McGahee collided after Willis McGahee caught a pass and meet Ryan Clark in the middle of the field. Both players at one point leaded motionless. Clark later rose to his feet after laying on the ground for a couple of minutes and being checked by doctors. McGahee layed motionless for a long time after the vicious hit. Both teams surrounded the fallen teammate and respected opponent. McGahee was later carted off the field and was showing signs of movement. Now where i want to really look at is how people are callin Clark a dirty player. I see it this way, he had three possible options on how to hit McGahee. 1) Dive at McGahees knees (one already fucked up) and possibly break his legs. 2) Aim for McGahees midsection and possible break his ribs or anything in that general area and possibly hurt himself in the process. 3) Hit em like he did wit the intent wit hitting McGahee wit his shoulder and their heads connecting because of the momentum of their bodies stopping that quickly. Clark was just doing his job as a safety and a defensive player in the NFL. We watch Brian Dawkins every week take broader line late hits on the ball carrier and noone is callin him a dirty player so callin Clark a dirty player isn't right. I don't like seeing players get hurt in any level of this great sport but its part of the game and yes there should be rules enforcing safety but there is only so much control a person has on their body.