Two and a half weeks gone. Three and a half weeks to go.
Eight camps visited. One game scouted. Two more camps and eight games left.
After visiting the state of New York, I headed west to the town of Latrobe, PA to visit the Steeler camp. It is one of my favorite camps to visit. Camp is settled amongst the rolling Pennsylvania hills at St. Vincent College.
Golf great Arnold Palmer was born here and his father was head professional and greenskeeper at Latrobe Country Club. Arnold has an airport named after him here.
I got a chance to meet Mike Tomlin. I introduced myself and passed on regards from Corey Chamblin. Tomlin’s eyes lit up when I mentioned Corey’s name. I could tell how much respect he has for our Head Coach. We are very fortunate to have Corey.
Had to snap a picture of him.
Next up the Detroit Lions.
Made the five hour drive to the Lions facility in Allen Park.
I was able to see two practices. One of them was at the football stadium at Wayne State University. Our LB Tristan Black played football here in the shadow of downtown Detroit.
Also got an opportunity to talk with Pro Personnel man Rob Lohman. He went through the roster for me and gave a great description of the guys I was scouting.
Took this picture walking through the Lions facility. It has been a while since their last championship. It is just a reminder of how difficult it is to win, in any League!
Ndamukong Suh Matthew Stafford
Headed back East to Cleveland, OH
The city is buzzing with LeBron coming back and Johnny Football.
Went to pick up my credential at the Browns facility. I always love seeing the pictures hanging on the walls. I am old enough to remember some of the guys in these pictures. Not all of them though.
I had the good fortune to see Johnny Manziel in the Cotton Bowl a few years ago. Now I’m seeing him as a pro. He certainly is an exciting young player.
My next stop, the Hall of Fame game in Canton Ohio.
It is my fourth Hall of Fame game. I have visited the Hall on two occasions. You can easily spend a couple of days here.
The game had a couple of my teams, the Giants and the Bills.
The CFL was represented well. The Riders, the Alouettes, the Lions, and the Bombers all had scouts in the press box.
Buffalo warmup New York Giants warmup
Eli Manning – New York Giants
Victor Cruz – New York Giants
EJ Manuel – Buffalo Bills
The Class of 2014
Next I had a six hour drive back to the coast to attend camp practice in Annapolis, MD.
The Baltimore Ravens had a fan day at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.
It was a hot one, in the mid-80s and the Ravens got a lot of good work done. So did I.
QB Joe Flacco – Baltimore Ravens
My next stop was the Eagles in Philadelphia.
I left early because I have ran into unbelievable traffic on this drive. Luckily it was smooth sailing. Because I was early, I decided to go get a cheesesteak at Pat’s in South Philly. What a great way to fuel up for practice with an authentic Philly Cheesesteak.
Some teams let you get pretty close.
QB Nick Foles – Philadelphia Eagles
RB Shady McCoy – Philadelphia Eagles
Anyone remember the Broad Street Bullies? It was the name of the Philadelphia Flyers back in the 70s with the likes of Dave (The Hammer) Schultz, Moose Dupont, Bobby Clarke, and the Riverton Rifle Reggie Leach. The hockey arena Spectrum, no longer there, was on Broad Street thus the nickname.
The area is ideal for sports fans. The Phillies, the Flyers, and Eagles all play within walking distance of one another.
All three sports venues for the Philadelphia sports fan.
While I was in the lunch room of the Eagles talking to VP of Player Personnel Tom Gamble, Northeast Regional Scout Ryan Myers, and ex-Washburn WR and Pro Personnel Assistant Joe Hastings I was amazed at the people who were having lunch. There was ex-Head Coach Dick Vermeil who took the Eagles to the Super Bowl and won one with the Rams. There was Kevin Greene who played 15 years in the NFL and was an All-Pro 5 times! And there was Harold Carmichael who played 13 years in the NFL and went to 4 Pro Bowls. Carmichael actually played with my good friend Richard Harris in the 70s.
Talk about talent! Quite amazing indeed!
Wearing Green proudly!
Like I said I have three and a half weeks left in my NFL Scouting trip. I will attend eight more games and I have 2 more camps to attend. I love my work. I am very fortunate. Y’all have heard that from me before.
Will keep on working hard to try to help the team.
It’s a privilege and an honour to be with this organization.
GO RIDERS!!!
Smitty
