I'm a lucky dude.
I'm a ballboy for the Ravens. We played Miami yesterday and I spent the 1st half on the opposing sideline. I caught Henne standing around by himself and said, "Ever put up 67 points on a Saturday, dude?"
He laughed and said, "I wish. That was crazy."
Then in the 2nd half I was messing with Prescott Burgess about Henne and he said, "Riiiiiiight, he wouldn't know what the hell to do in that offense."
I didn't approach Jake Long.... he looked rather angry.
Talked at length with Zbikowski (who's currently injured) before the game. I told him he's lucky he didn't have to deal with a kid like Denard when he was at Notre Dame. Zibby's a good dude, he went into pretty great detail about how difficult a safety's life is trying to defend a guy like that. He also said that even without a QB like Denard, the spread is a real bitch to figure out b/c even if they're not gaining huge chunks of yardage, they're almost always going to get 4-5 per snap unless you have out of their mind linebackers.
Also, while slightly OT.... Rachel Nichols' camerman looks EXACTLY like Mr. Roper.
Hilariousness.
November 8th, 2010 at 9:13 AM ^
I'm jealous that you (presumably) got to be near Rachel Nichols.
Oh, and your stories were really cool, too. That's pretty sweet you're a ballboy. Though, I might advise against approaching Woodley in a few weeks when the Ravens host the Steelers.
November 8th, 2010 at 9:14 AM ^
Absolutely seconded. Rachel Nichols and Jenn Brown are the ones to watch now, Erin Andrews is too mainstream.
November 8th, 2010 at 9:18 AM ^
when I see Erin Andrews....... "Too mainstream. Yucky."
November 8th, 2010 at 9:25 AM ^
I was in the same boat. Until I was a creeper and watched the Erin Andrews hotel video.... I don't care if she's as mainstream as Bieber after seeing that thing.
November 8th, 2010 at 10:22 AM ^
Yeah, this is a really creepy comment.
November 8th, 2010 at 11:00 AM ^
Yeah, I know how creepy it is to find a hot girl attractive after seeing her without clothes on.... super creepy really.
:) (I know your comment wasn't aimed that way)
November 8th, 2010 at 9:55 AM ^
You know, there are a few local sports chicks that far out-do Rachel Nichols in my humble opinion.
I mean, she's attractive and all, but she's got much more of a beak than you probably realize.
On the plus side, her cameraman...
November 8th, 2010 at 10:22 AM ^
However, I would love the opportunity to make that call for myself, up-close.
November 8th, 2010 at 11:03 AM ^
Looks like she's involved...
November 8th, 2010 at 10:16 AM ^
Yep. Going to have to win that lotto.
November 8th, 2010 at 10:51 AM ^
November 8th, 2010 at 9:17 AM ^
Are you in any way responsible for Troy Smith not panning out, and if so, I salute you.
November 8th, 2010 at 9:45 AM ^
I feel kinda dirty for saying it, but Troy really wasn't a bad guy.
Total Cleveland street thug when the cameras aren't on him, and he probably has a bit of an inflated opinion of himself, but not really a bad guy.
November 8th, 2010 at 9:18 AM ^
I am insanely jealous of you, that had to have been a way cool experience...
November 8th, 2010 at 9:37 AM ^
...Jake Long = Good Move.
Thanks for sharing. I'm jealous and happy for you all at the same time.
November 8th, 2010 at 10:44 AM ^
Sometimes I take it for granted, as it doesn't pay much and it eats up my entire weekend. (Have to set up the locker room, etc... on Saturday mornings until about noon and take the equipment back to the facility after the game.)
But I've gotta admit, it's fun to play catch with NFL players.
November 8th, 2010 at 11:06 AM ^
Sitting behind this desk is bad enough on a Monday. Now all I'm gonna think about all day is how I should have majored in Ball Boy instead of engineering. I was blinded by science! That bitch.
November 8th, 2010 at 1:02 PM ^
Meh, I majored in Finance.
Just happen to know a guy or two.
November 8th, 2010 at 11:07 AM ^
Cool story. Jake Long does not seem like a man who takes losing well, so probably best to give him a wide berth.
November 8th, 2010 at 11:14 AM ^
By bleuadams...too soon?
November 8th, 2010 at 1:04 PM ^
That is so awesome. What is it about meeting pro athletes or college athletes that we remember every detail no matter how many years ago it was?
You have an amazing gig there.
November 8th, 2010 at 3:06 PM ^
I think my favorite moment from doing it for the past 9 years was meeting Johnny Unitas before he passed away. But having said that, knowing OJ Brigance before and during his battle with ALS has been extremely humbling, heartbreaking and wonderful all at the same time.
I'm too young to have seen Unitas play, but living in Baltimore, it's impossible to grow up blind to the legend and the impact he had on the game.