I recently finished a story about football on Thanksgiving morning. I went to local parks in Mount Prospect, IL and got a better understanding of why people play with the pigskin on Thanksgiving morning. To read that entire story, click here.
I then sat down for an in-depth interview with Chris Romaniwitz, a reciever on the Pilgrims who has played in the annual Pilgrims v. Indians "Turkey Bowl" for the last 18 years.
Greg: Have you always played on the Pilgrims?
Chris: Yep, all 18 years.
Greg: How do you guys decide who plays on what team?
Chris: It really depends. Sometimes guys’ dads played on a particular team, and then their son plays on that same team. Since my dad never played in this game, I was just told to play with the Pilgrims my first year. Other times guys are just placed on whichever team needs another player.
Greg: Interesting. What is one memory that you will never forget after playing in so many Turkey Bowls?
Chris: In 2003, there was a rumor leading up to the game that Todd Stephensons’ (an Indian’s defensive back) daughter’s boyfriend was going to play. I know Todd was hoping that he wasn’t going to play. Well he did. Todd and his daughter’s boyfriend, Jason, 19, were on opposite teams. Jason caught the ball on a deep post and Todd came over and completely laid him out. It was hilarious. Jason was on the ground for a good 30 seconds before he got up. To this day I believe Todd did that to make a statement, put the kid in his place.
Greg: Were you guys playing tackle?
Chris: No, we were playing touch, sometimes a rough touch with an occasional tackle. But Todd just laid the kid out, it was a shock to everyone at first and then we all joked about it after the game.
Greg: What did Jason say after the hit or after the game?
Chris: He didn’t say anything at all after the hit, he was totally caught off-guard. And I don’t think he wanted to say anything to his girlfriend’s dad. He took off right after the game ended, said nice game to a few people and left. That was his one and only Turkey Bowl.
Greg: Haha, that is funny. How does it feel when you win the Turkey Bowl?
Chris: It definitely makes the aches and pains feel a lot better. I have a hot tub in my master bathroom, and I’m in it for a shorter amount of time if we win. I’m more interested in uncorking a bottle of champagne to celebrate.
Greg: And if you lose?
Chris: Then I’m in a pissed off mood, and I don’t really enjoy the rest of the day. I try not to be rude or anything during Thanksgiving dinner, but I’m just not as friendly.
Greg: Do you or any of the other players have a pre-game ritual?
Chris: Yea we do. The night before the game about a dozen guys go to this bar Bogey’s, which is about 15 minutes away from the field. The first thing we do is buy a round of shots, So-Co lime to be exact. Don’t ask me why So-Co, it’s just tradition.
Greg: Do most people get pretty drunk the night before the game, or just have a couple beers, more of a social thing?
Chris: Most of the guys do it more because it’s tradition. There are always a few though that get pretty messed up. Those are the guys you have to call three or four times the next morning to make sure they get their butt out of bed and to the field on time.
Greg: What about yourself, you keep it pretty low key?
Chris: Now I do. But the first five or so years I played, I would get pretty drunk and not go to bed until four in the morning. I don’t think I cared about my performance in the game as much as I do now.
Greg: Why the change in behavior?
Chris: Well now I’m married and have two kids, an eight-year old daughter and a five-year old son. Before I didn’t. I guess I had to grow up (laughs). Plus, I don’t think my wife would be too happy if I came home drunk at 4 a.m.
Greg: Well that’s understandable. Do any of the players’ kids watch the game? Do your kids?
Chris: My kids don’t. I think my son will in a couple years when he is a little bit older. The kids that do come out to the field are usually between eight-and-twelve years old. They are more interested in playing with each other. They might watch the first 20 minutes of the game and then start throwing the football around, play at the park, throw snow balls at each other if there is snow on the ground. So most years there are some kids out there, but they are doing their own thing.
Greg: Is there a minimum age requirement to play in the game?
Chris: Usually it’s guys all over 30. The one exception was in 2003, and after the kid (Jason) got laid out, we all agreed no more kids.
Greg: Well, that makes sense though. Thanks for your time, Chris.
Chris: No problem.
Monday, December 15, 2008
1-on-1 interview with Pilgrims wide reciever Chris Romaniwitz
Turkey and Football
“It’s tradition. These guys look forward to playing in it all year,” said Chris Romaniwitz, 43, who sells insurance the rest of the year but caught passes as the 6-foot 200 pound receiver of the Pilgrims.
Football and Thanksgiving go together like turkey and mashed potatoes, from the annual NFL games in Dallas and Detroit to college football games between in-state rivals.
Then there are the backyard Turkey Bowls: the games played by friends, families and whoever else has the urge to chuck it long like Brett Favre. The games have become Thanksgiving rituals across the United States.
The Pilgrims v. Indians game was first played in the 1970’s, as many of the current players’ dads started the tradition.
“I remember coming out here when I was a little boy and watching my dad and all his friends play,” said John Russo, 37. “My dad was always in a much better mood if he won the game.”
Now Russo is playing in the game as the quarterback for the Indians. He is a divorce lawyer the rest of the year, but on Thanksgiving he puts all that behind him and tries to relive his park district football days.
“I can’t throw the ball as far as I used to,” Russo said. “But I still got pretty good touch on the ball.”
The game is tied and the next touchdown wins. The Indians have the ball and are driving down the field. Russo dropped back and seemed baited to throw it deep by a Pilgrims defensive back. But he underthrew the ball and was intercepted and returned for the game-winning touchdown.
“What a big win,” said Marcus Kardos, the Pilgrims defensive back who had the game-winning interception return for a touchdown. “We’ve lost the past four years and I didn’t want to lose again. I’m going to give Russo crap about it for the next year.”
At another park a mere two blocks away, men in their 50’s and early 60’s were out playing football. Even though some of the men are going to be sore for the next week, they said the two hours of fun is worth it.
“I don’t get to see many of my friends that often,” said John Steward, 58. “I look forward to coming out here and running around even though I have to ice my knees for the next five days,” Steward said, with a smile on his face.
One team had green pinneys, the other blue. It’s six-on-six football with each team having a player over 60. The green team is dominating the blue team, and it is apparent that the blue team is out of shape with half of them gasping for air.
“I see us all out here until we’re 70,” said Tom Lee, an offensive lineman on the blue team. “If anything we’ll have to get a defibrillator out here or something.”
Steward said that as long as he’s able to move with minimal pain he will always play football on Thanksgiving. “The excitement that builds up in me the week leading up to the game is incredible. My favorite part of Thanksgiving is getting out here with friends, and it really doesn’t matter who wins or loses.”
But what makes these games so unique is that the extent of organization is a matter of taste. No practice is required. Design plays on the fly. Team jerseys are a bonus, but torn up sweatshirts and sweatpants work just fine. Tackle or touch. Some keep score, others don’t.
Turkey Bowls are also a way for many to return to times when they were younger, thinner and quicker. “I’ve lost about five steps and gained about fifteen pounds since my high school days,” said Jeff Dombrowski, 38, with a chuckle. “But when I’m playing in the Turkey Bowl none of that matters because everyone else I play against is also fatter and slower.”
One word of caution: injuries do happen. At a park ten minutes away from where the Pilgrims and Indians battled, a game between the Giants and Huskies was in progress. The game was 11 v. 11, tackle with no pads. Five men stood off to the side watching the game.
Josh Smith, 28, said that he tore his Achilles tendon last year playing in this game. “It totally ruined my Thanksgiving,” Smith said. “I don’t know if I didn’t warm up enough or what, but I’m still not 100 percent.”
Tom Jones, 31, standing right next to Smith, broke his collarbone two years ago and quit. “I played in this game more for fun and it wasn’t worth getting seriously injured, to me at least,” Jones said. “I still wanted to come out here and support the other guys, but I cringe at the big hits in fear of someone else getting injured.”
The best way to avoid injury is to stay in modest physical condition. For some, this translates to dominating performances during the game and the turkey and mashed potatoes tasting that much better during Thanksgiving dinner.
“I try to keep myself in half-decent shape, and if you do that, you have a great shot at being better than anyone else out there,” said Vance Violante, who took home the MVP award with three touchdowns and two interceptions for the Huskies. “I’ve won the past two MVP awards and have won the last four Turkey Bowls.
“The winners enjoy the food a lot more and are a little less sore the next day.”
Friday, December 12, 2008
2 more Bears wins should clinch them a playoff berth
Here are my thoughts on the game from what I’ve read and what I saw on the Bears post game show.
After dominating the first half and winning 21-7 at halftime, the Bears offense stalled and couldn’t put up any points in the second half. In the meantime, the Bears defense, which dominated the majority of the game, allowed the Saints to move the ball and take a 24-21 lead with just over 7 minutes remaining.
Why can’t the Bears put a complete game together? That has been one of their biggest problems all year. The offense plays good for ½ or ¾ of the game but then there is another quarter where they move the ball 10 yards.
Or the defense plays well the first 80% of the game but then can’t stop a team in the last two minutes, proven in earlier losses to Tampa Bay and Carolina.
At 8-6 Bears are still sitting pretty. If they can win their last two games over Green Bay and Houston, I like the Bears chances of getting into the playoffs at 10-6.
Bears squeak by Saints in overtime, keep playoff hopes alive
After a practice kick, Gould walked back onto the field and booted the Saints out of Soldier Field with another devastating loss. He connected from 35 yards on Chicago's first possession of overtime, lifting the Bears to a 27-24 victory that boosted their playoff hopes.
"I like it," Gould said. "I get an opportunity to get a warmup kick in but also see and judge exactly how the wind is blowing. For me, I wish every coach would do that and give me the opportunity. They say ice, but I don't think it really works."
After leaving Chicago with season-ending losses the past two years, the Saints looked as if they were ready to end their frustration. Instead, their slim playoff hopes took another blow thanks to Gould, who also converted a 28-yarder on the final play of regulation.
Drew Brees hit Marques Colston for an 11-yard touchdown pass with just over 3 minutes left in regulation to give New Orleans its first lead at 24-21.
Kyle Orton responded by leading the Bears on a tying drive, setting up overtime between the 7-6 teams.
"You've got to know that Robbie is a Pro bowl kicker," Hester said. "That's what he was there for. In a situation like that you know that he is good for it. That pass interference was a big part of a victory. It set up the field goal in range and all we had to do was kind of keep the ball in the middle of the field and give Robbie a shot."
The Bears still need plenty of help to reach the postseason.
The Bears (8-6) are a half-game behind NFC North leader Minnesota, but the Vikings hold the tiebreaker. Chicago also is a half-game out of a wild-card spot.
It was another rough night in Chicago for New Orleans (7-7), which lost the NFC championship game here two years ago and saw its slim postseason hopes vanish with a loss on the final day last season at Soldier Field. The last-place Saints still have a shot at the wild card, but can forget about catching NFC South leader Carolina.
"Every time we've played them we've been in a similar situation," Brees said. "They've gotten the best of us."
Danieal Manning returned the opening kickoff 83 yards for a touchdown and helped set up Matt Forte's 1-yard TD run with a 52-yard return early in the second as the Bears grabbed a 14-7 lead. Forte's score came after Jason David grabbed Hester as he tried to catch a deep pass down the middle, putting the ball on the 5.
Orton's 6-yard scramble in the closing minute of the half made it a 14-point game.
With their second straight win and third in four games, the Bears finally appear to be hitting their stride after a 23-10 win over Jacksonville on Sunday. They'll try to make it three in a row -- something they haven't done since the 2006 Super Bowl season -- at Green Bay a week from Monday.
Chicago native and Illinois product Pierre Thomas started the Saints' comeback with a 42-yard touchdown run that made it 21-14 with 3:44 left in the third. Josh Bullucks set up the score, intercepting an Orton pass when it deflected off wide receiver Rashied Davis.
Glenn Pakulak kicked a 30-yard field goal with just over 9 minutes left to set the stage for Brees' go-ahead pass to Colston.
Chicago got a scare early when Forte limped to the sideline with a toe injury after his first attempt -- a run for no gain on the left side. He finished with 34 yards rushing and 29 receiving.
Orton was 24-of-40 with 172 yards and two interceptions.
The Saints got some good news before the game when a judge in Minnesota extended his injunction against the suspensions of Will Smith, Deuce McAllister and Charles Grant along with the Vikings' Kevin Williams and Pat Williams for violating the NFL's anti-doping policy.
Smith started at defensive end. McAllister was inactive and Grant (torn triceps) is on injured reserve.
"It's frustrating for everybody," said Reggie Bush, who sprained his knee in the first half and sat out the second even though he said he was fine.
Game notesSaints starting LT Jammal Brown sat out with an ankle injury. ... Chicago was without veteran WR Marty Booker, who injured his ribs in Sunday's game against Jacksonville and has been bothered by knee and hamstring problems.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Power Rankings: Week 15
1. Titans (12-1)-They outscored the Lions and Browns the past two weeks by a score of 75-19. Have one more gimme against the Texans this week before finishing with two toughies, vs. Pittsburgh and at Indy.
2. Giants (11-2)-A little bit of a surprising loss because the Giants have been so dominant. Two more victories wrap up the #1 seed in the NFC.
3. Steelers (10-3)-The Steelers are 16-5 in December games since 2004. Elite teams step up and win games in December, and that is why the Steelers are always title contenders.
4. Panthers (10-3)-Are in the driver’s seat in the NFC South with a big win over Tampa on Monday night.
5. Colts (9-4)-On a six game winning streak, should make it eight with their next two games against Detroit and Jacksonville.
6. Ravens (9-4)-My vote for the surprise team of the year. Two wins in the last three games clinches a playoff berth.
7. Buccaneers (9-4)-The loss to Carolina knocked the Bucs out of first place in the division and exposed their defensive flaws. Even a loss to Atlanta keeps the Bucs in the race because they finish with home games against San Diego and Oakland.
8. Cowboys (8-5)-Crushing defeat at Pittsburgh as the ‘Boys had control of the game before the Romo INT. Have three tough games remaining against the Giants, Ravens and Eagles.
9. Cardinals (8-5)-The Cardinals are in position to pass the Vikings for the third seed in NFC.
10. Patriots (8-5)-The Patriots don't control their own destiny, but as long as they keep winning they have a shot at the playoffs.
11. Dolphins (8-5)-The next two games are against the 49ers and Chiefs. If the Dolphins win them, like they should, they would be sitting atop the division going into the Meadowlands to play Brett Favre and the Jets the last game of the season.
12. Falcons (8-5)-The Falcons were bound to lose again before the season ended, and the Saints are very tough to beat in the Superdome.
13. Eagles (7-5-1)-They're back in the thick of things after a huge win over the Giants. This team is scary now that Brian Westbrook is healthy.
14. Vikings (8-5)-Not an overly impressive win against the Detroit, but a big one because the Vikings own the tiebreaker over the Bears should they finished tied atop the NFC North.
15. Jets (8-5)-Two straight losses have dropped the Jets into a 3-way tie with the Patriots and Dolphins. Play Buffalo and Seattle the next two weeks which should be wins, and would set up a huge showdown with the Dolphins on week 17.
16. Broncos (8-5)-Are the up-and-down Broncos finally showing consistency as they close in on the AFC West crown?
17. Saints (7-6)-Once again, the Saints are still alive. They played perhaps their best game of the season against Atlanta. But their only real chance at a playoff spot is to run the table at Chicago, at Detroit and home with Carolina.
18. Redskins (7-6)-The Skins were 6-2 at the halfway point and looking at a possible #1 seed. After losing four of five, they might not even make the playoffs.
19. Bears (7-6)-The Bears will play in a quick turnaround game Thursday night, but it's against a New Orleans team that struggles away from the Superdome.
20. Texans (6-7)-Shocking win at Lambeau to all but end the Packers hopes of winning the NFC North. It’s about time the Texans won a close game.
21. Chargers (5-8)-The Chargers are coming off of their best win of the season. But is it too late?
22. Bills (6-7)-Great start at 5-1, but after losing 6 of 7 this team is staying home for the postseason.
23. Packers (5-8)-Will the defending NFC North champs win again this year? Let the Brett Favre would have led us to the playoffs debate begin in Green Bay.
24. 49ers (5-8)-The Niners are wondering what might have been with Shaun Hill starting all season.
25. Jaguars (4-9)-Offense was awful at Chicago. They can’t run or pass the ball successfully. One of the two most disappointing teams in the league along with San Diego.
26. Browns (4-9)-Bye bye Romeo.
27. Chiefs (2-11)-At least Herm Edwards has this team playing hard. Have lost a couple of close ones the last couple of weeks.
28. Raiders (3-10)-One of the worst, if not the worst, franchises in the NFL in the last five years.
29. Seahawks (2-11)-When you are below the Raiders you know you’re awful.
30. St. Louis (2-11)-The Cardinals are good, but are beating up on the Seahawks, Niners and Rams. I think Florida would give the Rams a run for their money.
31. Bengals (1-11-1)-The Bengals might as well count their tie against the Eagles as a win.
32. Lions (0-13)-Will Detroit win a game, or be the first team since the 1976 Bucs to go winless?
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Jaguars just what the doctor ordered for the Bears
Luckily the Jacksonville Jaguars were at Soldier Field, because the Bears dominated the majority of the game in posting a 23-10 victory.
I actually didn’t even watch much of the game because I was so intrigued by the Lions-Vikings game. The Lions hung tough but could not pull off the upset as the Vikings prevailed 20-16. This is bad news for the Bears because the Vikings own the tiebreaker by way of a better conference record.
The defense dominated and held the Jaguars to 278 total yards of offense, with some of it coming in the 4th quarter when the Jaguars threw on every down.
Kyle Orton played a lot better than he did last week against Minnesota, going 20/34 for 219 yards and 2 TD’s.
The Bears now have a quick turnaround and host the Saints on Thursday night. Drew Brees and the Saints offense have been on a tear lately, so it will be a much tougher challenge than the Jaguars inept offense.
The Bears are going to need to win their final three games in order to win the division.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Predicting the NFC North Champ
The Bears have four games remaining starting tomorrow with the Jaguars. With all this hoopla surrounding who is going to play in what bowl game, I decided to look at the NFC North playoff picture and determine if the Bears have a shot at winning the division and clinching a playoff berth.
Minnesota Vikings (7-5)
Analysis: If the Vikings have both Pat and Kevin Williams for the remainder of the season they will win their first division title since 2000. If not, the Bears might overtake the Vikings but I doubt it with the way the Bears have played the last four weeks (1-3). Plus, the Vikings have a pretty nice schedule the last four games (at Detroit, at Arizona, vs. Atlanta, vs. NY Giants). If the Vikings can win two more games to finish 9-7 they should win the division.
Key player to watch: Obviously everyone is going to say Adrian Peterson, but I bet that defensive coordinators are going to game plan to stop him. The key player to watch is wide receiver Bernard Berrian. Every game this season where he’s had over 100-yards receiving the Vikings have won. If he can have a couple more big games it will greatly enhance the Vikings chances of winning the division.
Chances of winning the division: 80%
Chicago Bears (6-6)
Analysis: The Bears have lost three of their last four games with the only win coming against the lowly Rams. To make matters worse, the passing game has regressed since Kyle Orton sprained his ankle Nov. 2 against the Lions. If the passing game can’t get back on track starting tomorrow, the Bears will be sitting at home during the postseason. I want to say the Bears have a huge advantage with their schedule, with three games in a row at Soldier Field and a road game at Houston. But with the way the passing game has struggled and the defenses inability to stop anyone I predict the Bears finishing 8-8.
Key player to watch: Devin Hester. Since he isn’t producing any big plays on special teams anymore, he really needs to step up at receiver and turn more seven-yard slant routes into 65-yard touchdowns as he did against the Vikings last week. The passing game needs Hester’s big play ability to stretch the field in order to open up more holes for Matt Forte.
Chances of winning the division: 15%
Green Bay Packers (5-7)
Analysis: The Packers are all but eliminated unless they win their remaining games, which is doable (vs. Houston and Detroit, at Chicago, at Jacksonville). However, I don’t see the Packers jumping the Vikings.
Chances of winning the division: 5%
