Welcome To "Johnny Football"

“The Heisman” probably the most recognized individual trophy in sports, has just graced its newest fraternity member, Freshman Quarterback Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M University. Started in 1935 by program Director John Heisman, it’s the oldest coveted award presented to the most outstanding player in college football.  Former Players such as; Charles Woodson (‘97), Reggie Bush (‘05), Tim Tebow (‘07) have all won the award and of course Archie Griffin (‘74&’75), the only player in history to win the award twice.

This is why the significance of Johnny Manziel winning the award is such a formidable feat. Not only is he only a freshman in college but also, he has the potential to only get better. For the first time in nearly forty years, there may be a two-time winning Heisman Trophy Holder in Manziel. Johnny Manziel was able to set NCAA Freshman Quarterback records within; rushing yards for a season, total offensive yards for a season and the first freshman to throw for three thousand yards and rush for one thousand yards in a single season.

It is an understatement to say, that this player deserves to be not only a candidate, but to be a Heisman Trophy winner. Two other outstanding players who equally deserved the award were: Manti Teo, Linebacker from Notre Dame University and Kansas State Quarterback, Colin Klein. One interesting fact is how “Johnny Football” was able to beat Alabama on their home field in Tuscaloosa. He was able to scramble when he needed to, run when he had to, and adjust to the different pass coverage Alabama was showcasing.

Another freshman Quarterback, Everett Golson of Notre Dame University, resembles some of the same abilities of Jonny Manziel. Golson will have a chance to manifest some of the same outcomes when he leads the “Fighting Irish” into this years National Championship game against Alabama. Johnny Manziel has elevated the new standard for all incoming freshman quarterbacks in college football.

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Notre Dame Football: "Return of a Champion"

For the first time since 1988, Notre Dame Football will make their first appearance on the National Championship Stage. Why is this so relevant? A program with a storied tradition re-captures their place in the national spotlight. Led by sophomore Quarterback Everett Golson and Heisman Trophy candidate Manti Te’o.

Holding already thirteen National Championship Trophies in their possession and seven Heisman trophy winners, the Fighting Irish are vastly new to this era of champions. What may be even more intriguing, is the possible match up of facing last years National Champion, Alabama. Notre Dame is second in National Championship titles only to Alabama, and the Tide have been on a steady roll since the arrival of Head Coach Nick Saban. Winners of two National Championships since became Head Football Coach.

With an astonishing 44 collegiate Hall of Famers and a host of individual accolades received by players past and present, Notre Dame Football has returned to its championship form. With coaching transitions being changed radically after the Lou Holtz era, Brian Kelly has provided a solid presence within the program. Formerly, Head Coach of the Cincinnati Bearcats, Coach Kelly has revamped a program that has a tradition for winning. In 2010, Coach Kelly won the vacant position of Head Coach and began re-shaping what he felt was a program close to a National Title contender, he was right.

Since his arrival, the Fighting Irish have produced a 28-10-win loss record and voted unanimously number one for the first time in the new BCS system. The team also defeated their rival the University of Southern California Trojans for the first time in ten years. Icing on the cake to complete their universities first perfect season since 1988. Without a doubt, the cherry on top would be a National Championship win in Miami, where they’ll either face the University of Georgia Bulldogs or the reigning National Champion Alabama Crimson Tide. 

Company Profile: IMG, Leader in Entertainment

In pursuing a career within the sports entertainment industry, there are many companies that a candidate may choose as an employer. With a wide variety of avenues being; Sports, Fashion, Entertainment and Marketing, there is one company that has excelled in nearly every avenue imaginable for nearly 50 years, IMG. Originally titled International Management Group within Sports Media. An ideal company that provides multiple avenues in Sports and Entertainment is IMG. A world leading power house in providing talent recruitment and setting the standard in delivering the very "best" quality representation.

Arnold Palmer and Mike McCormack started the company in 1960. Mr. McCormack was a lawyer who believed in athletes capitalizing their revenue earned through promotions, advertising and sponsorship. Arnold Palmer was his first client, a legendary Golfer with a marketing presence. In 2004, entrepreneur Ted Fortsmann purchased IMG and has established the company's position as the leader in Sports and Entertainment business industry. Employing nearly 3,000 employees and representing 1,000 talents across the globe, is only a glimpse of the prestige that is IMG. The most remarkable attribute of IMG, is the top level success that ranges across the board within; Fashion (Calvin Klein, Lancome, David Yurman) partners, Sports (Football, Basketball, Soccer etc.) and Television (MTV, Disney Networks) to name some of the widely known companies in the world.

IMG provides internships and opportunities to undergraduates and post graduate students. With a variety of different avenues already being represented by the company, their are many different opportunities career wise within the IMG corporation. The main corporation is based in Cleveland, Ohio. Since their original corporate office opening in 1965, the company has ventured across the globe.   The company also has its own academic university and class offerings within various universities in the U.S. Given their history, business structure and balance within all industries, IMG would be a great opportunity.

TED.Com Speaker: Heather Brooke "My Battle to Expose Government Corruption"

Speaker Heather Brooke, presented "My Battle to Expose Government Corruption" for Ted.Com.  Ms. Brooke revolutionized the British Parliament, by exposing the fraudulent data base within the British government. Six ministers were forced to resigned, Military Police were arrested and a new government was placed in British government. According to Ms. Brooke, technologies mainstream accessibility was the main source for her success. Above that, it was the need to fight for a true democracy within her country.

Are the people of the U.S. coherent for government truths? What Heather Brooke accomplished in England was without a doubt a remarkable outcome. Her triumphant task to ask and pursue public information for the betterment of her country, provides an insight on how to gain such knowledge. Ms. Brooke spoke of, "Freedom of Speech", "Freedom of Information" and "Freedom for the People". Our government was built "By the people" and "For the people" but how true has that statement come to pass.

Such historic events have been regularly in question by general public: "Area 51", "Kennedy Assassination", "911" have all been events that have been questioned as government involved events. Ms. Brooke also refers to "Officials being held accountable for their actions" and "Power being more of a disease rather than a precious cause".  According to the speaker, we as the general public, need to fight against oppression and not allow our government to keep the public blind to such events. We as the general public have a right and a duty to find truth and hold those who exploit truth accountable.

Small Market vs Major Market...Who's Better?

For every Yankee, Celtic and Cowboy there are the Royals, Thunder and Browns. Each team has a different sized market that plays a key role within the respective organizations. The draw of the city brings the draw for the players, however, which market makes for the better team. As we've seen in past sports history, the Major city (5 million or more population) is often the victor in championships or continued success. For example, the New York Yankees, despite their current post season pitfalls, the Yankees are a year-to-year highly favored contender for a championship. Why?

The market within major cities attract to different capable opportunities of revenue for players. Would Jordan have Nike if he weren't in Chicago?, Would Derek Jeter be as recognized if he played in Milwaukee?. The Denver Nuggets were apart of the wild spread "Melo Drama" during Carmelo Anthony's trade to the New York Knicks but, Denver feels they are the better team. Denver Head Coach George Karl said; "There are as many or more,  good small market teams than there are big market". As small market teams continue to be competitive within their respective sport, it leaves the argument of higher revenue generated teams and their high paid player's are contending for the attention or the competition. 

Minority Representation in Sports Front Office

This current percentage for minorities within the U.S. is currently around thirteen percent. The current minority head coaches in the NFL is just four, Three general managers and no owners. Female representation is little to none throughout professional male dominated sports. With aspirations of one day becoming apart of such an elite fraternity group, is this a realistic opportunity or just a fair assumption, minorities will have a difficult time gaining representation within such fraternities.

Author Brad Muster for 'The Sport Journal' wrote the article "Minority Hiring Practices in Professional Sports" who comments, "As a business, the teams and leagues must concern themselves with dominant public issues". Fact the professional sporting world is dominated by minority employees, nearly eight percent in the NFL, seventy percent in the NBA and thirty percent in Major League baseball. You would think with that kind of experience, former players would have a good perspective on how to operate or manage a team. More often than not, such teams are run and owned by major corporations in different industries. These owners are a fraternity of a majority that rarely grant opportunities to any applicants, regardless of minority.

So why still dream of such an accomplishment?, As in any timeline or era, there are changes and trail blazer who create opportunities for aspiring minorities to strive for such a goal to be obtained. Minority representation has risen within the last decade including: Michael Jordan (Charlotte Bobcats) majority owner, Jay-Z (Brooklyn Nets), Nelly (Charlotte Bobcats), Serena and Venus Williams (Miami Dolphins), are just a few limited owners who have started a new trend of minorities seeking owners and may possibly team up to majority own a team. Jerry Reese (New York Giants General Manger), Ozzie Newsome (Baltimore Ravens General Manager). These minorities mentioned provide an inspiration for individuals like myself who look for an avenue in such a competitive industry.

How Business is Affecting Sports

Throughout history in sports, it used to be what the team provided as a contract the athlete accepted at no real negotiation holdout or delay. With the business aspect in sports growing and athletes becoming more and more business minded in their respective sports as a whole, today's athletes are changing how business is being conducted. Im interested in becoming a professional team consultant and assist in contract negotiations. Mediation is constantly growing with sporting professionals eager to to come to a finalization without the dramatization placed by players or organizations. It is my goal to provide a service as a mediator to come to terms for both sides were there can be a mutual agreement between professionals.

Thepeoplehistory.com wrote an article titled "Sports the History and Evolution". In this column, the author relates to business in sports started changing the aspect of the actual event relating back to the 1970's. The article also shows how on a collegiate level, counterparts such as: coaches and athletic directors are making just as much money as professionals excluding the actual collegiate players.
For every professional player that leaves college early, who leaves your favorite team for just one million dollar more on their signing bonus changes the aspect of collecting to gaining a dollar.

Dr. Steven Wolfers of Stanford University, wrote an article 'The Business of Sports: Where's the Money?' Based on his research back in 2001, sports grossed over one hundred fifty two billion dollars in one year. Shared between T.V. deals, cable companies, and attendees. With this kind of revenue the business aspect of sports has evolved into today's business.

Prime example, this off season in football, the star player for the New Orleans Saints Quarterback, Drew Brees held out of training camp for an extended contract. He's in his prime as a player after breaking records last year in nearly every passing category for an individual and an offense. His contract totaled one hundred million for remaining of his great career. As a mediator, my services would be to intervene both sides and create an environment that grants all parties to state their concerns and come to a means.

In 1989, Joe Montana, arguably the greatest quarterback of all-time had a historic contract of making three million a year. Times have changed and players have changed their mindset of accepting a dollar to demanding their dollar. Business will continuing to grow and change and as long as we are fortunate to see these athletes participate in sporting events behind close doors we will also have a game in the front office. With an economy on the rise, will create a domino effect to attendees in arenas. Creating larger venues, increasing revenue and players seeking more revenue for their services.