ProLink Sports

ProLink Sports Update

2011-02-15T09:22:00.000-08:00

As ProLink Sports approaches the three-year mark in its evolution there is news to share. Effective Feb. 28, partner Paul Kirk will assume the role of Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. While this will mark a change for the company, ProLink will continue its Denver-based operations to serve clients in their support of the community.

When we began this partnership our goal was to develop a unique agency model that drew upon both our unique and shared backgrounds in sports business, to effectively adjust to the changing landscape of sports PR and marketing.

As new opportunities arise, a strength of ProLink Sports has been its ability to adapt and meet the distinctive needs of our clients in this ever-changing world. Having built the relationships we have been fortunate to build, and put in place the programs around them, there is an exciting future for ProLink Sports as it continues to grow and evolve.

--Judianne Atencio, ProLink Sports

Dawkins Brings Message of Hope and Awareness for Children in Foster Care

2010-12-17T09:07:00.000-08:00

Brian Dawkins will never forget the Jacksonville, Fla., neighborhood where he was raised. What drives him, though, is how far he’s come from there.

When Dawkins threw a Christmas party Tuesday for 75 foster children from Arapahoe and Jefferson Counties, he shared with them a message of hope and empowerment.

“Don’t let where you are affect your future,” Dawkins told the kids from the Arapahoe-Jefferson Counties Collaborative Program for Foster Care and Adoption. “It’s about where you’re going to finish.”

With the help of Mile High United Way and ProLink Sports, Dawkins brought this group of children together to share some of his blessings this holiday season. The Denver Broncos’ all-pro safety welcomed them to the place where he does his work, the Broncos’ training facility, and gave them a meal, gifts, a photo with Santa Claus and him, and a personal message.

“This is something I truly live by,” Dawkins said. “I never let someone’s opinion of me define me. They don’t control the pencil in my hand. There have been some bad circumstances in my life. When I was younger I lost two of my best friends to violence. But other people don’t have the last say-so. You have the last say-so. Always remember that.”

Feeling the passion behind the words Dawkins spoke was truly inspirational. He held the kids’ attention with his personal testimony.

“Surround yourself with the right people,” Dawkins continued. “Believe me when I say you are cared about. You always hear about how there are stars up there and you have to reach for them. Put your own star up there and reach for that. Don’t reach for the stars that are already up there. You put a star up there and say, ‘I want to be such-and-such.’ That’s your star, and then you reach for that. On a daily basis, you reach for THAT star. Decide along the way on the decisions that you have to make in order for that star to be reached, that goal to be achieved.”

Through his program, Dawkins generously blessed children in need with Christmas presents they would not have otherwise received. From Lego sets and books, to dolls, clothing and remote-control cars, the gifts brought smiles to their faces as they opened them before the party concluded. But they also left with a message of hope on their hearts, and a game plan for how to fulfill that hope.

“When you leave here,” Dawkins concluded, “make sure you have your star that you reach for. Don’t let anybody define you, and it’s not where you start, it’s where you end.”

Brian Dawkins and ProLink Sports would like to thank Mile High United Way for coordinating with Arapahoe County to arrange for this group of children to receive these blessings. The efforts of Mark Taylor, Director of Donor Relations for Mile High United Way, and Kippi Clausen, Director of Policy and Population Based Strategies, were instrumental in making this possible.

The Arapahoe-Jefferson Counties Collaborative Program for Foster Care and Adoption recruits, trains and supports foster and kinship families throughout the metro-Denver area to provide temporary care for children who cannot safely remain in their homes. They are always seeking individuals and couples in the community who can care for foster children until they can return home, be adopted or live independently.

There are presently more than 900 children in the foster care program in Arapahoe and Jefferson counties. To learn more about how you can help these children, visit http://www.collaborativefostercare.com/

--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
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Decker and Thomas Bring Holiday Cheer to Kids

2010-12-08T15:05:00.000-08:00

The holiday spirit was alive and well on Monday night, Dec. 6, as Denver Broncos players Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas helped 25 members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver enjoy the gift of giving. The rookie wide receivers gave their time and personal attention to the kids to help them purchase Christmas gifts for members of their family at SuperTarget in Lone Tree, Colo.

The children were selected by the Boys & Girls Clubs for their outstanding participation in their after-school program. They had prepared detailed shopping lists of items to purchase, and were allowed a generous budget to find gifts to bring cheer to as many family members as possible this holiday season.

Lists in hand and smiles on their faces, the kids lined up their carts and set out with Decker, Thomas, volunteers and store associates to find just the right gifts for the special people in their lives.

Decker and two young shoppers made their first stop in the toy department, looking over the array of Nerf guns and Lego sets, very popular for the boys on their lists. He helped the boys sort out which items fit together before it was time to move onto taking care of other family members.

Thomas and his troops covered a lot of ground throughout the store and assessed the scene before their carts began to fill up. First up was a plush, pink bathrobe and centerpiece with candles for mom, followed by a collection of Hot Wheels cars for a nephew.

“I’m happy that I can actually buy my family presents,” remarked one young shopper. “My Mom is going to be happy and my brother, he usually doesn’t get anything for Christmas from me. It’s just heartwarming…there’s no way to explain it.”

Offensive lineman Zane Beadles joined his fellow rookie teammates on this night and shared his wisdom on everything from clothing to toys for the kids.

As the children reached their budget limit and made sure they had covered everyone on their list, they moved to the gift-wrapping stage. Decker, Thomas and Beadles also proved to be quite capable in that arena. They stayed until the last packages were wrapped and then bid farewell to their new friends and fellow shoppers.

Each was extremely generous with his time and helped make a special night even more meaningful for the children, who spoke of their appreciation.

“It’s really nice of them,” said one child. “They’re helping you and walking you all around the store, helping you find things for your family, just having fun.”

Several others spoke of the joy it gave them to be able to have gifts for the other members of their families, who often might not receive a gift at all. These are lasting impressions that will make an impact not only on the children, but on their new football-playing friends as well.

The evening was made possible by a generous grant from Doug Morton and Marilyn Brown.

Special thanks to Sandi Loveland and the team at the SuperTarget store in Lone Tree, Colo., store for being such a terrific partner in this program.

--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
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Denver Broncos Rookie WRs Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas To Bring Cheer to Kids

2010-12-03T06:50:00.001-08:00

MEDIA ADVISORY: Friday, Dec. 3, 2010

CONTACT: ProLink Sports
Paul Kirk, 303-929-4686 / pkirk@prolinksports.net
Judianne Atencio, 303-886-3950 / jatencio@prolinksports.net

DENVER BRONCOS WRs ERIC DECKER AND DEMARYIUS THOMAS LEND A HAND TO CHILDREN WITH HOLIDAY SHOPPING TRIP

Rookie wide receivers will be joined by teammates Monday, Dec. 6 to shop with children from Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver

WHO:
Denver Broncos wide receivers Eric Decker and Demaryius Thomas reach out to help children in their community by hosting a holiday shopping trip. They will be joined by a number of their teammates for this festive evening to bring cheer to children in need this holiday season.

WHAT:
Twenty-five children, ranging in age from 8 to 14, are being rewarded for their outstanding participation in their after-school program with a trip to buy holiday presents. They have been encouraged to write up their “Holiday Wish Lists” in preparation for this exciting evening. Each child will be given a budget to shop for gifts for other members of his or her family.

The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is to inspire and enable young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.

WHEN:
Monday, December 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

WHERE:
SuperTarget – 10001 Commons Street, Lone Tree, CO, 80124 (Yosemite & Lincoln, just west of I-25 & Lincoln).

**GREAT VISUALS; MEDIA WELCOME TO ATTEND**

# # #

Brian Dawkins Continues Tradition of Giving

2010-12-03T06:22:00.001-08:00

For the second year in a row, Denver Broncos All Pro safety Brian Dawkins teamed up with King Soopers and Meadow Gold Dairies to provide complete Thanksgiving dinners to families throughout Colorado served by The Salvation Army.

The meals were distributed through The Salvation Army to families in need in Denver, Fort Collins, Greeley, Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Grand Junction.

Dawkins understands the great need that exists for families to receive assistance in these tough economic times, and embraces his role as a leader who can improve the lives of people in his community. He reached out to partners King Soopers and Meadow Gold Dairies to ensure families the opportunity to gather in their own homes to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.

“The Lord has blessed me and I know how important it is to give a hand up to our neighbors who may need it during these tough times,” said Dawkins. “I am grateful that the folks at King Soopers and Meadow Gold Dairies joined me in providing these meals, once again.”

“King Soopers is pleased to once again partner with Brian Dawkins, Meadow Gold and The Salvation Army to provide a Thanksgiving dinner to Colorado families in need,” said Kelli McGannon, King Soopers Marketing and Community Relations Director.

“We salute Brian’s leadership and we are proud to partner with him to support The Salvation Army’s great work in our communities,” said Scott Barnard, General Sales Manager, Meadow Gold Dairies.

“Thanksgiving is a time for family. We really appreciate this partnership in helping us to help others,” said Major Victor Doughty, Intermountain Divisional Commander. “This statewide initiative with our Corps will aid hundreds of families that have come to us for help this holiday season.”

We salute our client Brian and thank King Soopers, Meadow Gold and The Salvation Army for teaming up to make this possible for the second year in a row.

MEDIA: Denver Broncos Official Website coverage.

--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports

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Paxton Serves Up Best Shot with Active Force Foundation Fundraiser

2010-10-11T14:21:00.001-07:00

The Active Force Foundation is rapidly expanding its reach and impact in Colorado, a year-and-a-half after vice president Lonie Paxton’s signing with the Denver Broncos. After the success of April’s NFL Draft Party and Bowling Bash, AFF took another huge step forward on Sept. 28, 2010 with the inaugural Lonie Paxton Celebrity Sporting Clays Challenge at Kiowa Creek Sporting Club near Bennett, Colo.

Different from the usual golf events, it was Paxton’s vision to bring to Colorado a unique and different form of fundraiser that gave people the chance to come out and compete with one another on Kiowa Creek’s professionally-designed clays course. The day included a pre-event barbecue lunch, courtesy of Leevers Supermarkets, the 12-station clays competition, post-event awards ceremony, dinner courtesy of Angie’s Restaurant, and both silent and live auctions.

Clear blue Colorado skies and a record temperature of 92 degrees greeted the nearly 120 participants in this inaugural event. For AFF’s first sporting clays event, those who signed up and came out to compete in the event came away incredibly impressed. The show put on by AFF and the effort by Paxton to welcome everyone and ensure they enjoyed their day made a tremendous impact.

Active Force Foundation president/founder Brook Duquesnel, mechanic/engineer Brandon Duquesnel and operations assistant Boyd Livesey were on hand to display AFF’s unique four-wheel mountain bikes, and “fly the flag” of the foundation to give participants a better idea of how their support of this event impacts the lives of disabled athletes through the foundation’s programs.

Paxton’s Denver Broncos teammates showed their support of AFF by coming out and shooting alongside the competitors, while waging their own battle for top score among the players. Quarterbacks Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn; offensive linemen Russ Hochstein, Zane Beadles and J.D. Walton; defensive tackle Justin Bannan and punter Britton Colquitt were joined by Denver Broncos VP of Security Dave Abrams on the course and showed there is a wide range of ability on that Broncos roster.

There’s no question Lonie Paxton is appreciated and respected in that Broncos locker room. He not only gets his teammates out to his events, but he designs fundraisers with competitions that appeal to his teammates. It’s worth noting that when Orton attended AFF’s Bowling Bash he brought his own ball, and Quinn arrived Tuesday at the sporting clays competition with his own shotgun. These guys are serious about making their support count!

Our most special guests were the U.S. Army wounded warriors from the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Carson, Colo. It was our honor to have a group of soldiers attend the event and enjoy the company of so many who appreciate their valiant service to our country.

“When service men and women return from war or duty, AFF strives to create an experience that temporarily releases them from the constant mental and physical stresses they’re eduring,” Paxton said. “For AFF to have an impact on soldiers’ lives when they come back is the entire reason we do what we do. Our camps really show what the fundraising and our team can accomplish, but the events themselves are a way to involve teammates, the community, sponsors, servicemen and women, and the Active Force team in a fun environment that reiterates the purpose, but also have a fun time doing it.”

AFF’s programs are designed to give those wounded soldiers a physical outlet to enhance both their physical and mental recovery, and events like today’s allow us to expand that reach and show our appreciation by giving them a day out to enjoy a good time and some quality competition (please see below for comments by soldiers about how they enjoyed their time at the event).

The players’ and soldiers’ attendance added to what was already a festive atmosphere. Following the competition everybody gathered back at the main tent to listen to the Fabulous Parker Brothers Band, bid on the outstanding silent auction items and enjoy a delicious dinner provided by Angie’s Restaurant while they awaited the final scores to be tallied.

The team from Ultra Petroleum took home the top prize with a collective score of 339, followed by Bank of Colorado (266) and Sturgeon Electric (254). The Broncos competition was hotly contested, with Abrams scoring a 56, and among players Quinn led the way with a score of 51, narrowly edging Colquitt (48).

The event closed with an outstanding live auction, which included a cow elk hunt, dinner with Paxton & Bannan at The Union restaurant, a suite at the Pepsi Center for a Denver Nuggets game and a “Broncos Experience” including tickets, and pre- and postgame passes.

ProLink Sports would like to thank all those who came together to make this event happen, including Kiowa Creek Sporting Club and their phenomenal staff for providing a first-class venue for this inaugural event. We would also like to thank Keith Dailey & Jim Mundle of Douglas County Living magazine; James Kelly and Red Bull; our MC Sam Adams; Leevers Supermarkets, Angie’s Restaurant and event sponsors Steve Evans and the Elk Ranch, Fred Aesquival, Bank of Colorado, The E Company, Billy Halax, Innovative Interiors, Intermountain Rural Electric Association, Phil Long Ford, Retirement Strategies, Speed Raceway, StarTek, Sturgeon Electric, Ultra Petroleum and Water Extraction Team.

It was an honor to have the soldiers from the WTU at Fort Carson as Active Force Foundation's guests at the event, and an additional honor to receive such kind comments afterwards:

"Today I was like anyone else. I was part of society. I wasn't an Army misfit. I had the freedom to do things here today just like everyone else. My mind was totally off what's going on in my life. I wasn't thinking about the pain. I wasn't thinking about the next doctor's appointment. I was back to being a person. Not a WT.”

"I know it's going to hurt. But some things are just worth it. Today was one of those days. I probably won't be able to walk tomorrow, but for today, I enjoyed it and it was worth it."

Links to media coverage of the event:

Denver Post (Wed., Sept. 29, 2010) "Broncos' Paxton takes best shot at helping disabled"
DenverBroncos.com (Fri., Oct. 1, 2010) "Paxton's Sporting Clays Challenge for a Cause"
CBS4 Denver, Countdown to Kickoff (Sun., Oct. 3, 2010) "Get to Know: Broncos' Paxton and Active Force Foundation"

--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
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"Savor the Grape 2010" Just Two Days Away

2010-09-18T19:46:00.000-07:00

The visibility of high-profile athletes always lends star power to charitable fundraising events.

When those high-profile athletes are raising money for a well-known entity in the name of a teammate who was gunned down by gang violence, the combination touches everybody in an emotional and powerful way.

Denver Broncos all-pro cornerback Champ Bailey and retired all-pro safety John Lynch, now an NFL game analyst for FOX, were teammates with Darrent Williams in 2005-06 after the young Oklahoma State product was drafted by the Denver Broncos. Williams became a starter at cornerback in his rookie season, and made enough big plays to serve notice he had a bright future ahead of him on the gridiron.

Williams also made an impact on teammates with his perpetually positive attitude, permanent smile and his patented phrase "All Ready," which personified his eagerness to give his all in any situation--practice, games, you name it, he was ready.

When that bright future was snuffed out by a gangster's bullet in the early hours of New Year's Day 2007 in downtown Denver, it stunned the Denver community and the Broncos family, and left a void they knew they would never fill. As media relations director for that Broncos team, I can affirm that Darrent Williams was special. I had the good fortune to work with a great collection of first-class guys and team players in my 13 years with the team, and "D-Will" was unique in his ability to pick guys up with that extra spark he provided. Small in stature but big in spirit, he played the game with confidence, desire and talent that overcame his measurables.

Three-plus years after Darrent's death, some measure of closure was achieved with the March 2010 trial and conviction of Willie Clark. Nothing will bring Darrent back, but I can still remember in those solemn, painful days after the murder, the biggest questions on players' minds were "do they have any leads," and "do they have a suspect." Finally, justice was served.

Against that backdrop, Bailey and Lynch were steadfast in their desire to "get back to talking about how Darrent lived, not how he died." The 2010 Savor the Grape fundraiser was the product of that desire, and they both were certain--as they were for the first such event in 2008--that raising money for Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver was the right way to honor their friend and former teammate. Providing a positive place for kids was the way to work to prevent the very type of gang violence that claimed their friend's life.

Particular meaningful was the fact that Darrent grew up attending Boys & Girls Clubs in Fort Worth, Texas, and was a regular visitor to mentor kids at three different branches of the Clubs in metro Denver: Owens, Johnson and the Denver Broncos branch. In addition, Lynch was a participant in Boys & Girls Clubs programs in the San Diego area in his youth.

This is a cause and an event that is special not only to those players who were fortunate to be teammates of Darrent Williams, but Broncos players past and present. From those 2005-06 teams, Rod Smith, Al Wilson, Ebenezer Ekuban and Charlie Adams are among those expected to attend Monday night's event. A number of current players, as well as some from previous Broncos teams--Alfred Williams and Mark Schlereth--are expected to attend.

Far and away the most special guest of the night will be Darrent's mother, Rosalind Williams, who we are honored to have attend, as we were in 2008.

The event will feature live and silent auctions with a wide array of special sports memorabilia, including some one-of-a-kind auction items and experiences from the Colorado Avalanche, Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets and Colorado Rockies.

More than anything, this event is the living example of Darrent Williams' friends and teammates staying true to the vow they made in those dark days of early 2007 to make sure Darrent Williams' name is not forgotten, and to make an impact on children in his name.

This story is bigger than a sports story, but it's a positive sports story in 2010 that fans, media and the community should embrace to restore their faith in professional athletes amidst the litany of negative stories we are bombarded with each day.

Here's a big salute to Champ Bailey, John Lynch, their teammates who support their effort, and the community that has supported this event through their sponsorships and tickets purchased.

The stage is set, the stars are aligned. Now it's time to get back to celebrating the way Darrent lived, not how he died. Bring a smile to someone's face today in his honor.

Here are some links to recent media stories about the event:

Sept. 17, 2010--9News 6 a.m.: Champ Bailey Remembers Darrent Williams

Sept. 16, 2010--Champ Bailey on FM 104.3 The Fan w/Alfred Williams, Mark Schlereth & D-Mac

Sept. 15, 2010--Denver Post column by Dave Krieger

Below is an assortment of recent quotes from Champ Bailey & John Lynch illustrating why this cause and this event are so meaningful to them:

JOHN LYNCH, 9/15/10, courtesy of 87.7 FM The Ticket with Vic Lombardi & Gary Miller:
"It's only right to continue to do something that we all vowed to do when our good friend passed away, and that’s to remember his life."

"People who knew Darrent Williams know he cared a lot about this community. He spent a lot of time at the Boys & Girls Club. Now, down at the Broncos Boys & Girls Club there’s a teen center in his name."

"We lost a good friend and teammate, Darrent Williams, but we can do something positive in his memory, and that’s to help these kids have a positive place. We want to carry on what he started and keep that message alive."

CHAMP BAILEY, 9/17/10, courtesy of 9News:
"At this point, I still can't believe it happened (Darrent's death). It's pretty simple: We had a guy here, Darrent Williams, that we all kind of fell in love with as far as what he did for us and the type of person he was, and to lose him like that at a young age, it's real senseless."

"Darrent was really involved in the Boys & Girls Club, so this is kind of a way of honoring his name, keeping his name and memory alive and making people realize that we can make a difference (helping) these young kids and teenagers."

(regarding the March 2010 trial of Willie Clark, and his conviction)
"That was probably the toughest part of it, because you're looking at another young kid who did what he did. And now, going forward, it's like, 'How can we prevent that? How can we prevent kids from being like the way this guys is.' Definitely justice was served by getting the conviction but we can't bring D-Will back, so obviously the best thing for us to do is try to build better characters in the community."

--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
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2010-08-05T08:13:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010

CONTACT—ProLink Sports
Paul Kirk, 303-929-4686 / pkirk@prolinksports.net

“TUESDAYS WITH EDDIE MAC” RETURNS ON 87.7 FM “THE TICKET”

Former Denver Bronco Back for Second Year of Popular Show Sponsored by Red Robin Gourmet Burgers

DENVER—Former Denver Broncos great Ed McCaffrey returns to the Denver airwaves on Tuesday, Aug. 17 for the second year of his popular show “Tuesdays with Eddie Mac” sponsored by Red Robin Gourmet Burgers.

McCaffrey’s show will air each Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. on 87.7 FM “The Ticket” on the Vic and Gary show, co-hosted by Vic Lombardi and Gary Miller of CBS4 Sports. The trio will break down all the action in the NFL and with the hometown Denver Broncos, and provide fans Ed’s unique take from the players’ perspective.

McCaffrey was widely respected for his toughness and team-first attitude throughout his 13-year NFL career, as well as his ability to dissect for fans what they are seeing on the field and articulate the story behind it.

A fan favorite during his nine seasons in Denver (1995-2003), McCaffrey has maintained an active presence in the Colorado community as company pitchman, corporate and event speaker and host of The Ed McCaffrey Football Camps. He remains extremely popular with the region’s sports fans and has continued to support the community through The McCaffrey Family Foundation.

“Vic and Gary” airs Monday through Friday from 7-9 a.m. on 87.7 “The Ticket” and features two of the most recognizable authorities on sports in Colorado. CBS4’s Lombardi and Miller have earned the respect of players, coaches, fans and fellow members of the media for their straightforward, intelligent and entertaining approach to their reporting and commentary.

Ed McCaffrey is represented by ProLink Sports, LLC, a full-service athlete representation firm specializing in image management, public relations, community outreach, media training and media placement for professional athletes.

# # #

About Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (NASDAQ: RRGB): Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (www.redrobin.com), a casual dining restaurant chain founded in 1969 that operates through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Red Robin International, Inc., has been serving up wholesome, fun dining experiences in a family-friendly environment for more than 40 years. Red Robin, the “Smiling Burger®” expert, is famous for serving more than two dozen high-quality, Honest to Goodness® gourmet burgers with Bottomless Steak Fries®, as well as a wide variety of salads, sandwiches, wraps, soups, appetizers, entrees and signature Bottomless Beverages™. There are more than 430 Red Robin® restaurants located across the United States and Canada, including corporate-owned locations and those operating under franchise agreements. Red Robin… YUMMM™!

About 87.7 The Ticket: 87.7 FM “The Ticket” is Denver’s “Live and Local” sports talk radio station. Award-winning CBS4 television sports personalities Vic Lombardi and Gary Miller present “Vic and Gary” each weekday morning from 7-9 a.m. The lineup also includes Chad Andrus & Patrick Watkins (9 a.m.-Noon), Charles Johnson & Joel Klatt (Noon-3 p.m.), Les Shapiro, G-Man & JoJo (3-7 p.m.) and Nate Kreckman (7-10 p.m.).

--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
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Colorado Springs Gazette Drops Broncos Beat

2010-07-19T10:44:00.000-07:00

The decision by The Gazette of Colorado Springs last week to stop covering the Denver Broncos with a dedicated beat reporter has caused a stir not only in Colorado sports media circles, but also among NFL reporters in other cities.

It is a tribute to the respect within the industry for the Gazette's (now former) Broncos beat reporter Frank Schwab. It is also a reaction to the curious decision made by a newspaper that while not originating in Denver proper, does represent a large community in the Broncos "secondary market," where there is a strong Denver Broncos fan-base and a large number of season-ticket holders.

Schwab, who did an outstanding job and consistently got better during his seven years on the beat, will now cover the Air Force Falcons. Air Force football is huge in its home city of Colorado Springs, so putting Schwab on that beat is a wise move journalistically. The team deserves great local coverage and Schwab will provide that.

Schwab also gets a gift in the form of a reunion with Falcons head coach Troy Calhoun--not only an extremely talented and successful coach, but a true gentleman and first-class guy. I had the pleasure of working with Coach Calhoun when he was on the Broncos staff (2003-05) and have enjoyed seeing his ascension from quality-control coach to coordinator to collegiate head coach. A true example of good things happening to good people.

The timing of the Gazette's decision to drop the Broncos beat is odd too, because Schwab had gained even more of a foothold on the Broncos beat with last year's shuttering of the Rocky Mountain News and the relationships he had established through his longevity in that spot. Competing against the Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News was not always easy, but Schwab made his mark and made those papers' coverage better in the process.

Schwab was also the most active reporter I've seen engaging readers/fans on Twitter. He worked hard to inform them and generate debate, but always maintained an even keel, took criticism in stride and never made it personal. Those who followed him as @fs3142 can now do so as @GazetteAirForce.

What remains to be seen is whether the Gazette experiences any drop-off in readership by replacing beat reporting on the most popular sports team in the region with what will presumably be a mix of AP stories and Gazette columns. The assumption is that the paper believes the work of its fine columnist David Ramsey will provide the personalized local touch on the Broncos beat.

Viewed through that lens, it could prove to be a financially savvy way for a newspaper to confront the economic challenges of its business by deploying its best people in places where they can make the most impact, while trusting they won't experience a drop-off in the process. But it does seem like a questionable decision given the immense popularity of the Denver Broncos in the state of Colorado and beyond. My suspicion is that it is a gamble on the habits of readers, not a statement that they believe that popularity has waned.

Time will tell, but what is certain is that it is time to salute Frank for his excellent work on the Broncos beat, and for being a true professional to work with (except when he kept my VHS copy of Super Bowl XXXII for more than a year for a piece he was researching; he did return it in proper working condition, though maybe not rewound). He appears to be the last in a line of outstanding reporters with whom I enjoyed working in that role, preceded by Kamon Simpson, John Branch, the late Jim Lassiter and Mike Burrows since 1995.

--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
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Lonie Paxton's Celebrity Sporting Clays Challenge Set For Sept. 28, 2010

2010-07-14T13:52:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, July 14, 2010

CONTACTS:
Paul Kirk, ProLink Sports: (303) 929-4686 / pkirk@prolinksports.net
Judianne Atencio, ProLink Sports: (303) 886-3950 / jatencio@prolinksports.net

LONIE PAXTON’S CELEBRITY SPORTING CLAYS CHALLENGE SET FOR SEPT. 28, 2010

Event Features NFL Stars Teaming Up to Support Active Force Foundation

DENVER—The First Annual Lonie Paxton Celebrity Sporting Clays Challenge is coming to Colorado Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010. Join Denver Broncos long-snapper Lonie Paxton and a number of his teammates and sports figures for this one-of-a-kind event at the Kiowa Creek Sporting Club in Bennett, Colo. (46700 E. County Rd. 30).

This event benefits Paxton’s Active Force Foundation and its mission to provide opportunity for physically challenged individuals to engage in a healthy lifestyle through sports experience and education. Active Force Foundation provides camps for disabled athletes to experience the unique four-wheel mountain bikes they have designed and built.

“I’m excited to have an event of this kind in Colorado,” Paxton said. “The people here have been terrific in supporting Active Force Foundation, and we’re looking to build up our programs to reach even more disabled athletes and give them outdoor experiences they’ve never had before.”

The 2010 Celebrity Sporting Clays Challenge is an event you don’t want to miss. Participants enjoy the opportunity to test their skills on Kiowa Creek’s professionally designed sporting clays course. You don’t need to be an expert marksman—this event caters to all experience levels, even those who have never shot before. Lunch and dinner are provided, as well as entertainment and a special opportunity to mingle with some of Colorado’s most recognizable athletes.

“Come out and enjoy a great time with my teammates and me in support of a great cause,” Paxton said. If you’ve never shot before, don’t let that stop you. There’s something for everyone, and you might just like shooting clays more than you expected.”

Sponsorship and ticket information are available by visiting www.prolinksports.net or calling Judianne Atencio of ProLink Sports at (303) 886-3950. There are several levels of sponsorship packages available, and they can be tailored to meet a company or organization’s unique interests.

To learn more about Active Force Foundation please visit www.activeforcefoundation.org.

# # #

ABOUT ACTIVE FORCE FOUNDATION
NFL player Lonie Paxton launched Active Force Foundation in 2003. Its mission is to implement its downhill four-wheel mountain bikes into adaptive sports camps and programs throughout the world in order to better serve the disabled sports community. Paxton is in his second year with the Denver Broncos in 2010 after playing eight years with the New England Patriots, where he won three Super Bowls.

--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports

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On LeBron James, ESPN--and Dan Gilbert

2010-07-09T09:50:00.000-07:00

Much criticism has been lobbed toward LeBron James and ESPN in the wake of last night’s one-hour “Decision” special to reveal which NBA team James would choose in free agency.

Much of it has been deserved, but when you analyze the motives and the desired outcomes of each, I think ESPN probably deserves the least, James a moderate amount, and a late entry into the spectacle, Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, probably the most. He may have been late to the party but he made his presence felt in spectacular fashion.

ESPN and James achieved what most brands ultimately want: Everybody is talking about them.

Overall, it was a good business decision by ESPN to participate. Above all, ESPN is in the entertainment business and the goal is to attract viewers. That they did, with a 7.3 rating according to early Nielsen overnight figures.

Journalistically, however, ESPN created an awkward situation for its NBA reporters and analysts by creating a special for James to announce his decision. Even if no actual edict was issued to them to preserve the suspense for the show, they created the appearance of a compromise among most logical folks who were certain ESPN reporters would not scoop an ESPN special.

While that concern is valid, it’s debatable whether the perception of journalistic compromise by a TV network even matters to anybody besides those in the industry. It is viewers that ESPN cares about, and the perception of a such compromise is unlikely to hurt viewership to any degree.

James has been called everything from narcissistic to an out-of-control egomaniac for dragging out his decision and then choosing to place even more attention on himself with the special. Understandably so.

I don’t fault him for exercising his right to play anywhere he wants. It is the manner in which he went about it that did the most damage to his image. Choosing to deliver a figurative punch to the solar plexus of long-suffering Cleveland sports fans on national television was a choice that lacked sensitivity and heart.

It was evident in James body language and facial expressions that he felt as much pain for leaving his home and fans behind as he felt excitement for going to Miami. There was a somber tone to the whole debacle. So why did he choose this method to make his announcement?

Some have said he deserves praise, not criticism, because he used the opportunity to provide funding and awareness for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. That’s nice, but then why wasn’t there any mention of that dynamic or the specifics involved with it in the special? Unless I missed it, James was simply sitting in a Boys & Girls Club branch in Greenwich, CT, with kids around him, who in the end were more out-of-place props than named beneficiaries of James’ self-indulgence.

If James wanted to be sensitive to those in his home state he could have orchestrated this much differently. Once he made a decision, he simply could have planned the signing and press conference with his new team and then called the Cavaliers (and his other suitors) to deliver the news personally. The press conference takes place in Miami, giving time for Cleveland media to travel there, allowing opportunity for Cavaliers fans to hear his answers to questions being asked by their hometown media.

While I think it would have been a nice story for James to stay in Cleveland, I’ve seen enough in professional sports to lose most notions of idealism I had while following sports growing up. But I don’t believe James deserves, as some have said, to be the “most hated man in the NBA.” Outside of Cleveland, what beef do other NBA fans and sports fans in general have with James choosing after seven years in Cleveland to sign a free-agent contract to play elsewhere?

I defend those Cleveland fans because as a Seattle native I felt the pain of watching both Ken Griffey, Jr., and Alex Rodriguez bolt from the Emerald City. Neither was even a true hometown hero, though we felt like they were, having seen each grow from 18-year-old signees to major superstars. Griffey’s departure was easier to take because he actually went home with his move to the Cincinnati Reds. Rodriguez is another story. At least I can understand the vitriol that accompanies the feelings of betrayal when a long-time star leaves a city by his own choice.

Surprisingly, the one deserving the most criticism for his actions relative to his role and the expectations that go with it, is Gilbert. His unhinged written rant—in the font Comic Sans, no less—came out of nowhere just as the aftermath of this spectacle was winding down, and AFTER the Cavaliers organization had issued a very professional, well-reasoned statement to the media.

It is understandable Gilbert would feel betrayed and want to rally his team’s fans when things seem to crumbling around them. That’s what leaders do. But his approach was so bizarre for a team owner that it probably did him more harm than good.

Sure, it’s refreshing for media and fans to receive such candor from an owner of a professional sports franchise. And for his part, while Gilbert wants to win, he also wants to sell as many tickets and cash in on as much devotion as possible from the team’s fans and potential fans.

A big part of that, however, is built on signing players to deliver those wins and championships he’s promising, and if there’s one thing professional athletes are most loyal to—besides themselves and their families—it is their fellow players. After witnessing Gilbert’s epic blast at James’ back as he walks out the door, what player is motivated to come play for him? And it is those players who will determine whether the Cavaliers win even that first championship Gilbert is promising his fans.

Among PR directors’ worst nightmares is dealing with an owner or executive who is ruled by his emotions when speaking publicly (perhaps only topped by working with one who comes in the next day—or calls at 5 a.m.—with complaints about the negative stories you’ve allowed to be printed, or failed to prevent).

Either way, this whole LeBron James free-agent spectacle has given sports fans and media much to talk about during one of the slowest sports periods on the calendar (and don’t tell me about the World Cup, because while it’s huge globally, most sports fans in the United States truly don’t care beyond hoping the USA wins).

For all the criticism lobbed in his direction, LeBron James will be fine. He will make boat-loads of money, live in a great city and win a lot of games. He could have handled the whole process with a greater degree of humility, but his overall brand will not suffer, and clearly that is what is most important to him.

Those championships, however, will not come easily, no matter how much talent is around him.

--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
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Champ Bailey & John Lynch Team Up to Benefit Youth

2010-06-02T11:38:00.000-07:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Contacts:
Paul Kirk, 303-929-4686 / pkirk@prolinksports.net
Judianne Atencio, 303-886-3950 / jatencio@prolinksports.net

Denver Broncos’ Champ Bailey, John Lynch and Morton’s DTC Team Up for Kids

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.—Denver Broncos all-pro cornerback Champ Bailey and retired Broncos all-pro safety John Lynch are teaming up with Morton’s The Steakhouse in the Denver Tech Center on Monday, Sept. 20, for an exceptional evening of fine wine and great food to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, home to the Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center.

This indoor-outdoor event is open to the public and provides a special opportunity for everyone to remember and celebrate the life of “D-Will” with members of the Denver Broncos. A VIP reception will be held from 6-7 p.m., and the event opens to all ticketholders at 7 p.m.

Event co-chairmen Bailey and Lynch were teammates of Williams’ during his two seasons as a Bronco (2005-06).

"Earlier this year we all had to relive the events surrounding Darrent's death, with the trial and sentencing,” Lynch said. “Supporting Boys & Girls Clubs and the Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center is a way for us to get back to remembering the positive way ‘D-Will’ lived his life."

"Rosalind said after the trial she hoped something could be learned from Darrent's death,” Bailey said of Darrent Williams’ mother. “Giving our young people a positive place like the Boys & Girls Clubs is a way to keep them safe and away from the violence that took our friend Darrent from us. We want to raise needed funds for the Clubs and the Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center, and we ask the people of Colorado to join us.”

In 2008, the Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center opened at the Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club, located at 4397 Crown Boulevard in Denver's Montbello neighborhood. The teen center provides a gathering place for youth ages 13–18 where they can socialize, work on homework, plan and implement service projects, participate in college and career preparatory programs, and avoid unsafe activities and influences.

Guests of the Morton’s event will enjoy a fine selection of vintage wines from some of the world’s most prestigious wineries including: Cambria, La Crema, Dutton-Goldfield, Duckhorn, Merryvale, Rodney Strong, ZD, Taittinger, Jordan, Franciscan, Robert Mondavi, Inniskillin and Mt Veeder. A Van Gogh Blue Vodka Martini Bar will also be served. Republic National Distributing Company will provide all the wines for the evening.

A strolling dinner buffet will be served including such Morton’s favorites as bluepoint oysters, Shrimp Alexander, sliced filet mignon, Chicken Christopher, and poached chilled salmon.

KCNC-TV sports anchor Vic Lombardi will kick off a live auction featuring one-of-a-kind items. All of the proceeds from the live and silent auctions will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver.

Tickets for the VIP reception, wine-tasting and dinner go on sale today for $250 per person. Tickets for the wine-tasting and dinner only are $150 per person. A limited number of Young Professional tickets (ages 21 – 35) are $75 per person. Reservations may be made online at www.prolinksports.net.

For more information, or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact Judianne Atencio at ProLink Sports at 303-886-3950.

# # #

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver
The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is to inspire and enable young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. Since 1961, Boys & Girls Club of Metro Denver has been helping kids from tough neighborhoods stay out of trouble, stay in school, and succeed in life. Not just after school hangouts, the Clubs are places where young people come to learn, do homework, develop social skills, express themselves creatively, and participate in sports. Learn more at www.BeGreatDenver.org.

Morton’s, The Steakhouse
Morton's Restaurant Group, Inc. is the world's largest operator of company-owned upscale steakhouses. Morton's steakhouses have remained true to their founders' original vision of combining generous portions of high quality food prepared to exacting standards with exceptional service in an enjoyable dining environment.

The company owns and operates 80 Morton's steakhouses located in 68 cities in 28 states and Puerto Rico and five international locations (Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau), as well as three Italian restaurants.

Morton’s The Steakhouse DTC is located at 8480 East Belleview Avenue in Greenwood Village. For reservations, call 303.409.1177.

Lonie Paxton's Active Force Foundation Bowls Perfect Strike with NFL Draft Party/Bowling Bash

2010-04-28T22:12:00.001-07:00

Lonie Paxton put his Active Force Foundation on the map in Colorado in a big way last Thursday when his 2010 NFL Draft Party and Bowling Bash brought out stars and heroes to share in a perfect strike of fundraising excitement at Brunswick Zone in Lone Tree.

The stars came in the form of Paxton, the Denver Broncos’ long-snapper, and 15 of his teammates, including All-Pro cornerback Champ Bailey, quarterbacks Kyle Orton and Brady Quinn, starting tight end Daniel Graham and run-stoppers Darrell Reid, Ronald Fields and Mario Haggan.

But the real stars of the night were heroes from the U.S. Army’s Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Carson, Colo. A group of 54 soldiers and family members from that unit were the honored guests of Active Force Foundation, invited to share in the fun of the night and have a good time bowling and watching the draft with guests, sponsors and NFL players.

Active Force Foundation was created by Paxton and friend Brook Duquesnel in 2003 to build adaptive sports equipment and create programs for disabled athletes and wounded soldiers to enjoy outdoor recreational sports. Together they teamed up with engineer Jason Yim to build unique four-wheel mountain bikes that create a “level playing field” for all athletes to experience the rush of traversing a wilderness trail.

The event was Active Force’s first in Colorado. Paxton started the foundation during his nine-year stint with the New England Patriots (2000-08), and sees tremendous opportunities for growth since his 2009 free-agent signing with the Broncos. The move was not only a positive one for his football career, but Colorado’s abundant mountain terrain and large military presence make it a natural home for Active Force Foundation to take its fundraising and programming to new heights.

By the nature of their position, long-snappers mostly fly under the radar—and that’s just fine with Paxton. But off the field he has big goals for the reach of AFF’s mission and the impact the Foundation can have on people’s lives.

Last Thursday’s Draft Party and Bowling Bash showed the Active Force Foundation is well on its way to gathering the kind of momentum and support that make its goals fully attainable.

Congratulations to Lonie, Brook and Jason, and a special thank-you to Paul Sheehy and ProStar Sports. It was a pleasure to work with them on this event.

--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
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Lonie Paxton of Denver Broncos to Host Draft Party & Bowling Event

2010-03-09T10:30:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, March 9, 2010 (**updated April 7, 2010**)

CONTACT:
Paul Kirk, ProLink Sports
(303) 929-4686 / pkirk@prolinksports.net

DENVER BRONCO LONIE PAXTON TO HOST 2010 NFL DRAFT PARTY AND BOWLING BASH

DENVER—Denver Broncos long-snapper Lonie Paxton and the Active Force Foundation will host the 2010 NFL Draft and Bowling Bash party on Thursday, April 22 at Brunswick Zone in Lone Tree, Colo. The proceeds will benefit Active Force Foundation and its support of U.S. Army wounded warriors. Brunswick Zone is located at 9255 Kimmer Dr. (please note the change from the original venue, Mr. Bigg's).

Paxton will be joined by many of his Denver Broncos teammates for this special event, centered around the first round of the NFL Draft, being held for the first time on a weeknight in prime time.

The Draft Party kicks off at 4:30 p.m. and the fun continues with the Celebrity Bowling Bash at 5:30 p.m., in which sponsors will bowl with Lonie and other NFL players, as well as wounded warriors from Fort Carson, Colo.

“The causes supported by this event are very important to me,” Paxton said. “This is the perfect way to come together, have some fun and raise money for organizations I respect and support. Come join us as we salute our country's true heroes.”

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now:

Warrior Sponsorship—$500
* One bowling lane. Two sponsor guests bowl with two warriors and an NFL player
* 10 general admission Draft Party tickets
* Autographed Football to collect remembrances of the evening
* Exclusive photo opportunity experiences with America's heroes from the battlefield and football field

Hero Sponsorship—$250
* One bowling lane. Four sponsor guests bowl for one three-hour session
* 10 general admission Draft Party tickets

2010 NFL Draft Party Tickets—$20
* Watch the first round of the NFL Draft with members of the Denver Broncos and other NFL players (Does not include bowling)

Space is limited. To purchase a lane or tickets please download the event flyer and registration form found online at www.activeforcefoundation.org. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available through AFF by sending a message to PaxtonDraftParty@aol.com or by calling (303) 886-3950.

ABOUT ACTIVE FORCE FOUNDATION
NFL player Lonie Paxton launched Active Force Foundation in 2003. Its mission is to implement its downhill four-wheel mountain bikes into adaptive sports camps and programs throughout the world in order to better serve the disabled sports community. Paxton is in his second year with the Denver Broncos in 2010 after playing nine years with the New England Patriots, where he won three Super Bowls.

# # #

Woods His Own Worst Enemy

2010-02-19T15:07:00.001-08:00

The Tiger Woods “press conference” today proved why it was roundly criticized as an inadvisable approach for a first step in re-establishing his public image.

Woods may be applauded for finally facing the media and confronting a very embarrassing personal situation. That could not have been easy. But he failed today for two reasons: He spoke in a format that perpetuated the very same elitism he claimed to have shed, and he scolded the media for a situation he created.

If you’re going to speak to the media, preventing them from asking questions and then chastising them for doing what they do is usually not a wise strategy.

To the first point, reading from a prepared script made him appear stiff and robotic, though that’s nothing new for Woods. He said all the right words (congratulations to his speech writer) but the setting and format undermined the impact of those words.

A more effective strategy would have included a brief opening statement that conveyed the same carefully chosen words of contrition and humility, followed by a limited question-and-answer session. While the Q&A format would have surrendered control to the media, with preparation and practice Woods could have fielded those questions effectively and in the process conveyed the type of human qualities he needed to win over the public. By catering to one of the media’s most fundamental demands he would have shown respect for their jobs and received far less ridicule.

Woods said his mistake was allowing himself to feel entitled and special, and giving in to temptations because he rationalized that he could. But every element of today’s rigid format conveyed entitlement, and that he didn’t have to do things the way everyone else does. Again, the issue is control, and because he was unwilling to give any to the media, they will continue to doubt him and challenge him at every opportunity.

To the latter point, it is never an effective strategy to take others to task and cast blame when claiming to take responsibility and learn from mistakes. In this case, the entire reason for the press conference is to address lifestyle choices that Tiger Woods made. He repeated several times that he knows he created this problem and he was the one responsible for it. But he is also responsible for creating the situation in which he criticized media, or “paparazzi” as he said, for following members of his family. Woods was indignant and downright perturbed in describing his daughter being followed to school.

I don’t blame Woods for wanting to protect his family. Any reasonable person would agree that the scrutiny should only fall on Tiger Woods and that his family was off-limits. But he created that demand by disappearing from public view and hiding from his responsibility.

By not addressing it sooner Woods allowed the pressure to build. He made the point several times today that he alone was responsible and thus he alone—not his family—should be scrutinized.

Absolutely. But he didn’t choose to step up and own this in a timely manner, and for that he allowed his entire family to suffer the collective scrutiny of the “Tiger Watch.”

By chastising the media Tiger Woods devalued the carefully crafted words he spoke and sabotaged the genuine effect those words were designed to achieve. It is difficult to convince people you are remorseful and take responsibility when you cast blame on others in the process.

--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
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Why Tiger Woods Owes More Than a Statement

2010-02-18T11:23:00.000-08:00

The Tiger Woods statement to the media scheduled for tomorrow has quickly become this week’s polarizing issue in the sports world.

At odds, in simplest terms, are those who believe Tiger Woods owes the public more than an apology contained in a public statement and those who believe he does not.

The latter camp generally seems comfortable with the notion that because his indiscretions involved his personal life his only obligation is to his family. In the broadest sense, I somewhat agree—if he were just a regular individual in society.

We all know that Tiger Woods is not that. He is, and has been for many years, the No. 1 golfer in the world and one of the most globally recognizable athletes. That is the reason I would advise him to make his first public appearance in a far less controlled setting and allow questions to be asked.

Like many athletes and celebrities, Tiger Woods is surrounded by sycophants whose livelihood depends on being part of “Team Tiger.” This is hardly an arrangement that invites objective thinking. What he and others need most is a “conscience coach.”

Tiger Woods has already harmed his image and reputation by the choices he has made. He harmed it further by disappearing from public view and not facing the media sooner. To truly turn the corner he needs to rip the band-aid off, so to speak, and give the media the chance to ask him questions.

Is there danger in this approach? Will the media be thirsty for lurid details about which Tiger will not, and should not, speak? Absolutely. But that’s why you practice and prepare for such a press conference. Any disciplined athlete who can be coached on the field of play also has the focus and work ethic to be coached for these situations. It is the same coaching that would be required for an in-depth sit-down TV interview if that were the route he chose, but each would be more authentic than simply reading a statement.

Allowing questions to be asked does not obligate Tiger Woods to answer every one in the way the media would like. What it does is show that he is no longer hiding. To truly emerge from the shame and doubts he has brought upon himself Woods must show humility and remorse. It’s very difficult to do that when reading a prepared statement, even if the statement includes words to that effect. Taking questions and being patient with each is the way he begins to show there is meaning behind his words.

Is Woods required to do this? No. But unlike many athletes Woods has mostly been given a free pass from the media for his behavior on the course and his robotic personality off of it. Tomorrow’s tightly-controlled arrangement perpetuates the same elitist attitude that makes Woods appear only willing to go through the most minimal exercise to announce his return to golf and offer only the briefest of apologies to those he has disappointed, as if just checking things off a list.

But Tiger Woods owes more than that. The amends he needed to make with his family are most important, and he has had plenty of time to do that. Now it is time to apologize to the fans he has let down and the sponsors whose trust he has betrayed. Each has been a partner in making Tiger Woods the richest and most famous athlete in the world—a mantle he gladly accepted along with the money that accompanied it.

His popularity has been based not only on his on-course dominance but also on the assumption that he lived as virtuous and principled a life as his image promised. To separate those and say his off-course life was not a factor in his popularity is preposterous.

There are strategic communicators and publicists who would disagree and adopt a “circle the wagons” approach. At times this is necessary. But to do so in this case only enables the same behavior that led to his current troubles, and suggests that somehow the real problem is the media and the public.

The media and the public didn’t make Tiger Woods live the lifestyle he lived. They just want to see him show humility and say he is sorry that he failed to uphold the image he portrayed. The danger that accompanies tomorrow’s hit-and-run approach is that it will satisfy only a few, and will invite a greater cloud of scrutiny and distraction to hover over him for much longer than it would otherwise.

--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
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Quotes from Ed McCaffrey and Rod Smith on Floyd Little & Shannon Sharpe

2010-02-06T14:43:00.001-08:00

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Floyd Little—Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2010

Former Denver Broncos wide receivers Ed McCaffrey and Rod Smith provided the following quotes to recognize today’s election of former Bronco Floyd Little into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2010, and the exclusion of their former teammate Shannon Sharpe.

Rod Smith on Shannon Sharpe and Floyd Little:
“I’m very disappointed about Shannon not getting in because there’s not a more deserving person for his position. I know it’s inevitable that he will be enshrined in Canton one day, because that’s the class of player he was, but I don’t think he should have to wait long.”

“At the same time I take my hat off to Floyd Little because he’s a great guy and was the face of the Denver Broncos franchise for so long. He kept the organization in the national spotlight all by himself with the way he played. Today he is still an ambassador for the NFL and how you’re supposed to go about doing things as a person. It makes me proud to have him be the third Denver Bronco enshrined in Canton because he definitely deserves that.”

“Now we just need to get more Denver Broncos in there.”

Quote from Ed McCaffrey on Floyd Little:
“Floyd Little helped build the Denver Broncos in the early years, and created the opportunity for myself and others to come to Denver and play for a great franchise with the best fans in the world. I’m thankful for that and thrilled to see him finally recognized by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Floyd was not only a special player, but is a man of great character and integrity. We are all proud to have him represent our Denver Broncos in Canton.”

McCaffrey on Shannon Sharpe:
“Shannon was one of the hardest-working guys I ever played with, and is unquestionably one of the greatest tight ends to play this game. I’m sorry to see he did not make this year’s class. He is very deserving, and belongs among the game’s very best.”

--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
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Pro Bowl is Latest Media Punching Bag

2010-01-27T14:20:00.000-08:00

It’s fashionable this week among the media to criticize the NFL’s Pro Bowl arrangement, playing the game in the same location as the Super Bowl, one week before the NFL’s championship game.

I know, I’ve heard plenty about how the Pro Bowl is a joke, and nobody wants to play in it, and how nobody cares about it, nobody watches it and so forth.

We know this because each time it is announced that a player will not participate due to injury, the same smug choir snickers the same tired mantra: “Pretty soon, I’ll be playing in the Pro Bowl instead of covering it!”

Save it.

There are several things to keep in mind:

1) It’s an imperfect event to begin with. Football is a physical sport, and that’s why they play the games once a week, which eliminates a midseason all-star game such as the one played in the romanticized sport of baseball (“the Mid-Summer Classic”). The only time to play it is some time after the regular season.

2) There have always been players selected who don’t play in the game. Yes, even in Hawaii. That’s why alternates are selected. Again, it’s a physical sport.

3) The NFL is so big and so successful, sometimes people just need to find something—anything—they can criticize.

With that established, it’s important to remember that players do consider it an honor, and people do watch.

If players did not consider it an honor—as some suggest because of the big names who won’t be playing—then why are we deluged every year when the teams are announced by a wave of media stories citing players who were snubbed or overlooked? They seem to care then, and I’ll bet they care when they see those who are chosen practicing and playing in the game, some even citing it as motivation throughout offseason training.

And to the notion that “nobody cares” about the game, I suppose they mean that nobody goes to the game or watches. Attendance figures and TV ratings would beg to differ.

It’s always been amusing to read those opinions when the game was played in Hawaii. Every year we hear how lame the Pro Bowl is, and then ratings come out, and they reflect that not only did some people watch, but (gasp!) more people watched the Pro Bowl than even playoff and championship contests in the other major sports.

Yes, ratings for a supposedly irrelevant exhibition in one sport, dwarfing the ratings for playoff contests in another. Advantage: NFL.

If I had to guess why we hear this same chant every year and why it’s even more pronounced this year, I would have to settle on two conclusions:

1) When something is as big and successful as the NFL, people have to find some perceived weak link to pick on;

2) There are just that many more forums to discuss sports—websites, social media—than ever before, and with no news to come out of the camps of Super Bowl participants Indianapolis and New Orleans for a few more days, there has to be SOMETHING to talk about. And what’s next? The Pro Bowl. Unleash the torrent of snickers and witticisms. Snappy one-liners perfect for a 140-character tweet!

What does this mean? Not much. The Pro Bowl will be played, and despite all the complaints about the imperfection of the arrangement (Colts & Saints players not participating, it’s not in Hawaii, it’s an all-star game without the stars, etc.), I expect that attendance and ratings will be as good as, or better than, ever.

The reason is that we’re a nation starved for football, and nobody delivers like the NFL. Detractors, deal with it. And with two weeks to wait for the Super Bowl (oh, yeah, I can hear the drumbeat now about what a bad idea that is too), I’m willing to guess the Pro Bowl will actually be a welcome treat for sports fans, and they will watch.

The Pro Bowl in Miami will continue to be the media’s punching bag for four more days, and probably beyond, but it’s really much ado about nothing.

It calls to mind a tired phrase, but one that became tired because it fits so many situations: “It is what it is.” For something allegedly so irrelevant, it sure has garnered a lot of attention.

Reminds me a little of the famous Yogi Berra line about a particular restaurant: “Nobody goes there anymore because it’s too crowded.”

--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
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2010 Ed McCaffrey Football Camp: June 28-July 1

2010-01-14T16:39:00.001-08:00

FOR USE AS DESIRED
Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010

CONTACT:
Paul Kirk, ProLink Sports
303.929.4686 / pkirk@prolinksports.net

NINTH ANNUAL ED McCAFFREY FOOTBALL CAMP SET FOR JUNE 28-JULY 1, 2010

Registration Now Open at www.EdMcCaffrey.com For Annual Football Camp at Valor Christian High School

CASTLE ROCK, Colo.—Former All-Pro wide receiver and three-time Super Bowl champion Ed McCaffrey today announced the dates for the Ninth Annual Ed McCaffrey Football Camp at Valor Christian High School in Highlands Ranch, Colo. The camp, for kids between the ages of 8 and 15, is scheduled for June 28th-July 1, from 8:30-11:30 a.m. each day. Participants may register by visiting www.edmccaffrey.com.

The camp includes football skills and speed training from some of the very best NFL, collegiate and high school coaches in the country. Former coaches and celebrity speakers include NFL greats Rod Smith, John Lynch, Mark Schlereth, Karl Mecklenburg, Chad Brown, Steve Beuerlein, Gus Frerotte and Trevor Pryce among others.

“We have assembled another all-star cast of coaches to teach our young campers about the great game of football,” McCaffrey says. “The skills we teach have been used by Pro Bowlers, Super Bowl champions and Hall of Famers.”

The Ed McCaffrey Football Camp offers far more than mere Xs and Os. Guest speakers are a big part of each day’s agenda, covering topics such as The Mental Edge, Making Good Choices and Healthy Living. McCaffrey describes the camp’s goals as follows: “While we pride ourselves on the success of our campers, as coaches our aim is to motivate and inspire every camper at every level to make the most of their unique talents and abilities on the field and in life.”

Campers will receive football skills training from NFL professionals, and speed and agility training from “trainer to the pros” Loren Landow, who has worked with more than 100 professional athletes, including several All-Pros and Super Bowl Champions. Participants will also enjoy 7-on-7 competition throughout the week and the opportunity to gauge their skills during the “Youth Combine,” modeled after the NFL’s pre-draft Scouting Combine.

The camp culminates with an autograph session by Ed and his fellow NFL and college players and coaches, who thoroughly enjoy sharing with future generations of youth football players what they know about the great game of football.

To view pictures from last year’s camp, schedule an interview with Ed McCaffrey, or for more information, please visit www.edmccaffrey.com, or call (303) 675-8787.

# # #

Steroids in Sports: The Mark McGwire Admission

2010-01-13T14:58:00.000-08:00

When former major league baseball slugger Mark McGwire admitted this week that he had, indeed, taken steroids during his playing career, it was not a surprise.

Suspicion had surrounded McGwire for years, heightened by his record 1998 season in which he hit 70 home runs, and unalleviated by his evasive March 2005 testimony before a congressional committee.

McGwire’s announcement Monday was met with widespread derision for two reasons: 1) It came more than five years too late, and 2) It was incomplete.

It provided yet another example of how NOT to handle a crisis. The tried-and-true PR adage was proven once again: Tell it yourself first, and tell it all, or someone else will. In McGwire’s case, it’s more like “or let Jose Canseco tell it for you.”

Not that a complete public confession and apology will make everybody forget the transgressions, but it does go a long way toward restoring faith and resurrecting one’s image. Failing to do so—McGwire, Tiger Woods, Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds—only leads to more suspicion and negative image.

One who got it right was Andy Pettite. He dealt with his steroids admission head-on and people largely moved on. The impression it leaves is, “Hey, I don’t like what he did, but he was upfront and he seems to be remorseful. I’m good with that.”

Typically when scandal surrounds an athlete, other athletes subtly invoke the “players’ code,” which refers to an unwillingness to criticize fellow athletes. That’s what made former NFL wide receiver Ed McCaffrey’s comments yesterday on his weekly radio show all the more impactful. Speaking with Denver’s ESPN 1600 AM’s “Sports Insiders,” McCaffrey challenged the scope of McGwire’s admission, and talked about the larger issue of Performance-Enhancing Drugs in sports.

“You have to be a little suspicious,” McCaffrey said. “Everybody knew that (McGwire) was juicing when he was playing. Everybody knew he was juicing after he retired. He never admitted it; swore up and down he didn’t do it. Honestly, I think that now he knows he’s probably not going to get voted into the Hall of Fame if he doesn’t admit it. He tried to do a ‘pseudo-admission’ of guilt, but the suggestion that it was only for health reasons is preposterous.”

McCaffrey has respect for what McGwire accomplished on the field, but little tolerance for those who break the rules. “There are probably guys in the Hall of Fame—or there will be—who have used Performance-Enhancing Drugs, and in my opinion you treat them all equally. If that’s something you want to not allow, then nobody who got caught using them should be in the Hall of Fame.”

McCaffrey was asked about his long-time Denver Broncos teammate Bill Romanowski, who very publicly acknowledged his past steroid use in his 2005 autobiography and “60 Minutes” interview.

“Bill came out and admitted it,” McCaffrey said Tuesday. “You’d see Bill leave to go back to California, the Bay Area, and train out there for awhile, and come back 25 pounds of muscle heavier and you’re thinking…just doing the math, ‘that’s impossible’ to get that strong that quick. I would suspect it myself. I never did see him use anything illegal and he never offered it to me, and I was a teammate. But when someone leaves for a month and comes back 25 pounds of muscle heavier it just doesn’t make any sense. People that train every day as hard as they possibly can the right way know that that’s not possible.”

What matters most to McCaffrey when evaluating the impact steroids have on sports is the integrity of the game.

“Every athlete has the ability to make the right choice or to make the wrong choice. I never made any effort to go looking for (Performance-Enhancing Drugs) nor would I ever use them. I made that choice early in my career. But it does upset me because there are players (who use PEDs), not just who will go to the Hall of Fame or to the Pro Bowl or earn a starting spot, but even make a team over another guy. The reason guys like Mark McGwire are singled out is because they’re the ones who have had unbelievable success, but imagine the guy who uses them and gets to play 5 or 6 years in the league as opposed to not making a team. It affects everybody and cheating is cheating, and it ought to be penalized when it’s discovered.”

McCaffrey is quick to draw a distinction between his disdain for the decisions one makes to cheat, and not the person who makes them.

“There are some really nice guys who are great teammates who played hard, (but) break a rule. They should be penalized for breaking the rule. It doesn’t mean you have to hate them or that they’re a bad guy all the way around. They may be a good family guy, they may be a good Dad or husband, they may do a lot in the community. But when it comes to breaking the rules in your sport you have to be penalized appropriately.”

McCaffrey’s weekly radio show airs every Tuesday at 8:25 a.m. MT on Denver’s ESPN Radio 1600 AM.

--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
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Athletes In The Community: A Holiday Tradition

2009-12-18T15:29:00.000-08:00

It is said too often that the public does not hear enough about the good deeds professional athletes perform in their communities. That's part of what we try to overcome at ProLink Sports. Not only publicizing their good deeds, but working with them to create more opportunities for building connections with fans and the general public, and helping those in need.

Athletes who recognize the opportunity and forum they have to positively impact their communities often enjoy a more fulfilling career and are rewarded with greater opportunties in retirement.

We're fortunate to see numerous examples of this in Colorado this Holiday season, as members of each professional sports franchise have taken part in numerous events to bring joy to those less fortunate.

In addition to the number of team-organized events that each franchise does a tremendous job putting together, athletes have been all over the city with events of their own.

At ProLink Sports we've been proud to organize Holiday-related outreach for Denver Broncos safety Brian Dawkins and outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil. We kicked things off in November, bringing together King Soopers grocery stores and Meadow Gold Dairies to partner with Brian to provide 250 complete Thanksgiving meals to families in need throughout Colorado. The folks at the Salvation Army stepped up to coordinate the distribution of the meal certificates. Brian also stepped forward in December to help Toys For Tots make up a significant shortfall in toy donations compared to previous years.

We worked with Elvis to organize a Holiday shopping trip for 54 kids between the ages of 11 and 13 from the Rev. Leon Kelly's Open Door Youth Gang Alternatives Program in Denver. The Dec. 7 outing gave these children--chosen for their high achievement and dedication to the program--a chance to shop for gifts for their family members, with special help from Elvis and a few of his friends. He was joined by teammates Champ Bailey, Andra Davis, David Bruton and Darrell Reid; former Bronco Rod Smith and Colorado Rockies second baseman Clint Barmes. We would also like to thank the event's benefactors, Doug Morton and Marilyn Brown, as well as Tom Michals and the fine crew at the Stapleton Walmart store.

Many athletes "give back" to their communities and never wish to publicize their efforts. When appropriate, it's nice to shine a light on some of these good deeds because it not only raises awareness for people and organizations in need, but often serves to motivate others in the community that they too can give of themselves to make an impact. A recognizable athlete has the ability to help directly, but also a forum to rally others and generate a greater impact.

From ProLink Sports, we wish all a Happy Holiday season and thank our clients, partners and friends who help make our work possible.

--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports

www.prolinksports.net

Remembering The Barrel Man

2009-12-06T14:10:00.000-08:00

Tim McKernan, 69, of Denver, passed away in his sleep yesterday morning due to lung failure.

So long, Barrel Man. There are few in this world who follow their passion with as much zeal as McKernan, aka “The Barrel Man” followed his.

His passion was the Denver Broncos. That alone didn’t make him unique. What did was attending Broncos games wearing just a barrel around his torso, held in place by suspenders, along with a cowboy hat and boots. No matter the weather, Barrel Man was there.

In 13 years working for the Broncos I had many occasions to meet McKernan. But recalling the first such occasion brings a smile and illuminates just what an institution he was among Broncos fans.

Many don’t realize that in true sporting fashion, Barrel Man retired not once, but twice. His first “retirement” came in 1992. At the time I was in my final quarter of college at the University of Washington, and doing some game-day work for the local NBC affiliate, KING-TV. A year after interning in PR for the Seattle Seahawks, my game-day job was to arrange the player guests for KING’s postgame locker-room show, at home and at select road games.

The last of those road games in ’92 was in Denver, at Mile High Stadium, just before Christmas. The host of the postgame show was KING sportscaster and now KUSA Denver sports anchor Drew Soicher. Soicher had learned during that week that the Barrel Man was retiring, and his goal was to have him on the postgame show.

During the first quarter of what was my first trip to Mile High, we kept an eye on him in the East stands across from the press box. At the end of the quarter I set out on foot to speak with him about our idea. It was on this search that I became immediately aware of how beloved he was. Every place I checked I was one stop behind him, but stadium workers were remarkably enthusiastic in detailing for me where he had been and where they expected him to go next.

When I finally caught up with him, the character truly fit the legend. With a big beard and a gruff voice he seemed as though he was chiseled straight from the granite of the Rocky Mountains. Polite, though, he said he would love to do the interview, and that he had family in Tacoma, whom he hoped would be watching.

There were many odd things about that day—beyond the obvious of escorting an unofficial mascot of the opposing team to a TV station’s postgame show. We had to walk him through the tunnel, with a credential, to the entrance to the visitor’s locker room in the northeast corner of old Mile High. I can still recall several fans hollering out “take good care of him in Seattle,” as though we were signing him as a “mascot” free agent.

Several years later I would learn from my long-time boss, Broncos VP of Public Relations Jim Saccomano some other amusing anecdotes from that week. It seems that Barrel Man was allowed a few minutes at the podium before Dan Reeves’ Wednesday press conference, and if that juxtaposition wasn’t unconventional enough, it was made more so by McKernan declaring that he was retiring because he wanted to go out on his “own terms.”

It would have been odd to imagine at the time that for many years I would be in a position to receive countless phone calls from people who were seeking to contact McKernan for Barrel Man-related inquiries. Few knew his name, so it is not surprising they would turn to the Broncos. We often joked in the PR department, “Where else would you look in the phone book—‘Man, Barrel’?”

As I picture the snapshots in my head of Barrel Man moments, I recall seeing him standing in full Barrel regalia on the tarmac in San Diego in an extended “Mile High Salute” as our charter plane taxied toward the gate upon arrival for Super Bowl XXXII. Yes, on the tarmac. He was a mechanic for United Airlines in his non-Barrel-wearing life.

Over the years there have been short-lived “Barrel Women” and even a “Barrel Jr.” or “Barrel Intern” by his side at games. But there will only be one Barrel Man, Tim McKernan.

NFL fans around the country, and especially Broncos fans, have plenty of memories of their own. Even if they never knew his name, they knew he was a Mile High institution. There are other super-fan zealots who may be just as zany and dedicated to their teams. But you have to hand it to the Barrel Man—he was unique.

Thanks for your devotion and your passion, Tim. May you rest in peace.

Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
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Happy Thanksgiving from ProLink Sports

2009-11-27T01:56:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving greeting comes to you from Las Vegas, where ProLink Sports is on-site continuing its work with the United Football League for the Championship Game of its “Premier Season” on Friday, Nov. 27.

Since the opening game Oct. 8 here in Las Vegas I have traveled to each of the League’s 13 games to handle media operations and provide a consistent presentation of media services. This role has also included pre- and postgame operations elements, dealing with players, coaches, game officials and the broadcasting networks.

It has been a terrific experience to work with such an impressive group, led by Commissioner Michael Huyghue. The UFL and its four teams are loaded with outstanding professionals who possess a great deal of prior NFL experience. They have created a high-quality professional football league that has proven there is an insatiable appetite for football in our country, while positioning the league as a complement to—not a competitor of—the NFL.

Television partners VERSUS HD and HDNet have delivered a high-quality productd with recognizable talent and veteran production teams, providing viewers with unprecedented sideline and locker room access through in-game interviews and “look-ins.”

Friday’s Championship Game pits the 6-0 Florida Tuskers, coached by Jim Haslett against the 4-2 Las Vegas Locomotives, coached by Jim Fassel. The game, broadcast live on VERSUS, kicks off at 3 ET/12 PT at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas, which has served as a terrific host for this Championship Week.

The UFL is a league of opportunity, and the quality of play has been so impressive that some of the League’s players have already begun to sign contracts with NFL teams, and between 12 and 20 total are expected to sign within the days following Friday’s Championship Game.

The past several months have been exciting times for ProLink Sports, as we also continue to work with current and retired athletes on a number of projects and initiatives. We are proud to be working with Denver Broncos safety Brian Dawkins on a program to provide tickets to two deserving guests at each home game, and organizing a Thanksgiving meal program that provided complete Thanksgiving dinners to 250 families in the state of Colorado. Partners King Soopers and Meadow Gold Dairies proved to be a great fit to join Brian in this initiative to reach the greatest number of families in need. Coverage of the check presentation can be found here.

In addition, we have formalized an agreement with Ed McCaffrey to handle communications for the former NFL wide receiver with regard to his website, football camps, media/speaking opportunities and other initiatives. On-going projects also include research and broadcast prep for FOX NFL analyst and former Broncos and Buccaneers safety John Lynch, as well as media and speaking opportunities for Broncos all-time leading receiver Rod Smith.

Stay tuned for more updates and programs to be announced in the coming weeks.

Happy Thanksgiving!

--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
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ProLink Sports Announces "The Ed McCaffrey Show"

2009-07-30T07:20:00.000-07:00

ProLink Sports announced today it has arranged a sponsorship agreement between Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and retired Denver Broncos great Ed McCaffrey for "The Ed McCaffrey Show" on ESPN Radio 1600 in Denver.

The show will debut Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 8:30 a.m. and continue every Tuesday throughout the 2009 NFL season to break down and analyze the stories fans are talking about surrounding the Denver Broncos and the NFL. One of the most popular and respected members of Denver's 1997 and '98 Super Bowl champion teams, McCaffrey will bring his unique insight and expertise to the Colorado radio airwaves for the first time on a regular basis since retiring from the NFL in 2004.
McCaffrey and his family have maintained a strong presence in the local community through their work with The McCaffrey Family Foundation, the eight-year run of the Ed McCaffrey Football Camp and Ed's role as TV pitch man for prominent local companies.

The "Ed McCaffrey Show" will be part of "The Sports Insiders," hosted by Vic Lombardi and Gary Miller of CBS4 Denver, which airs weekdays from 7-9 a.m. "The Sports Insiders," which launched July 13 on ESPN Radio 1600 has quickly made a significant impact on the Denver-area radio scene with an outstanding roll call of live guests and unique "insider" analysis. In addition to its delivery on AM 1600, a live video stream of the show can be found at www.viclombardi.com.

"The Ed McCaffrey Show sponsored by Red Robin Gourmet Burgers" will only enhance the strong start for the show in what has recently become a more competitive market for live, local sports talk.

Thanks to the fine folks at Greenwood Village, Colo.-based Red Robin for joining us as partners in this exciting new venture.

--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports

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NFL Training Camps Underway; Majority Now at "Home"

2009-07-27T09:59:00.001-07:00

As of today nine NFL training camps are underway, at least for rookies, and by the weekend the majority of teams will have their full squads beginning the two-a-day regimen, or what passes for two-a-days in this era.

While the mystique of "camp" lives on, the reality is that in the past decade there has been a major shift in what it really means.

Two areas where the greatest change has occurred are training camp location and the practice schedule. Or basically, everything but heat, sweat and injuries.

As detailed in a recent press release from the NFL PR department--and noted by Patrick Smyth of Denver Broncos PR via his Twitter feed (@psmyth12)--17 teams this year will hold training camp at their permanent facilities. This figure is up from just four teams in the year 2000.

Driving this change is the continued improvement and amenities at team training facilities and the sophistication of offseason strength and conditioning programs. Put simply, when NFL players are spending four days per week at their facilities from March to July, working out together and studying the offense and defense, there isn't much need to pack up, move to a remote location, whip everybody into shape and build team unity. The players are already in terrific shape and by the time they hit the field for the first training camp practice they are working through an installation they have already experienced in May and June during their Organized Team Activities, or OTAs.

In 2003 with the Denver Broncos we made the switch from our training camp home of 20 years, the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, to stay home and train at the permanent facility at Dove Valley. Once the change was made it was remarkable how much more efficient things were without having to move the entire football operations and other football-related business operations to a new location. We typically spent as much as a week getting set up and working through things that didn't function properly (i.e., computer systems).

Sure, there was always a sense of camaraderie and team-building at UNC, but that was greatly overshadowed by the aforementioned inefficiencies for what had also become a much shorter period of time. It seems we were getting ready to tear-down and move back to Dove Valley shortly after we got set up, in contrast to the six-week camps of the '70s and early '80s.

The latter point is an important one, as the schedule now includes far fewer true two-a-day sessions and fewer practices in pads over what is now just a three- or four-week period. The entire experience is now geared more toward perfecting the offensive and defensive schemes and learning to be efficient working as a team. By this point the coaches have hours of video to evaluate players from the OTA sessions, and training camp continues that process, followed by preseason games to add game speed and reacting to an unfamilar opponent to the evaluation.

To be fair, it has been noted by the well-respected Mike Signora of NFL PR in his Twitter feed (@signoranfl) that the last four Super Bowl champions went away for training camp. While I don't think all 32 teams will train at home at any time in the near future, the previous point is more a nod to the fact there are some unique traditions that make going away the better option for some teams, as in the Steelers' 43-year run at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa. And some teams' facilities still cannot accommodate training camp, if for no other reason than the challenge of housing and food service.

But the move to teams training at their permanent facilities is a trend that is not expected to reverse any time soon. If a franchise has all the elements in place or available near its permanent facility, it is likely to prefer that location over the time, cost and inefficiency of moving away for training camp.

--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports
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Tragic Death of Ed Thomas Touches Many in Sports World

2009-06-24T13:12:00.001-07:00

Reading the news today about the shooting death of Ed Thomas, football coach at Aplington-Parkersburg (Iowa) High School, made my heart sink. Reports say he was shot by a young man in the weight room of the school this morning while he worked with the next generation of outstanding student-athletes whose lives he was shaping.

As with most senseless tragedies, we search for answers or reasons. But I’m afraid in this case we will remain as dumbfounded as we typically are when confronted with news of violent crime.

I never met Coach Thomas, but knew much about him because of the number of NFL players he produced (four currently in the league: Denver’s Casey Wiegmann, Green Bay’s Aaron Kampman, Detroit’s Jared DeVries and Jacksonville’s Brad Meester) and because of my ties to Iowa through my wife’s family.

Most sports fans—whether they remember the name or not—might have first heard of Ed Thomas not just for his remarkable record of 292 wins in 37 years of coaching, but for his tireless work as a pillar of strength in the town’s recovery from a devastating EF5 tornado last Memorial Day weekend.

I was driving through Iowa with my family that weekend on the way to my in-laws’ home in the North Central part of the state, and recall being just 50 miles from Parkersburg when the tornado hit. Over the next few days we could not escape images of the damage and loss, which sadly included seven lives.

The tornado ravaged much of the school grounds, including the football field named for Thomas, in addition to Thomas’ home. Though he and his family lost so much personally, Thomas immediately rallied people by making the rebuilding of the school and the reclaiming of the football field—nicknamed by locals the “Sacred Acre”—a focal point by setting a goal of playing their first home game on schedule come September.

It is fashionable in times of tragedy to say sports pales in importance to matters of life and death. And it does. But to over-simplify to that degree is to miss the point. Looked at properly it is revealing to see the role sports can play in rallying people to find collective strength they could not muster on their own.

Sports Illustrated senior NFL writer Peter King captured the impact of that tragedy and its aftermath last year in a very poignant edition of his popular Monday Morning Quarterback column. King eloquently captured the impact of Ed Thomas through his actions, his words and those of his former players who King typically chronicles for their on-field exploits. Details of Thomas personally combing the field on his hands and knees to collect debris—broken glass, jagged metal, wood, etc.—show the leadership by example that made him such a remarkable man.

With the loss of life it is easy to say today’s tragedy is not a sports story, and technically it’s not. Our prayers go out to Thomas’ family, friends and all who knew and loved him. But in the face of this tragedy there is also a place to remember the way this special man became the focal point in leading his community toward recovery through his role as high school football coach.

Last September, Aplington-Parkersburg High School did open its 2008 football season on schedule, defeating West Marshall 53-20, at Ed Thomas Field.

Just like they did many times before. Only nothing was like it was before. And to an even more tragic degree now, it never will be.

For more on the 2008 tornado and the town’s recovery, led by Ed Thomas, click here.

--Paul Kirk/ProLink Sports

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A Bad Bounce?

2009-06-08T14:47:00.000-07:00

The Orlando Magic's Courtney Lee has become a topic of discussion in the sports world after missing a potential game-winning shot in the final seconds of an NBA Finals game last night.

On the sport's biggest stage, the buzz is understandable. It's the type of moment athletes dream about from the time they are children. This one was a little unique in that it didn't require Lee to create a shot in the traditional sense of finding a space on the perimeter or taking a defender--or two--off the dribble.

In this case the shot came to Lee by virtue of a gutsy play call and a picture-perfect inbounds pass. The timing of the play was perfect as well, even if Lee was grabbed by the almighty Kobe Bryant as he rubbed off a screen. That's a call you're never going to get at that moment, and especially not against Bryant.

So what led to Lee's failure? Nerves? The enormity of the moment? Too aggressive?

No, it was something more subtle, but something that befalls many an athlete in big moments: His failure was that he didn't go after the ball and put it back up at the height of his jump, with arms extended. He waited a split-second too long for the ball to come to him and ended up having to lift it back up from chest level while drifting beneath the backboard. This produced the unnatural angle that led to the miss.

In the biggest moments the best players go make it happen. Lee was there, and he did a fine job to time his jump and put himself in position. He just didn't seize the moment when it presented itself.

Funny thing about sports--and life. There's a fine line between hero and goat.

It's a little like what athletes need to remember about PR and image: If you wait for things to come to you, you might miss your moment, or let others tell your story how they see it. If you get out in front of things--good or bad--and tell it your way, you are almost always better off.

Go seize the moment. Make it yours.

--Paul Kirk / www.prolinksports.net / www.twitter.com/ProLinkSports

Lynch Foundation Keeps Giving

2009-05-07T20:34:00.000-07:00

John Lynch retired from the NFL in 2008 after 15 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos.

But the John Lynch Foundation has not retired. Together with his wife Linda, John today hosted the 11th annual Salute the Stars luncheon at INVESCO Field at Mile High. Exceptional scholar-athletes from across Colorado were honored for their achievements, fulfilling the foundation's mission to develop quality young leaders.

The highlight of the sun-splashed ceremony was the awarding of two Lynch Family Legacy Scholarships of $10,000 to deserving scholar-athletes, bringing the program's total to $271,000 awarded to 61 high school students since its inception. The program also included the Star of the Year Award, Exceptional Star of the Year and Most Valuable Teacher/Coach.

John's former Stanford teammate Ed McCaffrey delivered the keynote address and talked about living a life driven by a strong set of core values. It's not only imperative to identify those values, but to live by them. His address also touched on the process of dreams becoming adventures, and that there's more to life than a scoreboard. Play to win and have passion for what you do, but don't be afraid to fail.

As one who embodies that message himself, John announced today he is embarking on a new adventure this fall, serving as a color analyst on Fox Sports' NFL game broadcasts. He is somewhat of a pioneer in that respect, coming to the anlayst role as a defensive player. The majority of former players occupying that seat hail from the offensive side of the ball.

He closed the ceremony noting that it's often popular for people to talk about what's wrong with our youth, but the remarkable students honored today prove there is a lot that's right.

If this group is any indication, our future is in good hands. And thanks to John and Linda Lynch they'll have a little help fulfilling their dreams.

--Paul Kirk / www.prolinksports.net

NFL Draft Memories

2009-04-22T15:11:00.000-07:00

The NFL Draft is upon us. It’s not just a two-day festival once known so understatedly as the "NFL Player Selection Meeting,” but a four-month odyssey that has become one of the major sports unto itself, alongside the NBA and MLB.

It begins, really, the day a team’s season ends in the fan’s mind—and sometimes sooner depending on how bad the season was. And then it’s the Combine, the college Pro Days, the individual workouts, combined with the rhetoric and bluster from agents, the misinformation and smokescreens thrown out by the teams, and fans’ insatiable desire to know which players are going to come in and save their team. It is incredible what a two-day “selection meeting” has become.

And when it’s over, nobody—not fans, media or the teams themselves—actually knows for sure what they have. Not for 2-3 years will those answers begin to emerge, but that doesn’t stop every media outlet far and wide from offering instant analysis and judgment. It’s their job, and the fans want it. So keep the machine cranking—there’s another mock draft to post in 10 minutes!

Over the course of 13 NFL Drafts as a media relations executive with the Denver Broncos, quite a few memories come back to me this time of year, mostly about the individuals who came and went as a result of those drafts. There were years we selected a whopping 12 players (1996 and ’99) and a year we chose only three (1997); a year when our first pick didn’t come until round four (1995), and two when we were finished by the end of that round. Some of the highlights:

--As far as personalities and commanding presence, I’ll never forget the day we first laid eyes on Al Wilson, a day after the linebacker was made our first-round choice in 1999. He was joining a two-time defending champion, and looked like he could step on the field that day and be the leader of the defense. In his press conference we learned that he had been a boxer as a teenager, and I’m not sure there was a person in that room who didn’t picture the poor victims he had likely pummeled and wondered how—or if—they had survived the beating.

--For pure entertainment value, nothing tops the choice of Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett in 2005. At the time there was hope his talent could be harnessed in “the right environment,” but this one was over almost before it began. Two memories: One was knowing we were about to select him with the final pick of day one (3rd round/101 overall), and strolling into the media room to watch the reaction from our assembled media. As a story they would love him—but maybe about four hours earlier. Not right before deadline with their stories already written and waiting for a nondescript name to add to the pile and call it a night. The collective groan and spewing forth of expletives said it all. The other memory came the next day when Clarett was asked to hold up his jersey at the podium for the overflow media crowd before his introductory press conference. Broncos VP of PR—and my former boss—Jim Saccomano instructed Maurice to “smile like you mean it.” He did smile, and was generally pleasant to deal with that day, but to say that was his best performance as a Bronco would not be a stretch.

--The 1998 selection of Michigan quarterback Brian Griese gave us our first glimpse of how self-assured he was, having grown up the son of a Hall of Fame quarterback. For starters, he did not arrive in Denver the day after his selection with fellow first-day choices Marcus Nash and Eric Brown, I think for no other reason than he just wasn’t in that much of a hurry. He came in on Monday, and I remember after he was finished with his press conference and the rest of the dog-and-pony show, I went searching for him to put him on the phone for one more interview. I found him in the office of offensive coordinator/QBs coach Gary Kubiak—no doubt having probably memorized a good portion of the offensive playbook by that time—sitting at Gary’s desk. To say he looked comfortable would be a colossal understatement. Heck, he looked more relaxed sitting in Kubes’ chair than…well, Kubes himself ever did. To this day I have the utmost respect for Brian as both a player and person, and I recall thinking at the time that he is a not guy who is in awe of any part of this experience. It’s tremendous to see him entering his 12th NFL season and to see what he has done with his life’s mission to help children with the establishment of Judi’s House in Denver.

--Finally, in 2000, after we had begun to notice the run of alliteration we had going with consecutive selections of Kenoy Kennedy, Chris Cole, Jerry Johnson, Cooper Carlisle and Muneer Moore, the streak was broken with the choice of Utah running back Mike Anderson. As an attempt at humor, then-GM Neal Dahlen offered to the media, with a smile, that Mike’s real first name was Andy. To which one of the beat writers responded incredulously, “Really?” Again, the draft can be a mind-numbing experience.

If only it had been true, because the next selection was Jarious Jackson.

--Paul Kirk / www.prolinksports.net

Pat's Run Keeps Tillman's Legacy Alive

2009-04-10T06:46:00.000-07:00

Pat's Run is coming. You have one week to get in shape.

On second thought, don't worry about getting in shape. Just run, or walk, or roll. Just participate. That's what Pat would have done.

While most of the sporting world in April turns its attention to the opening of baseball season, the NBA and NHL playoffs and the NFL Draft, two cities prepare for an event that, while associated with sports, should resonate with all Americans: Pat's Run, which honors the legacy of former U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman.

His association with sports comes obviously from his football exploits at Arizona State University and with the NFL's Arizona Cardinals, but his place in history is framed by his decision to walk away from the NFL at age 25 to become a U.S. Army Ranger. Inspired by a sense of duty in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, Tillman saw a greater purpose to his life and chose to serve his country. He was killed in Afghanistan on April 22, 2004.

The story of Pat's life and the people he impacted transcends sports. It is the reason his family and friend created the Pat Tillman Foundation with a mission statement to help people make positive changes in themselves and the people around them. Its flagship program, Leadership Through Action, was implemented at his alma mater Arizona State in 2005, and its chief fundraising and awareness event, Pat's Run, kicked off the same year in Tempe, Ariz.

We're just a week away now from the Fifth Annual Pat's Run in Tempe, April 18, followed by the Fourth Annual Pat's Run in his hometown of San Jose, Calif., April 25. The event has grown enormously since its inception, with a record a record of more than 15,000 people representating nearly every state taking part in last year's Tempe run and more than 5,000 in San Jose.

If you can get there, do it. If you can't, please consider donating to the Pat Tillman Foundation, and honoring the legacy of a great American. I didn't know Pat well; I met him through my work in the ASU athletic department when he was a freshman. But if you met him once, you'll never forget him.

Learn more at www.pattillmanfoundation.org and www.patsrun.com.

--Paul Kirk / www.prolinksports.net

March Madness On Demand a Success

2009-03-20T14:14:00.000-07:00

The opening weekend of the 2009 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament shines a light on the overwhelming success of March Madness On Demand (MMOD), launched in 2003 by the NCAA and CBS Sports, but made available free of charge for the past four tournaments.

March Madness on Demand provides viewers the ability to watch via computer and broadband internet connection every game of the tournament, and has grown and improved in quality and functionality each year.

The biggest leap of faith came in 2006 when the subscription model was dropped in favor of advertisements from some of its most prominent sponsors, most notably presenting sponsors Courtyard by Marriott and Dell.

Even with the free model, available bandwidth was regulated by requiring users to register for “VIP Passes,” while those who did not were subject to pass through a “virtual waiting room” and risk being bumped out when capacity is reached.

By 2008 the registration process was dropped as bandwidth was increased and the ability to accommodate the explosion in traffic resulted in even greater popularity for MMOD. In turn, advertisers continued to be rewarded and greater innovations were applied, setting the stage for record numbers in 2009.

The traffic numbers for the first three days of this year's tournament already surpassed the those for the entire 2008 tournament, according to Sports Business Daily. Through my own use I can attest the product is better than ever, and even more convenient to use, further proving the tremendous vision of the parties involved to capture and build on the popularity of the NCAA Tournament.

Instead of worrying about fragmenting the TV audience, CBS Sports and the NCAA counted on the fact that, when possible, viewers would still watch on TV, but that increased access to the games people want would only increase passion for college basketball, and ultimately bring more eyeballs to the coveted television broadcasts of the games. It was a winning idea all the way around, and the biggest winners have been college basketball fans everywhere.

Score one for the NCAA and CBS Sports, who were bold enough to create a new model to reach viewers and fans amidst a fast-changing technological world. Instead of playing victim to these forces, they harnessed their power and have only served to increase the popularity of the tournament while finding a way to monetize the innovation.

--Paul Kirk / www.prolinksports.net

ProLink on Campus

2009-03-14T17:59:00.000-07:00

This week afforded us the chance to be back on campus when we were invited by the University of Colorado athletic department to speak to student-athletes about the importance of image and the transition from collegiate student-athlete to professional athlete.

We spoke to draft-eligible football players who had worked out earlier in the day for NFL scouts during their on-campus Pro Day. Our presentation focused on the benefits of establishing a positive image, effective ways to build that image, media training and financial awareness, with an assist from our friends at Alliance Bernstein, certified NFLPA financial planners. Whether drafted or not, any player who has the opportunity to get into an NFL training camp not only has a tremendous opportunity, but an enormous challenge. We wanted to open their eyes to the way NFL franchises are structured, the differences they will see compared to the support that surrounded them in college and some of the realities of the current sports business environment.

The week also saw ProLink Sports featured in an NBCSports.com piece by veteran NFL writer Tom Curran, about the obstacles and challenges any franchise would encounter in the hypothetical situation that they were to acquire quarterback Michael Vick, if and when he was reinstated by Commissioner Roger Goodell. We were asked to outline what steps that franchise would take in its efforts to navigate what would undoubtedly be a very controversial decision.

This is a topic about which people have some very strong opinions. As to our place in the conversation, it's important to note we're speaking from the standpoint that the franchise has already made the decision, and now the question is how to handle it. Like a relief pitcher entering the game with the bases loaded and nobody out. Good luck putting out the fire.

Thanks for checking in to the ProLink Sports blog.

--Paul Kirk / www.prolinksports.net

Domonique Foxworth, One of the Good Guys

2009-02-27T22:40:00.001-08:00

Today's opening of the 2009 NFL free agency period was marked by the usual flurry of news regarding player visits, signings and contract terms. And while many of the players in the news today could probably be described as "good guys," one of them, Domonique Foxworth, is truly one of the game's finest ambassadors.

When he played for the Denver Broncos from 2005 through the 2008 preseason, Foxworth proved not only to be an effective player, but also an asset to his community. He was very visible in trying to improve the lives of Colorado's youth, whether appearing in television commercials for CollegeinColorado.org, teaching a writing class at the Broncos Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, or helping to create the Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center at that branch, to honor his former teammate and friend.

Foxworth, after being traded to Atlanta on the eve of the 2008 season opener, was rewarded Friday in his first foray into free-agency with a reported four-year, $27.2 million contract--including $16.5 million in guaranteed money--from his hometown Baltimore Ravens. Foxworth grew up in Maryland and played his college ball at the University of Maryland.

It is the ultimate homecoming for Foxworth, the kind rarely seen in professional sports. And while the money is staggering, this post isn't meant to focus on the money. We all know professional athletes make great money. My point is that today fans can take heart in knowing that one of those who was handsomely rewarded is the kind of player they can get behind and cheer for with no reservations. Domonique Foxworth is truly one of the NFL's "good guys."

--Paul Kirk / www.prolinksports.net

Farewell, Rocky Mountain News

2009-02-27T22:09:00.000-08:00

For anybody who has practiced PR in the Denver area, the final printing of the Rocky Mountain News on Friday brought sadness and reflection on the many friendships and professional acquaintances developed over the years.

Many times the relationship between PR professionals and journalists can be challenging, but the mutual respect developed over the years leaves me feeling a great deal of sadness for the many true professionals who are suddenly jobless. And regardless of whether we agreed in every instance with the handling of a particular story, the presence of two newspapers competing for stories and challenging one another made our community better.

So, thank you to all of you at the Rocky Mountain News who have been a big part of our professional lives, especially our good friends in sports, Sam Adams, Jeff Legwold, Lee Rasizer, Dave Krieger, Aaron Lopez, Lynn DeBruin and Kevin "Moose" Huhn, to name just a few.

Here's hoping brighter days are ahead.

--Paul Kirk / www.prolinksports.net

ProLink Sports Blog

2009-02-27T21:49:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first blog post from ProLink Sports, an athlete representation firm based in Denver, Colo. Launched in 2008 by Paul Kirk and Judianne Atencio, ProLink Sports specializes in image management, brand-building, media relations and philanthropy for professional athletes.

We provide clients with services designed to engage them in the community in a more effective and meaningful way, while building brand identity through innovative and professional handling of outreach to media, fans and the local community. Expertise also includes services to guide corporate clients who wish to identify professional athletes for speaking opportunities, and to enhance their company’s products and/or services, as well as fundraising and event planning.

Learn more about ProLink Sports at www.prolinksports.net.
--Paul Kirk