BrianJennings - Yardbarker Blogs

Helpful Hints from Brian Jennings: the Progression

Fri, 22 May 2009 18:54:53 -0500

In high school, they talk about toughness and commitment.

In college, they talk about pride and courage.

In the NFL, they talk about technique, unless you're on a losing team, in which case they start talking about pride again.

3:16 Was a Beautiful Day

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 02:01:08 -0500

It's been a while since I've been in the 'Yard, so here's what I've been up to: working out, school, golf, yoga, and general entertainment and....

Today was a BIG day for the Jennings family. My nephew Greyson was born this morning to my brother and his wife Ramona. Both baby and mother are healthy and feeling good about the new living arrangement... OUTSIDE the belly!

As you may know the Niners have our first mini camp this weekend. Word on the street is that we may run a bit, or a lot, or till someone passes out... we'll see. So I got to the gym early this morning, then headed to the hospital to meet the little guy. Ramona was rightfully wiped out, Greyson was overwhelmed, and my brother was a proud papa. It seems everyone I know is having babies... I guess I'm next? Ladies?

This afternoon I met a friend for a round of golf at the Phoenician in Scottsdale. I was scheduled to be a guest on a sports talk radio show (1060 AM - The Deuce)--turned out to be right during my last hole. I teed off (Hybrid about 250 yds), and as I drove the cart to my second shot I was live on the air. We talked about football, yoga, and--obviously-- golf. I finished the show and parred the hole to finish with a 77 on the day. It was the first time I had broken 80, so I am feeling pretty good about my golf game right now.

Definitely a great day--work out, Greyson, golf, radio show, and now Yardbarker!

Pro Bowl Miracle

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 16:20:06 -0500

?Allow me to introduce you to my new buddy William Car. We met today as I pulled into the parking lot of AZ Golf Works. I needed to get my?driver fixed and he was out of "juice"--the batteries of his motorized scooter's batteries had died. My man Bill (as his friends call him), was on his way home when he?stalled. I asked him if he had a plan to resolve his dilemma, or if there was anyone I could call for him.

Unfortunately Bill's wife was unavailable, and his plan was to?find someone to help him. It turned out, I was that help. I was unable?to find an electrical outlet, so I had Bill jump on his scooter and I pushed him home (about a half mile). During our cruise down University Ave. in Tempe, I discovered that?Bill is a hell of a guy-trained soldiers to operate tanks during WWII, and moved to AZ years ago. He'll be 82 on April 7th.

It turns out, AZ Golf Works was closed so I headed home when I?realized the Pro Bowl is this weekend.?I was?nominated to the?2004 Pro Bowl as the "need player."? After the regular season, I received a phone call from Jason Jenkins (49ers PR guy) as I was headed to my class at ASU. I could not believe it because a Long Snapper had not been selected to the Pro Bowl since the 70's. I quickly contacted my family and we all headed to Hawaii. The 2004 Pro Bowl was one of the greatest times of my life during one of the worst times of my life. It truly made me believe that anything is possible.

When I was introduced before the game I laughed because I had not been introduced at a game since my Senior Day at ASU. I was an un-recruited walk on and never started a game in college. In high school I spent most of my time as a menace to society not a star athlete. When I was 17,?I was on house arrest for kids....the next thing I know I'm playing in the Pro Bowl.? Miracles happen.

The spring of 2005 was the lowest and most challenging times of my life,?as the?Pro Bowl happened amid a series of personal tragedies that began on April 22, 2004 and continued through August 20,2005. The?first date may sound familiar--the day Pat Tillman was killed. The second date is the day that Thomas Herrion died after one of our preseason games. During this year and a half misfortune hit my life like a freight train. Including a 2-14 season, a pair of family crisises, and the death of a couple more of my friends including Brandon Falkner (March 26, 2005) who was killed while leaving a night club in Scottsdale. The cumulative effects of these events?forever changed the direction of my life. Yet some how, some way, I was selected to the Pro Bowl--the one bright spot or ray of hope during some dark days. A little encouragement to keep going and the knowledge that each day could contain a miracle.

In February 2004 I needed some help, today my man William Car needed some help. It took a few minutes out of my day and William made it home safely. When I was named to the Pro Bowl, Coach Mora did not know that I was stuck, floundering, and drifting into depression, but he helped me out when I needed it. I will forever be grateful to the NFL and Coach Mora for taking me to the Pro Bowl that year, and as for Bill, his sincere handshake and thank you was?more than?I needed.

God Bless and Go Team.

Chalking up Victories and Stacking Chips

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 10:09:21 -0500

Chalking up Victories and Stacking Chips!

On Wednesday night the Moyer Foundation invited me to play in a charity poker tournament at the W Hotel in Scottsdale. After a few hours of raking pots, I found myself at the final table. I was unable to win the whole thing but I did walk away with the best prize -- a sweet watch.
If you get a chance check out: www.MoyerFoundation.org
During the off season, I usually try to come up with projects to occupy my time. This year I am working out, practicing yoga, instructing yoga, playing golf, and taking a Chemistry class at Scottsdale Community College. On Thursdays I have the Lab section of this class. The Chemistry lecture is pretty serious and I am working on finding a tutor that will help figure this stuff out.
Today I discovered that the lady who walks my dog while I'm at school, has been feding my dog some snacks that upset her stomach... if you happened to hang out with my dog please do not feed her anything. Thanks
I'm off to the movies with a classy lady.
-Go Team

67% of the time.... they lose 100% of the time.

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:11:21 -0500

While the Cardinals and Steelers are enjoying their Super Bowl experience, I will be here in Scottsdale living the dream. I have begun exercising in the morning from 8 to 9:30, then I head to the Breakfast Club in Scottsdale. On Monday, Wednesday and Thursday I take a class at Scottsdale Community College, but the rest of my week is pretty much free for golf, yoga, and general recreation.

This weekend is the Phoenix Open so I will join about 100,000 other "golf enthusiasts" for a weekend of fun in the sun. I jokingly refer to Open attendees as "golf enthusiasts" because in the many years I have attended the event, I don't know anyone who has watched more than three shots. I'm pretty sure the Open is more like NASCAR than the British Open (neither of which I have attended).

Today while playing golf at the Phoenician, I couldn't help but think about the unlikely appearance of the Cardinals in the Super Bowl. For the sake of full disclosure, which I arguably should have mentioned in an earlier post: I will always pick against the Cardinals.

For some reason, in 1988 the Cardinals moved to Arizona and I (like many AZ residents) wanted to become fans. Unfortunately, in their 19 pre-Whisenhunt seasons, the Cardinals won an average of 5.4 games a year. Made it tough for reasonable people to consider themselves fans of the lose-67%-of-their-games-Cardinals.

Based on results, I have to acknowledge that with a new stadium and Michael Bidwell in charge, their coaching staff and players have been on fire during the playoffs. It's as if the Cardinals are a whole different organization. Maybe these guys know what they're doing? But then again, people in Arizona are transplants from other cities with hobbies, interests, and an entire state to explore so next year when the Cardinals lose 3 or 4 games in a row, their shiny new stadium will become an expensive echo chamber.

That brings me to the beginning of the end for the Cardinals... Super Bowl Sunday. The Steelers are a team prepared to win another Super Bowl. With the best defense in the NFL, a physical offense that can score points, and a special teams unit that chews up "hidden" yardage, the Cardinals will not finish first in this game. ("If you're not first, you're last." - Ricky Bobby)

Much like the 1988 Bengals who where defeated by the 49ers in Super Bowl XXIII, the Cardinals will return to obscurity. Until they prove me wrong... Steelers win.

-Go Team

Playoff Predictions

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 10:41:17 -0500

The Cardinals shocked the football world last weekend by putting the smack down on the Panthers. Unfortunately for them, they still have one of the worst defenses in the NFL, giving up an average of 26.6 points per game. Unlike the Panthers, the Eagles will not take the Cardinals lightly, and if Fitzgerald or Boldin happen to make a big play, the Eagles will not fall apart. Both teams have big play offenses. The difference is the Eagles have more of a running game than the Cardinals and the best defense in the NFC. Eagles win.

The moment Tom Brady went down, the Steelers became the best team in football. The Steelers' only losses came to really good football teams. They lost to the Eagles in Philly, to the Giants and Colts at home, and to the Titans in Tennessee. The Ravens lost to the Steelers twice, otherwise t.heir record is identical.

These are two great teams--to choose a winner you could almost flip a coin (only the Ravens side of the coin would be more beat-up). Unless the Ravens can win the turnover battle by plus three, the Steelers will win this game.

Steelers win.

Congratulations Coach Nolan

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:26:32 -0500

Coach Nolan was hired by the Denver Broncos to coach their defense. I would like to wish both Mike Nolan and the Broncos luck in the AFC West. Mike Nolan is a great man and will help the players, staff, and organization in many ways.

When Mike Nolan arrived at our facility he brought order to chaos, filled the building with great people, and built a team. Unfortunately, and regrettably, we were unable to win for him.

At some point in the not-so-distant future Mike Nolan be again be a head coach. It would not surprise me one bit if goes on to win the Super Bowl. But for now he will help the Broncos defense get back on their feet.

Congratulations Denver Broncos and good luck when playing everyone but the 49ers.

Go Team

Does anyone Know...

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 01:38:15 -0500

What Happened this weekend? Because I was golfing!

Playoff Predictions...

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:20:09 -0500

Game 1: Ravens at Titans - Saturday, 4:30
The Titans had a great regular season and Fisher is a great head coach, but the Ravens are on a mission. Expect the Titans to have an awkward look on their faces after this one. Ravens win.
Game 2: Cardinals at Panthers - Saturday, 8:15
It is possible the Cardinals will set two playoff records against the Panthers: rushing yards allowed and three-and-out's by the offense. The Panthers will dominate this game, the only question is... by how much will they win?
Game 3: Eagles at Giants - Sunday, 1:00
The Eagles are the Giants of last season - Gaining momentum. The Giants, meanwhile, are trying to hold it together. With a little help from McNabb, Westbrook, and some creative play calling... the Giants will be one and done. Eagles win.
Game 4: Chargers at Steelers - Sunday, 4:45
During the regular season, the Steelers had the best defense and the Chargers had the second best offense in the NFL. On Sunday we will all be reminded of the Chargers' mediocre regular season. Pittsburgh wins even with a banged-up Big Ben.

Problems With the Draft

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 03:22:49 -0500

After dinner in Malibu on Sunday (same place I met John McEnroe), I jumped in my car and headed back home to Scottsdale. I arrived having forgotten/lost the remote to open the gate (to my community) and for some reason, the key to my front door was missing (lost over the bye week). Fortunately, I was able sneak past the gate by tailgating another resident (impenetrable security!) and located a key. My dad wouldn't have appreciated me knocking on his door at 3 a.m. He's kinda old.

The following night, some buddies and I were watching the Fiesta Bowl at a local watering hole. With two minutes left on the clock, suddenly a football game broke out. With Texas behind, their friendly "Heisman hopeful" quarterback got back on the field. I recognized the situation an announced to the table, "Texas will win and McCoy will be a top ten draft pick."

A barrage of jokes ensued -- from how many dollars-per-throw McCoy was making to which QB bust he most resembled. After my predicted conclusion was realized, my friend said to the TV, "Congratulations, now you're Tim Couch!" Another friend threw out "Akili Smith!" Then the name of the master of all QB busts rang out, "RYAN LEAF!" We all laughed, but I defended them. It's not their fault they got drafted so high.

In all seriousness, I wish Colt McCoy the best. Hell, maybe he'll end up on the 49ers? But it did get me thinking about some of the problems with the draft.

First, no draft pick can single handedly save a franchise. Organizations and fans expect too much from young players. Young players do not save franchises, franchises save young players.

For example, Terrell Suggs, a great player and friend (and fellow Arizona State alumni), was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens. During his rookie year, T. Sizzle's primary responsibility was rushing the passer on third downs. As he improved, under the tutelage of a great defense (coaches and players), he took on more responsibility. Now he's a Pro Bowler and considered one of the best in the NFL. Here is the kicker: had he been drafted by the Arizona Cardinals instead of the Ravens, he would have been Andre Wadsworth. Great college player, big, strong, fast, all the potential in the world., but just did not work out. I have all the respect in the world for Andre Wadsworth?.it's not his fault he got drafted by the Cardinals in the '90s.

Another problem with the draft is that having a high pick is a liability for the teams. The NFL draft should have a cap and all contracts should expire in three years. For example, the number one overall pick should get at most a three year $12 million contract. After that time he would be a restricted free agent and either get paid or "get out of the league."

One more thing, to avoid overpaying free agents and veteran players, many of whom lose their ability and/or interest in playing football (veteran players are safer picks than the draft but still risky). The NFL needs to significantly increase minimum salaries.

Let's start with the notion that each player contributes to the team (both helping the team win and generating revenue). Some contribute more than others. The top eight to ten guys on each team should make significantly more that the rest of the players. But how much more? If football really is the ultimate team game, can one player's contract be worth $100 million when his teammates is worth only $300,000?

NFL owners should jump at the opportunity to increase minimum salaries because that would reduce the risk of signing high priced free agents, because there would be less money under the cap to pay to any one individual player.

In an ideal "fantasy world," where fair was the law of the land, each player would contribute equally and would receive an equal percentage of the salary cap ($116,000,000 / 53 players = $2,188,679.25). But in the "real world" life is not fair, teams do not spent the full available amount, and as we established earlier, not all players contribute equally.

So what should we base the minimum salaries on? At the very least, every team must pay out a certain amount in player salaries (the "Minimum Total Salary" which was $98.8 million in 2008). If we take 20% off the top to use as an additional compensation pool for key players (in addition to the remaining cap space should the team choose to use it), we have about $79 million for base salaries ("the Base Salary Pool").

The average length of an NFL playing career is 3.5 years; by the eighth year, a player is an established veteran. Under my proposal, all players who play for eight years or more would earn a minimum salary equal to 1/53 of the Base Salary Pool ($79,000,000 / 53 = $1491,320.75). Reduce the salary by $100,000 for each year less than eight, and rookies would make $791,320.75.

That way if a player plays for the average length of time (3.5 years) and makes a minimum salary, instead of making $1,370,000 he would make $3,219,623.63.

With $116 million dollar cap, signing bonuses would still be tens of millions of dollars for the highest priced players, but the rest of the players would make significantly more money. Both the players and the NFL should work to increase minimum salaries to ensure a bright future for the NFL owners, players, and fans.

Now that I've solved that problem, I need to find a dog walker in Scottsdale for my dog... I'm meeting my brother for lunch tomorrow, and if I don't go see my mom by the end of the week then she'll bring out the wooden spoon again (ouch).

Here is a picture of my version of unpacking... I guess I still have some "putting away" to do!

Yoga

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:16:53 -0500

Sometimes I moonlight as a Yoga instructor...

Operation Offseason

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:08:29 -0500

I just finished my 9th year in the NFL...

Coach Singletary is IN... Martz is OUT... And I'm off to Arizona to enjoy my offseason.

After our victory over the Redskins, Jed York announced that Singletary would be our coach for 2009. We all did a "happy dance" and Coach Sing announced he was going to adopt Patrick Willis (just kidding). The next morning we checked out for the season, meet with our coaches, and packed up our ish before heading home. The NFL will not let us play anymore games this season and that sucks.

This was the first season in a while that I did not want the year to end... I wanted to keep playing and winning more games. Hopefully next year we will get off to a fast start, win at least 10 or 12 games, and go into the playoffs playing strong football. But for now I'm starting my offseason.

On my way to AZ I stopped in LA (Pacific Palisades) to spend a few days with a doctor (Ed Wagner) I regularly visit. While eating lunch in Malibu the other day, I saw John McEnroe. I stopped by his table and told him he is the "greatest dude ever" (my life is so random). Later, I spent New Year's with some friends and we ended up at the Viceroy Hotel in Santa Monica. I like the Viceroy because the rooms have a lot of personality... "Personality goes a long way." - Pulp Fiction

When I get to AZ I plan to play golf, go to school, practice yoga, instruct yoga, work out for football, and hang with friends and family (not necessarily in that order). I may find myself on a date here and there so we'll see how that goes?

I am looking forward to Blogging and hopefully adding some video of these activities (probably not the dating part).

My dog has been my wingman during this road trip home so I am including a picture of her enjoying Zuma beach in Malibu.

Go Team

Coach Singletary

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 18:04:09 -0500

Yardbarker,

We just finished our walkthrough for the St. Louis Rams, Edward Jones Dome. As we left the field we met the East St. Louis High School football players who recently won the state championship. The kids were impressed with Isaac Sopoaga's ability to throw a football a mile. It was pretty funny.

I want to thank everyone for their comments and questions. I will use your comments as material for my blog.

The first comment (from Polevault1542) asked about Coach Singletary, a question I get almost daily, so I thought I'd write about that. Mike Singletary is taking the NFL and sports world by storm. During the course of the last four years, I have been fortunate to be exposed to Coach Singletary's words and actions. When he speaks we listen. He is inspiring, motivating, and empowering. Mike Singletary is a leader and our coach.

Like the kids from East St. Louis High, I first met Mike Singletary when I was a kid. During one summer when I went to visit my grandparents in Iowa, my Grandfather (Jackson) decided to drive up to watch the Bears practice (training camp) in Wisconsin.

It would have been in 1987 or 1988 and I would have been eleven years old or so. I grew up playing baseball and had not played organized football at that point in my life. Arriving at the training camp we walked across the grass and found a place to watch practice. I remember William "the Refrigerator" Perry striking a one man sled at throwing it 5 yards in the air.

Then the shrieking sound of wood twisting and cracking commanded our attention. The linebackers were hitting spring loaded pads that were attached to railroad ties. Each linebacker went down the line hitting the pads one at a time, but the sound was #50 striking the pads.

My Grandfather reminded me who #50 was, Singletary - the Bears' linebacker with the intense eyes. I knew who he was, when I played football with my friends, I would either pretend to be Ronnie Lott or Mike Singletary.

As practice ended we walked over to where the players exited the field. Dan Hampton walked by me and he appeared to be ten feet tall, then my Grandfather was able to get the attention of Mike Singletary. He stopped and spoke with me for a moment. Singletary's intense eyes where replaced with a kind confidence. He encouraged me to do well in both school and sports. I left that brief encounter with a totally new perception of both Mike Singletary and myself. For some reason I believed I could become a professional athlete. Mike Singletary who was one of the most feared players ever, was actually a "nice" person.

When Coach Nolan was hired, Mike Singletary came to coach the linebackers. I was excited to tell him that I met him at the Bears training camp all those years ago... Although he did not share my enthusiasm, he was happy to hear that I was influenced so greatly by our chance encounter.

Who knows maybe one of those kids from East St. Louis will be inspired to realize their dreams.

I look forward to reading comments.

Have you ever had a chance encounter someone who had a dramatic influence on your life? Whom do you admire and respect?

Go Team

On the Diagonal

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 11:50:21 -0500

Hey Yardbarkers--

As I was trying to figure out what to write in my first blog in the 'Yard, I went to Whole Foods to get some dinner. I ordered a sandwich, and as the lady who made it began to cut it, I kinda cringed. She cut my sandwich in half from the side, not on a diagonal. Although probably insignificant to you, for me that single cut evoked a long-repressed childhood memory.

When I was a kid my brother (Mark) and I constantly competed--all sports, wrestling, riding skateboards or bikes. I even learned to tie my shoes by racing my brother (to win I went to Velcro for a year). When it came to eating or sharing food we did not let up. At all.

Because I was the youngest by three and a half years, it took me some time to figure out how to compete and eventually win in these kitchen contests. For an extended period of time, my brother would both cut the food that was to be shared and pick his "half." Eventually I made a rule: one person cuts the food, the other person gets to choose his piece first. Mark quickly agreed, but as he started to cut into the prized chocolate bar he paused and said, "That's not fair." He realized his scam would no longer work. He handed me the knife and I confidently made my diagonal cut. He could not distinguish which side was larger and for the first time in my life I got my fair share.

I love to compete; I've done it my whole life. I look for angles, strategies, and techniques that will result in victories. I have been snapping footballs for the 49ers for the last 9 years and I love the ruthless competition of the NFL. I often teach college and high school kids how to long snap. Here is what I tell them:

I can teach anyone to long snap, but I can't teach anyone to want to do it. It takes all of the following:

Orientation - put your body between the ball and the target
Stance - kinda like you're about to do a power clean but set your feet wider.
Grip - like you throw the ball overhand with the opposite hand mirrored symmetrically
Aim - aim small, miss small, to hit the target
Decide - visualize the desired result
Fire - let go and let God
Follow through - patience as the ball leaves your fingers
Balance - block your guy

Start by snapping a round ball (soccer or volley) like a chest pass in basketball but through your legs. Practice doing it correctly. Always start with perfection then advance from there to make progress. For example, fifteen yards is pretty far, so start from nine or ten. Once you get a perfect snap from that distance advance one yard, then repeat. Do not practice a crappy snap from fifteen yards, practice a perfect snap from an appropriate distance. Perfect practice makes perfect. Build velocity by snapping a medicine ball six or seven yards.

Now comes the hard part. Practice until you believe you are the best in the world. Practice until you know that if you make a mistake there was nothing you or any other mortal person could have done to prevent it. Practice until it is not possible to miss but if that unfortunate day should come, you will have done everything in your power to avoid it. Practice until you know you can not fail.

My fundamental approach to football comes from a book called Psycho Cybernetics by Maxwell Martz. If you're interested, and you probably are because you're reading this, this book will give you a greater insight into the minds of successful athletes.

I listened to the audio version of the book.

I hope they cut my sandwich on a diagonal next time.

My brother insists on cutting everything.

Go team.