Former Knight Daunte Culpepper Opening a Restuarant

Former Knight Daunte Culpepper will be opening the doors to what will be the newest restaurant in the UCF Area. The restaurant is located at 11662 University Boulevard
Orlando, Florida 32817.  The restaurant is just one mile from campus and is set to open on Aug. 28. The former NFL quarterback looks to be reconnecting with his alma mater and recently vowed to become a bigger part of the Knights’ community moving forward.

“I want to be a part of that,” said Culpepper, a three-time NFL Pro Bowl selection and member of the UCF Hall of Fame. “I think coming here knowing what it was as a freshman, staying in [dorms] just 200 yards from here, and seeing where it is now, it just makes me feel good to have an opportunity to be a part of this community.”

The UCF Hall of Famer is lending his name to the restaurant in a partnership with another former UCF quarterback, Kyle Israel, and Tony Comas, a UCF alum and radio personality, among others. The nearly-completed Culpepper’s restaurant on University Boulevard will be a great place for students, parents, local residents and visitors to grab a bite to ea

Seahawks Cornerback Richard Sherman Lands Endorsement Deal with Century Link

 The one-year contract will position Sherman as the spokesperson for the CenturyLink High School Athlete of the Week program as well as for the company’s upcoming marketing campaign hitting the Seattle market this fall.

“Richard Sherman has exemplified a deep commitment to the communities around him, especially with respect to children and education,” said Rich Karlis, director of sponsorships for CenturyLink. “We are looking forward to partnering with Richard as we continue to strive to enrich educational experiences through programs like the High School Athlete of the Week.”

Sherman was selected by the Seahawks in the fifth round (154th overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft. Sherman played college football at Stanford, playing both wide receiver and cornerback for the Cardinal.

Olympic Gold Medal Gymnast Gabby Douglas Named AP Female Athlete of the Year

Gabby Douglas was the guest speaker at the District 4 DeKalb County Commissioner Sharon Barnes Sutton’s youth empowerment breakfast. The Olympian gave special remarks to the academy students, who represent a variety of high schools in the county, as well as to youth there who were in gymnastics themselves. Douglas touched on her family’s past struggles and their determination to make sure she succeeded in her goals.

“We’re so proud to have her [Douglas] here this morning, and we’re grateful that she’s also committed to helping youth reach their fullest potential,” said Sutton.

Douglas, nicknamed “The Flying Squirrel,” began formal gymnastics training at the age of 6; by the age of 8, she had won her first major title as the 2004 Virginia State Champion. At 16, she was selected as a member of the U.S. Olympic Women’s Gymnastics team to compete in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, England. There, she became the first African-American woman, as well as the first woman of color of any nationality, to win an Olympic gold medal as the All-Around Individual Champion.

Dwight Gooden to Sign Autographs at Locker Room Sports

 Dwight Gooden will sign autographs at Locker Room Sports, located at 76 Main St. in Woodbridge on August 22 from 7 pm to 8:30 pm. Autographs are $25 each and inscriptions are $10.

Gooden was one of the most dominant and feared pitchers in the National League in the middle and late 1980s. Gooden played for the Mets, Yankees and Indians, among other major league teams from 1984 until 2000, when he retired at age 35.
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NFL Star Adrian Peterson to be Featured Athlete on the Next Wheaties Box

Minnesota Vikings’ running back Adrian Peterson will be the featured athlete on the next Wheaties Box. The five-time Pro Bowler is a two-time NFL rushing champion and was named the 2012 NFL MVP in addition to a long list of other accolades.

Peterson to be Featured Athlete on the Next Wheaties Box

By: Anthony Fernandez

- See more at: http://www.athletepromotions.com/blog/page/2/#sthash.zurtgK73.dpuf

Minnesota Vikings’ running back Adrian Peterson will be the featured athlete on the next Wheaties Box. The five-time Pro Bowler is a two-time NFL rushing champion and was named the 2012 NFL MVP in addition to a long list of other accolades.
“I remember as a kid growing up and hearing my parents tell me that I’d better eat my Wheaties,” said Peterson. “I never thought that as a kid that I would actually be on the same box that once had my childhood heroes on it. I am blessed and fortunate to have such an incredible honor. I would like to remind all of the kids that they better eat their Wheaties.”
After suffering a major knee injury toward the end of the 2011 season, the Vikings superstar bounded back and fell just nine yards short of breaking NFL legend Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing recor
- See more at: http://www.athletepromotions.com/blog/page/2/#sthash.zurtgK73.dpuf

Minnesota Vikings’ running back Adrian Peterson will be the featured athlete on the next Wheaties Box. The five-time Pro Bowler is a two-time NFL rushing champion and was named the 2012 NFL MVP in addition to a long list of other accolades.
“I remember as a kid growing up and hearing my parents tell me that I’d better eat my Wheaties,” said Peterson. “I never thought that as a kid that I would actually be on the same box that once had my childhood heroes on it. I am blessed and fortunate to have such an incredible honor. I would like to remind all of the kids that they better eat their Wheaties.”
After suffering a major knee injury toward the end of the 2011 season, the Vikings superstar bounded back and fell just nine yards short of breaking NFL legend Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing recor
- See more at: http://www.athletepromotions.com/blog/page/2/#sthash.zurtgK73.dpuf

HAL PASTNER PRESENTS Bigfoot Hoops Basketball Tournaments

DRC FOUNDATION | 2013 CELEBRITY CHARITY WEEKEND

Stars Unite For 2013 Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational In Vegas

Hosted by ARIA Resort & Casino, the 12th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational (MJCI) returns to Las Vegas' Shadow Creek April 4 – 7 featuring celebrity favorites plus first-time attendees including Olympic Champion Michael Phelps , Pro Football Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Jonathan Ogden , comedian Rob Riggle ,  PGA Golfer Dustin Johnson , country star Jake Owen , actor James Denton , NFL Quarterback Josh Freeman and actor/comedians Kevin Nealon and Wayne Brady *.

The new participants will join MJCI standout veterans including host Michael Jordan , Marcus Allen , Anthony Anderson , Brian Baumgartner , Roger Clemens , Wayne Gretzky , Ken Griffey Jr. , Penny Hardaway , Brett Hull , Toni Kukoc, Mario Lemieux , Greg Maddux , Tom Welling , Jesse Williams and Adrian Young as they swing for a cause.

In its third year in Las Vegas, MJCI will gather dozens of celebrities for four days of star-studded events and golf at Shadow Creek and ARIA. Additional celebrity and athlete participants include defending champion Brandi Chastain , Jerome Bettis , Chris Chelios , Vince Coleman , Janet Jones-Gretzky , Dan Jansen , Win McMurry, Christina Milian *, Paul O'Neill, Stuart Scott , Ozzie Smith , Alan Thicke and Winky Wright .

*Non-Golfer

The Celebrity-Amateur tournament, which pairs one celebrity with four amateur participants, will take place Thursday, April 4 and Friday, April 5. The MJCI two-person, 36-hole scramble format tournament, including only competing celebrities, will take place Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7.

Proceeds from the charitable tournament will benefit Make-A-Wish, James R. Jordan Foundation, Opportunity Village and Cats Care, the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats' charity arm. Since its inception in 2001, MJCI has raised more than $6 million for charity.

Tickets are now on sale and available at all 10 MGM Resorts' box offices and concierge desks in Las Vegas, and online at www.arialasvegas.com, www.MJCIgolf.com and www.shadowcreek.com. Fans who wish to experience this exclusive event can purchase daily or weekly general admission and VIP ticket packages. VIP ticket holders will enjoy added perks including complimentary parking at Shadow Creek (a $10 daily value), unparalleled views from the open-air MasterCard® VIP Hospitality Deck, complimentary food and full-service bars. 

Prices are as follows:

Daily General Admission Pass	$30/Thursday-Sunday
Weekly General Admission Pass	$100/Thursday-Sunday
Daily VIP Pass	$150/Thursday-Sunday
Weekly VIP Pass	$500/Thursday-Sunday

Discounted tickets are available for military service members, senior citizens 65 years of age or older and college/university students with valid identification. Each group will receive 25 percent off daily or weekly general admission tickets. Additionally, the tournament offers a "Bring the Kids for Free" general admission ticket pass, providing access to Shadow Creek for youth 17 years of age and younger when accompanied by a general admission ticketed adult (up to two children per paid adult).

All ticketholders can enjoy complimentary shuttle service between ARIA and Shadow Creek. Shuttles will depart every 30 minutes from ARIA's North Valet entrance Thursday and Friday of the tournament from 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Continuous return service from Shadow Creek to ARIA will be provided until 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

For more information about MJCI, visit arialasvegas.com, MJCIgolf.com or call (877) 253-5847.

Miami Hurricanes Fans: UM Sports Hall of Fame Celebrity Dolphin Tournament Set for June 28-29 with Ray Lewis as Host

Hurricanes sports fans can register now for the 3rd Annual University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame (UMSHoF) Celebrity Dolphin Tournament, which will take place June 28-29 at the Postcard Inn at Holiday Isle in Islamorada, Fla.

Ray Lewis, a former Hurricanes linebacker and two-time Super Bowl winner with the Baltimore Ravens, will host this year's activities, which include a captain's meeting, full day of fishing, awards dinner and live and silent auctions involving sports memorabilia as well as a variety of gift packages. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to anglers in eight categories. A portion of the tournament proceeds will go to The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys and the UMSHoF.

"A record number of well-known former Hurricanes will participate this year," said K.C. Jones, president-elect of the UMSHoF, a 2008 hall inductee, two-time Super Bowl winner with the Denver Broncos and founder of the tournament. "Along with this, we've seen an increase in inquiries from fans who want to fish, network and simply have fun with other supporters of The U. We expect the tournament to have 500 participants and 100 boats in what is only its third year. There is no better place to be in Florida than the Keys in June to support important causes."

Ray Lewis added: "The University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame Celebrity Dolphin Tournament is a great opportunity for Hurricanes fans and former student-athletes. I look forward to a weekend of fun, rewarding activities that are planned for this year's tournament." 

Former Hurricanes sports stars slated to participate include NFL Hall of Fame Inductee and 2012 Tournament Host Warren Sapp (Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders), NFL Hall of Fame Member Ted Hendricks (Baltimore Colts, Green Bay Packers, Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders), Brett Romberg (Jacksonville Jaguars, St. Louis Rams and Atlanta Falcons), Gary Dunn (Pittsburgh Steelers), Damione Lewis (St. Louis Rams , Carolina Panthers, New England Patriots and Houston Texans), and Randal Hill (Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals and New Orleans Saints).

Tournament Information

For information about tournament participation, including boat entry or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.canesfish.com, send an email to info@canesfish.com or contact K.C. Jones directly at (305) 925-3660. Save on tournament fees by registering online now until May 1.

MARCEDES LEWIS Football Camp June 2013

ESPN Officially Signs Ray Lewis as NFL Analyst

Recently retired Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis has officially joined ESPN as an NFL analyst for its Monday and Sunday night pregame shows.

Fresh off a Super Bowl victory, the 12-time Pro Bowler has an official start date of August 1 and will appear on “Monday Night Countdown,” “Sunday Night Countdown” and “SportsCenter” programs but presumably will not be part of ESPN’s elaborate coverage of next month’s NFL Draft.

The 37-year-old is is a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and won two Super Bowl titles during his 17-year NFL career, all as a member of the Ravens. In a statement Lewis said, “I’m ready to bring the same level of passion to this next phase of my life as I brought to the field during my years as a player.”

       

Grizzlies Guard Mike Conley Jr. Teams Up with ADT to Promote their Home Turf Sweepstakes

As one of the top players on a Memphis Grizzlies squad that allows an NBA-best 89.4 points per game, Mike Conley Jr. knows a thing or two about defense. But along with protecting the basket, the young guard also takes steps to protect his home.

Conley took viewers on a tour of the Memphis-area home he shares with his new fiancee as part of the ADT Home Turf series, showing how he can keep always keep an eye on the house — which features a pretty sweet indoor golf course — even when he’s on the road with the team.

Conley struggled to fulfill expectations during his first several years in the league, but over the last three seasons he has settled into being the kind of security system that every good NBA team needs: a solid, steady point guard. During that time, Conley has averaged roughly 13 points, 6.5 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. Led by Conley (and another Indy native, Zach Randolph) Memphis has become a solid contender in the West, especially this year with a 43-19 record.
 
  Watch Mike Conley Jr. Give a Tour of his House:

Jeff Gordon Takes Car Salesman Out for a Terrifying Ride in Latest Pepsi Max Ad

Popular NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon takes a car salesman out for a hilarious yet terrifying ride as he disguises himself for a prank while test driving a powerful Chevy Camaro in the latest ad for Pepsi Max.

The salesman gets angrier and angrier as Gordon’s speeds get faster and the stunts more dangerous. The commercial follows the success of Uncle Drew, the NBA’s Kyrie Irving’s undercover star. It was filmed just last month in North Carolina and already has gotten over seven million views on YouTube.

            

MMA Legend Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell Signs Endorsement Deal with XYIENCE Xenergy

Former UFC light heavyweight champion and UFC Hall of Fame member Chuck Liddell has inked a one-year endorsement deal with the official energy drink of the UFC, XYIENCE Xenergy.

The 43-year-old retired in 2010 but has remained the face of the UFC brand as one of its most iconic figures. He’ll appear in the XYIENCE advertising campaign, including its website and on point-of-purchase materials.

XYIENCE President John Lennon remarked, “On so many levels, Chuck embodies the spirit of our brand: Power to Win. His career is a testament of the drive and deep-seeded passion that’s required to produce excellence in athletic performance. That’s the kind of inspiration we want to share with our consumers.”

              

Pete Rose & Fiancée Star in Local Cincinnati Furniture Commercial

Famed former MLB player and manager Pete Rose and his fiancée Kiana Kim are featured in a furniture commercial for greater Cincinnati television.

The ad has the feel of an old 50s commercial back in the time that pro athletes really needed the money and were forced to promote just about anything to make a dime. Let’s just say the odds are slim that Rose or his beautiful fiancée will be taking home an acting award anytime soon.

With the Roses’ reality show on TLC cancelled, it’s been predicted that they may be appearing in a number of advertisements in the coming future.

            

Former NFL Star Kevin Carter to Co-Host Celebrity Waiters Dinner in Nashville

ESPN Analyst and former Tennessee Titans defensive end Kevin Carter will co-host “Waiting for Wishes,” a celebrity waiters dinner in Nashville on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at The Palms.

Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts will join Carter along with a number of other celebrities to benefit The Kevin Carter Foundation and The Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee. To date, Waiting for Wishes has raised more than $1.4 million for charity in its 11-year existence.

The two-time Pro Bowler had a 14-year NFL career and spent four seasons with the Titans.

Tickets to the dinner are $500 per person and can be purchased by calling Paige Dixon at The Palm at 742-3193.

Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald Team up with Roddy White for Africa Relief Trip

A year after their first trip to Africa together, NFL superstars Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald are returning to the continent, this time to West Africa, to continue their relief efforts with international relief and development organization Oxfam America.

During a planned three-day trip to Senegal beginning March 11, Boldin and Fitzgerald will be joined by fellow star receiver Roddy White on a visit with local communities working with Oxfam to improve their access to livelihoods, increase their income, and ensure food security.

"I'm looking forward to my second trip to Africa with Oxfam and the opportunity to make an impact within the communities we visit," said Boldin. "Getting together again to work with Larry, and being joined by Roddy is a blessing. It's our duty to help those less fortunate whether they're here at home or elsewhere in the world."

Building on their experience in Ethiopia with Oxfam in 2012, Fitzgerald, Boldin, and now White will learn ways that communities are working together to reduce their vulnerability to disaster and increase political, social, and economic opportunities for women and youth. 

"I've made great friends in the NFL.  I'm looking forward to sharing this Oxfam trip with Roddy and Anquan to see what people in Senegal are doing to improve their conditions," said Fitzgerald.  "Any time I get to team up with Q again it means a lot to me.  I travel often but it's an opportunity of a lifetime to travel with Oxfam America to meet local people and learn about their lives and their work."

Boldin and Fitzgerald's visit and subsequent work on the Ethiopian food crisis last year generated tens of thousands of dollars for the relief effort, as well as much needed publicity for the work being done by Oxfam partners on the ground. The players and their generous fans have played a key role in helping numerous communities in Ethiopia respond to the crisis. 

"We are grateful for the opportunity to work again with Mr. Boldin and Mr. Fitzgerald, and are honored to have Mr. White join us on this trip," said Raymond C. Offenheiser , president of Oxfam America. "As ambassadors for Oxfam Mr. Boldin and Mr. Fitzgerald have worked tirelessly to raise awareness for the situation in Ethiopia, and we are honored to have them visit our friends and programs in Senegal. It's a great opportunity to highlight what local communities are doing for themselves, and how Oxfam and our supporters, can help."

After hearing about their experiences in Ethiopia in 2012, Roddy White was eager for the chance to join the trip this year. 

Oxfam America is a global organization working to right the wrongs of poverty, hunger, and injustice.  We save lives, develop long-term solutions to poverty, and campaign for social change.  As one of 17 members of the international Oxfam confederation, we work with people in more than 90 countries to create lasting solutions.

As Peyton Manning Returns from Troop Visit Overseas, Teammates Champ Bailey and Von Miller Join Fellow NFL Players on USO Tour to Middle East

NFL players to travel overseas and show their appreciation to service men and women as part of a USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour to the Middle East. Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey and linebacker Von Miller, Cleveland Browns linebacker D’Qwell Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccanneers guard Davin Joseph, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith and Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt to spend a week on the front lines. During the week-long USO/NFL visit, the group will tour multiple military sites, talk one-on-one with troops and discuss football techniques.

A regular fixture in USO entertainment, the NFL has partnered with the USO for 47 years, sending out celebrity sports figures around the globe to visit and uplift the spirits of troops multiple times each year. Since 2007, the USO has sent out 166 NFL representatives (to include NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, 75 officials, 59 players, 24 coaches, 5 Hall of Famers and 2 analysts) on 40 tours to 20 countries, boosting the spirits of more than 10,000 troops and military families.

Torrey Smith of the Baltimore Ravens Signs on as Spokesperson for Shaw Sports Turf

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith has had a busy and productive couple of years.
Since coming into the league in 2011, Smith has played in 38 games and amassed 114 receptions for 1,929 yards. He is averaging 16.9 yards per catch and has 18 touchdowns. His performances were also good enough to help earn his team a world championship.

Now, Smith has signed on to speak for the company that provided the field where he plies his trade.
Last week, Smith became a spokesman for Shaw Sports Turf, the Calhoun, Georgia-based company that manufactured the Ravens practice field and game field at M&T Bank Stadium.

Thurman Thomas Named Guest Speaker at the Football Canada Coaches Association Convention in Burlington

Former NFL Star Thurman Thomas is scheduled to be a guest speaker at the Football Canada Coaches Association convention in Burlington. This year’s Football Canada Coaches Association convention will be held March 23-24 at Corpus Christi Secondary School, 5150 Upper Middle Road Burlington, ON L7L 0E5.

Keynote speaker Thurman Thomas was a star running back in the NFL for more than a decade, mainly with the Buffalo Bills. Thomas was the AFC rushing leader in 1990, 1991, and 1993. In the first three seasons of this career, Thomas had a total of 12 games with at least 100 yards rushing. The Bills won every one of those games. In 1989 and 1990, his combined total yards from scrimmage was 3,742. This was more than 200 yards better than any other player in the NFL.