Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Dallas At Home
I have an amazing feeling of humility this morning as I'm crashed on my couch, plastic boot strapped tightly to my foot, crutches at my side. I feel almost ashamed to be four footing my ritualistic goalpost game to Yoder, but at the same time I'll have to control my anxiety, trading in my helmet for a barbecue sandwich and a beer.
What I can say, even from my couch is this is a game we can definitely win. While Dallas may like to downplay the gravity of this rivalry, there will be no denying that we will show up to play. Plus, with a refreshed mo hawk, Yoder is primed to continue his red zone prominence.
Although it's been surreal being separated from the guys this week, my heart is with the Skins in Dallas this week and I will be ready to celebrate when we get home.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Art Show CANCELED
I'm sorry to have to say that we will not be able to continue with the art show. I was thrilled with the idea of donating all my pieces of art to charity, as well as having a fun night for all who wanted to join me. Unfortunatly, there was not much interest in the event. With less than two weeks to go, our guest list has barely surpassed 20 people. Without two or three hundred people attending I will not be able to cover the cost of everything as well as generate any money to donate. Again, I'm sorry I didn't do a better job of getting the word out and selling tickets, but I tried and it just isn't going to happen right now.
I would really like to thank all the different media sources supporting me for the event. Everyone I've worked with has been extremely helpful and I really appreciate it. Special thanks to the Ritz in Tysons Corner for putting up with all my shannagans, you guys have been great to work with and it means a ton. I would also like to say thanks again to Jordana and BJ with the Redskins for working so well with me. You guys are amazing!
Finally, I would love to have this event be a success in the future. I'm not sure if it was bad timing or what, so I will try again for this event some time next year. :(
I would really like to thank all the different media sources supporting me for the event. Everyone I've worked with has been extremely helpful and I really appreciate it. Special thanks to the Ritz in Tysons Corner for putting up with all my shannagans, you guys have been great to work with and it means a ton. I would also like to say thanks again to Jordana and BJ with the Redskins for working so well with me. You guys are amazing!
Finally, I would love to have this event be a success in the future. I'm not sure if it was bad timing or what, so I will try again for this event some time next year. :(
Monday, November 16, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Chatting with U.S. Troops in Iraq
By Jilane Rodgers
Video By Chad Kurz
NFLPLAYERS.COM
In recognition of Veterans Day, the NFL Players Association opened its doors Tuesday to guests from Walter Reed Army Medical Center, members of the Tuskegee Airmen and senior military officials. Hosting the event to honor those in the Armed Services were Executive Director DeMaurice Smith, Washington Redskins Rock Cartwright, Chris Cooley, Phillip Daniels, Fred Smoot and Renaldo Wynn, and former players John Booty and Carl Kammerer.
The day’s activities kicked off with an Internet videoconference between the players and members of Team Shadow, a Military Transition Team (MiTT) outside Kirkuk, Iraq. The 20-minute conversation covered everyday topics from food and family to specifics of the troops’ experiences overseas, including climate conditions and interactions with locals.
“I feel like we could have all gone out as a group,” Cooley said. “They’re great guys that would be easy to talk to, easy to hang out with. They’re in such a different world, and we can all still relate.”
Members of a MiTT are usually senior members of their respective branch who bring a variety of experiences and skills to the table, and the teams advise Iraqi and Afghan security forces on the skills which will aid them in protecting their respective country after U.S. forces leave. Participating from Team Shadow were Cpt. Randolph Bueno (Infantry Officer), Sgt. Jamal Cunningham (Communications Sergeant), Cpt. Matthew Nelson (Engineer Officer), Cpt. Heath Mullins (Logistics Officer) Cpt. Michael Pachucki (Logistics Officer) and Ssg. Craig Showman (Maintenance Sergeant).
“We’re talking about guys, about fellas, relating and having fun,” Smoot said. “We all understand the importance of teamwork. We both go to battles even though they’re totally different battles. We understand what they go through, being away from their families. Just to get to talk to them live when they’re out there was a blessing for us.”
After some banter as to which side would win in a head-to-head matchup of Madden NFL 10, the players pledged to ship consoles and copies of the game to the base in hopes of eventually staging a real showdown. Team Shadow’s Pachucki, a lifelong Redskins fan, was given another treat, as his fiancé surprised him on the NFLPA’s side of the video conference call. A few hours later, Pachucki sent an e-mail to friends and family detailing the experience as “one of the greatest of my life.”
After the call concluded, the players joined up with Smith, Booty, Kammerer and other NFLPA executives for a luncheon in the Garvey Center to honor the Armed Services attendees. Smith, whose father served in the Marines and was present for the activities, welcomed the groups and thanked them for their service.
Smith said, “On behalf of the NFLPA and all of our players, we are grateful for your service and your sacrifices. We are honored to welcome the Tuskegee Airmen as well as these men and women from Walter Reed, and we thank you for being here with us today. We hope that you know this praise is deserved year-round, but it is special for us to have the opportunity to express our gratitude to you this Veterans Day.”
The veterans in attendance ranged from those recently serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom to those who first took to the air nearly seven decades ago. The Tuskegee Airmen flew the 332nd Fighter Group of the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II, becoming the United States’ first African-American military pilots. Three of the original fighter pilots were present at Tuesday’s function.
“We come for the wounded warriors,” said James Pryde, a former radio operator with the Tuskegee Airmen. He eventually joined the National Security Agency in 1950 and worked in the signals analysis section, becoming the chief of a Soviet analysis office in 1965. In 1978, Pryde was named the Director of the Defense Special Missile and Astronautic Center. “I’ve seen lots of Veterans Days and I hope to see a lot more,” he added. “I’m from the old school; I still have my leather helmet.”
The day’s surprises didn’t end with the video conference call, however, as Cooley sat down to face off against Army veterans in Madden NFL 10 – often passing to himself – much to the delight of those who were watching the game. Then, Sfc. Timothy Wysong, an Indianapolis Colts fan currently recovering at Walter Reed, received an unexpected call.
“I got to talk to Jeff Saturday,” Wysong said. “I’m a big fan. He asked how I got hurt and told me how he had a lot of family in the military. He wanted to wish me a Happy Veterans Day.”
At the NFLPA and across the country, NFL players videotaped personal messages to overseas troops, which will go live on NFLPLAYERS.COM on Nov. 11.
“Any time you can respect the brotherhood of other people doing positive things, it’s a good day,” Daniels said. “We have fans all over the world. They’re our fans, but we’re their fans, as well. I’m probably more of a fan of them than they are of me. I know without them, this country couldn’t survive.”
Additionally, the NFLPA facilitated participation in the Support a Solider program. Nearly 100 players sent personalized e-mails to members of the Airmen representing the 844th Communications Group (Air Force), the United States Marine Corps and the U.S. Army.
“We come together and celebrate with them in a luncheon so they can see some of their heroes, but they are the real true heroes,” Booty said. “Veterans Day means respect. The single word is respect. Respect the veterans who have done it, who are doing it and just salute them.”
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO GALLERY
Video By Chad Kurz
NFLPLAYERS.COM
In recognition of Veterans Day, the NFL Players Association opened its doors Tuesday to guests from Walter Reed Army Medical Center, members of the Tuskegee Airmen and senior military officials. Hosting the event to honor those in the Armed Services were Executive Director DeMaurice Smith, Washington Redskins Rock Cartwright, Chris Cooley, Phillip Daniels, Fred Smoot and Renaldo Wynn, and former players John Booty and Carl Kammerer.The day’s activities kicked off with an Internet videoconference between the players and members of Team Shadow, a Military Transition Team (MiTT) outside Kirkuk, Iraq. The 20-minute conversation covered everyday topics from food and family to specifics of the troops’ experiences overseas, including climate conditions and interactions with locals.
“I feel like we could have all gone out as a group,” Cooley said. “They’re great guys that would be easy to talk to, easy to hang out with. They’re in such a different world, and we can all still relate.”
Members of a MiTT are usually senior members of their respective branch who bring a variety of experiences and skills to the table, and the teams advise Iraqi and Afghan security forces on the skills which will aid them in protecting their respective country after U.S. forces leave. Participating from Team Shadow were Cpt. Randolph Bueno (Infantry Officer), Sgt. Jamal Cunningham (Communications Sergeant), Cpt. Matthew Nelson (Engineer Officer), Cpt. Heath Mullins (Logistics Officer) Cpt. Michael Pachucki (Logistics Officer) and Ssg. Craig Showman (Maintenance Sergeant).
“We’re talking about guys, about fellas, relating and having fun,” Smoot said. “We all understand the importance of teamwork. We both go to battles even though they’re totally different battles. We understand what they go through, being away from their families. Just to get to talk to them live when they’re out there was a blessing for us.”
After some banter as to which side would win in a head-to-head matchup of Madden NFL 10, the players pledged to ship consoles and copies of the game to the base in hopes of eventually staging a real showdown. Team Shadow’s Pachucki, a lifelong Redskins fan, was given another treat, as his fiancé surprised him on the NFLPA’s side of the video conference call. A few hours later, Pachucki sent an e-mail to friends and family detailing the experience as “one of the greatest of my life.”
After the call concluded, the players joined up with Smith, Booty, Kammerer and other NFLPA executives for a luncheon in the Garvey Center to honor the Armed Services attendees. Smith, whose father served in the Marines and was present for the activities, welcomed the groups and thanked them for their service.
Smith said, “On behalf of the NFLPA and all of our players, we are grateful for your service and your sacrifices. We are honored to welcome the Tuskegee Airmen as well as these men and women from Walter Reed, and we thank you for being here with us today. We hope that you know this praise is deserved year-round, but it is special for us to have the opportunity to express our gratitude to you this Veterans Day.”
The veterans in attendance ranged from those recently serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom to those who first took to the air nearly seven decades ago. The Tuskegee Airmen flew the 332nd Fighter Group of the U.S. Army Air Corps in World War II, becoming the United States’ first African-American military pilots. Three of the original fighter pilots were present at Tuesday’s function.
“We come for the wounded warriors,” said James Pryde, a former radio operator with the Tuskegee Airmen. He eventually joined the National Security Agency in 1950 and worked in the signals analysis section, becoming the chief of a Soviet analysis office in 1965. In 1978, Pryde was named the Director of the Defense Special Missile and Astronautic Center. “I’ve seen lots of Veterans Days and I hope to see a lot more,” he added. “I’m from the old school; I still have my leather helmet.”
The day’s surprises didn’t end with the video conference call, however, as Cooley sat down to face off against Army veterans in Madden NFL 10 – often passing to himself – much to the delight of those who were watching the game. Then, Sfc. Timothy Wysong, an Indianapolis Colts fan currently recovering at Walter Reed, received an unexpected call.“I got to talk to Jeff Saturday,” Wysong said. “I’m a big fan. He asked how I got hurt and told me how he had a lot of family in the military. He wanted to wish me a Happy Veterans Day.”
At the NFLPA and across the country, NFL players videotaped personal messages to overseas troops, which will go live on NFLPLAYERS.COM on Nov. 11.
“Any time you can respect the brotherhood of other people doing positive things, it’s a good day,” Daniels said. “We have fans all over the world. They’re our fans, but we’re their fans, as well. I’m probably more of a fan of them than they are of me. I know without them, this country couldn’t survive.”
Additionally, the NFLPA facilitated participation in the Support a Solider program. Nearly 100 players sent personalized e-mails to members of the Airmen representing the 844th Communications Group (Air Force), the United States Marine Corps and the U.S. Army.
“We come together and celebrate with them in a luncheon so they can see some of their heroes, but they are the real true heroes,” Booty said. “Veterans Day means respect. The single word is respect. Respect the veterans who have done it, who are doing it and just salute them.”
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTO GALLERY
Friday, November 13, 2009
Picks of the Week
Picks of the week are finally back. As always, we try and make this interesting by having a few guests pick with us. Last week, I told Larry Michael that if I beat him in picks of the week that I would host the show. Since we tied, we are re-doing the competition this week. If I win, Colt and I will host the show next Friday. So for the picks this week, it is Colt and I vs Larry. Send us your picks to cooleyfans@gmail.com If there are any perfect guesses, we will send out autographed mini helmets.
And don't forget that tonight I am going to be guest bar tending at Skye Lounge in DC. I am going to donate all the money we make from this to my education fund that is set up with the Redskins charitable foundation so know that it is going to a good cause. The cost is $75 dollars per person, but once you are in the door it covers all your drinks. It should be a good time so please come out and join us.
You can get your tickets HERE.
And don't forget that tonight I am going to be guest bar tending at Skye Lounge in DC. I am going to donate all the money we make from this to my education fund that is set up with the Redskins charitable foundation so know that it is going to a good cause. The cost is $75 dollars per person, but once you are in the door it covers all your drinks. It should be a good time so please come out and join us.
You can get your tickets HERE.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
The Mullet is a Lifestyle
Found this little gem on the NFL page and it reminded me of a funny moment in my life. Jared Allen has been a fantastic teammate of mine the last two years in Hawaii and it has been a pleasure spending a couple weeks around such a lifestyle. It’s also probably best for me that he lives 1000 miles away from me, as his mullet bravado is addictive.
Last February I sat with beer in hand around a second rate Hawaii hotel table celebrating a personal feat of nothingness in a NFC victory in the Pro Bowl. (I was the only player without a stat, well, I had 1 drop if that counts.) I couldn’t have been happier as I sat with the motley connection of Jared and my friends and family. We ate, drank and laughed, and while the night continued on, it seemed no one existed around us.
What we began to notice through the debauchery was that there was other people were around us and our party may have been somewhat of a show. Maybe not so much myself, but Jared seemed concerned with the onlookers. Before anyone could say anything a ketchup bottle had left Jared’s hand and was on a direct course to the adjacent table. This wasn’t your average paper plane like lob, the bottle, although a little wobbly, was on a line drive trajectory. Sooner than Jared’s movements caught the eye of anyone at the other table the red bottle drove into the back of the biggest guys head, shocking him forward and then to his feet.
Now in my opinion the struck man’s analysis of the situation was telling him it was best to sit back down as he quickly noticed Jared’s willingness to throw down worn directly on the back of his head. From that moment on I have never questioned the power of the mullet. Now as I watch the wild-man rope tying imaginary cows multiple times every Sunday I couldn’t have more respect for anyone else playing the game. Jared Allen is an awesome football player, one of the coolest guys I’ve hung out with and more importantly, he is a complete badass.
Last February I sat with beer in hand around a second rate Hawaii hotel table celebrating a personal feat of nothingness in a NFC victory in the Pro Bowl. (I was the only player without a stat, well, I had 1 drop if that counts.) I couldn’t have been happier as I sat with the motley connection of Jared and my friends and family. We ate, drank and laughed, and while the night continued on, it seemed no one existed around us.
What we began to notice through the debauchery was that there was other people were around us and our party may have been somewhat of a show. Maybe not so much myself, but Jared seemed concerned with the onlookers. Before anyone could say anything a ketchup bottle had left Jared’s hand and was on a direct course to the adjacent table. This wasn’t your average paper plane like lob, the bottle, although a little wobbly, was on a line drive trajectory. Sooner than Jared’s movements caught the eye of anyone at the other table the red bottle drove into the back of the biggest guys head, shocking him forward and then to his feet.
Now in my opinion the struck man’s analysis of the situation was telling him it was best to sit back down as he quickly noticed Jared’s willingness to throw down worn directly on the back of his head. From that moment on I have never questioned the power of the mullet. Now as I watch the wild-man rope tying imaginary cows multiple times every Sunday I couldn’t have more respect for anyone else playing the game. Jared Allen is an awesome football player, one of the coolest guys I’ve hung out with and more importantly, he is a complete badass.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Art Show Press Release
LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA – Washington Redskins All-Pro Tight End Chris Cooley will auction artwork to raise funds for education at the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner on Monday, November 30, 2009 from 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm. Cooley, an art major at Utah State University, will auction his own original paintings, drawings, and pottery to raise funds for underserved students through the Chris Cooley Education Fund. A general admission ticket to the Chris Cooley Art Show is $100.00/individual. A VIP admission ticket to the show is $300.00/individual. To reserve your ticket to this inaugural event, visit www.Redskins.com/community or www.cooleycharity.blogspot.com to download a registration form.
Established in 2008, the Cooley Education Fund provides college scholarships to low-income, high-potential high school seniors throughout the greater Washington, DC region. In its inaugural year, the fund provided eight students each with college scholarship worth $25,000.00. These bright and dedicated students now have the opportunity to pursue a higher education and reach the goals they have set for themselves.
During his time in Washington, Cooley has created a gallery full of artwork including over 20 paintings and 25 pieces of pottery. The art show will feature pieces that are available for sale as well as auction to provide guests not only with a wide-variety of artwork, but also a broad-range of prices.
In addition to the artwork, Cooley’s teammates and coaches will support his cause by donating and auctioning a variety of Redskins memorabilia, including autographed jerseys, footballs, and helmets.
“Every single dollar raised from selling my art will be donated back to the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation; subsequently going into my education fund and scholarships to underprivileged kids,” says Cooley. “I thought doing something I love and am interested in would be so much more real for the public.”
The general admission ticket ($100.00/individual) includes entry into the event, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and an open beer and wine bar. The VIP admission ticket ($300.00/individual) includes all amenities included in the general admission price as well as entry into a private VIP reception with Chris Cooley and other Redskins players (5:30 pm – 6:30 pm) and a football autographed by Cooley and all Redskins players in attendance at the event. Visit www.Redskins.com/community or www.cooleycharity.blogspot.com to reserve your ticket today! Tickets are tax-deductible.
The Chris Cooley Education Fund is another initiative developed and funded by Cooley and implemented with the assistance of the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation and Community Relations Department. In July 2008, Cooley invited nearly two dozen little fans battling big diseases to a special Training Camp practice where he surprised them each with a duffel bag full of gifts, including a handheld game system, games, and Redskins memorabilia as well as the quality time with the entire Redskins team. In September of this year, Cooley, along with teammate Derrick Dockery, hosted the second annual All Star Survivors Luncheon for approximately 20 women currently battling breast cancer at Redskins Park to provide them a day of pampering that included lunch, a player-led tour, and a new wig, scarf, turban, bag of makeup, and pair of jeans along with tickets to the Redskins vs. Buccaneers game where the women stood beside the Redskins cheerleaders to welcome the players onto the field.
The college scholarships, administered by the DC College Success Foundation (www.dccollegesuccessfoundation.org), will provide one deserving student at each of the 8 schools Cooley visits with a college scholarship that will be disbursed in $5,000 increments annually. The DC College Success Foundation has established a strong working scholarship model that places scholarship recipients in a mentoring program that requires the student to work with a mentor during their freshman year to help ensure success.
Established in 2008, the Cooley Education Fund provides college scholarships to low-income, high-potential high school seniors throughout the greater Washington, DC region. In its inaugural year, the fund provided eight students each with college scholarship worth $25,000.00. These bright and dedicated students now have the opportunity to pursue a higher education and reach the goals they have set for themselves.
During his time in Washington, Cooley has created a gallery full of artwork including over 20 paintings and 25 pieces of pottery. The art show will feature pieces that are available for sale as well as auction to provide guests not only with a wide-variety of artwork, but also a broad-range of prices.
In addition to the artwork, Cooley’s teammates and coaches will support his cause by donating and auctioning a variety of Redskins memorabilia, including autographed jerseys, footballs, and helmets.
“Every single dollar raised from selling my art will be donated back to the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation; subsequently going into my education fund and scholarships to underprivileged kids,” says Cooley. “I thought doing something I love and am interested in would be so much more real for the public.”
The general admission ticket ($100.00/individual) includes entry into the event, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and an open beer and wine bar. The VIP admission ticket ($300.00/individual) includes all amenities included in the general admission price as well as entry into a private VIP reception with Chris Cooley and other Redskins players (5:30 pm – 6:30 pm) and a football autographed by Cooley and all Redskins players in attendance at the event. Visit www.Redskins.com/community or www.cooleycharity.blogspot.com to reserve your ticket today! Tickets are tax-deductible.
The Chris Cooley Education Fund is another initiative developed and funded by Cooley and implemented with the assistance of the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation and Community Relations Department. In July 2008, Cooley invited nearly two dozen little fans battling big diseases to a special Training Camp practice where he surprised them each with a duffel bag full of gifts, including a handheld game system, games, and Redskins memorabilia as well as the quality time with the entire Redskins team. In September of this year, Cooley, along with teammate Derrick Dockery, hosted the second annual All Star Survivors Luncheon for approximately 20 women currently battling breast cancer at Redskins Park to provide them a day of pampering that included lunch, a player-led tour, and a new wig, scarf, turban, bag of makeup, and pair of jeans along with tickets to the Redskins vs. Buccaneers game where the women stood beside the Redskins cheerleaders to welcome the players onto the field.
The college scholarships, administered by the DC College Success Foundation (www.dccollegesuccessfoundation.org), will provide one deserving student at each of the 8 schools Cooley visits with a college scholarship that will be disbursed in $5,000 increments annually. The DC College Success Foundation has established a strong working scholarship model that places scholarship recipients in a mentoring program that requires the student to work with a mentor during their freshman year to help ensure success.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
More Pottery
I thought I was spending a lot of time making pots before I broke my ankle. Now, it is consuming me. All for a good cause though. Remember that we are hosting the art show on November 30. Get your tickets if you haven't already HERE
