Red Bull Air Race at Texas Motor Speedway. Photo courtesy: Red Bull
Fast and Furious Texas style: All the action from the Red Bull Air Race World Championship
Dallas-Fort Worth saw a lot of action this past weekend, with the opening of the State Fair and the Cowboys playing at home. But the most thrilling of it had to be the Red Bull Air Race World Championship at Texas Motor Speedway, when 14 pilots from across the world competed on a 1.5-mile aerial obstacle course in front of more than 30,000 people.
Now in its eighth season, the Red Bull Air Race World Championship is part of an adrenaline-rushing global sports series that takes place in eight stunning locations, across seven countries and three continents. The series also includes the Cliff Diving World Series (which returned to Possum Kingdom Lake this past May), X-Fighters World Tour, and the Crashed Ice World Championship.
The pilots were timed throughout a series of runs, as they made their way through the air-filled pylons. The Texas Twister was the toughest, because the pilots had to maneuver their way through the pylon not only by adjusting their speed and flying level, but also by determining exactly where to push the plane through.
After watching these guys hit speeds upward of 230 mph and forces up to 10 G’s throughout the tricky obstacle course, something tells me parallel parking is a breeze for them.
With a time of 55.285 seconds, British ace Paul Bonhomme took home his fourth first-place finish this season; his previous wins include Abu Dhabi, Chiba, and Ascot. Having finished third in the 2014 season, Bonhomme has 39 podiums and 15 race wins throughout his career, including two world titles. Bonhomme now extends his world championship lead by eight points as they head to the final stop of the season in Las Vegas on October 17-18.
Australia’s Matt Hall (who remains second in points behind Bonhomme) put in a solid performance, coming in second with a time of 56.052 seconds. Japan’s Yoshi Muroya finished third. Think about it: Only 0.767 seconds separated first and second place in the final round. Great Britain’s Nigel Lamb set a new track record — clocking in at 54.620 seconds — but only finished sixth.
The hometown favorite was Red Bull pilot and Texas native Kirby Chambliss, who came in 11th, while the other American in the race, Michael Goulian, finished ninth.
Another noteworthy moment from the action-packed weekend included the Red Bull Air Force team leaping from a helicopter at 5,000 feet and free-falling toward the crowd carrying the American flag during the National Anthem. The Red Bull Air Force team comprises the most accomplished and experienced skydivers, B.A.S.E. jumpers, and paragliders on the planet.
Even before the start of the big race at Texas Motor Speedway, a video of Lolo Jones riding with Kirby Chambliss got a bunch of buzz. She may be the fastest woman in the world, but she’s never gone as fast as 200+ mph, upward of 10 G’s.
Fans can relive the action from the Red Bull Air Race Texas on October 11 on Fox Sports 1.
This article originally ran on Culture Map. Click here to see the original article and a cool video from Red Bull.
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Clutch City Battioke Antics (Photo courtesy: Storyteller Photography)
Sports stars sing for their supper at Battioke competition: It’s Clemens vs. Wicked witches
It’s no secret karaoke brings out the best in people, but Battioke — that’s a whole different level. Former NBA champion Shane Battier and his wife Heidi brought Shane Battier’s Clutch City Battioke back to Houston, where it all started.
And while it was no American Idol, the evening was entertaining — to say the least.
The event took place in South Florida for the past four years (Battier played for the Miami Heat from 2011-2014) before returning to the Bayou City.
“By combining philanthropic-minded people, good eats, and ‘creative’ karaoke, we are proud of what Battioke has become and are proud to return to its roots,” said Battier, who retired after the 2014 finals when the Heat lost to the San Antonio Spurs. “Clutch City Battioke promises to be one of the greatest nights in celebrity karaoke ever witnessed.”
Shane and Heidi showed up in metallic, sparkly evening wear (Shane in gold tuxedo pants and a bowtie) and both sported matching (large) NBA Championship Heat rings (he won world championships in Miami in 2012 and 2013). Battier, who played for the Rockets from 2006-2011, was warmly welcomed by the Houston throng.
The evening started with a unique duet as Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey as Glinda The Good Witch and Shane on stage as the Wicked Witch of the West performed their own creative lyrics to a song from the Broadway musical, Wicked, setting the tone for the celebrity-fueled event. That alone was well worth the cost of admission ($125 for general seating).
Others in attendance included Houston Rocket D-Mo (Donatas Motiejunas), who sang the
Heidi and Shane Battier at Clutch City Battioke (Photo courtesy: Storyteller Photography)
Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way,” Oklahoma City Thunder star Steve Novak with his offbeat (but fun) rendition of Montel Jordan’s “This Is How We Do It,” former Houston Texan David Anderson and his wife Analeis, Jose Cruz Jr. and wife Sarah, and Rusty Hardin.
At the end of the night, Houston fans saw something rare – Roger Clemens as the closer. Before putting on his shades and literally “getting down,” the Rocket took a minute to pay tribute to Milo Hamilton, who had passed away earlier in the day.
Joined by his good buddy Jim “Wild Wild” West, Clemens closed out the fun-filled evening with three songs, including some Motown, David Allen Coe, and Toby Keith, which literally brought the house down.
Morey and Clemens were declared the co-winners, but Clemens deferred to Morey. “Anyone who can dress up like a woman and look good deserves to win,” Clemens said.
But the real winner was the The Battier Take Charge Foundation, which makes college education available to students who might not otherwise be able to afford it. The evening raised close to $68,000, which will provide four full college scholarships.
The foundation, established by the couple, is dedicated to providing resources for the development and education of underserved youth and teens. The couple’s mission is to encourage and inspire a new generation of potential leaders through educational opportunities and the cultivation of effective leadership skills.
This article originally ran in the society and sports section of Culture Map Houston. Click here to see the original piece and more photos from the fundraiser.
If you’ve been following the blog, you’ll know that after many years of debate, I recently decided to take up golf. Thanks to a great new partnership with Callaway, I’m learning the game and sharing my experiences with my readers. And guess what – that includes trying out some great brands of women’s golf apparel like Lizzie Driver.
One thing I’ve always known (or at least thought) about golf is that most places have a pretty strict dress code, but that isn’t always the case. (Pro tip: call the course ahead of time or check their website for exact specifics.) Typically a collared shirt is a must for men and women and you want to look conservative for the most part – a word that doesn’t usually describe my personality or my style. Off to a good start…
The pieces I’ve worn from the Lizzie Driver collection fit extremely well and are the perfect balance of fashion and function. During a round of golf you need to wear clothes that move with you and don’t restrict your swing (see how professional I sound there?). Lizzie Driver makes a conscious effort to use the best fabrics and pay close attention to style, detail and fit – all things that can make you at least look the part on the golf course.
My critique: Since I’m pretty short (5-foot-2), the skorts and shorts are a little long for my liking. Of course you can get it altered, but I’m a big fan of all their collared shirts, especially in this brutal Texas heat, they remain breathable.
My favorite: If I had my way, I would never wear sleeves, and I love their selection of sleeveless
A little more about the brand: America’s fastest-growing women’s golf-lifestyle line, Lizzie Driver was founded in 2011 by close friends Karen Preston and Lorrie Forgatch. After successful careers in business and raising children, the two partnered to create beautiful golf apparel that aligned with their off-course wardrobes. Their vision was to develop a collection that functions equally well on the country club fairway as at meetings, social events or almost any other activity in a busy woman’s life. They christened their brand Lizzie Driver by combining their shared middle name – Elizabeth – with that of the “golf club that goes the farthest.”
Bracelet from psfortysix – my best friend’s name in Braille to wear as a reminder of how much she meant to me
Without a doubt, the piece below is the single most important and heartfelt thing I’ve ever written. I was assigned this story a year ago for a major print publication to share my story with other women who may have or may end up battling a similar situation. After review, they somehow deemed it too graphic and decided not to publish it. But that hasn’t stopped me.
Today, September 10th, is World Prevention Suicide Day. It is not a day I feel more pain than usual, nor is it a day where I feel less pain. It’s just another day dealing with losing my best friend to mental illness. And it’s another day – a big scale day with the potential to reach thousands – that I can share my story and hopefully change the lives of just one human out there.
The bracelet pictured is from my good friend Kaci at psfortysix.etsy.com. She knew I wanted something to commemorate my friend and serve as a reminder that I was lucky enough to have in her life, so she made one with her name in braille. It just may be the best gift I’ve ever received, ever.
Before going into my story, let me make one thing clear – I will make ZERO dollars off you reading or sharing this article. It won’t bring my best friend back. I only have one wish in sharing this story: for you to take just four minutes out of your busy Thursday to read it. Think on it. Share it if you want. Reach out to a friend and tell him or her how much you love her. Pray for someone struggling. Whatever it is you do, do it. That’s all.
Here goes my story…
My best friend was a raging b*tch.
Turns out there were actually a few medical terms for bitch, such as manic, depressed, and bipolar.
At the time I turned my back on her, I felt totally justified in doing so. Sure it was hard. I missed her everyday and wanted to call and make up, but I stood my ground. I wanted her to apologize and go back to the way things used to be. But she never apologized. That was the last time I spoke to Elizabeth.
She committed suicide.
Knowing what I know now, the guilt is overwhelming, to say the least. I know it wasn’t my fault and I was one of the only ones who stood by her side for so long. We always hear “you’re never promised tomorrow” and see the inspiring image quotes all over Instagram, but who actually thinks it’s a phrase they’ll have to live with for the rest of their lives? I certainly didn’t, but now it’s my reality.
Elizabeth was clinically depressed. I knew that early on in our friendship when we met in college. She was fairly open about her illness, especially since I was her best friend and we shared everything. She’d go through her ups and downs and change medications, but for the most part she always remained the Elizabeth I knew and loved. Even throughout her episodes and serious bouts of depression, she was still the bright-eyed smiling brunette who treated me better than any friend ever had. We talked about her depression only when she brought it up and when prompted I’d offer my own generic advice – something I wasn’t nearly qualified for, but I had no idea the seriousness of her illness. “Hang in there,” and “You’re tough,” or “This too shall pass,” wasn’t what Elizabeth needed.
She needed help from a professional.
One of the things I regret most is not pushing harder to help her find the right help. Clearly it was well above the best friend pay-grade, but that shouldn’t have stopped me. Her parents were fairly active in helping her get better – making sure she went to therapy and being there the best they could, but I’m not sure even they knew how serious it was. I went on family vacations with them and to this day I literally want to beat myself up over why her mother and I never had a heart-to-heart about Elizabeth’s illness.
Why didn’t I ask more questions to understand better? Why didn’t she give me guidance? She always told me how important I was in Elizabeth’s life and how much they appreciated me, but in the end it just wasn’t enough.
No one ever told me what it took to be the best friend of someone battling a mental disease. We were girls – we had our completely crazy moments getting mad over boys, our sorority arguments, borrowed clothes and the like. We’d hang up on each other (back when you could actually dramatically hang up the phone, not like now with cell phones) and all the usual stuff best friends did. Bickering is a part of any relationship, and it was always easy to forget and move on after your typical argument. The problem was, in the height of Elizabeth’s mania, no argument was typical.
When Elizabeth would have one of her episodes she went straight for the jugular. I always took it personally without realizing it was her illness talking or the change in medications, which affected her more than I ever knew.
Months would go by where she was a complete zombie void of any personality whatsoever. The medicine took all the things that made her my best friend. It was miserable because she had such a goofy demeanor and caring soul, and it would just disappear without warning.
Our big fight came when Elizabeth and I went to LA for a girl’s weekend. She was getting over a bad breakup and needed to get away. She even offered to pay for my portion of the trip since money was tight – that was her generous nature that never wavered. (I remember as broke college students, Elizabeth would use her parent’s credit card at the mall for the 5 for $25 panties at Victoria’s Secret and she’d always let me pick out two pairs for myself so I didn’t feel left out.) She always took care of me, but that didn’t make up for the way she treated me on her bad days.
She’d lash out at me out of nowhere. She even slapped me during that trip in LA. I’d had enough. No airline ticket was worth being treated that way. I knew she had just started taking a very high dose of Lithium, but I just assumed it was another medication.
Turns out, Lithium is an extremely toxic mind and body altering drug, especially in the beginning when your dosage isn’t quite set to match your chemical imbalances. It’s a very trial and error and then re-dose kind of drug. It also turns out drinking alcohol on Lithium is one of the biggest no-no’s. The combination of Elizabeth’s mania, the Lithium, and alcohol on that trip turned her not only into a person I no longer knew, but a person I no longer wanted to call my best friend.
At that moment and for months following, it felt justified. I knew I deserved a better friend.
I have reasoned with myself over the last year and have finally realized I’m not to blame for Elizabeth’s illness, her outbursts or her subsequent suicide. But I’ve also realized I should have done more as her friend.
I should have been proactive and learned the side effects of her medications or been in better
Stop Suicide. Today, Tomorrow and Every Day.
contact with her parents as to her current state of mind and emotional well-being. Knowing just a few martinis were the catalyst for losing my best friend forever is probably the hardest thing I’ve had to accept in my life. Had I known alcohol was not good to mix with her medication, I would have happily welcomed an entire weekend in Los Angeles sans the bar scene. My friends always have and always will be more important than any Cosmopolitan, no matter how bonding and friendly it looks on Sex And The City.
I’m not sure anything I could have done would ensure Elizabeth would still be here today, but I do know I could have been by her side until the end. Maybe even holding her hand and telling her how much I loved her. I don’t think there’s any amount of “good friend genes” that can prevent suicide when someone is that sick.
Because let’s be honest – mental illness is a sickness.
Knowing she left this earth without her best friend by her side is something I will always have to live with, but it’s something I’ve wanted to share because if I could go back in time and be a more proactive and understanding friend, I might not feel such immense guilt. I’m sure there are others in similar friendships and I want them to know there are things you can and should do, other than turn your back like I did.
I spoke with Kristen Martinez, a therapist in private practice at Pacific NorthWell in downtown Seattle, who is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) in Washington State and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Here are some tips she offered for dealing with a friend suffering from mental illness:
In order to be a good friend to someone with severe mental health issues, you should first and foremost know what diagnosis they have and what are typical symptoms of the diagnosis. If you know someone well enough or for long enough, you can most likely tell when they are feeling or acting “off” (i.e., their symptoms are acting up).
It is also helpful to know the medication(s) your friend is taking, as well as symptoms and side effects. If you are very close with them and see them daily (such as a roommate), it is helpful to know their schedule for taking medications so that they don’t accidentally miss a dosage. If the two friends live together, post this information on the fridge or some other common area so it is in plain view of both friends. Also if they live together, keep the friend’s psychiatrist info handy.
If you are the one with mental health issues, be honest with your friend about how you are feeling or what you are thinking. They care about you and want the best for you. You may need to educate your friend about mental illness. And vice versa, if you are the friend – ask questions, be curious, do your research, but don’t patronize your friend or treat them differently just because they now have a diagnosis.
It would be helpful to draw up a safety plan with a close friend regarding suicidal feelings/thoughts or a psychotic break. It is important to know who to call and what to do before the emergency occurs (if it ever does).
The above tips from Martinez are just a few I wish I’d known while dealing with Elizabeth. There’s certainly no guarantee she’d still be here on this earth had I created an emergency plan or researched her meds, but I’d have a lot more confidence that I did all that I could.
I hope just one person out there reads this and understands my pain and the one thing I would change if I could. I would have never turned my back on my sweet friend had I known it was her illness taking over her sweet soul, and not just ill-advised hormones that could have been easily prevented. It’s the sad fact like so many things in life, that we learn those incredibly important lessons too late and hindsight is always 20/20.
I dedicate this day and this blog to Elizabeth and all the amazing people she left on this earth. I can’t understand suicide as a way out, but that’s not for me to judge. The guilt throughout all of this has been extremely hard, but I know she’d forgive me. I know she still holds my hand and cheers on my football team during the season. Throughout every outburst, beneath it all, she loved me to the core. I wish I could have seen that back then. I’d still miss her just as much as I do now, but maybe, just maybe, the guilt would be a little less.
To order a special bracelet for someone you lost and loved hard, check out psfortysix.etsy.com on Etsy. A portion of sales will be going back to a charity related to suicide and mental illness (still TBD).
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Purchase the exclusive Project 88 handbag for just $188.88! Authentic Italian leather, designed by August California.
The price tag $188.88 may seem like a lot for a bag, but it’s the incredibly worthy cause behind the bag that’s really worth the money. Not to mention it’s downright cute and made of authentic Italian leather…
You’ve heard me go on and on about how much I just adore Project 88 Foundation since it started just a few months ago, co-founded by Houston Texans tight-end Garrett Graham and his ridiculously impressive wife (and yes, I’ll say it again – the bombshell that she is) Ericka.
Not only do you get to own one of these perfectly-sized and wonderfully crafted bags, but the proceeds will help support certified college advisors in Houston Public schools as well as provide scholarships for summer leadership camps.
Here’s a quick Q&A with one of my favorite Texan wives and all the hard work she’s putting into Project 88 Foundation. You’ll be amazed at how much they’ve accomplished in such a short amount of time (I know I am!).
The Blonde Side: Short version – what is Project 88?
Ericka Graham: We connect low-income and underserved students to college advisors and leadership training. In one sentence: We connect students to OPPORTUNITY!
TBS: What are your successes so far?
EG: After raising over $300,000, Project 88 was able to:
1. Sponsor 8 AdviseTX college advisors in 8 HISD Schools: Davis High School, Yates High School, Chavez High School, Washington High School, Sam Houston High School, Barbara Jordan High School, Sterling High School, and Waltrip High School
2. We also sent our Project 88 Young Leadership Board to a leadership camp this summer (Eagle University) and we are bringing Eagle University to Houston next summer, on the Rice University Campus—for 100 students!
3. In addition to hosting a summer camp for 100 students next year, we also had the opportunity to host and sponsor the first ever EMERGing leadership institute at Rice University. At this event, first-generation-college students were able to explore the challenges of being first generation, while also receiving hands-on coaching from leadership professionals and college professors at Rice University.
TBS: Favorite part of Project 88?
EG: I never have to wake up, and question if my work is meaningful. I think of our Project 88 students and the students that will go to college because of our sponsored advisors, and I know that we can and will change lives and create generational change in this city.
TBS: So you’re selling bags now?
EG: Selling bags is a fun way to promote our organization and raise money at the same time. I knew I wanted to do something on August 8th (because the date is 8-8) so I figured that launching a product would be a fun thing to do. I also know girls in Houston love to shop, and with a partner like August California to work with, creating the concept and vision for the Project 88 bag was super fun! we wanted to sell a bag that would last, keep you organized, and be color neutral, and our Project 88 Portofino Pouchette made and designed by August California was the perfect fit!
TBS: The price?
EG: Our bags are $188.88, and you can find them on project88bag.org
TBS: Where will the money go?
EG: The money raised by theses bags will help fund camp tuition for Eagle University summer camp! 100% of the proceeds go to Project 88.
TBS: I obviously get the play on the #88, but what exactly will $188.88 do?
EG: $188.88 will cover one students meal tickets and books/materials for summer camp.
TBS: My readers many want to help. How can they help RIGHT NOW (other than buying one of these great bags!)?
EG: Right now we are looking for corporate sponsors for our Gala and Golf Outing in April, as well as volunteers for our summer camp in 2016.
TBS: Since this is The Blonde Side and you’re one of my favorite blondes, tell me a blonde joke:
A big thanks to the Grahams for always working so diligently to give back in a way that will affect these students lives well beyond their college years. Please take a minute to check out their site, and join them on FB for updates.
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F-bombs away! 14 things we learned — and loved — about the Texans from Hard Knocks
As the season finale of HBO’s hit showHard Knocks came to an end Tuesday night, it’s a reminder the season is only just beginning. I think I can speak for most Texans fans that we’ll begrudgingly trade in the laughter and behind-the-scenes coverage on Tuesday nights for wins on Sunday afternoons.
The real show (not to be confused with the reality show) kicks off Sunday at home against the Kansas City Chiefs.
While fans are undoubtedly clamoring for more episodes, others are ready for the cameras to be off. “Probably in my 45 years, probably one of the best days of my life, next to the birth of my children and my wedding, I guess. No offense to Hard Knocks though,” head coach Bill O’Brien told the media on Monday once the camera crews powered off and packed up.
In just five episodes, there were hundreds of top moments worth resharing and repeating. For now, lets discuss a few.
1. The show gave Texans fans a chance to really get to know the biggest newcomer on their roster – 6-foot-2-inch, 325-pound Vince Wilfork, fresh off the New England Patriots.
Fans across the league got to see Wilfork in all his glory, which at one time included bringing back (or inventing?) the fashion sensation of denim overalls sans shirt complete with a pair of cowboy boots. Because, Texas. We also got to see the big man show his moves during a pickup game of basketball, a highlightfor pretty much everyone.
2. The sports-based reality series is also a resume builder, even if not for employment in Houston.
Defensive end Kourtnei Brown recently told the Tampa Bay Times that his exposure on the show helped make the case for the Bucs to claim him off waivers after the Texans released him. “You’re playing in a game, making plays, not everybody gets to see it. When you’re on (Hard Knocks) you get a lot more publicity than normal. … When it comes on TV, that magnifies it,” Brown told the Times.
3. The camera, the fans, and even Erin Andrews loved some players more than the Texans did.
In the final round of roster cuts, the Texans waived cornerback Charles James II, who was potentially the MVP of the entire series. Although he was made perfectly and wonderfully fit for television, he wasn’t quite what the Texans were looking for, mostly because of his size.
For now James has found a home for his quirky personality and aggressive play (and crazy socks) on the Ravens practice squad. Hopefully Texans GM Rick Smith will wear those socks he bought for James to serve as memory of just how awesome of a human and player he is.
Motivational words from James to help sum up his character and positive attitude: “I won’t be mad at myself if I give it my all and I get that call.”
4. The Texans are actually pretty popular – even outside of Houston.
The debut of Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Houston Texans averaged 826,000 viewers, which is up 34 percent from last year’s debut with the Atlanta Falcons. The Texans debut was the best opening night for the Hard Knocks franchise since Episode 1 in 2010 with the New York Jets, which delivered 870,000 viewers, according to John Ourand of Sports Business Journal.
5. JJ Watt is good at corn hole.
Go figure. Is there anything this guy can’t do? (Answer: no.)
6. Bill O’Brien cares more about what his mother thinks than what any of us think.
After the debut episode where O’Brien dropped an astounding 14 F-bombs, a few fans (only a handful) were a little less than impressed. O’Brien told the media his first takeaway from the episode was that he needed to work on his language, at least for his mother’s sake.
“My brother texted me, he thought it was awesome. My mom texted me, she didn’t think it was too awesome,” O’Brien said. But one thing is crystal clear – O’Brien has heart and passion for this team.
*If you happen to be one of those fans offended by O’Brien’s cursing, you’ll be happy to know that the foul language will be going to good use. O’Brien announced he’ll be making a donation to the Texans Foundation based on the “swear count” heard throughout the five-week series.
7. Fans finally get to see Jadeveon Clowney on TV.
Battling back from last season’s injury, Clowney didn’t see much playing time, but his appearances on Hard Knocks showed he’s working hard to get back out there. No one wants to see that more than Every. Single. Texans. Fan.
8. The biggest storyline in the series remains perhaps the biggest question mark in fan’s minds: the quarterback.
We also learned that Johnny Football isn’t the only QB that sleeps through practice. Ryan Mallett and JFF must’ve bought the same brand alarm clocks?
9. The NFL is a lot like Broadway in that there are backups and understudies always waiting for their chance to shine.
Example? Alfred Blue learning the part of lead running back after Arian Foster’s injury.
10. Bill O’Brien is a huge Rick Ross fan.
For whatever reason, this is spectacular and shows a side of the coach that no other affection for any artist could possibly portray. It’s hard to put into words how awesome these scenes were.
11. DeAndre Hopkins lets the world know he wants to be a dog owner, specifically a Yorkshire terrier.
His explanation is one you’d never imagine in a million years, basically boiling down to wanting a man-bag to carry the dog in and taking him to nightclubs. Talk about a chick magnet.
12. Hearing Brian Cushing be Brian Cushing.
Every single word out of his mouth is entertaining and unexpected. Just one example?
DeAndre Hopkins: Do you drink lattes?
Brian Cushing: I don’t even go to Starbucks.
Hopkins: It’s great, bro.
Cushing: I mean, I used to [go]. Then I realized I wasn’t a chick.
Click here to see even more brilliantly recapped examples of Cushing being Cushing at Grantland.
13. Carli Lloyd is proof that NFL stars get star-struck too.
Sure she’s the USWNT hero, but she made quite the impact on the Texans, taking Vince Wilfork to the house in a field goal competition (they tied). But the best part of Lloyd’s HardKnocks appearance in the last episode? Watching the guys fall over her, attempting to flirt.
14. Two words: Ben Jones.
I count my blessings that I’ve been lucky enough to meet Mr. Jones in person and see his sarcasm, hilarity and all-things-camo in person. The rest of the world should thank HBO for catching a few glimpses into this character, now at center.
The Houston Texans are the eighth team featured on Hard Knocks since its debut in 2001. The series has already won 12 Sports Emmy Awards – who thinks this season will bring another award to the trophy case?
The better question is – who thinks this team can win the Vince Lombardi come February?
