Sports Archives - Page 3 of 20

2015: Houston Sports

Houston Sports Illustration – by German Arellano

The Best of Houston Sports in 2015

The city of Houston is blessed with an abundance of highs and lows of sports performances. Here’s a quick look at some of the best – and most notable – moments of HOUSTON SPORTS this year.

HEAD OF THE CLASS: Former ASTROS second baseman CRAIG BIGGIOmade history as the first Astro in franchise history inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. On July 27, the legend joined Randy Johnson, Pedro Martínez and John Smoltz, cementing their rightful place in Cooperstown, N.Y. Biggio played his entire 20-year career in Houston, during which he played for seven different managers.

TIME TO SHINE: HOUSTON TEXANS wide receiver DEANDRE HOPKINSbecame the first player in NFL history with at least nine catches and 145 receiving yards in three consecutive games (Weeks 4–6). Earlier this year, Hopkins passed former (and beloved) Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson for most receiving yards in a player’s first three seasons in franchise history.

A COMEBACK FOR THE AGES: The HOUSTON ROCKETS epic comeback in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals is one of the top moments in NBA Playoff history, period. The Rockets (with James Harden on the bench) outscored the Clippers 40–15 in the final period, sending the series back to the Toyota Center for Game 7. Houston advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1996–97.

NO REST FOR THE WEARY (OR THE ACE): ASTROS ace and American League Cy Young Award winner, DALLAS KEUCHEL, took the mound on just three days rest, in the AL Wild Card Game against the Yankees. Keuchel led the Astros to a 3–0 win, sending them to the playoffs, marking the Astros’ 10th postseason appearance (3rd as a Wild Card participant) in franchise history. Keuchel went 2–0 with a 0.69 ERA (1ER/13IP) in his 2 postseason starts.

NEW PLAYING FIELDS: Due to not being up to the team’s “historical standards” (and complaints from players around the League), the Texans switched from natural grass to an artificial turf.

A DECADE IN THE BOOKS: In 2015, the DYNAMO celebrated their tenth season. They averaged 20,658 fans per game, the club’s secondbest mark since BBVA Compass Stadium opened in 2012.

BIG WINS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES: PEARLAND LITTLE LEAGUE WEST finished 3rd in the world at the Little League World Series (LLWS). The Little Leaguers even garnered national attention, LIVE, on SportsCenter.

TWO WORDS – CARLI LLOYD: April 10 – Lloyd makes her HOUSTON DASHdebut after a trade last season. July 5 – Lloyd has a game for the ages with the entire world watching, a hat trick in the first 16 minutes of the Women’s World Cup Final in Vancouver, securing the USWNT’s third World Cup with a 5–2 win over Japan. July 29 – Lloyd continues her amazing summer with the winning goal over FC Kansas City, marking her seventh consecutive game with a goal.

ALL BUT ONE: ROCKETS guard JAMES HARDEN played and started all but one of a possible 82 games for the Rockets last season averaging 27.4 points, 7.0 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.9 steals. Harden was also runner- up for the NBA Most Valuable Player Award and named MVP by his peers in the inaugural NBPA Players’ Awards.

HOLY TOLEDO: Remembering MILO HAMILTON. After a storied and legendary career dating back to 1950, Hall of Fame Broadcaster Milo Hamilton died at the age of 88. Hamilton was a voice synonymous with the Houston Astros and during his career set an MLB record, broadcasting from 59 stadiums. Hamilton spent half his MLB career in Houston, and undoubtedly left a legacy with Houston fans.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES: The Houston Texans were the eighth team featured on HBO’s popular series Hard Knocks, which first debuted in 2001. From July 24–September 7, 115 NFL Films production staff members worked diligently to bring football fans rare and unseen training camp footage, sorting through more than 1,500 hours of film captured by 14 cameras.

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER: At 21 years and 20 days old in Game 4 of the ALDS, ASTRO CARLOS CORREA became the youngest player in American League history to post a multi-homer postseason game and the youngest to have a 4-hit game.

This article originally appeared in the print issue of Local Houston Magazine’s December 2015 issue. FREE issues can be found all throughout Houston. For the online/original version, click here.

December 3, 2015/by Jayme

Mercilus

Football

Whitney Mercilus on Draft Day (Photo: Courtesy Houston Chron)

Watch me Whit, then watch me JJ

Heading into Week 11, there is one player I don’t think has gotten the credit he deserves, so I’m going to dedicate this entire piece to him and the reasons to love him. He is Whitney Mercilus – outside linebacker for the Houston Texans.

I had been noticing it for a while, and thought it was only me. But last week I posted my thoughts on FB and got some very interesting feedback and quite a few likes, so I knew it wasn’t just me. Thankfully.

Back in May, the Texans signed Mercilus to a four-year contract extension worth $26 million (including $10.8 guaranteed, and a $5.25 million signing bonus), so Texans fans – not to mention the rest of the NFL – better get used to seeing his face. Mostly quarterbacks. And they should be worried.

Last week against Tennessee (though it was just Mettenberger…), the Texans tied a single-game franchise record w/ 7.0 sacks AS A TEAM. The Texans also recorded 7.0 sacks in 2011 against Jacksonville and 2005 against St. Louis.

Mettenberger was sacked on 18% of his dropbacks – the highest percentage in Texan history. And guess who had the most sacks in last weeks game? I’ll give you a hint – it wasn’t J.J. Watt although he jumps around and tries to take sole credit for a lot of the combined efforts (not saying I wouldn’t do the same, but…).

You guessed it – Mercilus was the one who tallied a career-high 3.5 sacks (J.J. still did a damn fine job with 2.5 takedowns). It’s teamwork guys. Last week, J.J. and Whitney became the first pair in Texans history to record at least 2 sacks each in a game.

Mercilus’ career-high 3.5 sacks is tied for second-most in a game in Texans history. (Connor Barwin, 4.0 at JAX, 11/27/11, and Mario Williams, 3.5 vs. DEN, 12/13/07.)

There’s no secret J.J. leads the team’s defense and pretty much the team and the entire city – the girlfriendless cover boy has 28 quarterback hits just the year (that’s more than the entire team combined). The next closest with QB hits for the year is Whitney with just 8.

So far this season, the Texans TFL (tackles for loss) are lead by Watt with 16, Mercilus with 10, then by Jadeveon Clowney with 4 and Christian Covington with 3.

The Texans run a three-man rotation at outside linebacker and it seems rather astounding that Mercilus is still fighting for his permanent spot against #1 overall draft pick Jadeveon Clowney, who seems to constantly be battling injuries. It’s like the Texans are trying to prove to the nation that Clowney was worth the #1 pick (with or without an injury) by keeping him there.

For a few reasons to love Whitney Mercilus off the field, just check out his inspiring and funny Twitter page, where he’s not afraid to show some personality and his love for the Lord.

Whitney Mercilus Twitter

In his fourth season, this could be his best yet. To make this a really standout season for #59, he only needs 2.0 sacks to set his single-season career-high, surpassing his previous high of 7.0 in 2013.

The Texans drafted Mercilus from Illinois as the 26^th overall pick, where he led the nation in sacks per game (1.23) and fumbles forced per game (0.833) as a senior. His first season with the Texans (2012) was the year the team went 14-2 and were AFC South Champions.

Keep an eye out for great things by the Texans defense, specifically #59.

November 20, 2015/by Jayme

Eddie Jackson and BBQ

Football

Eddie Jackson (Photo: Courtesy Food Network)

Eddie Jackson’s Still Primetime With His New Series ‘BBQ Blitz’

From football to food trucks, life after the NFL takes different turns for different athletes. For Eddie Jackson, it’s taken him back to primetime on the Food Network for his new six-episode series BBQ Blitz, which debuted in early October. The show finds Jackson traveling the country to pit local BBQ bosses against each other.

Jackson first joined the food world as a private chef, food truck owner and personal trainer. He proved to be the ultimate culinary champion during Food Network Star, known for his charismatic personality, charm under pressure and spectacular cooking skills. His former fame as an NFL star didn’t hurt either.

His take on food combines his southern background with his passion for rich and bold flavors, which consistently distinguished him with the viewers and judges. Jackson grew up in Texas and owns a Caribbean grill-inspired food truck and gym in the Houston area, where he currently resides.

Here’s our exclusive Q&A with the former football star and forever foodie:

Man Cave Daily: What’s life been like since you retired from football?

Eddie Jackson: It’s been a while since I retired from the NFL, but since then it’s been all about food with me. I’ve always been into cooking and food since I was child and once I left the game, I realized that I had the love for food and the ability to cook to take it to another level.

MCD: What do you miss most about football?

EJ: By far I miss the camaraderie. There’s nothing like going into battle with your boys. You train for weeks together, so you naturally become close and then going into battle and getting a victory is priceless.

MCD: Tell me about your love for food–where did it start?

EJ: My love for food started at a very young age. I can remember helping my grandmother in the kitchen making biscuits. And then later my dad teaching me the ins and outs of the grill on our little apartment patio. I love creating unique dishes on the grill.

MCD: Describe your perfect tailgate–the menu, the drinks, the music, etc?

EJ: The perfect tailgate would have one-hander foods like wings and sliders–because you need a free hand for cold beers! Each person at the tailgate should come up with four-5 songs, then combine them to create the perfect tailgate playlist.

MCD: With all the great cities you’re visiting for BBQ Blitz–what do you look for in BBQ? Is there a certain ingredient that stands out, do you like it spicy?

EJ: I’ve visited some amazing cites for BBQ Blitz and what I’m most interested in is creativity. BBQ-ing is not just baby back ribs or pulled pork–I’m looking for something so unique that viewers can hopefully get inspired to try something new when they crank up the grills and smokers. Grilling is the earliest form of cooking–you just have to be willing to step outside the box. I’m a sucker for spice. I’m a Texan and we like it spicy. You can always win me over with a nice kick of heat.

MCD: Tell me about your food truck in Houston?

EJ: My food truck is called Caribbean Grill by Fit Chef. We put a Caribbean twist on barbecue and grilling–like ginger pork tacos or rum glazed ribs. I spent a lot of time in south Florida while playing for the Dolphins, so I wanted to bring some of that flare with me to Texas. I focus on doing events with my truck, but you can find it parked behind my gym Fit Chef Studios during the week. We do healthy lunch options as well as make fresh juices.

MCD: Lastly, any bold Super Bowl predictions?

EJ: Hmmmmm…I’m predicting the Pats to win it all again. Brady is playing with a vengeance!

This article originally ran on CBS Man Cave Daily. Click here to see the original article.

October 16, 2015/by Jayme

Red Bull Air Race World Championship

X Games | Extreme

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.

September 29, 2015/by Jayme

Hard Knocks Texans

Football

Hard Knocks Texans Training Camp (courtesy photo)

F-bombs away! 14 things we learned — and loved — about the Texans from Hard Knocks

As the season finale of HBO’s hit show Hard 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.

J.J. Watt + Vince Wilfork + Jadeveon Clowney = Mind Blown

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 Hard Knocks 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?

Hard Knocks by the Numbers (via HoustonTexans.com):

No. of NFL FILMS production staff assigned to HARD KNOCKS – 115

No. of crew that will be living with the team at training camp in Houston, TX – 30

No. of cameras assigned to shoot training camp – 14 (6 manned cameras; 8 robotic stationary cameras)

No. of hours expected to shoot – Over 1500 hours (300 per episode)

No. of consecutive days crew will work on the series – 46 (July 24 to Sept. 7)

This article originally ran in the sports section of Culture Map. Click here to see the original article online.

September 8, 2015/by Jayme

Chester Pitts

Football

LaToya and Chester Pitts (Photo: by Danny Nguyen)

The Chester Pitts Foundation – Fine Arts, Culture and Smiles

Believe it or not, even here in Houston, there are things more important than football. A man who knows that firsthand is original Houston Texan CHESTER PITTS, just half of the brains and brawn behind The Chester Pitts Charitable Foundation (CPCF).

The mission behind the nonprofit is to evoke artistic interest in children through programs designed to inspire natural creativity, arouse enthusiasm for knowledge and energize the spirit of our youth. “The CPCF is designed to be a conduit, or a bridge, for those who don’t have access to the wonderful world of fine arts and culture. A lot of folks that have had the exposure understand the value, but take it for granted that the kids today that go to public schools – every day those programs are being cut and those kids won’t have access to [the arts]. It’s something a lot of us take for granted because it’s the norm,” co-founder Chester Pitts says of the organization. While Chester may think his tall, slender, drop-dead gorgeous wife is just his backup dancer in all this, truth be told, she runs the show. Something he finally admitted to. And what a show it is to run, as many know, starting and keeping a nonprofit moving is not an easy task, but LaToya Pitts does it with grace, dignity and humility, while balancing everything else in her life, including being a mother.

LaToya says having fine arts and culture in your life helps make you a well-rounded individual. “There are studies that show that kids who have the arts in their programs actually score higher on test scores, they do better in school, make better grades, it’s just overall something positive,” she says. All joking aside, Chester graciously admits it’s his wife that keeps their boat afloat. “We are a team – the Pitts Family – she’s the brains and the good looks, I’m just the guy that happens to know the good people who come out to our events and collects the dough,” he jokes while giving his wife a fist bump. It’s that kind of love, excitement and playfulness that is not only the basis and foundation of CPCF, but their marriage and family as well.

Starting with one small event back in 2008 while Chester still played with the Houston Texans, it wasn’t until 2011 the couple took their philanthropic work to the next level, hosting events throughout the year. Each year the foundation selects a high school or middle school and takes them out for their first symphonic experience at the Houston Symphony. “We dress the girls and boys up and buy them formal outfits and bring them to the symphony for a concert, and do a meet-and-greet afterwards,” LaToya says. This year’s experience will be the Sinatra show, which has been raved about in The New York Times. If you know how the Pitts duo rolls, you know it’s bound to be a good time with a lot of laughs. “It’s not just about art or dance or whatever it may be – it’s about what it takes to be good at or be successful at something. Now we’re talking about focusing and concentrating, about diligence – all of those factors line up to make people better human beings. We want to make sure we can capitalize on it with every kid, that we can make them a little bit better, even if it’s just 1%, they’re still better off than they were and that’s our ultimate goal,” Chester says.

This article originally ran in the print issue of LOCAL Houston Magazine. To see the original online version, click here.

August 31, 2015/by Jayme

HTC Calendar Reveal

Cheerleading

Houston Texans Cheerleader 2015 – 2016 Calendar

Houston Texans cheerleaders reveal what it’s like to be calendar girls at launch party

Football season is pretty much upon us and that means lines of anxious fans everywhere. Rabid Houston Texans fans are waiting to get into the spirit of all things football — and that definitely includes the Houston Texans Cheerleaders 2015-16 swimsuit calendar reveal party.

Fans lined up outside the Go Texan Store at NRG Stadium in three-digit temperatures and humidity on Saturday waiting to purchase their $10 calendars for the bikini-clad Babes on Parade to autograph.

In her fourth year gracing the HTC Swimsuit calendar, Delaney, who poses for April, may be a veteran to the swimsuit shoot process, but says each one is a unique experience.

“We were at a really nice resort, El Conquistador Resort’s Palomino Island in Puerto Rico – a private resort – so we got a lot of extra care for us. It was really nice and pretty,” she says. “We had a fun video shoot to Carly Rae Jepson’s I Really Like You. We had a great time.”

Delaney may look sweet and innocent (which she is!), but be warned her favorite thing about the month of April is April Fool’s Day.

A new addition to this year’s calendar is Callie who struts her stuff for August. Callie was overwhelmed and flattered by the process as she sat next to twins Randi and Jordan (also new to the calendar and the team) to start signing calendars.

“It’s crazy, but it’s flattering – it still seems unreal,” she said as fans began entering the room. As

Texans cheerleaders were photographed at El Conquistador Resort’s Palomino Island in Puerto Rico. Courtesy photo

for the finished product, the blonde beamed, “I love it!”

For Callie, there are a lot of things about the month of August she loves. “It’s my sister’s birthday, back-to-school month and of course the start of football,” she says.

Kicking off 2016 and representing the fresh start that is January is Lesha, who was also pulling double duty during her calendar signings by not only being featured in the first month of next year, but also one of the cover girls.

As for the cover, Lesha is particularly proud to be next to a few of her fellow cheerleaders, even if that means extra sharpie duty. “When I saw it, I was like oh my goodness, I can’t believe that’s me. It’s such an exciting experience and feeling that I’m so thankful and grateful for,” she says.

January also happens to be Lesha’s birthday month (January 18), so be sure to send her a note on Twitter when that day rolls around.

And speaking of Twitter, by our last count Lesha has more followers than any other NFL Cheerleader. Give her a follow at @HTC_Lesha.

Like last year, this year’s cover boasts six beautiful ladies (Antonieta, Delaney, Callie, Lesha, Kelly and Jessica) rather than highlighting just one. This simple photo speaks volumes for the way Texans cheerleaders coach Alto Gary runs her team. She likes to highlight as many of the girls as possible to show off their hard work, not to mention the teamwork and bond these ladies share.

Saturday’s event was open to fans who purchased a calendar who all had the chance to have the entire 2015 HTC squad sign their calendars, and check out a behind-the-scenes tour of their locker room. The afternoon also included mini makeovers at Salon HTC and a 10 percent discount at the Go Texan Store.

The ninth annual calendar was shot by photographer Trask Smith and is $10, with all proceeds benefiting the Houston Texans Foundation. Buy your calendar now.

This article originally ran on Culture Map. Click here to see the original article.

August 9, 2015/by Jayme

At Home With The Browns

Football

Texans Duane and Devi Brown (Photography by Max Burkhalter)

EVERYTHING STARTS AT HOME, AND NO ONE KNOWS AND APPRECIATES THAT MORE THAN HOUSTON TEXANS SEVENYEAR LEFT TACKLE, TEXAN DUANE BROWN AND HIS WIFE OF THREE YEARS, DEVI.

The home, one Duane bought during his rookie season, was remodeled two years ago adding the couple’s tastes, bright colors and natural light in every room. “We wanted to bring a lot of light in. I’m super-weird – I want everything to tell a story,” Devi ecstatically says, pointing out some of her favorite pieces, many of which they’ve picked up along their travels. The couple is busier than most, but they’re quick to realize everyone has a different definition of busy. Duane, busy with OTAs getting ready for the season, and Devi, an on-air personality and music director (not to mention studying to become a meditation teacher), have nearly opposite hours, sometimes with less than 15 minutes a day together. “Sometimes we have a moment in the driveway – we take what we can get,” Devi jokes in seriousness.

When they do have time, they enjoy their togetherness. The pair are big TV bingewatchers. A rainy afternoon can find them in the midst of a marathon of one of their favorite shows: “Game of Thrones,” “Mad Men,” “Black-ish,” “Modern Family,” “The Prophet,” “Shark Tank” and “Downtown Abbey.” The two say they are “A+ commentators” and get into play-by-play television. The house is filled with notes of prayers and mantras taped or laminated on the walls to serve as a reminder to stay centered. Of them all, this Rumi quote is their favorite: “Seek the wisdom that will untie your knot. Seek the path that demands your whole being.” “It’s the mantra of our lives right now, in this very moment,” Devi explains. “It goes along the lines of us wanting to be the best versions of ourselves and wanting to be the best versions of ourselves for each other. It’s not easy; it’s a challenge every day,” Duane adds.

While their days are equally jam-packed, the couple maintains a morning ritual, even if just for a few minutes, where they plop down on the bedroom floor and meditate together. “It helps center you. I think we both work in worlds that are kind of an emotional rollercoaster – there are so many things that can weigh you down, so I think being able to center yourself and calm your thoughts is a good way to start the day. It helps us as individuals on how we process things and also our relationship and marriage – how we treat each other and love each other better,” Duane says.

The house has some amazingly unique features – a fairly new collection of singing bowls, their staircase which showcases a wall of their favorite Instagram photos strategically framed, a larger-than-life man cave with five TVs and a projection screen, a she cave Devi refers to as her “little nook” where she feels grounded and includes a sounding board for her voiceover work – but the best part is in their kitchen, and it has nothing to do with cooking. “I always wanted a chalkboard in my house because I’m big on vision boards and I’m one of those quote people, so we had the idea to paint one on the wall and then build a frame around it,” Devi says of the spot where the two leave inspiring notes and quotes for each other and sometimes the occasional Pikachu drawing (one of their many inside jokes). It’s clear this duo is religious in setting their intentions every day; it’s paid off not only in the form of two legendary careers in the making, but a beautiful home and a blessed marriage.

[Speaking of legendary, not pictured is Legend, the couple’s 11-month-old silver lab who was off playing at daycare while mom and dad were busy working.]

This article ran in the July 2015 print issue of Local Houston Magazine and can be found online here.

July 2, 2015/by Jayme

NBA Finals: Golden State Warriors Dance Team Edition

Cheerleading

Co-Captains: Amira and Patrisha (photo via Warriors.com)

NBA Finals: Golden State Warriors Dance Team Edition

Everyone is all LeBron James this and Stephen Curry that…but what about Amira and Patrisha–fourth year co-captains for the Golden State Warriors Dance Team, working their butts off to keep the team and the fans energized during this tough series?

The epic NBA Finals battle heads back to Golden State on Sunday for game five (and again on Friday, June 16th if necessary), but the dancers are probably more excited than even the biggest bandwagon fan (like myself).

Check out our exclusive Q&A with Amira and Patrisha about their postseason experience thus far, their new uniforms, their love for their team and their fans and especially all the juiciness of the Finals action

Man Cave Daily: Describe the NBA Finals atmosphere?

Amira: The crowd at Oracle Arena has exceeded my expectations as being the loudest, most engaging fans in the NBA. The Warriors Dance Team feeds off the electrifying energy from the fans, and I’m sure the team does as well. Warriors fans are truly the best fans in the NBA.

Patrisha: The atmosphere is almost indescribable. Every fan puts on their gold Strength In Numbers t-shirt before every game to show a united front. You feel the energy in the arena explode as soon as we step on court. The Finals take this atmosphere to another level. The Golden State Warriors have been underdogs and written off for so long, our loyal fans are truly invested in us and want to see us succeed. Every seat is filled with an intense, loud and passionate fan all season long, but even more so in the Finals.

MCD: How does it feel to be able to dance and be right there in the action of such a huge sporting event?

A: The NBA Finals are the real deal. This platform elevates the Warriors team and organization to the next level. Millions of fans around the world are watching, which not only pushes us to perform our best, but to take in the energy and excitement of the situation.

P: It’s a blessing to perform on this stage for the NBA Finals. I feel honored to be a part of this dance team and organization. I’ve been a Warriors fan my entire life, and I am thankful every time I step out on the court. To perform at the NBA’s signature event is just a dream come true.

MCD: How have you been prepping?

A: Every season before the team reaches the NBA Playoffs, the Warriors Dance Team brings in our top choreographers to learn new and fun routines. We think that these high-energy routines add to the energy and excitement of the Playoffs. The Warriors Dance Team also unveils new uniforms during the playoff run to give our fans a new element to the on-court action.

P: We have learned new routines to make sure our performances are dynamic and flawless, so when we hit the court on game day we are ready to entertain and energize our fan base. Our rehearsals have been a lot longer (typically four hours per practice) to prepare for a playoff game. Every member of our team is working hard to give our best for each game.

MCD: How proud are you of your team?

A: Warriors fans have been faithful through thick and the thin. It’s an amazing time to be a Warriors fan. I am so proud of our team and what they have accomplished this year and how far they have come. It’s a rare achievement to reach the NBA Finals and perform at this level, and I am so happy to be a part of this experience.

P: I am extremely proud of our team and our organization. I joined the Warriors Dance Team in 2011, and to see our players grow into a great basketball team has been amazing. Our fans have been there to support the team during difficult seasons, so to now have a franchise record 67-win season and to now be in the NBA Finals with a chance to win it all is amazing, and hopefully we are making new Warriors fans along the way.

MCD: You’ve obviously been watching your team all season–you knew they had it in them–how does it feel for the rest of the NBA world to really be paying attention?

A: It feels like a dream. It is so exciting to be able to embrace the success our team is experiencing on the court. They are a strong team and deserve this. It’s just an amazing experience and it is exciting that the whole world gets to experience this with us as well!

P: I think the recognition and attention the team has received is well deserved. I knew in my heart we would make it all the way.

Want more? Check out their bonus gallery!

Follow Patrisha on Twitter and Instagram @trisshh. Follow Amira on Twitter and Instagram @amiram17.

This article originally ran on CBS Man Cave Daily. Click here to see that version.

June 12, 2015/by Jayme

Metallica’s Kirk Hammett & X Games

X Games | Extreme

Jayme of The Blonde Side interviewing Kirk Hammett of Metallica at Austin X Games (photo: Clark Terrell)

If you had to describe heavy metal in one word, it would, without a doubt be Metallica. Plain and simple. If you’ve ever even caught a glimpse of a Big Air competition or an X Games athlete throwing a 250-pound machine sideways and bringing it back with style (known as Best Whip), you’d know the most fitting soundtrack to such action could only be created by the men of Metallica.

As one of the biggest names to grace X Games 2015, Metallica kicked off Saturday night with an instrumental version and six-string salute of the National Anthem amidst the dusty Moto X Speed & Style course before their much anticipated two-hour concert later on the Super Stage.

The icons have been going vocal and rocker strong for decades and after their sweat-infested performance at Circuit of the Americas (known as COTA to locals), it’s pretty clear they don’t have plans of quitting the game anytime soon. As Metallica hit the live music capital of the world to co-headline the 20th anniversary of the annual action-sports event (with Nicki Minaj), we had a chance to sit down with Kirk Hammett and talk all things heavy–sports, fears, heat indexes, and more.

Arriving Friday, Hammett got intimate with the Texas heat pretty damn fast. “I got off the plane and instantly felt the heat and humidity–I’m a surfer so my body was saying “where’s the beach, where’s my surfboard?” but my mind was saying we’re in Austin, Texas–we’re land-locked but I’m glad to be here,” Hammett says.

As for connections or favorite X Games athletes or specific sport disciplines, Hammett doesn’t play favorites. At least not this early in, catching the X Games action live for the first time.

“We met Chad Kagy last night and he was super nice. He invited us up onto the ramp, but I think we missed our opportunity–James and I were getting ready for the National Anthem. I’m totally into watching extreme sports–it’s pretty phenomenal. I mean this genre of sports wasn’t around when I was a kid or a teenager, so to see the things that these guys do is just mind-blowing for me. I’m having a great time and it’s a very super cool thing I’m way into,” he says of the events, which took place on 12 different courses, all in the blazing sun.

[Just hours after our interview, Kagy was rushed to the hospital after crashing a Frontflip Flair, breaking both of his heels, which required multiple surgeries. Kagy later shared his x-rays via Facebook, saying he “got screwed at X Games this year.”

Having only enough time to catch a few events, Hammett was quick to give innumerable kudos to the men and women brave enough to throw their bodies off ramps and turn tricks, many of which had never been done before.

“So far it’s been pretty crazy. I don’t know how those guys do that on those motocross bikes–I don’t know how they train for that. I’m sure there’s a whole science behind it–it’s impressive,” he said.

“I saw that super ramp [known as Big Air, where skateboard athletes drop in from either a 50 or 65-foot high roll-in]–that ramp is so so amazing. I saw some guy on the Big Air ramp and just couldn’t believe it, and the speeds they were getting up to and the heights they were getting up to. It’s phenomenal for me to watch something like that and to watch someone pull in off so seamlessly–it’s like ballet man, it’s no different, it’s a discipline for sure,” he says.

Though the guitarist has never done a mid-air flip variation himself, he’s no stranger to his own version of extreme sports and a healthy array of physical activity.

“My sport is surfing–I’m a full on surfer. I surf as much as I can. Every winter I go to North Shore in Hawaii and take advantage of the waves there. I know a bunch of the pro surfers and that’s kind of my deal every winter. That’s kind of my own personal X Games,” he says.

“I do waves–I’m a water guy. I also run, I mountain bike–I’m big into mountain biking when there’s no waves,” he muses, visibly dreaming of Hawaii for a minute.

When asked if he would be ballsy enough to suit up in protective gear and try one of the X Games disciplines,Hammett didn’t hesitate. “Absolutely man–I am a charger. I am in the surfing world, which means if I see waves and you know it’s going, I’ll charge for sure.”

The thing Hammett fears most in life? Not heights or broken bones. Sharks.

“Sometimes I’ll spook myself. In the Bay Area it’s pretty shark-y and if you’re held under it’s completely black–there’s no visibility. At least if you’re held under in Hawaii you have some visibility–at least five-6 feet. Northern California is known for it’s great white shark breeding grounds and there’s a lot of sea lions in that area and great whites love sea lions. Sea lions are like the caviar of great whites,” he explains.

Music and headphones are about as much a part of the X Games as wheels and helmets. Pretty much every one of the athletes has headphones tucked in their ears while performing their stunts and tricks–a way of either staying focused, drowning out the crowd or tapping into their crazy creative side.

As for being dubbed the perfect soundtrack to the X Games (even by Veteran X Gamer Tony Hawk himself), Hammett sees the similarities and digs the parallel.

“Our energy goes into our music and gets amplified to the next level. When people can hear it and tap into it and feel that energy, it’s a motivational sort of feeling that comes up over people if they let themselves be energized by it. Our music has an element of danger in it, and the mood that it evokes. It’s not dangerous but there’s a certain element of danger. I think a lot of these extreme athletes can relate to that. Our music is the type that sees you through–there’s a beginning, middle and an ending. I think extreme athletes want to experience a conclusion and then listen to the next song. I think psychologically it helps them maybe see to the end of whatever they are doing–whether it’s a race or a trials thing or whatever. It helps them see that there’s an end to what they are doing and know they’ll make it through,” he says.

“But I got to tell you, when I’m out there surfing and there’s a !*(%ing wave that’s coming at me that’s maybe 10 foot, the last thing I’m thinking about is music man. I’m just thinking I got to be in the right position, I got to be going a certain speed, I got to catch this wave or else…and so for my own process I don’t really think about any sort of music–that’s just the way I am. When I go running I don’t listen to music, I listen to podcasts,” he says.

A professionally mixed recording of Metallica’s X Games show is available now through July 15th at LiveMetallica.com for just $5, which benefits Central Texas flood victims.

Until next year X Games and Metallica fans, keep it adventurous folks.

This article originally ran on the sport’s page of CBS Man Cave Daily – click here to see the original piece.

June 10, 2015/by Jayme