Football Trivia (General)/Expert Profile

Expertise

The subject of my expertise pertains to "American Football", as opposed to "Futball" or the game we refer to as soccer in the USA. --------------------------------------------------------- I can answer statistical questions about professional football. I am especially strong on the subject of the BALTIMORE COLTS from 1947 through 1983, Washington Redskins, and the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League. My services are best used when an older, obscure question is posed. The newer NFL records are easily accessible through www.NFL.com I do not appraise memorabilia. I am not an expert on Canadian Football, though I will take a shot at any questions you might pose. I have a good understanding and recall of the folklore about Baltimore football. Some of this information may be subjective in nature. I will give the best answer possible if this is the case.

Experience in the area

I am former NFL Statistician with the Washington Redskins. I grew up during the days of the Baltimore Colts in the 1960's. (Please refer to the movie "Diner" for more information about the Baltimore Colts fans)

Organizations

Washington Redskins Statistician, 2005-2010 Baltimore Ravens, 1996-2003

Publications

The records were used by author Jon Morgan in his book, "Glory For Sale". The records have been part of the Baltimore Ravens Media Guides since their inaugural season in 1996. I was interviewed for the cover story of The Press Box, a local, monthly sports tabloid newspaper. http://www.pressboxonline.com/story.cfm?id=5594

Education/Credentials

I researched and was able to piece together the statistical history of the AAFC Baltimore Colts 1947-49, and the 1950 NFL Colts. This information was used by The Baltimore Ravens for their 1996 Media Guide. The records were entitled "Baltimore Football Records". It was considered "unofficial" since the AAFC league records were not incorporated with the NFL records when the leagues merged. The reason that this information was created was due to the fact that the NFL had prohibited the 1996 Baltimore Ravens from bringing the records, colors, and team name from the Cleveland Browns. The Baltimore football records were presented in order to create a frame of reference. The Ravens have kept these records since 1996, adding and amending as the Ravens football team challenge these records.

Awards and Honors

I was awarded two game balls from the Ravens and was recognized for my work as the top game day employee.

Past/Present Clients

Baltimore Ravens, Wise Guides, Washington Redskins

What do you like about this subject?

I am a sports fan. I am intrigued with statistics and can spend a great deal of time pouring over statistical data.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

Being the nerd who knows the most is a feather in your cap when you work for the networks.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

The most prevalent action in the NFL is "the tackle" which is not defined in the NFL rulebook. There is a very brief description of tackling, (the use of the hands or arms of a defensive player to hold a runner or throw him to the ground)

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

NFL Football Records and statistics were never held in the same regard as baseball statistics. Precise record keeping before the 1960's is hit and miss. They football teams did not record the numbers worn by the players until the 1960's.