I would like to say that I feel blessed and very thankful for the opportunity Grizz has extended both myself and Tuna Helper, whom I look forward to working with immensely.  I must admit when I "applied" for the job, I was a bit hesitant, and thought that I really did not stand a chance, there are just too many great writers constantly contributing daily to this blog.  I will definitely make the most of this chance, and do the best I can to provide informative, entertaining and thought provoking articles that stoke the fire for conversation and debate.  I certainly have a high standard to live up to.

If any of you ever get the inkling to traverse the universe that is SportsBlog Nation (I know Terry certainly gets around), then you will realize just how good we have it here at BTB.  There are only a few blogs out there that can boast the amount of views, comments, diaries and members that we have here, and most don’t even come close.  We can thank the popularity of the Dallas Cowboys for that, but most importantly the incredible job that Grizz has done here in establishing a friendly environment to enjoy interesting and inviting debate over our favorite team, while not putting up with those that would threaten our somewhat sane, sanctimonious setting.  What I am trying to say is, I am very thankful to be a part of such a great online community.

A bit about me, so everyone might know where I am coming from.  I was born and raised in the suburbs of Dallas, and will always be a Texan no matter where I might go in my life.  I am a fan of any and all sports, but of am a huge fan of the Dallas Stars, Texas Rangers and to some extent the Dallas Mavericks (they have broken my heart just a little too much the past few years to keep me from getting past my growing contempt for pro basketball).  But most importantly I am a Dallas Cowboys fanatic.  I was first introduced to our favorite team when I was only seven years old, when my Dad sat me in front of the T.V. and told me to pay attention to only one thing: Number 22’s feet and hips, because "This man is going to be the Greatest Ever."  That was Emmitt’s rookie year, in a preseason game.  As I sat mesmerized by this violent, dramatic and breathtaking sport, my father explained the rules, players and strategies of the great game of football.  I immediately raided my local library (anybody remember those?) for every book I could find on the sport and immersed myself in the pages.  From that moment I was hooked and nothing could tear me away.  I remember those times in the early 90’s vividly, not only as a golden era in the history of the Cowboys, but also as valuable time I spent with my Father, a time I looked forward to every week.  

I grew up obsessed with football and the Cowboys, while also maintaining my standings in other sports.  Unfortunately, nature did not listen to my demands and refused to grant me the 6’ 4" frame I desired to be able to play Quarterback.  Instead, it seemed my skills were more suited for hockey, and I spent my high school years playing goalie, before joining the Navy in 2000.

When I joined the Military, I did so with the thought of spending 4 years learning a trade, then continuing on to my free college education.  Unfortunately, a dozen insane and misguided individuals rerouted history, and the whole world changed in an instant.  I spent five years as an Electronics Technician and Navigation Supervisor on the USS San Juan, a fast attack submarine out of Groton, CT, which is still my home today.  I was able to see the world while onboard, visiting Spain, England, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Portugal, Egypt, Dubai, Djibouti and Bahrain, and I have come to the conclusion that nowhere is better than this Great Country we live in.  The only drawback I found hard to deal with was my inability to follow my beloved Cowboys like I used to.  Thankfully, I was able to witness Emmitt finally becoming the Greatest Ever, around 4am in a NATO sports bar in Italy.

I transferred off the submarine in the spring of last year, and vowed to myself that I would once again immerse myself into this great team and sport.  Along the way, I found this great website and have been hooked ever since.  I am also about to start coaching Pop Warner football, with a desire to change the way young people are viewing sports and competition, stressing an emphasis on teamwork, ethics, and standing by and protecting the men on either side of you.

Finally, as mentioned in a previous thread, oldtimer suggested the great idea of doing specific player profiles, starting with Marion Barber, and sb5 also suggested Marc Columbo.  If anyone else has another player that they want featured, let me know and I will do what I can.  I plan on doing about one a week once things get rolling.

Grizz, in the immortal words of Roland, thankee sai.