Pats make quite the catch in Rex Burkhead

By Mike Giardi

August 3, 2017

FOXBORO -- Trying to cover Rex Burkhead here in training camp is a little like trying to catch a bee with a fishing net. Not impossible, but not likely either.

Just ask linebacker Elandon Roberts or safety Brandon King. Both had the unenviable task of trying to corral the quick Burkhead during one-on-one pass catching drills Thursday. Both found themselves looking quite foolish. That continues a week-long trend here at Patriots training camp -- Number 34 getting into space and creating even more.

“I’m trying to reach the expectations every day of excellence,” Burkhead said, as if he just created a slogan for the back of a t-shirt.

Burkhead broke into the league five years ago with the Cincinnati Bengals. He earned his way by being an ace special-teams player, but eventually saw an increase in his role offensively a season ago, both running and catching the football. Word is Burkhead was chased by Bill Belichick and Bill Belichick alone. You can see why, with the Pats wanting to create even more uncertainty for opposing defenses.

“Hopefully, this year, we’ll have a little more balance between the running game and passing game,” Belichick said. “Again, [the departed LeGarrette Blount] was primarily a runner. He didn’t have a lot of receiving production. The reverse is true of James White. So hopefully with our backs this year we’ll have a little more balance and be a little less predictable from that spot.”

That’s one of many areas where Burkhead can factor in.

“It’s something growing up, my dad -- he was a coach, he played football -- he always told me, ‘You can’t be a one-dimensional player. You’ve have to be able to catch the ball as well,’ ” Burkhead said. “It’s always been something I’ve taken pride in. I want to make sure I can do it well.”

The Pats haven’t been shy about trying Burkhead in short yardage situation down at the goal line either. Running backs coach Ivan Fears is on record saying the team needs to find its power back and while Mike Gilislee is probably the lead dog in that area, Burkhead is bigger than you think, right around 210 pounds. That’s not Blount beef, but that doesn’t mean the Texas native can’t get it done.

“Find the creases and see the reads. You don’t want to have your head up with a guy 50 pounds or 100 pounds bigger than you, so you try to find those creases where you can really lower your pads and get on in there,” adding, “I can fit through some cracks that some normal - or bigger backs - can’t get through.”

If Burkhead keeps showing up and showing out in every practice, he’ll get plenty of opportunities to impact the Pats in all facets and pay off Belichick’s faith in him.

Anthony Gonzalez, former Ohio State University football star, files to run for Congress in Ohio

In this 2007 file photo, Anthony Gonzalez announces at a news conference that he is entering the NFL draft rather than returning to Ohio State University to play for his senior season. Gonzalez, an Avon Lake native, has filed paperwork to run for Ohio's 16th Congressional District in 2018.(Kiichiro Sato, Associated Press)

By Andrew J. Tobias
September 2, 2017

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Former Ohio State University football star and Cleveland-area native Anthony Gonzalez has filed official paperwork to run for Ohio's 16th congressional seat in 2018.

A filing received by the Federal Election Commission on Aug. 28 lists Gonzalez' address as an apartment in Crocker Park, the Westlake outdoor shopping complex. Since retiring from the National Football League and receiving his MBA from Stanford University, Gonzalez, 32, had worked for an education technology company in the San Fransisco bay area. But he recently moved back to Ohio to prepare to run for the seat, which is up for grabs since the incumbent, Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci, is running for governor rather than seek re-election.

The FEC paperwork lists a home in Dublin, Ohio, as Gonzalez' campaign office. The home belongs to Gonazlez' campaign treasurer, Natalie Baur, a Republican operative who worked last year as finance director for U.S. Sen. Rob Portman's re-election campaign.

The filing makes official what was previously reported by cleveland.com -- Gonzalez, who graduated from Saint Ignatius High School, in recent weeks has been laying the groundwork to try to transition into politics, which has included meeting with the National Republican Congressional Committee in Washington, D.C. Despite the filing, Gonzalez still has not officially announced he is running or publicly revealed his campaign team.

The unusually shaped 16th District, which is considered a safe Republican seat, includes Wayne County, and portions of several others, stretching from rural suburbs east of Akron and up to Cuyahoga County's western suburbs.

Other Republicans running for the seat include Stark County State Rep. Christina Hagan and Strongsville State Rep. Tom Patton. On the Democratic side, Aaron Godfrey of North Olmsted, a first-time candidate whose campaign website describes him as a scientist, has filed to run.

Gonzalez was not known for being outspoken about political issues during his time at OSU and his five-year NFL career, which was cut short due to injuries. He graduated from OSU with a degree in philosophy and was an Academic All-American. He was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 2007 NFL draft.

Running for a reason

Those who took part in the Gatorade/Steelers 5K are making a difference.

By Teresa Varley
September 4, 2017

As runners crossed the finish line for the 29th Annual Gatorade/Steelers 5K Race, they felt a sense of accomplishment, finishing the 3.1 race either in a personal best time, or in some cases for the first time.

They should feel a much greater sense of accomplishment.

The race is one of the main fundraising events for the Art Rooney Scholarship Fund, carrying on the memory of the late Steelers’ owner Art Rooney Sr. Three graduating seniors from North Side high schools, one from Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic and two from Perry High School through the Pittsburgh Promise, are awarded a college scholarship, helping them with the ever rising cost of education.

This year’s scholarship recipients, Dominic Serventi from Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic, and Samantha Ervin Upsher and Roman Ramsey from Perry High School,

“This It means I can go to school and study to try to make a career for myself,” said Serventi. “It’s an opportunity I might not have if it weren’t for the Steelers organization and this race. It means that I am able to afford to go to college. Funds are tight. It’s incredible. It’s a great opportunity. And it’s a great honor for them to consider me for it.”

Serventi, who will attend Robert Morris University and study actuarial science, grew up a Steelers fan, so receiving a scholarship from his favorite team is a bit overwhelming for him.

“It’s exciting,” said Serventi. “If you grow up in Pittsburgh, you grow up a Steelers fan. I played football growing up. To have them give me scholarship money, it’s crazy to think about it.

“The opportunity I am given is incredible. Everybody always looks forward to taking the next big step in their lives. Going to college is a big one.”

Matt Spaeth, who played for the Steelers from 2007-210 and 2013-15, served as the honorary captain for the race. It was an event he heard about as a player, but didn’t realize the impact it had until now. And it doesn’t surprise him.

“The Steelers are such a great organization, and the Rooney family is special” said Spaeth. “They are hands on in the daily life of Steelers football and the community, they are accessible to the players and community. I doubt any other organization compares to that. That is what makes it so special.”