NFL Shop

Is it just me, or has the NFL Shop.com catalog gone completely metrosexual? Are we really supposed to associate a bunch of prissy pretty boys with snot-bubbling hits on the gridiron? Or is this just an all-out blitz on the girlfriend demographic? Maybe it's not the catalog I want, or maybe I'm not the customer that the NFL Shop.com wants.

Roster cuts drop on Tuesday. I'll have more to say on the NFL then.

Steve Smith's shoulder

First Ma'ake Kemoeatu's Achilles tendon, now Steve Smith's shoulder. Keep an eye on Jordan Gross, because at this rate he's the next former Ute/current Panther on the injury watch list. All-Pro WR Steve Smith injured his shoulder in a padless practice collision. ESPN.com reports that Smith, who was expected to miss the entire preseason, has already returned to practice. There's no tougher receiver in the game today than Steve Smith!

Utes in the UFL

Three former Utes have signed on with the new United Football League. C Jesse Boone and NT Gabe Long will play for the Las Vegas Locomotives and QB Brian Johnson will play for the as yet unnamed New York franchise. The California Redwoods and Florida Tuskers round out the four team league, which kicks off its inaugural season on October 8th. All four teams will wear the same uniform design, but each will sport its own horrendous color scheme. Buy your team gear now; it's guaranteed to be limited edition!

The Deepest Cut

Last week was a tough one for former Utes. On the first day of training camp defensive tackle Ma'ake Kemoeatu of the Carolina Panthers tore his Achilles tendon (an injury with which this blogger is all too familiar). Kemoeatu will have surgery and hopes to return for the last month of the season. Wide receiver Bradon Godfrey was cut by the Atlanta Falcons, and Chris Shelton was sent back down to the Tacoma Rainiers.

Jordan Gross gives back

Jordan Gross donated $500,000 to the University of Utah to establish the Jordan and Dana Gross Offensive Lineman Scholarship on Monday. Not only does Gross pave the way for the Carolina Panthers powerful rushing attack, now he's paving the way for other small town offensive linemen to play for the Utes! Gross joins the ranks of fellow Carolina Panther Steve Smith, San Francisco 49er Alex Smith, Philadelphia 76er (now Portland Trail Blazer) Andre Miller, and Milwaukee Buck Andrew Bogut as athletes who have donated substantial sums back to the university. Read the full story on ksl.com.

Andre Miller a Trail Blazer

Andre Miller has signed an offer from the Portland Trail Blazers, ending weeks of speculation over where the stalwart point guard would be taking his game. While it was apparent that the 10 year veteran would not re-sign with Philadelphia, various reports had him going to Indiana, New York, or Portland. Miller will provide veteran leadership for the talented young Trail Blazer team, as Miller and Portland general manager Kevin Pritchard both cited in the team's official announcement. The team did not release the terms of the deal, but it is has been reported as $21 million over three years.

Shelton called up

Chris Shelton was called up by the Mariners on 7/9/09. In 4 games he's batting .250 with two hits, one run and one RBI, a go-ahead run against the Texas Rangers on July 12th. He did not play in last night's game against the Tigers, but remains in the clubhouse as what manager Don Wakamatsu deems an "extra potent bat off the bench."