"Rocky Top, you'll always be home sweet home to me..."
I have loved sports all my life. Athletic events were special times for me to bond with family and friends. I have been able to combine my passion for sports and storytelling through sports journalism.
Tennessee's 2010 Football Schedule
Tennessee's 2010 Football Schedule
- 9/4 -- UT v. Tennessee-Martin --
- 9/11 -- UT v. Oregon --
- 9/18 -- UT v. Florida --
- 9/25 -- UT v. UAB --
- 10/2 -- UT @ LSU --
- 10/9 -- UT @ Georgia --
- 10/23 -- UT v. Alabama --
- 10/30 -- UT @ South Carolina --
- 11/6 -- UT @ Memphis --
- 11/13 -- UT v. Mississippi --
- 11/20 -- UT @ Vanderbilt --
- 11/27 -- UT v. Kentucky --
- 12/4 -- SEC Championship
"Road to the NFL: Dan Williams"
“Road to the NFL” is a five-part series that examines the process an athlete goes through when transitioning from college to professional football. I followed Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Dan Williams from the end of his college career at the University of Tennessee in January through the NFL Draft in April. During this time, I examined key elements and events throughout the draft process. These included his college career, Combine training, Senior Bowl all-star game, Combine and Pro Day, and the NFL Draft. Each installment of the series is dedicated to one of these important stepping stones and is approximately five minutes in length. “Road to the NFL” can be aired as a week-long series or put together as a 30-minute program.
Cardinals Game
“Road to the NFL” is a five-part series that examines the process an athlete goes through when transitioning from college to professional football. I followed Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Dan Williams from the end of his college career at the University of Tennessee in January through the NFL Draft in April. During this time, I examined key elements and events throughout the draft process. These included his college career, Combine training, Senior Bowl all-star game, Combine and Pro Day, and the NFL Draft. Each installment of the series is dedicated to one of these important stepping stones and is approximately five minutes in length. “Road to the NFL” can be aired as a week-long series or put together as a 30-minute program.
"Road to the NFL: Dan Williams" -- Part One
"Road to the NFL: Dan Williams" -- Part Two
"Road to the NFL: Dan Williams" -- Part Three
"Road to the NFL: Dan Williams" -- Part Four
"Road to the NFL: Dan Williams" -- Part Five
Cardinals Game
I was so excited to get a phone call from my good friend and the subject of my "Road to the NFL" documentary, Dan Williams, last week. He is now playing as a defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals and invited me to watch them play the Titans in Nashville. I happily accepted his invitation!
 |
Me with my dad at the game |
I arrived to the Titans stadium, LP Field, Monday night. The weather in Nashville was just perfect for watching great football. Dan had reserved three tickets for my father, friend Victoria Sterling, and me. The seats were incredible -- 50-yard-line, lower level.
Through filming the documentary, I was able to witness all the hard work Dan put into getting drafted. It was very rewarding to see his dreams realized and watch him play at a professional level.
 |
Dan, #92, helping the Cardinals at defensive end |
 |
Victoria and me after the game |
Preseason games are often used for coaches to determine which players make the team for the actual season. Star players rarely see much, if any, playing time in these preseason games. Because Dan is projected to be starting for the Cardinals as a rookie this fall, he played very few snaps against the Titans.
 |
Big Dan |
The Titans won 24-10. Fortunately, preseason losses don't count against the teams.
Although the Cardinals didn't prove victorious in this match-up, the game was still a great deal of fun, and spending time with Dan, his family and friends the next day was even better.
