6/30/2007

Are you ready for some football?
By ghopkins

We've been very busy getting ready for Monday's playoff game. Our team will be well-prepared and the players are feeling good. We are all looking forward to seeing everybody at Staples Center. It should be a fantastic game. See you there!

Thanks also for all of the kind words expressed at the Father's Day game a couple weeks ago. It was truly one of the finest moments a player could experience. Pressed for time during the ceremony, I did not get a chance to finish with proper thank you's. I wanted to say thanks again to the great fans of our League that make it so special...from Albany NY, where I started, to the great city of Los Angeles. Thanks to the three guys on the field with me (Commissioner Baker, Casey Wasserman, and Ed Hodgkiss) for having such a positive influence on my professional career. The Avenger organization (including the 9th man) ...first class from top to bottom. To the players in the AFL that have given as much as I have...and the one guy hanging up there with me that gave more than all of us. Thanks to my friends and family that traveled out for the event. Last but not least, a big thanks to my Mom and Dad who were there as well and were able to spend Father's Day with my "extended Family." Thanks again to all-

coach hopkins

Hello from Nineveh, PA - player opion (February 2007)

By ghopkins

Hey Avenger Fans! Long time no see ... since the end of the 2006 season, I dove into politics head first and came out on the other side a better person ... somehow. Battling a 30-year incumbent is almost like playing at the Snake Pit in Arizona! Plenty of Snakes in politics, and they do bite.

What have I learned you ask? A good friend of mine within the Avenger organization told me at the very beginning of my political run, that politics is all about money. Well, he was right. I squared off against a 30-year politician whose campaign expenditures totaled nearly $1,000,000. My staff and I raised and spent just under $38,000. With a District of nearly 60,000 constituents, we came up around 900 votes short (48% of the vote). Politics does have a lot to do with money, but hard work and a dedicated staff will win you more than any amount of money can buy.

Enough about politics ... are we ready for some football? I am really looking forward to seeing the team in 2007. My last trip from Pa to L.A. was on January 18. I stopped in to see our team orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Podesta. It was a quick trip, but one that was six months overdo.

To make a long story short, I am a little over four weeks out of shoulder surgery and now recovering here in Pennsylvania with PT filling my day to day schedule. Needless to say I don't think I will be wearing a #82 jersey this year ... my receding hairline needs a break from that helmet anyways!

I will be out to see a game or two this year and wish the team and all of the fans a great 2007 season. Hope to see you all at Staples this year!

hop

PS -- A neighbor just put this together ... thought you might like to see the BIG CITY.

May 16, 2006 Greg was elected
Republican Nomination for state Representative of 50th District
www.votegreghopkins.com

Not sure if that phrase has made it outside of Greene County Pennsylvania, but playing the Cats this week it seemed fitting.

In years past San Jose has always seemed to have our number somehow. Recently though we have played well vs. the Cats and are hoping to do the same this weekend.

A big THANK YOU to all Avenger fans! We have struggled a bit this year (in case no one has noticed) yet our fans have remained strong. The players really do appreciate our fan support ... you’ve stayed with us through thick and thin! We are gonna need you this weekend too. Keep up the good work!

hop

* 5 1/2 hours on an airplane is not fun...thankfully I am not 6'5" & 315 lbs.

* Taking the January sunshine & warm weather we experience in Southern California for granted is something I am guilty of.

* Add to that: one practice facility.

* The Loews hotel in Philly is very nice...although you can not see the Pacific Ocean from your window like the one in Santa Monica.

* Jon Bon Jovi is in fact a celebrity...Tony Graziani is a close second. (At least he is in Philly)

* Seeing 35 friends and family from home who have traveled 6 hours by automobile during pregame was great...seeing them after we "s#!* the bed" was not.

* We did not protect, throw or catch well...tackling, covering, & playing physical were better...a little bit

* The post game party for the players/staff/front office/ & most of all the dancers was great...we need something similar here.

* Finding a Terrible Towel in Philadelphia is next to impossible!

* How 'bout them STEELERS!

Here's hoping things will improve "rapidly" in Grand Rapids!

hop