Jeremy Shockey -- who once signed a $26 million contract with the Giants -- is now locked in a legal battle with a Miami landlord ... over $16,000 ... TMZ has learned.

Shockey filed a lawsuit against the landlord of a $14,000-a-month Miami beach mansion -- where he lived for ONE MONTH last summer -- claiming she's holding his security deposit hostage for no good reason.

Shockey claims he paid the landlord one month's rent, plus a substantial security deposit ... but when he moved out, she refused to return $16,000 he's owed. 

Shockey claims he left the place in perfectly acceptable condition ... so the landlord's got no leg to stand on. Now, he's suing for $16,000 plus interest.

Calls to the landlord weren't returned.


(tmz.com)

Jeremy Shockey's marriage is just like his 2012 NFL career -- over -- 'cause he's filed for divorce after eight months of wedded bliss ... TMZ has learned.

The 32-year-old free agent -- who didn't play at all this season -- filed divorce docs late last year in Miami, claiming his marriage to Daniela Cortazar-Shockey was "irretrievably broken."

According to the docs, Jeremy and Daniela tied the knot waaay back in May 2012 ... but by October, he was already over it and they separated.

One bit of good news for Jeremy, in the docs he claims Daniela signed an airtight pre-nup that blocks her from getting a single cent -- no property, no support ... zilch.


(tmz.com)

Sales topped an amazing $1.5 billion at Art Basel, with many wealthy stars lining up alongside the world’s top art collectors to snap up pieces. Former Giants star Jeremy Shockey bought two fiberglass tigers painted by Domingo Zapata for $100,000 each. Zapata was honored at a Hublot/ Haute Living event at the SLS Hotel on Friday , and among the 2,000 guests was famed artist Damien Hirst — who was spotted giving Zapata a kiss on the lips.


(nypost.com)

CHARLOTTE—At first glance, it would seem the Panthers haven't missed tight end Jeremy Shockey.

Greg Olsen leads the team with 43 receptions and is tied for sixth among tight ends in catches. But after Olsen, there's been a huge drop-off.

The Panthers' second-leading receiver among tight ends is Gary Barnidge, who has just three catches. Fullback Mike Tolbert, expected to pick up some of the slack left when the Panthers didn't re-sign Shockey, has 14 catches for 142 yards.

Last season, Olsen and Shockey combined for 82 catches, 995 yards and nine touchdowns. To be clear, there were questions about whether Shockey wanted to play—and it should be noted no other team signed him.

But Shockey gave the Panthers more than just 37 catches and 455 yards. He is a better blocker than Olsen—who had a rough game against Denver's Von Miller last week—and brought a nasty presence to the offensive huddle that complemented Steve Smith's fiery attitude well.

Plus, shockey gave the Panthers another safety-valve receiving option for Cam Newton, whose numbers are well off his record-breaking rookie season.

Meanwhile, Shockey is living the good life in South Beach. And nine games into the season, the Panthers' offense continues to look for answers.


(sportingnews.com)

NEW YORK -- Jeremy Shockey says he was not a whistle blower in the Saints bounties case, and that Warren Sapp's accusation he was has made it difficult for him to go back to New Orleans.

Appearing on Showtime's "Inside The NFL," Shockey said Wednesday about being "a snitch" that, "I would never do anything like that." He adds he spoke with Saints coach Sean Payton about it and Payton said, "Jeremy, just let it go."

The former tight end says NFL commissioner Roger Goodell "even came out and said I wasn't the person who did it."

Shockey says he confronted Sapp about the report the former defensive lineman made on NFL Network and Sapp replied he "wanted to stick by his source." Shockey added, "I don't think his source was all that credible."


(espn.com)

Former New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey had a little fun with former University of Miami (Fla.) teammate Jonathan Vilma on Twitter on Sunday afternoon.

"@JonVilma51 great seeing u last night buddy!! Pls tell the world I'm not the snitch!! Lol," Shockey tweeted at Vilma, no doubt referring to NFL Network analyst Warren Sapp's unfounded accusations back in March that Shockey was the whistleblower in the Saints bounty investigation.

Shockey, who is currently a free agent, did not appear anywhere in the documents released by the NFL on Tuesday which detailed the league's investigative process in the matter.

Vilma replied by retweeting the message and adding "lol I will bro. Good seeing u too!!!'


(usatoday.com)

New York, Oct 2(ANI): Former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis and former New York Giants player Jeremy Shockey were up against each other in a champagne bottle.

According to the New York Post, a source at Bellagio club Bank saw a huge crowd around their table and Shockey and Lewis at the center of the celebration being served 6-liter bottles of champagne, including a Dom Perignon costing over 20,000 dollars.

Both of them were partying after Hublot's "A Legendary Evening" gala where Shockey was outbid on several of the dozen timepieces of former champs up for auction, the paper added.

Others at the event included Mike Tyson (in a neck brace after surgery for an old injury), Sugar Ray Leonard and George Foreman, the paper concluded. (ANI)


(newstrackmedia.com)

That sound you hear in the background is any remaining interest in free-agent tight end Jeremy Shockey evaporating.

Shockey, who reportedly has drawn interest (but no workout, yet) from the Eagles, has teed off on Commissioner Roger Goodell, accusing the Commissioner of lying about the health effects of concussions.

“The no it all Rog goodell lied to every player and told us concussions will not effect us in life that a LIE!” Shockey declares on Twitter.

The full extent of Shockey’s Twitter timeline suggest that he’s thinking about joining the concussion lawsuits, given that he says, “Science tells me I’ll be dead time in 54yrs old!! What would u do?“

Shockey, who has played for the Giants, Saints, and Panthers, also says, “It would be great to give the health study on NFL players on a commercial during the games!! just want the fans and congress to know! FACT.”

Of course, if Shockey decides to keep playing at a time when he fully appreciates and is concerned about the risks, it’ll be hard for him to do anything about it later.  But if no one gives him an opportunity to keep playing, there’s a chance he may do something about it sooner.


(profootballtalk.com)

According to the Philadelphia Daily News, there remains "mutual" interest between the Eagles and free agent Jeremy Shockey.

"Nothing is close to happening now," however, cautions the Daily News. The Eagles still haven't brought Shockey in for a physical, perhaps because they want to give youngsters Brett Brackett and Chase Ford a chance to make a mark early in camp.


(rotoworld.com)

The Philadelphia Eagles continue to shop for veteran tight end help but might delay a meeting with former Panthers tight end Jeremy Shockey that was initially scheduled for Wednesday.

Shockey turns 32 in August and for the first time in 10 NFL seasons, caught fewer than 40 passes last season in Carolina, where he split time with Greg Olsen. Shockey would be a second option behind Brent Celek, who caught 62 passes for 811 yards and five touchdowns in 2011. Celek is signed through 2016.

The Eagles hosted Visanthe Shiancoe, 32, Tuesday morning and he went through a complete workout for coaches and scouts. He has more experience in the West Coast offense but wasn't re-signed by the Vikings in free agency. Minnesota is set with younger options John Carlson and Kyle Rudolph on the roster.


(nfl.com)

The Charlotte Observer reports the Panthers "haven't ruled out" re-signing free agent Jeremy Shockey.

Per beat writer Joseph Person, the Panthers want to see how Gary Barnidge looks in camp before making a final decision on Shockey. Barnidge missed all of 2011 with a broken ankle. The AP's Steve Reed reported in March the Panthers were "really high" on Barnidge's potential as a downfield threat before his injury. It probably doesn't hurt that he's making just $615,000.


(rotoworld.com)

Citing a league source, Tim McManus of the newly-formed Birds 24/7 Philadelphia Eagles blog reports that the team is “showing interest” in free agent tight end Jeremy Shockey.

The Eagles seem intent on adding a veteran tight end, seeing as they’re in pursuit of Visanthe Shiancoe, as well.

Like Shiancoe, Shockey is 32 years old and most likely nearing the end of the line in the NFL. He can still catch and block, however, and makes sense as a No. 2 tight end, backing up Brent Celek.

Working opposite Greg Olsen in Carolina last year, Shockey caught 37 passes for 455 yards and four touchdowns.

The Eagles plan on giving free agent TE Jeremy Shockey a physical "at some point."

As of now, Shockey isn't scheduled to work out for the Eagles. Shockey hasn't made so much as a visit since the beginning of free agency, but that could be due more to his monetary demands than a perceived erosion of skill, even though he is clearly not the player he once was.


(profootballtalk.com)

Seven time Pro Bowler and 2002 Super Bowl champion, Warren Sapp joined 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Toucher & Rich to discuss his new show on YouTube, Jeremy Shockey and Jon Gruden.

Sapp is in a new show that features him as a judge. It’s a series for The NOC, a YouTube channel.

The guys went on to discuss a disagreement between Sapp and former New Orleans Saint tight end Jeremy Shockey. Sapp got some information from a source that Shockey was the guy in the Saints’ lockerroom the blew the whistle about the bounty system.

Sapp feels sorry for how he went about releasing the information, but believes in his source. Sapp told the guys that Shockey and him have talked and that he believes there is no bad blood between the two, but if there were he could deal with it.

“The two times I’ve seen him I haven’t had a problem with him, but if he does we can go out in the grass and get it over with,” Sapp joked.

They also discussed his former coach Jon Gruden and whether he is the guy we see on television and the Gruden Bus.




(boston.cbslocal.com)

Several former Hurricanes football players, including Brett Romberg, Bubba Franks, Gary Dunn, Damione Lewis, Jeremy Shockey and Daniel Stubbs, are slated to fish in the second annual University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame Celebrity Dolphin Tournament June 30 in Islamorada.

Hosted by Warren Sapp, the event provides anglers with the opportunity to fish alongside former UM sports stars while raising money for the UM Sports Hall of Fame, Shake-a-Leg Miami and Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Keys.

Visit canesfish.com, send e-mail to info@canesfish.com or call K.C. Jones at 305-925-3660.

Jeremy Shockey, a man of bachelorhood until he was 31, married Daniela Cortazar in an official ceremony at the 5 Star pool on the infamous 5 Star Island.

The couple was married in the evening of May 19th, 2012, and we hear that the party following the ceremony was historic. You can see their wedding video below.

NFL legend Warren Sapp has warned the judge in his bankruptcy case that Jeremy Shockey might sue his ass for defamation ... because Sapp accused him of being the "snitch" in the NFL bounty scandal.

As we previously reported, Shockey has been considering taking legal action against Sapp ... claiming Warren went on the NFL Network and FALSELY identified Jeremy as the man who blew the whistle on the New Orleans Saints just a few months ago.

For those unfamiliar with the bounty scandal ... the Saints were punished BIGTIME when league officials discovered players were encouraged to intentionally injure certain opponents ... and were even rewarded with cash prizes. Bad stuff.

Now, Sapp has filed new docs in bankruptcy court, listing Shockey as a potential creditor ... joining a long list of creditors that includes baby mamas, the IRS and a speech therapist.

Since Sapp initially filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy -- claiming he's broke-ass broke -- he's required to inform the court about any person who could make a financial claim against him.

Obviously, Sapp feels there's a chance Shockey will come after him in court.

Stay tuned.


(tmz.com)

Deciding Miami led all FBS programs in producing quality NFL running backs was a tough call.

Picking Miami as the top school to find future pro receivers and tight ends wasn't nearly as difficult.

Miami's contingent of NFL wide receivers includes Houston Texans star Andre Johnson and Indianapolis Colts standout Reggie Wayne, who have each earned five Pro Bowl appearances while combining for 125 touchdown catches and over 21,000 receiving yards.

Other Miami receivers on NFL rosters last season included Devin Hester (Chicago Bears), Leonard Hankerson (Washington Redskins), Santana Moss (Washington Redskins) and Roscoe Parrish (Buffalo Bills, now with San Diego Chargers). Moss is a former 1,000-yard receiver, while Hester arguably is the greatest kick returner in NFL history.

Miami was an even more obvious pick at tight end. In fact, tight end may have been the easiest pick of any position for this entire project. Miami's tradition of sending tight ends to the NFL has even caught the attention of high school prospects.

"I felt like this is where I'm going to be the best and I'm going to reach my full potential," New Orleans (La.) Edna Karr junior tight end Standish Dobard told CaneSport.com after committing to the Hurricanes this month. "They have a history of really good tight ends here."

Former Miami tight ends now in the NFL include Dedrick Epps (New York Jets), Richard Gordon (Oakland Raiders), Jimmy Graham (New Orleans Saints), Greg Olsen (Carolina Panthers), Jeremy Shockey (Carolina Panthers) and Kellen Winslow (Tampa Bay Buccaneers). Shockey is a four-time Pro Bowl pick and Winslow has earned one Pro Bowl invitation.

But the biggest success story of all is Graham, who actually came to Miami on a basketball scholarship. He switched to football in 2009 and showed enough in that one season to get drafted in the third round.

All he did last season was catch 99 passes for 1,310 yards and 11 touchdowns. The only tight end to ever accumulate more receiving yards in a season was New England's Rob Gronkowski, who compiled 1,327 yards last year.

Although no other schools can approach Miami's success at developing NFL tight ends, a few other programs also deserve mention. Former Iowa tight ends Dallas Clark and Tony Moeaki have enjoyed solid NFL careers. Arizona State produced NFL veterans Todd Heap and Zach Miller. Future Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez joins Cameron Morrah and Craig Stevens as former California tight ends in the NFL. Wisconsin has sent Travis Beckum, Owen Daniels, Garrett Graham and Lance Kendricks to the NFL in recent seasons.

LSU was worth considering at the wide receiver spot. Dwayne Bowe has developed into a star for the Kansas City Chiefs. Early Doucet (Arizona Cardinals), Brandon LaFell (Carolina Panthers) and Devery Henderson (New Orleans Saints) each collected over 500 receiving yards last season.
But nobody compared to Miami at either position.

Even though Miami has enjoyed similar success at the wide receiver and tight end spots, the Hurricanes have relied on different strategies at each of those positions.

Most of the NFL receivers to come from Miami were South Florida products. Johnson and Parrish both played at Miami Senior High. Moss went to Miami Carol City. Hankerson graduated from Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas and Hester came from Riviera Beach (Fla.) Suncoast. A notable exception is Wayne, who went to Marrero (La.) John Ehret.

But most of its star tight ends didn't play for Florida high schools.

Olsen comes from New Jersey. Miami landed Shockey from Oklahoma. Winslow made the coast-to-coast move from San Diego to Miami. Graham's from North Carolina. Dobard looks to continue that tradition when he arrives at Miami in 2013.

Both strategies have worked quite well for Miami.

The only legitimate criticism that could be made about Miami's ability to send receivers and tight ends to the NFL is that many of its top guys at this position are at or past their primes.

Hankerson, a third-round pick last year, is the only Miami receiver to get drafted since 2007. Wayne ended his Miami career in 2000. Johnson's last two years at Miami were the 2001 national championship season and the 2002 campaign that ended with a Fiesta Bowl overtime loss to Ohio State.

And even though Graham has emerged as an immediate star in the NFL after a brief college career, most of Miami's other productive NFL tight ends left college long ago. Shockey's last season at Miami was 2001. Winslow finished his college career in 2004 and Olsen left Miami after the 2006 season.

Olsen, who caught 38 passes in 2006, was the last Miami tight end to catch more than 22 passes in a season. Miami's main pass-catching tight end last season was Clive Walford, who caught 18 passes for 172 yards as a redshirt freshman after playing just one year of high school football at Belle Glade (Fla.) Glades Central.

Tommy Streeter should assure that Miami has a wide receiver drafted for a second straight season. After catching 46 passes for 811 yards and eight touchdowns last year, Streeter has been projected as a mid- to late-round pick in this year's draft.

Miami might not have a tight end drafted anytime soon, mainly because of its youth at that position. Walford still has plenty of time left in his college career. Miami didn't sign a tight end in its 2012 class, but the Hurricanes rectified that issue by getting the early 2013 commitment from Dobard.
"I hope to be one of the best tight ends ever to come through Miami," Dobard told CaneSport.com.

That would be quite an accomplishment indeed.

WIDE RECEIVER U. 2012

Our choice: Miami.
Who they've sent: Leonard Hankerson (Washington Redskins), Devin Hester (Chicago Bears), Andre Johnson (Houston Texans), Santana Moss (Washington Redskins), Roscoe Parrish (San Diego Chargers), Reggie Wayne (Indianapolis Colts).
Who's next: Tommy Streeter is a projected mid- to late-round selection in this year's draft.
Why we picked them: Johnson and Wayne are two of the most productive receivers of the last decade. Each has five Pro Bowl appearances. They have combined for 125 touchdown catches and over 21,000 receiving yards. Moss also is a former Pro Bowl selection. Hester remains an unpolished receiver, but he's one of the best kick returners in football history.
Other finalists: Florida (Denver's Andre Caldwell, Philadelphia's Riley Cooper, Washington's Jabar Gaffney, Minnesota's Percy Harvin, Oakland's Louis Murphy, Buffalo's David Nelson), LSU (Kansas City's Dwayne Bowe, New York Giants' Michael Clayton, Arizona's Early Doucet, New Orleans' Devery Henderson, Houston's Trindon Holliday, Carolina's Brandon LaFell, Detroit's Terrence Toliver), Michigan (New Orleans' Adrian Arrington, Philadelphia's Jason Avant, Kansas City's Steve Breaston, San Francisco's Mario Manningham), Ohio State (San Francisco's Ted Ginn, New England's Anthony Gonzalez, Miami's Brian Hartline, New York Jets' Santonio Holmes, Minnesota's Michael Jenkins)
Candidate you might not have considered: Tennessee, Texas Tech.

TIGHT END U. 2012

Our choice: Miami.
Who they've sent: Richard Gordon (Oakland Raiders), Jimmy Graham (New Orleans Saints), Greg Olsen (Carolina Panthers), Jeremy Shockey (free agent), Kellen Winslow Jr. (Tampa Bay Buccaneers).
Who's next: Nobody's on the horizon. Miami's top pass catching tight end last year was Clive Walford, a redshirt freshman in 2011.
Why we picked them: Miami would have been the clear pick even if we'd done this a year ago, before Graham delivered a breakthrough season in which he caught 99 passes. Graham, Shockey and Winslow have all earned Pro Bowl invitations at some point in their careers.
Other finalists: Arizona State (Arizona's Todd Heap, Seattle's Zach Miller), California (Atlanta's Tony Gonzalez, Seattle's Cameron Morrah, Tennessee's Craig Stevens), Iowa (Buffalo's Scott Chandler, free agent Dallas Clark, Kansas City's Tony Moeaki, Oakland's Brandon Myers, Minnesota's Allen Reisner), Notre Dame (Seattle's John Carlson, Miami's Anthony Fasano, Minnesota's Kyle Rudolph), Texas (Green Bay's Jermichael Finley, Cincinnati's Bo Scaife, New Orleans' David Thomas), Wisconsin (New York Giants' Travis Beckum, Houston's Owen Daniels, Houston's Garrett Graham, St. Louis' Lance Kendricks)
Candidate you might not have considered: Colorado State is the alma mater of Denver's Joel Dreessen and San Diego's Kory Sperry. Dreessen caught six touchdown passes for the Houston Texans last season before signing with the Broncos as a free agent.


(yahoosports.com)

As of last weekend, former Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey was meeting with lawyers and weighing his options and “hell bent on doing something“after being outed on NFL Network as the bounty whistleblower.  Now, TMZ reports that Shockey wants a retraction and an apology from NFLN and the man who outed him as the whistleblower, NFLN analyst Warren Sapp.

Per the report, Shockey hasn’t ruled out taking legal action, absent said retraction and apology.

If Shockey has indeed requested a retraction/apology, Shockey’s lawyer undoubtedly reduced the demand to writing and sent it to the NFL.  And if all it will take to make this go away is a retraction of Sapp’s comments and a simple “we’re sorry,” a temporary mouthful of humble pie would be a lot cheaper than defending a lawsuit — especially since Commissioner Roger Goodell already has, in a roundabout way, retracted the “report” Sapp made.

That said, it would be wise for the league to get a full release of all claims from Shockey, and the league would be even more wise to kick in a small payment four-figure to cover Shockey’s legal fees.  The league would spend a lot more than that if Shockey sues — and it’s obvious on this one that, regardless of whether Shockey blew the whistle, the league was in the wrong to allow any discussion of the subject on the network owned by the NFL.


(profootballtalk.com)

Free agent tight end Jeremy Shockey thinks Warren Sapp's accusation that he was the “snitch” who blew the whistle on the Saints' bounty program could affect his ability to land with a team.

But if Shockey does not re-sign with the Panthers, Ron Rivera indicated the decision would have nothing to do with Sapp's claim, which NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said was inaccurate.

“If you know Jeremy Shockey, you know that's not Jeremy Shockey,” Rivera said today at the NFL owners meetings. “I know there was an insinuation that he had been the guy. But that's not Jeremy's makeup. That's not who Jeremy Shockey is.

“Jeremy Shockey's a guy that if there was something going on, that's their business. I would be surprised, I really would. It wouldn't hurt him in my eyes either way because, first of all, I think Jeremy Shockey's a tremendous person. I think he's also a very good football person – a football personality who understands this game.”

Drew Rosenhaus, Shockey's agent, remains in talks with the Panthers but said this week he does not think Shockey will be back in Charlotte.

The Panthers gave Shockey a 1-year deal worth $4 million last season, but are not inclined to pay him that much in a new contract.


(charlotte.com)

Profootballtalk.com reports free agent TE Jeremy Shockey is "hell bent" on taking action against NFL Network analyst Warren Sapp for saying he was the "snitch" in the Saints' bounty case.

He's mulling legal action. Shockey hasn't received any public interest since the beginning of free agency, and can now point to Sapp's alleged defamation as one of the reasons he can't get work. Both PFT and CBS' Mike Freeman have reported Shockey was not the Saints' whistleblower. Being the "snitch" certainly wouldn't help Shockey's chances of finding employment, but the reality is he'd already be signed if teams were enthused about his 2012 prospects.


(rotoworld.com)

Former NFL defensive lineman Warren Sapp now makes his living as an NFL analyst for NFL Network. On Wednesday, he went on air to out the whistleblower in the Saints bounty scandal.

“My source that was close to the situation informed me that [name omitted] is the one that was the snitch initially,” Sapp said (via PFT.com). ”I trust my source unequivocally. … ”I did not call anybody at the league and I did not receive any information from the league. …"

The "snitch," as Sapp put it, was former Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey, who promptly denied the accusations. New Orleans head coach Sean Payton confirmed as much to Shockey in a text message, and CBSSports.com's Mike Freeman "asked people familiar with the NFL's investigation and was told Shockey had nothing to do with the case. Nothing. At all."

Understandably, Shockey wants the NFL Network to punish Sapp.

"Is the league going to come down on their own people when someone does something so wrong and outrageous?” Shockey asked Yahoo's Jason Cole. “There should be a standard for punishment, like getting suspended or fined or losing your job. If I say something about officials, the league fines me."

In a statement released Friday, NFL Network Senior Vice President of Programming and Production Mark Quenzel said that Sapp had been remind that "he is an analyst and not a reporter for NFL Network. In the future, if he comes across something he thinks is news he will let his producers know and before it is reported or Tweeted, that content will be subject to the same verification procedure that our reporters follow.”

As for punishments … well, Jeremy, we have some bad news for you: Quenzel told USA Today that Sapp wouldn't lose his job over the incident.

"We're not going to fire Warren....The way we look at it, Warren clearly crossed the line in terms of what his responsibility is. He's an analyst for us. We use him to talk about what happens on the field and in the locker room and use that expertise. He's not a reporter."

Quenzel declined to tell USA Today whether Sapp would be suspended without pay, pulled off the air or punished at all. Good news, though: the network will remind all employees of the "implications" of going rogue in the news gathering process.

Meanwhile, Shockey, who has a history of rubbing people the wrong way but still doesn't deserve to be wrongly accused, now has to deal with the ramifications of being called a snitch on the NFL's own network. But could he take legal action? According to Michael McCann, a sports law professor and Sports Law Institute director at Vermont Law School, the short answer is … maybe.

McCann told SI.com's Richard Deitsch that Shockey could have a claim against the league for retribution.

"But there are factors that may limit the likelihood of his complaint succeeding," McCann said via email. "Namely, Sapp is not an employee of the NFL. If he's an employee (and he might be an independent contractor) his employer is the NFL Network, which is league owned but is a separate entity, and with some editorial autonomy, from the NFL. I think it's a crucial point that the network did not conduct the bounty investigation, and therefore Shockey, if he is the whistleblower, never whistle-blowed to the network. Shockey could argue the NFL Network is a mouthpiece for the NFL and thus the distinction I'm raising is one without real meaning, but I'm sure the NFL and NFL Network could show they are not only legally separate entities but also distinguishable through their business practices."

But if Shockey isn't the whistleblower, McCann writes that "he could sue Sapp and possibly the NFL Network to the extent it controls its hosts' tweets, for defamation. I think he would have a good argument, unless he in fact is the whistleblower in which case truth is an absolute defense to defamation."

So, to recap: Shockey tells the truth and he's identified as a snitch. Sapp doesn't tell the truth on an NFL-owned network and he could avoid punishment altogether.


(cbssports.com)

Much ado was made last week of comments from Warren Sapp that Jeremy Shockey was the "snitch" in the Saints bounty scandal. Sure, our own Mike Freeman shot down Shockey as the snitch as soon as Sapp came out strong, and, sure, Shockey had a text from Sean Payton to prove it wasn't him.

Sapp skated from any major punishment, as the NFL Network decided not to fire him. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was asked about Sapp's naming of names on Monday at the owners meetings and said that Sapp was "inaccurate" in his belief that Shockey was the snitch.

"I didn't see his comment," Goodell said. "He's inaccurate, so we'll start with that."

Goodell didn't just classify Sapp's naming of Shockey as "inaccurate," though he did do just that. He also said it was inaccurate to name a single "snitch" and that it was several sources who provided the information to the league office.

And finally, Goodell believes that Sapp's characterization of the word "snitch" is wrong. And Goodell is spot-on here -- portraying whoever informed the league office of the Saints violations doesn't deserve a negative connotation attached to his/her name.

Instead, that person/those persons helped contribute towards stopping some incredibly unsportsmanlike behavior from a team that was clearly out of control.


(cbssports.com)

Drew Rosenhaus said he is still in talks with the Panthers about veteran tight end Jeremy Shockey, although Rosenhaus believes Shockey likely will land elsewhere.

Rosenhaus, the well-known agent who represents Shockey, said he plans to talk with several teams this week at the NFL annual meeting about Shockey, who is an unrestricted free agent after spending last season with the Panthers.

“The door's still open (with the Panthers). We're still talking,” Rosenhaus said today. “But I think it's more likely that he would be on another team this year.”

Shockey, who will turn 32 before the season begins, caught a career-low 37 passes last year. But he stayed healthy and was praised for giving the Panthers a good locker room presence.

“He's a proven winner. He's got a great personality and leadership,” Rosenhaus said. “We're looking forward to him finding a team, maybe even while I'm here.”

Rosenhaus, who represents Carolina linebacker Jon Beason and several other Panthers, said he plans to meet with Panthers general manager Marty Hurney this week about Shockey and some of his other clients who are free agents.

“The Panthers are one of my favorite teams to deal with. I really like working with Marty. I'll go through it with him,” Rosenhaus said. “I don't know how aggressive they're going to be going forward in free agency. But I've got a few guys I want to talk to him about.”


(blogs.charlotte.com)

During his counterattack against Warren Sapp's accusation he's the "snitch" behind Bountygate, former New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey came up with an interesting idea.

To settle the matter of who's telling the truth, Shockey tweeted he and NFL Network analyst Sapp should take a lie detector test on ESPN.

Imagine the TV possibilities. Rather than LeBron James and The Decision we could have The Test. Maybe Jim Gray from The Decision would be the interrogator. Boffo ratings.

Unfortunately, ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz poured cold water on the idea. "We haven't thought about it and aren't really interested in exploring it," he said.

Too bad. The NFL Network says it's not firing Sapp. But network brass have strongly reminded him to stick to his analyst job and stay away from reporting, or trying to make, the news.


(usatoday.com)

PALM BEACH, Fla. -- There still is a chance free-agent tight end Jeremy Shockey could return to the Carolina Panthers.

A team official said the Panthers remain in contact with Shockey's agent and the tight end has told the team he wants to play another season. No deal is imminent but the two sides are keeping an open dialogue.

For the record, “the snitch’’ on this was not Warren Sapp.

Shockey, 31, joined the Panthers last season. Although Shockey produced a career-low 37 catches, the Panthers believe he's a perfect complement to Greg Olsen, the team’s top pass-catching tight end. There were previous reports that Shockey had told the New York Giants he was interested in playing for them. That’s where Shockey began his career before being traded to the New Orleans Saints in 2008. There have no indications the Giants have any interest in bringing Shockey back.

Update: Shockey's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, just arrived at the NFL owners meetings and confirmed that he and the Panthers continue to talk, but said no deal is imminent.


(espn.com)

Jeremy Shockey, an NFL free agent, isn’t letting Warren Sapp forget that he works for the NFL and his comments aren’t helping his case to find an employer for the 2012 season. In a phone conversation this afternoon, Shockey tells BC that Sapp “needs to retract and apologize” for saying the NFL vet was the Saints bounty whistleblower. We also have texts that add context to the Sean Payton-Shockey relationship. 

“It was just a stupid move on his part,” Shockey said about Sapp’s snitch allegation that has caused extra drama in the Saints story.”This came out of nowhere and now I can’t even enjoy my offseason. I have a huge fan base in New Orleans. We won a Super Bowl. And now my name is being dragged through the mud.”

Shockey says that he’s not sure what punishment he’d like to see for Sapp. “I don’t know what he has against me, but in the end I have bigger things in my life than Warren Sapp.”

Fox Sports is reporting that Sapp could face severe consequences for naming Shockey as a whistleblower. Federal labor law “protects employees against retribution as result of complaining about unsafe work environments.”

The fact that Sapp might have outed a whistle-blower could pose a problem for the analyst and the NFL, according to Los Angeles-based employment lawyer Arthur Whang, the principal of Whang Law Firm.

“Sapp is technically a league employee,” Whang said. “If Shockey is the whistle-blower, he is protected. So, by outing him, Sapp may have opened Shockey up to retaliation, such as someone not signing him.“

Shockey provided us with earlier texts between himself and Payton that took place December 31 as the Carolina Panthers were flying to New Orleans for a New Year’s Day game against the Saints. Shockey, who had three catches for 18 yards, tells us the ‘her’ Payton is referencing is his mother.

“He’s very close with my family,” Shockey says about his former coach. “My mom is a huge Sean Payton and Saints fan.”


(yardbarker.com)

The New Orleans Saints’ bounty system — the one for which the team was so sternly punished Wedneday — came to light in part because someone inside the organization blew the whistle on it.

On Wednesday, Warren Sapp, former Saints player and now an NFL Network analyst, strongly pointed toward former Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey as one of the whistleblowers on Gregg Williams’s bounty system.

Sapp tweeted: “Just heard who the snitch was.” When a follower replied, “Shockey?” Sapp tweeted, “BINGO!”

Shockey has responded by trying to clear his name and enlisted Coach Sean Payton, who soon will begin serving his one-year suspension in the matter. On Twitter, Shockey tweeted, “The truth shall set u free!! Read the text” and shared this seemingly exculpatory exchange of texts with Payton:

Payton: “... hug!!!!!”

Shockey: “Thx coach”

Shockey: “Coach sux to hear the news u know I love u and that [stuff] is unfair! Sapp is saying I was the rat ... u know me and u know this is media [stuff]”

Payton: “Shock your my guy and always will be!! I know you had nothing to do with that stuff [that Sapp] said!! Hell you were in the offensive [meetings] with me!!! Love ya. Sean”


(washingtonpost.com)

With the Saints' bounty scandal coming to its conclusion on Wednesday (at least, the beginning of the conclusion), it makes sense to look back at how it started. At some point along the way, obviously, someone in the Saints organization said something to someone that maybe should've stayed in house.

Who's the rat? According to Warren Sapp, it's former Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey. Here's how their Twitter conversation unfolded, complete with denial from Shock-J.



Sapp later defended his stance on NFL Network, saying his source was very close to the situation and he trusted what his source told him. Here's the full conversation with Rich Eisen:

Warren Sapp: I was sitting in the production meeting getting ready for the day and my source that was close to the situation informed me that Jeremy Shockey was the snitch initially. So I went with that. I trust my source unequivocally because he is right on top of the situation. I understand what this is. Shockey comes out and says that he's not.  We just found out who 'Deep Throat' was and he almost died. I understand. Whenever you inform something of this caliber, your identity should be protected, but I was given that information and I went with it by a reliable source that I know.

Rich Eisen: Does it matter? Is that what players in that locker room are thinking about right now?

Sapp: No. They should be ducking making sure that they are not in the wake of these punishments that are coming out because as we see, the Commissioner is dead serious about the integrity of our game and the safety of the players. Rightfully so, and so on with the punishments. And if you are in that line, you'd better duck.

Eisen: The league also says that it did not speak with Jeremy Shockey.

Sapp: I did not call anybody at the league and ask them a thing and did not receive any information from them.

Eisen: But you believe from your source that Jeremy Shockey was the individual?

Sapp: That's the information I got and I trust my source.

Put as much stock in that as you'd like. Warren Sapp "heard" something, and Jeremy Shockey denied something he'd probably deny either way. I don't know if it's true, but it is a fun little theory and it certainly didn't make the NFL look good.

Shockey was most recently in the headlines for reportedly wanting to rejoin the New York Giants, or any team, really. Being labeled a clubhouse snitch, whether it's reality or fiction, isn't going to help his cause (at the very least, it's a bad idea to put him in the same city as Carmelo Anthony). And if Sapp is tweeting about it, then there are certainly people within the league bouncing about the same idea.

NFL.com's Jeff Darlington spoke to Shockey, who said he never had any knowledge of the "bounty" program when he played in New Orleans in 2009 and 2010.

"I don't even play defense," Shockey said. "I don't understand how he can say that. But there's nothing I can say that will take people's opinion away. The credible people like (Jonathan) Vilma or (Drew) Brees will let you know what kind of teammate I am. I don't have to defend myself."

An NFL spokesman said Shockey wasn't part of the league's investigation.

If Shockey does get back in the league, and it's on a team that plays the Saints, imagine the bounty on that guy.


(yahoosports.com)

The Giants have added tight end Martellus Bennett but also have an old tight end who reportedly wants to return.

According to the New York Daily News, Jeremy Shockey has let the Giants know he wants to return. Of course, there appears to be too much history and baggage here as a source confirmed the Giants don't seem to be interested in a reunion. Former teammate Amani Toomer had some strong words about this as well.

Remember, Shockey reportedly once screamed at GM Jerry Reese and forced his way out of New York. He's 31 and had a career-low 37 catches for 455 yards and four touchdowns last season for the Panthers.

"No!!Shockey"I will never play4 you again!"he yelled at jerry Reese in 08. Let him keep his word. Bad teammate, worse person," Toomer tweeted on Thursday morning.

Shockey responded via his Twitter account with this tweet: "Amani Toomer on Jeremy Shockey: Bad teammate, Haha. Well he was the lazy one that broke my leg!!"

The tight end also tweeted, "@AmaniAToomer Go get a bucket of rocks and start throwing them at your glass house."

Toomer responded by tweeting, "Shockey,Thanks 4 proving my statement about being a bad person. Enough said.Have a nice day& good luck as a FA"

And on the idea that he wants to return, Shockey tweeted, "It's funny how the Ny media still try's to make money off me! Can anyone find a quote from me on me wanting to play for the GAINTS?"

The Giants could perhaps use another tight end even though Bennett is on board. But their eyes are on a Cowboys wide receiver. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reports Cowboys free agent wide receiver Kevin Ogleetree is visiting the Giants today.

The Giants could use another wide receiver for depth considering that Mario Manningham will likely depart. Manningham is scheduled to visit the Niners today. Cornerback Aaron Ross is also visiting Cincinnati today.


(espn.com)

Jeremy Shockey is looking for another bite at the apple.

The free-agent tight end would like a chance to continue his career where it began, with the New York Giants.

Shockey played last season for the Carolina Panthers and they have expressed some interest in bringing him back but that hasn’t happened and now Shockey has let the Giants know he’s open to a return, according to Gary Myers of the New York Daily News.

Shockey spent six seasons with the Giants but forced his way out four years ago, heading to the New Orleans Saints. How much do the Giants need Shockey? They signed Martellus Bennett to a one-year contract, and Jake Ballard and Travis Beckum could each miss the 2012 season after suffering torn ACL’s in Super Bowl XLVI.

Some wonder how much the 31-year-old Shockey has left but he wouldn’t be required to be the man. He’s familiar with the surroundings and would be a solid fit. But this strikes us as the kind of deal that might take a while to come together. Shockey's original stay with the Giants ended with drama and some hard feelings but that may be smoothed over.


(nationalfootballpost.com)

When asked if Jeremy Shockey is retiring after 10 seasons, as well as the early free-agent status of LB Dan Connor, agent Drew Rosenhaus on Tuesday declined to speculate on either of his clients' immediate futures. “We will not have a comment on either player,” Rosenhaus said.



(cbssports.com)

The Panthers are not expected to offer free agent Jeremy Shockey the $4 million he made in 2011.

Shockey is one of the "jewels" of an extremely thin tight end market, but has little leverage with the Panthers with Greg Olsen already set to make $5.5 million between bonuses and salary next season. GM Marty Hurney has said he expects Shockey back with the Panthers in 2012.

With Olsen already on the roster and signed through 2015, it just doesn't make sense to bring Shockey back at such a high cap number. If he were to take something much lower, he could return, although the veteran tight end will likely try to find more money elsewhere.


(rotoworld.com)

Jeremy Shockey was a VIP guest of Jager at the Guns N’ Roses concert at The Fillmore in Miami. Not sure how the end of the night went, but Shockey did tweet out this morning, “Back to the old me.”

On Thursday, mixed signals came from Panthers coach Ron Rivera and G.M. Marty Hurney on the question of whether tight end Jeremy Shockey will be retiring.

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Shockey isn’t calling it quits.  The source specifically said Shockey will be playing next year, and that there’s “no chance” he’ll retire.

Shockey, a 10-year veteran, has played for the Giants, Saints, and Panthers.  He’ll be a free agent on March 13.


(profootballtalk.com)

Team brass is enamored with Jeremy Shockey ’s locker-room leadership, practice work ethic and game-day attitude. At 31 years old, he may be a step slower, but he would still prove to be a dependable target for Cam Newton – if his contact demands are not too high. If Shockey departs, TE Gary Barnidge could acquire a bigger role.


(cbssports.com)

Jeremy Shockey, Carolina tight end. He's a potential value pick at a position the Dolphins need to bolster. He had four touchdowns while playing behind Greg Olsen in Carolina. He's a big target at 6-5 and has good experience. Also with South Florida ties as he played for the U of Miami.

(*Initially, I had Greg Olsen in this spot, not realizing he had signed a four-year extension with Carolina.)


(sun-sentinel.com)

The Panthers don't have as many of their own free agents to sign as they did last year. And this year's group might not have the big names who will be eligible for free agency in 2013.

But several of the 10 players who can become unrestricted free agents when the league year ends March 13 made lasting impressions during coach Ron Rivera's first season in Charlotte.

Tight end Jeremy Shockey was lauded by Panthers owner Jerry Richardson and others for the nasty streak he brought to a team missing that edge throughout the two-win season in 2010. He was a nice complement to Greg Olsen, but Shockey will turn 32 in August and likely will be looking for a deal worth close to the $4 million he made last season.

That could be prohibitive to a team that is tight against the salary cap after last summer's spending spree. The Panthers locked up seven core players with long-term deals, including all three starting linebackers, defensive end Charles Johnson, safety Charles Godfrey, running back DeAngelo Williams and center Ryan Kalil.

The Panthers have a cap number of about $123 million, for a 2012 cap projected to range between $121 million and $125 million.

With Pro Bowl receiver Steve Smith and running back Jonathan Stewart among the Panthers who will be unrestricted in 2013, the team will have to be judicious in free agency.

"We made a lot of aggressive moves to keep our own players, our core, like we said we were," general manager Marty Hurney said recently. "And with those aggressive moves, the bulk of our salary-cap space is used with our core players right now, which is a good position to be in because when you look at our top-paid players, they're all core players. They're all very important players to us.

"Now we just have to make the right decisions as far as free agents go - our own and free agents from other teams - to complement those players and fit in both as players and into our salary-cap structure."

TE Jeremy Shockey
Age: 31
Experience: 10 seasons
Last season: Shockey caught 37 passes for 455 yards and four touchdowns, and missed only one game to injury.
Outlook: Though not the same receiver he was a decade ago, Shockey still is a dependable target, particularly in the red zone. If his asking price is too high, Panthers could turn to Gary Barnidge, who was having a great 2011 camp before breaking his ankle.


(charlotteobserver.com)

Breaking sports news video. MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL highlights and more.

Eli Manning is gunning for his second Super Bowl title on Sunday. According to his former teammate Amani Toomer, Manning might not have won his first title if Jeremy Shockey was healthy in the 2007 season.

Appearing on NBC SportsTalk Wednesday with Florio, Toomer said Shockey “tried to take advantage” of Eli by pressuring him for the ball.  Toomer said there was “no question” Eli improved his play after he didn’t have the distraction of Shockey in the huddle.


(profootballtalk.com)

Jeremy Shockey, the former Tight end of the NY Giants has sold his West New York town house located in the Hudson River waterfront community of Jacobs Ferry. Shockey sold the 3 bedroom/3.5 bath, 4,000 sq.ft corner town home overlooking the Manhattan skyline for $1,800,000 in August of 2011. He paid $2,550,000 for the property in July 2004.






(livingonthehudson.com)

We already knew Jeremy Shockey was patriotic. Dudes don't get prominent tattoos of sneering bald eagles draped in American flags without loving them some U.S. of A.

Shockey reiterated this stance Sunday, when he called out members of the Texans for not giving proper attention to the national anthem before the Panthers' 28-13 win at Reliant Stadium.

As you can imagine, the Texans were a bit dumbfounded regarding Shockey's comments -- particularly his attention to detail. Shockey said he noticed 10 Houston players not at attention.

"If he's so patriotic, why was he looking at our bench instead of the flag?" Texans linebacker DeMeco Ryans said Sunday, according to the Houston Chronicle. "Where did he come up with the number 10? Was he counting? Why was he paying attention to us during the national anthem?"

It was Ryans whom Shockey beat for a 9-yard touchdown during the third quarter, prompting an exuberant celebration by the 31-year-old tight end. Ryans found it ridiculous Shockey could come up with his theories from 50 yards away.

"Of course, our players are patriotic," Ryans said. "We respect the flag and America and our soldiers that are fighting for our freedom."

After his postgame rant, Shockey took to Twitter with a series of patriotic messages, including "GOD bless America" and "Stand tall and proud. It's our duty as citizens to pay tribute to the ones that gave us our freedom."

Seriously though, Shockey was all in on America on Sunday. Makes you wonder if he watched Bill Pullman's speech from "Independence Day" before kickoff.


(nfl.com)

To a man, the Houston Texans credited the 5-9 Carolina Panthers with outplaying them in every aspect of the game Sunday afternoon. But flamboyant tight end Jeremy Shockey still felt the need to kick a playoff-bound team when it was down.

So Shockey accused the Texans of disrespecting the "Star Spangled Banner" before their 28-13 loss at Reliant Stadium. He even credited it with some extra motivation for the upset.

"Personally myself, I was pretty upset they weren't showing respect to America during the National Anthem," Shockey said after the game. "There were about 10 (Texan) players who didn't put their arm across their chest. A couple of guys saw that. This is America.

"I haven't seen it anywhere else in the NFL, but I don't know how you forget something like that."

Shockey's charge came so far out of left field that it could barely fit into Reliant, even on a day when the roof was closed. Reporters aren't typically watching players during the National Anthem so it's hard to say that he is completely wrong. But players are often bouncing on their feet during the National Anthem, pumping themselves up for the game.

As long as everyone is standing for the song, no one keeps score of who is holding their arm across their chest.

Except apparently Jeremy Shockey. Forget being a tight end who has often failed to live up to the potential that made him the 14th overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. Shockey is the head of the American Patriot Police. Self anointed.

He obviously wasn't in Reliant for the Sept. 11 opener when the Texans put on a moving, flag-filled pregame ceremony that involved several players. DeMeco Ryans lead the Texans out onto the field, waving a gigantic American flag that day.

It's absurd to call Houston's NFL franchise unpatriotic. On the very day that Shockey made his charges, the Texans surprised the widow of a Marine with a halftime presentation that let her know she'd be receiving a new mortgage-free, custom-built home through Operation FINALLY HOME. Sara Wood and her 5-year-old son Landon will be moving into the new house.

Wood's husband, Marine staff sergeant Scott Wood, was killed in the line of duty.

Shockey wasn't interested in that though. Instead, he says he saw disrespect from the Texans toward the country that he loves.

Whether Shockey was really mad about the National Anthem or the crushing hit Ryans delivered to him, separating him from the football on one memorable play, is a matter for debate. For Shockey made sure to point out that he also beat Ryans on a touchdown catch, while pretending not to know the linebacker's name.

"It was simple play," Shockey said of the touchdown, "And I guess, what his name — Ryans, DeMarco Ryans, what's his name? — DeMeco Ryans couldn't make a play and it was an easy touchdown."

Hey, no one's ever employed Jeremy Shockey for his brain. He's got his eyes on you during the National Anthem though. And he's like Santa Claus. He's making a list.

Beware, NFL. Beware.



(houstonculturemap.com)

Tight end Jeremy Shockey and wide receiver Steve Smith extended their consecutive game streaks with a catch. Shockey finished with two receptions for 41 yards and one touchdown and has caught a pass in all 133 regular season games he has played. Smith, meanwhile, has made a catch in a team-record 72 consecutive games. He also produced a catch in 52 consecutive games from 2002-06, the third-longest streak in team history.



(panthers.com)

Reggie Wayne started a new streak last week by scoring 56-yard TD (his 1st TD since Week 1) finishing the game with 5 receptions for 122 yards and Jimmy Graham added 2 TDs to go along with his team leading 84 yards on 5 receptions for the New Orleans Saints in their victory over the NY Giants in Week 13 of the 2011 NFL Season.

This Week there were FIVE proCane TDs. The day was started off buy Vince Wilfork who scored his first career NFL TD by recovering a fumble in the end zone and was capped by a Frank Gore TD.

To see the old full 149 week streak click here.

Week 14 2011:
Vince Wilfork - 1 TD - New England Patriots
Jeremy Shockey - 1 TD - Carolina Panthers
Greg Olsen - 1 TD - Carolina Panthers
Santana Moss - 1 TD - Washington Redksins
Frank Gore - 1 TD - San Francisco


Week 13 2011:
Willis McGahee - 1 TD - Denver Broncos

Week 12 2011:
Reggie Wayne - 1 TD - Indianapolis Colts
Jimmy Graham - 2 TDs - New Orleans Saints

Jeremy Shockey (ribs) has resumed practicing. He's on track to play against the Colts after sitting out in Week 11. Averaging just 2 catches for 34.



Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.


(fantasysp.com)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers tight end Jeremy Shockey has missed his second straight day of practice with a rib injury, but coach Ron Rivera is “optimistic” Shockey will play Sunday at Detroit.

Rivera said Thursday the team will assess Shockey “first thing in the morning.”

Shockey has 24 receptions for 311 yards and one touchdown.

Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn and linebacker James Anderson practiced, while linebacker Dan Connor remains was limited with a shoulder injury. Linebacker Jason Phillips (calf) did not practice.

Rivera also said tailback Josh Vaughan and linebacker Kion Wilson will play on special teams Sunday. Both were signed off the practice squad Wednesday.

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.


(ap.com)

Tight end Jeremy Shockey had an MRI Monday to determine the extent of an injury he suffered early in the game against Tennessee Sunday that limited his participation.

Shockey was injured on the Panthers' first offensive series. He returned briefly but was limited by what coach Ron Rivera called an injury to his side.

"He got bumped up pretty good," Rivera said.

"It's tough to lose a guy like that on the first play. It's kind of a scary thing. He tried to come back and do the best he could. It got the best of him. He went out there and was a warrior as far as I was concerned. He tried to contribute and did the best he could."

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.


(charlotteobserver.com)

Carolina was an ideal landing spot for Jeremy Shockey, who signed a one-year deal worth $4 million to join the Panthers after being cut by the Saints in the offseason. It reunited him with the coach who played a critical role in his development at the University of Miami, ex-Hurricanes assistant and current Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski. It also paired him with another former Hurricanes tight end, Greg Olsen. Olsen, who is five years younger than Shockey, signed a long-term extension with the Panthers after being traded from the Bears in the offseason and clearly has established himself as the team's top pass-catching tight end, but Shockey has embraced his role, played it well and stayed relatively healthy. Shockey, 31, has made it clear that he would like to sign an extension to stay with the Panthers. Carolina would likely consider bringing him back on another short-term deal, but it's expected there won't be serious contract talks until the offseason.

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.


(profootballtalk.com)

Carolina Panthers TE Jeremy Shockey said he hopes to negotiate a contract extension with the team. "You see people grow and you know it's going to be a special team. You want to be a part of that," Shockey said. "You were here when new coaches came and developed. You don't want to be somewhere else because you put so much hard work in and you've seen people grow. And the only thing it's going to do is get better and better." Shockey said there have been no contract talks yet between the Panthers and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus.

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.


(kffl.com)

Jeremy Shockey has enjoyed being a part of the Panthers' rebuilding process. And the veteran tight end wants to stay there to see it through.

Shockey, who signed a one-year deal worth $4 million last offseason, said Monday he hopes to negotiate a contract extension with the Panthers.
"You see people grow and you know it's going to be a special team. You want to be a part of that," Shockey said. "You were here when new coaches came and developed. You don't want to be somewhere else because you put so much hard work in and you've seen people grow. And the only thing it's going to do is get better and better."

There were questions about Shockey's health after he missed 10 games over three injury-plagued seasons with New Orleans, which released him in February. But he has played every game this season, despite breaking his finger in Week 1 and suffering a concussion three weeks later in Chicago.

Shockey and Greg Olsen, both of whom played for Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski in college, have been a tough, pass-catching tandem. Olsen is second on the team in receiving, and Shockey is right behind him with 23 receptions for 292 yards and a touchdown.

Shockey, 31, said there have been no contract talks yet between the Panthers and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus.

"Like I said before to the coaches, Ron (Rivera) and Rob, I didn't come here for the money. I'm coming here to be comfortable," Shockey said. "Chud looks at me as family. I've known him since college days. You just see some great people in here."

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.


(heraldonline.com)

Shockey tweeted: “The 2 loves of my life @danicortazar12 and jack daniels”



Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.

Through seven weeks of the season, there are four NFC South representatives among the six most-targeted tight ends in the NFL. The top two spots are occupied by NFC South players.

New Orleans’ Jimmy Graham has been targeted a league-high 66 times, according to ESPN Stats & Information. He has 45 catches for 674 yards and five touchdowns.

Tampa Bay’s Kellen Winslow is No. 2 with 56 targets. He has 31 catches for 282 yards and a touchdown. Atlanta’s Tony Gonzalez is No. 5 with 50 targets. Gonzalez has 35 catches for 380 yards and four touchdowns.

Carolina’s Greg Olsen is No. 6. He’s been targeted 45 times and has 26 catches for 286 yards and three touchdowns. Olsen’s numbers could be higher, but he shares time -- and targets -- with Jeremy Shockey.

Even though he’s not the primary tight end, Shockey still ranks No. 16 with 37 targets. He has 22 catches for 291 yards.

Click here to order Jimmy Graham’s proCane Rookie Card.


(espn.com)

Panthers TE Jeremy Shockey caught four passes for 60 yards in the team's Week 6 loss to the Falcons.

Shockey's role was increased with Carolina trying to pick on Atlanta's safeties, but the 60 yards were his season high, and Shockey hasn't scored a touchdown yet this year. He won't be a fantasy option against the Redskins in Week 7.

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.


(rotoworld.com)

Carolina Panthers tight end Jeremy Shockey, who played for the New Orleans Saints for three seasons before getting cut after the 2010 season, took to his Twitter account Monday morning to apologize for running off the field Sunday afternoon without shaking the hands of his former teammates.

"I hold myself accountable. It was a classless move by me. No one takes losses worse than me," Shockey wrote on his Twitter account Monday morning. In another entry he wrote:

"All the rings I won from high school, college, and in the pro level really means nothing.. Competing means everything!!"

Shockey had three catches for 21 yards in the Panthers' 30-27 loss to the Saints but was animated throughout.

He also posted this Monday morning: "I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have." Need to get more chances to help my team win."

Saints tight end Jimmy Graham, Shockey's replacement, had eight catches for 129 yards. He has had three consecutive games with 100-plus yards receiving, the first time that's happened since 2000 when Tony Gonzalez had four consecutive games when he was with the Chiefs.

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.


(nola.com)

Back when Randy Shannon was attempting to talk basketball player Jimmy Graham into trying football, the former University of Miami football coach used a very powerful recruiting pitch.

“He said, 'We are Tight End U,'" Graham said. “He said, 'Look at the guys who’ve been through here -- Greg Olsen, Kellen Winslow and Jeremy Shockey. Look where they are now. They’re in the NFL. You can do the same thing.'"

Shannon’s out at Miami, but he turned out to be a prophet. Graham, now with the New Orleans Saints, is doing a lot of the same things Olsen and Shockey are doing for the Carolina Panthers and Winslow is doing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Throw in Atlanta’s Tony Gonzalez, who didn’t go to Miami but has another common bond with Graham, and you can make a pretty strong case that the NFC South has the league’s best collection of pass-catching tight ends.

"None of those guys are guys you want to end up covering," said New Orleans linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who played at Miami. "I had to do it in college and thought I was getting away from it and I did for a few years. But now I've got to deal with it in this division and I've got to deal with it every day in practice. It’s not a lot of fun."

It’s not mere coincidence that the NFC South, once a wasteland for tight ends, is suddenly filled with some of the best pass-catchers in the league. And it’s no coincidence that most of them came through the Miami pipeline.

When one team has success with something, other teams tend to follow. And when you’re looking for good tight ends, you look for the guys who come from the best factory.

The Saints started this trend back in 2008 when they traded for Shockey. The next offseason, the Falcons traded for Gonzalez and the Bucs traded for Winslow. In 2010, the Saints used a third-round pick on Graham, who played only one year of college football. He showed them so much potential that the Saints released Shockey after last season.

He didn't stay unemployed for long. Before the lockout started, the Panthers scooped up Shockey. They later made a trade with Chicago to get Olsen. There was some very strong logic behind both moves.

Ron Rivera had just taken over as Carolina’s coach and he brought Rob Chudzinski as his offensive coordinator. Yep, you guessed it. Chudzinski once was the tight ends coach at the University of Miami.

"We’re caught up in the same boat to a degree, but we’re young at a couple positions and we have enough playmakers at tight end that you have to account for both of them," Rivera said.

The Panthers, who pretty much ignored offense in the John Fox days, found their franchise quarterback in Cam Newton. And now they're using their tight ends as frequently as the other teams in the division.

Watch an NFC South game these days and you’ll think you're on the practice field in Coral Gables.

"As soon as I made the decision to play football, they started showing me tapes," Graham said. "I watched tapes of Olsen, Winslow and Shockey. I guess that was pretty much like reading a textbook on how to play tight end. Heck, even when I was getting ready for the draft and my combine workout and pro day, I watched a tape of Olsen's pro day over and over because everybody told me that was like the greatest workout ever for a tight end. It’s pretty amazing because I didn't have a lot of football experience, but I feel like those guys cleared the way for me. I learned a lot by watching tape of them and I think the reputation they created for Miami tight ends also helped me a lot."

But the commonality Graham has with Gonzalez might have played a role. Like Graham, Gonzalez played some college basketball. There are people who say Gonzalez could have played in the NBA, but he chose football. That turned out to be the right move because Gonzalez has been the most prolific pass-catching tight end in the history of the NFL.

It also didn't hurt that San Diego's Antonio Gates, another former basketball player, has probably been the closest thing to Gonzalez.

"I think when someone has success like Antonio Gates had and the league sees that, I think all of us pay attention to another area to scout than just the college football field," New Orleans coach Sean Payton said.

Payton’s having fun drawing up plays for the former basketball player. In Sunday’s victory at Jacksonville, Graham had the best game of his career -- 10 catches for 132 yards and a touchdown.

"He’s a guy that is going to give you headaches if he can stretch your team vertically," said Rivera, who will face Graham and the Saints on Sunday. "He has enough athletic ability and route-running ability and good hands to cause you problems underneath. And if you’re not careful and you try to match him up with the wrong guy, he could take advantage of that."

But it’s not just Graham that Rivera and the other NFC South coaches have to worry about. Every time an NFC South team takes the field these days, you have to worry about the tight ends.

They’re a huge part of every passing game. Graham is second in the league with 36 targets. At 35, Gonzalez hasn’t slowed a bit. He has 21 catches for 229 yards and is tied for second among the league’s tight ends with four touchdown catches. Winslow and Olsen each have been targeted 27 times, which ties them for seventh in the league among tight ends, and each have 17 catches. Shockey’s been targeted 19 times and has 11 catches.

"All those guys are like wide receivers playing tight end and they can block too," Vilma said. "As a defense, you have to account for them on every play. It's not really supposed to be like that. But, in our division, that’s the reality now."


(espn.com)

Jeremy Shockey is still trying to figure out the NFL’s concussion protocol, which allowed Michael Vick to play the week following his concussion last month but has kept other players on the sideline.

But the Panthers’ first-year tight end knows this: He doesn’t plan on missing Sunday’s game against New Orleans, the team that cut him after last season.

Shockey returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday after experiencing post-concussion symptoms following last weekend’s loss in Chicago. He did not participate in contact drills, but indicated he would be on the field against his former team.

“I expect to play this game,” Shockey said. “And I know the Saints expect me to play this game, as well.”

Shockey talked about the importance of the Panthers climbing out of their 1-3 hole against the NFC South-leading Saints (3-1). But Shockey also made it clear this game is big on a personal level.

Shockey, 31, spent three injury-plagued seasons in New Orleans and helped the Saints win a Super Bowl in 2009. But with Shockey coming off a season in which he posted career lows in catches and receiving yards, the Saints cut him in February rather than pay his $4.2million salary.

“I know the personnel. I know everyone from the owners all the way down. Have a lot of respect for everyone in that organization,” Shockey said. “But that’s the first time I’ve ever been cut or released in my life. So I’m not going to sit here and say I’m not going to have a bitter taste in my mouth about being pushed off to the side and say, ‘See you, good luck,’ and everything like that.”

Saints coach Sean Payton, the offensive coordinator in New York when Shockey played for the Giants, credited Shockey with grooming Jimmy Graham, who ultimately took Shockey’s spot. Graham, 24, who attended Charis Prep in Goldsboro, leads NFL tight ends with 367 receiving yards on 24 catches, with three touchdowns.

Told that Payton called him one of his favorite players, Shockey smirked and said: “If I was one of his favorite players, I’d still be there.”

Shockey said Payton offered to fly to his offseason home in Miami to tell him about his release in person.

“I understand. They have a young guy I helped last year to develop,” Shockey said. “I’m not done. I’ve played this game for a long time. As far as being there, I had a great experience and a great time. We won a Super Bowl and a lot of games. It’s a business, I know that. I don’t hold anything personal – that long. But I do hold things personally.”

Shockey, who has a one-year deal worth $3.8million, has caught 11 passes for 178 yards. He has yet to miss any time with injuries, despite breaking his finger in a Week 1 loss at Arizona.

Teammates don’t expect Shockey to miss this week, either.

“He seems fine. He seems like he feels pretty good,” tight end Greg Olsen said. “Shock’s a pretty tough guy, so if he says he’ll play, he’ll be fine.”
Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Shockey felt better Thursday, but added Shockey would have to be cleared by an independent doctor.

“Michael Vick got a concussion and I think he practiced the next week. Now they’re not letting me practice. So I don’t really know,” Shockey said. “I’m just doing, and I know the Panthers are doing, what’s best for me after football. I’m at the tail end of my career here and I’d rather walk away (than) crawl away.”

Besides his physical skills, the Panthers believed Shockey’s exuberant style would be good for a young team. But Rivera said Shockey also leads in less obvious ways, offering encouragement to a young player.

“He’s got that kind of infectious personality that people tend to gravitate to. He leads by example more so than anybody I’ve been around in a long time,” Rivera said.


(charlotteobserver.com)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Emily Maynard, who recently split from "The Bachelor" star Brad Womack, is now dating Carolina Panthers tight end Jeremy Shockey, Us Weekly reported Wednesday.

"They were set up on a blind date," a source told the celebrity magazine.

"They've been out five times. Emily thinks Jeremy is nice, but she's just having fun," the source added.

The NFL player, 31, recently hinted that thoughts of love were on his mind in a Twitter message this week quoting Aristotle.

"Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies," he tweeted Monday.

Earlier this year, the southern belle from Charlotte, N.C., beat out the bevy of single ladies looking for love on season 15 of the ABC reality show.
Womack, 38, proposed to Maynard, 25, on the last episode of the show and the Austin, Tex.-based bar owner declared he had found his true soul mate.

But Maynard, who has a child from a previous relationship with the late NASCAR driver Ricky Hendrick, eventually dumped Womack due to the strain of their long-distance relationship.

"I just doubted he was still gonna want to be with me," she said about her doubts regarding Womack's commitment-level.


(nypost.com)

Tight end Jeremy Shockey heard the whistle and saw the flag, but never could get an answer on why he was called for offensive pass interference, a penalty that negated his 22-yard touchdown catch Sunday in the Panthers' 34-29 loss to Chicago.

Shockey ripped the officiating crew for the call in post-game comments that likely will draw a fine from the NFL.

"Maybe the official saw something (different from) what I did," Shockey said. "I'd like the league to go back and look at that and give an explanation because it was a big play in the game. The momentum is on our side and it comes back. That's definitely hurts our team momentum-wise."

"I've been playing this game a long time and ... I don't know. I'd like to hear the explanation from the league and really understand why they would call something like that. He never gave me any explanation at all."

With the Panthers trailing 24-20 but driving on their first possession of the second half, Cam Newton fired a strike to Shockey in the end zone for an apparent score. But officials ruled he pushed off against cornerback Charles Tillman.

Replays showed Shockey with a hand on Tillman's back, but the contact seemed minimal.

Shockey certainly thought so.

"We pay their salary and can't get an explanation," Shockey said. "I'd like to see the explanation when they do get graded.

"They should be held accountable as well. They get paid a lot of money. They go around and hang out and do whatever they do before the game. Fly for free and do all kinds of (stuff) for free. Very disappointing, disheartening. I don't know what else to say."

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said he did not have an angle on the play from the sideline. Tight end Greg Olsen didn't see it, either.

"I was running a route on the other side. We were trying to ask for an explanation and nobody seemed to be able to get one. Everybody kept saying, 'Check with him. Check with him,' " Olsen said. "So I don't know. We'll have to see what it looks like on tape."

The Panthers failed to score on the drive after the penalty. Former Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers blocked Olindo Mare's 34-yard field goal attempt a few plays later.

Adding injury to insult: Shockey aggravated his broken finger on the catch.

"It is what it is," Shockey said of the injury. "It's been going on since Week 1. We'll look into that and see where we go from there."


(heraldonline.com)

Jeremy Shockey aggravated his broken finger and suffered a concussion during Sunday's loss to the Bears.
The original finger injury occurred during Week 1, but Shockey hasn't missed any time. Now he will need to get medically cleared from his concussion. After the game, Shockey was more upset about a phantom offensive pass interference call that cost him a 22-yard touchdown.


(rotoworld.com)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Tight end Jeremy Shockey could be the latest Carolina Panther to miss a game with a concussion.
Shockey was held out of practice Wednesday and coach Ron Rivera said he will be reevaluated Thursday. Since Week 2, the Panthers have had one starter each week out with a concussion.

"We're just going through the concussion protocol," Rivera said of Shockey, who took a shot to the head on a field goal attempt in Sunday's loss to Chicago. "We're getting to the point, and I hate to say it, but we've had one a week. We're concerned obviously but we won't know more until Thursday morning.

"That's probably the best time to judge because the last couple of weeks it's been Thursday mornings they don't feel good, they don't play; if Thursday morning is good, they play."

Offensive lineman Jeff Otah missed Carolina's second game, safety Charles Godfrey missed Week 3 and Sunday it was cornerback Chris Gamble.

Though Gamble returned to practice Wednesday, Otah and Geoff Hangartner missed practice with back injuries.

Shockey was not fined this week for comments he made about the officiating following the Bears game. Shockey was upset when he was flagged for pass interference, nullifying his 22-yard touchdown reception. He said after the game he wanted an explanation from the league's officiating office because he didn't get one on the field.


(espn.com)

In terms of Jeremy Shockey and Greg Olsen, do you ask them to do the same things or different things?
Chudzinski: “I think a lot of the things they do, both of them can do.  There may be a few things we will ask one of them to do a little bit more of. I have been real pleased with both of them. Obviously Greg makes the big catches at the end of the game (Sunday) but Jeremy has been doing all of the little things to help win. You watch the film yesterday and you see some of the blocks down the field or a catch in a critical situation that Jeremy has. I have been real pleased with how those guys are playing.”

Click here to order Greg Olsen’s or Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.


(www.gastongazette.com)

10 questions about life away from football:

Q. You're a guy who loves to travel. Any idea how many countries you've visited?
I've been to a lot of continents. Not every continent. I'm not married or have any kids so those responsibilities are cut to none. I love to deep-sea fish so I always go to Central or South America, Venezuela, Colombia. ... 20, 30 (countries). I don't know.

Q. Always had wanderlust?
I like to get out, just take a backpack and travel around and see how many times I can get my passport stamped in different places around the world.

Q. How much planning goes into your trips?
I usually plan two legs of the trip pretty vigorously. I go somewhere and do a couple of weeks of fishing, if it's the Pacific or in the Carribbean. I may go to Panama and stay there for a couple of weeks then find myself backpacking or hiking in Central or South America.

Q. Ever found yourself in a scary situation?
I've had a couple of close calls. You find yourself up in no man's land in Colombia or something. ... I speak very little Spanish and they know I'm a gringo. I wouldn't say it was dangerous but it's been interesting a couple of times.

Q. Have a favorite place to visit?
Cohiba in Panama is a good place for fishing. It's a place that's pretty hard to get to. You fly to Panama City then you take an eight-hour boat ride or you take a little jet then take a couple hour dinghy ride to the place. That's a place that's untouched so the diving is really good and the fishing is excellent. You see people living there that look like indiginous tribal people. That's very interesting.

Q. What kind of fish do you catch there?
Black marlin. Tuna. Sailfish.
I caught a couple of big black marlins, 700, 800 pounds - monster, Hemingway kind of fight.

Q. What's it like to fight a fish like that?
It's definitely man versus the wild in that area. They're fish you really don't eat. They'll fight you as long as you'll fight them and die. I'm always cautious about that. I'll fight them as much as I can then let them go because I don't want to kill a fish like that.

Q. Have you had some unusual meals in your travels?
To say the least. I've eaten the craziest things you've ever seen. It's like roadkill. Very interesting. You acquire a taste or you'll go very hungry. They had like a big rat up in the jungle in Peru. It had teeth like a beaver.

Q. Do you ever get recognized?
You meet a lot of different people around the world and the No. 1 question is you look like Jeremy Shockey, what are you doing here? There are people that watch football all around the world.

Q. Didn't you have an adventure at Loch Ness in Scotland this summer?
I did a hundred mile race (biking, kayaking and jogging) and flipped a kayak in freezing water in Scotland.
I didn't see old Nessie.

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.


(charlotteobserver.com)

If Jeremy Shockey(notes) can be a lifesaver for the Carolina Panthers this season like he was for teammate Ben Hartsock(notes) today, it will be a heck of a year.

Hartsock is crediting Shockey with helping save him today after Hartsock, a fellow tight end, could not breathe in the team’s lunch room. A piece of pork tenderloin lodged in Hartsock’s throat and Shockey came to the rescue, the National Football Post has learned.

“He said to me a little while ago, ‘I really hope this doesn’t get out but if it does it’s going to be a funny story,’” said Chicago-based agent Mike McCartney, who represents Hartsock.

It's more of a story with a good ending than it is a funny one. Hartsock tried drinking some water to clear his throat and when that didn’t work it became evident to others in the room he could not breathe.

“He started to go to the bathroom and I don’t know if he collapsed, but he couldn’t breathe,” McCartney said. “Some new guy came and tried to give him the Heimlich. It didn’t work. Then, Shockey hit him in the back pretty hard and out came the meat. The Panthers told me it was really scary.

“Ben told me Shockey came over and gave me the Heimlich Maneuver and saved my life. He was in good spirits and he’s real thankful for Shockey.”

The story serves as a good reminder that it’s important to know how to administer the Heimlich because you never know when a friend or teammate could be in need.

It gave the Panthers plenty to chat about on the practice field. “Don’t choke, Hartsock,” became a new line in practice.

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.


(sports.yahoo.com)

When times were toughest for Reggie Bush this offseason, when it appeared his playing future was at its cloudiest, he talked things over with a former Saints teammate who knew the feeling: Jeremy Shockey.

Shockey and Bush referred to that talk during a pregame chat on Friday night, shortly before Bush’s new team, the Miami Dolphins, handed Shockey’s new team, the Panthers, a 20-10 beatdown.

“He’s excited to be here,” Shockey said afterward when I asked him about Bush. “He just thanked me for the advice I gave him early in the offseason. Told him to keep his head up, things would work out and it’s good to see things are.”

Bush received 10 touches in his Dolphins debut, shaking free for 81 yards on eight carries and a couple of receptions. His longest gain was 17 yards, but even then there was enough shimmy and shake in his gait to fill onlookers’ heads with the possibilities.

“He’s got the talent,” Shockey said. “Sure looks like they know how to use him. He’s a good friend, and I wish him the best as well. I hope all of  Miami cherishes him and respects him as the running back he is.”

Shockey and Bush have fond memories of Sun Life Stadium. It’s where they won a Super Bowl with the Saints a little over a year and a half ago.
Shockey spent the past three seasons as Bush’s teammate, so he knows better than most what the all-purpose threat is capable of doing.

“He’s a very special person running the football,” Shockey said. “No one wants it as much in the league as he does. You know he’s going to work and get it and achieve the things he wants to do in this league. It’s good to start over sometimes. I have no doubt he’ll do well this year.”

Shockey and Bush didn’t get a chance to talk after Friday’s game — “He blew me off again,” Shockey joked — but his old friend will be watching from afar to see what Bush can do in his first season in the AFC.

What should people know about Bush’s ability to take over a game?

“There’s not a guy in the NFL that could do it as good as him,” Shockey said. “It’s a health issue, like you said. It always is in this league. It’s very hard to find people that are 100 percent healthy year-round. He can control a game at the drop of a dime, man. I’ve seen him do that so many times. I’m just excited for him.”



(sun-sentinel.com)

It's been since Wesley Walls that the Panthers had a good offensive tight end. Now they have two if Greg Olsen and Jeremy Shockey can stay healthy, which is no gimme. Shockey signed as a free agent; the Panthers dealt a third-round pick to Chicago for former first-rounder Olsen the other day. Saw Shockey in the student union after lunch today, hunkered down with tight end coach Pete Hoener, working on learning the playbook. I like what they've done there.

Click here to order Greg Olsen’s or Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.


(cnnsi.com)

A new deal between NFL players and owners will be completed by Thursday according to veteran tight end Jeremy Shockey.

Shockey, who signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers prior to the lockout, was also told to be in Charlotte for a three-day camp beginning Friday.

“Obviously the details have to be completed, but this deal is done,” Shockey told Busted Coverage.

Shockey also stated the Hall of Fame game between the Chicago Bears and St. Louis Rams was also given the green light. If that proves to be the case, the league would be successful in averting any lost games–preseason or otherwise–due to the labor impasse. Moreover, all games would start on time.

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.


(footballnewsnow.com)

Jeremy Shockey says he feels as healthy as he has in years this offseason.

"I feel like a different person compared to what I was doing last year in New Orleans and the year before in New Orleans," he said. Shockey missed nine games during his three years with the Saints, and was almost never at 100 percent health. Although it's nice that he is now, he's as unlikely as anybody to stay that way whenever the 2011 season finally gets under way.

Shockey said one of the factors in him signing with the Panthers was that he has a close relationship with offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski. Chudzinski was Shockey's tight ends coach during his college career.

Shockey also said he will not be attending the start of the team's player-organized workouts next week but plans to attend some of the workouts. He has been working out in Miami with several former University of Miami players.

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.


(kffl.com)

Comments

While some NFL players have gathered for workouts with their teammates during the lockout, Carolina Panthers tight end Jeremy Shockey took his training to a different level.

Shockey and three endurance race veterans from Texas took fourth place in the 2011 Drambuie Pursuit, an outdoor adventure race across the wild terrain of the Scottish Highlands that concluded Sunday, The Miami Herald reported .

The two-time Super Bowl champion and teammates Steven Fonrigrnao, Jeff Odell and Shane Duffy comprised Team USA in the three-day, 100-mile event, which included rounds of archery, rock climbing, white water rafting, downhill mountain biking, kayaking and buggy racing.

"This was one of the most challenging, exciting and physically demanding experiences of my entire life, and coming from a professional football player, that says a lot," Shockey said. "I'm proud of the way Team USA competed, and while it would have been nice to come away with a victory, I'm glad I was able to participate in this historical tradition. It was also a great way to spend the offseason."

A team from the Netherlands won the event, in which teams race across the Scottish Highlands between Inverness and the Isle of Skye, in celebration of Bonnie Prince Charlie's legendary escape from the British government forces after a failed attempt to regain the throne. In gratitude for his loyalists' help in escaping, the prince passed on the top secret recipe for his personal elixir, which became Drambuie.

As part of his participation in the 2011 Pursuit, Shockey has pledged to make a donation to former New Orleans Saints teammate Heath Evans' foundation, which is dedicated to fostering hope and healing in the lives of children and families affected by sexual abuse.

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.



(nfl.com)

Jeremy Shockey grunts and snarls a bit when he hears the first results.

"Third place?" he asks when he's told how his team fared in the first leg of the Drambuie Pursuit 2011 race through the Scottish Highlands, "that's not good. We have to come stronger tomorrow."

Shockey -- and if you know anything about the tight end, then you're aware that archery isn't exactly his sport -- is as competitive off the gridiron as he is on it. In the wake of the NFL lockout, the Super Bowl champ signed up to lead Team USA through the 100-mile race that retraces the journey of Bonnie Prince Charlie across Scotland as he escaped British government forces in 1745. The race included a number of competitions, like white-water rafting, kayaking (Shockey capsized a couple of times), mountain climbing (he sat that one out considering that he doesn't have health insurance right now) and dune buggy racing. In addition to leading the team, Shockey forked over $10,000 to benefit the the Heath Evans Foundation, as part of his participation.

Legend has it that as a present for hiding him, Bonnie Prince Charlie left the only thing he had to his name -- the secret recipe for Drambuie, which to this day is still kept under lock and key.

Shockey can relate. He's doing a bit of escaping himself. Now that his recreation of the Highland Games are over -- Team Shockey finished fourth out of 10 teams (a team of young guns from the Netherlands repeated and won it all) -- he and his trainer T.J. Prunty are exploring Ireland to discover a bit about Shockey's roots.

"I'm Scotch-Irish. A lot of my family members have been over to this country and to Ireland and I had never been," he says after finishing driving his dune buggy over a gritty terrain course. "I've been working hard in this offseason, so ... I wanted to come over here, see Ireland and Scotland and see where my bloodline comes from and see relatives. And see if I can get my EU card."

He laughs about that last bit, but gets serious when talking about the lockout. When he finished the entire race with his team (teammates Steven Fonrigrnao, Jeff Odell and Shane Duffy -- all distance runners from Texas) he was met by a group of American football fans. Their favorite team is the Philadephia Eagles, but they came armed with Shockey jerseys, hoping to get him to sign them.

The young guys hoped that the lockout didn't delay the start of the NFL season -- they all play American football and say they have to drive hours in Scotland to find a group of kids to play competitively with them.

"This football lockout, to be honest with you, it's not very good for the business of our game. But a lot of people like myself and a lot of other smart people don't have offseason workout bonuses. The owners knew what they did when the CBA expired, when they signed the TV deal, so as players we wanna go back to work," Shockey said. "That's the whole point. We understand the fans are probably ... aggravated by hearing it all the time. I just want the fans to know that there will be a football season, but as far as the players taking an 18 percent pay cut and adding two games and the health insurance is not as what it should be in the most dangerous sport there is in the world? That's not gonna happen.

"We're just not doing this for us right now, we're doing this for older players that's played before us, we're doing this for players that play ahead of us. Right now it's the attorneys that's making all the money and that's a shame. We need to really get the players in one room, as Mike Vrabel said, and the owners in one room and get it solved, because the longer it waits, the worse it looks for free agency."

Shockey acknowledges that he lucked out, considering that he got released from the New Orleans Saints and signed to play this upcoming season with the Carolina Panthers right before the lockout.

"I'm ready to work with my new teammates. I got my playbook -- I studied it here in Scotland. I'm fortunate enough in that aspect, but a lot of guys aren't," he said. "It's a sad situation about the NFL and the lockout, but it is business and I'm sure both sides will be coming to an agreement. If not, I will have to stay here in Scotland and keep doing cool events like this all around my Scottish-Irish ancestors."

And as far as the Panthers go?

"I'm feeling great. I called it intriguing for a reason and I didn't really elaborate on that, because my tight end coach and my offensive coordinator in college, Rob Chudzinski, is there and he's the offensive coordinator. Cam Newton is gonna be a great addition. I'm very familiar with some of the guys on the team on defense -- University of Miami guys. So it's going to be fun," he says. "It's gonna be a challenge for me -- I've really never been in a place for more than a couple of years, besides New York, and I knew it was about time for me to leave New Orleans. I had done everything I wanted, to go back to the Super Bowl and did more by winning it and made some great friendships and gave the city a lot of hope. I'm going to bring experience to Carolina. The experience of winning. Everywhere I've went, it's proven fact. In college, high school, any team I've played for I've won a championship. So that's my next desire."

And while he's not counting on adding archery or white-water rafting to any of his training, he did pick something up in the Scottish Highlands that he wants to incorporate in his game.

"I did a favor for a person just not too long ago and he goes, 'I love you like a dog,'" Shockey says laughing. "So I'll be using that one. As we're leaving the field back home, I'll go: 'I love you ... like a dog.'"

Kelley L. Carter is a Los Angeles-based entertainment freelancer.

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.



(espn.com)

Welcome to our 1st annual and long overdue proCane Rankings where we look back at the 2010 NFL season and rank the 43 proCanes that took snaps in 2010 (except for Sinorice Moss who was placed on IR before the start of the season).

Stay tuned as we countdown from number 43 to number 1. Our rankings are based on each player’s performance last year. In August we’ll go ahead and re-rank the player’s based on our 2011 expectations. For now read our review of each player’s 2010 season and where they rank overall. Enjoy!

To read our rankings of players 43-35, click here.

To read our rankings of players 34-26, click here.

25. Jeremy Shockey TE New Orleans Saints/Carolina Panthers: In Shockey’s nine-year career he has not once been able to play all 16 games in a single season and unfortunately 2010 was no different. Shockey was only able to play in 13 games which ultimately led to the emergence of fellow proCane TE Jimmy Graham and Shockey’s release in the offseason and signing with the Panthers. Shockey accumulated a career low 408 yards receiving, and career lows in receptions (31) and yards per reception (31.2). Shockey will be reunited for the 2011 season with proCane offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski in Carolina. If he can stay healthy and the Panthers can find a quarterback, Shockey could have a big season because Chudzinski’s offenses emphasize the TE.

24. Bryant McKinnie LT Minnesota Vikings: After making the Pro Bowl in 2009, but not being voted to the Pro Bowl in 2010, most would think McKinnie did not have as good of a 2010 campaign, but on the contrary McKinnie according to himself and coaches played more consistently in 2010 while protecting Favre’s backside as well as Tarvaris Jackson’s. McKinnie still needs to lose some weight this offseason to improve his quickness versus edge rushers and vowed to do that with a personal trainer, especially since he will be seeing Julius Peppers twice again this season.

23. Willis McGahee RB Baltimore Ravens: McGahee the last two seasons has been stuck behind Ray Rice as the number two back for the Ravens. As a result in 2010 McGahee had his worst year statistically with only 380 yards rushing and 5 TDs on the ground and 1 TD through the air on only 100 rushing attempts. McGahee in 2009 had totaled 14 TDs as he was the main red-zone threat for the Ravens, but wasn’t featured as much inside the 20-yard line in 2010. McGahee can still be a starter in the NFL and is approaching free agency this year where it looks like he will not be resigned by the Ravens. Look for him to have a bigger impact in 2011.

22. Jimmy Graham TE New Orleans Saints: After not appearing in the first two games of his rookie season, Jimmy Graham slowly made his presence known for the Saints as he topped 70 yards receiving in two games and finished the 2010 season with five touchdowns as he subbed for fellow injured proCane Jeremy Shockey. Graham performed so well in 2010 and showed so much potential that the Saints released Shockey this offseason and plan on using Graham as their feature TE in 2011.

21. Rocky McIntosh LB Washington Redskins: McIntosh had his best season statistically with 73 tackles despite playing for the first time in his career in a 3-4 defense as the RILB. McIntosh has had a solid and somewhat underrated career and turned many heads by showing his versatility and playing so well in a 3-4 defense as well as versus the pass. Most seem to think he won’t be with the Redskins next year, but look for him to have no trouble signing with another team and picking up where he left off.

20. Kenny Phillips S NY Giants: Phillips played in only two games in 2009 because of the need of microfracture surgery on one of his knees. Many at the time said Phillips’ career was over and he would never be able recover after such a serious injury and surgery. Not only did Phillips come back, but he had a solid season in his first season playing beside fellow proCane Antrel Rolle. Phillips played in all 16 games and started 15 of them. Though he only recorded one interception he had career highs in tackles (77) and pass deflections (5). Phillips did admit that it took him a while to feel 100% physically and mentally but he did stay healthy and put up good numbers which leads us to believe he is in for a big 2011 season.

19. Antrel Rolle S NY Giants: In his first season with the Giants, Rolle was named to his second consecutive Pro Bowl and had a solid though not spectacular season for the Giants. Rolle started all 16 games and the fact that he had only one interception may be misleading as he played a lot closer to the line of scrimmage than most safeties. Look for Rolle to become more comfortable in the Giants’ defense and as long as he continues to play well on the field and create less headlines off of it, he and Phillips could become one of the best safety tandems in the NFL.

18. Eric Winston RT Houston Texans: The only explanation we can come up with for Winston not making a Pro Bowl yet, is that he plays for the small market Texans. Winston has been stellar at RT for the Texans and 2010 was no exception. Winston played at an All-Pro level during 2010 with one exception versus the Tennessee Titans where he was beat for two sacks. Look for 2011 to be an even better season for Winston and the Texans, and look for him to make his long overdue first Pro Bowl.

17. Brandon Meriweather S New England Patriots: Meriweather made his second consecutive Pro Bowl after a good 2010 season, though he was inconsistent at times. Meriweather started 13 of the 16 games and in three games only record one tackle while versus the Colts, for example, recorded 7 tackles and an interception. His inconsistency led to him sharing time with the other Patriot safeties as his numbers did slip from his 2008 and 2009 seasons. The Patriots do expect more from Meriweather, and look for him to step up in the 2011 season with the increased competition at the safety position.

16. Chris Myers C Houston Texans: Despite having a solid 2009 season Myers did take a lot of heat in the offseason from Texan fans mainly because of the lasting image of Kris Jenkins throwing him to the turf towards the end of that season. Myers followed up his solid 2009 campaign with a stellar 2010 season where he was ranked as the #3 center in the league by ProFootballFocus.com and anchors a Texans offensive line which at one point featured three proCane starters; Myers, Eric Winston, and Rashad Butler. Look for Myers to continue his stellar play in 2011 and hopefully make his Pro Bowl debut.

Check back tomorrow to see which proCanes were ranked 15th through 8th!

NEW ORLEANS -- Jeremy Shockey has been a controversial figure throughout his career, but he got a glowing sendoff from one chapter Tuesday morning.

It came from New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton, who made the decision to release Shockey before the lockout.

“It was probably more difficult for me because of my relationship with him going back to New York,’’ said Payton, who was an assistant coach with the Giants in Shockey’s rookie season. “He’s one of my favorite players ... and he plays with passion. He brought a swagger to what we do.’’

Shockey signed with Carolina and Payton was happy to give a detailed scouting report of what the tight end can bring to the Panthers. And continued raving about Shockey’s swagger.

“It’s an aspect of his game where it’s almost calming to everyone around him because he can kind of take on that role and make the big catch and be ready to come up with the big play,’’ Payton said. “I think it’s a little contagious as well. He has got strong hands in traffic. He’s bigger than anyone ever thinks until you see him and you’re up next to him and you realize this guys is big. He’s a big target with strong hands and he has got that ability to, fourth-and-four, to win the game, he has that ability and sees himself making that play and that has never changed.

“To his credit, he’ll come into training camp in great shape. He’s something. He’s a rare athlete and someone, and I’ve seen Year 1 to where he’s at now, and there are aspects of what he does and what he brings to the table. I also think he’s a great teammate.’’

Payton said he’s happy he’ll still get to see Shockey twice a year.

“What was best for him, even if it wasn’t as good for the Saints, made me happy,’’ Payton said. “He’s in our division obviously, and you respect him and you understand the threat he presents. But more than anything else, I was happy mostly for him.’’

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.



(espn.com)

New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton said the team's decision to release tight end Jeremy Shockey was especially difficult for him because of their close relationship that dates back to their days together with the New York Giants.

"He's one of my favorite players before and he plays with passion. He brought a swagger to what we do," Payton said Tuesday. "The one thing that's interesting when you win a Super Bowl, it can really validate any decision you've made up until that point in regards to free agent moves, players drafted, coaches hired. That doesn't mean there aren't mistakes on the road to a Super Bowl. But that game and after the game seeing him and his mother is pretty strong.

"Any time you end up parting ways with a player like that it's difficult. His case with my history it was hard."

One of the reasons Shockey became expendable was the emergence of rookie tight end Jimmy Graham in 2010. Although Graham is still developing as a football player after playing just one season in college at Miami (Fla.), he clearly has the talent to be a game-changing offensive weapon. The 6-foot-6, 260-pound former basketball player caught 31 passes for 356 yards and five touchdowns in 2010, with four of those TDs coming in his final three games of the season.

"I felt like, most importantly, none of it was too big for him. I think he saw himself as someone who should excel in this game now. We began to see that especially the last third of the season," Payton said. "I think he has got some work to do in regards to the running game. But he has a lot of ability. We've got to look closely to what we want to do within the framework of what runs while he's in there and how do we want to utilize him while he's in there. Certainly he and (free agent tight end) David Thomas are built differently and will have different roles. But we obviously saw enough of him as the season progressed and feel real good about his development. Jeremy had a lot to do with that as a veteran player helping him. The future is bright for him."

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.



(nola.com)

Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson has a reputation as being a hard-liner in the labor situation that is bogging down the NFL right now.

But Jeremy Shockey, who signed with the Panthers shortly after his release from the New Orleans Saints, had no problems going to Carolina, where he signed a one-year contract.

“I met the owner, Mr. Richardson, he was a straight-shooter, he looked me in the eye and was real sincere in the things he had to say,” Shockey said on WFNZ in Charlotte, N.C., according to sportsradiointerviews.com. “Coach (Ron) Rivera has some great things ahead of him as a head coach, obviously the offensive coordinator, Rob Chudzinski, I knew him from Miami as a tight ends coach and as an offensive coordinator at Miami.

“It just made sense. It is something that I had a chance to meet with a bunch of teams and meet with a bunch of owners and things like that but to me, I had this thing, sort of a gut feeling and it is exciting, it is a young ball club compared to some of the other ball clubs I have been in and it is a very intriguing situation for me.”

We’ll see how intriguing Shockey finds things once the Panthers select a quarterback for this coming season. If things bog down – and if veteran wide receiver Steve Smith is still there – that could become a potentially awkward situation with a couple of players who are vocal when they’re not getting the ball.

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.



(nationalfootballpost.com)

Tight end Jeremy Shockey's one-year deal with the Carolina Panthers is worth $3 million, with $1 million guaranteed, a league source said Monday.

The deal also includes a $812,500 roster bonus and no signing bonus, making it team- and salary-cap-friendly.

Shockey, who was released by the New Orleans Saints last week, also received interest from the Miami Dolphins. He signed the contract with the Panthers on Thursday.

Shockey will be reunited with Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, who was his position coach at the University of Miami.
"Time for the Next chapter," Shockey wrote on his Facebook page after signing. "This is a great opportunity for me, and I am excited to play football."

Panthers coach Ron Rivera put an emphasis on acquiring a pass-catching tight end immediately after he was hired in January to replace John Fox following Carolina's 2-14 season. The flamboyant Shockey could be that guy, although the nine-year veteran has been slowed by injuries the past few seasons.

Shockey, who's 6-foot-5 and 251 pounds, made the Pro Bowl in four of his first five seasons in the NFL with the New York Giants, but he also was known for brash comments and feuds with coach Tom Coughlin.

Shockey was traded to New Orleans before the 2008 season and caught a key touchdown pass in the Saints' Super Bowl victory one year later. But Shockey labored through injuries in all three seasons in New Orleans, and the Saints cut him loose with $4.2 million due to him in 2011, the final year of his deal.

If he can stay healthy, Shockey, who had 41 catches for 408 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games last season, will provide a target at tight end not seen in years in Carolina.

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.



(nfl.com)

Jeremy Shockey, the tight end, who recently waived bye-bye to the Saints, was seen skulking in fabulous Miami, where he is rumored to be pursuing a new career as a swimsuit model. Or pursuing a swimsuit model. We'll get back to you as soon as we have some reliable information.

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.



(cnnsi.com)

CHARLOTTE - The Panthers have signed Jeremy Shockey, one of the most productive tight ends in the NFL over the last decade, the team announced Thursday.

Shockey, who was released by the New Orleans Saints on Feb. 22, is a four-time Pro Bowl selection who ranks fourth among active tight ends in both receptions with 510 and receiving yards with 5,688. He also has caught at least one pass in 121 consecutive games played, the second-longest current streak among tight ends.

"We are very pleased to add Jeremy to our football team," Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said. "He is a highly competitive player with a good skill set and a wealth of experience. He should make a solid contribution to our offense."

Rivera has emphasized the importance of having a pass-catching tight end. The Panthers' tight end trio of Dante Rosario, Jeff King and Gary Barnidge combined for 51 receptions for 385 yards and two touchdowns for the league's last-ranked pass offense in 2010.

Shockey had the quietest statistical season of his nine-year NFL career in 2010, but he still produced 41 receptions for 408 yards and three touchdowns as a part of a tight end trio in New Orleans that combined to catch 105 balls for the NFL's third-ranked pass offense.

The move reunites Shockey with Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, who was offensive coordinator at the University of Miami in 2001 when Shockey was one of three finalists for the John Mackey Award, given annually to college football's top tight end.

The New York Giants picked Shockey in the first round of the 2002 draft, and he made his first Pro Bowl that year after recording the second-best numbers for a rookie tight end in NFL history with 74 catches for 894 yards.

Shockey earned Pro Bowl honors in four of his first five years with the Giants. After his sixth season in New York, during which time he caught at least 48 passes for 500-plus yards each season, the Saints traded for Shockey.

At the end of the 2009 season, Shockey helped the Saints to their first Super Bowl title, catching a touchdown pass that put New Orleans ahead of the Indianapolis Colts for good in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLIV. It was the second ring for Shockey, who won Super Bowl XLII in his final season with the Giants.

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.



(panthers.com)

Jeremy Shockey is headed to Carolina. Now that the news is official, it’s worth looking into what type of player the Panthers are getting.

Shockey, who will be 31 at the start of next season, has never played a full season and missed 10 full games during three seasons with the Saints due to an assortment of injuries. The fact the Saints chose to let Shockey go, even though he has a long history with head coach Sean Payton dating back to his rookie season with the Giants, should be telling. But it wasn’t seen as a surprise given the variety of factors — age, injury history, cost and the development of Jimmy Graham.

NFL Network analyst Solomon Wilcots checked in for a quick scouting report:

“He’s not the player he once was, and he’s not a full-time player. But I think on a limited basis he can still be an impact player. He’s probably not an every down, every game starter. But he will be great to pair with a younger tight end, because he was great with Graham last season in New Orleans. I won’t take anything away from his overall abilities, I think he can still play his game on a limited basis. Shockey can still catch the ball in tight spaces and still knows how to work defenders on his routes.”

Even in a situational role, Shockey could still provide a suitable compliment (or at least the threat of one) in the passing game for Steve Smith. Panthers coach Ron Rivera has been vocal about the Panthers featuring one tight end instead of a rotation, and perhaps Shockey is still that player. That the Panthers were able to sell Shockey on Carolina and his role in the offense also leads to some between-the-lines thinking that he won’t have a rookie quarterback throwing passes his way next season (see Donovan McNabb, Carson Palmer, et. all).

Keep in mind Shockey will also be reunited with his position coach from the University of Miami, new Panthers offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski.

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.



(nfl.com)

With every passing day, the New Orleans Saints Super Bowl victory becomes more and more of a distant memory. As a lifelong resident of New Orleans, it is difficult to convey how special the Saints championship was for me and everyone else in New Orleans. And the players who helped lead us to the Promised Land will forever be Saints in our hearts. Unfortunately, the NFL is a business and one by one, our Super Bowl Saints are feeling the march of Father Time and the economic realities of the league. The latest casualty was TE Jeremy Shockey who was released.

Jeremy Shockey's legacy in New Orleans

When Jeremy Shockey joined the New Orleans Saints in 2008, I was "shocked." On the surface, Shockey did not seem like the kind of player that Sean Payton wanted in the Saints locker room. When Payton arrived in New Orleans, he cleaned house and cut or traded those who were not team players and were not 100% committed to winning. And Jeremy Shockey's reputation with the New York Giants was that of a loose cannon with an attitude problem.

But then I realized that Payton had coached Shockey when they were together in New York. I hoped that Payton knew something about Jeremy Shockey that I did not. Quickly, I realized that what others saw as a loose cannon was really a player who gave maximum effort with a thirst for winning. And the only attitude that I saw was his sheer joy at helping his team win. Most importantly, New Orleans Saints fans will never forget his pivotal TD catch in Super Bowl XLIV. We will never forget you, Jeremy and we will always thank you.

For Jimmy Graham(notes), the future is now

I don't know if a third round draft pick qualifies as a steal. But to hear experts and NFL insiders talk about Jimmy Graham, you would think that he's got more potential than the energy stored in a uranium atom. Despite everything that Jeremy Shockey brought to each and every game in which he played, he did seem to be injured quite often. And if he was destined to be the second option at TE, the Saints could not be expected to pay him $4.2 million in 2011.

But if Saints offensive guru Sean Payton trusts the skills of football novice Jimmy Graham, I should have faith in him as well. As the 2010 NFL season wore on, I could see Drew Brees(notes) go to Graham more and more often. To truly be effective though, Graham will have to continue to improve as a run blocker. In three years, NFL fans may be talking about Jimmy Graham in the same breath as the likes of Tony Gonzalez(notes). But for now, I would prefer to reminisce about the great times I had watching Jeremy Shockey help lead the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl victory.

Click here to order Jimmy Graham’s or Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.



(sports.yahoo.com)

The NFL and the players’ union may not ink a new contract by March 3, but free-agent tight end Jeremy Shockey has every intention of doing so.
Per a league source, Shockey plans to sign with a new team before the expiration of the current league year, and in turn the possible commencement of a lockout.

At this point, however, no deal is imminent with the two teams that have shown interest in Shockey:  the Dolphins and the Panthers.  Even though Shockey has said he’d like to play for the Dolphins, we’re told that Shockey prefers the Panthers because of the presence of offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski, who worked at the University of Miami while Shockey played there.

Shockey was recently cut by the Saints.  Before spending three seasons in New Orleans, he spent six with the Giants.

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.



(profootballtalk.com)

While most of the football world remains holed up in Naptown, Jeremy Shockey will be meeting with the Carolina Panthers.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Shockey will visit the Panthers on Sunday.  The timing of the move indicates that Shockey will take a physical for the team, but we can’t imagine they’d be prepared to offer a contract yet.  Most of the team’s key decision makers will still be at the Scouting Combine.

Shockey also met with the Dolphins and reportedly is interested in playing for the Titans.  So far, it has been difficult for recently released veterans like O.J. Atogwe, Shaun Rogers, and Shockey to get acceptable contract offers.

They probably will have to wait until a new collective bargaining agreement before they get paid.

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.



(profootballtalk.com)

Former Miami Hurricanes tight end Jeremy Shockey passed a physical for the Miami Dolphins on Thursday, ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting, citing a league source.

It is not known, however, if the sides are negotiating a contract.

Shockey, 30, was released Tuesday by the New Orleans Saints after three seasons. He spent the first six seasons of his NFL career with the New York Giants, who drafted him in the first round in 2002 (14th overall).

Shockey's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has said that Shockey -- who owns a home on South Beach -- would welcome playing for the Dolphins.
Shockey has been plagued by injuries during his career and has never played a full NFL season. He has caught 510 passes for 5,688 yards and 33 touchdowns in his NFL career.

Rosenhaus said: “I can’t speak for the Dolphins but I will tell you Jeremy does have an interest in Miami,” Rosenhaus said on the air. “Jeremy lives in Miami, has always been a big fan of South Florida, obviously, going back to his great days at the University of Miami. … From our standpoint we are very interested in the Dolphins but I cannot comment on whether that feeling is mutual at this time.”

Shockey caught 41 passes for 408 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games last season. The Dolphins' starting tight end, Anthony Fasano, caught 39 passes for 528 yards with four touchdowns.

After he was released Tuesday by the Saints, Shockey told ESPN's Rachel Nichols: "It's a business, I understand. I'll just go play hard for someone else. Whoever gets me, it's going to be a steal."

Ironically, with Shockey gone from New Orleans, another former UM standout, Jimmy Graham, is expected to take over the primary tight end duties.

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.



(miamiherald.com)

The Saints haven’t closed the door on a possible return to the team by Jeremy Shockey, according to Jeff Duncan of the New Orleans Times-Picayune.   But they would only want him to return as a backup to Jimmy Graham.

Translation: The door is only open a crack, and only if Shockey was very desperate.

As Duncan points out, the decision to cut Shockey was more about Graham’s emergence as a future star than Shockey.

It’s worth wondering, however, how many starting jobs Shockey will be offered.  His speed has diminished rapidly the last few years and he’s always fighting through injuries.  There is very little chance he will make close to the $4.7 million he was scheduled to earn in New Orleans.  He has the reputation of carrying himself like a superstar without the production to match.

Speculation immediately started regarding whether Shockey could end up with the Dolphins.  Shockey would surely like to play in his college town and Sean Payton is close to a lot of Dolphins staff members.

We’re not sure whether Payton sharing inside information would help or hurt Shockey’s chances of landing in Miami.

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.



(profootballtalk.com)

A day after he was cut by the Saints, Jeremy Shockey says he’s drawing interest elsewhere.

Shockey told ESPN today that he has a physical scheduled for tomorrow with a team that’s interested in his services. Curiously, he didn’t name the team.

Although Shockey is presumably healthy enough that he can pass a physical, he’s been no stranger to nagging injuries that have slowed him down or taken him off the field. He missed three games in 2010 and has never played all 16 games in any season.

Shockey, who will turn 31 in August, had career lows in catches (41) and yards (408) last season.

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.



(profootballtalk.com)

Arguably the biggest play of Jeremy Shockey's three-year stint with the New Orleans Saints came on the biggest stage, trailing the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLIV.

In this excerpt from a June 22 article by Mike Triplett, Coach Sean Payton breaks down the play:

Now at second-and-2 from the Colts' 28-yard line, the Saints called a run play, but Brees changed it at the line of scrimmage when he saw that only one safety was lined up deep instead of the two-deep zone the Saints expected. He completed an 8-yard pass to receiver Marques Colston.

Payton said defenses will often try to disguise what they're doing at the line of scrimmage -- "they'll sugar it sometimes, " as he put it. But he said the Colts weren't able to disguise their alignments because the Saints' tempo from play to play was so quick.

The next play was also supposed to be a run, but Brees again decided to change it up. This time, instead of calling an audible at the line, he decided to make a quick throw out to receiver Robert Meachem on the far right side of the field, a "smoke" option that was built into the play.
It actually might have been the wrong decision. Payton pointed out that there appeared to be a decent hole available for the run. But Meachem did a great job of fighting off an early tackle and turning the play into a six-yard gain.

The next play was a "simple stick route" to tight end David Thomas on the left side, a nine-yard gain that gave the Saints first-and-goal from the 5-yard line.

"They're coming, but not in chunks here, " Payton said again.

The next play was a three-yard run by Pierre Thomas that did exactly what it was designed to do: get the Saints down closer to the goal line. Payton had already called the next play even before Thomas ran the ball. It was a quick pass designed for Shockey if he got the right matchup.

And sure enough, the Saints got the matchup they wanted. Shockey was lined up outside, and the Colts opted for zone coverage with cornerback Jacob Lacey directly across from him.

"If you listen to the audio, you'll hear me say, 'He's going to throw to Shockey here, '" said Payton, who indeed predicted the touchdown before the ball was snapped, according to the raw footage from NFL Films, which had put a microphone on the coach for the game.

"If this corner, who's short, matches up on Shockey and we feel like Shockey can get inside technique, which Drew sees right now" Payton explained as he highlighted the key players with his coach's clicker. "We've got just what we want. Soft coverage and the big athlete on the small corner. Shockey's just going to run what we call a bullet, and Drew will take one step and he's going to throw this.

"It's just a big player on a small player. The corner didn't play it badly at all. It's like an inbound on a basketball court."

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.



(nola.com)

NEW ORLEANS -- For flamboyant tight end Jeremy Shockey, the party is over -- at least in New Orleans.

Shockey was released Tuesday by the Saints, who appear ready to move on with promising second-year pro and 2010 third-round draft choice Jimmy Graham.

"It's a business, I understand," Shockey told ESPN's Rachel Nichols. "I'll just go play hard for someone else. Whoever gets me it's going to be a steal."

Shockey was no stranger to the Big Easy social scene and also helped give the city a reason to celebrate like never before. He made a crucial touchdown catch in the fourth quarter of the Saints' lone Super Bowl victory over Indianapolis in Miami just more than a year ago.

But with one season and $4.2 million in base salary left on Shockey's contract, the Saints decided the best way to pursue a second championship would be without the 30-year-old, nine-year veteran.

"Jeremy played an important role in helping our team bring a Super Bowl championship to New Orleans," coach Sean Payton said. "He contributed to the success of our offense, both as a pass-catcher and run blocker, and we're appreciative of his efforts."

Acquired from the New York Giants in a trade at the onset of 2008 training camp, Shockey spent three up-and-down seasons in New Orleans and labored through injuries in all of them.

Last season, Shockey made 41 catches for 408 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games.

Shockey's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, did not answer his phone, but Shockey posted a note on his Twitter page: "Always will remember my time in New Orleans. What a city, you all welcomed me like one of your own, and we had a great run. Onto the next chapter, the Deep Unknown."

Shockey, a former Miami Hurricanes star who makes his offseason home in Miami's South Beach, is an adventure traveler and avid free diver. While he played for the Giants, who made him a first-round draft pick in 2002, he was popular and productive, but also seen as a malcontent and a distraction by the time his stay in New York had ended.

In New Orleans, he rejoined Payton, who had been his offensive coordinator in New York during his rookie season, which remains one of his best seasons statistically, with 74 catches for 894 yards and two TDs.

After Shockey arrived in New Orleans, he often sidestepped reporters and for the most part avoided generating negative headlines.

Not entirely, though. In 2008, he was critical of the team's handling of his sports hernia injury, which he contended was misdiagnosed. Off the field, he made news for being hospitalized after passing out because of dehydration at a pool-side party in Las Vegas in the summer of 2009.

As he looks for a new team, Shockey's resume includes 510 catches for 5,688 yards and 33 TDs in his nine-season career. The questions now are how many good seasons he has left and which teams want to take a chance on him.

In his three seasons in New Orleans, he caught 139 passes for 1,460 yards with six touchdowns in 38 regular season games, 34 of them starts.

Last season, Shockey made an effort to serve as a mentor for Graham, who also attended Miami, but entered college as a basketball player before a lone season of football with the 'Canes.

Graham improved steadily as the season wore on and became a trusted target for quarterback Drew Brees, who raved about his rapid development. Graham finished his rookie season with 31 catches for 356 yards and five touchdowns, with one play going for 52 yards.

Graham routinely credited Shockey for teaching him the NFL game and Saints officials said they appreciated not just Shockey's effort on game days, but his willingness to hasten the development of his understudy.

"I'd like to thank Jeremy for the contributions he made to our team," general manager Mickey Loomis said. "These decisions are never easy to make and we wish him the best."

Shockey through Twitter said: “Always will remember my time in New Orleans. What a city, you all welcomed me like one of your own, and we had a great run. Onto the next chapter, the Deep Unknown.”

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.



(espn.com)

Shockey is technically under contract for one more season at about $4.21 million. He missed three games this season with rib injury and a groin injury. He finished this season with only 41 catches for 408 yards and only three touchdowns. He has missed 10 of 48 regular season games in his three seasons with New Orleans. While his blocking is still excellent, the Saints have a mismatch in a younger and cheaper Jimmy Graham. We see him coming back for one more season.

D. Thomas is a free agent who has proven in the past two seasons that he might mean more to the team than the big sticker Shockey does. He’s a sure-handed receiver, a better-than-average blocker and plays the fullback role when needed. Thomas’ stats weren’t as good as Shockey’s, but Thomas does a lot more. We think he, too, will return.

Graham entered 2010 with a lot of question marks –How would he react to the professional game after only one year of collegiate football? Was the athleticism he showed on the basketball floor transferrable to the football field? He exited 2010 as one the bright young players in the NFL with a big upside and good future. He finished the season with 356 yards and five touchdowns on 31 catches.  But four of those five scores came in the final three weeks of the season. He was inactive in the playoffs but after a full season learning the offense, the sky is the limit. He’s back.

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s or Jimmy Graham’s proCane Rookie Card.



(wwltv.com)

New Orleans Saints Jeremy Shockey will participate in the 2011 DRAMBUIE Pursuit.

DRAMBUIE Pursuit is a legendary, outdoor adventure race across the wild terrain of the Scottish highlands. Shockey, the winner of the first-ever pro football rookie award in 2002 and a two-time pro football champion, is no stranger to rugged and aggressive competition – and looks forward to bringing his skills on the football field to the field of competition in the 2011 DRAMBUIE Pursuit.

Seeking to compile an elite team of fierce athletes and modern-day rebels, Shockey will lead a group through the terrain in the footsteps of the legendary Scottish Prince, Bonnie Prince Charlie.

DRAMBUIE – a unique combination of aged Scotch whiskies, heather honey, and a blend of herbs and spices – was created more than 260 years ago exclusively for Bonnie Prince Charlie. After his attempt at taking over the British throne ended in defeat at The Battle of Culloden in April 1746, he went on the run for his life with a price of 30,000 pounds Sterling on his head – about 15m pounds today – before escaping to France and then exile in Italy. Prince Charles left his loyal subjects the recipe for DRAMBUIE, which remains top-secret to this day.

The DRAMBUIE Pursuit is inspired by his flight across the Scottish Highlands and features a once-in-a-lifetime 100-mile race course consisting of archery, mountain biking, boating, and other outdoor challenges. Teams from around the world will meet up to pay homage to Bonnie Prince Charlie and compete with each other in the epic two-day race. As captain of one of the U.S. teams this year, Shockey is currently seeking applicants to join his rebellious team.

Possessing extraordinary athletic talent and known for his abilities to run routes and make crucial blocks, Shockey is also well-known for his competitive attitude off the field. As a star player in college, Shockey first rose to national attention as a sophomore, receiving numerous honors before becoming an integral part of the 2001 National Championship Miami team. The following year, Shockey was selected 14th in the first round of the 2002 pro football draft. He quickly thrived in the professional arena and, in 2005, Shockey signed a five-year contract, making him the highest paid tight end in the game. Since then, he has gone on to win two championships, has been an all-pro selection four times, and also caught his 500th career reception this year – one of only six tight ends to ever reach that mark.

Jeremy Shockey said “The DRAMBUIE Pursuit is an incredible opportunity to showcase athletic prowess and participate in one of the fiercest competitions in the world. I look forward to putting together an unbeatable team to tackle the Scottish highlands and knock out the competition.”
From white water rafting to archery and mountain climbing, TEAM JEREMY will enjoy the experience as a lifetime as they race in the footsteps of the legendary Scottish Prince in the 2011 DRAMBUIE Pursuit.

Additionally, as part of his participation in the 2011 Pursuit, Jeremy will be making a donation to The Heath Evans Foundation. Founded by Jeremy’s teammate, Heath Evans, the foundation is dedicated to fostering hope and healing in the lives of children and families affected by sexual abuse.

Antonio Pujala, Brand Director for DRAMBUIE said “We are excited to see the level of competitiveness Jeremy will bring to the DRAMBUIE Pursuit, as this is the first time we have enlisted a professional athlete. 2010 has been an exciting year for revitalizing and modernizing the brand, and we look forward to continuing that momentum by enjoying the participation of a star from the NFL in the 2011 DRAMBUIE Pursuit.”

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.



(satellitetelevisionnews.com)

Q: After reading your 10-step program, I have a question for the mailbag. Could you please talk about Shockey's blocking ability compared to Thomas and/or Graham. I haven't paid particular attention to it, but it could be a reason to keep Shockey around. Catches and yards aren't everything for a tight end, especially for a team that needs to improve the running game. Andrew, Uptown.

A: Shockey is a solid blocker but certainly nothing special. I certainly wouldn't characterize blocking as one of his strengths. In fact, from the tape I have watched, Thomas is a much better and more willing blocker and, along with reserve tackle Zach Strief, is usually the tight end called upon when the team needs a blocking assignment at the position. Regardless, Shockey is not being paid $4.5 million to block. That's elite tight end money and at this stage of his career Shockey is no longer an elite tight end. If the Saints really need a blocking tight end, they can find one in the draft or free agency for a fraction of the salary they are paying Shockey. Jimmy Graham is clearly a budding star at the position. With a full offseason of development, he should win the starting job next season. If David Thomas is re-signed -- and I think he will be - then Shockey is expendable although I do think he could be a candidate to return at a restructured deal.

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.



(nola.com)

The New Orleans Saints may look to renegotiate TE Jeremy Shockey's contract this offseason because he has one year left on his contract for significant money, reports James Varney, of the New Orleans Times-Picayune.


Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.



(kffl.com)

6 proCanes made early exits out of the NFL playoffs after he wildcard round this weekend.

Reggie Wayne (Colts), Javarris James (Colts), Jon Vilma (Saints), Jimmy Graham (Saints), Jeremy Shockey (Saints), Antonio Dixon (Eagles) all lost their respective games and will start their offseason.

Below are the remaining proCanes in the NFL playoffs.

AFC: Ed Reed (Ravens), Ray Lewis (Ravens), Tavares Gooden (Ravens), Willis McGahee (Ravens), Brandon Meriweather (Patriots), Vince Wilfork (Patriots).

NFC: Kelly Jennings (Seahawks), Spencer Adkins (Falcons), Devin Hester (Bears), Greg Olsen (Bears), Sam Shields (Packers).

Jimmy Graham (ankle) did not participate in Saints practice on Thursday, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune's Jeff Duncan.

Our View: He's beginning to look pretty doubtful for the Saints' Saturday Wild Card tilt with the Seahawks. Official word should come tomorrow, but don't consider him likely to give it a go this weekend. Hopefully for New Orleans, Jeremy Shockey can get over his own injury, though it looks like he has as Shockey did practice yesterday.

Click here to order Jimmy Graham’s or Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.



(rototimes.com)

17 proCanes will participate in the 2010 NFL playoffs. 8 from the AFC and 9 from the NFC. Below is a list of the players.

AFC: Reggie Wayne (Colts), Javarris James (Colts), Ed Reed (Ravens), Ray Lewis (Ravens), Tavares Gooden (Ravens), Willis McGahee (Ravens), Brandon Meriweather (Patriots), Vince Wilfork (Patriots).

NFC: Kelly Jennings (Seahawks), Jon Vilma (Saints), Jimmy Graham (Saints), Jeremy Shockey (Saints), Antonio Dixon (Eagles), Spencer Adkins (Falcons), Devin Hester (Bears), Greg Olsen (Bears), Sam Shields (Packers).

NEW ORLEANS, La. January 3, 2011 — Jeremy Shockey is a leader on the football field, but he’s also a Cult spokesperson.

Tight end Jeremy Shockey, a Super Bowl champion, is the new spokesperson for Cult Energy Activator, an all-natural energy beverage. The campaign, featuring Shockey, will launch on January 4, 2011 with a contest to meet Jeremy in person.

The contest guidelines established by Cult feature taking a photo of the entrant with one of the many life-sized Shockey cutouts with a Cult, visiting the energy drink’s fan page on Facebook at Facebook.com/cultenergy, “liking” the page and submitting their picture for viewing.

The contest winner will receive dinner, an autographed jersey and football and a year’s supply of Cult Energy Activator, all delivered by Shockey.

The winner of the first-ever Diet Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year Award in 2002, Shockey has earned four Pro Bowl selections in his career and received a Super Bowl ring with the Giants in Super Bowl XLII and with the Saints in Super Bowl XLIV.

He was a good fit for Cult Energy Activator, the energy drink uniquely based on natural ingredients. The drink, which can be used to combat exhaustion and mental or physical weariness, lacks Taurine and is instead powered with all-natural Guarana caffeine. It is also available in an All Natural Stevia sweetened version.

“Cult helps me keep my focus and physical edge without Taurine, and it’s all natural,” Shockey said.

Due to the drink being made from natural ingredients, it’s found to be safer on the body. Of course, like all energy drinks, Shockey’s motivation isn’t completely steeped in the healthiness of the product.

“It keeps me going hard as I can, on and off the field.”

Click here to order Jeremy Shockey’s proCane Rookie Card.



(prlog.org)