After fitness activities at the Emerson Family YMCA with members of the St. Louis Rams, the group of Herzog Pilot Academy second and third graders boarded the bus and awaited their next instructions. Rams linebacker Rocky McIntosh, the leader of the day’s activities, stood at the front of the bus and asked if the students were ready to return to school. The question was met with a resounding “NO!” from all on board.

With prior plans already in place for the kids, McIntosh was happy to oblige. He directed the buses to a nearby Walmart, where he and his foundation, A GRAN Foundation, treated the kids to a holiday shopping spree by providing each with a $100 gift card. With their funds, the students were able to purchase winter items, such as a new coat and gloves; school supplies and a toy of their choice with the remaining balance.

“It was like the old ‘Shop ‘til You Drop Show,’” McIntosh said. “It was crazy. But the kids definitely had a great time, their parents were here to support and we also had a lot of chaperones out here as well.”

It was McIntosh’s idea to surprise the students at school. He approached the Rams’ Community Outreach Team, who then worked with The Little Bit Foundation to find a school that best matched McIntosh’s criteria.

The Little Bit Foundation is an organization that partners with 14 schools in the St. Louis area to provide clothing items, school supplies or other necessities to needy students. Each week, three to four Little Bit volunteers visit a school to identify items needed by the students. The following week, the volunteers return to provide those items to the kids and work with them in a one-on-one setting to make sure the items fit, that they are appropriate and that they are going to help that child. Today, the organization works with over 3,400 students, many of who are at or near the poverty level. When it came to accomplishing McIntosh’s plan, Herzog emerged as the best fit.

“Herzog is a very special school and there’s a large need in the school,” Hanley said. “We knew that Rocky wanted to help the students with coats, shoes and other school supplies. Targeting Herzog as the neediest school made it a great partnership. We knew it would have the biggest positive impact.”

The impact of the program went deeper than just sales receipts.

“I was excited that our kids had the opportunity to meet a great athlete, and then to receive the wonderful treats he provided,” Herzog Principal Sandra Bell said. “They learned a lot about looking at healthy fitness and living healthy.”

Providing students with the skills to embrace learning, lead healthy lives and mentor others in the community is the overarching goal of A GRAN Foundation. McIntosh and his family started the foundation in Virginia in 2011, and have since expanded its efforts to include the St. Louis area.

“My family and I decided we wanted to try and teach kids about healthy eating, healthy lifestyles and make them feel better about themselves,” McIntosh said. “Hopefully it turns out that they improve in the classroom as well.”

Prior to the event, the Herzog second and third graders wrote letters to McIntosh regarding their efforts to improve their health and fitness. According to Bell, it was a way to connect the students to McIntosh before his visit. On Tuesday, the Rams linebacker surprised the kids at school and referenced their letters when giving a speech on the importance of being healthy. He backed up his claims at the Emerson YMCA with the help of eight of his Rams teammates, including safety Matt Daniels, guard Brandon Washington, defensive end Mason Brodine, tight end Cory Harkey, linebacker Jabara Williams, wide receiver Nick Johnson, tackle Ty Nskhe and punter Johnny Hekker. Together, the group led the students through a series of stretches and other fitness activities. Afterward, the students were provided a healthy lunch from St. Louis Bread Co. consisting of a turkey sandwich, an apple and a cookie.

As evidenced by McIntosh’s efforts, the partnership between the Rams and Little Bit has already produced success. That is a theme the two organizations hope to continue moving forward.

“This is such a positive impact on the kids and Herzog, but also The Little Bit Foundation,” Hanley said. “I’ve already received calls from other principals asking if The Little Bit Foundation could bring a Rams player to their school, so it’s a huge help all the way around.”

Bell and her Herzog students also appreciate the efforts in their own way.

“This is an experience my kids will never forget – I’ll never forget it,” she said. “But just knowing that they met a National Football League Player, and to have him so involved with the kids, they’re going to have a great memory of this.”

To learn more about The Little Bit Foundation or volunteer opportunities, visit www.thelittlebitfoundation.org. And for more information about A GRAN Foundation, visit their website at agranfoundation.org.


(stlouisrams.com)

The St. Louis Rams Community Player of the Week presented by Ameren Missouri is linebacker Rocky McIntosh. Ameren Missouri also recognizes Kim K. as the Powering Change Customer of the Week.

After spending his first six NFL seasons with the Washington Redskins, McIntosh signed with the Rams during the offseason. At nearly 30 years old, he stepped into the role of “savvy veteran” on a Rams team that is one of the youngest in the league. As a result, McIntosh was charged with the task of helping the young “Simbas” to grow and develop into full-on lions over the course of the season.

But McIntosh was not brought in to be a babysitter. Through the team’s first five games, he has mixed it up with the youngin’s, contributing 17 tackles and an interception on defense, and adding three more tackles on special teams. All this while holding down a starting role.

McIntosh displays the same leadership qualities in the community as he does on the field. Since arriving in St. Louis, McIntosh has made an effort to involve himself in a variety of team and personal community projects. Earlier in the season, he took part in the Make-A-Wish Celebrity Server Dinner. During the evening, McIntosh and many of his Rams teammates helped raise over $225,000 for kids with serious or terminal illnesses. With help from McIntosh and the Rams, Make-A-Wish was able to raise enough money to grant the wishes of nearly 45 Wish Kids.

In addition, McIntosh joined three other Rams teammates in Fairmont City late in September to help celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. McIntosh and the rest of his Rams entourage arrived at the Fairmont City Library Center under cloudy and rainy conditions, but their presence brightened the day for the kids in attendance.

After leading a quick stretching session, McIntosh put his dancing shoes to good use during Latin Dance lessons given by a local troupe. Afterward, it was McIntosh’s turn to teach the kids a thing or two. He led one of the three fitness stations, throwing touchdown passes to kids after they jumped over mini hurdles and tackled a practice dummy. At the conclusion of the program, McIntosh signed autographs for the kids and posed for photos as well.

His connection to honoring Hispanic culture is nothing new. McIntosh takes part in the Rams player ticket donation program, and purchases 20 tickets to each Rams home game. The tickets are given to groups and organizations that benefit Hispanic youth. And to top it off, McIntosh is fluent in Spanish.

Outside of team programs, McIntosh has his own community efforts. In December of 2011, he, along with his wife and two kids, founded A GRAN Foundation. The organization seeks to “provide youth with the skills to embrace learning, lead healthy lives and mentor others in the community.”

Recently, A GRAN Foundation began its first program known as “Rocky’s Road.” The program pairs 26 kindergartners at Yorkshire Elementary School in Virginia with fifth grade mentors to set various goals related to mental and physical health. The students then log their activities in a computer database, and track their progress. Rocky’s Road is a comprehensive program that supports the students from kindergarten through fifth grade with the goal of proving that with the right tools, any student can accomplish his or her goals.

“The Rams are extremely lucky to have added Rocky to the roster this off-season,” said Molly Higgins, Rams vice president, corporate communications and civic affairs.  “We knew he was going to be a great contributor on the field and he has proven that he is equally as valuable to the St. Louis community. Rocky has jumped head first into being a true community player, he is constantly looking for more ways he be involved and generously offers his off-time to serve as a positive role model to area youth.”

About the Rams Community Player of the Week presented by Ameren Missouri
Each week during the 2012 season, the St. Louis Rams, along with team sponsor Ameren Missouri, will select a player who has made a positive impact on the Greater St. Louis community, giving of himself off the field. Each honored Rams Community Player of the Week will receive a gift certificate to Ruth’s Chris Steak House, the Official Steak House of the St. Louis Rams.

Tell us how you power positive change in the community for the chance to win Rams tickets and official merchandise, by going to www.Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.


(stlouisrams.com)

ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 30: Rocky McIntosh #50 of the St. Louis Rams returns an interception against the Seattle Seahawks at the Edward Jones Dome on September 30, 2012 in St. Louis, Missouri.

For a guy with 68 career starts and four 100-plus tackle seasons, veteran linebacker Rocky McIntosh arrived in St. Louis about as under the radar as you can get. McIntosh, who played his six previous seasons with the Washington Redskins, was signed by the Rams on June 14 — or the last day of the spring practice period before the team scattered for the next month and a half.

So these first practices of training camp mark his first practices as a Ram. (He did do some work with the team on a tryout basis in June.) McIntosh has some catching up to do, but eventually could figure into the mix for a starting job at outside linebacker — either on the weak side or the strong side.

"Right now, we're asking him to learn both the outside positions," coach Jeff Fisher said. "We want some depth, and we want to improve the competition at the outside linebacker spot. Rocky has some familiarity with the system in Washington.

"He's a talented player. He's athletic and he's got very good strength. He's a smart player, and we felt like he would have a chance to fit into this system. He also has been a very productive special teams guy. ... So it felt like a perfect fit for us."

Picking up the system shouldn't be a problem for McIntosh, who played for defensive coordinator Gregg Williams in Washington in 2006 and '07. Williams was hired as Rams defensive coordinator this offseason but is out for at least 2012 as he serves an indefinite suspension.

Williams may be in exile, but the Rams are still running his defense.

"The terminology's changed a little bit, but the scheme is the same," McIntosh said.

Like many players drafted in 2005 and '06, McIntosh was trapped in the uncapped year (2010), followed by the lockout. All of which made it tougher to test the market in free agency. He played on one-year deals for a couple of years, and when he finally reached the market this year, McIntosh was coming off a season in which he lost his starting job in midseason (to second-year pro Perry Riley, a draft choice of coach Mike Shanahan).

"There's a lot of stuff that happened CBA-wise," McIntosh said. "Being restricted, then tendered. Trying to hit the market when I was doing very well. But it is what it is. I can't complain. I just want to come out here, put my best foot forward and try to help this team."

McIntosh, who was drafted under Joe Gibbs and also played for Jim Zorn in Washington, averaged 109 tackles his first three years as a starter (2007 through '09), playing outside linebacker in a 4-3 scheme.

"When I was playing outside it was a little bit more fun, a little bit more reckless, aggressive," McIntosh said.

When Shanahan took over in 2010 and brought in Jim Haslett as defensive coordinator, the Redskins switched to a 3-4 and McIntosh moved inside playing alongside former Ram London Fletcher.

"Once we switched over to the other system, I was just like, 'Oh, man, I'm getting more tackles,' " McIntosh said.

McIntosh established a career high by far with 155 tackles in 2010, his first year playing inside in the 3-4. That topped his previous career best (119) by three dozen. But things didn't go so well in 2011, particularly after Riley took over eight games into the season.

McIntosh, whose given name is Roger, was given the nickname Rocky by his grandmother as a youngster.

"She said I was going to be hard-headed," he said. "I don't know if that's true or not, but that's what she said."

Perhaps that hard-headedness was on display the second half of last season, because some Redskins observers felt McIntosh didn't take his benching well. Things degenerated to the point where he missed the team curfew for the Redskins' regular-season finale and subsequently was placed on the pregame inactive list the next day by Shanahan.

So a change of scenery was needed by McIntosh, and what better place than St. Louis, since his initials are R.A.M. for Roger A. McIntosh.

"Hey, it's a fresh new start," McIntosh said. "New face. New team."

And new jersey number. Justin Cole already has McIntosh's old Redskins number (52) here in St. Louis, so McIntosh has switched to No. 59, which has a great pedigree in St. Louis since it belonged to Fletcher here more than a decade ago.

"He's the man," said McIntosh, who was Fletcher's teammate for five seasons in Washington. "I hope I can uphold the standards here. He won't tell you, but that's a superstar. It was a great pleasure to play besides that guy. He did wonderful things and still doesn't get the respect that he deserves."

As for McIntosh, he's trying to get his career back on track after the inauspicious ending in Washington. Not to mention a 3½-month wait in free agency before finding a job in St. Louis — on a one-year deal that pays him a base salary of $700,000.

He had visits with Minnesota and Miami before signing with the Rams, in what was a sluggish linebacker market. McIntosh said his career was "just at a standstill" for a while as the offseason progressed. During his period of unemployment, McIntosh ran drills in his backyard to stay in shape.

"Threw some cones out there and stuff like that," he said. "Had some of my teammates who were out of work come out there and practice with me."

Now his backyard is needed only for barbecuing. He's practicing with linebackers he has gotten to know through the business in James Laurinaitis, Jo-Lonn Dunbar and Mario Haggan. And is trying to settle in at Rams Park.

"It just feels comfortable," McIntosh said.


(stltoday.com)

In a perfect world, the St. Louis Rams would address all their needs through the draft.

The team might yet pull it off over the next couple offseasons, thanks to the bounty of picks the Rams collected from trading the second overall choice in 2012.

Needs outnumbered resources in the immediate term, however, leading the Rams to patch their linebacker problem with shorter-term solutions.

Rocky McIntosh recently joined Jo-Lonn Dunbar and Mario Haggan as veteran additions at the position. Haggan, 32, is the oldest player on the team, but as the chart shows, the Rams remain young overall at every position. They have the NFL's youngest roster on average.

The Rams need McIntosh, Dunbar and Haggan to outperform some of the veteran linebackers subtracted from the roster: Ben Leber, Brady Poppinga, Bryan Kehl and Chris Chamberlain.

That seems like a reasonable expectation.

McIntosh, 29, was in his fifth season as a starter for the Washington Redskins when the team decided Perry Riley, then 23, provided a more athletic alternative. The Redskins, with McIntosh and the now-37-year-old London Fletcher at inside linebacker in their 3-4 scheme, already had plenty of veteran moxie at the position. They needed speed. McIntosh probably fit better in the 4-3 defense Washington ran previously.

Scouts Inc. liked McIntosh more than the Redskins did, calling him an "active playmaker" with "great range inside out to the ball."

Dunbar, signed from New Orleans, figures to start at one outside linebacker spot. McIntosh is an early favorite to start at the other one. James Laurinaitis is entrenched in the middle.

The position remains a bit unsettled. The Rams do have a couple of younger options, but with no hitting allowed till training camp, it's tough to know how those players project. The Rams' veteran additions give them insurance, and probably more than that. I'd expect the team to start two veterans on the outside.

McIntosh played for would-be Rams defensive coordinator Gregg Williams in Washington. Williams is suspended indefinitely, but the Rams are installing what is essentially the same system Williams ran with the Redskins. That puts McIntosh at a significant advantage over younger players less familiar with the scheme and unproven in the NFL.

Rams' New Veteran LBs

Rams LB	Age	2011 Team	2011 Starts	2011 Pct. Snaps
Jo-Lonn Dunbar	27	Saints	14	68.7
Rocky McIntosh	29	Redskins	8	48.5
Mario Haggan	32	Broncos	1	16.2

(espn.com)

Weeks after the Rams and Redskins did a deal that sent the second overall draft pick to D.C., the Rams have added a former second-round draft pick who had spent his entire career in Washington.

Linebacker Rocky McIntosh, as expected, has signed with the Rams.  The team has announced the move.

McIntosh, who struggled with a move from outside linebacker in the 4-3 to inside linebacker in the 3-4 installed two years ago by Mike Shanahan, previously drew interest from the Vikings and the Dolphins.


(profootballtalk.com)

The Rams probably have the weakest-looking outside linebacker group in football. It only makes sense that they would sign the best-looking free-agent outside linebacker still on the market.

Rams coach Jeff Fisher would like to get free agent Rocky McIntosh under contract "relatively quickly" according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, after McIntosh participated in Rams minicamp on a tryout basis Wednesday.

(Signing him shouldn't be too hard. There's a reason he doesn't have a job now.)

A second-round pick with the Redskins in 2006, McIntosh started for most of his six years in Washington. He's had a number of knee injuries in his career, but he could have a chance to start in St. Louis where free-agent pickups like Jo-Lonn Dunbar and Mario Haggan are being counted on for big roles.

The Rams did a nice job upgrading the secondary this offseason. The defensive line is dangerous. The linebacker group will basically have to wait until next year.


(nfl.com)

Washington Redskins free agent linebacker Rocky McIntosh visited the New York Jets, according to a league source.

He previously worked out for the Minnesota Vikings and visited the Miami Dolphins.

McIntosh is a 6-foot-2, 242-pound former University of Miami played drafted in the second round by the Redskins six years ago.

McIntosh, 29, recorded 110 tackles two seasons ago and has eight career sacks.

Last season, McIntosh lost his starting job to Perry Riley late in the season. He registered 65 tackles and one sack.


(yardbarker.com)

The Vikings, who are trying their best to get better after a woeful 3-13 season, could be getting help from a defensive player who once was regarded as one of the most promising young linebackers in the game.

Per a league source, the Vikings worked out Rocky McIntosh on Tuesday.

McIntosh spent six seasons with the Redskins.  The shift from a 4-3 to the 3-4 defense resulted in a move inside.  In 2011, McIntosh lost his starting job after the first eight games of the season.

The Vikings currently have nine linebackers on the roster.


(profootballtalk.com)

The St. Louis Rams addressed several of the team's many needs in free agency and the draft. However, the 2014 team has a number of holes left to fill. One of the more glaring needs is at the outside linebacker position.

In addition to in-house options, which are few beyond Jo-Lonn Dunbar, a few names are still out there on the wire, waiting to land with an new team. Would any of those players make sense for the Rams?

The best of the available free agents is Washington Redskins weakside linebacker Rocky McIntosh. He plays adequately on the weakside in a 4-3, and was completely miscast in Washington's 3-4 defense. The Bears had some interest, but not enough to make an offer.

Broncos free agent Mario Haggan is another option as a strongside backer. He's 32. Bengals free agent strongside linebacker Brandon Johnson, 29, is another option, a very underwhelming one, but perhaps the third-best free agent out there right now.

In all likelihood, the Rams will not be making anymore additions in the near future, at least not until they have a better chance to assess their situation in minicamp and again, more thoroughly, in training camp.

The market is very thin on free agent options right now. A second wave of players will arrive as teams make further cuts in the offseason, as they assess needs and redundancies on their rosters.

Healthy corners who can help in run support will help the situation some, especially in today's NFL where the nickel and dime packages are just as, if not more, prevalent than a base formation. In fact, given that the Rams have to choose their priorities carefully as they rebuild, getting a deep and competent secondary is a better place to start.


(sbnation.com)

CHICAGO -- Veteran free-agent linebacker Rocky McIntosh visited the Chicago Bears this week, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation.

A former second-round draft choice out of the University of Miami, McIntosh played six seasons for the Washington Redskins and started 69 regular-season games at both inside and outside linebacker.

He recorded 80-plus tackles in four straight seasons and had a career-best 110 in 2010. During his six-year career, the 29-year-old linebacker has 471 tackles, eight forced fumbles, eight sacks and three interceptions.
McIntosh returned to the Redskins last season on a one-year deal, but eventually lost his starting spot to second-year linebacker Perry Riley.

The free agent also is known to have visited the Miami Dolphins.

The Bears also brought in several additional linebackers for visits Tuesday, including Bryan Kehl and Zac Diles, according to league sources.
Kehl, a four-year veteran out of BYU, spent the majority of the past two seasons with the St. Louis Rams, where he made two starts while also playing a key role on special teams. He broke into the league with the New York Giants in 2008 and remained in New York until early in the 2010 season. Kehl also made an official visit to the Dolphins last week.

Diles was a former starter for the Houston Texans, where he spent time at both strong side and weak side linebacker. He started 30 games from 2008 to 2010, and recorded a career-high 82 tackles during his final season in Houston.

Diles bounced around last year between the Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Indianapolis Colts. He was waived by the Colts in early February.

The Bears are in the market for experienced depth at linebacker behind veteran starters Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs and Nick Roach. Rounding out the depth chart at the position are two former undrafted rookie free agents, Dom DeCicco and Patrick Trahan; former St. Louis seventh-round selection Jabara Williams; the Bears' 2011 sixth-round pick, J.T. Thomas, plus newly signed special teams ace Blake Costanzo.

Thomas spent his entire rookie season on injured reserve and was arrested in the offseason on a misdemeanor drug possession charge.

Urlacher and Roach both have one year remaining on their current contracts. Briggs recently was rewarded with an extension and is under contract through 2014.


(espn.com)

Rocky McIntosh has spent the past six seasons wearing burgundy and gold. Drafted out of the University of Miami in 2006 and recording a career-high 110 tackles for the Redskins in 2010, the linebacker finished off the 2011 NFL season with 65 combined tackles, one sack and one pass breakup. While Rocky is currently a free agent, we don’t think is the last we will see of the McIntosh’s in the DMV.

In January, Rocky and his wife, Alessia, founded and launched a non-profit organization called A GRAN Foundation, focused on empowering youth and giving underserved children the guidance needed to achieve success. No matter where the 2012-2013 season takes them, the couple plans to continue developing the foundation in Maryland and Northern Virginia and will play an active role in the DC area community.

Rocky and Alessia first met during the third week of school at the University of Miami and got married on the beach just three days before the 2006 NFL Draft.

Now married for six years, WOW sat down with Alessia to talk about how she does it all with their two children, Gavin and Natalie (ages 4 and 3 respectively), learn more about the foundation and it’s message and get a sneak peak at what gameday is really like for the McIntosh family!
Tell us a little bit about Rocky’s Road and recent launch of the GRAN Foundation.

Rocky's Road is a multi year partnership with Prince William County Schools and specifically Yorkshire Elementary in Manassas, VA. Our students meet every Tuesday after school with High School mentors, and two teachers who lead the curriculum (Megan Link and Mallori Kiryluk).

They learn about eating well, being active, and also spend time doing academic enrichment activities. They also take a monthly field trip that is related to the curriculum. My favorite part of the program is seeing the students so excited about learning and their active engagement in all of the activities We definitely feel that if you are able to reach students at a young age that the chances for establishing a better foundation are much greater. We hope that at the end of the 5-year program, our students will be achieving academically at high levels, leading healthy and active lifestyles and be excited about both learning and their futures.

Do you and Rocky plan on implementing the program at other local elementary schools?
We would love to be able to do more programs in other schools, but at this time we are busy working to ensure the sustainability at Yorkshire Elementary for years to come. Hopefully with increased awareness and great results, we will have the opportunity to expand the program into other schools.

The GRAN Foundation name comes from the four names in your family - Gavin, Rocky, Alessia and Natalie - and it's clear family is an important theme. Why did you start the GRAN Foundation?
We have been involved in charitable giving and community work since arriving to the area six years ago. We have long felt that it is our duty to serve others and try to affect change where possible. The creation of A GRAN Foundation allows us to focus more intensely on certain groups, which we hope results in better outcomes for our youth.

Family is of tremendous importance to us. We are excited for our children to grow up understanding how important service to others is, and that it is one of our family's lifelong goals. We feel blessed to have been put in a position to be able to work together as a family in supporting our communities and giving back. This is just the beginning of what we hope will be years of helping support youth and their families with sustainable programs.

You and Rocky recently held a dinner at The Palm in D.C. for A GRAN Foundation. What are some of your other favorite places to dine in DC?
Two of our favorite DC area restaurants are Zatinya in DC and Woo Lae Oak, in VA. Rocky loves the ribs at Woo Lae Oak!

What's your favorite part about gameday?
My favorite thing about gameday and has been since college, is just the possibility that each week holds for something amazing to happen. Even when we aren't winning every game, the excitement in the atmosphere - that today may be the day for a big win - is intoxicating

Now that the kids are getting older, they love attending games and seeing their dad on the field. We try and attend every home game!


(wowredskins.com)

Redskins free agent linebacker Rocky McIntosh visited the Dolphins on Sunday night, agent Drew Rosenhaus said on his weekly segment on WSVN-Fox 7.

McIntosh, 29, has played all six of his NFL seasons with the Redskins, logging time at both inside and outside linebacker. At 6-2 and 242 pounds, he isn't much of a pass-rusher, with just eight career sacks.

A second-round pick out of the University of Miami in 2006, McIntosh had a career-high 110 tackles in 2010.

He started 59 of the 61 games that he appeared in from 2007 through 2010. But he lost his starting job to Perry Riley in Week 10 last season and finished the year with 65 tackles and one sack.

The Dolphins brought in free agent linebacker Philip Wheeler last weekend, but he signed with Oakland Friday night. If McIntosh signs, he likely would compete with Koa Misi for a starting job.


(miamiherald.com)

The Raiders need to replace linebacker Kamerion Wimbley and they may have to wait a little bit longer for the market price on second-tier guys (that fit their budget) to be set.

Linebacker Stephen Tulloch (along with Peyton Manning and DT Brodrick Bunkley the only three left from my overall top 20 free agents) looks like he might re-sign with the Lions. Curtis Lofton and Wimbley would then be the biggest names available, but there are plenty of other cheaper linebackers who could step in and start.

Free agent Jo-Lonn Dunbar played strong-side and middle linebacker for the Saints, just turned 27 and the Raiders could use what some scouts say is his nose for the ball. The 6-foot, 226-pound Dunbar had a career-high 79 tackles last year and told the New Orleans Times-Picayune that he has a few teams interested and may take his first visit this week.

Rocky McIntosh is another interesting name at OLB. A bad fit in the Redskins’ 3-4, the 6-2, 242-pound McIntosh, 29, is a good athlete and open-field tackler. I have no idea if he is on the Raiders radar but he should be. Scouts Inc. says “McIntosh reads and reacts well to route progressions as a zone coverage defender” and that skill has been lacking in Oakland.


(sfgate.com)

On January 10, Redskins linebacker Rocky McIntosh launched his own nonprofit organization, called A GRAN Foundation, targeted at empowering youth to success by giving them the necessary guidance.

For the last month, the foundation has been working once a week with underserved kids at Yorkshire Elementary in Manassas, Va.  That’s where the sweet workbooks come in, explained Rocky’s wife, Alessia.

“They spend half of their time doing physical activity and enrichment, and half the time doing academic, curriculum-based activities,” she said.  ”We’ve created these weekly workbooks to take home and work on.  When they meet with the teachers, they do a lesson that’s related to the week’s theme.”

The story behind the “GRAN”  foundation name, is actually the four names in the McIntosh family: Gavin (son), Rocky, Alessia and Natalie (daughter).  Not only is it a tribute to Rocky’s family, but it’s also a reminder that the youth need their families in order to succeed.

“We just meet once a month with the parents and try to get them engaged with the activities and promote healthy lifestyles,” Alessia explained.  ”Obviously, the kids aren’t the ones buying the groceries or picking the foods for the house, so we educate the parents a little bit about what a healthy lifestyle encompasses.”

Rocky explained that he’s been looking for a charity to support since he came to Washington six years ago.  He thanked his wife for supporting this venture, which the family is paying for out of pocket.

“The biggest thing is we provide them with shoes and coats for the winter, as well as the food, because we do feed them,” he said with a smile.  ”I can’t work with the whole school right now, and I know there are other parents interested.”

So McIntosh is hosting an event on Sunday, Feb. 19th at The Palms in DC, in order to raise money and expand his program.  The menu for the evening is Surf-n-Turf and the wait staff includes beloved Redskins Sam Huff, Brandon Banks, Kory Lichtensteiger, Josh Wilson, Derrick Dockery, Evan Royster, Charles Mann, Antwaan Randle El, Clinton Portis and Fred Smoot.

Redskins linebacker Rocky McIntosh kicked off the offseason with a trip back to his roots, touring the United States military bases in Kuwait.
Brought up in an Army family (with his wife Alessia coming from an Air Force family), McIntosh has always been supportive of our nation’s military.

Several weeks ago, he was offered an opportunity to tour Kuwait with fellow NFL players James Laurinaitis (Rams LB), Sam Bradford (Rams QB), and Seneca Wallace (Browns QB), as well as two Chiefs cheerleaders.

McIntosh also got the opportunity to reunite and play football with an old Miami Hurricanes teammate, Willie Cooper.  Cooper and McIntosh were in the same year at Miami, and while Rocky went to the Redskins, Cooper declined an invitation to the Bears’ camp, choosing a career in the Army.

Rocky reached out to him once he knew he was going to Kuwait, and the two were able to meet up and get a picture with “The U”:



On this particular trip to visit deployed troops, he offered to take Redskins Nation with him, shooting footage and photos on his iPhone.  This is a glimpse of Kuwait with your tour guide and cameraman, Rocky McIntosh:

Taking off from Washington, it was a 14-hour direct flight to Kuwait.  During their week on the ground in Kuwait, the group was based out of Camp Arifjan, but visited eight other bases while they were on the ground.

This was Rocky’s abode while he was stationed at the base.  As he notes in his video commentary, it closely resembles a college dorm room–broken TV and all:



At each base that they visited, the players were greeted by base commanders and soldiers enjoying free time.  Sometimes the players were simply there to help the soldiers unwind.

Other times, they organized punt, pass and kick competitions to allow the players to display their physical prowess.  There were some humbling moments for everyone, but there were also some pretty impressive displays:



At each base, the group was given “challenge coins,” specific to each camp.  As it was explained to McIntosh and his fellow players, a challenge coin is a representation of squadron pride within the military, an illustration of someone “rising to the challenge.”  To be given one as a civilian is a high honor, and a token of the soldiers’ appreciation for their time and effort.



But after all of the fanfare and appreciation was taken care of, it was time to suit up, as the players joined the soldiers in games of flag football.

McIntosh mostly served as a coach and cameraman, but said he was impressed with the enthusiasm that the soldiers displayed on the gridiron.
Clearly, there are some quality American athletes deployed in the Middle East:



At one of the last bases they visited, the soldiers wanted to play against one another without player intervention.  The quarterback for the Red Team, known simply as “Slick,” put on a dazzling display running the Nebraska option offense.

McIntosh was particularly impressed with him, as he ran with the elusiveness of Brandon Banks, and bore a certain resemblance to linebacker London Fletcher in demeanor.  See for yourself:



Along with his details of the trip, McIntosh also gave a full review of the country of Kuwait.  Here’s a list of random facts, in no particular order:

There are posted speed limits on the desert roads, but no one really seems to obey them.  Convoys on the desert highways can be going speeds in excess of 120 miles per hour, which makes head-on collisions disastrous.  McIntosh noted that there were some “messed up wrecks” off to the side of the road.

He also noted that there were speed traps when you were coming back into town.

Many of the servicemen and women were from the U.S. midwest, and some of them were fans of the Rams, which led to McIntosh and Wallace feeling a little left out.  Fortunately for McIntosh, the Redskins Cheerleaders did a tour through Kuwait before Christmas.  As a result, the First Ladies of Football–and subsequently the Washington Redskins–were still favorites among the servicemen in those camps.

No alcohol is permitted in the country, which leads to wine and liquor stores with zero percent alcohol:

One of the top experiences of the trip was getting to watch the Super Bowl in the mess hall with the soldiers.  As McIntosh recalled, no commercials are ever played on the armed forces networks, so no Super Bowl commercials were played either.  But in an effort to make it a more enjoyable experience, Army soldiers had filmed their own funny (sometimes cheesy) commercials to be broadcast during the commercial breaks, and were a hit with those watching the game.

Despite all of the appreciation that was shown to McIntosh and his fellow players during their time in Kuwait, the real appreciation came from the players for what the soldiers allow them to do.

“I’ll do anything for the military,” McIntosh said, in reflection.  ”They’re the real heroes here.”


(blog.redkins.com)

Washington Redskins linebacker Rocky McIntosh did an interview with The Sports Junkies on 106.7 The Fan in DC on Wednesday. The Junkies wanted to know about Rocky's days as a high school recruit being courted by big-time colleges, with a special emphasis on any male/female interactions that may have been involved.

Rocky got into it a little bit, but apparently did so while on speakerphone ‒ and it doesn't sound like his wife approved of the subject matter. You can hear her get involved at around the 2:00 mark. Here's the clip:



According to Wikipedia, Rocky married his wife Alessia three days before the NFL draft after meeting her on his first day at The U. Wikipedia makes no mention of Alessia making Rocky sleep on the couch on Feb. 1, 2012.

Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said second year LB Perry Riley started for a second consecutive game Week 11 against the Cowboys. Riley 's ascension means less time for fifth-year LB Rocky McIntosh, who is a free agent after the season. 'Rocky in his first four games was playing well,' Haslett said. 'In the last couple he didn't. Rocky's good, but Perry is really active and he's fast.'

Click here to order Rocky McIntosh’s proCane Rookie Card.


(fantasysp.com)

Linebacker Rocky McIntosh leads the Redskins with 27 tackles; more importantly he’s not missing them like he did last season. He looks more decisive this season.

“He’s playing great this year,” Haslett said. “He’s comfortable with what we’re doing. He’s tackling well. He’s all over the field.”

(washingtonexaminer.com)

This past offseason, Rocky McIntosh was a free agent, coming off of a career year despite having to learn a new position on the fly as the Washington Redskins switched to the 3-4 defense.

And despite the uncertainty caused by the NFL’s labor dispute, the Miami product always maintained a desire to remain with the team that drafted him in the second round of the 2006 draft.

After the new CBA was reached and free agency began, McIntosh had to wait eight days before the Redskins signed him to a one-year deal, but once his signing was complete, he promptly nudged aside second-year pro Perry Riley (his main competitor) to retain his starting “Jack” inside linebacker spot.

Through three games, McIntosh leads the Redskins both in total tackles (22) and solo tackles (12) and also has a sack.

I’ve been here forever and since the first day I got here, I wanted to come here and do the best I can to win, so I’m glad I’m back for another year, go out there and just keep producing.

McIntosh spent the first four years of his career playing weakside linebacker, so moving to the inside last season required him to adjust his techniques and learn new responsibilities for the Redskins. McIntosh recorded a career-high 110 tackles, but didn’t always feel the most comfortable.

But now with a full season under his belt, McIntosh feels more at home at the inside linebacker position, and is able to play at a higher speed rather than being slowed down by having to think through things while on the field.

“It’s great. It’s the second year, and just like anything else, you get more repetitions under your belt and you feel looser and you can make more plays,” McIntosh said. “We’re doing the same things, but we’ve just tightened up things. We know the scheme more and disguise more, but still get to our responsibility. So it’s great, and I like it and it’s showing on the field.”

Although early in the season, McIntosh already is on pace to top last season’s career-best numbers, but he quickly points out that his only concern is helping the team win – not to ensure his stats look good.

“I’ve been here forever and since the first day I got here, I wanted to come here and do the best I can to win,” McIntosh said. “So I’m glad I’m back for another year, go out there and just keep producing.”

When asked what kind of goals he set for himself this season, revealed a rather short list.

“First of all beat the Giants, which I finally did,” he said with a laugh. “But just to go out there and win the division, man. All my goals are team goals, and all the individual goals will come later. Just team goals. I’ve been that way since Day 1.”


(washingtonpost.com)

Redskins inside linebacker Rocky McIntosh declined to discuss a Yahoo! Sports report that he and at least 71 other current and former University of Miami athletes violated NCAA rules by accepting improper benefits from booster Nevin Shapiro.

The report, published Tuesday, alleged that during his time as a student-athlete at Miami, McIntosh received $500 in bounty cash, drinks and entertainment at night clubs and on Shapiro’s yacht.

When asked about his involvement, McIntosh said: “I’m focused on Indy right now. We’ve got this game in two days. I’m in the NFL and I’ve got to be professional and worry about what we’ve got right now.”

McIntosh and the late Sean Taylor, a former Redskins safety, were the only two Washington players named in the report.

Receiver Santana Moss left the school before the period that Shapiro allegedly began giving the gifts to players.

Asked about the report, Moss said, “I don’t know nothing about that. Let’s talk about the team in this week. I wasn’t even there.”

Click here to order Rocky McIntosh’s proCane Rookie Card.


(washingtonpost.com)

Newly re-signed Redskins ILB Rocky McIntosh was immediately re-installed as a starter at his first practice of camp Thursday.
Perry Riley and H.B. Blades moved down a notch. Though McIntosh wasn't effective on the field last season, he did post a career-high 110 tackles as the inside 'backer next to London Fletcher. He's very much on the IDP radar, and the Skins will hope for improvement in his second year of Jim Haslett's scheme.

Click here to order Rocky McIntosh’s proCane Rookie Card.


(rotoworld.com)

Linebacker Rocky McIntosh re-signed with the Redskins late Wednesday night, a move that is a little surprising. McIntosh had wanted to return, but it appeared the Redskins would move on without him. McIntosh struggled in his first season playing in a 3-4 defense and was considered a better fit as a 4-3 weakside linebacker. However, the Redskins did not have a sound replacement so they brought back McIntosh on a one-year deal.

Second-year 'backer Perry Riley, who had been working with the first team, had his development hurt by the lockout this offseason, preventing him from needed attention from the coaches. Earlier Wednesday, defensive coordinator Jim Haslett said Riley is trying to learn "the hardest position on the field to learn.” That’s because Riley has to learn both inside positions; if the offense switches formations it also changes the responsibility of the inside ‘backers. He also has to learn the responsibilities of the position in their sub-packages. “He’s a very active kid who can run,” Haslett said. “He just needs time on the grass. The lockout set him back a little bit, not having a full offseason.”

Also, Lorenzo Alexander is learning to play inside, but that transition was hurt as well by the lockout. Horatio Blades also re-signed, but is strictly a backup and special teamer.

McIntosh started 61 games the past five seasons in Washington, the first four of which were spent as a weakside linebacker in a 4-3.

Click here to order Rocky McIntosh’s proCane Rookie Card.


(washingtonexaminer.com)

Another position battle is at inside linebacker where London Fletcher needs a new sidekick since it appears the Redskins are content to let Rocky McIntosh walk.


Click here to order Rocky McIntosh’s proCane Rookie Card.


(washingtonpost.com)

Free Agent Linebacker Rocky McIntosh joins the LaVar Arrington Show to talk about his thoughts on the end of the lock out and where he might play next season.

The Redskins made McIntosh their top overall pick (35th overall) in the 2006 draft. He’s amassed 407 tackles and 7 sacks during his time in Washington.

After failing to become a free-agent last season because of complications with the CBA, McIntosh gave the impression that he’s been waiting for his ‘pay-day’ eagerly during his interview. He did say though that money wasn’t the only thing that would sway his decision.

“I would like to win first and foremost,” said McIntosh, “Getting towards the second half of my career you want to set yourself up to be not only successful off the field but on the field.”

Click here to order Rocky McIntosh’s proCane Rookie Card.


(washington.cbslocal.com)

Phillip Buchanon – Used mostly as a third corner (he did make five starts), Buchanon proved to be a solid veteran, racking up 49 tackles, two interceptions and two forced fumbles. The Redskins would like to have him back, and Buchanon has them atop the list of places he would like to go. Last night, a close friend of Buchanon’s tweeted the cornerback’s wishlist for destinations, and Buchanon re-tweeted it. Washington ranked first, followed by Tampa Bay, Miami, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, New Orleans, Oakland and the Jets. But if the Redskins believe neither Kevin Barnes nor Buchanon are what they need in a starter, then they’ll let him walk, stick with Barnes as the third CB and bring in someone else.

Santana Moss – He’s the biggest name on this list, and was the Redskins’ leading wide receiver in each of the last six years. Although he is 32, Moss remains productive. Mike Shanahan has said he wants to re-sign Moss, and No. 89 himself is on record multiple times saying he wants to come back to Washington. It won’t be a surprise at all to see him back in a Redskins uniform.

Rocky McIntosh – He likes it here, and attended some of the player-led workouts this summer. But McIntosh probably is better suited to play outside linebacker in the 4-3 (as he did the first four seasons of his career) than he is inside linebacker in the 3-4 (where coaches moved him last season). It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Redskins let him move on. "This is my town, but I also want to win more than six or eight games a season," he said. "I want to go somewhere where I can fit in as a winner." McIntosh also said that versatility was one of his strengths and that he believes he could make even more strides in the Redskins' 3-4 defense if he stayed. Last season was a struggle for him at times. McIntosh appeared a bit uncomfortable as an inside linebacker in the odd front, having been a 4-3 weak-side linebacker previously and having his most success in that role.

Click here to order Phillip Buchanon’s, Rocky Mcintosh’s or Santana Moss’ proCane Rookie Card.


(washingtonpost.com)

The Washington Redskins have not decided if they will try to re-sign impending free-agent LB Rocky McIntosh once free agency begins. McIntosh did not fare well in the 2010 evaluations and did not seem to fit into the team's defense.


Click here to order Rocky McIntosh’s proCane Rookie Card.


(fantasysp.com)

“It’s a samurai!” the P.A. announcer said at Nats Park on Wednesday night, as a samurai emerged from the right field corner and began taking out giant racing presidents.

The surviving giant racing presidents kept going, headed toward a finish line held by Redskins linebacker Rocky McIntosh and world-famous gymnast Dominique Dawes.

Weird, no? And you know what? That still wasn’t as weird as what happened on the field. I mean, it’s late June and these Nats are .500 and in legitimate wild-card contention. Sort-of strangers are coming up to me and wanting to talk about Washington’s baseball team. You could populate the Presidents Race with three slices of talking watermelon, a grumpy kangaroo from Prague, an obstacle course made of broken yellow exploding laptops and coucous smoothies, plus Rex Grossman and John Beck, and I’d still be like, pshaw, that’s nothing, did you see what the team just did?

Plus, look to your right, at that little box with the top five most popular WaPo sports links. Odds are, at least two of them are about the Nats. The Nats. The Rapture is here, after all. I mean, Adam Kilgore has started going with Juggernats, and that works for me.

Anyhow, these images are from Cheryl Nichols and Let Teddy Win. They’re weird. Just not that weird.

(And yes, I realize it was U.S.-Japan Night or something like that. Still, a samurai taking out a giant racing Thomas Jefferson? That doesn’t happen on every U.S. Japan Night. And I’m pretty sure neither McIntosh nor Dawes is Japanese.)

Click here to order Rocky McIntosh’s proCane Rookie Card.


(dcsportsblog.com)

With the owners’ lockout into its second month, there’s no telling when the NFL players will be back at work and since only so many hours can be spent at the gym, guys are finding all sorts of ways to keep busy.

Steelers receiver Hines Ward took a winning turn on “Dancing With The Stars,” while others took up pet projects.

For Gaffney’s Rocky McIntosh, the work stoppage is a time to plan for life after football.

“Of course, you have to stay in shape and do your regular routine, but right now it’s time to explore what I’ll do after football,” said McIntosh, in town last week for the graduation of his cousin, Tanasia Lattimore.

McIntosh, a second round draft pick of the Washington Redskins in 2006, is going back to school, seeking a master’s degree from George Washington University in business.

The classes will start on June 20. McIntosh said he has an interest in commercial investments.

“It’s something I’ve been doing,” he said.

The time off also has given McIntosh more time to spend with his wife and two young kids.

The Redskins were the first team to organize players-only workouts. McIntosh said the Redskins have gathered four times for team workouts.
“We were really the first team to do it,” he said. “We had a lot of guys show up.”

But McIntosh admits he’s eager for the stoppage to be over and the real OTAs (Organized Team Activities) and mini camps to begin.

“I’ve enjoyed the time off,” he said. “But as it gets further the body is in the mode that it’s time to start playing.”

It’s still unclear what team McIntosh will be playing for in 2011. Last year, he signed a one-year tender offer with the Redskins and put up big numbers with 115 solo tackles and two sacks.

A year later, McIntosh and many other NFL players are stuck in an uncertain labor environment, not sure when he’ll be able to sign, and whether his free agency will be restricted or unrestricted.

McIntosh said he’d be happy to return to the Redskins - the only team he’s played for - and be a part of the rebuilding effort under coach Mike Shanahan. However, he’s open to moving to another team.

“It doesn’t matter to me,” he said. “I’ve moved around all my life.”

Click here to order Rocky McIntosh’s proCane Rookie Card.


(gaffneyledger.com)

Rocky McIntosh has been a starting linebacker for the Washington Redskins for most of the past five years. He may not have that role for much longer, as his contract has expired.

McIntosh was in the same situation a year ago, but the revised rules due to the expiring CBA made him a restricted free agent. He played the 2010 season on a one-year tender.

At this point, McIntosh doesn’t know what his status will be when the lockout ends. There has been talk that the NFL would impose the 2010 rules, which require six years for a player to be an unrestricted free agent. That would leave five-year players like McIntosh as restricted free agents once again.

A year ago, McIntosh seemed to be upset over both his contract status and his new position in the Redskins’ 3-4 defense. After playing outside linebacker his first four years in the league, he moved to an inside linebacker spot in the new scheme. Although he registered a career-high 73 tackles in the new scheme, he never quite seemed to embrace his new role.

Speaking to reporters before a charity golf event on Monday, McIntosh was asked about the defense last year, which ranked 31st in the NFL in yardage allowed. “It was definitely a building season,” he said. “It was a letdown from what we did the year before. We’ve just got to get everything to gel right and everything will take off.”

He said that his up-in-the-air status this year didn’t bother him. “I’ve over the ‘mad’ part. I was mad [last year],” McIntosh said. “But everything is cool and I’m at peace with everything and I’m going to take it one day at a time and see what happens.”

McIntosh said that he will continue to play in a 3-4 if the situation dictates that he does so. “It doesn’t matter to me, it doesn’t matter a bit,” he said. “It’s about me going out and playing ball and ultimately winning a game.

“I feel like I’m a guy who can help you win not matter what position or what scheme or wherever you want to put me. That’s just me, I play like that. If they want me to go out there and ball I’m up to it.”

The Redskins could be hard-pressed to replace McIntosh if he does end up leaving. The reserve inside linebackers are H. B. Blades, Perry Riley and Robert Henson. Blades, a four-year player who could also be a free agent depending on the rules that are imposed, has been a spot starter, but it seems unlikely that he could be effective for 16 games. Riley was drafted in the fourth round last year, and he played just a handful of defensive snaps. Henson was drafted in 2009 and after playing mostly special teams as a rookie, he spent last year on injured reserve.

A replacement could be found in free agency. Barrett Ruud of the Bucs and Kevin Burnett of the Chargers are likely to be the top inside linebackers available this year.

Like most other players, McIntosh has been working out on his own to stay in shape for when the doors to NFL facilities eventually do open. In addition to the usual cross training, he is doing some landscaping in his yard and taking Latin fusion dance classes. Learning the rumba, merengue and salsa dancing might give him a few new steps for sack dances.

He said he paid little attention to the draft, noting only that the Redskins drafted Leonard Hankerson from Miami, his alma mater. What used to be a sizable contingent of former players from “The U” on the Redskins roster could be diminished substantially. The status of McIntosh is uncertain, Clinton Portis was released in March and Santana Moss is an unrestricted free agent.

“As they ship [former Hurricanes] out, we ship them back in,” McIntosh said.

As we wait to see what emerges out of the NFL’s labor dispute, McIntosh is waiting to find out if he is one of those ‘Canes who is on the way out of Washington.

(csnwashington.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!

LB Rocky McIntosh -- McIntosh quietly had a pretty strong year against the run, recording a career-high 110 tackles. He had two sacks and three pass deflections. McIntosh struggled in pass coverage at times. He was good at tracking his man but had trouble judging the ball when it was in the air and would get turned around the wrong way and the tight end or running back he was covering would make the catch. Whether or not McIntosh, who is a free agent this year, remains in the Redskins’ plans is debatable.

Click here to order Rocky McIntosh’s proCane Rookie Card.



(tbd.com)

The UM Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2011 was introduced at the Miami-Maryland game on Saturday...L to R  HOF president Tod Roy, diver Daphne Jongejans-Bousquet, football's Dan Morgan, diver Tyce Routson and current Washington Redskins player Santana Moss....unable to attend were baseball's Bobby Hill, former women's tennis coach Ian Duvenhage, NCAA track champion Yolanda McCray and current Indianapolis Colts star Reggie Wayne ! The 43rd annual UM Sports Hall of Fame Induction Banquet will take place in the Spring.  Go to  UMSportsHallofFame.com  for details. (photo courtesy UM Sports Hall of Fame)