Linebacker Tavares Gooden has spent five years in the NFL with the Ravens and 49ers and it seemed Friday afternoon that the free agent wasn’t interested in playing a sixth season.

Gooden visited with the Cardinals and Steelers in recent days, but went on Twitter Friday to announce that he thinks “it’s time for me to retire and move on to the next chapter in life.” Gooden went on to retweet those wishing him the best in luck in retirement, but his agent was quick to try to pump the brakes on his client’s announcement.

Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group reports that agent Sean Kiernan told him that Gooden’s tweet was not an official retirement and that Gooden still has another visit with a team lined up for next week. Kiernan also told Inman that the 49ers haven’t shown any interest in bringing Gooden back for another year, so that door appears to be closed.

If Gooden does wind up continuing his career, it will likely be in the special teams role that he filled for the Niners the last two years. Gooden had 13 tackles on special teams last year and played sparingly on defense.


(profootballtalk.com)

Free agent linebacker Tavares Gooden will visit with the Steelers as their march of meetings continues into April.

The team signed reserve LB Stevenson Sylvester Wednesday, and have hosted multiple draft prospects, seven of whom so far are linebackers.

Gooden, a sixth-year veteran, was originally drafted by the Ravens and played in Baltimore from 2008-10, before moving to the 49ers for the past two years. The likelihood of Gooden signing after the announcement of Sylvester's new contract is low, but it may be someone they keep in mind in the future.

While these moves don't necessarily suggest any kind of priority in free agency or the draft, it's clear they're currently looking hard at the position. Incumbents Lawrence Timmons and Larry Foote are the likely starters for the team, but depth is shallow behind them. Second-year LB Sean Spence is coming off a major knee injury from the preseason in 2012, and it's still unclear how far along he is in rehabilitation.

It's possible, too, the Steelers do look into the draft. Kansas State's Arthur Brown and Georgia's Alec Ogletree are possible inside linebacker prospects the team may look at in the first round, where both players are expected to be drafted.


(behindthesteelcurtain.com)

Tavares Gooden is paying respect where it’s due. But that doesn’t mean he’s going to take it easy on the Ravens.

When he steps on the turf at the Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 3, the 49ers special teams ace will be trying to take down the very franchise that helped make him who he is today. From 2008-10, Gooden was a backup to Ray Lewis, developing the skillset that makes him one of the most entertaining players on the 49ers today.

“It’s great. Just an opportunity to play in the Super Bowl and compete against my old team is going to be fun,” Gooden said. “This is one of those things that kids dream about. Especially coming from one spot and not knowing where you’re going to be at and going to the other side of the country. Now being able to face the Baltimore Ravens in the Super Bowl is a blessing. I can’t wait to get out there and compete with them.”

When San Francisco clinched its second straight playoff berth under Jim Harbaugh this year, it wasn’t anything new to Gooden. In his five-year career, the energetic linebacker has never missed the playoffs.

That’s because he was a part of three Baltimore teams that have made the playoffs in each of the five seasons since John Harbaugh was named head coach before the 2008 season. While a lot has changed since Gooden made the change of scenery from East Coast to West Coast right before the 2011 season started, he isn’t forgetting his professional roots.

“They’re a reason why I’m still in the NFL,” Gooden said. “John Harbaugh and (special teams coordinator) Jerry Rosburg took me in and showed me how important special teams is to the game, especially as far as being on a team and being part of a team. I took that in and it’s helped me out my whole career. I’ve been gracious to play on a lot of teams just because I’m able to play a lot of special teams and I’m thankful for that. If not for them, I probably wouldn’t have this opportunity.”

As the Harbaugh brothers take center stage in the media spotlight, Gooden holds the distinction of being the only player on either active roster to have played for Jim and John as head coaches in the NFL.

There may be nearly 2,300 miles separating San Francisco and New Orleans, but Gooden and the Tony Montana Squad will be trying to show the world some of their Bay Area swagger. Whenever the kickoff team takes the field for the 49ers, the high-energy group makes sure to pump up the crowd and put on a show before streaking down the field to make the tackle.

In the middle of the madness will be Gooden, who still carries valuable lessons from his days with John Harbaugh as a young NFL player.

“Just an attitude – letting your personality shine, building a bully, everything,” Gooden said. “I learned how to play in the National Football League. How to be physical, and at the same time, not be a dirty player.”

For more than a decade, Baltimore has built an identity as one of the league’s most bruising outfits. Since Jim Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio took over, the 49ers have also become one of the hardest-hitting groups in the NFL.

“I know it’s going to be a physical game,” Gooden said. “I know what they try to build their reputation on; they’re trying to bang, bang, nail people. … This is going to be a game that you can talk about afterwards for a long time."

Not only will Gooden be facing his former franchise, but he’ll also be playing alongside and against fellow alumni from the University of Miami. The proud football tradition of the school will be boasted on both sides, as Gooden and Frank Gore will square off against Lewis, Ed Reed and Bryant McKinnie.

“It’s great. It really shows what we have,” Gooden said. “I’m proud of all the ‘Canes that are in this game.”


(49ers.com)

In all, as many as 212 players will participate in the AFC and NFC championship games on Sunday – four teams, 53 players per team. When including players not on the active rosters of the four teams playing for a shot at the Super Bowl, however, the total jumps to more than 250.

The schools represented on the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens range from college football's elite (Alabama, Ohio State, Texas and Florida) to those situated far outside the national picture (Hillsdale, Bellhaven, Lane and Indiana).

Here are the eight schools most represented by the four teams playing Sunday for a trip to the Super Bowl:

1. Miami (Fla.): 12. P Matt Bosher, OL Harland Gunn, DL Micanor Regis (Atlanta); LB Tavares Gooden, RB Frank Gore (San Francisco); DL Vince Wilfork, DL Marcus Forston (New England); LB Ray Lewis, OL Bryant McKinnie, RB Damien Berry, WR Tommy Streeter, S Ed Reed (Baltimore).

2. (tie) Oregon: 7. WR Drew Davis (Atlanta); RB LaMichael James, FB Will Tukuafu (San Francisco); TE Ed Dickson, DL Haloti Ngata, QB Dennis Dixon (Baltimore).

2. (tie) Florida: 7. LB Mike Peterson (Atlanta); DL Ray McDonald (San Francisco); DL Jermaine Cunningham, RB Jeff Demps, TE Aaron Hernandez, LB Brandon Spikes (New England); WR Deonte Thompson (Baltimore).

4. (tie) Alabama: 6. OL Mike Johnson, WR Julio Jones (Atlanta); DL Brandon Deaderick, LB Dont'a Hightower (New England); DL Terrence Cody, LB Courtney Upshaw (Baltimore).

4. (tie) Iowa: 6. DL Jonathan Babineaux (Atlanta); LB Jeff Tarpinian, TE Brad Herman, OL Markus Zusevics (New England); S Sean Considine, OL Marshal Yanda (Baltimore).

4. (tie) Texas: 6. OL Justin Blalock (Atlanta); CB Tarell Brown, OL Leonard Davis (San Francisco); OL Kyle Hix (New England); CB Chykie Brown, K Justin Tucker (Baltimore).

4. (tie) South Carolina: 6. DL John Abraham, DL Cliff Matthews, DL Travian Robertson, CB Dunta Robinson (Atlanta); S Emanuel Cook, CB Chris Culliver (Baltimore).

4. (tie) Ohio State: 6. OL Alex Boone, WR Ted Ginn Jr., LB Larry Grant, S Donte Whitner (San Francisco); TE Jake Ballard, S Nate Ebner (New England).
Another eight schools have five players on the rosters: Arizona State, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, UCF, Rutgers, Syracuse and Illinois.

Teams with four players: Oklahoma State, Marshall, Michigan, Fresno State, Utah, Mississippi, Mississippi State, Missouri, Louisville, LSU and Georgia Tech.

Three players: Auburn, Wisconsin, Maryland, California, Wake Forest, Florida State, Penn State, Kansas, Purdue, Northwestern, Texas Tech and Arkansas.

Two players: Baylor, Michigan State, Stanford, Boston College, Clemson, Connecticut, ECU, Oregon State, Richmond, San Jose State, Kentucky, Montana, North Carolina, Northern Illinois, TCU, UCLA, Notre Dame, Central Michigan, Delaware, Iowa State, Colorado, Tennessee State, Nebraska, Buffalo, Arizona and Washburn.

Luck of the draw plays a role, of course, but it's a bit surprising to see that schools like Virginia Tech, USC, Oklahoma and Texas A&M only have one player each on the four rosters. Not surprising? That one player represents schools like Prairie View A&M, Lane, Harvard, Weber State, Chadron State (Danny Woodhead), Hillsdale and Hofstra (which no longer has a football program).


(usatoday.com)

Tavares Gooden #56 and Eric Bakhtiari #96 of the San Francisco 49ers and celebrate a blocked punt in front of Eric Smith #33 of the New York Jets during a game at MetLife Stadium on September 30, 2012 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Tavares Gooden is the ideal special teams contributor. In fact, he’s really a standout player when he gets on the field for special teams plays.

Since joining the San Francisco 49ers one season ago, the backup linebacker has excelled as a core member of Brad Seely’s special teams units, working on both coverage and return units.

Gooden brings a certain pride and appreciation to his profession. It also allows him to make show-stopping plays all over the field.

“There are only so many people that can play in the NFL,” Gooden said as the 49ers prepare to play the Detroit Lions Sunday night. “There are less than 2,000 guys in this league, and only 11 of those guys can play on the field at one time for each team. Knowing that I have a spot on this team as a key person brings on responsibility... I really take pride in that, everybody takes pride in it, and I think that’s what develops us into a good team.”

In 2011, Gooden was part of a group that finished first in the NFL with a kickoff return average of 27.4 yards and also led the league with the highest 20-plus yard kickoff return average in 2011. More than 84 percent of the team’s returns went back past the 20-yard line.

Gooden doesn’t just bring stellar play to the 49ers special teams, he’s also an emotional leader.

The fiery linebacker is known within the team’s locker room for playing with a youthful exuberance often exhibited by his big hits and the energetic celebrations, which often follow.

“Any time I make a play I’m going to get up and celebrate,” Gooden said. “That’s how I have always played. At every level of the game my coaches have told me to let my personality shine. Football is a boy’s game that I have been playing since I was 10-years old.

“I only know one way to play, and that’s to be excited about the game.”

Gooden’s enthusiasm will be on full display when San Francisco’s 2012 home schedule kicks off against the Lions.

The 6-foot-1, 242-pounder’s game-changing ability was evident last season when the two teams met in Detroit.

Gooden delivered a bone-crushing block on a Lions coverage player near the San Francisco 40-yard line during a punt return late in the fourth quarter. That hit helped spring Ted Ginn Jr. for a 40-yard return, which set up the 49ers on Detroit’s 35-yard line with just under six minutes remaining.

The 49ers offense capitalized on the great field position during the ensuing possession as Alex Smith engineered the game-winning drive capped by a Delanie Walker touchdown catch.

Plays that often go unsung on special teams, like his vital block in the 2011 Detroit game, have become Gooden’s bread-and-butter as an NFL veteran.

“I’m starting to learn it’s not all about who makes the tackle in special teams,” said Gooden of how he’s grown under the tutelage of Seely, the team's assistant head coach/special teams coordinator. “When you look at how good a special teams player is it shouldn’t just be based on tackles. It’s is this guy letting people get to the ball, letting people make tackles or is he playing like a monster? What determines a great core special teams player is how he does on all four phases, not just one phase.”

Gooden has developed into a great specialist largely because the path to a starting linebacker spot has been pretty much blocked at his two NFL stops.

Drafted in the third round by the Baltimore Ravens out of Miami in 2008, Gooden has spent almost his entire career playing behind All-Pro linebackers like Patrick Willis, NaVorro Bowman and before those two, Ray Lewis in Baltimore.

Instead of dwelling on a lack of playing time at linebacker, Gooden has embraced his role on coverage and return teams becoming a leader of the core special teamers in the process.

“I don’t get on the field for many plays on defense,” said Gooden about his approach to playing almost exclusively on special teams. “When I get to make a play it’s very special to me. I don’t get too many of them, but when the opportunity to make one comes it means that much more because I don’t know when the next one’s going to come. I don’t take it for granted.”

Fellow specialists like Anthony Dixon, C.J. Spillman and Larry Grant all look to Gooden as a source of inspiration when they take the field.

“Tavares is like an older mentor to me,” Dixon said. “We all see the extra work he puts into the classroom. He’s always taking notes and asking questions.

“Tavares’ experience is one of the best things you get from him, but you also get a whole lot of energy. He is one of the guys that keeps the energy going, and at the same time keeps the chemistry. He’s a guy everybody gets along with, a great teammate. He’s all out every day.”

Gooden has developed a special relationship with the rest of the team’s special teams regulars. He believes the core group’s friendships will translate to the team developing into an even more effective unit on the field.

Gooden’s on-field swagger has become somewhat renowned around the 49ers locker room. Fullback Bruce Miller feels Gooden’s on-field celebrations are "the best anybody on the team can offer.”

That exuberance has rubbed off on his teammates in a positive way as the 49ers special teams were among the NFL-leaders in multiple statistical categories last season.

The team’s kickoff coverage unit -- nicknamed “the Tony Montana Squad” for their pre-kick dances set to Future’s song about the character from Scarface, which plays over the Candlestick Park sound system before each kickoff -- ranked third in the NFL with an opponents’ average starting field position at their own 20.6-yard line.

The Tony Montana squad sums up what Gooden and the rest of the special teams are about. They don’t just make plays, they do it as a team and with style.

“When Tony Montana plays or somebody makes a big play on special teams, it’s a crowd momentum builder,” Gooden said while looking forward to the home opener. “Still, at the end of the day if we don’t go out there and execute it means nothing.

“We are going to be pumped up, but at the end of the day you have to do your responsibility. There is no one marquee guy. If everybody does their responsibility, what they’re supposed to do, everybody is going to eat.”

Heading into Week 2, Gooden is looking for the San Francisco special teams to get better at taking care of their responsibilities.

A fourth-quarter 75-yard punt return for a touchdown by Green Bay’s Randall Cobb was one of the only blemishes in an otherwise-impressive season-opening win last Sunday.

Gooden was critical of the team’s coverage on Cobb’s touchdown run, but he’s eager to show the team has made the necessary corrections against Detroit.

“The biggest thing right now is continuing to have phenomenal effort,” Gooden said. “It’s how much you improve from Week 1 to Week 2, which determines how your team’s going to be.”

Gooden himself has steadily improved throughout his career to the point where he is a consistent playmaker on special teams, playing a vital role for a 1-0 team that has its eyes set on a Super Bowl run.


(49ers.com)

The San Francisco 49ers recently wrapped up veteran minicamp and are now taking time off to get ready and recharged for training camp. According to many, the team’s offseason program was a rewarding experience which enabled the players to gain understanding of the playbook while getting prepared for the upcoming season. Find out how the offseason workouts went for linebacker and special teams ace Tavares Gooden, who enters his second season with the 49ers.

Q: What was the best aspect of having an entire offseason with Jim Harbaugh and his staff?
A: It’s been cool to have this opportunity to show the coaches what I really have. Now I just feel like having a whole summer with the team and getting to know the players and getting familiar with the playbook and the terminology will help me. The thing that I really like about it is that I’m here and I’m able to be with the team and the coaches every day. I didn’t have that opportunity last offseason because I came here in Week 1 of the season and I had to learn on the fly.

Q: What was your favorite drill of the offseason program and how did it improve your game?
A: The linebacker drills here are a little different than what I’ve done before in my career. The difference here is that we move a lot faster in our drills. Out here, I call linebackers coach Jim Leavitt “Drill Faster with the Drill Master” Jim Leavitt. That’s what I call him: Drill Master. He drills us up. You’ve got to get warmed up before practice and then get ready to go. I didn’t do the gauntlet drill but ask Randy Moss about my hands. I caught a one-handed pass from Alex Smith the other day. I got decent hands; I got nice hands.

Q: How prepared do you feel like the defense will be heading into the season?
A: We did some unimaginable things last season with very short time with a team that was just put together. This season we actually have time to learn what’s going on. That added with the talent has added depth to our team because guys are getting to understand positions better and it’s expanding our team. It’s just knowledge. I’m approaching it right now like I’m a rookie because that’s what I feel like, so I’m taking everything serious like I’m a rookie. I’m starting back over and I’m trying to reset my mind. That’s what I’ve been doing throughout these OTAs and minicamp. I’m asking questions like I’ve never even played the game before and that’s what makes guys better is when they ask questions and start to realize how to become a student of the game. If I make a mistake in practice I want to learn what I did wrong. I’m constantly thinking about those things before the play so I don’t repeat those mistakes and can improve my game.

Q: Is there a particular teammate that you really clicked with this offseason?
A: It would have been C.J. Spillman but he doesn’t really hang out with me. It would have been Tramaine Brock but he’s a Heat fan. So it’s Larry Grant.

Q: What do you like to do in the Bay Area when you’re not playing football? A: Video games. I hang out with my son and future wife at the house out here. After football it’s family and that’s it. Nothing else. Got three dogs I got to walk back home so after this I head back there and take care of my responsibilities.


(49ers.com)

The Ravens are the only team to have made the playoffs in each of the past four seasons. That’s a credit to G.M. Ozzie Newsome, who has given coach John Harbaugh enough talent to mold this team into a contender.

As we close in on the 2012 NFL draft, we’ll take a look at how the Ravens have fared in recent drafts. It’s too soon to give a fair evaluation from the 2010 and 2011 classes, but three years of NFL service time is enough for us to grade their 2007, 2008 and 2009 classes. In today’s blog post, we will break down the 2008 class.

Total picks: 10 (No. 18 overall, 55, 71, 86, 99, 106, 133, 206, 215, 240).

2011 starters: quarterback Joe Flacco, running back Ray Rice

Players still with the team: two (Flacco and Rice).

Best pick: Rice. It was mildly surprising when the Ravens used a second-rounder on Rice since they had a highly paid starter in Willis McGahee, but Rice, a two-time Pro Bowler, eclipsed McGahee in his second year.

Biggest miss: Tavares Gooden. With the first of their three third-round picks, the Ravens took this speedy inside linebacker out of Miami -- and he was immediately mentioned as the eventual successor to Ray Lewis. Needless to say, Gooden didn’t live up to those unfair comparisons and was cut before the 2011 season.


(baltimoresun.com)

Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman officially have a backup under contract.

A few minutes into the start of free agency this afternoon, the 49ers announced the signing of linebacker and special-team standout Tavares Gooden, 27, to a one-year contract. Gooden, Willis and Bowman are the team’s only inside linebackers. Restricted free agent Larry Grant is expected to sign elsewhere after performing well in place of Willis during a three-start stretch in 2011.

Gooden, who played just 13 defensive snaps last year, made his mark on special teams where he ranked third with 12 tackles. Blake Costanzo, another special-teams star, is a free agent.

“Tavares was an integral part of our success on special teams last year,” general manager Trent Baalke said. “He brought an energy to our locker room that was evident on the field as well. We are pleased to have him back with us for another season, and look forward to his continued growth as a player.”

A third-round pick of the Ravens in 2008, Gooden has played extensively at linebacker during his career, starting 12 games in Baltimore in 2008. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio was Gooden’s position coach with the Ravens from 2008-09.

Gooden said he wanted to return to the 49ers, particularly in light of their 20-17 overtime loss to the Giants in the NFC Championship Game.
“I wanted to be here, having a salty taste in my mouth after last season,” he said. “I just felt like there was unfinished business.”


(sfgate.com)

Tavares Gooden: The 49ers want Gooden back and have made him an offer, but the linebacker seems to want to test the market.




(sacbee.com)

If LB Tavares Gooden can find a team to give him a chance to play on defense, he might take it, but that won’t necessarily happen. Gooden made his share of plays on special teams (12 tackles) and would be a good piece for the team to retain. Verdict: Stay.




(cbssports.com)

Tavares Gooden -- The four-year veteran was one of the 49ers' core special-teams players. He had just one tackle on defense for the season, but he came up with 12 tackles on special teams. He is scheduled for unrestricted free agency. He could return in the same role next season.

Tavares Gooden always wears a tinted visor on his helmet whenever he's on the field. And he always wears one of the ten pair of dark glasses he owns whenever he's off the field. But the linebacker isn't looking to make a fashion statement. He's trying to avoid the worst pain he's ever experienced.

"It hurts really bad. It feels like a headache, a super headache, basically one you don’t want to feel," Gooden explained. "It’s basically like your brain is splitting in half, that’s what it feels like, and for people who haven’t felt it, I wouldn’t wish it on anybody. It’s just an ongoing pain."

Gooden suffers from migraines. The debilitating headaches are a direct result of the four concussions he's suffered throughout his football career. They can hit any where at any time, so Gooden sports his sunglasses year round. But the four year veteran can be considered more fortunate than some migraine sufferers. He knows what triggers his -- light.

"It’s not me directly looking into the sun," Gooden said. "But say if I’m looking certain places, the light can catch me in certain spots in my eyes, and it can give me severe head trauma. So we limit that with the polarized, certain medication and the shield so that I won’t get those migraines any more."

The NFL is aware of Gooden's condition, and the 49ers medical staff and trainers work with him to help prevent a migraine's onset as much as possible. His last one came earlier this season during the Cincinnati game.

"It was real bright that day, real sunny," Gooden said. "And I caught a migraine in the locker room."

Gooden was able to control that episode with medication. More importantly, Gooden says he hasn't had a concussion since 2008. To help avoid that, he has changed his approach to practices.

"[I] Keep my head out of the play. Never run into anybody full speed except for the game. That’s the only time," Gooden said. "I try to limit my contacts because I know in a game, they used to call me ‘wild child’ so I’m going to run wild and I’m going to try to put my facemask in there, but what I’ve learned is to use my hands more, technique."

Gooden may no longer be a "wild child" but he is still a "riled child." He plays without fear of what could happen should his head take another big hit.

"I just go out there and go as hard as I can and if something happens then I’ll take a break," Gooden said. "But until something happens I just continue to grind it out. Continue to do what I do since I was ten years old. I think that’s what it is. It’s the passion of the game that keeps me going."



(csnbayarea.com)

The San Francisco Giants have been white hot lately as winners of four in a row, and turned to Jonathan Sanchez this evening to extend it to five. And after a laborious fight by the Sanchize, an Aubrey Huff Homer, and a big night from Miguel Tejada, the Giants took out the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second night in a row by a score of 4-3 at AT&T Park.

Sanchez (W 3-2) seemed to have some issues with the control of his fastball, but managed to claw his way for 6 innings allowing 3 runs on 6 hits with 2 walks and 7 punch outs. Skipper Bruce Bochy pulled out all the stops when it came to the bullpen, using Ramon Ramirez, Javier Lopez, and Sergio Romo in 2 innings of combined perfect work. Brian Wilson continued his terrific homestand by recording his twelfth save of the season despite giving up a leadoff double in the ninth.

Aside from Huff’s homer in the fifth, his fourth or the year, the Giants got some great hitting from the slumping Miguel Tejada. Miggy was 3-4 including a double and an RBI, boosting his average up to .213 for the year now. Andres Torres had himself a great night as well, going 2-3 with an RBI ground rule double in the sixth. All of the starting positional players for the G-Men got a hit except for Aaron Rowand and Mike Fontenot, but Rowand still scored a run on a wild pitch by Armando Galarraga in the fourth.



(bayarea.sbnation.com)

Tavares Gooden: Played solely on special teams. Was called for roughing the punter to give Seattle a first down on first drive. At end of the first half, he was flagged for unnecessary roughness for a borderline late hit out of bounds. Both penalties were a result of great effort and can easily be cleaned up.

Click here to order Tavares Gooden’s proCane Rookie Card.


(csnbayarea.com)

San Francisco 49er Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said that newcomer Tavares Gooden was signed mainly for special teams. "He's a good athlete and can run very well," he said. "He's been a good special teams athlete throughout his career. And I think he just improves our overall speed."

In fact, Gooden said he's even faster now that he's started doing yoga. Gooden said he took up the exercise this summer on the suggestion of his agents as a way of avoiding injury. Gooden has missed 22 games in three seasons due to an array of injuries ranging from a torn labrum to a hernia.

In fact, if you're a yoga instructor in the Bay Area, you have an opportunity to land a high-profile client. "I'm looking for a place out here where I can find a stretch doctor or a yoga instructor to help me out," he said. "I think I'll continue that because it has helped me out."

Fangio said that Gooden would play inside linebacker like he did with the Ravens. The idea is to get Gooden up to speed at "Mike" linebacker to be Patrick Willis' backup and to do the same at "Ted" with Larry Grant, who is NaVorro Bowman's backup.

Gooden was asked about his primary job responsibilities on special teams. His answer -- basically, go bulldoze the guy with the ball -- suggests he might be ready to roll on Sunday.

"Just kick tail, just kick butt," Gooden said. "That's my primary deal. Just go out there and play like a monster, play like a mad man. I think that's what I did my first three years in the NFL and I have that reputation for playing hard and going out there and kicking butt."

As for going into the season with just three outside linebackers? "Not comfortable with three outside linebackers but we thought this was worth the gamble to upgrade our special teams over the insurance of having a fourth outside linebacker," Fangio said.

Click here to order Tavares Gooden’s proCane Rookie Card.


(sacbee.com)

The San Francisco 49ers worked on swinging a trade for Tavares Gooden(notes) with the Baltimore Ravens before final cuts.

When a deal fell through, the 49ers were eventually able to negotiate with Gooden on their own, coming to terms with the inside linebacker on a one-year contract, according to Aaron Wilson of Scout.com.

Gooden, a third-round pick by the Ravens in 2008, appeared in 26 games over the last three seasons in Baltimore, mostly on special teams. He did made 12 starts in 2009.

Click here to order Tavares Gooden’s proCane Rookie Card.


(sports.yahoo.com)

The Philadelphia Eagles cut rookie running back Graig Cooper. The Eagles are deep at the running back position, so look for Cooper to sign as a free agent with another team, he looked quite good this pre-season. The Eagles also cut WR Sinorice Moss. Moss had another great training camp, but was a victim of a deep crop of WRs. Moss has the talent and has shown it when given the opportunity and when healthy. WRs go down due to injury quite often, look for a team to pick him up.

The Miami Dolphins cut TE Dedrick Epps. Epps was cut last year as well but eventually made the Dolphins practice squad. Look for him to latch onto the practice squad again considering how thin the Dolphins are at the TE position.

WR Darnell Jenkins was cut by the New England Patriots. Most scouts seem to think he will find a spot on someone’s roster.

S Jared Campbell, brother of Arizona Cardinal Calais Campbell was cut by the Cardinals. Campbell played well in limited action in the preseason. He may be able to make a practice squad.

The New England Patriots, in a surprise move, cut safety Brandon Meriweather. Meriweather who has been to two consecutive Pro Bowls reportedly freelanced too much in the Patriot backfield and was underperforming. It’s not clear as to whether it was also money issue, but Meriweather is definitely still an elite talent at safety in the NFL. Look for teams thin at that position like the Dolphins and Chiefs to go after Meriweather.

Baraka Atkins LB/DE who had been signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason was cut as well. Atkins was one of the final cuts of the Denver Broncos last year after spending the beginning of his career with the Seahawks.

10-year veteran DL Damione Lewis was cut by the Houston Texans. Lewis was a late addition to the Texans squad last year and played very well both last year and this preseason. What didn’t help Lewis this year was the fact that the Texans changed to a 3-4 defense and Lewis is much better suite as a DL in the 4-3.

Brett Romberg who was a surprise signing by the Atlanta Falcons only a couple of days ago, after not playing at all during the 2010 season, was cut by the Falcons as concerns over their starting center’s health subsided. Don’t be surprised to see Romberg get signed if the Falcons sustain an injury there.

Running back Damien Berry was cut by the Ravens. Berry was slowed by an ankle injury that he suffered in the first game of the pre season, and as a result didn’t play until the fourth game. Berry has NFL skills. BERRY WAS SIGNED TO THE RAVENS PRACTICE SQUAD.

LB Tavares Gooden. Gooden was drafted by the Ravens to eventually replace Ray Lewis at the MLB position, but injuries have really slowed his career. Gooden, if healthy, can start for most NFL teams, but this pre season was no different as he continued to deal with injuries. THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS SIGNED GOODEN TO A 1-YEAR DEAL.

Rookie defensive back Ryan Hill was waived by the Minnessota Vikings. Hill didn’t play a lot this pre season but when he did, like in the final pre season game for the Vikings, he performed well leading the team in tackles. The Vikings had Hill listed as a safety. He has the size and speed to play both corner and safety which gives him the type of versatility a lot of teams look for.

Javarris James, RB who led the Indianapolis Colts last year in rushing touchdowns after playing only about half the season was cut by the Colts.

Second-year defensive lineman Dwayne Hendricks who was on the NY Giants practice squad last year and was called up and played in a regular season game last year for the Giants was cut. Giants did have a very good pre-season. THE GIANTS SIGNED HENDRICKS TO THEIR PRACTICE SQUAD.

Rookie DB Corey Nelms was cut by the 49ers. Nelms was a surprise free agent signing and did get playing time in the preseason. THE 49ERS SIGNED NELMS TO THEIR PRACTICE SQUAD.

Rookie Fullback Patrick Hill was cut by the Tennessee Titans. Hill didn’t get any carries in the preseason for the Titans.

Despite sitting out practice on Tuesday with a recurring neck injury, Tavares Gooden made three tackles in the second and third quarters of the Ravens’ 13-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the preseason opener for both teams on Thursday night.

The linebacker sounded happy that he could contribute to the defense despite the losing effort.

“The warrior in me, the coaching staff gave it up to me and let me make the decision, and I felt today that I was able to go,” Gooden said in the locker room beneath Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. “I still have a little soreness, but the competitive beast in me came out, and I just wanted to compete and show what I had and that I could hold my own weight on this team.”

Gooden confirmed that the neck injury is a repeat of a similar injury during last year’s training camp that the team had described as neck tightness. Gooden said the recurring nature of the injury prompted him to consider missing the game against the Eagles, but he changed his mind.

“I thought about that, but just getting ready for the game, my teammates were jumping around, and I kind of fed off of their energy,” he said. “So I had to go. It’s just something that I had to do. I didn’t want to let my team down.”

Click here to order Tavares Gooden’s proCane Rookie Card.


(baltimoresun.com)

Ravens cornerback Domonique Foxworth missed his second straight day of practice. He has expressed frustration over his knee, which was surgically repaired last year.

With Foxworth sidelined, the Ravens' starting cornerbacks have been Chris Carr and Lardarius Webb.

Others not practicing are: tight end Ed Dickson (hamstring), center Matt Birk (knee), wide receiver James Hardy (hamstring), linebacker Tavares Gooden (undisclosed) and running back Matt Lawrence (undisclosed).

Click here to order Tavares Gooden’s proCane Rookie Card.


(baltimoresun.com)

Linebacker Tavares Gooden, who signed last week but was forced to watch, was delighted to be back in pads.

"It felt good, I was able to release some frustration," he said. "It was fun being out there. I hated to see my teammates out there working hard and I couldn't be out there."

It was, however, worth the wait.

"Yeah, they had to make sure both sides were equally favored. That's what we were waiting on," Gooden said. "We're all happy they were able to get that deal done today."

Click here to order Tavares Gooden’s proCane Rookie Card.


(greenwichtime.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.

34. Tavares Gooden LB Baltimore Ravens: The knock on Gooden since his college days has been his inability to stay healthy and 2010 unfortunately was no exception as Gooden played in 10 games, he did not start any and only tallied 18 total tackles last season. He was used by the Ravens on obvious passing situations because of his speed and coverage skills, but missed six games due to injury and was not able to secure a starting spot. At one point the Ravens saw Gooden as Ray Lewis’ successor but his inability to stay healthy has put that in doubt. It would be great to see him be able to play an entire season, hopefully 2011 will be the year.

33. Kelly Jennings DB Seattle Seahawks: Jennings under new Head Coach Pete Carroll had a solid mini camp which translated to him starting 14 games for the Seahawks and tallying a career high 13 pass deflections. Jennings also had his first interception since his rookie season in 2006, was far more consistent this year and wasn’t pushed around as much by opposing receivers. Jennings will be a free agent, but look for him to draw interest from teams including the Seahawks.

32. Rashad Butler LT Houston Texans: Butler who has been activated for all 16 games the last two years for the Texans started four games this past season and performed quite well at left tackle. Butler as a matter of fact opened the eyes of opposing coaches with his solid play and most probably will be snatched up by a team in need of a starting left tackle this offseason.

31. Phillip Buchanon DB Washington Redskins: In his first year with the Redskins, Buchanon, who played in all 16 games and started 5 had a career high in pass deflections (18) and recorded two interceptions. Overall, Buchanon had a solid year, but was at times inconsistent and found himself in Shanahan and Co.’s doghouse on several occasions. Buchanon didn’t contribute as much as was anticipated on punt returns but is still a threat on special teams as well. With one year under his belt with the Redskins look for Buchanon to have a bigger impact in 2011.

30. Calais Campbell DE Arizona Cardinals: There were high expectations coming into the 2010 season for Campbell as he was expected to record double digit sacks and more than adequately replace free-agent departee Antonio Smith. Unfortunately in 15 games Campbell only recorded six sacks, 1 less than the 2009 season though he did have more total tackles (60). The 2011 season will be an important one for Campbell to prove that he can be an elite pass rusher in the NFL, because most expected him to already be one.

29. Darryl Sharpton LB Houston Texans: Sharpton in his rookie season with the Texans was a surprise contributor on defense as he started 6 of the 12 games he was active for before sustaining an injury which ended his season prematurely. When playing though, Sharpton was solid both on special teams and defense where he accumulated 34 tackles and a sack. Look for Sharpton to work his way up the Texan depth chart and eventually become a full-time starter, if not in 2011 then 2012.

28. Vernon Carey RT Miami Dolphins: Carey battled a knee injury for most of the 2010 season but still started 12 games for the Dolphins before being put on injured reserve. Carey playing with a below average Dolphins offensive line was one of the few bright spots. Carey has been solid throughout his career and talk of him moving to the guard position is unfounded. Carey, though still recovering from his knee injury should be 100% by the start of the season.

27. Roscoe Parrish WR Buffalo Bills: Parrish was having the best season of his six-year career as through eight games he had career-high receiving yards, rushing yards and receiving touchdowns. Parrish was the Bills’ #2 wide receiver after finally being given opportunity to shine on offense while he continued to be a threat on punt returns as well. Unfortunately his season was cut short in week 8 after he sustained a season-ending wrist injury, but look for him to return as a starter to the Bills’ offense despite the emergence of Steve Johnson last season.

26. Frank Gore RB San Francisco 49ers: Gore was on pace to have another stellar season for the 49ers with their new-found dedication to the running game. Through 11 games Gore had 853 yards on the ground and over 450 yard receiving along with five touchdowns before fracturing his hip and being placed on injured reserve. It was the fourth consecutive season that Gore was unable to play in all 16 games, but when Gore is healthy, there are few in the league that are better than him especially with how involved he has become in the passing game as well.

Check back tomorrow to see which proCanes were ranked 25th through 16th!

Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Times reports that the Ravens have extended restricted free agent tenders to linebackers Dannell Ellerbe and Tavares Gooden.

Ellerbe and Gooden are three-year players, so they would’ve received restricted tenders regardless of the labor uncertainty.

Wilson reports that Ellerbe received a “low” tender, and Gooden an “original pick” tender. Because Ellerbe was originally undrafted, the Ravens would not receive compensation if another team signed him to an offer sheet, and Baltimore failed to match.

Gooden is highly unlikely to receive interest in restricted free agency at the original pick tender. He was originally a third-round pick, and no team would be willing to give up such a selection for the injury-prone linebacker.

Each player’s tender will be worth just over $1 million.



(profootballtalk.com)

Three of the four Ravens who went to the University of Miami are defenders, and now they have a coordinator who is also part of the Hurricane football tradition.

Chuck Pagano, promoted from secondary coach to defensive coordinator this week, was the secondary coach and special teams coordinator at Miami from 1995-2000. He coached four first-round draft picks, two of whom -- Ed Reed and Duane Starks -- the Ravens selected.

"My relationship with Ed Reed is pretty good," Pagano said. "I've known him since he was 17 years old when I dragged him into a biology lab and made sure all the Bunsen burners were off and talked him out of going to Tulane and coming to Miami. …He's got a strong family right here in Baltimore and he's got a ton of support. He's a warrior and he's a great leader and he'll go down as one of the all-timers to ever play this game."

Reed was just as complimentary of Pagano.

"Chuck will do everything he can to make sure the defense is prepared for each practice and every game," he said. "The time and effort he puts in and what he will sacrifice will be more than a championship-caliber.

"I believe his best coaching quality is working with the other coaches and players around him. Just like coach [Greg] Mattison, Chuck will get input from everyone, and that will help him be the best coordinator he can be and us be the best defense we can be."

In addition to Reed, Ray Lewis, Tavares Gooden and Willis McGahee comprise the list of former 'Canes in the Ravens' locker room. Lewis echoed Reed's description of Pagano as a personable, player-oriented coach.

"I really have had a truly personal relationship with Chuck, not only from when he got here, but even before because of our ties to the 'U,'" Lewis said. "Even though he didn't coach me, I have known what kind of man and coach he is for a while now. He has an extreme knowledge of the game, and the way he communicates that with his players and fellow coaches is amazing.

"You have to respect how he studies opponents and how he prepares for the task at hand each week. He is truly a pure players' coach. He is a man's man, and there is nothing that I wouldn't do for him. I am excited to see what we can do as a defense and as a team leading into next season. Here we go."

As Pagano broadens his focus from the secondary to the entire defense, he will have more chances to work with Lewis, and he said he was excited about that opportunity. Lewis, the only remaining member of the inaugural Ravens roster, played 1,111 out of 1,116 snaps this year.
"We chewed him out when he came out for that, for missing five plays," Pagano said. "You play at the level that he's played at for 15 years because of your due diligence in the weight room in the offseason, watching tape and taking care of yourself.

"He's taken great care of his body and he understands that his body is his earning power and what's made him. There is not a more passionate guy. Standing next to Ray Lewis and just knowing that you're going to war with him … it's a very, very comforting feeling."



(pressboxonline.com)

Ravens ILB Tavares Gooden is expected to have surgery next Friday on the left shoulder he dislocated during the season.

He also tore his labrum. Gooden promises to be ready for training camp, but the former third-round pick could take as long as six months to recover. An impending restricted free agent, it remains to be seen if Gooden will be tendered. He's missed 22 of a possible 48 games in his first three seasons.

Click here to order Tavares Gooden’s proCane Rookie Card.



(nbcsports.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).

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).