A Dynasty Nipped in the Bud: An Alternative History of American Football in the 21st Century.

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Thanks for the kind update good sir. Georgia is going to be a winner, and that should remove some of the pressure on Richt, maybe with another SEC title. Hawaii was a lot of fun to watch in OTL with the run and shoot, and I love the new offensive stuff going on.
Yeah just mention the loss sugar bowl but chocking is a georgia tradition, hope if Stafford can get a ring before NFL.

The rest College Football as we knew is butterfly away and we will get a lot of suprise soon...waiting for nfl draft and mr Rodgers future.
 
Chapter 15: 2006 NFL Draft
Chapter 15: 2006 NFL Draft

From the book Defending the Shield: The NFL in the 21st Century, by Kay Adams.

The NFL in 2006 was entering a new era. The league had signed new television contracts with FOX, ABC, NBC, and CBS. ABC kept Monday Night Football, with ESPN simulcasting the games and ESPN earned the rights to cover NFL Europe. ESPN also earned the rights to share with NFL Network the Thursday and Saturday Night packages, which kept ESPN in the NFL business. The NFL also had a new commissioner, and he was someone who the owners had high hopes for.
Steve Bornstein worked at ESPN for many years before running the NFL Network. He was preferred over Rodger Goodell because Bornstein understood how to market the league and keep it relevant in a fast-changing world and the increasing fragmentation of media viewing among young people.
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From the ESPN Broadcast of “SportsCenter”, aired on February 7th, 2006.

Dan Patrick: Breaking news tonight out of the NFL. The Saints will return to the Dome in New Orleans with a new quarterback at the helm. Phillip Rivers has signed with the team after being cut at the end of the regular season by the Chargers. The Chargers felt confident in doing this because Drew Brees had a great year despite a minor shoulder issue.
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From the press conference of NFL Commissioner Steve Bornstein on March 20th, 2006.

Reporter: Commissioner Bornstein, a lot of rumors are going around that the league is considering getting rid of NFL Europe due to the finances involved. What is the future of the league?

Bornstein: Well, we have looked into the financials, but the good news is that the league is getting better ratings, and it has provided our league with chances to experiment with rules, as well as grow the game of football. ESPN has been a great partner in coming to broadcast the games and has made a number of positive suggestions for us. We are going to make some changes that should increase the stature of the league in the States. First, teams who sign a player from NFL Europe will receive a financial reward per player used, up to 5 times. This reward is an additional $100,000 towards the salary cap. Second, up to 5 players who are signed from NFL Europe will not count against the 53 man roster for 2 years, making it easier for teams to sign talent that the identify as well as allowing NFL Europe fans to have players who they can root for in the fall. Thirdly, we are going to look at having NFL teams playing a preseason game in Europe as part of adding a 5th preseason game. These games will be against NFL Europe teams.
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From the ESPN broadcast of the 2006 NFL Draft, aired on April 29th, 2006.

Chris Berman: The Texans have the first selection, and it is time to see who they picked. Let’s go to the podium right now.

Steve Bornstein: With the 1st pick in the 2006 NFL draft, the Houston Texans pick Aaron Rodgers, quarterback from California.

(We see Aaron Rodgers come out smiling and posing with a Texans jersey next to Bornstein, as a loud applause comes from the crowd.)

Mel Kiper: This was the obvious pick, and one that is going to do wonders for the Texans. Rodgers is the best player in the draft, and he has a strong arm as well as being able to move around in the pocket a bit. There is going to be a learning curve, and he is going to need some help in this draft in order to get him some weapons. If the Texans picked someone else, I would have flat out screamed. Nick Saban has found a quarterback to lead his team to greatness.

(cut to later in the broadcast)

Steve Bornstein: With the 2nd pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints select Mario Williams, defensive end from NC State.

Mel Kiper: An interesting selection here, but Williams is a great pass rusher who is also a disrupter. I think this pick could be very sneaky and one of the steals of the first round.

(cut to later in the broadcast)

Steve Bornstein: With the 7th pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers select Jay Cutler, quarterback from Vanderbilt.

Chris Berman: This was a bit of a surprise. They must feel that this is a Brett Favre replacement, and he is going to learn for a couple of years. Sean Payton is one of the hottest offensive minds in the NFL, and I feel Jay will be happy in Green Bay.

(cut to later in the draft)

Steve Bornstein: With the 64th pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, the Minnesota Vikings select Devin Hester, cornerback from the University of Miami, Florida.

Mel Kiper: Should be a special teams guy, and he has great speed. He reminds me of a Dante Hall and is a very versatile pick.

(cut to later in the broadcast)

Steve Bornstein: With the 120th pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears select Brandon Marshall, wide receiver from Central Florida.

Mel Kiper: This guy is going to help Rex Grossman out, since he is a big physical receiver with a high football I.Q. I love this pick, and I had him going in the third round, but he must have slipped a bit due to team needs or other teams having prospects that they liked better.
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Author notes: Okay, there is a couple of changes that are going to impact the NFL. First of all, Steve Bornstein is someone who did work for the NFL in OTL during this period, and is someone who would be a realistic candidate, and most NFL fans would be happy to see Rodger Goodell not be commissioner. The roster changes are a bone to the players union, and the salary cap changes are based on the MLS salary cap and the NBA salary cap structures. Aaron Rodgers and Nick Saban together is something that is some football fan’s version of hell. Jay Cutler being a Packer is a pick that does make sense, and in OTL Cutler is the 4th best quarterback in Packers history, who helped contribute to many Packers wins. The Bears don’t have to deal with Cutler right away, and Brandon Marshall for Devin Hester seems a fair trade. Nick Saban left LSU because he got total control, but he should get more leeway since he is still loved in Louisiana for his success at LSU. Phillip Rivers is cut by San Diego because Drew Brees never has his shoulder injury, and the Chargers feel more confident in an experienced player leading them. Next update is going to be either a college football or NFL Europe update. Thanks for reading, and if you have any questions or comments feel free to post them.
 
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Cutler is the 4th best quarterback in Packers history,
I see what you did there...and Mr Smith? If nobody wanted him, he can learn from Mr warner at the bench

Phillip Rivers has signed with the team after being cut
They Will not leave Rivers walk for free, at least a few second rounder picks would be a Nice compesation( one might hurt the Saints but Chargers would not leave empty handed...but still fuck you SPANOS)

Congratulations Mr Rodgers, #1 as should have been...hope texans enjoy having their QB 11 year early
 
I see what you did there...and Mr Smith? If nobody wanted him, he can learn from Mr warner at the bench


They Will not leave Rivers walk for free, at least a few second rounder picks would be a Nice compesation( one might hurt the Saints but Chargers would not leave empty handed...but still fuck you SPANOS)

Congratulations Mr Rodgers, #1 as should have been...hope texans enjoy having their QB 11 year early

Yeah, Jay certainly was a very helpful quarterback who padded our defensive stats. I do agree that Rivers being cut is a bit out there, but all will be revealed in the next NFL/NFL Europe update. Obviously, this timeline is looking different in terms of who is doing better. Rivers is still going to have a nice career. I can promise you that Aaron might not have as good a career, because he is under a different offense, and he is going to have more to live up to after college.
 
Glad to see this timeline is still kicking about, apologizes for not being around to read it. Caught up on the gist of it, good for Texans getting Rodgers and laughing at Cutler going to Green Bay. Also thank goodness Goodell ain’t around. Will be following again.
 
I can promise you that Aaron might not have as good a career, because he is under a different offense, and he i
I think he Will still have a Nice career, of course more losses and interceptions but would be a good one( like a matthew stafford)

So what happened to Alex Smith?
 
Glad to see this timeline is still kicking about, apologizes for not being around to read it. Caught up on the gist of it, good for Texans getting Rodgers and laughing at Cutler going to Green Bay. Also thank goodness Goodell ain’t around. Will be following again.

Good to hear and thanks for your interest and praise.

I think he Will still have a Nice career, of course more losses and interceptions but would be a good one( like a matthew stafford)

So what happened to Alex Smith?

Smith is sitting on the bench, but the front office is worried about his development, and Payton wanted to challenge Smith to continue to improve.
 
Good to hear and thanks for your interest and praise.



Smith is sitting on the bench, but the front office is worried about his development, and Payton wanted to challenge Smith to continue to improve.
Cardinals take note , either one would be a good heir for Kurt warner, unless post warner we tank So badly got #1(Newton, luck?)

Hey forgot to ask..which we(cardinals) did select in this draft?
 
Cardinals take note , either one would be a good heir for Kurt warner, unless post warner we tank So badly got #1(Newton, luck?)

Hey forgot to ask..which we(cardinals) did select in this draft?

You guys picked Chad Greenway, rest of the draft should be close to OTL.
 
Chapter 16: A Frankfurt Dynasty (2006 NFL Europe)
Chapter 16: A Frankfurt Dynasty (2006 NFL Europe)

From the BBC documentary “NFL Europe: A History”

Narrator: In 2006, NFL Europe was preparing to enter a brave new world. With the advent of NFL Commissioner Steve Bornstein’s commitment to having the league use NFL Europe as a space to develop new players and encouraging teams to scout and use the league in order to improve interest in the league, an increased emphasis was placed to market the players and to get more fans interested.
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From the book A Galaxy of Stars: The Forgotten Football Dynasty, by Andy Benoit.

“The Frankfurt Galaxy had established themselves as the best team in NFL Europe by 2006, and then stunned the league by making a hire that nobody had thought possible. They went out and hired a brash young coach named Jim Harbaugh away from San Diego University. Harbaugh took the offer because it was a sizable raise over what the Pioneers were offering him, as well as the chance to establish himself at a professional level. Harbaugh has said many times that going to Frankfurt was his way of challenging himself, and that continued through his interesting and historic career.”
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From the book Harbaugh: My Story by Jim Harbaugh

“Frankfurt was the perfect place to move to in 2006. They were a team who was hungry, and clearly the class of the league. I also had my goal to be the first coach to win a World Bowl, Grey Cup, NCAA national title, and a Super Bowl. Other coaches had been successful in different leagues, but I wanted to take the leap and work with many different players. It was easy to say no to Stanford, especially because even though Cal was showing some cracks in the dam, they had built themselves up as the better school, and the challenge was less appealing compared to winning the World Bowl and earning my chops at a professional level.
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From the ITV documentary Harbaugh’s Way

The 2006 Frankfurt Galaxy were clearly the best team in the league. They were able to continue their run by playing a Jim Harbaugh style of physical football that challenged opponents right at the start and made them stop the run before anything else. Harbaugh also found success by signing former Heisman Trophy winner Jason White, who had rehabbed his knees enough to give him a chance to carve out a professional career. White proceeded to lead the undefeated Galaxy into the World Bowl against the Amsterdam Admirals in Dusseldorf.
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From the ESPN broadcast of World Bowl XIV, aired on May 26th, 2006.

Mike Patrick: We welcome those football fans who are looking for some action to the first ever primetime edition of the World Bowl. We are in Dusseldorf on a clear and warm evening as the Amsterdam Admirals try and beat the dynasty that is the Frankfurt Galaxy. I am Mike Patrick, joined in the booth by Tom Jackson. Tom, what we be looking for in this game?

Tom Jackson: Well Mike, the surprise name that will be most familiar and surprising is Jason White. The former Heisman winner was a shock pick by Jim Harbaugh in free agency, but he has quieted the doubters. He is a pocket passer but is able to make the right decisions and pilots an offense the is the best in the league, averaging 30 points a game.
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From the book From Norman to Frankfurt, by Jason White.

I never thought that I would get another chance to win a championship on the football field. It was hard to see my former teammates and I not get the credit for the 2004 national title that we had earned on the field, and had to share it with Cal. I never felt the pressure to return to the field, but I wanted to try it. Little did I know that I would have a great game and start a fun chapter of my life that I would never trade for anything in the world.
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From the ESPN broadcast of World Bowl XIV, aired on May 27th, 2006.

Mike Patrick: Amsterdam leads 24-19 with 5 seconds left in the contest. Jason White has the game in his hands at the Admiral 35, and the Admirals have to get everyone back and defend the end line.

Tom Jackson: No sense defending the sidelines since a play takes 6 seconds on average. I would rush 3 guys and drop 8 in coverage.

Mike Patrick: Snap to White. Just a 3 man rush, and White has time. He takes a step up and fires it down to the end zone. The ball is tipped up, and it is caught for the touchdown! Butchie Wallance caught it on the deflection, and the Galaxy win it! The team who made a couple of curious choices this season in signing White and hiring Harbaugh have proven the doubters wrong, and Frankfurt wins the World Bowl for the 4th time in franchise history!
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From the book Harbaugh: My Story by Jim Harbaugh

“That was one of the most exciting plays I have been a part of. I felt glad for Jason and seeing him run around and get carried off the field was an iconic moment in league history. That play was replayed all across the country on the various sports shows and became known as the Galaxy Miracle. Jason was a tough young man, and I was honored years later to have him on my coaching staff.”
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Author Notes: Okay, sorry for the delay in posts. Some real life things came up, and I really struggled to research this one. Yeah, Harbaugh is coaching in Europe and will not be coaching Stanford. That means that Cal is still going to be the big dogs in the Bay Area at least. Good to see Jason White get another ring, and he is going to help NFL Europe stay popular. Next update should be college football. Thanks for reading and feel free to ask any questions you may have.
 
Amazing update and how the butterfly effect of the still Alive NFL europa still Alive, o think this Will be the turning point moment for the league, hope it become better in the future
 
Amazing update and how the butterfly effect of the still Alive NFL europa still Alive, o think this Will be the turning point moment for the league, hope it become better in the future
Yes, it is amazing. NFL Europe produced some great players, so producing a good coach is something that would not be too much of a stretch.
 
Yes, it is amazing. NFL Europe produced some great players, so producing a good coach is something that would not be too much of a stretch.
As say before that is the watershed moment, showed coaches a way to earn their stripes in europe and that Will help the game in europe and playera preparation too.
 
Chapter 17: Underdogs Spread It Out
Chapter 17: Underdogs Spread It Out

From the book Bear Hunting: How the Cal Dynasty Fell, by Bruce Feldman

The biggest mistake that Jeff Tedford made was not being willing to innovate much on offense. Yes, Nate Longshore was a fine replacement for Aaron Rodgers. Yes, DeSean Jackson and Marshawn Lynch had great years in 2006. The problem was that the game of football was changing, with more dynamic ideas on offense and presenting options. In Morgantown, Rich Rodriguez was able to have multiple playmakers in the shotgun formation giving Pat White plenty of options and forcing defensive coordinators to have to guess more often on each play, sacrificing some brawn in the middle for more linebackers. In Hawaii, June Jones was experimenting with having both Colt Brennan and Jake Locker on the field at the same time, using the double pass as running a lot of halfback options with the two of them. This was happening in relative secrecy, with the only notable win to those outsiders being going to Alabama and beating the Crimson Tide in a close game. As a result, the polls and computers were keeping them lower, which would go on to be a big part of the BCS chaos that would change the sport forever.
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From the October 28, 2006 issue of Sports Illustrated

Embrace the Chaos: Who Is Number 1?

“This season has been wide open already, and as we near November, no fewer than 7 teams are unbeaten or have one loss. It looks like the Big Ten is going to come down to three teams, though remember that there is no conference title game. Michigan and Ohio State are both undefeated, and Wisconsin has only lost to Michigan. The Badgers do not play Ohio State, and would need help in order to make a BCS Bowl, despite howls of outrage from Badgers fans. In the SEC, Arkansas is undefeated and looking very good with the backfield of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. In the Big East West Virginia is shocking everyone behind their slotback innovation and getting their explosive playmakers going. Norte Dame only lost to Michigan at home in a close game but were able to get by the Trojans last week with Tim Tebow completing a jump pass on the goal line on the last play of the game. In the Pac-10, Cal is undefeated and looking to continue their historic winning streak under Nate Longshore. Finally, June Jones has his run and shoot Warriors of Hawaii undefeated, and Colt Brennan and Jake Locker are playing very well in his matchup-based system. Hawaii is trying to do what Utah did 2 years ago and bust the BCS but will have to navigate a 13th game against Oregon State in addition to playing Purdue at home. June Jones is not worried about it, hoping to use what he calls the ‘Hawaii advantage’. This advantage is that Hawaii is used to long road trips, and always plays up to good competition, and that they view home games not as vacations and awards, but as chances to shock the world. In addition, Jones hopes to use the team’s success to recruit players by touting that they can still be successful and get to live in Hawaii, something other teams can’t promise.”
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From the ESPN broadcast of Mike and Mike in the Morning, aired October 31, 2006.

Mike Greenberg: Moving on to college football, lots of title contenders out there, and it is looking like another round of BCS controversy. Golic, what is your take about this situation?

Mike Golic: Well, the honest thing that we are seeing that is interesting is that Hawaii continues to impress. The “Hawaii advantage” is interesting because the travel is a long way, and your schedule is disrupted because of the plan. They do play a weaker schedule in the WAC, but they also play 13 regular season games due to the Hawaii rule. I also think that compared to the Big Ten, which is a complete mess even if Michigan beats Ohio State, the question is does Wisconsin get screwed out of a bowl game because they are not a name program?

Greenberg: I also think that the biggest problem is that most of these controversies have been 3 teams for 1 or two spots. When you look at the 2004 controversy, everyone agreed that Cal, Oklahoma, and Auburn were the best teams in the country. Same in 2003 with USC, LSU, and Oklahoma. This is like a zombie version of 2004 and 2001, because you don’t have a clear top of the food chain like in 2004 and 2001. At least in 2001, Miami was so dominant that they were the unquestioned number 1 team, and the only argument was in my mind about if Oregon or Colorado should have jumped Nebraska. What we are facing if the sport does not naturally clear itself off is ticking off multiple teams and not just the Cinderella schools like Hawaii. If Michigan, Cal, West Virginia, and Arkansas all win their league titles and are undefeated, what in the hell do you do? What if Hawaii is the only undefeated team? What if the Big Ten has a three-way split title and Michigan doesn’t play Wisconsin? All of these questions have no obvious answer, which is good for us in the media. This could lead to a strong argument for a playoff.
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Author Notes: Sorry for the delay, but I hit a big case of writer’s block and had some other personal stuff come out. As we can see here, November is going to be a whole lot of fun in this alternate timeline. Next update will be more college football.
 
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