The Band of Brothers II: From Draft Day 'til Retirement (End of Year 2)

[Dutch]

The Band of Brothers II – From Draft Day 2020 to Retirement…

**Introduction**

Welcome! This will be my second dynasty I have ever done (so the name is appropriately titled). It will not be a study of pure numbers, but more of a Football Diary (if you will) of 7 star college players as they journey through their careers in the NFL. I wanted guys that would be drafted in the first round so they would have the best chance to play in FOF. The dynasty will end when all players have retired.

The name Band of Brothers comes from the fact that two of the original five players selected for Band of Brothers I both have the last name Diaz. This time around, the only true connection is the fact that John Joyner, the RB from Kansas State will also have a teammate (Jumbo Mitchell, WR) also drafted in the first round of the 2020 Amatuer Draft.

From time to time, ESPN will do interviews with the 7 players they have predicted will have great careers in the NFL. Gene Diaz, News Commentator, the superstar from Band of Brothers I (and winner of 2 Super Bowl Rings) will lead the interviews.

Their mission is to first have successful careers and second to play in the Super Bowl. In the first Band of Brothers Gene Diaz, QB (Arizona and San Fransisco) and Damon Stroebel (New York Jets and Arizona) both played in 2 Super Bowls. AJ Petit, RB,(Arizona) also was on a Super Bowl team but was injured and did not play.

My mission is to use was limited writing skills I have (and they are limited) to make you want to follow the careers of these players. To make their interaction within the game engine as interesting as I can make it. I hope you find yourself as interested as the players as I was. I was rooting for them, and pulling for them and used the honor system throughout to ensure their careers are depicted as accurately as possible.

FOF2004 was used (obviously) and the Dynasty starts in 2020.

I hope you enjoy this dynasty as much as I had writing it and I also hope you enjoy it as much as all the other awesome dynasty threads located right here on the FOFC forums. Thanks.

[Dutch]

Band of Brothers II

Cast of Characters:

1. Rick Nix, WR, Temple – Flashy and Flamboyant, Rick fashions himself to be a “mix” between Deion Sanders and Michael Irvin. The results could be explosive. At 6-2 and 212lbs and a 4.26 40 yard dash, he was absolutely amazing in college, and on paper, looks to be able to back up the flash.

2. Ronald Betz, RB, South Carolina – A good natured, quiet athlete from just outside of Florence, SC. He’s so polite, it's sickening, off the field that is. He’s got a mean streak when the football is tucked neatly within his grasp that is anything but polite. As a matter of fact, his on field mannerisms have sent a few defensive backs to the hospital after he's lowered his shoulders. Look out!

3. John Joyner, RB, Kansas St – The man who destroyed Oklahoma and Nebraska by averaging over 180 yards per game against the two collegiate monsters of the mid-west. He’s loved and hated for that one, but his talents are undeniable entering the 2020 Amateur Draft and all scouts eyes are watching him.

4. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Kansas St – At 6’3 and 220lbs and running a 4.3 40, the man is a bigger, stronger version of Rick Nix on paper. But he hardly played with John Joyner carrying the load for Kansas State, can he hold up in the NFL???

5. Josh Baxter, QB, Cal – He’s got some great instincts to play the QB position, he proved he can be a leader playing at Cal. He pulled out a couple, two-three games in the 4th quarter but he’s got an wild mind on the football field that leads to errant throws and bad decisions in big games. Can time and maturity cure this or make it worse?

6. Howard Azumah, QB, Florida State – Led the Seminole’s to the National Title Game and showed great poise. He’s got a strong character and bucket loads of potential, but will he pan out?

7. D.J. Lauvray, QB, Chicago – Small school project. He has very little experience going up against real defenses. But he’s got mechanics that just scream, “Why wasn’t he playing with the big boys? The scouts were all over him at the combines.

(Wouldn’t these be great adverts when importing from TCY to FOF??? :D )

[Dutch]

Introduction

And without further adieu, let me introduce the class of 2020 in the NFL.

With the 1st pick in the 2020 NFL draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Rick Nix, WR, Temple.

With the 3rd pick in the 2020 Amateur Draft, the Indianapolis Colts select the RB from South Carolina, Ronald Betz.

With the 7th pick in the 2020 Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select, RB, Kansas State, John Joyner.

With the 16th pick in the 2020 Draft, the Cincinatti Bengals select, QB, California, Josh Baxter.

With the 20th pick in the 2020 Draft, the St. Louis Rams select, QB, Florida State, Howard Azumah.

With the 24th pick in the 2020 Draft, the Chicago Bears select, QB, D.J. Lauvray for Chicago University.

With the 26th pick in the 2020 Draft, the Washington Redskins select, WR, Kansas State, Jumbo Mitchell.

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ESPN w/ Gene Diaz: Welcome to the post Draft party. We have with us a selection of 7 magnificent football players. We have selected them at random to be part of our NFL Diaries show titled “Band of Brothers”. This is the second running of the show after a fine showing of interest from the first show. Well, let’s go in order and meet the newest NFL stars. Mr. Nix! Welcome to the NFL.”

Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Thanks, Gene. I am thrilled today, obviously, #1 selection in the NFL draft. It’s a dream I have been pursuing hard for a long time! The fans around the league may think my college days were impressive….but they haven’t seen anything yet!” {big cheesy grin for the camera’s}

Gene Diaz: Well, if nothing else, I think the coaches are going to love your confidence. You look like you are ready for the prime time lights, Rick. Next up is Ronald Betz….how did you do today, Ron?

Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis Colts: I think I couldn’t be happier. Number three? Wow!

Gene Diaz: Great, and following not too far behind at #7 is the Nebraska and Oklahoma “Killa!”, John Joyner from Kansas State.

John Joyner, RB, Atlanta Falcons: Definitely a great day, I am very excited about going to the Atlanta Falcons and trying to help turn them around down there. It’s been a few years since they beat the Dolphins in the championship game. And Teddy Bradford (8 year vet with 1,120 yards rushing and 3 TD last season) will be a great back to mentor me…..hopefully I’ll get to line up in the backfield with him from time to time. He is one of my favorite running backs in the league.

Gene Diaz: Next up is Josh Baxter, the rangy QB from the University of California. You’ve already starred in a Pepsi commercial and have been on the Tonight Show. And you haven’t played a down in the NFL. What gives???

Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati: I have no idea, I am just enjoying the ride so far!

Gene Diaz: You have quite a challenge coming up in Cincinnati. They have one winning season in the last 12 years. Is that too much pressure?

Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinatti: No, not at all, it’s not like they have been horrible, maybe just a QB away from taking them over the top. {big grin}

Gene Diaz: You might just be right, Josh. Next up is 20th pick overall in the 2020 draft. Howard Azumah from the National Champion’s Florida State. Some people predicted you would go earlier, other’s thought you weren’t worthy of a 1st round pick at all. What are your thoughts on this day?

Howard Azumah, QB, St. Louis Rams: I first want to thank the Rams for giving me this opportunity to show the NFL and the NFL fans what I am capable of. I am ready to start today! As for the critics, I guess if some had me going earlier and some had me going later, the #20 spot works out to be a great compromise between the two sides. {grins}

Gene Diaz: Great thought, Howard! Next on the list of is QB D.J. Lauvray. You played at the University of Chicago, now you are picked at #24 by Chicago. Do you feel good about that or were you looking perhaps to move out of town?

D.J. Lauvray, QB, Chicago: Oh man, no, this is great news, I don’t have to clean out my dorm room, haha!

Gene Diaz: I don’t think the University still wants you to stay on campus, do they?

D.J. Lauvray, QB, Chicago: It depends on if Chicago gives me a signing bonus. If they don’t hook me up, I might just keep sleeping at the University…..they can call me Rudy. {grins}

Gene Diaz: That’s awesome. Hey next up is big WR from Kansas State, Jumbo Mitchell. Jumbo, you are selected in the 1st round, but nobody even knows who you are because of the exploits of “Killa” John Joyner. But obviously they see something in you, what’s your take?

Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington Redskins: I know John overshadowed a lot of guys back in Kansas…..but you know what? We ain’t in Kansas no more!

John Joyner, RB, Atlanta Falcons: You got that right!

Gene Diaz: Well there you have it folks! I wish each and every one of you a successful rookie campaign and an even more successful career in the NFL.

Good luck to you all.

[Dutch]

Pre-Season Notes for the NFL 2020 Season – Rookie Season

1. Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay – Rick could not unseat star Flanker Irving Kemp. The scrappy 9 year vet took 5 years to break into the starting lineup and hasn’t looked back. He’s managed 3 1,000 yard season and managed 1,200 yards receiving and 12 TD’s last year. Kemp was recognized as an NFL ALL-PRO First Team receiver last season.

2. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – Ronald walks into a situation where there was no running back. He will be the starter going into the season.

3. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – John did not unseat Teddy Bradford, the 8 year vet with 5 1,000 yard seasons….but Teddy’s skills are on the decline, John is ready now…but must wait.

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – Josh Baxter will start the pre-season as a hold out. He’s trying to get the contract that suits him and as such, Derek Hartman, the unheralded journeyman will start the 1st pre-season game. It appears as if Josh Baxter will take over the starting QB role when he signs.

5. Howard Azumah, QB, St. Louis – Howard will start #2 on the depth chart in St. Louis behind Kim Hankton. Kim is a 7 year journeyman QB with decent skills. Howard is simply not developed enough to warrant a starting role.

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, Chicago – DJ will have to wait as 13 year vet Percy Phillips keeps the reigns in Chicago. Percy has done an outstanding job the last 3 years in Chicago averaging roughly 85 in the QB rating during those years.

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Jumbo has a nice position as the slot receiver in Washington (similar to Rick Nix in Tampa) Both starting receivers in Washington were adequate enough to ward off the challenge by the talented rookie.

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2020 Season Updates - All Season Updates posts will be handled with a chronological linear design.

1. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati signed with the Bengals just in time to play in the first game of the season. He had a fine game going 18-26 for 221 yards in a 31-28 win on the road against rival Cleveland.

2. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis rushed for 86 yards in his inaugural performance at home against the Tennessee Titans in a 27-10 romp.

3. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis rushed for 114 yards on 35 carries in a 16-9 victory over the Oakland Raiders in the 3rd game of the season. He’s currently 4th in rushing in the NFL after 3 games.

4. Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay gets the starting nod at Flanker in week #4 with an injury to Irving Kemp. Kemp is expected to be out for 4 weeks with a strained foot ligament. More bad news for Tampa is that Hunter Pimentel, their big-time free agent quarterback also went down in Week #3, forcing young QB Earl Cline into action for about 4 weeks.

5. Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay catches 3 balls for 114 yards in his first career start with backup QB Earl Cline throwing the rock. Cline threw for a total of 138 yards in the contest.

6. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis rushes for 166 yards in the 4th week in a 24-17 victory over Baltimore. Betz is 2nd in the NFL just 11 yards off the mark in rushing.

7. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis has another big day racking up 129 yards rushing against the previously undefeated Jacksonville Jaguars. He’s currently the NFL’s leading rusher as he propels the Colts to a 4-2 record.

8. In Week #7, Josh Baxter, QB takes his Cincinnati Benals past Ronald Betz and the Indianapolis Colts in a 13-10 snoozer. But it is the first time any of the Band of Brothers face off against one another in a regular season game.

9. Prior to Week #8, the Tampa Bay Bucs star receiver Irving Kemp comes back to full strength, but does not regain the starting job from Rick Nix, the rookie superstar. It’s now Nix’s job to lose.

10. In Week #9, Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay has one ball thrown to him which is incomplete, and 3rd receiver Irving Kemp, perhaps a little miffed at losing his starting job is the star receiver with 140 yards receiving. The Bucs lost to Dallas 25-19.

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**2020 Season Notes**

The Line.

1. Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay (6-10) (GS 14, Rec 45, Yards 612, TD 4)
a. Named 2020 Leagues Fastest Man

2. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis (8-8) (GS 16, Rush 386, Yards 1595, TD 7)
a. Named 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year
b. Named 2020 ALL-PRO (1st Team)
c. Named 2020 Offensive Player of the Year
d. Named 2020 NFL Most Valuable Player

3. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta (6-10) (GS 0, Rush 124, Yards 436, TD 2)

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati (3-13) (GS 16, Passing 262-436, 60%, Yards 3,098; TD 17, INT 18; QB rating 77.5)

5. Howard Azumah, QB, St Louis (8-8) (GS 0; DNP)

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, Chicago (9-7) (GS 0; DNP)

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington (9-7) (GS 7; Rec 32; Yards 569; TD 2)

Rick Nix was hot and cold as a 14 game starter for Tampa Bay. A lot of the blame was the QB swapping going on due to injuries, but the story of Irving Kemp getting the most yards on a number of occasions from the slot receiver position was noteworthy.

Ronald Betz tore up the league his first year. He just missed 1,600 yards rushing and was 3rd in the NFL in rushing yards. Unfortunately, the Colts couldn’t keep pace and get into the playoffs.

John Joyner played steadily behind incumbent Teddy Bradford. Nothing to write home about but was the expected result with a veteran star RB on the team.

Josh Baxter was torn to pieces in his first NFL season as the Bengals finished 3-13.

Howard Azumah and DJ Lauvray watched from the bench all year. At one point late in the season the starter in St Louis went down but Azumah was not handed the start, so he continued to sit.

Jumbo Mitchell snuck into the starting lineup just past midway into the season when the Redskins starting Split End went down. He did remarkably well and looks to be everything the Redskins hoped for.

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**2020 Playoff Picture**

None of the teams the rookies were on managed to even make the playoffs. So no Playoff report this year. In the last Band of Brothers, we saw RB Damon Stroebel get to the big game and watch his team win as he played bench. It took him another 9 years to get back to the big game.

Super Bowl 2020

Dallas Cowboys 23, Denver Broncos 17
No Band of Brother players were involved.

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**2020 Post-Season Interviews**

ESPN-Gene Diaz: Welcome back to the ESPN studios! We have some good moments to share from your rookie campaigns. We are glad to see that you are all healthy as ever and you all look very content with year one. Rick Nix, we will start with you. Good year?

Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay: It’s was an eye-opening year. I was amazed, first of all, at just how more difficult it is to play at this level…..but then I realized I could play with these boys any day of the week!

ESPN-Gene Diaz: Well, you grabbed the starting role from fan favorite Irving Kemp, only to see him return and tear defenses apart from the 3rd WR role. Did that have a negative effect on you or how did you view that whole NFL Experience?

Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay: That was just a learning experience. Irving Kemp is all class. He didn’t complain or bitch. He was hurt, he was benched and he made the best of his time as the 3rd WR on the team. I hope if I am ever demoted that I have that same kind of resilience and come back as strong as ever. But speaking of demotions, I don’t think that’s gonna happen for another 10 or 12 years. {big cheesy grin}

ESPN-Gene Diaz: Time will tell, it always does. Next up is Ronald Betz. Ronnie, you had a tremendous year in Indianapolis. Do you realize that you demolished Scottie Norvey’s (17,000 yards rushing and 100 TDs in his career so far) Colts single-season rushing record your rookie season?

Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis: Yes, sir. I feel very good about my first year in the NFL.

ESPN-Gene Diaz: And the awards, you brought home 4 league awards, Rookie of the Year, NFL Offensive Player of the Year, 2020 ALL-PRO First Team, and to top it off, the NFL Most Valuable Player. Wow!

Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis: I’m just doing what I love to do and doing it as best I can.

ESPN-Gene Diaz: You remind me of a player I used to know long ago, you be careful out there and pace yourself, you can be a great one! Next up is John “Killa” Joyner. You kind of were forgotten about on the bench this year…

John Joyner, RB, Atlanta: I got some playing time….I’m happy.

ESPN-Gene Diaz: Teddy Bradford (Falcons veteran RB) had a disappointing season, do you feel they should have handed the start to you at some point in the season?

John Joyner, RB, Atlanta: Of course I did, I would be lying if I said, ‘no’. But I’m a rookie and rookies don’t run the game plan.

ESPN-Gene Diaz: Well, you seem like a good kid, we should probably see you suit up at the #1 position next year?

John Joyner, RB, Atlanta: Maybe.

ESPN-Gene Diaz: Josh, what can we say?

Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati: It’s a tough league. I think I found out quick that there is no place for just being a good quarterback, you have to be a smart quarterback, and I’m still learning.

ESPN-Gene Diaz: 3-13….do you even want to come back next season?

Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati: What kind of question is that? You bet I do. My season was good. I did some good things out there. I threw for over 3,000 yards and had 17 touchdown passes…

ESPN-Gene Diaz: I was just kidding. Next up is Howard Azumah. Howard, you were the man in the limelight last season as Florida States starting QB in the Championship game….can you handle another season on the bench?

Howard Azumah, QB, St. Louis: Not really, I didn’t come into this league to sit on the bench, but this first year was a good year to figure it all out….the NFL is a little different than what I’m used to.

DJ Lauvray, QB, Chicago: What Howard said. Sitting on the bench sucks!

ESPN-Gene Diaz: Well good luck to you both on getting starting positions next year. Last, but not least is Jumbo! That’s not your real name is it?

Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington: Yes, yes it is….

ESPN-Gene Diaz: Sorry, listen, you did great this year. An injury forced you to come in early and play out of position at the split end position and you managed nearly 600 yards receiving in 7 games! You got any more game like that?

Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington: I think you’ll have to watch next year to find out.

ESPN-Gene Diaz: I couldn’t agree more, see you next year. Good night, everybody.

[Dutch]

**Pre-Season Notes for the NFL 2021 Season – Year 2**

1. Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay – Rick takes over the starting flanker role for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Irving Kemp still looks to be a good one in his 10th year of action, but Rick Nix was just dominant in the mini and summer camps. The future looks bright for Nix.

2. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – Ronald should dominate again this year, he has no challengers at the RB position.

3. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – John is stuck behind Teddy Bradford for his 2nd straight year. John probably should be the starter at this point, but Teddy is due 30 million dollars this year and is simply too expensive to sit on the bench.

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – Josh will begin the season as the Bengals signal caller and rock thrower. He looked good in training camp.

5. Howard Azumah, QB, St. Louis – Kim Hankton will start again and Howard must wait. Howard, on paper, looks to be a star in the making….but not while he’s waiting around holding the clipboard. Such is the bad luck of young, unproven QB’s.

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, Chicago – The aging Percy Phillips signed a 1-year contract with the New York Jets, leaving the starting job to DJ Lauvray…..or so DJ thought. Undrafted Free Agent Gary Alley tore things up in the mini-camps and is the projected starter…..are they serious in Chicago??? 5 weeks until the first regular season game, we will see.

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Jumbo Mitchell switched positions this off season to Split End and is the Redskins starter there for 2021. He is expecting a big year, as are we.

[Dutch]

**2021 Season Updates**

Opening Day, John Joyner, RB, Atlanta is named starting RB over the 30 million dollar man Teddy Bradford!

Opening Day, DJ Lauvray, QB, Chicago is named the starting QB over Gary Alley

Josh Baxter, QB is expected to start in Cincinatti.

Ronald Betz, RB will start in Indianapolis despite a sprained thumb that has bothered him throughout the pre-season.

Howard Azumah, QB, in St Louis, is the only non-starter in year 2.

WR’s Rick Nix (Tampa Bay) and Jumbo Mitchell (Washington) will both start opening day.

…..

After an unispiring start to the season, (his first as a starter) the Chicago Bears have benched DJ Lauvray in favor of the undrafted rookie Gary Alley (the benching lasts 1 game as it turns out, however).

After 9 games, Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay has surpassed his total receiving yards (631-613) that he managed in 14 game starts in 2020.

After 9 games, Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington has 661 yards.

Ronald Betz is 2nd in the league in rushing yards and TD’s after 9 games.

John Joyner, RB, Atlanta sprains his knee in week #13. Teddy Bradford (the 30 million dollar backup is also out with a separated shoulder.) John Joyner has over 800 yards rushing so far this season. His return is 4 weeks….the Falcons are 6-6.

DJ Lauvray is injured in week #14, and the Bears sign Journeyman QB Junior Reynolds, who immediately gets the starting nod (even over Gary Alley).

[Dutch]

**2021 Season Notes**

The Line.

1. Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay (13-3) (GS 16, Rec 57, Yards 1055, TD 5)

2. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis (9-7) (GS 16, Rush 379, Yards 1535, TD 12)
a. Named 2021 ALL-PRO (2nd team)
b. Named 2021 NFL Most Valuable Player

3. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta (7-9) (GS 12, Rush 207, Yards 970, TD 9)

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati (6-10) (GS 16, Passing 233-407, 57.2%, Yards 2,336; TD 11, INT 21; QB rating 61.1)

5. Howard Azumah, QB, St Louis (7-9) (GS 0; DNP)

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, Chicago (6-10) (GS 12; Passing 187-311, 60.1%, Yards 2,199; TD 8, INT 13; QB rating 72.7)

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington (9-6-1) (GS 15; Rec 72; Yards 1028; TD

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers turned things around this year with dominating performances by QB Hunter Primentel and RB Shawn Meier. Rick Nix held his own providing solid steady play at the Flanker position and really coming into his own. The Bucs went 13-3.

Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis (9-7). Betz does it again, this time finishing 4th in the NFL with 1535 yards and tied for 3rd with 12 TD’s. His reward this season is better, as the Colts get to go to the playoffs.

John Joyner, RB, Atlanta (7-9) battled all year with Teddy Bradford to claim the position of top dog in Atlanta. He managed to grab a lion’s share of the starts and carries (12 starts and 207 carries) and had a very solid year that including nearly 1,000 yards rushing and 8 TD’s.

Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinatti (6-10) probably couldn’t have imagined a year worse than his rookie campaign, but didn’t have to as he lived it during his sophomore campaign. The Bengals managed 3 more wins this year, but that was behind the legs of RB Geoff Welsh (1500+ yards rushing). Josh Baxter was lucky if he didn’t get in the way most of the year. Throwing for a league worst 2,300 yards and tossing 21 balls to the opposing team.

Howard Azumah watched from the bench all year.

DJ Lauvray, QB, Chicago (6-10) managed to get into the lineup 12 times despite being benched twice by 2 different QB’s, neither of which started the year on the Bears roster. He showed he was quite the mortal QB this year in his first action. He will need to improve if he wants anybody to take him seriously next year.

Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington (9-6-1) switched positions from Flanker to Split End in order to not compete against stellar veteran, flanker Dave Thompson. Instead of competing against one another, they ended up being a perfect receiving duo for QB K.C. Madison. Although the Redskins just missed playoff action this year, they looked poised for great things in the future.

[Dutch]

**2021 Playoff Picture**

Wild Card Round

New York Jets (8-8) (-2) @ Indianapolis Colts (9-7)
Ronald Betz ran all over the favored New York Jets, gaining 147 yards on 27 carries in a 24-16 victory.

Divisional Round

Indianapolis (10-7) @ Buffalo (10-6) (-8)As expected, Betz was shut down by the tough Buffalo defense. He managed just 48 yards on 23 carries as the Colts lost 17-10.

Minnesota (12-5) @ Tampa Bay (13-3) (-4)
The Bucs won a field goal shootout 19-16. Rick Nix was the leading receiver on the day catching 7 balls for 92 yards.

Conference Championship Round

Carolina (14-4) @ Tampa Bay (14-3) (-1)
Rick Nix was relatively quiet in the 2021 NFC Championship Game. The Bucs defeated the Panthers 17-3 with most of the work landing on RB Shawn Meier’s shoulders. Irving Kemp, the 10 year Buc vet was the leading receiver on the day with 3 catches for 67 yards. Nix managed just 2 catches for 27 yards.

Super Bowl 2021

Buffalo (12-6) @ Tampa Bay (15-3) (-2)
The Buffalo Bills defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 35-20 in Super Bowl 2021. Rick Nix had 3 catches for 48 yards. Irving Kemp did not catch any passes.

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**2021 Post-Season Interviews**

ESPN’s Gene Diaz: Welcome back everyone. We learned in the original Band of Brothers series that players will have different roles and responsibilities in their appearances in the playoffs and the Super Bowl. Rick Nix, the standout wide receiver of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers got to experience the excitement and the experience that is Super Bowl. You were actually favored, but you hit a road block against Buffalo.

Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay: Yeah, that was disappointing….you can’t blame any one person, but I definitely plan to make a bigger impact the next time I play in the big game.

ESPN’s Gene Diaz: Not everybody goes to the Super Bowl every year.

Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay: We have a good core of players, and I think the sting of losing the Super Bowl will have us hungrier than ever to get back.

ESPN’s Gene Diaz: The other guy who made the post-season was super star RB Ronald Betz. You and the Colts blasted the Jets in the wild card round, then the eventual Super Bowl Champion Buffalo Bills kind of shut you down?

Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis: Well, that’s what happens sometimes. We just couldn’t get going against the Bills offensively and we kind of let the defense down, I mean, they did a great job against the Bills in that game. But you can’t look back, you always have to look forward.

ESPN’s Gene Diaz: That’s a good attitude. Josh, are looking forward to more beatings in Cincinatti?

Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinatti: I have been getting beaten and bruised, but if your gonna get beat up, I guess it’s best to get beat up when you are young. I haven’t missed a beat yet, and the Bengal’s front office is working hard to get us some firepower so we can compete. We’ll get their.

ESPN’s Gene Diaz: DJ? Lot’s of weird QB shuffling going on in Chicago. What’s going on?

DJ Lauvray, QB, Chicago: I don’t know Gene, we are kind of struggling offensively this year and the coaches really thought we were going to be more competitive this year. I think maybe they thought I was the whole problem when I’m still just learning the system. I’ll be good to go next year though, they’ll see.

ESPN’s Gene Diaz: You seem a little bitter DJ.

DJ Lauvray: I’m not bitter, I’m just disappointed. I’m ready for next year to start and get back out there, that’s all.

ESPN’s Gene Diaz: Well, it could be worse, you could be Howard Azumah who was stuck again behind Kim Hankton this year.

Howard Azumah: Yes, 2 years in the league and I can’t get going, if they don’t play me soon, I’m going to want to get out of St. Louis. I mean, Hankton’s been around the block a few times, but he threw 26 picks last season. I could have done better. I want to start!

ESPN’s Gene Diaz: John? Are you ready to take the starting role in Atlanta?

John Joyner, RB, Atlanta: I’m almost there already, I think Teddy (Bradford, veteran RB) is looking to leave Atlanta, so I’m ready to step in and take the Falcons as far as I can take them.

ESPN’s Gene Diaz: And Jumbo, you are one happy man, but the Redskins missed the playoffs with a 9-6-1 record.

Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington: Oh I’m happy, Here I am, going into my 3rd year in Washington….supposed to be a fancy role player, and just this week I was named the Receiver’s Leader. I am very stoked going into this off-season. The Redskins are ready to make some moves, I think!

ESPN’s Gene Diaz: Well, good luck to you, and good luck to all of you, I hope you all do magnificent in 2022!

[Dutch]

**Pre-Season Notes for the NFL 2022 Season – YEAR 3**

1. Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay – Rick Nix will start his 3rd season over 11 year vet Irving Kemp…rookie Aaron Krill will play opposite Nix in the Split End spot.

2. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – Betz will start again for the 3rd straight season at RB for the Colts.

3. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – Will get the start in Atlanta….veteran RB Teddy Bradford left in the off-season to join the New York Jets.

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – Josh Baxter will start for the 3rd straight season. He has no competition for his spot.

5. Howard Azumah, QB, St. Louis – Will play behind Kim Hankton for the 3rd straight year in St. Louis.

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, Chicago – The Chicago Bears picked up veteran signal caller Wayne Maumalanga from the Denver Broncos to start game #1. The Bears also drafted Air Force QB Zach Rodgers with the 1st round #9 pick….DJ will be the 3rd string QB in 2022.

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Jumbo Mitchell assumes the role of Receivers Leader this year…he remains as the starting split end and is the best receiver on the team with an aging Dave Thompson still playing relatively strong at flanker.

[Dutch]

**2022 Season Updates**

1. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington Redskins – Jumbo had a severe dislocation of his knee in pre-season and was carted off the field. Doctors later said that nothing was broken, but he has some ligament damage that will keep him sidelined for nearly 2 months.

2. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – Finally out from the shadow of Teddy Bradford, Joyner is slow to start, but in week #4, explodes for 155 yards and 3 touchdowns in a 33-27 victory over the Seattle Seahawks (1-3).

3. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington Redskins – returns in week #5 and catches 3 passes. He returns to the starting lineup in week #6….still suffering some side effects from the dislocated knee.

4. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – Rushed for 145 yards in a winning effort to bring the Colts record to 2-3 on the year.

5. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – Threw for 75 on 6 for 15 passing with one interception in one of the lowest points in Josh’s career. Cincinnati drops to 2-5 on the year.

6. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – Blasts the Raiders for 141 yards and levels out the Colts at 4-4 on the year.

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Leads the Redskins with 93 yards receiving in week #8 to help get the Redskins back on track with a record of 3-4.

8. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – John rushes for 134 yards in a 26-10 thumping on the St. Louis Rams.

9. Howard Azumah, QB, St. Louis Rams – Howard has still not thrown a pass in the NFL. Kim Hankton, the Rams starting QB currently leads the NFL in passing yards in week #9.

10. DJ Lauvray, QB, Chicago – DJ’s been handling kick holding duties all year. He has yet to fumble.

11. In week #10, Rick Nix broke 100 yards for just the second time. But the Bucs are 7-2.

12. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – Betz rushed for 148 yards against Jumbo Mitchell, WR and the Redskins. The Colts won the game 27-17 to put the Colts to 6-5.

13. Despite a losing effort, Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay (10-4) caught 7 passes for 167 yards including 2 TD strikes.

[Dutch]

**2022 Season Notes**

The Line

1. Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay – 16 GS; 68 catches for 959 yards and 5 TD’s

2. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – 16 GS; 364 rushes for 1,472 yards and 11 TD’s

3. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – 16 GS; 295 rushes for 1,207 yards and 12 TD’s

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – 16 GS; 54.4% passing for 2,497 yards, 12 TD’s and 18 INT’s and a 64.1 QB Rating.

5. Howard Azumah, QB, St. Louis – DNP, 2nd string.

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, Chicago – 0 GS; completed 2 of 4 passes for 41 yards, 1 TD and a 126 QB rating.

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – 12 GS; 50 catches for 582 yards and 6 TD’s (injured twice, once serious enough to miss 4 games.)

[Dutch]

**2022 Playoff Picture**

Wild Card Round

Indianapolis (9-7) vs. San Diego (10-6) (-4)
Indianapolis defeats San Diego 38-24 behind 3 TD strikes by Ronald Betz (75 yards rushing).

Tampa Bay (12-5) (-5) vs. St. Louis (9-7)
The Buccaneers defeated the Rams 36-23. Rick Nix had 3 catches for 52 yards. Irving Kemp, the 11 year vet had the only receiving TD. Howard Azumah did not play for the St. Louis Rams.


Divisional Round

Indianapolis (10-7) vs. Houston (12-5)
Indianapolis was defeated 30-17. Ronald Betz was held to 23 yards on 12 carries but did have a 1 yard scamper.

Tampa Bay (12-5) vs. New Orleans (14-2)
Tampa Bay upset division rival New Orleans with a 26-18 win and holding off the Saints comeback. Rick Nix, finally showed what he’s worth in the playoffs with a big 7 catch, 127 yard receiving day.

Conference Championships

Tampa Bay (13-5) vs. Green Bay (13-4)
Rick Nix caught 4 passes for 42 yards and Irving Kemp pulled in another 5 catches for 105 yards in a 21-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Super Bowl 2022

2022 Green Bay Packers 3, Houston Texans 0
Since Tampa Bay and Rick Nix were defeated 21-13 by the Packers to be denied a 2nd straight Super Bowl appearance. No Band of Brother players were involved this year.

[Dutch]

**2022 Post-Season Interviews**


Gene Diaz, ESPN – Welcome back everybody! That’s it for the 3rd year of your respective careers. Some of you are having outstanding success, some are having some bad luck and others are just getting shut out so far. Let’s start with the #1 overall pick, Rick Nix. How is going?

Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay – Not bad, I was disappointed in our loss to the Packers. They need to start throwing the ball to me more often, that’s what they pay me to do and they toss the rock to Irving Kemp!

Gene Diaz, ESPN – You once said you were a mix between Deion Sanders and Michael Irvin. Are you sure you are not a mix between Sanders and Keyshawn? That was his big problem with the Buccaneers………..a couple of decades ago (the writer just realized that Rick Nix and Gene Diaz probably don’t even remember Sanders and Irvin and KJ….but fuck it…you get the idea.)

Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay – But all that bitching paid off, right? I mean, KJ finally got his ring. I want mine!

Gene Diaz, ESPN – Well, nobody is going to say you aren’t a competator, I hope you get that ring, keep up the hard work. And remember, Irving Kemp can’t play forever! Haha...our other wideout, Jumbo Mitchell had some bad luck earlier on but seemed to turn it around after coming back from a pretty nasty knee injury.

Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Huh? Oh, damn, I so used to being last in the interview, I was just checking out that nice girl with the clipboard over there! Haha….

Gene Diaz, ESPN – That’s my wife.

Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Haha…..uh, what was the question?

Gene Diaz, ESPN – How’s the injury?

Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – I played for about 12 games? It’s okay. I think it hurt our team me not being there. I kind of sucked because I was just named the receivers leader when I was hurt. I could still lead, but I want to lead on the field, not on the sideline.

Gene Diaz, ESPN – Next up is Ronald Betz, the man of few words. Ronald, you had another fantastic year. Do you realize that after 3 years in the league you are just 2,100 yards shy of Edgerrin James and being named the Colts all-time leading rusher?

Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – Yeah, things are going well for me right now. Thank you.

Gene Diaz, ESPN – Our other running back is John Joyner. You had a quiet 1,200 yards rushing this year…

John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – It wouldn’t have been so quiet if we had made the playoffs. We just missed them, but I think we are on the verge next season.

Gene Diaz, ESPN – Yeah, it’s always rough when you go 10-6 and don’t get to play on, but that’s what happens sometimes. Good luck next season. Let’s see, who’s next here? Ah, yes, our 3 quarter backs. Josh Baxter? Another rough season for you, but the Bengals didn’t do too bad.

Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – Yeah, we have a tremendous defense saving our butt’s half the time, the rest of the time it’s up to me and the offense and we just aren’t getting it done. We don’t know what the problem is, we have plenty of decent talent.

Gene Diaz, ESPN – I remember when I won my two super bowls, I had a great running back and great receivers both times. Do you feel like your guys need to be shaken up a little?

Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinatti – I’ll leave that up to the coaches, I don’t mind the guys I play with, I’m pretty comfortable with them…

Gene Diaz, QB, ESPN – Well, good luck. Howard Azumah? DJ Lauvray? Any thoughts?

Howard Azumah, QB, St. Louis – Not really, I’m disappointed I haven’t stepped on the football field yet, I really want to show the league and the fans what I can do….maybe next year.

DJ Lauvray, QB, Chicago – And I want to show the league and the fans that my rookie season wasn’t my best effort, I want back out there!

Gene Diaz, ESPN – Well, good luck to all of you, and stay healthy!

[Dutch]

**Pre-Season Notes for the NFL 2023 Season – YEAR 4**

1. Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay – Rick Nix is named the receivers leader and starting flanker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He discovers that veteran and long-time rival Irving Kemp has a strong affinity for Nix. A new veteran quarterback KC Madison has been brought in to replace Hunter Pimentel and he has an affinity towards Rick Nix. It could be a good year for Rick if he stays healthy.

2. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – Ronald begins his 4th season with the Indianapolis colts and will be a starter again this season.

3. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – John Joyner begins the season as the starting RB and was also named backfield leader, he is getting along with great with the other backs on the team.

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – Josh starts again in Cincinatti and now even though he is sluggish, he is a practically idolized by the die-hard fans in Bengal Country. (100 Fan Popularity Rating). Josh re-upped at 5 years (66 million dollars) to continue playing with the Bengals.

5. Howard Azumah, QB, St. Louis – Azumah is the #2 QB in St. Louis again. But this is the last year of the contract for Azumah and veteran super star Kim Hankton. It will be an interesting year and off-season for Howard, for sure!

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, Chicago – DJ Lauvray was cut by the Chicago Bears in the pre-season, and decided to go in a new direction. DJ Lauvray will sit in the Free Agent pool and hope somebody picks him up.

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Jumbo Mitchell returns as the Redskins starting Split End. He was removed, however, as the Redskins receivers leader. Jumbo did sign a new 4 year deal with the Redskins estimated at 33 million dollars.

[Dutch]

**2023 Season Updates**

1. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinatti – Josh threw an interception 3 minutes into their contest with the Seattle Seahawks in week #2. He then turned things around and threw for 336 yards and 2 TD strikes to beat the Seahawks 31-21. It was his first 300 yard game of his career.

2. In Week #4, Ronald Betz rushed for a career high 190 yards and 1 TD in a 32-10 trouncing of previously undefeated Baltimore (3-1); Indy is now 4-0.

3. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati led his team in a 35-20 victory of Jacksonville to go to
4-0 in week #4.

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati, while not the driving force behind the Bengals is playing smart and modest football, throwing for 160 yards in the Bengals 5th straight victory (5-0)

5. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis, he is playing power ball and racked up another 97 yards rushing to push the Colts to 5-0.

6. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati, threw for 189 yards in 31-17 win over hapless Pittsburgh (1-5) to take the Bengals to 6-0 on the year.

7. Jacksonville (3-3) ended Indianapolis’ (5-1) undefeated season with a 26-17 victory.

8. Atlanta (2-4) continue to struggle without starting QB Percy Phillips. Backup QB Eddie Joyner (no relation to RB John Joyner) struggles. Percy is possibly gone for the year.

9. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington had an impressive day with 127 receiving yards in a 31-21 victory over the St. Louis Rams. The Redskins are 6-0.

10. Indianapolis (6-1) and Ronald Betz (93 yards) defeated Cincinnati (6-1) and Josh Baxter (190 yards passing) to give the Bengals their first loss on the year.

11. The Redskins and Jumbo Mitchell (66 yards receiving) defeated the 3-3 Philadelphia Eagles to move to 7-0 on the season.

12. Eddie Joyner (QB) and John Joyner (RB) for the Atlanta Falcons might as well be brothers, they have won 4 straight to put the Falcons at 5-4 and in contention this year.

13. Tampa Bay and Rick Nix have won 3 straight to move to 6-2. Rick Nix is having a quiet year (372 yards receiving through 8 games) but they are winning.

14. John Joyner had a tremendous day (164 yards rushing) in a 38-9 beating of the New Orleans Saints (2-8) to move the Falcons to 6-4.

15. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington had 175 receiving yards in a 24-21 victory over the Dallas Cowboys (5-4) to move the Redskins up to 8-1 on the year.

16. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington (9-1) had 163 yards receiving in a 20-6 win over the 6-4 New York Giants.

17. Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay (8-2) had 172 receiving yards in a 23-17 victory over division rival Carolina (7-3) for a first place lead in the division. But the Bucs lost their veteran QB KC Madison for the year…and will go with 2nd year man Winston Copeland, a 6th round pick for the remainder of the year.

18. Howard Azumah got to see limited work in a game against the Seattle Seahawks after Kim Hankton sprained his knee, going 5-12 for 56 yards, but was sacked 5 times! Hankton is expected to play next week, he’s listed as probable.

19. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Jumbo caught 7 passes for 137 yards in a 34-24 victory over the Carolina Panthers (7-5) that raised them to 11-1 on the year.

20. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – The Eddie and John Joyner team did it again. This time, a 17-9 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars (7-6). Joyner had 96 yards on the day. The Falcons have reeled off 8 straight victories to go to 9-4 and one game back from the 10-3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

21. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Jumbo does it again, this time grabbing 11 catches for 145 yards in a 34-10 victory over the Buffalo Bills (6-7)….that puts the Redskins up to 12-1 on the year!

22. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – Despite gaining 95 yards on the ground in a good day for John, the Eddie and John Duo lost to the Carolina Panthers 17-13. Fan Favorite Percy Phillips is listed as probable for next week, will he play over Eddie Joyner?

23. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinatti – The Bengals continue to roll with a massive defense and a strong running game to go to 12-2 on the year.

24. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – A long way from 8-1. The Colts dropped another one to go to 9-5 on the year. Betz has been average in the last 3 contest, all lost.

25. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Despite another monster effort by Jumbo (145 yards receiving) the Redskins had to settle for a tie with the Philadelphia Eagles (7-6-1).

26. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – John ran for 165 yards and veteran QB Percy Phillips returned to the lineup to defeat the Indianapolis Colts (9-6) 28-20. Ronald Betz had a mediocre day with 67 yards rushing as the Colts dropped the 5th out of their last 6 games.

27. The Falcons (John Joyner) and the Buccaneers (Rick Nix) are both 10-5 and will face off in Tampa for the division crown, the losing team will need help to make the playoffs, the Falcons missed the playoffs last year at 10-6. A Bengal (Josh Baxter) victory assures them home field advantage in the AFC. The Redskins (Jumbo Mitchell) have the NFC homefield advantage.

28. Despite a gallant effort by John Joyner (109 yards rushing, 2 TD), the Buccaneers and Rick Nix (WR – 14 yards, 1 TD) defeated the Falcons 33-21.

29. The Dominant Redskins (Jumbo Mitchell had 89 yards receiving in the final game) finish the season with a 14-1-1 record.

30. The Colts dropped their final game to go to 9-7 on the year. Betz had 68 yards rushing.

31. The Bengals finished a great year with a 13-3 record, Josh Baxter did his part (170 yards passing) to seal the deal.

[Dutch]

**2023 Season Notes**

The Line

1. Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay – 16 GS; 56 catches for 712 yards and 7 TD’s
a. Named 2024 Leagues Fastest Man

2. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – 16 GS; 386 for 1,352 yards and 10 TD’s
a. Named 2024 NFL Most Valuable Player

3. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – 16 GS; 315 for 1,495 yards and 12 TD’s
a. Named 2023 ALL-PRO (2nd team)

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – 16 GS; 62% passing for 3,050 yards; 23 TD’s and 12 INT’s and a 90.3 QB Rating.

5. Howard Azumah, QB, St. Louis – 0 GS; 41% passing for 56 yards; 0 TD’s and 0 INT’s and a 56.2 QB Rating (based on 12 pass attempts)

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, Chicago – Did Not Play, was not signed.

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – 15 GS; 98 catches for 1,472 yards and 8 TD’s
a. Named 2023 NFL ALL-PRO (1st Team)

[Dutch]

**2023 Playoff Picture**

Wild Card Round

Atlanta Falcons (10-6) vs Green Bay (8-7-1)
The Atlanta Falcons defeated the Green Bay Packers in Green Bay 20-19. John Joyner managed 67 rushing yards a 1 TD. Falcon veteran QB Percy Phillips ruptured his MCL in the first quarter and Eddie Joyner came on in relief to propel the Falcons past the Packers going 15-24 for 200 yards.

Divisional Round

Atlanta Falcons (11-6) vs. Washington Redskins (14-1-1)
Unfortunately for the Falcons, there victory in Lambeau draws them the vaunted Washington Redskins. But Joyner & Joyner show no fear. The Falcons, behind John Joyner’s monstrous 216 yard rushing day (and 1 TD), pound the Redskins and emerging star Jumbo Mitchell 27-16 in DC. The bad news for Falcon’s fans? Eddie Joyner, the best backup QB in the NFL tore his ACL and is done indefinitely…the Falcons now turn to rookie QB Antonio Zimmerman….their 1.23 first round selection. Jumbo Mitchell had 55 yards receiving for Washington.

Miami Dolphins (10-7) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (13-3)
The Dolphins upset Josh Baxter and the Bengals 19-16. Josh Baxter managed 211 yards passing on 12-24 attempts.

Seattle Seahawks (8-9) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5)
Rick Nix (89 yards passing) and the Buccaneers were upset by the 8-9 Seattle Seahawks in Tampa 30-16. The Buccaneers never could recover from the loss of veteran QB KC Madison….

Championship Round

Atlanta Falcons (12-6) vs. Seattle Seahawks (9-9)
The Falcons were no match for the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks won the game 17-7 to propel the (7-9) Seahawks into the Super Bowl. John Joyner had 85 yards rushing and 1 TD, but the rookie QB Antonio Zimmerman was out of his league, stepping in to play for the first time as a starter, he was 13-30 for 120 yards passing, 0 TD’s and 3 INT’s.

Super Bowl 2023

Seattle Seahawks (10-9) vs Tennessee Titans (13-5)
Tennessee defeated the Seahawks 31-24 to finally end the chances of the 7-9 Seahawks a chance to call themselves NFL Champions.

[Dutch]

**2023 Post-Season Interviews**

Gene Diaz, ESPN – Wow, what a wild year! In the NFC, the Redskins, Falcons, and Buccaneers all made the Conference Round with the Seattle Seahawks, who were 7-9 on the year and with everybody favored but the Seahawks, the Seahawks emerge victorious. Amazing.

Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay – We ran into some bad luck at the end with KC Madison (Bucs veteran QB) going down for the year. He was the glue for us and without him, we were very beatable. And Irving Kemp (veteran Bucs WR) retired the week after our last game…..which is disappointing, as much as we rivaled, I really wanted to see him win a ring.

Gene Diaz, ESPN –Irving Kemp was a great receiver, but those are the breaks, not every great athlete was on a championship team. But you can make a run next year, perhaps?

Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay – haha, oh, you know I’ll try! {big grin}

Gene Diaz, ESPN – Then there is big Jumbo Mitchell. Jumbo….you had a monster year…nearly 1500 yards receiving, 12 TD’s…..the Redskins dominated 14-1-1….and then….

Jumbo Mitchell – I know! Don’t tell me about it, we fell asleep at the wrong time and forgot to game plan against that man <give’s a light hearted glare and points at John Joyner). The season was a dream come true for me, but I really don’t like ending it all on a bad note…I want to come back and do it right next year!

John Joyner – Me too.

Gene Diaz, ESPN – John, 213 yards against the big boys in Washington DC, then, against the “lowly” Seahawks? Nothing?

John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – Don’t discount the Seahawks. They were 7-9, but they hit it hot and the right time, you can’t deny them their day in the sun.

Gene Diaz, ESPN – A noble response, but I know you wanted that game….but the bad luck hit, and hit hard for you.

John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – Oh man did it. When Percy Phillips went down early in the year, we thought we were toast. Then Eddie Joyner….no he’s not my brother!.....came in and did a spectacular job! I mean, I think the whole country was rooting for this guy…..but when Percy Phillips returned, we went to the veteran. Percy had been there before you know. So he plays a game or two, then in Green Bay, 1st quarter…..man I was right there, you could hear the snap. It was terrible. But while we are all in shock, Eddie Joyner steps up and calms us down….like Eddie was the one that’s “been there” before. It was amazing, and we did it, we beat the Pack in Lambeau! Whew! But then the next week in Washington DC, the nightmare repeated…..same thing, a weird tackle, and when Eddie didn’t get up right away, we all got scared. He may not be able to play football again. And nobody is going to blame this on Antonio Zimmerman, like the media is saying….the kid hadn’t been involved at all the whole year, and then to expect him to play Championship caliber football against a team (the Seahawks) that were all about taking advantage of every opportunity they got? No way, man…..it was just a bad deal, that’s all. Whoever my quarterback is next year…I’m going to make sure we get back to have a replay of that day.

Gene Diaz, ESPN – Wow, amazing story, we need a good ending John.

John Joyner – I can’t tell the future but I’m going to give it my best Seattle Seahawk effort. <smiles>

Gene Diaz, ESPN – Well, somehow, the rock pounder Ronald Betz comes up 4th on the list this year. You did have another good year, but the Colts die quickly in the later parts of the season. I mean, you were 8-1….and were punted from the playoffs first go?

Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – I don’t know. I wish we could keep it going all season. I don’t know what’s going on, to be honest. We’ll give it a go again and I’ll let the coaches figure out what’s going on.

Gene Diaz, ESPN – Well, let’s turn to Josh Baxter. 13-3, the Bengals had home field advantage throughout the playoffs, and you guys lose the first game to Miami? What happened?

Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – I don’t know, maybe it’s the “Band of Brother Two” curse! I don’t know, we played great all year long and then got pounded. It was very disappointing.

Gene Diaz, ESPN – Well, congratulations on finally turning the Bengals into contenders. Well, Howard Azumah? You finally got to play in the NFL and now your contract is up? What’s on the schedule for you?

Howard Azumah, QB, St. Louis – I’d like to get out of St. Louis and get a job somewhere else, but Kim Hankton’s contract is up too, so I don’t know what will happen.

Gene Diaz, ESPN – And then there is DJ Lauvray…..1st round bust?

DJ Lauvray, QB, Retired – Early retirement for me. That’s all right, it was my dream come true. I was born and raised Carson City, Nevada…but I went to Chicago University, and then played pro ball with the Chicago Bears. I can’t complain about it, I love Chicago and will stay in town. It will all work out. Take care everybody, good luck to you!

Gene Diaz, ESPN – Well, good luck to you DJ, and I wish everybody better luck in the coming year!

[Dutch]

**RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT – DJ LAUVRAY – QB (2020-2022)**

DJ Lauvray, QB, Chicago Bears (2020-2022) – DJ Lauvray didn’t have much of a career. But he did get to play his 2nd year with the Bears as the starting QB 12 times. He finishes his career going 189 of 315 in passing with a 60% completion percent. 2,240 yards passing with 9 TD’s and 13 INT’s. His QB rating was 74.0

[Dutch]

**Pre-Season Notes for the NFL 2024 Season – YEAR 5**

1. Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay – Rick Nix returns for a 5th year of Buccaneer football and again as the Receivers Leader. Veteran QB KC Madison (16th year will start as well)

2. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – Ronald Betz returns for a 5th year of Indianapolis Colts Football, he is idolized by the fans (rating 100).

3. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta –John Joyner will start again for the Falcons, Dixon Quinn, the journeyman QB, will be the starter with Antonio Zimmerman being the 2nd QB this year. Percy Phillips and Eddie Joyner are both still unable to play due to injuries they sustained in last years playoffs.

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – The Bengals decide to shake things up by bringing in veteran star QB Jay Blades (13th year)…Josh Baxter has to settle for 2nd QB this year. He is not happy, with 4 years left on his contract….Blades signed a 1 year deal.

5. Howard Azumah, QB, New York Giants – Howard Azumah signed a 2 year deal with the New York Giants. He gets his wish, a chance to start, but the New York Giants have no weapons to speak of this year, and their only good asset, Geoff Welsh, formerly of Cincinnati Bengal fame, won’t be available until maybe Week #4 or 5 of the season…after sustaining a pre-season injury.

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, Chicago – 2020-2022 RETIRED

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Jumbo will play SE again for the Redskins this year.

[Dutch]

**2024 Season Updates**

1. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis starts off the season with a bang. He rushes for a career high 191 yards and scores 3 TD’s, he has an additional 50 yards receiving.

2. Howard Azumah, QB, NY Giants – Howard survives his outing as an NFL quarterback, defeating the Dallas Cowboys 14-13. He threw for 220 yards, 2 TD’s, but had 3 picks.

3. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Jumbo had 111 yards receiving as the Redskins downed the Eagles 27-16 opening week.

4. Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay – Rick Nix managed 111 yards as well, but they lost to the Saints 29-24 on opening day.

5. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – Betz strikes again with a 124 yard rushing effort in week #2. The Colts are 2-0.

6. Howard Azumah, QB, NY Giants – Don’t look now but Howard is 2-0 as a starting NFL QB. He threw for 202 yards, 3 TD’s and just 1 pick in a 31-20 win over Pittsburg.

7. Howard Azumah, QB, NY Giants – 2 more TD passes, but this time it’s a loss. The Bears beat them 20-17.

8. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – The Colts won again in week #3, but Betz hardly played after hyper-extending his elbow. He’s doubtful for week #4, but he could play.

9. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – Betz doesn’t miss a beat, he plays in week #4, gains 95 yards, but the Colts lose.

10. Rivals Rick Nix and Jumbo Mitchell meet in Washington. But Rick Nix (97 yards receiving) and the Buccaneers win the day 32-6.

11. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – Betz out does himself, gaining 206 yards rushing and 60 yards receiving and 3 scoring strikes on the day! The Colts are 4-1. Another fast start.

12. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Not to be out done, Jumbo hauls in 213 yards worth of passes…but fails to score and the Atlanta Falcons with John Joyner (62 yards and 3 TD’s) take the game 34-27.

13. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Gains 152 yards in receiving yardage as the Redskins (4-2) beat the Cowboys (4-2) 27-24.

14. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – Betz strikes again, 158 yards rushing and 2 TD’s in a 37-10 thumping of the NY Jets in week #7.

15. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – Betz is on a mission this year, he rushes for 170 yards and receives 115 yards in a 26-13 victory over the Dolphins. The Colts are 7-1.

16. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinatti – Josh played well(20-28 for 198 yards) but lost in a start for the injured Jay Blades. The Bengals are 5-3 at the half way mark.

17. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – Betz does it again, 132 yards and the victory to bring the Colts to 8-1…..where they were last year before the collapse.

18. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – Rushes for 135 and gets the win. The Colts are 9-1.

19. Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay – Nix gets 119 receiving yards and a win. Buccaneers are a disappointing 4-5 so far this year.

20. Howard Azumah – Howard throws for 301 yards in a victory over the 4-5 Atlanta Falcons during Week #10 action. The New York Giants are 4-5.

21. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – Ronald rushes for 153 yards in a 26-16 victory over the Oakland Raiders. The Colts are 11-1.

22. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – The Atlanta Falcons improved their record to 7-6 with a 10-0 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. John Joyner left the game with a broken tibia, unfortunately, and his return this season is unlikely.

23. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – Jay Blades returned in week #16 to take the starting spot back from Josh Baxter.

24. Indianapolis claims homefield advantage throughout with their 15-1 regular season record behind the rushing of RB Ronald Betz.

25. Tampa Bay (Rick Nix) edges out the Atlanta Falcons (John Joyner) by winning the tie-breakers for 9-7…..to gain a wild card spot.

26. Washington (10-6) and Cincinnati (11-5) also earned playoff spots.

[Dutch]

**The Line**

1. Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay – GS 16; 72 catches for 1,075 yards; 8 TD’s

2. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – GS 16; 433 rushes for 1,858 yards and 14 TD’s (all career bests).
a. Named 2024 NFL ALL-PRO (1st team)
b. Named 2024 NFL Offensive Player of the Year
c. Named 2024 NFL Most Valuable Player

3. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – GS 13 (ended year on IR) 254 attempts for 951 yards and 10 TD’s

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – (GS 7 as 2nd string QB) 61.7% completions for 1,400 yards; 11 TD’s and 14 INT’s and 70.8 QB Rating

5. Howard Azumah, QB, New York Giants – GS 16; 61.2% completions for 3,219 yards, 21 TD’s and 22 INT’s and a 74.4 QB Rating

6. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – GS 15; 101 catches for 1,485 yards and 5 TD’s
a. Named 2024 NFL ALL-PRO (2nd Team)

[Dutch]

**2024 Playoff Picture**

Wild Card Round

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) vs. Chicago Bears (11-5)
The Bucs defeated the Chicago Bears 17-7 in Chicago. Rick Nix had 4 catches for 47 yards and 0 TD’s

Washington Redskins (10-6) vs. New Orleans Saints (11-5)
The Saints knocked off the Redskins 24-21. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington had 6 catches for 100 yards.

Divisional Round

Jacksonville Jaguars (10-7) vs Indianapolis Colts (15-1)
The Colts decimated the Jaguars today 31-10. Ronald Betz rushed for 123 yards and 1 TD.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7) at St. Louis Rams (15-1)
Despite a 5 catch, 122 yards effort by Rick Nix, Flanker, the Buccaneers fell to the St. Louis Rams 28-20 under the guidance of veteran QB Horse Belly Reeves.

Tennessee Titans (11-6) at Cincinnati Bengals (11-5)
The Bengals with Jay Blades at the helm, defeated the Titans soundly 28-3. Josh Baxter, the 2nd string QB did not see any action.

Conference Finals

Cincinnati Bengals (12-5) vs. Indianapolis Colts (16-1)The Cincinnati Bengals and Jay Blades defeated the Indianapolis Colts 21-10. Ronald Betz did his part, rushing for 127 yards, but they just couldn’t score the points. Josh Baxter will go to the Super Bowl, but only as a backup to (the) Jay Blades…

Super Bowl 2024

Cincinnati Bengals (13-5) vs St. Louis Rams (17-1)

The Rams, under the guidance of veteran Horse Belly Reaves, have been absolutely dominant. But on this day, the Bengals and QB Jay Blades win the day with a 27-7 smothering of the Rams. Jay Blades was injured late in the fourth quarter (ribcage) and Josh Baxter mopped up completing 2 of 4 passes for 15 yards.

[Dutch]

**2024 Post-Season Interviews**

Gene Diaz, ESPN – Well, Josh Baxter is the first member of the Band of Brothers II to wear a Super Bowl ring, congratulations!

Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – Thanks, obviously I would have preferred to have been the starter, but I understand the decision the front office made. They had all the pieces to the puzzle and went with what worked better for them. Jay Blades is a great QB.

Gene Diaz, ESPN – Thanks Josh. Next up is Ronald Betz. Ronald was a force this year, there was no late season slide by the Colts, just a disappointing loss to the Bengals for a chance to face off with the Rams in the Super Bowl. You were first in the NFL in carries, yards, and TD’s. You broke Edgerring James Colts rushing record and had the 4th best rushing season of all-time…how do you feel at this point in your career? Are you a success?

Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – I think so. You know, it’s funny, you come into this league wanting to prove you can make it, and then you get so close to the Super Bowl and you don’t care about the individual stuff anymore. Yes, the competition on an individual level is important, but working together as a team to reach that ultimate objective is the real challenge. We almost got it right this year, but you have to be ready each and every week, especially in the playoffs, one slip up and you could be home before you know it.

Gene Diaz – ESPN – Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay – I guess you are next this year, a pretty good season, the Bucs snuck into the playoffs and you guys did some damage. What’s your take?

Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay – Another year, another missed opportunity….we need to get it together in Tampa, quick.

Gene Diaz, ESPN – I sense some impatience, well, if things don’t work out you are a free agent at the end of next year….how about you Jumbo, are you getting impatient with the Redskins?

Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – I wouldn’t say impatient. I am ready to feel the excitement of the championships, and I feel we took some steps backward from last year when we looked great (14-1-1 season to 10-6). But it’s hard to say, I haven’t see a truly dominant team win it all since I’ve been in the league, it’s always the underdogs that win, so it makes me wonder which position I really want to be in….for all I know, our 10-6 ball club was just a pinch away from perfect!

Gene Diaz, ESPN – John, not quite the excitement of last year in Atlanta?

John Joyner, RB, Atlanta Falcons – Definitely a disappointment considering all that drama last year. We did alright, but we will work together as a team much better as we get used to our new QB.

Gene Diaz, ESPN – Glad to see you are doing well after that last season injury, looks like you will be back and stronger than ever. And Howard, you got to play, man! Is that cool or what?

Howard Azumah, QB, NY Giants – Oh man, I was so happy when I got to New York and found out I was going to start. I think I did pretty well, but it was essentially a rookie season for me. I think the die-hard fans in New York will stop throwing things at me next year, I’m almost sure of it!

Gene Diaz, ESPN – Haha, good luck on that, they hate all their players, it seems. Well guys, year #6 of your careers is next….this is the time when you really should start to shine. Good luck to you all, the next few years should be exciting for you and all of us!

[StanGunner]

Nice job.

[Dutch]

Thank you, I hope the writing style isn't too boring.

Anyway, on to year 6!

[Dutch]

**Pre-Season Notes for the NFL 2025 Season – YEAR 6**

1. Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay – Will start for his 6th consecutive year. He’s the team’s receivers leader. This is the last year of his current contract.

2. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – This is Betz’s 6th consecutive year as a starter, he has never missed a game or a game start. It’s the last year of his contract with the Colts.

3. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – John will make his 5th consecutive year as a starter. He has 4 years remaining on his contract.

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – Josh will start for the 5th time in his career. His only non-starting year was last year’s Championship run by the Bengals. Josh has 3 years remaining on his current contract.

5. Howard Azumah, QB, St. Louis – Howard Azumah is joined this year by last year’s Super Bowl Champion (Bengals) QB Jay Blades. Jay will take the opening day start. Howard is back on the bench. (Jay Blades is really screwing up the chance for glory by my Band of Brothers QB! Get out of the way Jay!) Jay signed a 1 year deal for $2 million dollars and Howard is in the last year of his 2 year deal with the Giants.

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, Chicago – 2020-2022 RETIRED

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Jumbo switched back to Flanker this off-season in a somewhat surprising move. He will start for the 5th consecutive year for the Redskins.

[Dutch]

2025 Season Updates

1. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – Ronald Betz rushed for 145 yards on the road against the New England Patriots to drop them to 2-1 and bring the Colts to 2-1.

2. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – John rushed for 155 yards against the upstart Arizona Cardinals (4-2) in a 31-6 victory. The Falcons are 3-2.

3. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – John grinded out 126 yards rushing against the lowly San Francisco 49’ers (2-6). The Falcons are (4-3).

4. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – Betz rushed for 119 yards and eaked out a win against the Oakland Raiders (2-5) by winning 19-17. The Colts are 6-2.

5. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – At the halfway point of the year, Josh Baxter’s Super Bowl Champion Bengals are a dismal 2-6. Jay Blades and the New York Giants are 5-3.

6. Howard Azumah, QB, New York Giants – Jay Blades was hurt in a 24-21 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. But Howard did not replace Blades, Cole Money, the 5th year QB, also acquired this year from Seattle where he developed for 3 years and started his 4th) did get to play the rest of the game. Howard’s Azumah, while still quite a capable QB is having trouble finding work. The writing looks to be already on the wall for Azumah and New York City.

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Had his first big game of the year, with an 8 catch, 154 receiving yard day with 3 TD’s against Money Cole and the New York Giants. Despite the monster effort, the New York Giants (7-3) wiped the Redskins (4-6) out with a 34-21 victory.

8. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – Betz rolled for an NFL 4th best game in league history today with 232 rushing yards on the ground in a gruesome defeat of last year’s Super Bowl Champions under Josh Baxter’s leadership – 40-20. Betz also managed 61 receiving yards, 2 TD (42, 2) and 1 Receiving TD (35 yards). However, the effort falls 1 yard short of the Colts record and the 3rd best rushing day in history (233 Edgerrin James 22 years ago in 2003).

9. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – John had a good day (119 yards rushing) in a 41-0 defeat of the Detroit Lions (6-6) to push the Falcons to 7-5 on the year.

10. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – John rushed for 142 yards against Miami (7-6) but despite the effort, lost 20-17. Atlanta is 7-6.

11. Josh Baxter sprained his foot in week #16 during a 24-21 win over Pittsburgh. He will miss the last game of the season because of it.

12. Howard Azumah will move into the #2 QB spot for the NY Giants (13-3) during the playoffs as Jay Blades broke his foot in the last game. Cole Money, the new starting QB is 3-0 in regular season action this year.

[Dutch]

**2025 Season Notes**

**The Line**

1. Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay – GS 16; 77 catches (career high) for 908 yards and 3 TD’s.

8. Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – 16 GS; 363 rushes for 1,520 yards and 8 TD’s
a. Named 2025 NFL ALL-PRO (2nd team)
b. Named 2025 NFL Most Valuable Player

9. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – 16 GS; 316 rushes for 1,374 yards and 13 TD’s

10. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – 15 GS; 57.3% completion rate for 3,060 yards; 17 TD’s and 19 INT’s; 73.6 QB Rating

11. Howard Azumah, QB, New York Giants – 0 GS; Did not play

12. D.J. Lauvray, QB, Chicago – RETIRED

13. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – 16 GS; 77 catches for 1,221 yards and 11 TD’s (career high)
a. Named 2025 NFL ALL-PRO (2nd Team)

[Dutch]

**2025 Playoff Picture**

Divisional Round

Chicago (12-5) @ New York Giants (13-3)Cole Money threw for 228 yards and 1 TD as the NY Giants held off the Chicago Bears 20-17. Howard Azumah did not play.

Conference Championships

New York Giants (14-3) @ St. Louis Rams (14-3)
Cole Money failed to perform in St. Louis for the first time all season. Wade Fulcher, the starting St. Louis Rams QB threw for 371 yards in a decisive 31-6 pounding of the New York Giants. Howard Azumah did not play in the game.

Super Bowl 2025

Buffalo Bills (15-3) vs. St. Louis Rams (15-3)
The St. Louis Rams and Wade Fulcher defeated the Buffalo Bills 21-13 in Super Bowl 2026. St. Louis makes up for last years loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

[Dutch]

**2025 Post-Season Interviews**

ESPN, Gene Diaz – Welcome back! I have to admit, I did not see this crowd coming back looking so glum. Some of you had great years, but only one of you made post season playoffs. Howard Azumah, that was you, and you really didn’t have a chance to play this year at all.

Howard Azumah, QB, New York Giants – I don’t suppose I will be resigning with the Giants. They are a great organization, but they hired me and then hired to veterans to compete over the top of me. I’m not too thrilled, but all three of us are out of contracts right now, so who knows what happens next!

ESPN, Gene Diaz – So two years ago, you leave St. Louis to play for New York. St. Louis goes to the Super Bowl two years in a row since your departure, that’s gotta sting? Just a little?

Howard Azumah, QB, New York Giants – Sure it does, but they weren’t going to start me in St. Louis. So I left. It stings more to know that I had a good year in New York only to be benched.

ESPN, Gene Diaz – Well, good luck next year. Ronald Betz? The train just keep on chuggin’ along, doesn’t it? Two more league awards to add to your Trophy Room. How many NFL MVP’s does that make?

Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – That would be number 5. <smiles>

ESPN, Gene Diaz – Well, you are certainly the most celebrated player to ever be on the Band of Brothers series. You have 5 NFL MVP awards, that’s the most MVP awards by one player in the history of the NFL by the way, 1 Rookie of the Year, 2 Offensive Player of the Year, 2 NFL ALL-PRO First Team Awards, and 2 NFL ALL-PRO Second Team Awards. And you aren’t exactly getting ready to retire! You just finished your sixth year in the league. What’s the next goal? Are you going to go out there and re-write the career record books for running backs?

Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – Woah, slow down. My first order of business is to the earn a Championship Ring.

ESPN, Gene Diaz – You contract with the Colts is up. Can anybody afford to pay you what you are worth next season?

Ronald Betz, RB, Indianapolis – I’ll leave that up to my agent. But I will say this, I hope I can play in Indy next season. I love the fans there!

ESPN, Gene Diaz – Next up is John Joyner. John, a disappointing year for the Falcons, but not for you, right?

John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – It was disappointing, the yards don’t add up to anything when you are 8-8.

ESPN, Gene Diaz – You have signed a long term deal with the Falcons, how do you feel about the organization’s chances next year?

John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – Well, our 3 most talented players are all up for renewal, it will be a tough sell right now. We may be retooling, but not rebuilding!

ESPN, Gene Diaz – Good luck to you, next we have Jumbo. Same boat, good individual season, but the team bottomed out.

Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Yeah, we have some issues right now to resolve. It’s pretty ugly in D.C. We’ll work something out though, I’m sure. We need a good QB to get us going again. Howard??? Come on up to DC! {laughs}

Howard Azumah, QB, New York – I’m there….let me call my agent! <laughs>

ESPN, Gene Diaz - Well, in this league, you never know what’s going to happen next. Rick Nix is still playing football, but you wouldn’t know it by watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Boy were they stinkers this year!

Rick Nix, WR, Tampa Bay – The Bucs definitely had issues. I may have played my last game in the Bucs uniform.

ESPN, Gene Diaz – Good luck whatever you decide to do. Josh Baxter? You’re last this year. What’s the story?

Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – Horrible year. I feel personally responsible for taking the ex Super Bowl Champ Bengals and running them right into the dirt. I’m afraid to take my family shopping around town these days.

ESPN, Gene Diaz – Yeah, bad luck for our QB's this time around. Howard Azumah leaves St. Louis and they go to the Super Bowl twice in the two years following his departure. You (Josh Baxter) start 5 out of 6 seasons and the one season you don’t start the Bengals win it all. Can you turn the Bengals around?

Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – I doubt it, they may have to turn me around! Seriously, though, I still think I can be a big help to this organization.

ESPN, Gene Diaz – Thank you, good luck to you all next season.

[Chas in Cinti]

How about a summary of career stats and awards one?

Great dynasty, I'm enjoying it!

Regards,
Chas

[Dutch]

Hmmm, that's something I would have to plan for the next one. I have already written and completed the entire dynasty (that way it's guarenteed I finish it without leaving anybody hanging). So I can't go back, but I do have career stats for all players involved and awards summary at the end and where they rank in NFL terms (where appropriate)...among other things.

[Dutch]

**Pre-Season Notes for the NFL 2026 Season – YEAR 7**

1. Rick Nix, WR, New England – As expected, Free Agency was too expensive. Rick Nix signed a 1 year deal at the league minimum with the New England Patriots where he will pear up with another great receiver, split end, Cory Schlesinger. New England has a very good seasoned veteran Tom Wilson at quarterback. They could be a force to be reckoned with around the league.

2. Ronald Betz, RB, Atlanta – Betz could not stay in Indianapolis as the Colts refused to offer him a new contract. Actually, Betz, could not find a job anywhere at his asking price and had to settle for a 1 year league minimum deal with the Atlanta Falcons! He should be considered the starter over John Joyner!

3. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – John Joyner could be the man without a job this year despite a great individual season last year.

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – The Bengals drafted a stud receiver this year Albert Jaster at #7 overall to help out embattled quarterback, Josh Baxter.

5. Howard Azumah, QB, Atlanta – Howard Azumah signs a one year deal in Atlanta, he should be a backup again as Atlanta has comparable talent already.

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, Chicago – 2020-2022 RETIRED

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Jumbo will start for a 6th straight season with the Redskins.

[Dutch]

**2026 Season Updates**

1. Howard Azumah, QB, Atlanta – Howard is named the starting QB of the Atlanta Falcons! Veteran Malcolm Spillman was just edged out in pre-season and up and comer Antonio Zimmerman (of Cincinnati “fame”) is the 3QB.

2. Ronald Betz, RB, Atlanta – Ronald won the battle for tailback in Atlanta.

3. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – In what could be a devastating 1-2 punch if utilized, John Joyner returns to the Falcons, but in an unfamiliar role, as the #2 man.

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – Josh returns as the starter for the Bengals for a 6th time.

5. Rick Nix, WR, New England – Rick Nix joins the Patriots and will start his first year. Rick Nix is still considered an elite WR on paper, perhaps the new environment will pay dividends. He will remain in his role as a Receivers Leader.

6. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Jumbo will start again for the Redskins as their Flanker. He is re-united with QB Conrad Luster who was his QB for 4 years prior to last season.

[Dutch]

**2026 Season Notes**

1. The Three Amigo’s – In Atlanta, they start off 1-0 with a 16-9 victory over division rival New Orleans (0-1). Ironically, the only TD was a defensive interception return. Ronald Betz (28-94); John Joyner (9-17); Azumah (13-18 for 136 yards 0 TD 1 INT)

2. The Three Amigo’s – Atlanta 23, Cleveland 3 ; Ronald Betz (20-72); John Joyner (11-68) ; Howard Azumah (21-33 for 216 yards 2 TD 0 INT). Atlanta is 2-0.

3. Rick Nix, WR, New England – Rick Nix has 9 catches for 123 yards and 1 TD in week #2 action. The Patriots (1-1) win 30-20 over Detroit.

4. The Three Amigo’s – Atlanta 30, Arizona 3 ; Ronald Betz (24-106 and 6 rec. for 40 and 1 TD) ; John Joyner (3-7 and 1 TD and 1 rec for 10 yards) ; Howard Azumah (20-31 for 179 yards, 1 TD and 0 INT). Atlanta is 3-0.

5. The Three Amigo’s – Atlanta 24, Tampa Bay 20 ; Ronald Betz is bothered by knee tendinitus that keeps him out of much of the game and renders him “probable” for next weeks game. Ronald Betz (11-80 w/ 1 TD) ; John Joyner (24-130) ; Howard Azumah (16-21 for 187 yards 2 TD/1 INT). The Falcons are 4-0.

6. The Three Amigo’s – Atlanta 24, Carolina 21 ; Ronald Betz (22-78) ; John Joyner (9-35) ; Howard Azumah (23-30 for 234 yards and 2 TD/0 INT). The Falcons are 5-0.

7. The Three Amigo’s – Minnesota 30, Atlanta 24 ; Ronald Betz (13-27 and 1 TD) ; John Joyner (2-9) and Howard Azumah (19-30 for 2 TD and 2 INT). The Falcons are 5-1.

8. The Three Amigo’s – Green Bay 24, Atlanta 13 ; Ronald Betz (17-55) ; John Joyner (3-4) and Howard Azumah (22-50 for 225 yards 1 TD and 3 INT)

9. Rick Nix, WR, New England – It’s been a rough go for the New England Patriots this year (2-5) and they lose in week #8 (Denver 24, New England 14) but Rick Nix has a notable day as he pulls in 8 catches for 161 yards 1 TD.

10. The Three Amigo’s – Detroit 25, Atlanta 13 ; Atlanta hopes they never have to meet an NFC Central team again! From 5-0 to 5-3, the wheels are falling off in the ATL. Ronald Betz (15-62 and 6 rec. for 33 yards and a TD) ; John Joyner (3-22) and Howard Azumah (19-33 for 197, 1 TD and 1 INT)

11. The Three Amigo’s – Atlanta 26, Chicago 17 ; They had to battle back from a 14-3 deficit in the 1st qtr, but they got it done. Ronald Betz (15-63) ; John Joyner (2-2) and Howard Azumah (18-25 for 244, 2 TD and 0 INT). Atlanta is 6-3.

12. The Three Amigo’s – Atlanta 10, New Orleans 3 ; Ronald Betz (15-51) ; John Joyner (5 for -4) and Howard Azumah (22-37 for 174, 1 TD and 1 INT). Atlanta is 7-3.

13. Rick Nix, WR, New England – In a New England victory over Green Bay 31-24, the Patriots (5-6) struggle to stay in the race in the AFC East. Rick Nix had 9 catches for 109 yards and 2 TD’s (one on a reverse).

14. The Three Amigo’s – Atlanta 30, Pittsburgh 17 ; Ronald Betz (27-104 and 1 TD) ; John Joyner (7-17) ; Howard Azumah (16-30 for 145, 1 TD and 0 INT). Atlanta is 8-3.

15. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – During the Bengals 20-10 victory over the Chiefs, Josh Baxter was hurried by RDE Replogle of the Chiefs. While nothing was caught on tape, Replogle apparently put a hand or a foot into the facemask of Baxter and broke his jaw. Baxter will be out for 6-8 weeks. The Bengals are 6-6.

16. The Three Amigo’s – Atlanta 40, Philadelphia 0 ; The Falcons moved to 9-3 on the year with a blowout win over Philly. Ronald Betz (27-117 yards and 1 TD) ; John Joyner (11-25) ; and Howard Azumah (16-24 for 189 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT).

17. The Three Amigo’s – Atlanta 24, Cincinnati 21 ; The Falcons beat the Bengals less Josh Baxter to move to 10-3 for the year. Ronald Betz (24-103 and 1 TD) ; John Joyner (5-9) and Howard Azumah (21-33 for 277 yards, 1 TD 0 INT ).

18. The Three Amigo’s – Atlanta 20, Carolina 6 ; The Falcons are 11-3. Ronald Betz (21-111) ; John Joyner (7-31 and 1 TD) ; Howard Azumah (16-20 for 167 yards and 1 TD and 0 INT )

19. Rick Nix, WR, New England (7-8) ; Rick Nix made 8 grabs for 171 yards and 1 TD in a notable late season match. New England 31, Minnesota 27.

20. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington (7-8) ; Although Jumbo is having a quiet season, he had a great game today with 7 catches for 155 yards and 1 TD.

21. The Three Amigo’s – Atlanta 35, Baltimore 6 ; The Falcons are 12-3. Ronald Betz had a monster day (29-168 and 1 TD) ; John Joyner (4-27 and 1 TD) and Howard Azumah (18-25 for 192 yards, 2 TD and 1 Int).

22. The Three Amigo’s – Tampa Bay 14, Atlanta 6 ; An uninspiring end to the season, will this get the losing out of their system and let them run for the big dance? Ronald Betz (20-61) ; John Joyner (7-12) and Howard Azumah (20-40 for 210 yards, 0 TD and 2 INT)

23. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – The Bengals dropped their last 4 ball games without Josh Baxter in the lineup, to end 6-10.

[Dutch]

**2026 Playoff Picture**

Dallas (10-7) @ Atlanta (12-4)
Ronald Betz lead the charge with 25 carries for 73 yards, while Howard Azumah was deadly accurate (24-30 for 219 yards and 1 TD and 1 INT ) to lead the Falcons and the Three Amigo’s past Dallas 28-3. (John Joyner had 2 carries for minus 1 yard)

Green Bay (12-5) @ Atlanta (13-4)
The Green Bay Packers upset the Atlanta Falcons 13-12 to advance to the Super Bowl. Ronald Betz was a disappointment (18-54 rushing although he did add an additional 54 receiving yards, but no TD’s) ; John Joyner had 3 caries for 25 yards ; Howard Azumah was 15-33 for 147 yards and 1 TD and 2 INT ).

Super Bowl 2026
Cleveland 27, Green Bay 24

[Dutch]

**2026 Post-Season Interviews**

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Well, 2026 was an interesting and fun year for us in the ESPN studios. We had a blast watching the story of the “Three Amigo’s” unfold. We are of course, sad that the Packers beat you to go to the Super Bowl.

Howard Azumah, QB, Atlanta – It was a wild ride indeed, a lot of fun. We were really a force to be reckoned with. And when we got that safety late in the 3rd to go up 12-3, we thought that game was ours. I guess we just kind of fell asleep. But it was a great year, my first truly good year since I left the National Champion Florida State Seminoles.

Ronald Betz, RB, Atlanta – It was weird playing with these guys at first. I mean, we have really gotten to know each other over the years and then to be on the same team, we knew despite the lack of playing time, that chemistry wasn’t going to be a problem.

John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – I admit that I was not pleased, but the object was to win a Super Bowl and the Falcons did what they thought was best. Now, Azumah and Betz are both up for contract renewals. Maybe they will be there in Atlanta, maybe not. I know I’ll be in Atlanta next year. So yeah, I’m not happy after all I’ve done for the organization for them to bring in Ronald…no offense…..but it was kind of a slap in the face. So yes, we knew each other, we were professionals, but I wasn’t not happy with the situation at all.

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Well, there has been quite a bit of that this go around with the Band of Brothers, hopefully you will all find yourselves planted at starters next season. Rick, you had a great year in New England.

Rick Nix, WR, New England – I got to show my stuff! Tampa was always about the running game, sometimes they had pass oriented quarterbacks, but mostly it was about the big backs. They got another good one now. I’m glad to be in New England where Tom Wilson is a great quarterback. I would love to play there again next year….but I am a free agent, so who knows.

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Josh Baxter, you are still in Cincinnati, looks like another rough year. Any chance of turning things around over there?

Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – I sure hope so, I think if we are aggressive this off-season in picking up some key players for our offensive line and the defense’s secondary, we could be very competitive.

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Well, good luck, Jumbo Mitchell, you are still plugging away in DC, I see.

Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Still going at it. Kind of a disappointing season, the numbers were good, but I hated getting hurt at the end of the season. I was really hoping to get another 1,000 yard season under my belt. But, those are the breaks!

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – No pun intended, right? So there you have it, the Band of Brothers season 7 in the books. Where will Howard Azumah, Ronald Betz, and Rick Nix end up next year? You’ll have to join us next season to find out. Good luck to you all.

[StanGunner]

Amazing that 3 of them landed on the same team.

[Dutch]

It's all in the "cards". I am in charge of the Buccaneers in this dynasty but I do not do anything with them. I had traded away a stud QB for the #1 pick the year before that ended up being the #1 overall pick. So while I did have Rick Nix, I ran a default gameplan and nothing to help him out offensively. Then I made sure not to resign him as to not muck with him. (In Band of Brothers I, I did sign the LB OJ Diaz (Gene Diaz' brother btw) to a 1 year deal, but refused to force him into the lineup. He sat on the bench all year then retired.

Anyway, too be continued tonight.

[Dutch]

Pre-Season Notes for the NFL 2027 Season – YEAR 8

1. Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – Rick Nix signs a 5 year/155 million dollar deal to play with the New Orleans Saints. Rick Nix has some knee tendonitis issues, but will start as the New Orleans Saints flanker. He is also the Saints Receivers Leader.

2. Ronald Betz, RB, Cincinnati – Ronald Betz signed a 4 year/46 million dollar deal to play with the Bengals this season. Ronald Betz, barely beat out Bengals rookie Running Back Bubba Ellis, drafted this year @ #27 overall.

3. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – John Joyner will start again for the Falcons after moving aside for Ronald Betz last season.

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – Josh Baxter resigned a new 4 year deal and is unchallenged for the Bengals starting quarterback position.

5. Howard Azumah, QB, San Francisco – Was offered a 6 year/ 120 million dollar deal, but waited too long to sign, then signed a 1 year minimum deal with the San Francisco 49’ers. Howard Azumah may only be a stop gap in San Fran. The #8 overall pick, QB, Arnold Shannon sits on the bench with a pen and clipboard and will watch the journeyman quarterback this season.

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, Chicago – 2020-2022 RETIRED

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – He’s back and starting for the Redskins for a 7th consecutive season.

[Dutch]

**2027 Season Updates**

1. Opening week, the Bengals put up an impressive offensive display, defeating the Baltimore Ravens 27-20. While Ronald Betz had a modest 60 yard rushing day on 16 carries, Josh Baxter stole the show, lighting up the Ravens defense for 338 passing yards and 2 TD strikes. He was 22 of 35 in passing attempts. The Bengals are 1-0.

2. As the only member (and original Falcon) of the “Three Amigo’s” still left in Atlanta, John Joyner put up a fine display of running in a 20-19 squeaker over Houston. He rushed the ball 25 times for 125 yards. The Falcons are 1-1 in week #2.

3. The Bengals defeated the Seahawks 10-7 in week #2. Ronald Betz did the lions share with 22 carries for 134 yards rushing on the ground and 1 TD. Josh Baxter held his own, completing 18 of 30 passes for 264 yards and 1 TD (31 yard reception by Ronald Betz).

4. Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – Rick Nix helped the Saints win their first game of the year (1-2) with an impressive performance. He caught 10 passes for 181 yards and 1 TD. The Saints beat the 49’ers 27-13. Howard Azumah was 16 of 30 for 155 yards passing for the 49’ers.

5. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Despite losing 34-21, Jumbo Mitchell had a fine 10 catch performance for 174 yards and 1 TD. The Redskins are struggling at 2-4 this year so far.

6. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – In a 27-10 victory over Carolina in week #8, Jumbo hauled in 8 passes for 144 yards. The Redskins are 3-5 at the half way point of the season.

7. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – John went down with an Adductor muscle injury early in the 23-17 loss to Dallas. He was 3-12 yards rushing. The injury is serious and he is expected to miss the remainder of the season, he could potentially see playoff action, however. (the Adductor muscle, after looking it up, is a muscle that keeps body parts in line with the median….it keeps the legs muscles close together or the arms close to the body. So I wonder what he looks like immediately following this injury? Bizzare.) After 8 games, John Joyner had rushed for 599 yards and 3 TD’s.

8. Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – Helping the Saints get back to .500, Rick Nix caught 10 passes for 135 yards in a 20-17 victory over division rival Carolina.

9. Week #11 – San Francisco 38, Cincinnati 28; In a rare meeting between Band of Brother QB’s, Howard Azumah came out on top with 21-30 passing for 273 yards vs. Josh Baxter’s 20-31 passing for 221 yards. The 49’ers improve to 6-7 while the Bengals slide to 7-6.

10. Ronald Betz, RB, Cincinnati – Ronald Betz rushed 28 times for 128 yards and 2 TD’s during a 23-0 thumping of Pittsburgh. Cincinnati is 8-6. Josh Baxter was deadly accurate in 16 of 18 passing for 218 yards.

11. Howard Azumah, QB, San Francisco – Howard showed us what he was worth today in a great 31-28 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. He threw for 275 yards on 19-25 passing and 4 TD’s including a 66 yard scoring strike.

12. John Joyner made a surprise return to the hapless Falcons here in week #15. He had 16 rushes for 34 yards during a 29-7 loss to the Buccaneers. The Falcons are 4-10 on the year.

13. Ronald Betz, RB, Cincinnati – Ronald Betz was replaced by rookie sensation Bubba Ellis. Despite the set-back, Betz had 2 TD scores in the 34-28 overtime win over St. Louis. Betz was 9 for 37 while Ellis rushed 15 times for 49 yards. Josh Baxter had 274 yards passing and 2 TD’s on 25-39 passing.

14. Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – Rick Nix caught 6 catches for 102 yards and 1 TD to lead the Saints to a 41-25 thrashing of the Atlanta Falcons. John Joyner had a decent outing with 15 carries for 62 yards and played despite recovering from a serious injury earlier in the year. The Saints end the season 10-6 and the Falcons end the season 4-12.

[Dutch]

**2027 Season Notes**

The Line

1. Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – GS 15; 92 rec. (career high) for 1,391 yards (First in NFL and a career high) and 9 TD
a. 2027 NFL ALL-PRO Receiver (First Team)

2. Ronald Betz, RB, Cincinnati – 12 GS; 258 rushes for 1,077 yards and 7 TD’s

3. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – 11 GS; 218 rushes for 756 yards and 3 TD’s

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – 16 GS; 62.8% completions (career high) for 3,703 yards (career high) 23 TD’s (career high) and 9 INT (career best) for a 94.1 QB Rating (career best)
a. 2027 NFL ALL-PRO Quarterback (First Team)

5. Howard Azumah, QB, San Francisco – 16 GS; 63.6% completions (career high) for 3,269 yards (career high) 25 TD’s (career high) and 12 INT (career best) for a 90.2 QB Rating (career best).

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, Chicago – RETIRED

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – 16 GS; 86 receptions for 1,314 yards and 5 TD’s.

[Dutch]

**2027 Playoff Picture**

Wild Card Round

New Orleans (10-6) @ San Francisco (9-7)This game features the #1 WR in Rick Nix of New Orleans going up against Howard Azumah and the San Francisco 49’ers. Howard Azumah passed for 262 yards on 20-26 passing 2 TD’s and 1 INT to lead the 49’ers past the Saints an Rick Nix (6-79) by the score of 20-13.

Division Round

San Francisco 49’ers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The curse of the Band of Brothers continues in post season play as the 49’ers dropped a heart breaker to the Buccaneers. With just 9 seconds left in the game, the 49’ers nailed a 31 yard FG to put them up 12-7. But on the ensuing kickoff, where time expired on the play, Amos Newman returned a short kickoff 89 yards to pay dirt that put the Buccaneers up 13-12. Wild Celebrations ensued and the Bucs failed to convert the extra point during the fan bedlam. Howard Azumah played uninspiringly all day completing 16 of 29 passes for 127 yards and 1 INT.

Super Bowl 2027

New York Jets 26, Green Bay Packers 17

[Dutch]

**2027 Post-Season Interviews**

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Well, folks, it’s been 8 years since these guys were rookies with so much hope and promise for glory. To date, nobody has a Super Bowl Ring. No offense to Josh Baxter's bench warming Bengal ring. Is it just going to get even harder from here on out to get to that ultimate achievement?

Howard Azumah, QB, San Fransisco – I don’t think so, I think we can start to use our experiences as well as our talents to help our teams. A couple of years ago, just to speak for myself, I would say I didn’t have much more to bring to the table, but when you get out there and you play and you watch how champions on other teams play, you kind of figure out what needs to be done. I won a college championship 8 years ago, that’s a long time in football to go without winning. The drive is definitely there, the motivation is there, and I think I’ve only reached the midway point of my career. I’m ready to do the last 8 years all over again, but with the knowledge that I’ve gained.

Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – It’s not getting harder to play receiver, it’s getting easier actually, I think my great numbers prove that. <grins> Now getting on the team with the right chemistry and talent and experience…yes, that get’s harder because you know you can’t last forever. But right now, I can be a great asset to any team, I just hope it’s one ready to make that push.

Ronald Betz, RB, Cincinnati – Well, Howard might have reached the halfway mark, but I’ve been heavily challenged for playing time 2 years in a row now. I’ve given this league a lot of my energy. I get hit, I get hit a lot, so I could go out with a career ending injury next year. <knocks on wood> Now, I am in great shape still, don’t get me wrong, but I would prefer to win a championship sometimes soon.

John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – I am ready now as well, I’d love to be a pretty boy quarterback and not ever get hit -- <points at Azumah and laughs> -- but running backs aren’t generally hitting the gaps in their 16th year. So yes, there is a sense of urgency.

Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – Well speak for yourselves….I just had the best year of my career to date and I don’t have time to think about when it’s all said and done, I take it one season at a time, one game at a time, one play at a time. That’s the only way to do it if you ask me.

Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – That’s it, one play at a time. That’s the way it’s worked so far, no time to worry about what happens the play after that. Just keep on doing everything in your power to change the outcome of a football game and hope it’s enough to get you to the Championship game.

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Good luck gentleman.

[Dutch]

It kind of sucks that this dynasty got chopped in half...I'll continue this starting sometime this week.

[Dutch]

**Pre-Season Notes for the NFL 2028 Season – YEAR 9**

1. Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans (4 years left on new contract) – Rick Nix will be the starter for the Saints at Flanker. He is the receivers leader. He will start the season with a minor injury that will keep him out of the lineup for one game.

2. Ronald Betz, RB, Cincinnati –(3 years left on new contract) – Still in great shape, but he’s no Bubba Ellis, the 2nd year rookie who unseated Ronald Betz in the 16th week last season as the #1 guy in Cincinnati.

3. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – (2 years left on contract) – John Joyner will start in Atlanta, 4th year man Ed Davis is quite capable if John is hurt, but the job is John’s. Joyner is the 2nd most veteran player on the Falcons.

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – (3 years left on contract) – Josh will start again as the Bengals quarterback, he has no challengers.

5. Howard Azumah, QB, Indianapolis – (2 years on new $11 million dollar deal) – Azumah will be the starting quarterback in Indianapolis. Howard is the 2nd most veteran player on the Colts.

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, Chicago – 2020-2022 RETIRED

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – (3 years left on contract) – Jumbo is really the only good receiver on Washington this year, he’s the receivers leader and now he’s the most veteran player on the Redksins.

[Dutch]

**2028 Season Updates**

1. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Redskins – Jumbo had a solid game in week #4, catching 9 passes for 102 yards and 1 TD in a 20-13 win over the Green Bay Packers (2-2). The Redskins are off to a 3-1 start.

2. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta (134 yards) and Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans (120 receiving yards) both showed they are still in good shape even though both clubs are under .500 and loss in week #4.

3. Ronald Betz, RB, Cincinnati – Ronald Betz has managed a lot of work coming in off the bench, but in week #7, he injured his elbow and that will force him out of action for 4-6 weeks.

4. Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – Rick hauled in 8 catches for 109 yards and a 37 yard scoring TD to lift the Saints to a 17-14 victory over the 0-8 Carolina Panthers. The Saints are 3-4.

5. Week #11 saw a big performance from John Joyner, RB, Atlanta (113 yards and 2 TDs) in a 28-23 victory over the New Orleans Saints and Rick Nix, WR (156 yards and 1 TD). The Falcons move to 5-5 and the Saints drop to 3-7.

6. Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – Rick Nix broke his jaw in Week #12. He is projected to be out for the rest of the year.

7. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta strikes again in a 10-9 victory over the Oakland Raiders. He racked up 122 rushing yards on the day.

8. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Jumbo pulled down 2 TDs and 160 yards receiving in a 33-28 win over Pittsburgh (3-10) to put the Redskins at 7-6.

9. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – John broke his arm in week #14 that would sideline him until deep into the playoffs. His season is probably done unless the Falcons make the playoffs and make a run. They are 7-6.

10. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Jumbo Mitchell hauled in 9 passes for 115 yards and 1 TD to put the Redskins over the Baltimore Ravens 30-27. The Redskins are 8-7.

[Dutch]

**2028 Season Notes**

The Line

1. Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – GS 12; 62 rec for 882 yards and 7 TD’s

2. Ronald Betz, RB, Cincinnati – GS 0; 135 for 557 (4.1) and 2 TD’s

3. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – GS 13; 238 for 902 (3.7) and 5 TD’s

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – GS 16; 56.3% for 2,984; 23 TD’s and 17 INT’s and 78.6 QB Rating

5. Howard Azumah, QB, Indianapolis – GS 16; 59.7% for 3,139; 19 TD’s and 13 INT’s and 81.4 QB Rating

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, RETIRED

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – GS 15; 64 rec for 1,019 yards and 7 TD’s

[Dutch]

**2028 Playoff Picture**

No Band of Brothers players made the playoffs this year.

**Super Bowl 2028**

Chicago Bears (14-5) (-4) @ Oakland Raiders (12-7)
Chicago defeated Oakland 35-17. No players of note were involved in the game.

[Dutch]

**2028 Post-Season Interviews**

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Well, this was a rough year in the Band of Brothers. Not many success stories. The Running Backs (Ronald Betz and John Joyner) are more than likely on the downswing of their careers. The Receivers however (Rick Nix and Jumbo Mitchell) are both playing as well as ever. The Quarterbacks (Josh Baxter and Howard Azumah) are both playing at an average “journeyman” level of play right now. But the bottom line is that they are going into the 10th year of their career next and somebody has got to get it together quick--or get lucky and land on a great team--if they plan to win it all.

Ronald Betz, RB, Cincinnati – I am definitely unhappy with my current situation. I am the best running back the NFL has seen in a long time and I am stuck playing 2nd fiddle to another running back. I have 3 years on this contract with the Bengals, Ellis (the starting running back) has four years. Something has to give, or I may end up never starting again.

Gene Diaz, ESPN – Well, that’s how things go in the NFL sometimes, it’s definitely bad luck. I know you can still play great football. Anyway, unless anybody has anything to add, I think I will cut the interview out this year.

Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – I plan to keep doing what I do and see if we can’t get this Band of Brothers a championship. Don’t count us out yet!

Gene Diaz, ESPN – That’s the right attitude! Good luck, I’ll be pulling for you.

[Dutch]

**Pre-Season Notes for the NFL 2029 Season – YEAR 10**

1. Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – Will start at Flanker for the Saints and is the only quality receiver the Saints will have to work with, he should still be regarded as a huge threat at WR.

2. Ronald Betz, RB, Cincinnati – Ronald Betz extended his contract for 1 year with the Bengals, perhaps he is content after all to be the 2nd back in Cincinnati. His skills seem to have fallen off quite a bit. He can still carry the ball and could start for a few teams in the NFL, but the days of being 5-time NFL MVP are definitely behind him.

3. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – John Joyner has also lost a step, but Atlanta has no super-star RB in it’s backfield….Joyner will start.

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – Josh is still in prime health and will lead the Bengals at QB for the 9th time in 10 years.

5. Howard Azumah, QB, Indianapolis – Azumah will lead the Colts for a 2nd straight season. This will be his 5th consecutive opening day start.

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, Chicago – 2020-2022 RETIRED

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Jumbo’s 9th consecutive opening day start for the Redskins. He’s been dominant in DC, but this year, he seems to have lost a step. He fought off a stable of veteran receiver’s to claim the starting Flanker position….but he’s not getting any younger.

[Dutch]

**2029 Season Updates**

1. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – Opening Day, With talk of Joyner slowing down, he starts the season with a bang. 154 yards and 2 TDs during a 27-20 win over the Saints (Rick Nix had 132 receiving yards).

2. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington (2-2) – Despite the loss, Jumbo showed the other receivers on his team who was boss. 8 receptions, 173 yards receiving.

3. Ronald Betz, RB, Cincinnati – Ellis broke his foot in week #6 and will be out for the rest of the regular season. Betz steps into the lineup and carries the ball 25 time for 108 yards to lift the Bengals to a 28-17 win over the Steelers. The Bengals move to 2-4.

4. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – And alternately, bad news strikes Jumbo Mitchell. In week #6 he rips up his knee, tearing his ACL. He is definitely out for the rest of the year after being put on IR….and could be out for a good portion of next year as well.

5. Josh Baxter vs. Howard Azumah – In week #7 we had the opportunity to see Baxter and Azumah face off against one another. Baxter and the Bengals were 2-4. Azumah and the Colts were 1-5. Josh Baxter had not had a 300 yard passing day for over 2 years. His last one coming on opening day 2027. Howard Azumah hadn’t crossed the 300 yard barrier since midway through the 2024 campaign (about 5 years ago!). But on this day Baxter threw for 310 yards and Azumah threw for 346! Ronald Betz had a great day for the Bengals as well, rushing for 128 yards and scoring 2 TD’s. The winner for all of this outburst from 3 of our 7 original Band of Brothers members, 10 years after being drafted? Cincinnati 38, Indianapolis 38. A tie.

6. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – In Week #8 John Joyner reappeared with a monster 179 yard rushing effort in a 23-6 win over the Detroit Lions. The Falcons are 4-4.

7. Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – Week #9, the Saints moved to 4-5 on the year, thanks in part to the great hands and speed of Rick Nix (130 yards receiving and 1 TD)

8. Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – Week #10, Rick Nix hauled in 9 catches for 156 yards and 1 TD to defeat John Joyner (72 yards rushing, 1 TD) and the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons and the Saints both stand at 5-5.

9. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – In Week #13, John strikes for 106 yards rushing in a 21-7 win over the Eagles. The Falcons move to 7-5.

10. Howard Azumah, QB, Indianapolis – Howard passes for 317 yards in a 31-27 loss to Kansas City. The Colts are 4-7-1.

11. Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – The Saints win 31-13 over St. Louis to move to 7-5 on the year. Rick Nix manages 149 yards receiving and 2 TD’s in the game.

12. Ronald Betz, RB, Cincinnati – Ellis tore up his knee upon returning to the Bengals lineup. Ronald Betz, doubtful himself with a leg injury, is the unquestioned starter for the rest of the year. Unfortunately, the Bengals are sub .500.

13. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – John hurt his foot early in a game against the Miami Dolphins. The Falcons did win the game 20-10 to move them to 8-5.

14. Ronald Betz, RB, Cincinnati – Ronald racked up 3 TD’s and 138 yards rushing in a 31-12 victory over the Detroit Lions. Baxter threw 2 TD’s, one to Betz, and had 242 passing yards. The Bengals are 7-7-1 and are on a 3 game winning streak.

15. Ronald Betz, RB, Cincinnati – Betz finishes up the season with a 151 yard rushing performance and a 17-14 win over the Steelers. Baxter added 243 passing yards. The Bengals end the season 8-7-1 but out of the playoffs by ½ game.

[Dutch]

**2029 Season Notes**

The Line

1. Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – 16 GS; 98 rec (career high) for 1,508 yards (career high) and 10 TD’s (career high)

2. Ronald Betz, RB, Cincinnati – 10 GS; 298 carries, 1,193 yards and 7 TD’s

3. John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – 12 GS; 254 carries, 1,036 yards and 6 TD’s

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – 16 GS; 63.9% (career high) for 3,609 yards and 21 TD’s and 12 INT’s for a 91.4 QB Rating.

5. Howard Azumah, QB, Indianapolis – 16 GS; 59.6% for 3,470 yards (career high) and 18 TD’s and 15 INT’s for 79.3 QB Rating.

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, RETIRED – Chicago 2020-2022

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – 5 GS; 19 rec for 315 yards and 2 TD’s

[Dutch]

**2029 Playoff Picture**

No Band of Brother’s made the playoffs for the 2nd consecutive year. :(

[Dutch]

**Super Bowl 2029**

Dallas Cowboys (17-1) vs. New England Patriots (14-4)
Dallas takes a close one, 23-20 over the Patriots.

[Dutch]

**2029 Post-Season Interviews**

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Well, that brings the 2029 season to a close. 10 years have gone by for our Band of Brothers. 6 of the 7 are still playing football. Rick Nix had a career year in New Orleans.

Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – I love New Orleans! What can I say? Hopefully we can make a run at the championships soon, I can feel it, we are getting better! Let’s go Saints!

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Ronald Betz? Are you back in the saddle in Cincy?

Ronald Betz, RB, Cincinnati – Well, Ellis was hurt pretty bad, I don’t know how he will do in the off-season, but I plan to compete for the starting job next year. I hope Ellis is fine, but I want to play again as the #1 guy. I got the skills and Ellis is a question mark.

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Hmmm, a controversy in Cincinnati for sure. What do you think about this Josh?

Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – I prefer to play with Ronald, he just has great vision, he knows what’s going on, he gets the rock into the endzone and he’s a 5 time NFL MVP. You gotta give the nod to the man who is a proven talent. Ellis has all the potential in the world, don’t get me wrong, I like the kid, but he’s done absolutely nothing to prove himself worthy of starting.

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Wow, strong words from the team leader, I wonder if the coach sees it the same way? Next up is John Joyner.

John Joyner, RB, Atlanta – I’m just plugging away. I was kind of banged up last year, but I still got it. I’m ready for next year. Going out for the last few games really hurt us, we were on the verge of something good, I think.

Howard Azumah, QB, Indianapolis – We are the same way, I really feel like we are ready to turn the corner and make one last push.

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Jumbo? That leaves you, you really messed up your knee last season, are you going to be alright?

Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – I hope so, Gene. I was really disappointed with that bad luck, I was feeling good and ready to go out their and help the team. I’ve still got another 2 or 3 months of rehab and we’ll see how the knee is then.

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Well, thanks to everybody for showing up, better luck next season for all of you.

[Dutch]

**Pre-Season Notes for the NFL 2030 Season – YEAR 11**

1. Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – Rick Nix will start for the 4th straight year in New Orleans and for the 11th straight time in his 11 year career.

2. Ronald Betz, RB, Cincinnati – Ronald Betz has been awarded the start over 4th year pro Bubba Ellis (who had started the last 2 years for the Bengals). The injury to Ellis has really hampered him. He is arguably still better than the aged Betz, but Betz has produced consistently while on the field. Betz got the nod.

3. John Joyner, RB, Free Agent – John was cut by the Falcons and will start the season with no team.

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – Josh will be the opening day Quarterback for the Bengals for the 10th time in the last 11 years. Opening day will mark his 147th game start.

5. Howard Azumah, QB, Indianapolis – Howard Azumah was released by the Indianapolis Colts, and picked up by the Baltimore Ravens to be their starting QB for one year.

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, Chicago – 2020-2022 RETIRED

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Jumbo Mitchell seems to have fully recovered from his injury, and though slowed slightly in training camp, retains the position of starting flanker for the Redskins. He will be making his 131st career start for the Washington Redskins.

[Dutch]

**2030 Season Updates**

1. Opening day in the NFL showcased 3 Band of Brothers in one game. The Bengals with Baxter and Betz were defeated by the Ravens and Howard Azumah, 13-10. None of the three put up notable numbers, however.

2. Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – Made 5 receptions for 118 yards in a 13-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

3. Cincinnati Bengals – Both Baxter and Betz were injured in week #2. Baxter will miss a month of action and Betz will return to full health in a week or two. Both will miss week #3 action.

4. Ronald Betz, RB, Cincinnati – In week #5, Betz returned to action, but not as a starter, but broke his clavicle in the game. That will hold him out an additional 5 weeks.

5. Howard Azumah, QB, Baltimore – Howard and the Ravens defeated the previously undefeated San Diego Chargers 28-13 to move to 5-1. The Ravens, after losing the home opener, have won 5 straight.

6. Rick Nix vs. Jumbo Mitchell – In week #7, the Saints defeated the Redskins 21-18. In the game that featured the two Band of Brothers wideouts, Nix had an average game for him with 5 catches, 54 yards, and 1 TD. Jumbo Mitchell, despite the loss hauled in 12 catches for 207 yards in a monster day.

7. Josh Baxter vs. Howard Azumah – In the 2nd meeting of the year, Josh Baxter and the Bengals won 22-21 despite a last ditch effort by the Ravens to pull it off. Josh Baxter threw for 300 yards in the game, Azumah for just over 200.

8. The Saints and Rick Nix were defeated badly by the reigning Super Bowl Champ Dallas Cowboys 35-7. Rick Nix was the lone bright spot on the day with a 147 yard receiving effort including one 47 yard bomb.

9. Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans (5-4) – The Saints lost a heartbreaker to the 7-2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But Rick Nix was solid again with 8 catches for 175 yards.

10. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Despite a 7-9 finish, Jumbo finished strong with a 9 catch-127 yard catching performance.

[Dutch]

**2030 Season Notes**

The Line

1. Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – GS – 16; 93 receptions for 1,233 yards and 6 TD’s

2. Ronald Betz, RB, Cincinnati – GS – 1; 91 attempts for 400 yards and 1 TD. (Injured most of year)

3. John Joyner, RB, Free Agent – Did not play

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – GS 13; 63.8% completion for 2,635 yards. 21 TD’s and 7 Int (career best) for a 99.1 QB Rating (career best).

5. Howard Azumah, QB, Baltimore – GS 16; 61.8% completion for 3,162 yards. 18 TD’s and 10 Int for a 88.3 QB Rating.

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, Retired –

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – 16 GS; 69 receptions for 1,058 yards and 6 TD’s

[Dutch]

**2030 Playoff Picture**

2030 Wildcard Weekend

New Orleans (10-6) @ Dallas (12-4) (-4)
Rick Nix is injured for this game and could not play. The Saints did play, however, and focused on their highly talented tight end, Michael Sanders. Sanders caught 11 passes for 196 yards. Including a gamebreaking 93 yarder in the 3rd to give the Saints the lead for good. The Saints followed that big play with an 89 yard interception return for a 2nd TD, separated by a couple of plays. The Saints took the day 42-32 over the defending world champs.

San Diego Chargers (10-6) @ Baltimore Ravens (10-6) (-6)
Howard Azumah led the Baltimore Ravens past the Chargers 30-16. Howard Azumah had a modest day, with 154 yards passing and 1 TD.

2030 Divisional Weekend

Baltimore Ravens (11-6) (-2) vs. Denver Broncos (12-4)
Howard Azumah does it again, this time a 27-17 victory over the Denver Broncos. He throws for 190 yards and 3 TD’s in the game including a 64 yard TD strike to his WR Seaver.

New Orleans (11-6) @ Seattle Seahawks (14-2) (-4)
The Saints almost pulled of the biggest upset of the year against a powerhouse Seattle team, but a Seahawk FG with 30 seconds remaining decided it. Rick Nix, managed 6 catches for 95 yards in the game.

2030 Conference Finals

Baltimore Ravens (12-6) vs. New York Jets (15-2) (-4)
The New York Jets pulled off a close one in New York in a game they were supposed to win. With time running out, Howard Azumah (216 yards passing) ran a QB sneak to bring the score within 2. But a 2 point conversion attempt by star running back Erik Blue was stuffed. The AFC Powerhouse Jets under the direction of 17 year grizzled veteran, Horse Belly Reaves, will represent in the Super Bowl.

[Dutch]

**Super Bowl 2030**

New York Jets (16-2) (-1) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (15-3)
Horse Belly Reaves wins a trip to Disney World as the New York Jets defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19-17 on a last minute FG.

[Dutch]

**2030 Post-Season Interviews**

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Well, for the first time in years, we had some Band of Brothers knocking on the door, but again, they were rebuffed from the ultimate prize. I don’t know if it’s in the stars for you guys. What’s your take?

Howard Azumah, QB, Baltimore – It’s starting to hurt more, you know. We busted our asses this year, we had a great defense in Baltimore. My job was to just come in and help get them over the hump and I couldn’t do it. I feel bad for the whole organization. We were so close.

Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – Man, I tell you what, we knew we didn’t have the best team on paper this year, but we really thought we had what it takes to win championships. I don’t know how many times I’ve seen the big teams go into the playoffs and just get crunched. But not this year, the Seattle Seahawks played some ball with us and took us as far as we could go. Unfortunately we couldn’t pull it out in the end. I still have some playing left to do, so I’m not done. Not yet!

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Well, they were good runs by both of you. We also see that Josh Baxter and Jumbo Mitchell both had solid years as well.

Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – Yeah, I’m still having fun out there, we’ll see if we can make the Bengals champs again! Maybe next year.

Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – I was definitely pleased I could return to form this year. It wasn’t my best year, but it was productive, and I think I can keep going next year. Only time will tell, my knee held up great from last years ACL tear. So, I’m content with my performance. I hope to be back with the Redskins, but it’s free agency time for me….we’ll see.

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – So our quarterback duo and our wide receiver duo are happy. How did our running backs fair? Well, not good. Between the two of them, they managed 1 game start, and that was opening day….your thoughts?

Ronald Betz, RB, Cincinnati – I was really hampered by some pretty irritating injuries this year. Hopefully I can return to the starting lineup in 2031.

John Joyner, RB, Free Agent – I hope I get signed, I still have some fight left in these legs……I just hope I can play again, there is still one thing I want to do….you know?

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – I know, and good luck, it’s hard to get back into the league once you’ve sat out a year. I will be pulling for you John, and I think all the fans at home will be as well. That’s it for this year, good luck to all of our Band of Brothers players. We’re going into year 12, when bodies start to break down quickly. Time is definitely running out, good luck and play hard.

[Dutch]

**Pre-Season Notes for the NFL 2031 Season – YEAR 12**

1. Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – Will start at Flanker for the Saints, he appears to still be in great shape and still a threat at wideout.

2. Ronald Betz, RB, Free Agent – Ronald Betz was cut by the Cincinnati Bengals.

3. John Joyner, RB, Free Agent – John Joyner was not signed by opening day.

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – Josh Baxter will start for the Bengals. For the first time in Josh’s career, the Bengals draft a QB in the 1st round, Luther Maples.

5. Howard Azumah, QB, Free Agent – Howard was cut by the Baltimore Ravens as a cap saving move and no other team showed interest before opening day.

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, Chicago – 2020-2022 RETIRED

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Was resigned for 20 million dollars over 2 years.

[Dutch]

**2031 Season Updates**

1. Opening Day, the New Orleans Saints, Cincinnati Bengals, and Washington Redskins all won on opening day. Those are the only teams that have a Band of Brother player signed. Jumbo Mitchell pulled a groin muscle which will leave him Doubtful next week. He had 2 catches for 20 yards.

2. Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans Saints – Rick injured his foot in week #3 and will be out of service for most of the next month.

3. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – Jumbo was diagnosed with a Degenerative Hip Condition. It will require 2 years of rehabilitation before he could even be considered for action again. Anyway you look at it, Jumbo’s career is over.

4. 2031 Mid-Way point. The Bengals and Josh Baxter are 6-2; The Saints and Rick Nix are 3-5. The Redskins are 5-3 with Jumbo Mitchell on IR.

5. Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – While the Saints continue to slip in the standing (5-6), Rick Nix can still perform from time to time like a champion. He hauls in 5 catches for 124 yards including a 75 yard TD reception.

6. Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – Rick continues to be plagued by annoying injuries. He will be held out of the lineup for a couple of weeks with a Sprained Knee.

7. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – Josh continues to just roll along, nothing fancy, but he wins football games. The Bengals are 9-3 with the grizzled vet at the helm.

8. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – In a desperate comeback attempt, Josh Baxter threw for a career high 383 yards (and 1 TD) in a 24-17 loss to Cleveland. The Bengals are 10-4.

9. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – Josh strained his elbow during the 17-14 loss to the Rams. He will be unavailable for 2 months, and perhaps the year. The Bengals are 10-5 and should be playoff bound. Luther Maples, the rookie, assumes command of the team.

10. Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – Rick Nix made 8 cathes for 174 yards and 2 touchdowns during a 49-21 loss to Tampa Bay. But he looked like he was still on top of his game.

11. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – The rookie Luther Maples filled in admirably for the downed Josh Baxter. He threw 2 TD passes in his debut.

[Dutch]

**2031 Season Notes**

The Line

1. Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – GS 11; 54 receptions for 822 yards and 4 TD’s

2. Ronald Betz, RB, Free Agent – Did Not Play

3. John Joyner, RB, Free Agent – Did Not Play

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – 15 GS; 60.8% completion for 2,923 yards; 16 TD’s and 7 INT’s for a 85.9 QB Rating.

5. Howard Azumah, QB, Free Agent – Did Not Play

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, RETIRED

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, Washington – 4 GS; 9 receptions for 108 yards and 0 TD’s

[Dutch]

**2031 Playoff Picture**

2031 Wild Card Game

St. Louis (11-5) vs. Washington (12-4) (-2)
The Redskins lost 21-19 to the St. Louis Rams. Jumbo Mitchell was on the IR for this game.

2031 Divisional Round

New England Patriots (11-6) @ Cincinnati (11-5) (-1)
Josh Baxter was placed on IR before this game. The Bengals won the game 24-20 with the rookie Luther Maples throwing 3 TD’s in the match.

2031 Conference Championships

Cincinnati Bengals (12-5) @ Houston Texans (14-3)
The rookie QB Luther Maples surprises again, while he throws for a paltry 73 yards, he does manage 2 TD passes in the contest, a 28-23 win.

[Dutch]

**Super Bowl 2031**

Cincinnati Bengals (13-5) vs. Seattle Seahawks (15-3) (-5)

Josh Baxter will be at the game, but he is not suited due to being placed on IR. He could actually play in the game, but as luck would have it, the Bengals couldn’t afford another QB and had to place Josh on IR to sign another QB.

Luther Maples played almost flawlessly and another 2 TD strikes. But the Seahawks came back from behind to win the game 21-20 with just a few minutes left to play, and the Bengals could not retaliate.

[Dutch]

**2031 Post-Season Interviews**

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Well, let’s be realistic folks…things are looking bleak now. I have to ask. How’s everybody feeling?

Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – I feel terrible, my team has made it too the Super Bowl twice. I didn’t play in either of them.

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Here’s an amazing stat for you…you’re not going to like this. Since the year 2020, the Bengals have played 192 games...

Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – <laughs> ...I know where you’re going with this…

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – ...Josh….you have been the starter for 174 of those games. Of the 18 games you did not start since being drafted, 2 of them were Super Bowls...

Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinatti - ….don’t remind me. It’s just terrible, bad luck, I guess.

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – That’s game starts. Here's another one for post season appearances. In the playoffs, the Bengals have thrown 199 passes since 2020 when you were a rookie. You have started a vast majority of the games for the team….

Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati - <laughing and shaking his head> Unbelievable…

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – You have thrown just 28 of those 199 passes in the playoffs. 24 of those attempts were made in a home Divisional Round loss to the Dolphins (19-16) in 2023. I mean….the...you would think that the Bengals have done nothing without you. Everytime I turn on the TV, I see Josh Baxter leading the Bengals. This has to be the worst luck in pro football!

Josh Baxter, QB, Cincinnati – Gene, all I can tell you….is that it has been bad luck. Terrible luck, but what can I do? I have to come back next year and try it all over again. We’ll do it, I’m sure of it. We will win a Super Bowl title before I hang it up. I promise you that!

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Well Josh, I wish you the best of luck, you’re gonna need it! Up next is the ever present Rick Nix. You have played some spectacular football in the NFL. You are #16 on the all-time receiving yardage list, and a 1,000 yard season next year will put you clearly in the top 10. Can you keep it up?

Rick Nix, WR, New Orleans – I don’t know, I just keep going as hard as I can. I’ve been getting hit by nagging injuries these last couple of years, but I am in great shape and if I can keep the injury bug at bay….I can have another great season. I am a free agent this year, so we’ll have to see where I end up.

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Well, 2031 was definitely a year full of bad news. It looks like we lost Jumbo Mitchell to a career ending injury…..and no teams expressed any interest in either John Joyner, Howard Azumah, or future hall of famer Ronald Betz. We’d like to think that they will return to their glory days, but this could be the writing on the wall for any of these four players….only time will tell.

[StanGunner]

I'm still reading. Looks like the glory days are over.

[Dutch]

Thanks for reading. :)


We are getting close to the end...

[Dutch]

***RETIREMENT UPDATE – JUMBO MITCHELL, WR (2020-2031)***


Jumbo Mitchell played every game of his career for the Washington Redskins retired during the 2031 off-season.

GS – 150
GP – 162 (6th in Redskins history)
Receptions – 728 (2nd in Redskins history behind Nolan Mitchell (who’s last game was 2020, when Jumbo Mitchell was a rookie)
Yards – 11,075 (2nd in Redskins history behind Nolan Mitchell
TD’s – 62 (1st in Redskins history, one more than Nolan Mitchell and Lavernues Coles (61)

Awards
Leagues Fastest Man – 2026
NFL ALL-PRO 1st Team – 2023
NFL ALL-PRO 2nd Team – 2024, 2025, 2027

:(

[Dutch]

***RETIREMENT UPDATE – HOWARD AZUMAH, QB (2020-2030)***


(St. Louis Rams 2020-2023; New York Giants 2024-2025; Atlanta Falcons 2026; San Francisco 2027; Indianapolis 2028-2029; Baltimore Ravens 2030)

GS – 96
GP – 128
ATT – 2916
COMP – 1789
Comp % - 61.3
Yards – 19,502
TD’s – 121
INT’s - 85
QB Rating – 82.7

[Dutch]

***RETIREMENT UPDATE – JOHN JOYNER, RB (Atl Falcons 2020-2029)***

GS – 110 (10th in Falcons history – veteran and early rival Teddy Bradford finished his career with 5th all-time for the Falcons with 128 GS)
GP – 148
Attempts – 2,333 (1st in Falcons history, 128 more carries than Teddy Bradford)
Yards – 9,539 (1st in Falcons history, roughly 350 yards more than 2nd place Teddy Bradford)
Average – 4.0
TD’s – 75 (1st in Falcons history, 19 more than Teddy Bradford’s old record of 56)
Receptions – 307 (7th in Falcon history – Teddy Bradford was 3rd)
Yards Receiving – 2,148
TD Receptions – 7
Kick Returns – 275
Yards Returned – 6,240 (22.6 average)
Kickoff Returns for TD - 2

Awards
2023 – NFL ALL-PRO 2nd Team

[Dutch]

***RETIREMENT UPDATE – RONALD BETZ – RB (2020-2030)***


(Indianapolis Colts 2020-2025; Atlanta Falcons 2026; Cincinnati Bengals 2027-2030)

GS – 134

GP – 165

Attempts – 3,420 (7th in NFL All-Time)
2,310 for Indianapolis (1st in Colts history)
782 for Cincinnati (6th in Bengals history)

Rushing Yards – 13,911 (9th in NFL All-Time)
9,332 for Indianapolis (1st in Colts history)
3,227 for Cincinnati (6th in Bengals history)Average – 4.0

TD’s – 85
62 for Indianapolis (1st in Colts history)

Receptions – 587
399 for Indianapolis (4th in Colts history)

Receiving Yards – 4,707
3,257 for Indianapolis (6th in Colts history)

TD Receptions – 40
25 for Indianapolis (Tied for 3rd in Colts history)

Punt Returns – 216

Punt Return Yardage – 2,140 (9.9 yard average)

Punt’s Returned for TD’s – 4

Kick Returns – 42

Kick Return Yardage – 722 (17.1 average)

Awards
NFL MVP – 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025 (5 times)
Rookie of the Year – 2020
Offensive Player of the Year – 2020, 2024 (2 times)
NFL ALL-PRO 1st Team – 2020, 2024
NFL ALL-PRO 2nd Team – 2021, 2025

[Dutch]

4 Retirements are official at the same time. Ronald Betz, RB is arguably the most talented of the bunch although Joyner and Mitchell both had very good careers as well. Azumah was also very good at times.

5 down, 2 to go......

[judicial clerk]

Outstanding dynasty. I am looking forward to the finish and I may even go dig up band of Brothers 1.

[Dutch]

Band of Brothers I is where Gene Diaz, our ESPN analyst was famous. :)

[Dutch]

**Pre-Season Notes for the NFL 2032 Season – YEAR 13**

1. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – Signed a 2 year, 38 million dollar deal with St. Louis

2. Ronald Betz, RB, RETIRED (2020-2030)

3. John Joyner, RB, RETIRED (2020-2029)

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Free Agent – Cut by Cincinnati. During Pre-season, Josh Baxter is picked up for minimum wage by the New York Jets. They have a future star QB in Jake Nixon, but Baxter will get the opening day nod to start.

5. Howard Azumah, QB, RETIRED (2020-2030)

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, RETIRED – (2020-2022)

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, RETIRED – (2020-2031)

Note: While the 4 latest retirees all happened at the same time (appeared as "retired" on their player card), they had different years where they made any appearances in games....thus the discrepencies in their retirment dates.

[Dutch]

**2032 Season Updates**

1. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – Designated as the Rams starting Flanker, Rick Nix breaks his wrist in pre-season. He is questionable for opening day.

2. Josh Baxter, QB, New York Jets – Josh Baxter throws for just over 200 yards and 3 TD’s in a 30-10 romp of the Miami Dolphins.

3. Josh Baxter vs. Rick Nix – In Week #2, the two remaining members of the Band of Brothers squared off in a previously unlikely scenario in New York City. Josh Baxter threw for 248 yards and 2 TD’s while Rick Nix made 5 catches for 101 yards. The New York Jets won the day 38-24. But both players seemed quite happy to come up with big performances against one another.

4. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – In Week #9, Rick Nix separated his shoulder. The injury will sideline him for the rest of the regular season.

5. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – Rick Nix makes an apparent speedy recovery and returns to the playing field in week #13.

6. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – In Week #15, Rick Nix makes 7 catches for 94 yards…then blows out his knee. He will be sidelined for a month and a half. His season, most likely, is over. Josh Baxter throws for 286 yards and 3 TD passes this week to lift the Jets back to 7-7.

[Dutch]

**2032 Season Notes**

The Line

1. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – 10 GS; 34 catches for 504 yards (career lows) and 4 TD’s

2. Ronald Betz, RB, RETIRED

3. John Joyner, RB, RETIRED

4. Josh Baxter, QB, New York Jets – 16 GS; 65.9% completion (career best) for 3,208 yards, 24 TD’s (career best) and 13 INT’s for a 93.7 QB Rating (career best).

5. Howard Azumah, QB, RETIRED

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, RETIRED

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, RETIRED

[Dutch]

**2032 Playoff Picture**

2032 Wild Card Round

San Diego Chargers (10-6) @ New York Jets (8-8) (-2)
Josh Baxter threw for 256 yards and 2 TD’s in a thrilling 30-24 overtime victory over the Chargers.

St. Louis Rams (11-5) @ Philadelphia Eagles (11-5) (-4)
Without the services of the injured Rick Nix, the Cardinals defeated the Eagles in Philadelphia 27-24.

2032 Divisional Round

New York Jets (9-8) @ Baltimore Ravens (11-5) (-6)
Josh Baxter threw for 268 yards and 3 TD passes as the Jets trounced the Ravens 42-10 in Baltimore.

St. Louis Rams (12-5) (-1) @ San Francisco 49’ers (12-4)
The Rams slip past the 49’ers 16-7 in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Rick Nix, listed as Doubtful, did not suit up for the game.

[Dutch]

**2032 Conference Championships**

Denver Broncos (11-7) @ New York Jets (10-8) (E)
In a game of “Who wants it more” the New York Jets and Josh Baxter (202 yards passing and 1 TD) breezed past the Denver Broncos 30-13. Josh Baxter finally gets to go to his Super Bowl.

St. Louis Rams (13-5) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (12-6) (-3)
The Rams, still without the services of Rick Nix (questionable) escape Tampa Bay with a 17-14 victory.

The Rams and Rick Nix head for the Super Bowl against the New York Jets and Josh Baxter!

[Dutch]

**Super Bowl 2032**

New York Jets (11-8) vs St. Louis Rams (14-5) (-3)

In the most unusual of circumstances, with only 2 Band of Brothers left, their respective teams will get to meet in the Super Bowl. The Cinderella story has definitely been the fortune’s of Josh Baxter. After 12 years in Cincinnati, and bad luck in reaching the big game, his first season away from Cincinnati results in a Super Bowl Appearance. It is not known if Rick Nix will play in the game or not, that will be a game-time decision.

[Dutch]

**Super Bowl 2032 Recap**

Josh Baxter threw for 223 yards and 2 TD’s while Rick Nix caught 3 passes for 45 yards. The St. Louis Rams (and Rick Nix) won an exciting game 24-23. With the NY Jets winning 23-17 with just 4 minutes left, the Rams were forced to punt, the Jets punt returner fumbled the ball, recovered by St. Louis @ the 19. Rick Nix was then hit for an 18 yard gain to the one yard line. The Rams punched it in, kicked the extra point and took the wind out of Josh Baxter’s sails.

A great game none-the-less, and finally a championship ring for one of the Band of Brothers!

[Dutch]

**SUPERBOWL 2032 BOX SCORE**

Front Office Football 2004
Box Score: New York (AFC) vs St. Louis
Fresno, CA.

Front Office Championship, 2032
Attendance: 71,900 (71,900).


Weather: 41 degrees, rain.

1Q: 08:24 NYJ - Cedric Terry 23 pass from Josh Baxter.
1Q: 08:24 NYJ - Kurt Tang extra point.
2Q: 11:53 NYJ - Kurt Tang 40 field goal.
2Q: 06:17 STL - Rob Wilde 5 pass from Shannon Berlin.
2Q: 06:17 STL - Jose Harrell extra point.
2Q: 01:55 NYJ - Kurt Tang 30 field goal.
2Q: 00:21 STL - Jose Harrell 55 field goal.
3Q: 00:15 NYJ - Lamont Barnes 2 pass from Josh Baxter.
3Q: 00:15 NYJ - Kurt Tang extra point.
4Q: 11:26 STL - Bart Nichols 2 pass from Shannon Berlin.
4Q: 11:26 STL - Jose Harrell extra point.
4Q: 06:20 NYJ - Kurt Tang 20 field goal.
4Q: 02:37 STL - Rob Wilde 1 pass from Shannon Berlin.
4Q: 02:37 STL - Jose Harrell extra point.

Game MVP: STL 16 Shannon Berlin

New York (AFC) 7 6 7 3 - 23
St. Louis 0 10 0 14 - 24

Team Statistics NYJ STL

First Downs 23 21

Total Rushes 38 28
Rushing Yards 161 136
Yards Per Carry 4.2 4.8
Pass Attempts 30 31
Completions 17 17
Passing Yards 223 186
Yards Per Attempt 7.4 6.0
Sacked 0 1
Yards Lost 0 7
Interceptions 0 1
Fumbles/Lost 1/1 1/0

Total Plays 68 60
Total Yards 384 315
Yards Per Play 5.6 5.2

3rd Down Plays 5/13 4/10
Avg. YTG on 3rd 6.1 6.4
4th Down Plays 0/2 0/0

Penalties 7 3
Penalty Yards 65 15

Avg. Drive Start OWN 27 OWN 40
Time Of Possession 33:15 26:45

New York (AFC) Individual Statistics

Rushing Att Yards Avg Long TD
21 Kemnitzer 22 104 4.7 21 0
49 Blue 8 22 2.7 10 0
6 Baxter 6 39 6.5 12 0
34 Freeman 1 -3 -3.0 -3 0
82 Terry 1 -1 -1.0 -1 0

Passing Att Comp Yards Yd/Att Long TD Int Sckd
6 Baxter 30 17 223 7.4 47 2 0 0

Receiving Catch Yards Avg YAC Long TD
83 Barnes 5 45 9.0 10 16 1
21 Kemnitzer 4 28 7.0 7 13 0
82 Terry 4 71 17.7 7 23 1
80 Thompson 2 23 11.5 4 19 0
85 Mayes 2 56 28.0 1 47 0

Punt Returns Att Yards Avg TD
80 Thompson 1 5 5.0 0

Kick Returns Att Yards Avg TD
82 Terry 3 69 23.0 0
80 Thompson 1 18 18.0 0

Punting Punts Yards Avg Long In20
18 Smistad 3 119 39.6 41 0

Kicking FG FGA Long PAT Att
17 Tang 3 3 40 2 2

Defense Tackle Assist Sack Int IntYds IntTD
97 Baker 8 2 0.0 1 20 0
93 Kelly 7 1 0.0 0 0 0
25 Phillips 5 2 0.0 0 0 0
90 Compton 4 0 0.0 0 0 0
76 Harper 3 1 1.0 0 0 0
58 Reeves 3 2 0.0 0 0 0
27 Bauer 3 0 0.0 0 0 0
89 Kerr 2 0 0.0 0 0 0
95 Ramsey 2 0 0.0 0 0 0
35 Armour 2 0 0.0 0 0 0
52 Wilkins 2 0 0.0 0 0 0
47 Maloney 1 2 0.0 0 0 0
80 Thompson 1 0 0.0 0 0 0
63 Armanda 1 0 0.0 0 0 0
51 Webster 1 0 0.0 0 0 0
36 Turner 1 0 0.0 0 0 0
92 Sawyer 0 1 0.0 0 0 0
41 Page 0 1 0.0 0 0 0

Miscellaneous Fumb FForc Recov MiscTD KeyRBlk SckAlwd
63 Armanda 0 0 0 0 3 0
74 Westbrook 0 0 0 0 2 0
54 Emmons 0 0 0 0 2 0
64 Donovan 0 0 0 0 2 0
80 Thompson 1 0 0 0 0 0
35 Armour 0 1 0 0 0 0
73 Carr 0 0 0 0 1 0
83 Barnes 0 0 0 0 1 0

St. Louis Individual Statistics

Rushing Att Yards Avg Long TD
47 Altman 15 78 5.2 16 0
16 Berlin 7 34 4.8 9 0
31 Sweeney 3 22 7.3 14 0
37 Harnisch 1 7 7.0 7 0
87 Nichols 1 -2 -2.0 -2 0
25 Kaplan 1 -3 -3.0 -3 0

Passing Att Comp Yards Yd/Att Long TD Int Sckd
16 Berlin 31 17 186 6.0 33 3 1 1

Receiving Catch Yards Avg YAC Long TD
47 Altman 4 24 6.0 12 12 0
87 Nichols 4 66 16.5 1 33 1
89 Nix 3 45 15.0 7 18 0
84 Alexander 3 37 12.3 18 15 0
86 Wilde 2 6 3.0 3 5 2
37 Harnisch 1 8 8.0 6 8 0

Punt Returns Att Yards Avg TD
82 Isaac 1 -3 -3.0 0

Kick Returns Att Yards Avg TD
28 Wilkins 3 68 22.6 0
86 Wilde 2 61 30.5 0

Punting Punts Yards Avg Long In20
13 Hughes 5 186 37.2 39 2

Kicking FG FGA Long PAT Att
Front Office Football 2004
14 Harrell 1 1 55 3 3

Defense Tackle Assist Sack Int IntYds IntTD
59 Arnold 12 1 0.0 0 0 0
50 Pallansch 8 5 0.0 0 0 0
58 Slavin 8 2 0.0 0 0 0
38 Zimmerman 5 0 0.0 0 0 0
44 Webb 4 0 0.0 0 0 0
36 Newton 3 3 0.0 0 0 0
98 Dawson 3 1 0.0 0 0 0
95 Kerr 3 0 0.0 0 0 0
96 Mitchell 2 0 0.0 0 0 0
99 Godfrey 2 0 0.0 0 0 0
37 Harnisch 2 0 0.0 0 0 0
79 Wagoner 1 3 0.0 0 0 0
73 Shipes 1 1 0.0 0 0 0
35 Fullerton 1 1 0.0 0 0 0
41 Brown 1 0 0.0 0 0 0
26 Bornstein 1 0 0.0 0 0 0
68 Armstrong 1 0 0.0 0 0 0

Miscellaneous Fumb FForc Recov MiscTD KeyRBlk SckAlwd
37 Harnisch 0 1 1 0 0 1
68 Armstrong 0 0 1 0 2 0
75 Stevens 0 0 0 0 2 0
54 Wagner 0 0 0 0 2 0
84 Alexander 0 0 0 0 1 0
87 Nichols 1 0 0 0 0 0
67 Willis 0 0 0 0 1 0
25 Kaplan 0 0 0 0 1 0

New York (AFC) Drive Chart
Quar Began Poss From Plays Yards Result
1 15:00 6:36 OWN 19 11 81 Touchdown
1 4:19 1:31 OWN 20 3 -3 Punt
1 0:12 1:17 OWN 20 4 15 Punt
2 12:52 0:59 OPP 29 3 6 Field Goal
2 6:17 4:22 OWN 25 7 62 Field Goal
2 0:21 0:21 OWN 40 2 17 Half
3 12:53 1:02 OWN 20 3 4 Punt
3 10:20 10:05 OWN 5 19 95 Touchdown
4 11:26 5:06 OWN 33 9 64 Field Goal
4 2:37 1:29 OWN 20 8 18 Downs

St. Louis Drive Chart
Quar Began Poss From Plays Yards Result
1 8:24 4:05 OWN 41 7 25 Punt
1 2:48 2:36 OWN 45 5 17 Punt
2 13:55 1:03 OWN 21 3 12 Interception
2 11:53 5:36 OWN 31 9 69 Touchdown
2 1:55 1:34 OWN 38 6 24 Field Goal
3 15:00 2:07 OWN 39 5 22 Punt
3 11:51 1:31 OWN 36 5 23 Punt
3 0:15 3:49 OWN 31 8 69 Touchdown
4 6:20 2:19 OWN 26 6 20 Punt
4 4:01 1:24 OPP 20 3 20 Touchdown
4 1:08 1:08 OPP 38 4 29 Game

New York (AFC) Red Zone Profile
Visits TDs FGs
3 1 2

St. Louis Red Zone Profile
Visits TDs FGs
4 3 0

New York (AFC) Rushing Breakdown

Direction Rush Yards Ave
Left 7 25 3.5
Middle 23 101 4.3
Right 8 35 4.3
None 0 0 0.0

Run Blocking KeyBlks BlkOpps RunPlays
63 Armanda 3 4 38
54 Emmons 2 6 38
Front Office Football 2004
64 Donovan 2 6 38
74 Westbrook 2 4 38
73 Carr 1 8 38
83 Barnes 1 3 33
44 Winters 0 2 26
81 Kerr 0 0 6

New York (AFC) Passing Breakdown

Distance Pass Comp Yards Ave
Screen 2 2 7 3.5
Short (0-8 Yds) 10 6 37 3.7
Medium (9-18 Yds) 10 7 109 10.9
Long (19+ Yds) 8 2 70 8.7

Passing Attempt Comp BdThrw Dropd Defnsd Blockd Hurried Intrcpt
6 Baxter 30 17 1 2 7 1 2 0

Receiving Target Caught Dropd Yards PassPlay
82 Terry 10 4 1 71 30
83 Barnes 6 5 0 45 25
85 Mayes 5 2 0 56 24
21 Kemnitzer 4 4 0 28 25
80 Thompson 4 2 1 23 13
87 Butler 1 0 0 0 3

Pass Block SckAlwd PassPlay
74 Westbrook 0 30
54 Emmons 0 30
63 Armanda 0 30
73 Carr 0 30
64 Donovan 0 30
44 Winters 0 19
36 Turner 0 1

Pass Rush Sacks PsBlks Hurries PassPlay
76 Harper 1.0 1 1 32
95 Ramsey 0.0 2 0 32
92 Sawyer 0.0 0 2 32
25 Phillips 0.0 0 0 32
47 Maloney 0.0 0 0 32
27 Bauer 0.0 0 0 32
90 Compton 0.0 0 0 30
97 Baker 0.0 0 0 28
35 Armour 0.0 0 0 27
52 Wilkins 0.0 0 0 27
93 Kelly 0.0 0 0 21
41 Page 0.0 0 0 12
26 Robinson 0.0 0 0 6
58 Reeves 0.0 0 0 5
71 McGregor 0.0 0 0 2
20 Fulton 0.0 0 0 2

Pass Defense Caught Defnsd Intrcpt PassPlay
97 Baker 4 0 1 28
25 Phillips 3 0 0 32
27 Bauer 2 1 0 32
35 Armour 2 0 0 27
93 Kelly 2 0 0 21
47 Maloney 1 1 0 32
95 Ramsey 1 0 0 32
76 Harper 1 0 0 32
52 Wilkins 1 0 0 27
92 Sawyer 0 0 0 32
90 Compton 0 0 0 30
41 Page 0 0 0 12
26 Robinson 0 0 0 6
58 Reeves 0 0 0 5
71 McGregor 0 0 0 2
20 Fulton 0 0 0 2

Defense Tackles Assists RunPlay PassPlay
97 Baker 8 2 26 28
93 Kelly 7 1 22 21
25 Phillips 5 2 28 32
90 Compton 4 0 24 30
58 Reeves 3 2 17 5
76 Harper 3 1 28 32
27 Bauer 3 0 28 32
95 Ramsey 2 0 28 32
35 Armour 2 0 25 27
52 Wilkins 2 0 11 27
47 Maloney 1 2 28 32
51 Webster 1 0 0 0
92 Sawyer 0 1 28 32
41 Page 0 1 9 12
26 Robinson 0 0 2 6
71 McGregor 0 0 4 2
20 Fulton 0 0 0 2

St. Louis Rushing Breakdown

Direction Rush Yards Ave
Left 8 54 6.7
Middle 16 82 5.1
Right 3 2 0.6
None 1 -2 -2.0

Run Blocking KeyBlks BlkOpps RunPlays
54 Wagner 2 7 28
75 Stevens 2 5 28
68 Armstrong 2 3 28
67 Willis 1 2 28
84 Alexander 1 1 23
25 Kaplan 1 1 2
70 Scott 0 2 28
37 Harnisch 0 0 18
81 Main 0 0 3

St. Louis Passing Breakdown

Distance Pass Comp Yards Ave
Screen 4 3 22 5.5
Short (0-8 Yds) 10 7 34 3.4
Medium (9-18 Yds) 11 5 75 6.8
Long (19+ Yds) 6 2 55 9.1

Passing Attempt Comp BdThrw Dropd Defnsd Blockd Hurried Intrcpt
16 Berlin 31 17 1 3 2 3 3 1

Receiving Target Caught Dropd Yards PassPlay
87 Nichols 11 4 1 66 32
89 Nix 5 3 1 45 23
47 Altman 4 4 0 24 22
84 Alexander 3 3 0 37 23
37 Harnisch 3 1 0 8 20
86 Wilde 3 2 0 6 23
25 Kaplan 1 0 1 0 3
81 Main 1 0 0 0 2

Pass Block SckAlwd PassPlay
75 Stevens 0 32
70 Scott 0 32
67 Willis 0 32
68 Armstrong 0 32
54 Wagner 0 32
37 Harnisch 1 20
25 Kaplan 0 3

Pass Rush Sacks PsBlks Hurries PassPlay
98 Dawson 0.0 1 1 30
73 Shipes 0.0 0 0 30
36 Newton 0.0 0 0 30
38 Zimmerman 0.0 0 0 30
44 Webb 0.0 0 0 30
79 Wagoner 0.0 0 0 28
26 Bornstein 0.0 0 0 28
50 Pallansch 0.0 0 0 27
59 Arnold 0.0 0 0 25
96 Mitchell 0.0 0 1 13
58 Slavin 0.0 0 0 17
99 Godfrey 0.0 0 0 14
41 Brown 0.0 0 0 12
90 Cochrane 0.0 0 0 5
Front Office Football 2004
35 Fullerton 0.0 0 0 5
34 Meyer 0.0 0 0 3
95 Kerr 0.0 0 0 3

Pass Defense Caught Defnsd Intrcpt PassPlay
38 Zimmerman 5 2 0 30
59 Arnold 3 1 0 25
44 Webb 2 1 0 30
50 Pallansch 2 0 0 27
58 Slavin 2 0 0 17
26 Bornstein 1 3 0 28
36 Newton 1 0 0 30
99 Godfrey 1 0 0 14
73 Shipes 0 0 0 30
98 Dawson 0 0 0 30
79 Wagoner 0 0 0 28
96 Mitchell 0 0 0 13
41 Brown 0 0 0 12
90 Cochrane 0 0 0 5
35 Fullerton 0 0 0 5
34 Meyer 0 0 0 3
95 Kerr 0 0 0 3

Defense Tackles Assists RunPlay PassPlay
59 Arnold 12 1 35 25
50 Pallansch 8 5 30 27
58 Slavin 8 2 28 17
38 Zimmerman 5 0 38 30
44 Webb 4 0 38 30
36 Newton 3 3 38 30
98 Dawson 3 1 38 30
95 Kerr 3 0 8 3
99 Godfrey 2 0 25 14
96 Mitchell 2 0 11 13
79 Wagoner 1 3 37 28
73 Shipes 1 1 38 30
35 Fullerton 1 1 3 5
26 Bornstein 1 0 33 28
41 Brown 1 0 9 12
34 Meyer 0 0 6 3
90 Cochrane 0 0 3 5

[Dutch]

**2032 Post-Season Interviews**

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Well, well, well…..finally! 13 years, and I see, could it be….yes! A Super Bowl Ring on Rick Nix’s finger. Congratulations!

Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – I am very happy to have this championship, my career is complete. I know I wasn’t one of the key members of the Rams organization this year, but I think this makes up for all those years and all those hits and all those touchdowns. And I’m not giving this ring back! YES!!!!

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Well, we like to say that certain people in the league deserve championship rings, and Rick Nix, you were one of those people. But it’s also about teamwork, not just individual achievement. And speaking of which, sitting next to you is the battered and beaten, Josh Baxter. Josh? You finally made it! You have gone from a wide-eyed rookie that was just decimated the first couple of season’s into a seasoned journeyman that never really got much respect…but now, you did everything you could to pick up a championship…..and you don’t have a contract to work with and maybe you won’t get a lot of bites this off-season. I mean, you were basically left for the retirement home last season by the Bengals, until a late pre-season injury found the New York Jets signing you. Lot’s of irony to talk about, but for now, your thoughts?

Josh Baxter, QB, New York Jets – What can I say, I played my heart out this year. I gave the Jets everything I had. It just wasn’t good enough, I guess.

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – You played a great game, you ran for I don’t know….maybe 3 or 4 first downs to keep drives alive. You made accurate throws and no mistakes. You should be able to sleep good tonight.

Josh Baxter, QB, New York Jets – I guess. I don’t know if I’ll get many more opportunities for a championship ring, but I’ll be ready if somebody calls on me to go next year.

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – All those years in Cincinnati…then, your first year outside and you make the big game. Was the Bengals organization your curse?

Josh Baxter, QB, New York Jets – I don’t think so, I still don’t have a championship! <laughs> But I'm not cursed, this season was a miracle and it's gonna take another miracle to get me back to the big game.

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – I hope to see both you and Rick Nix return for another year. And again, you should both be very proud, congratulations, and especially to you Rick, you deserved it!

Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – Thanks Gene, it’s been a long time coming.

[Dutch]

....moving right along....

[Dutch]

**Pre-Season Notes for the NFL 2033 Season – YEAR 14**

1. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – Rick Nix will start opening day for the St. Louis Rams at Flanker.

2. Ronald Betz, RB, RETIRED

3. John Joyner, RB, RETIRED

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Free Agent – Picked up after training camp by the Cleveland Browns for 1 year, he is projected to back up 7th year QB Arnold Shannon.

5. Howard Azumah, QB, RETIRED

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, RETIRED

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, RETIRED

[Dutch]

**2033 Season Updates**

1. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – Although the starter, he begins the season banged up already with a hyper-extended knee. He is definitely feeling the affects of age. As he begins his 14th year, he still has the skills, but maybe not the endurance to last a whole season, but he will start.

2. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – Strains his abdomen during play in the first game and is questionable for week #2. He did manage one catch for 5 yards and a end around run for 18 yards.

3. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – Not about to go down without a fight, the injured Rick Nix shows up and plays hard in week #2. Despite losing 34-24 to Jacksonville, Rick Nix made it respectable in the 4th quarter, hauling in a 47 yard TD pass and then a 48 yard TD pass. He managed 6 catches on the day for 161 yards! Not bad for the 34 year old receiver.

4. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – St. Louis wins 24-20 over Green Bay. Rick Nix was instrumental in the game, collecting 5 catches for 108 yards.

5. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – The Rams move to 4-2 on the season with a 28-16 win over the Chicago Bears. Rick Nix led the way with 6 catches for 100 yards.

6. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – Rick Nix was pulled out of the game against the 49’ers with a pulled quadriceps muscle. He should return to the lineup next week, he is listed as probable. The Rams defeated the 49’ers 24-9 to move to 7-2 on the year.

7. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – Rick finished the season pretty strong, leading the team in receiving yardage on 4 of the last 7 weeks. In week #17, he did break his finger, but will be able to play in playoff action for the St. Louis Rams.

8. Josh Baxter, QB, Cleveland Browns – Josh does not play, outside of kick holding duties, for the 4-12 Browns.

[Dutch]

**2033 Season Notes**

The Line

1. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis Rams – GS 16; 67 catches for 1,112 yards and 2 TD’s

2. Ronald Betz, RB, RETIRED –

3. John Joyner, RB, RETIRED –

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Cleveland Browns – Did Not Play*

5. Howard Azumah, QB, RETIRED –

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, RETIRED –

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, RETIRED –

*Was responsible for kick holding on the team…

[Dutch]

**2033 Playoff Picture**

Divisional Playoff Round

New Orleans Saints (12-5) @ St. Louis Rams (11-5)
The Saints defeated the Rams 20-10 in St. Louis. Rick Nix had 5 catches for 54 yards on the day.

[Dutch]

**Super Bowl 2033**

The New Orleans Saints (Rick Nix former team) defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-23.

[Dutch]

**2033 Post-Season Interviews**

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Well, a noteworthy year because of Rick Nix. He played hurt almost all year long, but still managed to finish 11th in the NFL in receiving yardage. You are quite the athlete Rick. 35 years old now. Are you capable of another season of this?

Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis Rams – I have no idea, Gene. I’ll just keep playing as long as I can…as long as they let me. If I can put a uniform on, I’m going on the football field. It’s what I do.

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Well, then there is Josh Baxter, from starting QB in the Super Bowl, to kick holder. Was that a tough pill to swallow?

Josh Baxter, QB, Cleveland Browns – On a 4-12 team? Are you kidding me? I haven’t felt this good in years! I am soooo glad that I wasn’t the quarterback that took the beating. {laughs} Seriously though, it’s not my turn. I’ve had more opportunities to win a Super Bowl than most quarterback’s have. I’m ready to play when they need me, but I have no problem letting the younger guys play. But I’m ready to go out on the field at a moments notice. Same as Rick, if they want to pay me, I’ll suit up and do whatever they need me to do.

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Well, I’m having a lot of fun seeing how this all finishes up, here’s hoping to another 5 years from the both of you!

[Dutch]

I will be travelling next week and will not have access to my home PC....so I will try and have the Band of Brothers finale in it's entirety Sunday evening....including post career interviews.

EDIT: Ah screw it, I'm not doing anything right now, so I'll finish up the Band of Brothers 2 in one sitting right now.

Enjoy the rest of the Dynasty!

[Dutch]

**Pre-Season Notes for the NFL 2034 Season – YEAR 15**

1. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – Rick Nix will start for the 15th consecutive year at Flanker in the NFL. He is 35 years old and will be 36 in October.

2. Ronald Betz, RB, RETIRED

3. John Joyner, RB, RETIRED

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Free Agent – New life for Josh Baxter as free agency lands him in Philadelphia. Baxter will be the #2 QB, but in pre-season action, he pulls a groin muscle and is listed as “Doubtful” for opening week. Also on the squad is the more than capable 9 year veteran Drew Caldwell, who should start the season as the teams quarterback.

5. Howard Azumah, QB, RETIRED

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, Chicago –RETIRED

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, RETIRED

[Dutch]

**2034 Season Updates**

1. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – Rick Nix has 64 yards receiving and 2 short TD catches in a 27-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals on opening day.

2. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – 93 yards and 1 TD in week #2 helps give the Rams a 21-18 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

3. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – 44 yards in a 23-19 victory over the Green Bay Packers.

4. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – 64 yards receiving but a 20-19 loss to Rick Nix former team, the New Orleans Saints.

5. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – 55 yards in a 17-9 loss to Carolina (Rams are 3-2)

6. Josh Baxter, QB, Philadelphia – Drew Caldwell is benched in favor of a healthy Josh Baxter. In Josh’s first action of the year, he does okay with 243 yards passing and 1 Interception. The Eagles lost to the Lions 15-9 in a field goal shootout. (The Eagles are 3-2)

7. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – 24 yards and 1 TD during a 10-7 win over Rick Nix first team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rick Nix hyper-extended his elbow late in the game and may miss next weeks game. The Rams are 4-2.

8. Josh Baxter, QB, Philadelphia – Josh throws for 208 yards, 2 TD’s and 2 INT’s in a 25-24 loss to the Green Bay Packers. The Eagles are 3-3.

9. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – Rick Nix misses week #7 action.

10. Josh Baxter, QB, Philadelphia – Josh loses his 3rd straight as a starter in Philadelphia. The Eagles are now 3-4.

11. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – DNP in a 26-13 loss to Arizona. The Rams are 5-3.

12. Josh Baxter, QB, Philadelphia – Bye week in week #8.

13. Josh Baxter, QB, Philadelphia – Despite a fine effort (262 yards and 3 TD passes) the Eagles lose to the Bears 38-35. Josh Baxter is 0-4 as an Eagles starter. The Eagles are 3-5.

14. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – Rick does not catch a pass during a 20-17 victory of the Falcons, but he does re-aggravate his hyper-extended elbow, and will miss 2-4 weeks of action. The Rams are 6-3.

15. Josh Baxter, QB, Philadelphia – Josh and the Eagles finally get it together with a 35-10 trouncing of the Giants. Josh Baxter had 280 yards passing, 2 TD’s and 1 interception.

16. Josh Baxter, QB, Philadelphia – After going 10-16 for 117 yards, Baxter goes down with a severe high ankle sprain which will hold him out of action for roughly 2 months. His return is unlikely this year.

17. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – Rick finally makes it back to the lineup, catches 2 balls for 16 yards in a 23-21 victory over the Chargers. Rick’s elbow injury flared again, he is doubtful for next weeks game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Rams are 8-3.

18. In what could have been a late-career meeting between two band of brothers players, both Rick Nix and Josh Baxter were forced to sit out of the Eagles/Rams game due to injury. The Rams won, 31-0.

19. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis Rams – In a 24-14 loss, Rick Nix played only sparingly, but made it count. He had 1 catch for 5 yards and 1 TD.

20. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – Back to full strength in Week #15, Rick Nix hauls in 6 catches for 44 yards and 1 TD. The Rams are 10-4.

21. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – Rick Nix caught 3 passes for 22 yards and 1 TD during a 28-16 loss to the Oakland Raiders. Rick Nix sprained his ankle and is questionable for week #17. The Rams are 10-5.

22. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – In the last game of the regular season, Rick Nix catches 3 balls for 29 yards. The Rams win 31-13 over the 49’ers and finish the season 11-5.

[Dutch]

**2034 Season Notes**

The Line

1. Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – GS 12; 45 catches for 463 yards and 7 TD’s

2. Josh Baxter, QB, Cleveland – GS 6; 63.7% for 1,349; 9 TD and 4 INT’s for a 92.8 QB Rating

[Dutch]

**2034 Playoff Picture**

Divisional Round

Detroit Lions (11-6) (-2) @ St. Louis Rams (11-5)
While long-time teammate Nichols caught the lions share with 12 catches and 163 yards, Rick Nix made 3 catches for 45 yards. Two of them for touchdowns. The Rams and the old man Nix win 20-13.

Conference Championships

Tampa Bay (12-6) @ St. Louis Rams (12-5) (-5)
In a repeat of 2032’s championship game, where Nix was injured and could not play (The Rams did win 17-14). This time, the Rams lose 24-21. But not because of a lack of effort on the part of Rick Nix. At 36 years of age, Rick Nix grabs 7 catches for 170 yards receiving and 2 TD’s (85 yards and 37 yards).

[Dutch]

**Super Bowl 2034**

Cincinnati Bengals @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers win 19-17.

[Dutch]

**2034 Post-Season Interviews**

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Rick Nix. You are not only still playing, but playing at a dominant level.

Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – Well, I guess, when I’m healthy. But most of the time, I in the hot tub with the BenGay, hoping against hope to just not hurt so bad. {laughing} It sucks being old and getting hit by mean 24 year olds. {more laughing}

Gene Diaz, ESPN – Well, you are taking a beating, but you were 10th in the NFL in touchdown receptions this year and you somehow manage a 170 yard/2 TD performance against the Bucs. How do you keep doing this?

Rick Nix, WR, St. Louis – I guess I’m just blessed. I can’t tell you really. I grew up in Madison, Indiana. My father was a construction worker, and he would be working on houses and just throwing bricks down to me and telling me, “Don’t drop them, every drop cost the family money.” And so that’s where I learned to hold on to the ball so well…I mean, catching footballs at age 36 is a whole lot easier still than catching bricks at age 12. {laughs} But if I had to tell you one reason why I have lasted this long, it’s because of the work ethic. I practice every off-season up in Indiana at the State university’s football facilities. Every day, sometimes it’s 2 and sometimes it’s three workouts a day. I prepare all year for these few months of football. I just work hard, man, and it looks like no matter what happens, I can say it paid off in the end. Now if you will excuse me, I have a hot tub waiting for me!

Gene Diaz, ESPN – Thanks Rick, enjoy that hot tub. But let’s not get too worked up with Rick leaving the set, we have Josh Baxter still playing at a high level of play and he joins us here today. Hi Josh, I mentioned that you are playing well, the injuries were pretty hard on you.

Josh Baxter, QB, Philadelphia – Yeah, I was surprised they didn't come in and yank me, you know, looking to spark the club to victory, but the injury settled that in the end anyway. I will do what I can to help out, but I know it’s time for the younger guys to get in there and mix it up a little, including Drew Caldwell.

Gene Diaz, ESPN – Any regrets last year?

Josh Baxter, QB, Philadelphia – Only that neither I nor Rick played in the Eagles/Rams game. That would have been fun.

Gene Diaz, ESPN – Good luck, and we’ll wait and see if you play again next year or decide to hang the cleats up.

Josh Baxter, QB, Philadelphia – I’ll be making a decision shortly.

[Dutch]

***RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT – RICK NIX, WR, 2020-2034***

(Tampa Bay 2020-2025; New England 2026; New Orleans 2027-2031; St. Louis Rams 2032-2034)

A somewhat surprising retirement. But age and numerous injuries finally set it. Rick Nix, played 15 years of NFL football and finished with a bang in the playoffs with a 170 yard / Two touchdown performance in what seemed like a grand finale for one of the greatest wide receivers that ever played.


GS – 217 (2nd ALL-TIME among receivers)
GP – 219

Receptions – 1,001 (6th ALL-TIME)
Yards – 14,471 (6th ALL-TIME)
TD’s – 90 (3rd ALL-TIME for TD Receptions)

Awards
Leagues Fastest Man – 2020, 2024, 2029, and 2031
NFL ALL-PRO 1st Team – 2027, 2029
NFL ALL-PRO 2nd Team – 2030

Notes: Rick Nix has one Super Bowl ring and participated in two Super Bowls contests.

[Dutch]

**Pre-Season Notes for the NFL 2035 Season – YEAR 16**

1. Rick Nix, WR, RETIRED

2. Ronald Betz, RB, RETIRED

3. John Joyner, RB, RETIRED

4. Josh Baxter, QB, Free Agent – Josh Baxter is not signed during Free Agency.

5. Howard Azumah, QB, RETIRED

6. D.J. Lauvray, QB, Chicago – RETIRED

7. Jumbo Mitchell, WR, RETIRED

[Dutch]

**2035 Season Updates**

By the end of the year, Josh Baxter was arguably the most valuable free agent quarterback in the league. But nobody picked him up.

[Dutch]

**2035 Season Notes**

The Line

1. Josh Baxter, QB, Free Agent – Did Not Play

[Dutch]

**Super Bowl 2035**

The New York Giants defeated the Houston Texans 24-19

[Dutch]

**2035 Post-Season Interviews**

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Well, folks, an uneventful year. Our last remaining player, Josh Baxter, did not get signed. I guess, this is the end?

Josh Baxter, QB, Free Agent – That’s it. I had a great time. No regrets.

Gene Diaz, ESPN – So, the bad news is the Band of Brothers II dynasty has come to an end. One bit of good news, in 2035, Ronald Betz, the running back was inducted into the PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME with the 3rd most votes of any RB in NFL history.

Congratulations to Ronald Betz!

[Dutch]

***RETIREMENT UPDATE – JOSH BAXTER, QB (2020-2034)***

(Cincinnati Bengals 2020-2031; New York Jets 2032; Cleveland 2033; Philadelphia 2034)

GS – 196 (174 for the Bengals, club record)
GP – 213

ATT – 5474
COMP – 3329 (2,924 for Bengals, club record)
Comp % - 60.8
Yards – 38,313 (33,756 for Bengals, club record)
TD’s – 244 (211 for Bengals, club record)
INT’s - 181
QB Rating – 82.9

Most of these stats were in the Top 25 all-time, but none too high. The 181 interceptions did rank 7th all-time and he was sacked 469 times during his career for the 6th most all-time. His 56 fumbles ranked 3rd all-time.

[Dutch]

*****Where are they now?*****

DJ Lauvray, QB - DJ only lasted for 3 years in the league and then disappeared. He was famous in the football circles for going to college in Chicago and then being drafted by the Chicago Bears. Well, he went back to the University of Chicago (or Chicago University?) and headed up the team as the offensive coordinator for a couple of years. After he was released from that contract he tried to do sports talk on the radio but that bombed. It’s believed that he sells Cadillac’s and Hummer’s somewhere in or near downtown Chicago now.

John Joyner, RB – After a fine career in Atlanta, John Joyner became a radio broadcast host for Atlanta Falcons football games and continues to lead radio fans in cheers for the Falcons.

Jumbo Mitchell, WR – Jumbo Mitchell soon found himself unable to walk from his deteriorated hip. He went through multiple surgeries before finally losing the hip altogether. But like his football career, Jumbo is a fighter. He recently ran in his 14th marathon since having a replacement hip inserted into him. He says his running has never felt better.

Howard Azumah, QB – Howard Azumah had a modest career in the NFL, never quite catching on and basically played football as a journeyman, playing for whomever needed a decent QB. He left the world of the NFL to join the ranks of the coaching world and worked for the Florida State Seminoles for years. He was actually rumored to be groomed to take over the head coaching of the Seminoles in the next few years, but has since signed on to coach Central Florida. He says he’s happy right where he is and has no plans to move back to Seminole country to coach.

Ronald Betz, RB – Ronald Betz moved back to South Carolina, bought a large plot of land with a giant farmhouse on it. He owns quite a few businesses in and around Florence, South Carolina and is doing quite well for himself. Although a fan favorite and constantly lured by the NFL broadcast networks, Hall of Fame running back Ronald Betz continues to decline all offers. After taking the NFL by storm and devastating defenses for nearly a decade, Ronald Betz retired quietly and gracefully.

Rick Nix, WR – Rick Nix couldn’t help it. He was one of the most dominant wide receivers to ever play the game, he got his ring, and he wanted to show it off to the world. He got his gig with ESPN, as a sideline reporter for Sunday Night Football. He was successful, he was a character, but he wasn’t popular enough for the regular network coverage. But he’s happy, he’s on TV and he has set a broadcast record of showing off his championship ring in 14 consecutive TV broadcasts. GO RICK!

Josh Baxter, QB - He was mostly successful, holds most of the Cincinnati Bengals all-time records in passing. He did technically win a Super Bowl Ring in 2024, although he had been benched the entire year. But that’s the past, what will the future hold for him now that playing football is out of the question?

**Josh Baxter Post-Career Job Interview**

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – We had a lot of fun watching you play the last 15 years….it’s time for you to move on. I’m moving on myself and will not be involved with Band of Brothers III. Any interest? I can talk to some people who know some guys who could land you this gig.

Josh Baxter – {smiles brightly}- Well, I hadn’t planned anything else for the next 15-20 years. But does anybody even watch this show?

Gene Diaz, ESPN Analyst – Don’t do it for the ratings, do it for the next Band of Brothers.

Josh Baxter, ESPN Analyst – Fair enough, I'm in!

Gene Diaz, Retired Analyst – It’s been a lot of fun, I hope you all enjoyed reading this second edition of the Band of Brothers Dynasty. Thanks for reading!!!!

[Dutch]

THE END!

[StanGunner]

GREAT JOB!!

[Dutch]

Thanks Stan! :)