Mizzou’s Citrus Bowl Gifts

came early for the Mizzou Football Family this year as Don Barnes, Director of Equipment Operations, unveiled the Nike brand apparel specifically crafted for the team’s trip down to Orlando, Florida to play in the 2015 Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl.

With their partnership with Nike, Mizzou has been able to design uniforms and team apparel that highlight the strengths and traditions of the athletic programs.

The gear for the 2015 Citrus Bowl is no exception to Mizzou Football’s fresh apparel. The selection includes everything from hats to shoes to bowl and travel sweats. With each item reveal, members of the Mizzou Football family did not hesitate to cheer, shout, and express their excitement.

In designing the apparel that Mizzou Football will take with them to Orlando, Barnes kept climate in mind. “We’re going to Florida, and it’s warm, so we put a bunch of t-shirts in there,” Barnes said.

T-shirts aren’t the only items specially crafted for warm weather. The Tigers also received two pairs of athletic shorts, both with cutting edge designs crafted by Nike.

Along with warm weather clothing, Barnes introduced sweatpants, long-sleeved sweatshirts, and other specific items for bowl game events.

Included in the gear was the custom jersey for game day and the Nike bowl shoes, which drew a huge round of applause from the players. GaryPinkel.com will reveal the full game day uniform on December 30.

To hold all of the apparel the team will be sporting, Barnes also included a state-of-the-art travel bag. Players’ numbers will be on the bags, as well as the 2015 Citrus Bowl logo.

“This is absolutely our favorite piece,” Barnes said. “It’s the coolest travel bag we’ve ever done.”

The Tigers, with the help of Nike and Mizzou Athletics leave for Orlando on Monday, December 22 for the 2015 Citrus Bowl. They will take on Minnesota on January 1 at 12 p.m. CT on ABC by ESPN.

For all the inside information about Mizzou Football, follow the team’s official social media accounts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

Check back tomorrow for Day Two of 12 Days of Citrus for a look at the events and activities the Mizzou Football family will be participating in leading up to the 2015 Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl.

Coffman, Daniel, Maclin To Enter Mizzou Athletics Hall of Fame

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On February 6, 2015, six Mizzou Made athletes will be inducted into Mizzou’s Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame, including three members of the Mizzou Football Family. This will represent the 25th induction class since the inception of the Hall in 1990.

A special 25th year anniversary fits well with the star-studded inductees. The three Mizzou Made football players selected have been some of the best in Mizzou history. Here is an inside look at this year’s selections:

NFL: Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee TitansChase Coffman (2005-2008) The Peculiar, Mo., native was a Mizzou career leader in receptions (247) and receiving touchdowns (30). His total yardage (2,659) stands as third-best in Mizzou records. He was an All-American in 2008 and the winner of the John Mackey Award, which is given to the nation’s most valuable tight end. This award made him the first member of the Mizzou Football Family to win a national individual award specific to a position—and his awards did not end there. He earned first-team All-Big 12 honors in both 2006 (58 receptions, 638 yards, nine touchdowns) and 2008, while receiving second-team All-Big 12 mention in 2007 (52 receptions, 531 yards, seven touchdowns).

San Francisco 49ers v Kansas City ChiefsChase Daniel (2005-2008) Tiger fans young and old remember the legendary quarterback, considered to be one of the greatest quarterbacks in Mizzou history. Daniel led the Tigers to the No. 1 ranking in 2007 and was just one half away from playing for a national championship. He broke Mizzou records across the board, including career highs in passing yardage (12,515), touchdown passes (101), completions percentage (68 percent), total offense (13,485 yards) and most touchdowns responsible for (111). He was a starter for three seasons in a row (2006-2008) and led Mizzou to a 30-11 record, including the first two conference division titles in Mizzou Football history. Daniel finished fourth in the Heisman voting in 2007 and was named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year and a consensus second team All-American. He is in his sixth year with the NFL, currently with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Washington Redskins v Philadelphia EaglesJeremy Maclin (2006-2008) Maclin was one of the most electrifying players to ever wear a Mizzou uniform, impacting the game on offense and special teams consistently during one of the most successful periods in Mizzou Football history. He is the only Tiger to ever be named as a two-time first-team All-American, winning consensus honors as an all-purpose back in both 2007 and 2008, also becoming the first freshman in Mizzou history to win first-team All-American honors. In 2007, Maclin broke the NCAA single-season freshman record for all-purpose yards, amassing 2,776 yards (1,055 receiving, 1,039 kickoff return, 375 rushing, and 307 in punt returns) and 16 touchdowns, including nine receiving, four rushing, two punt returns, and one historic kickoff return that marked Mizzou’s first kickoff return score in 25 seasons. During his sophomore year, Maclin was a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, and then he closed his career by winning the Offensive MVP honors in the 2008 Alamo Bowl. After just two years with the Tigers, Maclin broke the Mizzou record for career all-purpose yardage with 5,609 yards. The dynamic offensive threat entered the 2009 NFL Draft, where he was picked No. 19 overall by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Shane Ray Named Consensus All-American

Mizzou Football junior defensive end Shane Ray has been named a first-team All-American by both the American Football Coaches Association and Sporting News.

With the nods, Ray has become a consensus First Team All-American, meaning he has been placed on three of the four All-American first teams that have been announced. Prior to the AFCA and Sporting News decisions, Ray was honored with a placement by the Walter Camp Foundation. He also received an Associated Press All-American second team distinction.

The AFCA All-American team is unique because of the selection process. Each candidate is selected by professionals who know the players, coaches, and the game itself. The AFCA selects a 25-member team made up of five divisions. The team includes a punter, a placekicker, 11 offensive players, 11 defensive players, and an all-purpose player. Each athlete chosen for the AFCA All-American team is awarded a plaque honoring his selection as an AFCA All-American.

Ray is the Mizzou Football’s third-ever defensive end to earn First Team All-American honors, joining Justin Smith (2000) and Michael Sam (2013). He is the Tigers’ first junior defensive end to reach first team All-America status since Smith.

Ray reset the school’s single-season sack record with 14.0 this season while also totaling 21.0 tackles for loss. Both of those figures are the third-highest nationally and lead the SEC. He is second in the SEC in tackles for loss per game and sixth nationally in tackles for loss per game. Ray also finished fifth on the team in total tackles with 61.

The Tigers are off from practice until this Friday, when they continue on-field preparations for the 2015 Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl against Minnesota, set for January 1 in Orlando, Florida at 12 p.m. CT. The game will be televised by ESPN on ABC.

Mizzou Football will post live updates on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook throughout the game, and fans can also listen in via Tiger Network radio affiliates.

Watch #MizzouMade in the NFL: Week 16

#92 Ziggy Hood – Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive End – Thursday, 7:25, NFL Network

#88 Chase Coffman – Tennessee Titans Tight End – Thursday, 7:25, NFL Network

#50 Zaviar Gooden – Tennessee Titans Linebacker – Thursday, 7:25, NFL Network

#48 Beau Brinkley – Tennessee Titans Long Snapper – Thursday, 7:25, NFL Network

#18 Jeremy Maclin – Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver – Saturday, 3:30, NFL Network

#16 Brad Smith – Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver – Saturday, 3:30, NFL Network

#2 Blaine Gabbert – San Francisco 49ers Quarterback  – Saturday, 7:25, CBS

#94 Justin Smith – San Francisco 49ers Defensive End  – Saturday, 7:25, CBS

#99 Aldon Smith – San Francisco 49ers Linebacker – Saturday, 7:25, CBS

#59 Andrew Gachkar – San Diego Chargers Linebacker — Saturday, 7:25, CBS

#56 Jacquies Smith – Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defensive End – Sunday, 12:00, FOX

#94 Kony Ealy – Carolina Panthers Defensive End — Sunday, 12:00, CBS

#10 Chase Daniel – Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback – Sunday, 12:00, CBS

#91 Sheldon Richardson – New York Jets Defensive Tackle – Sunday, 12:00, CBS

#99 C.J. Mosley – Detroit Lions Defensive Tackle Sunday, 12:00, FOX

#75 Dominique Hamilton – New York Giants Defensive Tackle – Sunday, 3:05, FOX

#33 E.J. Gaines – St. Louis Rams Cornerback – Sunday, 3:05, FOX

#61 Tim Barnes – St. Louis Rams Center – Sunday, 3:05, FOX

#68 Justin Britt – Seattle Seahawks Offensive Lineman – Sunday, 7:30, NBC

Mizzou Made: Malik Cuellar

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Distraction Control

“There are always distractions — if you allow them.” —Tony La Russa

One major mental skill distinguishes athletes and other performers who remain at the top of their game from ordinary people: the ability to adapt and refocus in the face of distractions. Football players deal with distractions on a weekly basis. When they travel to different stadiums, they face tens of thousands of fans and must keep their focus. How do they keep their minds free of distractions? They must consciously fight the urge to tune into the noise. Their ability to maintain focus allows them to perform to the best of their ability.

In order for anyone to perform at his or her best, they must develop the critical skill of distraction control. This ability is cultivated through practice. Maintaining focus through distractions is one of the most important skills a person can have when they are looking to consistently perform to their full potential.

So, what’s considered a distraction? Here are a few examples of potential pitfalls when it comes to breaking focus:

  • Winning
  • Losing
  • Expectations of others, such as family members
  • Relationships
  • Teammates
  • Scoring officials
  • Media
  • Financial and educational concerns
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in familiar patterns
  • Your own thinking before, during, and after a game

Distractions are all around us, but it is not impossible to control them. When you enter a competitive situation, the number of potential distractions increases. It is important to understand that you decide whether to let these things distract you, upset you, or take you away from your performance. You have the power to either choose to dwell on it or to let it go. You do not lose your performance skills because of a distraction; you let yourself lose the focus that allows you to execute your skills effectively.

No one can completely control their surroundings, so it is crucial that you anticipate challenges that might await you. There may disruptions that you do not expect. These might include:

  • Schedule Changes
  • Delays
  • Lack of Personal Space
  • Difference in Facilities
  • Accommodations
  • Food

Life brings ups and downs, and when disruptions are prevalent, keep in mind that a positive mindset will keep you on your toes and willing to tackle each obstacle. Negative reaction takes a lot of energy and lowers your resistance.

Do not be overcome by the distractions, but remain in control. You can find a way over, around, or through almost any obstacle by committing yourself to a positive attitude. When reacting emotionally to distractions, you defeat yourself because it takes away your best performance focus and leaves you mentally and physically drained.

Remember that focusing through distractions is not an easy habit, but a well-trained skill. Your ability to focus will find its center in a positive mindset. Before a contest, athletic or otherwise, find a positive mindset and stay focused in that state throughout the event.

Do not get absorbed by distractions. Let them go. It is important that you understand that competition will bring about events that are out of your control, but how you react is within your control. Focus with a positive energy, and your reactions will carry you through.

Above all, find joy in your experiences. Distractions can twist your mindset into thinking that your reality is grim. Only you have the power to control your outlook, no matter what comes your way.

Markus Golden Accepts Invitation To Play In 2015 Reese’s Senior Bowl

Mizzou Football senior defensive end Markus Golden has accepted his invitation to play in the 2015 Reese’s Senior Bowl.

Golden totaled nine sacks on the season and 68 total tackles despite fighting through a hamstring injury on his way to earning All-SEC second team honors.

Phil Savage, Reese’s Senior Bowl Executive Director, said effort is never an issue with Golden.

“This All-SEC performer has a quick first step and plays with relentless effort,” he said in a press release. “NFL teams will want to see him play as an outside linebacker, too.”

The 6-foot-3 captain attended Hutchinson Junior College before joining the Mizzou Football family, where as a freshman he made 90 tackles and 10 sacks along with five forced fumbles. Last season, despite playing only about 40 percent of snaps, Golden led all Mizzou ends with 55 tackles.

This season, Golden has excelled as a starter. He earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors for his play against Tennessee.

Golden, who hails from St. Louis, has said that he and his family have loved Mizzou since he was little. However, his family has gotten a little bigger since attending Mizzou. He loves how Mizzou Football is one big, supportive family. This family environment is one of the biggest core values that head coach Gary Pinkel instills into the program.

The Senior Bowl has featured 17 Pro Football Hall of Famers in the past, and 15 former players have earned at least one Super Bowl ring.

Golden will be the 60th player to represent Mizzou in the bowl, joining many Mizzou greats including defensive back Roger Wehrli, who is a member of the All-Time Senior Bowl team. Former Mizzou defensive linemen Michael Sam played in the event last year and Ziggy Hood competed back in 2009.

There are also several former Mizzou Football players who took part in the Senior Bowl who are currently playing in the NFL, including Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Hood, Atlanta Falcons safety William Moore, and Tennessee Titans linebacker Zaviar Gooden.

The Senior Bowl has invited 110 players to help fill the rosters for both the North and South teams. Practices for the squads are scheduled to begin on January 20, 2015.

The Senior Bowl will be played on January 24, 2015 at 3 p.m. CT in Mobile, Alabama. Both the practices and the game will be televised on the NFL Network.

Mizzou Made in the NFL: Week 15

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Mizzou Made Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin had yet another big game on Sunday, December 14, catching four balls for 98 yards during the Eagles’ 38-27 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Maclin’s Week 15 numbers were good enough for 12th in the league among active receivers—despite catching only four balls—thanks to a solid 24.5-yard average. Maclin has now caught a whopping 78 passes for 1,207 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, making a strong case he should be the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year.

The Eagles drafted Maclin in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He’s posted 336 receptions for 4,660 yards and 36 touchdowns throughout his career.

Visit MUTigers.com for more updates on #MizzouMade players in the NFL.

Where Are They Now? James Franklin

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At the end of the 2013 football season, the Mizzou Football Family said goodbye to many talented student-athletes, including starting quarterback James Franklin.

Throughout his four years at Mizzou, Franklin made his mark as a premier quarterback for the Tigers. He had the opportunity to play for the team both in the Big 12 and the SEC, and he received numerous honors, including the 2011 Independence Bowl Offensive MVP. He was also named one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the country coming into the 2013 football season.

SEC Fans Radio Network

Since graduation, the Texas native has embraced every curveball life has thrown at him, excelling both on the field and off.

Franklin’s most recent endeavor is in the sports journalism world, where he has gotten involved with the SEC Fans Radio Network, which covers all 14 SEC teams. He hosts a show James Franklin SEC Digital Networkcalled “James Franklin’s QB Vision,” airing every Friday at 5 p.m. CT, with the help of Dr. SEC, an SEC Network sports talk show host.

“Dr. SEC is a very nice and cool guy,” Franklin said. “Very laid back and a humble man. He is fun working with, and I have been able to learn a lot from him on how to run a show.”

The talk show focuses on anything and everything Mizzou, and Franklin has found his past experiences beneficial in the sports radio world.

“It’s something fun.” Franklin said. “I try to be as up-front and honest as I can on things that I talk about.”

Franklin was offered the radio job via Twitter, and he has found a passion for radio that he plans to pursue.

“I can for sure see a future in radio.” Franklin said. “It is fun and actually pretty easy.”

Franklin & the NFL

While the former Tiger has grown fond of the broadcast world, he has not forgotten his football roots. His journey to the NFL began after the 2013 Cotton Bowl and is still in progress.

After the 2013 Cotton Bowl, Franklin spent time training and preparing for the 2014 NFL Draft. He was signed by the Detroit Lions, but then released in August. Since being released, Franklin has been back in Columbia, training in hopes of signing with another team.

james-franklin-mizzou-vs-murray-state-1“When I got released by the Lions, it took me a couple days to get over being released, but I knew being sad wasn’t going to do anything for me.” Franklin said. “I did my best to be positive, and I’m training hard and taking every opportunity that I can.”

Franklin currently resides in Columbia with his wife, training religiously in the hopes of going to the NFL or the Canadian Football League. He finds joy in training because he is able to work hard and exert a lot of energy.

“The training for the NFL is every day for about 2.5 hours.” Franklin said. “I lift weights and do a lot of cardio to stay in shape and then I do footwork drills and throwing drills to stay sharp.”

Franklin first attracted Canadian scouts after the 2014 NFL Draft, but he waited to commit to them until he tried out the NFL. Currently, he has high hopes for the Canadian League.

“It will help prepare me by giving me experience against other professional athletes and getting film out there for the NFL scouts.” Franklin said.

While he will gain experience and preparation for American football, Franklin will have to adjust to the way Canada plays the game.

“The fields are 10 yards longer and 10 yards wider. And the goal post are in the front of the end zone.” Franklin said. “Also, you can motion forward and not just sideways. Plus, there are only three downs, not four.”

Life Beyond Football

Regarding the future, Franklin plans to pursue football for another two years. He hopes to get another opportunity in the NFL, but if not, he has other aspirations.

Franklin finds joy in motivational speaking and plans to utilize his gifts to connect with others through spoken word. Eventually, the former quarterback hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps and become an evangelist.

james Franklin Mizzou Football Senior banquet“I want to share the power of belief and the things you can accomplish when you do believe,” Franklin said. “How important it is to know what you want and to not listen to all the things you are told that will hold you back.”

Above all, Franklin wants to be successful—but not the kind of success that includes a mansion and luxury cars. Instead, he defines success as making a positive impact on others.

“At the end of the day, life’s not really about winning or losing,” Franklin said. “Being able to make a positive impact on somebody, when you can change someone’s life, make them smile, make them see a different perspective, and make them see the positive. I think that does a lot more for you in the long run.”

Support From the Mizzou Football Family

In the midst of change, Franklin hasn’t been alone. He has had the Mizzou Football Family with him for the whole journey.

Franklin, who recently got married, asked current linebacker Kentrell Brothers, current quarterback Maty Mauk, and former running back Henry Josey to be three of his groomsmen.

“There’s a small few you stick close to for a long time.” Franklin said. “They’re going to be there probably for the rest of your life.”

gary-pinkel-henry-josey-mu-vs-vanderbiltIf there was one teammate who was there for Franklin through thick and thin, it was Josey. Franklin, who suffered multiple injuries while playing for Mizzou, was able to lean on Josey, who suffered a severe knee injury in 2011 that put his Mizzou Football career on hold.

“We were there for each other. We were like Batman and Robin,” Franklin said. “He helped me understand that I shouldn’t be so frustrated and to not put so much pressure and stress on myself.”

When the Lions released Franklin, Josey supported him, just like he did in college. He encouraged him to keep working hard and to stay in touch.

“He kept saying it was just a bump in the road,” Franklin said.

Franklin and Josey’s bond is a true picture of the Mizzou Football Family atmosphere. The two players were not just teammates, but brothers, and that brotherhood lasts a lifetime.

Truman and Mike Alden Will Be Inducted Into The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame

The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame has announced that Mizzou’s famous mascot, Truman the Tiger, will be honored with its Special Achievement Award.

Truman will be presented with the award at the organization’s annual Enshrinement Ceremony on January 25, 2015.

The Special Achievement Award recognizes individuals from across the state who have accomplished a national feat. Earlier this year, Truman was named the National Mascot of the Year at the NCA National Championships in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Other members of the Mizzou family will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in the ceremony as well, including athletic director Mike Alden, former Mizzou Football player Andy Russell, and the 1969 Mizzou Football team.

Alden has been a vital asset to Mizzou athletics since 1998. Under his leadership, the Missouri Athletic Department has soared in numerous ways. Student-athletes have made high marks in the classroom, ranking among the SEC leaders in both graduation success rates and academic progress rates. Several programs have excelled in conference championships, including football, baseball, men’s basketball, volleyball, soccer, softball. and wrestling, and there were three league titles in the 2013 season alone.

Alden helped usher in a new era with Mizzou’s entrance into the Southeastern Conference, and his work has earned him national recognition amongst the NCAA hierarchy. The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame will recognize Alden as a leader who has brought tremendous growth to the Mizzou Athletics program, and will continue to do so in the future.

Recipient Andy Russell played in three bowl games during his time as a Tiger. He led Mizzou Football in rushing in 1961, and he was a captain in 1962. Russell went on to have a successful career in the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1963-1976. He made the NFL all-rookie team in 1963, and was the Steelers’ MVP in 1970.

The 1969 Mizzou Football team averaged 223 rushing yards and 185 passing yards per game. The defense gave up an average of 177 yards per game.

Truman will make his next Mizzou Football game appearance when the Tigers take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida at 12 p.m. CT on New Year’s Day. Mizzou Football will post live updates on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook throughout the game, and fans can also listen in via Tiger Network radio affiliates.