Budding star linebacker retires after one season

Inside linebacker Chris Borland was San Francisco's wonder rookie in 2014. He led the 49ers in tackles despite starting only in 7-8 games. He more than ably filled the hole vacated by injured superstar linebackers Navorro Bowman and Patrick Willis. He was a stud defensive pickup in Fantasy Football too until an ankle injury cut his season short.

I was suprised to hear him retire from the NFL after one successful season due to health issues. He said he's worried about brain trauma.

Bullshit. I mean I'd understand if he has played in multiple seasons and was subjected to many bone-jarring hits like Wes Welker. But after one season? I don't know. I think he's a wuss for leaving too soon, too soft for the NFL grind. Maybe he needs a jolt to the head to wake himself up.

The NFL will not suffer because for every Borland, there are a ton of others ready and willing to drop everything and take his place in the pro gridiron.

The Butler did it

I was on the phone with my bestfriend during the final minute or so of Super Bowl XXIX. He was on the road, on his way to basketball practice and he wanted a live play-by-play commentary.

Have to admit that I thought New England was about to lose when Seahawks WR Jermaine Kearse had that unreal multiple-bobble catch while on his back. With 1st-and-goal at the 5-yard line and enough time for at least 3 plays. I was pretty sure Marshawn Lynch, the Seattle monster running back also knows as Beast Mode, will punch in the winning touchdown. 

Deja vu at its worst. Ghosts of David Tyree's "helmet catch" in 2008, and Mario Manningham's sideline grab in 2012 were about to haunt the Patriots again.

And then it happened. On 2nd-and-goal at the 1, Russell Wilson threw a slant aimed at Ricardo Lockette. Seldom-used, backup Patriots defensive back Malcolm Butler, on instinct, jumped on the route and made an amazing interception on the football's biggest stage. Wow. Just wow.

I was screaming like hell. For sure, my neighbors wondered what was going on. I didn't care.

The Patriots win their 4th Super Bowl title in the most improbable fashion. It'been like 20 hours since the game ended, and I still cannot believe how they were able to pull it off.

Jubilation for the Patriots fans, despair for the Seahawks faithful. Fortunes changed in a span of a few seconds. But this is exactly why we love sports.

Un-fuckin-believable.

TB12 over Beast Mode

Life is indeed unfair, even for the NFL superstars.

Sorry, Marshawn, but that's Tommy, the NFL's golden boy.

Dream Super Bowl matchup

This is exactly what everyone wants to see: New England vs Seattle. Offense vs Defense.

If you know me well, you'd know that I root for both these teams. The Patriots primarily because of my man-crush, my number 2 sports idol Tom Brady (next to NBA legend Michael Jordan). I also follow the Seahawks because I have family in the greater Seattle area.

I'd be fine with whoever wins, but I do want Tommy to get his 4th ring so I will cheer for New England.

Wild Weekend of Sports

I'm an avid sports fan. I watch all sorts of sports that's why my cable subscription includes every possible sport available.

In the past 30 hours, I was treated to a wild weekend of highly entertaining games:

4 NFL Playoff games

Ateneo vs La Salle Women's Volleyball

Ateneo vs NU Men's Volleyball

PBA Finals Game 3

It all started with the New England Patriots - Baltimore Ravens playoff game, where the Patriots, led by my man-crush Tom Brady, had to climb out of two 14-point holes for a 35-31 comeback win. Then my second favorite NFL team, the Seattle Seahawks, blew out Carolina in the next game.

In local collegiate volleyball, Sunday had a pair of must watch games involving Ateneo. The topranked women's team (6-0) was facing La Salle (6-0), and the men's team (5-1) will challenge unbeaten NU.

The Lady Eagles came back from a 1-2 set deficit to win in 5 sets, while the Blue Eagles also prevailed in similar fashion, handing NU its first loss.

In PBA action, Alaska was down 20-plus points before mounting a monumental comeback to take Game 3 over San Miguel, 78-70. It was basically a repeat of Game 1 where they rallied back from 22 points to win in overtime. They lead the best-of-seven series, 2 games to 1.

About 10 hours earlier (Monday 2:00 am Manila), I was glued on the TV for another round of NFL playoff games. Green Bay squeaked past Dallas with the help of a controversial call, while the Indianapolis Colts upset the Denver Broncos on the road at Mile High.

Tomorrow, the first ever College Footbal Playoff National Championship game between (2)Oregon and (4)Ohio State will be played and it should be a good one. Rooting for the Ducks, Nike's flagship school.

Need more weekends like this.

Super Bowl XLIV

I'm taking the Saints(+4.5) and the under (56.5). I kinda feel stupid for going against Peyton Manning though.