END GAMES
THIS SEASON THE NFL lifted restrictions on touchdown celebrations, prompting players to get creative with re-creations of Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots or hide and seek. In Week 5, Vikings tight end Kyle Rudolph led a game of duck, duck, goose after hauling in a 13-yard TD. The MMQB's Kalyn Kahler talked to him about the high jinks.
SI: Whose idea was that?
KYLE RUDOLPH: [Running back] Latavius Murray came up with duck, duck, goose during that week of practice. We had a break in the action during the game for an injury right before we scored, so I mentioned to the guys, "Hey, look, when we score here, whoever scores, you be the duck-er and everyone else sit in a circle." And sure enough, I scored. I remember turning around and seeing [linemen] Joe Berger, Pat Elflein and Mike Remmers just sprinting down the field to get in a circle.
SI: So you didn't practice it?
KR: We did not. I think that is what surprised so many people, including Coach [Mike] Zimmer. Most of the times when you have something like that, you'll see it during the week.
SI: Do you have any new routines ready now?
KR: Nothing in the works, but seeing all the other teams around the league, we definitely need to get creative. When the NFL relaxed the rules, I'd imagine this is what they had in mind, just adding a little bit of fun to the game.
SI: Has anyone had an idea that wasn't good enough?
KR: Not yet. Our biggest controversy has been [wide receiver] Adam Thielen stealing my soccer slide in London. I made the mistake of practicing it on Friday after a red zone period, and he acted like it was his idea.
SI: Would you normally rehearse a celebration during the week.
KR: It is mostly just talked about. If the defense is practicing, the offensive skill players are usually huddled together on the sideline or behind the drill. That is usually where ideas are brainstormed.
SI: You mentioned the linemen: Why do you like getting these guys in the celebration?
KR: They always feel left out. Up until this point they couldn't participate because it would have been a penalty, so now that they are able to, it's fun to get them involved.
THEY SAID IT
"THE WITCH DOCTOR TOLD ME THAT WAS WHY I HAD BEEN INJURED. THERE WERE THREE LADY SPIRITS WHO HAD MARRIED THEMSELVES ON TO ME."
Manu Tuilagi
Premiership Rugby star, explaining the recent diagnosis he received from a spiritual healer in Samoa.
SIGN OF THE APOCALYPSE
The NCAA suspended Houston guard Rob Gray for one game for playing in a church recreation league game last spring.