AboutJim Considine Expertise I can answer statistical questions about professional football. I am especially strong on the subject of the Baltimore Colts from 1947 through 1983, Washington Redskins, and the Baltimore Ravens.
My services are best used when an older, obscure question is posed. The newer NFL records are easily accessible through www.NFL.com
I do not appraise memorabilia. I am not an expert on Canadian Football, though I will take a shot at any questions you might
I have a good understanding and recall of the folklore about Baltimore football. Some of this information may be subjective in nature. I will give the best answer possible if this is the case.
Experience I am an NFL Statistician with the Washington Redskins. I grew up during the days of the Baltimore Colts in the 1960's. (Please refer to the movie "Diner" for more information about the Baltimore Colts fans)
Organizations Washington Redskins Statistician, 2005-present
Baltimore Ravens, 1996-2003
Publications The records were used by author Jon Morgan in his book, "Glory For Sale". The records have been part of the Baltimore Ravens Media Guides since their inaugural season in 1996.
I was interviewed for the cover story of The Press Box, a local, monthly sports tabloid newspaper.
http://www.pressboxonline.com/story.cfm?id=5594
Education/Credentials I researched and was able to piece together the statistical history of the AAFC Baltimore Colts 1947-49, and the 1950 NFL Colts. This information was used by The Baltimore Ravens for their 1996 Media Guide. The records were entitled "Baltimore Football Records". It was considered "unofficial" since the AAFC league records were not incorporated with the NFL records when the leagues merged.
The reason that this information was created was due to the fact that the NFL had prohibited the 1996 Baltimore Ravens from bringing the records, colors, and team name from the Cleveland Browns. The Baltimore football records were presented in order to create a frame of reference. The Ravens have kept these records since 1996, adding and amending as the Ravens football team challenge these records.
Awards and Honors I was awarded two game balls from the Ravens and was recognized for my work as the top game day employee.
Past/Present Clients Baltimore Ravens, Wise Guides, Washington Redskins
Question MY DAD AND I WHERE HAVING A CONVERSATION ON WHEN LONG SNAPPING ACTUALLY BECAME A SPECIALTY POSITION( WHAT YR.) HE SAID THE OFFENSIVE CENTER USE TO DO IT, I DISAGREE, CAN YOU HELP US OUT WITH A ANSWER.
Answer Ron, Good question.
I just exhausted Google on the subject. The long snapper is the Rodney Dangerfield of football positions. One NFL executives once made a comment to me. He said he hopes his son grows up to be a long snapper. If you do this well, you can play football for many more years than the average player can. You will not make the "big" money, but you can make the NFL minimum, which will buy you a few golf balls for your retirement. A great line about the long snapper ... "If you know his name that is usually a bad sign. The long snapper's name is brought up when a snap from center is muffed. Regarding the answer to your question, I believe that your father is correct. The center was the long snapper. If you think about it, the center snaps the ball when the offense goes into a shotgun formation. The position has a long history. I imagine (records are not available to support) that the long snapper was vital during the pre-1940's. The ball was rounder making the drop kick a play called regularly (for field goal attempts as well as "quick-kicks"). The only way I could establish that the position was indeed a unique role played by distinct player was to refer to the Pro Bowl rosters. In 2008, voting for a long snapper was on the NFL ballot. However, a long-snapper was included, for the first time on the 2006 roster.
In summary, long snapping has been around for a long time. Your Dad is right; the center would perform the function when called upon. The NFL recognized the long snapper for their work for the first time in 2006.
Best wishes,
Jim
