Partying in Tampa

Hey yardbarkers,

I'm writing you from Tampa. I drove down yesterday with my old college teammate and fellow yardbarker, Calvin Pace of the NY Jets.

I was kinda upset because it didn't stop raining all night, and I didn't bring an umbrella. I made the most of it, though.

We started out at Dwight Freeney's Pool Tournament, which was a fundraiser for his foundation. I had to go support my boy because I am all about guys working to better the community and help kids out.

I was supposed to play in the tournament, but I changed my mind. I was shocked when the MJ (Michael Jordan) walked in and everybody, including me, got quiet and just watched as he and Charles Oakley entered. MJ still has the swagger walk and everything.

Next I stopped by GQ magazine and Yardbarker's party with T.O. Then we went back to the pool tournament and hung the rest of the evening all the other players at the EA Sports MaddenBowl Party. I saw couple of my fellow barkers on there: Donovan, Marshawn Lynch, former teammate Ray Lewis and many others.

The first night in Tampa was cool. The rain is killing the mood, but I am going to make the best of this weekend. I sing a solo in the Super Gospel Celebration tonight. Wish me luck.

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• norcross77 said January 30, 2009

  It's cold in Atlanta, stay there as long as you can. Who are you picking to win the game?

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  • likessports replied January 31, 2009

    Go STEELERS!!!!
• NickRall said January 31, 2009

  Hey Ovie glad to hear you're having fun despite the rain. Who you got for the game? Also hope you enjoy the rest of the offseason.

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• JuicyPeach said January 31, 2009

  Have fun in Tampa despite the weather. I wish I could have been there, but have to be back at work bright and early on Monday. I am going for Arizona. Kurt Warner has had a good year.
  
  While you are partying in Tampa, I will be partying in Atlanta.
  
  Be good and Take care,
  JuicyPeach

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• nikblong said January 31, 2009

  I'm glad you are having a great time! I am here in Tampa as well, and this for me has got to be the worst Super Bowl ever. Its true the weather has been rainy but its the economy that seems to be keeping fans and sponsors away. I've been to 6 Super Bowls and the excitement just isn't here. Sports Illustrated and Playboy parties cancelled and even the commissioners party is said to be more like a intimate dinner party compared to years past but I guess we'll see.
  
  Ovie I wish you would have told us sooner you were singing a solo because I would have kept my ticket. I could have reported on the solo. I'm sure you did great. If not your boys will let you know. Either way when one is signing the lords praise one can NEVER sound bad. Well, then again....... but you get the point!
  
  Well up and at em. Its a new and hopefully a better day. Today, to name a few, I plan on attending the press conference announcing the Class of 2009 Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Taste of the NFL. If today is a bust then I might just head back to Atlanta and give my ticket away! Its better watching at home anyways, especially since I'm not excited over this match up anyways. But 2009 season its FALCONS all the way! And damn it all of you Ovie fans need to vote hime to the Pro Bowl next year as well!
  
  Regardless of how everyone celebrates be safe and have a great time!
  
  

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• steiny31 said February 01, 2009

  You are the man Ovie, keep up the great work!!!!

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• resa001 said February 01, 2009

  Thats so nice, what did you sing?

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• griffinchet said February 01, 2009

  WOW! I guess you're pretty upset since the Cardinals Lost...LOL! Hope you did well on the solo! Who Knew Ovie could sing?
  
  Next time you're out at Chima you have to do a solo!

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• BethieMarie said February 03, 2009

  Thats really nice to rub in the great things that you do...maybe you have less to complain about than a little rain? Hope you killed the solo!

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  • resa001 replied February 04, 2009

    Well who would want to get wet? That is not complaining. Positivity is so inspiring and people need to hear it. He has given so much to children ect.... without obligation, but from the heart. So all of the "great things" he does you will probably never know.
• CameroonLove said February 04, 2009

  Well, the city of Tampa is finally getting back to normal now that all of the residual Stealers Fans have left the city. I must admit that the events for the Super Bowl weekend were not as accessible to the fans/community as they were the last time Tampa hosted the big game. The most enticing parties advertised tickets that were no less than $200 – I guess promoters just did not care that the country is in a recession.
  
  So out of all the events to choose from my friends and I decided to attend the NFL Gospel Celebration which offered some reasonable ticket prices. I left work a bit late that day and with all the traffic etc. I did arrive to the concert late but I was just in time to see Mary Mary, Marvin Sapp, Tony Dungy (Tampa's #1 Coach), numerous athletes giving their testimony about Christ, and so many others including Ovie Mughelli and the NFL Choir.
  
  To my surprise not only was Ovie in the choir but he and two other athletes were instrumental in leading the choir and their performance. And even though I watched him walk onto the stage with the rest of the guys, all decked out in their blue choir robes , I was puzzled when Ovie approached the mic; I started thinking can the brother really sing?!
  
  Well, yes he can! Don't let this man fool you Yardbarkers, because he has swagger too! However, Ovie has a very humble, approachable, debonair swagger but its swagger nonetheless. I was so impressed I became speechless. When the show was over Ovie was just walking around on the stage and I wanted to say something like hi Ovie, or can you take a picture with me, or SOMETHING but all I could do was stare – quietly. I guess that is what happens when you're around men with swagger – LOL.
  
  Anyway, I hope that the NFL Gospel Celebration continues to be a part of the Super Bowl festivities, it was refreshing to see men, and athletes in particular, praising the Lord. If you ever plan on attending a Super Bowl get (and keep) your tickets to the NFL Gospel Celebration.
  

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• pootietang said April 15, 2009

  What's new, Ovie?

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• DanielWilcox said June 25, 2009

  Ovie if people really wanted to beat u at Halo you know all they really gotta do is send a pizza to your house a slaughter you!!! LOL... whats up man... u ready for this Camp???

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• DanielWilcox said June 25, 2009

  I'm new to the Yard word beentryna catch up!!!

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