I hope our Sunday night game vs the Patriots was a reminder to all of you that you should never give up on yourselves or the win.  I can't lie to you, I certainly got a little nervous, because nothing surprises me with New England.  But Reggie Wayne kept fighting through those last 20 seconds and made a great, extended catch.  We weathered the storm and it sure feels good to come out on top.

The last two teams to land on top of my nomination list for $500 scholarships or personal visit by me are:

The Brockton Junior Boxers from Brocton, MA.  This team has done an excellent job both on the field and online with their Weplay group page.  They've got 1051 videos and photos in their gallery...that takes some effort!  They're also linked up to all the teams in their organization, which there are a lot of. 

What I most enjoyed about this group was the full roster with minimal benchwarmers as well as their message posts.  There's so much positive energy coming out of this group.

Now the last Peyton's Picks of this season is well suited.  They are the Northlake Pop Warner Patriots from Hammond, Indiana.  This is a 15U football and cheerleading league group that has had a very successful season. The football players known as the "Tough Sixteen" have a great shot in their gallery with what looks to be the championship trophy.  Members are also posting their comments on the nearly 100 photos in their gallery.  I want to see more of that from other groups.

Congratulations to both of my picks today and to all the Pop Warner teams and squads on Weplay.  I hope you all take the time to connect and learn from each other.

Stay tuned, as I'll be posting my five $500 scholarship winners as well as the grand prize Peyton's Pick winner in the coming weeks.

1.  How I shake nerves playing in front of thousands of people:

Obviously in high school I never played in front of big crowds.  When I got to Tennessee as a freshman and played in that huge stadium every Saturday with 100,000-plus fans, it certainly does take some getting used to.  I remember my first time playing in college in Knoxville, I was nervous.  And it does take a while to get used to the crowd, especially when you play on the road you get used to the crowd noise.  I feel like I am used to it now, in my 12th year in the NFL, but it did take a lot of getting used to.  I think playing at Tennessee gave me great experience in dealing with crowds.

2.  Do I wish I had a sister?  If so, do I think she'd fit in? 

It's hard to answer that.  I've enjoyed having two brothers, obviously there was a lot of sports growing up in the house.  I feel lucky being the middle child.  I had an older brother to ask questions to, to look up to, and I had a younger brother that I could share some experiences with.  I feel very blessed.

3.  Do I play fantasy football and if so, who would I draft?

I don't play fantasy football.  If I did, I would probably draft Reggie Wayne or Dallas Clark first, but I do not play.

4.  Is my neck ok?

Yes, my neck is okay.  I had a scratch on it early in the season, so I had a patch on it.  That may be what you're talking about.  I had a patch, but yes, it's fine.

5.  What's my favorite food?

Steak, I like to eat steak.

More answers to come, but back to work for now.

Huge win for us Sunday.  We stayed in the game and it showed.  We didn't do things perfectly, but we did a great job of fighting and came away with win.  And man did my teammate Dallas Clark have a standout performance.  

As I was making my selections for this week's Peyton's Picks, I found two more "stand out" groups.

First up, the Oak Park Trojans from Oak Park Michigan.  This group, which encompasses tackle football, cheerleading and dance for kids 5-15, is full of life.  The organizers haven't been shy about posting relevant team messages or uploading game and event photos.    

The Trojans have been doing something right.  It looks like they have two squads advancing to the Mid-America Regional Cheer & Dance Championships in Illinois.  Good luck to each of you.  Remember, you've trained for this all season. Have fun and enjoy it.

The Argonaut Jr. Mustangs from Jackson, California are my second pick.  I guess green is the color this week.

First I want to recognize team organizer Krystal for giving her cheerleaders incentives.  She awards Spirit Winners each week. This is a great way to motivate and keep your team working hard.  Positive reinforcement can do wonders.  I also enjoyed watching the videos in their team gallery.  There are some talent young ladies on the squad.  Keep up the hard work.  

Next Monday will be the last week I post my "Picks".  So if your team hasn't been selected, there's still time.  At the end of the season, I'll award five of my "Picks" a $500 scholarship.  One team or squad will also win the grand prize, a personal visit by me visit by me.

We certainly had a tough Sunday, but we still got the win.  My teammates know how to face a challenge and they really pulled out the stops to take the game in the 2nd half.

You may not always get the cleanest win, but if you keep working, training and studying you'll get there.

I think the young ladies of the Kihei Dolphins Pee Wee Cheer Squad are doing just that.  They're my "Pick" this week.  Just click on their calendar and you'll notice not only games and events scheduled, but also weekly conditioning. 

You have to work hard in every aspect of your sport if you want to succeed, and cheerleading is no exception. It's a tough sport both mentally and physically.  The Dolphins know that if they want to meet their goal of a national championship appearance in Florida later this year, they have to challenge themselves. 

The girls are also linked up with their sister teams on Weplay and of course the Pop Warner group. You can't be picked by me if you're not linked up.  Keep working hard girls. I enjoyed learning more about your squad and your goals. I'm also glad to see a squad from Hawaii on the lead board! 

If your team wants to be selected as Peyton's Pick, check out my leader board.  There's just under a month left before we select the five, $500 scholarship winners and the grand prize, a personal clinic with me. 

We just closed out week 7 and our team improved to 6-0 with a strong road win vs. the Rams.  I can't speak highly enough about my teammates and our coaching staff out here in Indianapolis.  We kept our momentum going and played hard.  That's all I can ask for in a team.

I know Coach Pantier of the Gilroy Browns and Coach King of the Bolingbrook Trojans Jr. Midgets must be proud of their Pop Warner football teams too.  These two teams are my "Picks" this week.  Congrats to all of you.

I have to address the massive amount of photos uploaded by the Gilroy Browns. I haven't seen any other Pop Warner group come close to the 1766 images uploaded by the Browns.  I could spend all afternoon clicking through their game albums.  I know parents and family members must get a kick out of looking through them as well.  

The Bolingbrook Trojans may not have as many 2009 season photos in their gallery, but they have uploaded some quality videos from seasons past.  I know watching that film helps young and new players get on the right track.  Trojan team organizers are also doing a nice job of sending out important team messages. From snack schedules to practice changes, good communication is key.  Lastly, I think the Trojans have done probably the best job of linking up with relevant teams and groups in their league.  

If your Pop Warner team or squad wants to catch my eye, be sure and check out the leaderboard to see how you can become next week's Pick.

The Colts and me are taking advantage of our bye week.  We're gearing up for the Rams next Sunday.  I never take a game for granted. You can never be too prepared in this game.

It looks like the Girard Little Indians Football League from Ohio know a little bit about hard work.  There my "Pick" this week and will be considered for a $500 scholarship or personal visit by me early next year.

This league has had a strong season. I watched a few game clips in their gallery and was really impressed.   Video tells all. I saw some key tackles and a really nice run by Mosely for a TD.  Ya'll are working together as a team and that's the most important factor for success.

I also like that the entire Girard Pop Warner family sticks together.  From fundraisers, town parades to board meetings, the Indians are in sync with their organization.  The Girard Midgets even made it to the Super Bowl Championship. Good Luck out there. I know the Squiggs, Pee Wee and all the parents and fans from across the league will be out there supporting you.

If your team or squad wants to be selected as a Peyton Pick, get moving.  There's only one month left.  The contest ends November 20th.  I'm looking for groups with the most members, links to other Pop Warner groups and lots of photos and videos in their galleries.  

Playing in Tennessee is always tough, especially on a Sunday night. But we beat our AFC south rivals and it was a great win.  Weplay Pop Warner teams also had a solid week.  

I found another great cheerledaing squad to kick off Week 5 of Peyton's Picks.  The 2009 Brick Dragons PeeWee from Brick, New Jersey have a really nice page.  This group is on point this season.  Everyone on the squad created their Weplay profile so there's almost no blank benchwarmers, which I'm not a fan of seeing.  If you're on the team, you should work as team both in the gym and here on Weplay.  I also like that the Dragons are engaged. They're commenting on photos in their gallery, and they post positive messages to pump up the team.  

California also scored another "Pick".  The Huntington Beach Midget Blue Vikings have uploaded 439 photos since August 15th.  I'm impressed Viks.  Ya'll have a busy October schedule, so keep up the good work. Coach Lee Kotchnik and organizer Les Wannall have it right.  The teamwork, friendships and leadership skills you build playing the great game of football will stay with you far beyond your playing days.  Keep it up.

I come across a lot of groups that are not linked to Pop Warner.  That's a game changer for me.  You got to put in the effort teams and squads if you want to win a $500 scholarship or a special appearance by me.

• Linked up to Pop Warner and other relevant groups.

• Make sure ALL you players and group members sign up and connect.

• Upload photos and videos to your team galleries. 

It's week 4 of the season and I know I feel pretty good so far.  The Colts set a franchise-record 13th consecutive regular-season victory after our win Sunday.  We're keeping things in perspective, but it certainly fees like a good start.

I know the Poway Jets and the South Lake Eagles must be feeling alright too.  These two teams are this week's Peyton's Picks.  Congratulations to both.

I gotta kick things off with the 8U Jets. This strong team from California recently got a surprise visit from one of my peers in the NFL, Vincent Jackson of the San Diego Chargers.  I had a great time checking out their latest Weplay team album featuring more than 60 photos from Vincent's visit.  You kids are looking great after a boost from Vincent and a 1-0 season start. Keep working hard Poway and remember to invite your family and friends to join.

The 9U South Lake Eagles also made an impression on me this week.  This team is active, vocal and does a great job of capturing the best moments from practices, celebrations and games in their team gallery.  Also, team organizer Lori, is doing a excellent job of utilizing the team documents and messages section to keep all 91-members notified and engaged.  Finally, there team motto is great a example for everyone on Weplay:

"It's not the size of the EAGLE in the fight, but the size of the fight in the EAGLE!"

I'm still keeping my eye out for some strong Pop Warner dance teams. I hope to find some soon. Message me if you have a recommendation. Remember, five teams/squads will win a $500 scholarship and my favorite pick at the end of the season will get a personal visit by me.

I'm proud of my teammates.  We picked up another big "W" against the Cardinals last night. 

It looks like ya'll are doing your part too.  Especially Coach Rusty Cumpston and the Cambrian Valley Mitey Mite Longhorns out in San Jose, California.  Coach Cumpston is a veteran here on Weplay so I'm sure that's why his group is looking so good.  411 photos in their gallery, 51 solid members and most importantly, the Longhorns are linking groups with other Pop Warner teams in their league and area.  Keep up the great work!

My second Peyton's Pick for this week has to be the Tiny/Mitey Mite Anchorage Chargers up in beautiful Alaska.  The girls have a full season ahead of them but are doing a really stellar job.  I like their mix of photos AND video in the team gallery.  Thanks Coach Garza for sending me the shout out.  Enjoy your season Chargers!

Your Pop Warner group could be my next pick.  If you're team wants to win a $500 scholarship or a personal visit by me, invite more friends to join, upload media, post team news and link to Pop Warner.

Peyton

Big Monday Night game for the Colts later, but I still have time to post my "Picks".

Ya'll made it a little tougher than last week to make my selections, but I feel confident about these two groups.

First up, the Southeast Michigan Pop Warner Football League from Detroit.  With nearly 20 organizers helping out (that's a full on coaching staff), their dedication to the group is unmatched. I always enjoy looking at game photos, and there are 165 to choose from, but I really think this Pop Warner league is a great example of why linking groups is important.  Staying connected, informed and up-to-date with your league or other teams in your area is easy on Weplay. Just link up.

My second pick this week is the Ogden Bears Mitey Mite Orange.  Located up in Spencerport, New York, this 9U team showcases a nice roster and has nearly 71 photos AND videos.  They're also doing a good job of updating their team news and comments.  

Well done to all of the coaches and players in these groups.  

Don't forget I'm on the look out for the best Pop Warner football, cheer and dance (where are all the PW dancers?) teams and squads on Weplay.  You could be Peyton's Pick next week.

How:
invite your family and teammates to join
Share media
Keep your schedule up to date
Post team news/announcements/comments
Link your group


Peyton