mesaSteeler
08-08-2008, 09:38 AM
Steelers column: Bloom's a downhill runner
By Mike Bires, Times Sports Staff
http://www.timesonline.com/articles/2008/08/07/sports/steelers/doc489bc0bed25a9988195391.txt
As a two-time United States Olympian, Jeremy Bloom can’t wait to watch the 2008 Summer Games.
Tonight when opening ceremonies are staged at National Stadium in Beijing he’ll appreciate the exhilarating thrill all competing athletes will experience.
He’s been there and done that twice.
“I have so many wonderful memories of my Olympic experiences,” said Bloom, a former world-class snow skier who’s now competing for a roster spot with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a wide receiver/kick return specialist.
“But the most special moment for me was in 2002 at Salt Lake City for the opening ceremony. It was just an awesome feeling when the United States team walked into our home stadium. It was right after 9/11. Our whole country was unified. The Olympics seemed bigger than just the Olympics.”
Over the next 19 days, Bloom will try to watch as much of the Summer Games as he can. As a former high school track star who still has blazing speed, he’s especially interested in the sprints … particularly the men’s 100 meters.
But obviously, he’ll only watch TV coverage of the Summer Games after taking care of all the football business he must attend. After all, he’s trying to earn a living in the National Football League.
“Oh yeah, that’s my dream,” he said. “That’s why I’m here.”
A native of Loveland, Colo., Bloom is a fascinating fellow with an amazing resume.
He’s a two-time Winter Games Olympian (2002 and 2006), a two-time U.S National champion and a three-time World Champion in skiing.
He played wide receiver and returned kickoffs and punts at the University of Colorado where he set several school records during his two years with the Buffaloes.
His 96-yard touchdown catch remains the longest in school history. He produced five plays of 75 yards or longer (two pass receptions, two punt returns and one kickoff return).
But he was denied his last two seasons of football when the NCAA declared him ineligible for wanting to ski in the ‘06 Winter Olympics.
Right after the Olympics that year, the Philadelphia Eagles picked him in the seventh round of the NFL Draft.
He’s a handsome guy who’s modeled for Tommy Hilfiger, Abercrombie & Fitch, GQ Magazine and Cosmopolitan.
Now, he aspires to play in the NFL.
He did spend the ‘06 season on the Eagles’ injured reserve list (hamstring). But after Philly cut him last year at the end of training camp, he was out of football until the Steelers signed him to their practice on Jan. 11
“I’ve been blessed,” he said. “I’ve gone to two Olympic Games and three World Championships (in skiing). Now I have another opportunity to play in the NFL. Camp’s been a blast so far. I love it.”
Imagine how he’ll feel if he overcomes long odds and wins a spot on the Steelers’ opening-day roster.
Mike Bires can be reached online at mbires@timesonline.com.
By Mike Bires, Times Sports Staff
http://www.timesonline.com/articles/2008/08/07/sports/steelers/doc489bc0bed25a9988195391.txt
As a two-time United States Olympian, Jeremy Bloom can’t wait to watch the 2008 Summer Games.
Tonight when opening ceremonies are staged at National Stadium in Beijing he’ll appreciate the exhilarating thrill all competing athletes will experience.
He’s been there and done that twice.
“I have so many wonderful memories of my Olympic experiences,” said Bloom, a former world-class snow skier who’s now competing for a roster spot with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a wide receiver/kick return specialist.
“But the most special moment for me was in 2002 at Salt Lake City for the opening ceremony. It was just an awesome feeling when the United States team walked into our home stadium. It was right after 9/11. Our whole country was unified. The Olympics seemed bigger than just the Olympics.”
Over the next 19 days, Bloom will try to watch as much of the Summer Games as he can. As a former high school track star who still has blazing speed, he’s especially interested in the sprints … particularly the men’s 100 meters.
But obviously, he’ll only watch TV coverage of the Summer Games after taking care of all the football business he must attend. After all, he’s trying to earn a living in the National Football League.
“Oh yeah, that’s my dream,” he said. “That’s why I’m here.”
A native of Loveland, Colo., Bloom is a fascinating fellow with an amazing resume.
He’s a two-time Winter Games Olympian (2002 and 2006), a two-time U.S National champion and a three-time World Champion in skiing.
He played wide receiver and returned kickoffs and punts at the University of Colorado where he set several school records during his two years with the Buffaloes.
His 96-yard touchdown catch remains the longest in school history. He produced five plays of 75 yards or longer (two pass receptions, two punt returns and one kickoff return).
But he was denied his last two seasons of football when the NCAA declared him ineligible for wanting to ski in the ‘06 Winter Olympics.
Right after the Olympics that year, the Philadelphia Eagles picked him in the seventh round of the NFL Draft.
He’s a handsome guy who’s modeled for Tommy Hilfiger, Abercrombie & Fitch, GQ Magazine and Cosmopolitan.
Now, he aspires to play in the NFL.
He did spend the ‘06 season on the Eagles’ injured reserve list (hamstring). But after Philly cut him last year at the end of training camp, he was out of football until the Steelers signed him to their practice on Jan. 11
“I’ve been blessed,” he said. “I’ve gone to two Olympic Games and three World Championships (in skiing). Now I have another opportunity to play in the NFL. Camp’s been a blast so far. I love it.”
Imagine how he’ll feel if he overcomes long odds and wins a spot on the Steelers’ opening-day roster.
Mike Bires can be reached online at mbires@timesonline.com.