Semyon Varlamov 2011

Semyon Varlamov Drawing

Semyon drawing just started

Joshua with Semyon at Six Flags

Washington Capitals Goaltender: Semyon is Russian born. The Caps drafted him in the 2006 NHL Draft.

When Joshua and I went to the Caps pre season party at Six Flags before last years season, we got to meet Semyon. At that time he was number 40, as pictured. This year he changed his number to one.

Washington Capitals practice at Kettler Ice Complex Jan. 25,2011

Autographed Mike Green Drawing

Mike with my drawing

Mike signing my drawing

Mike signing an autograph for Jacob

Autographed Matt Hendricks Drawing

Matt with my drawing

Matt signing my drawing

On Jan. 25,2011 Joshua and Jacob had a day off from school. We went to the Washington Capitals training facility, Kettler Ice Complex. At the end of practice, the boys were able to get autographs from many of the Caps. I was able to get these two drawings signed.

Dhani Jones 2011

Dhani Jones Drawing

Dhani Jones Drawing in progress

Cincinnati Bengals Linebacker: Dhani was born in San Diego California, but spent most of his youth in Potomac Maryland. He played his college ball for the University of Michigan when they won the National Championship in 1997. He played with Charles Woodson who won the Heisman Trophy, the first for a primarily defensive player. Dhani was drafted by the New York Giants in the 2000 NFL Draft.In 2007 he was a starter for the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX. He played briefly for the New Orleans Saints before signing with the Bengals.

My Mom goes to church with Dhani's Mom in Bethesda. She speaks of him frequently and his bow tie business.

Mike "Mad Dog" Curtis 2011

Autographed Mike Curtis Drawing

Mad Dog and I

Mad Dog signing my drawing (notice the Super Bowl ring)

Baltimore Colts Linebacker: Mike "Mad Dog" Curtis was considered the meanest player of his era. Mike was drafted by the Colts in the 1965 NFL Draft (the year I was born). In 1970 sportswriters voted Mike as the NFL Defensive player of the year. That year the Colts won Super Bowl V against the Cowboys. Mike played in four Pro Bowls, was drafted by the Seattle Sea hawks in the 1976 expansion draft, then retired in 1978 with the Washington Redskins.

In 1982, Four years after Mike's retirement, Ben Roethlisberger was born. In this drawing, Mike is sacking Ben. As a Ravens fan, nothing would be better than seeing Mike take off the head of "Big Ben". This is my version of fantasy football!

On Saturday night Ben and the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Ravens to eliminate them from the playoffs AGAIN! On Monday night, Jan.17, I went to the Great Moments shop in Timonium for the Mad Dog signing. I told Mike that this was my version of fantasy football, and his response was, "I never played the pass, I would have never gotten to him."

Matt Hendricks 2010

Matt Hendricks Drawing

Matt Hendricks drawing in progress while the Caps celebrate a 3-1 victory over the Penguins in the Winter Classic! (New Years Day)

Washington Capitals Center Forward: Matt was drafted out of High School in the 2000 NHL Draft. This is his first year as a Capital. In this drawing, Matt is pounding on Sidney Crosby of the hated Pittsburgh Penguins. I doubt Sidney would ever fight Matt since he is a WUSS and hides behind his enforcers, but I am a Caps fan and an artist. That means not only can I dream, but I can turn it into a picture! Fantasy Hockey right!

Josh Wilson 2010

Josh Wilson Double Autographed Drawing

Josh signing my drawing

Josh and Josh!

Josh Wilson drawing in progress

Baltimore Ravens Cornerback: Josh played his college ball as a University of Maryland Terrapin. He was drafted in the NFL 2007 Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. In 2010 in an effort to strengthen its secondary, the Ravens traded for Josh. On Dec. 13,2010 the Ravens went into overtime against the Houston Texans. Josh intercepted Quarterback Matt Schaub and ran 12 yards for a touchdown to win the game.

On Dec. 29,2010 Joshua and I went to Great Moments in White Marsh for the autograph signing. Josh loved the drawing, and got a kick out of signing it twice with both his Terp, and Raven jersey number.

Michael Vick 2010

Michael Vick Drawing

Michael Vick Drawing in progress

Philadelphia Eagles Starting Quarterback: As I wrote in the Darrell Green post, my Pop and I went to the Monday Night Football game on Nov.15,2010 when the Washington Redskins hosted the Philadelphia Eagles. It was pouring raining, and Pop and I only stayed for the first half. In that half, Mike was the first Quarterback ever to throw for 3 touchdowns, and rush for 2 more in a first half. By games end, Mike was the first Quarterback ever to throw for over 300 yards, and rush for over 50 in a single game. His final numbers were 333 yards passing with 4 touchdowns, and 80 yards rushing with 2 touchdowns. The Eagles won 59-28.

Three days ago, the Eagles were losing to the New York Giants by 21 points with 7 minutes left in the game. Mike had not played great in the first three quarters, but put together a comeback that had the game tied with 2 minutes to play. DeSean Jackson ran a punt back for a touchdown as time expired and the Eagles won.

My opinions of Mike Vick are based purely on his athletic ability on the football field. He is amazing!

Mike Green 2010

Mike Green Drawing

Drawing in progress

Drawing just started

Defenseman for the Washington Capitals: Canadian born, the Caps drafted Mike in the first round of the NHL Draft in 2004. In the 07-08 season, Mike lead the league in goals for defenseman with 18. In the 2008 playoffs, Mike donned the mo-hawk haircut and started the "Rawk the Hawk" campaign amongst his fans. In 2009 Mike set the NHL record for defenseman with goals in eight straight games. He finished that season with 31 goals, only the eighth defenseman all time to score thirty or more goals in a season. Mike is Joshua's favorite Cap.

Ray Lewis Autograph Signing Dec.10,2010

Autographed Ray Lewis Drawing

Ray Lewis with my autographed drawing

Ray signing my drawing

Ray Lewis meets Jacob, one of his biggest fans!

On Dec.10,2010 Lauren,Joshua,Jacob and myself went to the Great Moments Sports shop in Timonium Md. to meet Ray Lewis. We couldn't believe how nice and gracious he was. He loved my drawing, and the no.52 Miami Hurricanes jersey that I was wearing!

Torrey Smith 2010

Torrey Smith Drawing

Maryland Terrapins Wide Receiver/ Kick Returner: In Torrey's last regular season game against North Carolina State, he set the school record for most career all purpose yards. His four touchdowns in that game were also a single game record, and his twelve touchdowns this season are a school record. In 2008 Torrey set an ACC single season kick return record, and then broke that record in 2009. He also holds the ACC record for career kick return yards. He was just elected to the All ACC First Team.

Darrell Green 2010

Darrell Green Drawing

Retired Corner back for the Washington Redskins: Darrell played his entire 20 year career for the Skins, 1983-2002. During his playing time he was the fastest man in the NFL, and is considered by many as the greatest corner back of all time. In 1983 Darrell was the NFL Rookie of the Year, and was with the Skins for two Super Bowl victories. Darrell also represented them at 7 Pro Bowls. Much like myself Darrell is a devout Christian man.

Although living in the D.C. area, I was never a big Skins fan. My step sister Laura however is a Huge fan. She was on the waiting list for season tickets when she was seventeen years old. This season she gave my Pop and I her tickets to the Monday night game against the Philadelphia Eagles. That was the game where Michael Vick set all kind of single game records, and held a huge lead after the first half. It was pouring raining, and Pop and I left at half time. I did this drawing for Laura to thank her for the tickets.

Jack Nicklaus 2010

Jack Nicklaus Drawing

My father in Law and I on Thanksgiving

Retired Professional Golfer: Jack, also known as "The Golden Bear", is considered by many to be the greatest golfer of all time. This due mainly to his record 18 PGA Major Championship wins. He also has 73 PGA tour wins, second all time only to Sam Snead who has 82.

My Father in Law is an avid golfer. I did this drawing for him for his Birthday. Jack is his favorite golfer.

Ricky Dobbs 2010

Ricky Dobbs Drawing

Photo that I took on Oct. 10,2010 vs. Duke

United States Naval Academy Quarterback: On Nov. 1,2008 our family went to our first Navy game against Temple. With 14 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Navy was trailing the game by 20 points. Ricky was brought in the game to replace the injured starting quarterback. Navy made a stunning comeback, and in overtime Ricky won the game on a one yard rushing touchdown. Navy's 33-27 win was the biggest comeback in Navy history. In 2009 Ricky scored 27 rushing touchdowns, setting the record for college quarterbacks in one season. On October 30,2010 The family went to see Navy play Duke. Despite losing 34-31, Ricky set a new all time Navy record for career touchdowns by a quarterback with 44.

Although 23 years apart, Ricky and I share the same birthday, Jan. 31.

Ed Dickson 2010

Ed Dickson Drawing

Ed and Joshua and Jacob with the autographed drawing

Ed about to autograph my drawing

Baltimore Ravens rookie Tight End: Ed played his college ball at the University of Oregon. While there he was considered one of the best Tight Ends in the country. In the 2010 NFL Draft, the Ravens chose him in the third round (70th overall pick).

Our family went to his autograph signing at the Great Moments Shop on Oct. 26th.

Alex Wujciak 2010

Alex Wujciak Drawing

Jacob at the Terps vs. Fla. State Nov.20,2010

University of Maryland Terrapins Inside Linebacker: A senior in the 2010 season, Alex is considered on of the top play making linebackers in the country. He is a two time All ACC selection (2nd team in 2008.)

Willis McGahee 2010

Willis McGahee drawing

Baltimore Ravens Running Back: Willis played his college ball for the Miami Hurricanes. He was on the 2001 National Championship team. In 2002, Willis set team records with ten, one hundred yard games, and twenty eight touchdowns. In the 2003 NFL draft, he was the twenty third pick in the first round by the Buffalo Bills. In 2007 he was traded to the Baltimore Ravens and made the 2007 Pro Bowl.

Lance Armstrong 2010

Lance Armstrong Drawing

Road Racing Cyclist, 7 time Tour de France Champion, Cancer Survivor. Although years apart, Lance and my Pop had the same form of Cancer. What started as a testicular tumor in both, Lance's tumor metastasized into his brain, lungs, and abdomen. My pops metastasized into his left kidney, and right lung. Both underwent numerous surgeries and extensive chemotherapy. After they were in complete remission, Lance went on to win seven Tour de France races, and Poppa ran two full marathons (of his seven total). Lance and my Poppa are two of my all time favorite athletes!

Danica Patrick 2010

Danica Patrick Drawing

Race car Driver: In 2005 Danica won the Indy 500 Rookie of the Year award. In 2008 she became the first woman to ever win an Indy Car race, the Indy Japan 300. In 2009 her third place finish in the Indy 500 was the highest finish ever by a woman. This year she started driving in the Nascar Nationwide Series for Dale Jr. Motorsports.

Michael Oher 2010

Michael Oher Drawing

Baltimore Ravens Offensive Tackle: Michael was the Ravens first round draft pick (23rd overall) in the 2009 NFL Draft. Prior to the 2010 season Michael was moved permanently to the Left Tackle position to protect Joe Flacco's blind side. His early life from childhood through his football career at Ole Miss, was the subject of Michael Lewis's 2006 book, The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game. The book has since been made into a movie.

Stephen Strasburg 2010

Stephen Strasburg Drawing

Washington Nationals rookie pitcher. On June 8,2010 I was at the major league debut of pitcher Stephen Strasburg. Stephen was the Nationals 2009 first overall, first round draft pick. Baseball media and experts said that there has never been so much hype for a major league debut. Stephen exceeded expectations striking out fourteen Pirates over seven innings (one strikeout shy of a major league debut record), without giving up a walk, and only two hits. This game was without question one of my top two or three games all time!

Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez 2010

Ivan Rodriguez Drawing

Washington Nationals Catcher. Ivan has played for five major league teams before joining the Nationals for the 2010 season. Ivan is commonly regarded as the best defensive catcher that has ever played the game. Ivan won the American League MVP Award in 1999. He also won the National League Championship Series MVP Award, en route to winning the 2003 World Series with the Florida Marlins. He holds the all time major league record for the most games ever caught.

Wes Unseld 2010

Wes Unseld Drawing

Washington Bullets retired Center/Forward, Hall of Famer. I have never really liked basketball. I was never good at it, and don't really like to watch it. Basketball does however hold a special place in my heart. It is my fathers favorite sport. I still have his adult recreation league championship trophy from the year I was born. When I was a little boy, Pop took me to my first professional sports event. It was a Washington Bullets game at the old Capital Center. The Bullets played the Seattle Supersonics, and we got there early so we could see the pre-game shoot around. We went down to court side, and I got autographs from Wes Unseld, and Kevin Greavy.

Wes was the second pick overall in the 1968 draft. That year he won Rookie of the Year Honors as well as League MVP (only the second player ever to do so behind Wilt Chamberlain). Regarded as one of the best defensive players of his era, Wes lead the NBA in rebounds in 1975. Wes played his entire career with the Washington Bullets (1968-1981). Wes was enshrined into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1988.

Anquan Boldin 2010

Autographed Anquan Boldin Drawing

Anquan Boldin and Joshua with my drawing

Anquan signing my drawing

Baltimore Ravens Wide Receiver. Chosen by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2003 NFL Draft, Anquan has played opposite of Larry Fitzgerald who I drew two seasons ago. In 2003 he was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. In his first game as a rookie, he had 217 yards receiving which is an NFL record. He was the fastest player in NFL history to reach 400 and 500 career receptions. He has been to three Pro Bowls.

On March 6, the Baltimore Ravens made a trade with the Arizona Cardinals for Anquan. He is pictured here in my drawing, three days later, in his Ravens uniform which he has never actually worn yet.

In week 3 of the Ravens 2010 season against the Cleveland Browns, Anquan became the fastest player in NFL history to reach 600 receptions. (He also caught three touchdowns passes in the win) Two days later, Joshua and I went to Anquan's autograph signing at Great Moments in Westminster.