Pounding the ball into the end zone a Super Bowl record three times in SB XXIX. Running the Eagles to three playoff appearances without a legit NFL quarterback during the Ray Rhodes era. Having a stadium bursting with energy from your athletic prowess.

Ricky Watters was one of the better running backs of his era, especially in the West Coast Offense. But, none of the Harrisburg, PA, native’s accomplishments came without hard work, dedication and perseverance.

From growing up in foster homes, to being thought of as a diva by some NFL observers, Watters has never had it easy. Yet his hard-nosed work ethic carried him to a prolific Pro Bowl career.

Today, away from the spotlight, the cheers of 65,000 fans, and the high profile lifestyle that goes with being a top NFL running back, Watters is handing off life experience to children like him. Through his Urban Youth League outreach program, Watters offers guidance to kids who otherwise may fall through the cracks.

Ricky Watters has left the NFL life behind to help mentor disadvantaged youths.

To be clear, he doesn’t operate the Urban Youth League to get headlines or pump up his ego. All he needs to do is shine his Super Bowl ring to do that.

“I just try to take it as far as God is telling me to do it,” Watters says of the Foundation that once bore his name. “Whatever happens from that is fine; wherever it goes has to be good because it’s coming from heart and it is positive.

“I’m one of people that it’s not all about me. I took my name off of the foundation. I just want to be a part of the great things we do, and not the center of it. And, it’s not just money, but time, too.”

Today, Watters aims to motivate others to do well because, as trite as the expression is, he once walked and ran in their shoes.

“This was a natural thing to help and mentor kids and talk to the ones in group homes and foster care,” said Watters. “It was a natural progression. I was in foster care. After I retired, I changed the Foundation to the Urban Youth League and focused on ways to help them.”

One of the major parts of the Urban Youth League is the Urban Music League. Music was always a passion for Watters and he now uses that as a way to connect with kids and earn their respect and confidence.

Watters hit paydirt three times to help the 49ers win Super Bowl XXIX.

“I’ve done creative things and music for a long time,” Watters said. “I used to write poetry in high school and put it to music. I now use it to mentor kids. They all say they want to be that — musician, entertainer or baller. Once they realize I do this, the kids listen, see the studio in my house; it helps with mentoring them.“

Watters has really been able to build a connection with kids through music and, of course, football. He will hold the Ricky Watters Pro Football Experience on July 17-18 in Orlando, Florida.

“When I talk to people to work in group homes, they are amazed at what I can get out of kids in such short period of time because they are with him every day,” Watters said. “The kids, they loosen up and realize I’m one of them.”

One of the things that has really helped is the book he penned detailing his rough childhood, “Ricky Watters: A Warrior’s Journey.”

“Many kids don’t want to read,” said Watters. “Then, they read the book and realize what they have in common. It’s great because they change their position and want to talk about my life. They parallel my life and can relate to it.”

Ricky Watters is doing a lot to help youths tap into their potential.

He says the book has helped people other than him connect with kids, as well.

“People’s fathers say they’ve connected with sons through that book,” he says. “Everything has turned out better than the thought. I did it to express myself and it’s great because it’s helped people. It’s been special.”

For his part, Watters works with kids personally to help motivate them to get the most out of life. He gets them clothes, talks one-on-one, and brings them into his home.

“I want to get kids to take care of themselves, literally,” said Watters, “and put themselves in best light to be leaders in community. I want bunch of kids who want to give back to society instead of being a menace to society. I’ve dealt with kids in foster care and detention centers.

“When I was in Los Angeles, I worked with Jim Brown to stop violence. I worked with gang members who want to do better and put themselves in a position to be a viable member of society in positive way.”

If the kids listen to the advice and mentoring Watters is providing, they’ll be positive, contributing members of society.

To contact Ricky and lend support to the Urban Youth League, hit him up on his Facebook fan page. You can also check out his website.

Based on his first Pro Bowl experience, Jackson will be Jerking his way to many Pro Bowl appearances during his career.

The Eagles special wideout hauled in six passes for an NFC high 101 yards and two touchdowns in the game, which the AFC won, 41-34.

Jackson caught his first score in the first quarter from Aaron Rodgers.

His second catch was a 58-yarder from Donovan McNabb. DMac and DJacc connected on many 50-plus yard scores during the regular season.

Jackson also had a higher QB rating than Vince Young.

Had the NFC won, Jackson likely would have won the MVP Award, which ended up going to Texans signal caller Matt Schaub. the AFC’s starting QB went 13-of-17 for 189 yards and two touchdowns.

Besides his TD pass to Jackson, McNabb had a rough night going just 3-of-10 for 78 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and another interception that was overridden by an AFC penalty.

He did, however, lead the NFC is rushing with 26 yards on four carries.

Donovan McNabb prepares for the Pro Bowl in Miami.

Trying to make something happen with just over two minutes left in the second quarter and the game tied at 17, Donovan McNabb tried too hard to make a play in Sunday’s Pro Bowl and ended up tossing a soft interception that was returned for a touchdown. Luckily for McNabb, the defense was called for 12 men in the huddle and the play didn’t count.

McNabb tossed a soft pass right into the defense’s hands. It wasn’t even close to one of his receivers. The throw honestly looked like something Brett Favre might throw in a playoff game.

In addition, the MNF team jinxed McNabb. Two seconds before the throw, they pointed out that McNabb trailed Ron Jaworski by 51 interceptions for the team record. McNabb obviously was trying to get closer to that record. No word on whether or not No. 5 knows that pro Bowl stats don’t count.

(For our take on whether Mcnabb should stay or go, please read our Op-Ed from the Philadelphia Inquirer.

He rarely gets the credit he deserves outside of Philly and he should have made at least one Pro Bowl by now.

You would think Brown would jump at the first chance he got to play among the league’s stars, especially when he’s made noise about his contract. Think again.

News came out today that Brown turned down a chance to play with the league’s best next Sunday in Miami.

Then again, maybe that’s precisely why he declined the trip. He sees this year’s Pro Bowl for the farce it is.

While some players withdraw each year due to injury, you still have star power. Take the game out if Hawaii and more players than ever are pulling out. Then, add in the fact that the Super Bowl participants can’t play in the Pro Bowl and you end up with a Pop Warner League game.

The AFC quarterbacks are David Garrard, Matt Schaub and Vince Young. They were fifth through seventh in voting. Tom Brady and Philip Rivers pulled out due to injury, while Payton Manning has the Super Bowl to prep for. The fourth in voting, Ben Roethlisberger, is also injured.

Brown likely didn’t want his first Pro Bowl selection to be a watered down affair. Thad never been his style as he respects the game.

Let’s just hope he someday gets voted in the right way based on his play — something that’s long overdue.

Add long snapper Jon Dorenbos to the list as he was added to the NFC team today.

Dorenbos, a professional magician on the side, has been solid since taking over for Mike Barturm about three years ago.

In honor of Dornebros’ magic day, we figure we’d post a clip of him performing a trick.

Jon Dorenbos the magician.