Would You Name Your Baby "Eli"?

Let's start with this: I really like the baby name "Eli." I guess I would say I like it, even though -- as a sports fan -- the immediate association is to "Eli Manning."

Now, would you name your kid Eli after Eli Manning, the Giants QB? Hard to say.

Would you name your kid Eli after Eli Manning, the Ole Miss QB? (Just check the birth records in the mid-90s in Tennessee for babies named "Peyton.) Feels like college fans are willing to make that leap more than pro fans. (Though I wonder how many babies in Wisconsin are named "Brett" every year.)

OK: But would you name your kid Eli after Eli Manning, the high school QB?

That's what this guy did. It's definitely unconventional, but if you were ever going to promote that, this would be your week. Not sure how that kid had dealt with things during Eli's first few pro seasons (particularly the draft-day debacle of demands), but it's a good week to be an "Eli."

Question: Do you know anyone who has named their kid specifically after an athlete?

This isn't the same as having a kid's name coincidentally be the same as an athlete (i.e., Gabe is NOT named for Gabe Kapler, though I appreciate connection to something as novel as a Jewish baseball player. I also have a fond spot for someone like NBA rookie Gabe Pruitt, simply because he shares a name with my son.).

But the question is: Do you know anyone who (or did YOU) name your kid specifically after an athlete? Would love to hear the stories. Send in a comment.

-- D.S.

Mathew Kowald: Worst. Dad. Ever.

Mathew Kowald: Worst. Dad. Ever.

You are going to be hearing a lot today about Mathew Kowald, a 36-year-old Portage, Wisconsin nut-job who strapped his 7-year-old son down and forced the kid to wear a Packers jersey during the Packers' playoff game last weekend.

We've all been there: We buy our infants or toddlers or kids the team gear, hoping they will be little reflections of ourselves -- what better way to bond than over a mutual love of a sports team? (Hell, most of you are probably fans of your favorite team because a parent was a fan and "passed it on" to you.)

But this is a cautionary tale: Taking it so far over the line as to constitute child abuse, rather than "super-fan" fun. I think that's something to keep in mind as you pose your young child in the gear of your favorite team -- YOUR favorite team -- like some kind of Fandom Mini-Me.

-- D.S.

Tony Dungy: Kids vs. Colts?

The Colts head coach will make up his mind this weekend about whether to return to the Colts next season. Here's his money quote:

"It's really just making sure that I'm doing the best job I can do as a dad, and I do think that is my No. 1 job. And if I'm doing that, can I still do enough to be a good coach for the Colts? If I think I can, I'll be back.

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