The NFL is under way and several teams stand out already.

The Steelers are 2-0 and looking good on both sides of the ball. LeVeon Bell will get better and better. The defense has been solid.

The Ravens have been outstanding on defense too. Baltimore beat the Bengals and Browns, so the jury may still be out.

The Bucs got out of the gate well with a big win over the Bears. Tampa Bay will win at least 10 games this season.

,The Bears, Browns, Bengals and Saints are among 0-2 teams struggling early.

My wife, family and I spent four days in South Bend, Indiana.

We were thinking about everyone affected by Hurricane Irma and wish them well.

We attended the Notre Dame-Georgia game, won by the Bulldogs in a Maslow Masher.

We got home to Florida safe and sound.

It was a great weekend for sports fans.

Sloane Stephens and Rafael Nadal won U. S. Open tennis championships. Stephens was ranked in the 900s earlier this year; what an amazing story to win. Nadal won his second slam tourney of the year.

College football had many exciting games and great performances. Lamar Jackson of Louisville put up more big numbers against North Carolina. Baker Mayfield had a brilliant second half in a big win at Ohio State. USC played well against Stanford. Clemson's defense dominated against Auburn. Notre Dame played with energy but came up short vs. Georgia.

The NFL kicked off with the Chiefs stunning the Patriots. Green Bay got past Seattle. The Ravens pitched a shutout against the Bengals. The Rams were big winners over the Colts. 

The Cleveland Indians rolled on in baseball.

I am also thinking about everyone in Florida affected by Hurricane Irma. Bless you all.

Every year, I love going to the Big Apple to spend time at the U. S. Open tennis tournament. 

It is always great to see the biggest names in tennis in action. Watching Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Venus Williams and Maria Sharapova is a treat. And it was extra special having my family there in attendance.

I also got to enjoy great dinners and a trip to Broadway. It is always a fun time in New York City, baby!

I have really enjoyed an association with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota. For the last 20 years, the Vitale family has presented scholarships to recipients in need of support.

I encourage youngsters to chase their dreams and pursue their goals, and they work so hard at the Boys and Girls Clubs to make a difference. It is always a special day when we present the scholarships and it was on Monday. All the best to this year's five recipients.