Digital Gridiron

Remember the days of neighborhood pickup football games? You know, lacing up your sneaks after watching the Cowboys whip the Steelers (or maybe the Bills, depending on how old you are), and your team (named after your street, of course) scoring a game-winning touchdown via the strategy of six lateral passes and pulling the defender's pants down? Wait. Who are we kidding? We know the heaviest thing you ever lifted was a 40-ounce beer, and besides, with global warming limiting the days you can play outside to, oh, about one, who needs this crazy exercise thing? Better to stay inside and play videogames. Better yet, actually, to stay inside and watch other people play videogames, and really well. Hence our pick of the Madden Final Challenge at Footgear of Dallas, 8122 Lake June Road, in which contestants test their pigskin mettle using only their brains and their thumbs as they battle it out on the Madden 2007 field. Signup ends July 27, so hustle over and call 214-391-1310 for info and a chance to win a free pair of Jordans. Which will look great propped up on your coffee table.