Big men love the big talk. Numerous athletes love to paint themselves as macho, tough guys who make Robert DeNiro and Joe Pesci appear timorous in comparison.

Yet, if there is one thing Rex Ryan taught us this week (unless you remained stuck on Bill Belichick fourth-and-2 overload), these brawny, intimidating and ferocious professional sports personnel can have a soft spot underneath their body armor.

One day after the Jets‘ 24-22 loss to the Jaguars on Sunday, Ryan let his emotions get the best of him as he cried in front of his players during a team meeting Monday morning. Known for the fierce and resilient defenses he has coached in the NFL, Ryan surprised football fans around the country with his tears. Coming from a man who earlier in the year pronounced he was “not intimidated by New England or anybody else,” Ryan’s crying could be interpreted as an outburst of passion or a revelation of weakness.

But Ryan is not the only one to go from putting on a relaxed and confident front to experiencing an emotional outbreak. Here is a look at recent athletes who could not hold back their tears.

Terrell Owens

This may explain why T.O. was offended when he complained that quarterback Tony Romo favored Cowboys tight end Jason Witten over him as his No. 1 receiver. After losing to the Giants in the 2007 playoffs, Owens allowed the tears to pour below his sunglasses as he defended Romo to the assembled media. Asked how the loss would affect Romo, Owens immediately began to sob, telling reporters not to lay the blame on his quarterback. One year, a reality show and an offseason trade later, Owens now finds himself on an underachieving Buffalo Bills squad, though he has yet to comment about the firing of Dick Jauron or the benching of quarterback Trent Edwards.

Glen Davis

On Dec. 5, 2008, Kevin Garnett ripped into Big Baby and the rest of the Celtics bench as the team was on the verge of blowing a 25-point lead to the Portland Trail Blazers. Living up to his childlike nickname, Davis was spotted trying to fight back tears for the remainder of the game, obviously hurt by Garnett’s harsh criticism. Even though the Celtics ended up winning, Davis let KG’s words affect him, as he was seen whining to his teammates while the game was in progress.

Roger Federer

In one of the most epic tennis matches of all-time, Roger Federer lost in five sets to rival Rafael Nadal in the final of the 2009 Australian Open. Having suffered his third straight defeat to the world’s top-ranked player, Federer broke down in tears after Nadal sealed the championship. Citing how finishing in the runner-up position was “killing” him, Federer was consoled by Nadal, who sympathized with his opponent. Since then, Federer battled back from injury and reclaimed the No. 1 spot, which he holds today.

Mark Cuban

The fiery, outspoken Dallas Mavericks owner has never be one to shy away from voicing his opinion. So when Dirk Nowitzki was named the winner of the 2007 NBA MVP award, Cuban demonstrated just how overwhelmingly proud he was of his 7-foot forward by praising his work ethic in the midst of tears. Maybe he should have spoken more warm-heartedly when he inappropriately told Kenyon Martin’s mother her son was a “thug.”

Adam Morrison

The floppy-haired Morrison was a ball of emotions in the closing seconds of Gonzaga’s 2006 NCAA tournament Sweet 16 matchup with UCLA. After the Zags blew a 17-point lead, Morrison was outwardly crushed by the defeat. Once Gonzaga missed a final opportunity to tie the score, Morrison dropped to the floor, bawling in the the middle of the court. Consoled by his coach in front of reporters, Morrison was stunned his team enabled UCLA to rally and steal a 73-71 victory. It would be the last game Morrison would play in a Gonzaga uniform, as he declared for the NBA draft.

Welcome to Friday’s Morning Mashup, where we’ll get you caught up on what’s going on in the sports world and beyond.

FOOTBALL: Chris Price has Five Things to Watch For Sunday as the Patriots play the Jets. Price also writes about the contributions the Patriots have been getting from their rookies. Mike Petraglia writes about why things will be different than the first time these teams met.

Dan Guttenplan recalls his first visit to Foxboro as a member of the media. D.J. Bean has his can’t-pass-up matchups for fantasy football fans.

In the Thursday night game, Ricky Williams led the Dolphins past the Panthers. The Vikings signed coach Brad Childress to an extension. The wife of former NFL player Chris Spielman died after a lengthy battle with breast cancer.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics get a shot at the defending Eastern Conference champion Magic tonight at the TD Garden. Kevin Garnett spoke to Dale & Holley yesterday. Michael Holley has his NBA power rankings.

Paul Gasol returned to the Lakers and helped them beat the Bulls. The Jazz won in San Antonio for the first time in a decade. The Wizards knocked of the Cavaliers. Allen Iverson cleared waivers, and the Knicks reportedly have some interest. Former NBA player Jayson Williams today is expected to plead guilty of lesser charges in the accidental shooting death of his driver.

In college action, Syracuse crushed No. 13 California. No. 6 North Carolina held off No. 15 Ohio State. No. 5 Villanova edged George Mason.

HOCKEY: The Bruins gave up a last-minute goal but won in a shootout over the Thrashers. In his Hat Trick of Things We Learned, Graig Woodburn sees positives signs.

The Hurricanes rallied from three goals down, then allowed the go-ahead goal with 29 seconds left, then came back to force overtime with 2 seconds left and beat the Leafs in a shootout. Carolina placed Eric Staal and Cam Ward on the injured list. The Ducks blew a three-goal lead but won in overtime vs. the Lightning. The Penguins lost again, this time to the Senators.

Canadian health official said Canucks players jumped the line for H1N1 vaccinations.

BASEBALL: David Ortiz met with the media yesterday and said he wants another big bat in the lineup. Tim Lincecum won the NL Cy Young Award in a very close vote. Yankees lefty Andy Pettitte filed for free agency. Commissioner Bud Selig said some teams lost money this season.

SOCCER: Ireland is demanding a replay with France after the controversial hand-ball goal by Thierry Henry knocked the Irish out of World Cup consideration. Landon Donovan of the Los Angeles Galaxy was named MVP of Major League Soccer. The Galaxy meet Real Salt Lake in Sunday’s MLS Cup.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Nov. 20, 1958, which Red Sox player was named American League MVP?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I have the ultimate respect for Tedy [Bruschi] and everything he’s done for this organization, but he’s not in this locker room at this point in time so he doesn’t know the feeling that this defense or this team has. We still have our confidence, we still have our swagger and we’re gonna go out Sunday and show … the media, I guess.” — Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo, on Bruschi’s comments about the defense being disrespected by Sunday’s fourth-and-2 call

STAT OF THE DAY: 7 — Consecutive wins over the Thrashers by the Bruins, who prevailed in shootout last night

AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED TRANSCRIPT OF THE DAY: Doc Rivers made his weekly appearance on Dennis & Callahan yesterday morning. When talking about his coaching philosophy, he touched on a number of subjects, according to the automatically generated transcript:

“Well I don’t remember Olympic committees do. — yet to be — to — different. Mood inept and Labatt blue and ineptitude of government.”

What he actually said: “Well, I think the number one thing for me is you have to remain agenda-free. Meaning, It has to be about them, and it has to be about winning.”

‘NET RESULTS: Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi gives a speech, and, according to this translation, he’s complaining about the Chicago Bears.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Jackie Jensen

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Joe Walsh is 62 today.

Welcome to Thursday’s Morning Mashup, where we’ll get you caught up on what’s going on in the sports world and beyond.

If LeBron James wants to give football a try, the Browns would welcome him. So said Browns coach Eric Mangini, who has nothing to lose.

“I think he should come on down,” said Mangini, whose team is 1-8. “I know he’s pretty busy right now, but if he wants to give it a shot, the guy is gifted.”

FOOTBALL: Chris Price writes about Tom Brady’s resurgence. Jets coach Rex Ryan talked about crying in the locker room in front of his players, and he had some kind words for Bill Belichick.

Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown was placed on IR, ending his season. The Bills reportedly are pursuing Mike Shanahan to be their next coach. Browns quarterback Brady Quinn was fined for his chop block on Baltimore’s Terrell Suggs, who will miss a game for the first time in his career due to a sprained knee ligament injured on the play. JaMarcus Russell is being benched by the Raiders, who turn to the immortal Bruce Gradkowski.

Fred Smerlas is explaining himself after his basketball team made up of former Patriots apparently played a little too rough in a charity game against some local high school kids.

Dan Rowinski writes about Boston College seniors who are preparing for their final game at The Heights.

BASKETBALL: The Celtics pulled away from the Warriors. Jessica Camerato has the Three-Pointer of Things We Learned from the game. Camerato also talks to former Piston Rasheed Wallace on the fifth anniversary of the Palace Brawl.

Dirk Nowitzki scored 41 points and lifted the Mavericks over the Spurs in overtime. Joe Johnson (30 points) and the Hawks are on a roll. The Nets are 0-12. Cavaliers center Shaquille O’Neal might miss another couple of games with a strained shoulder. Trail Blazers forward Charles Outlaw is out 3-5 months with a stress fracture in his left foot.

Magic Johnson is OK with LeBron James’ idea to retire No. 23 league-wide in honor of Michael Jordan.

The woman in the Rick Pitino extortion case faced an additional charge yesterday.

HOCKEY: The Bruins reportedly are talking to center Marc Savard about a seven-year contract extension. Graig Woodburn has the return of the NHL power rankings, with the Devils in the top spot and the Bruins down at No. 22.

Ryan Smyth’s upper-body injury will have him out of the Kings’ lineup for a few weeks.

Sidney Crosby ran with the Olympic torch in Halifax, Nova Scotia, which is near his hometown.

BASEBALL: Terry Francona chatted with Dale & Holley — and listeners — yesterday at Fenway Park. Mike Scioscia (Angels) and Jim Tracy (Rockies) were named Managers of the Year. Tracy also got a new three-year contract from his team. Commissioner Bud Selig is working on reducing the length of the postseason by eliminating some of the off days.

SOCCER: Elizabeth Lambert, the New Mexico player who was suspended after her rough play in a game against BYU, spoke to the New York Times for a feature in which she shares her thoughts about her behavior.

France qualified for the World Cup and eliminated Ireland with a 1-1 tie, but France’s goal came on a hand-ball assist from Thierry Henry. The controversy is rocking the soccer world.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Nov. 19, 2000, which player became the Patriots’ all-time leader in games played with 207?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “There’s no getting into a jawing match or trash talk with Randy Moss. My reaction was everybody saw the game. He’s supposed to say that. He got shut out and he was frustrated. And I was cool with it.” — Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, on Randy Moss devaluing Revis’ effort after Moss was held in check during the teams’ first meeting this season

STAT OF THE DAY: 48 — Paul Pierce’s rank on the NBA’s all-time scoring list, after he passed Isiah Thomas (18,882 points) during the Celtics’ win over the Hawks last night

AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED TRANSCRIPT OF THE DAY: Terry Francona visited with the Dale & Holley show yesterday at Fenway Park and took calls from WEEI listeners. When asked about the voters’ process for deciding which players deserve Gold Glove awards, Francona said, according to the automatically generated transcript:

“They kind of wanna make emergency over time it’s almost like — Arctic.”

What he actually said: “They kind of want to make him earn it and see it over time. It’s almost like making the All-Star team.”

‘NET RESULTS: Here’s Swedish hockey player Henrik Andersen celebrating a goal by jumping into the glass. Only, the glass doesn’t hold up. Awkward.

And here’s Miami of Ohio basketball coach Charlie Coles after Monday night’s heartbreaking loss to fourth-ranked Kentucky responding to a question about how the game got away from his team. Great stuff.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Offensive lineman Bruce Armstrong

SOOTHING SOUNDS: On Nov. 19, 1990, Milli Vanilla was stripped of its Grammy Award because neither of the group’s two singers sang on the winning album. Here’s the Jonathan Papelbon/Manny Delcarmen Red Sox rain delay version of “Blame It On the Rain.”

Here’s Milli Vanilli’s performance:

Welcome to Wednesday’s Morning Mashup, where we’ll get you caught up on what’s going on in the sports world and beyond.

FOOTBALL: Kerry Byrne separates myth from fact concerning the Patriots. Chris Price has a lengthy Patriots mailbag.

Browns coach Eric Mangini is getting more heat, this time because one of his best players, wide receiver Josh Cribbs, got hurt on a meaningless final play during Monday night’s 16-0 loss to the Ravens.

Massachusetts native Dick Jauron was fired as coach of the Bills and replaced by Perry Fewell on an interim basis. The Bengals signed former Chiefs running back Larry Johnson. Chiefs receiver Dwayne Bowe was suspended four games Tuesday for violating the NFL’s policy against performance-enhancing substances. Jets receiver Braylon Edwards pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge stemming from an incident earlier this season when he played in Cleveland. Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown will miss tomorrow night’s game vs. Carolina with an injured shoulder. Quarterback Chad Pennington has begun his comeback with some uncertainty if he’ll ever play again.

Finally, reality TV star Tila Tequila filed a $1.5 million lawsuit against Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman alleging domestic violence.

In college news, another University of Tennessee player is facing charges. Charlie Weis doesn’t think Notre Dame has decided his future. Coach Mark Mangino is dealing with some issues at Kansas.

BASEBALL: Zack Greinke of the Royals won the American League Cy Young Award.

BASKETBALL: Doc Rivers isn’t happy with the Celtics’ effort.

The Nets are 0-11 after losing to the Pacers. Magic point guard Jameer Nelson needs more surgery.

In college action last night, Boston College routed St. Francis. UConn rallied past Hofstra in the Preseason NIT quarterfinals. No. 1 Kansas edged Memphis. No. 2 Michigan State held off Gonzaga. Tennessee squeaked past UNC-Asheville, 124-49, recording a school record for points. Isiah Thomas got his first win at Florida International, beating a school called Florida Memorial.

HOCKEY: Alex Ovechkin scored in his return to the Capitals, who beat the Rangers. Brendan Shanahan announced his retirement.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Nov. 18, 1997, the Red Sox acquired Pedro Martinez from the Montreal Expos for a player to be named later and which pitcher?

BONUS TRIVIA: On Nov. 18, 1987, this individual who would later play for the Red Sox became the first player on a last-place team to be named league MVP. Who is he?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “You read your team, and if you like your team, you take risks. That’s what you do. But you don’t get do-overs in coaching and that’s the difference. Everything else, you get to sit around and talk about it after the fact. In coaching, you make your decision — you make it and you live with it and you don’t apologize for it.” — Celtics coach Doc Rivers, on Bill Belichick’s fourth-and-2 call in the Patriots’ Sunday night loss to the Colts

STAT OF THE DAY: .818 — Tyler Roche’s 3-point percentage after Boston College’s first two games of the season, after his 5-for-6 effort in last night’s rout of St. Francis

AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED TRANSCRIPT OF THE DAY: Tom Brady appeared on the Dennis & Callahan show to talk about Sunday’s loss to the Colts. Discussing the controversial fourth-and-2 play and asked if the referee’s spot of the ball after Kevin Faulk’s reception might have been short, Brady said, according to the automatically generated transcript:

“That’s what I thought to remain weak through enemy units and it’s a terrible secret the 31 yard line on point so.”

What he actually said: “That’s what I thought, too. I mean, we threw it, I thought Kevin’s feet were at the 31-yard line at one point, so …”

‘NET RESULTS: Here’s a memorable finish to a high school football playoff game Saturday in St. Louis. Trailing Webster Groves by eight points with 47 seconds left, Chaminade scores a touchdown but misses the conversion (not shown). Chaminade then recovers the ensuing kickoff and kicks a 48-yard field goal — good by about an inch — to take a one-point lead with six seconds remaining. After the kickoff went into the end zone, Webster Groves had the ball at its 20 and promptly threw an 80-yard touchdown pass as time expired.

This brings back memories of the greatest comeback ever that ultimately ended in heartbreak. We speak of the 1994 Texas playoff game between Plano East and John Tyler, in which Plano East trailed by 24 points with three minutes left and somehow managed to take the lead only to … well, take a look if you haven’t seen it.

The announcing on this is priceless, ending with: “God bless those kids. I am sick. I want to throw up.”

And here’s yet another tremendous finish from this past weekend, this time a college playoff game that featured an NCAA Division 2 record 64-yard field goal as time expired in regulation and an incredible touchdown run in overtime — on fourth-and-5 — followed by a game-winning two-point conversion.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Carl Pavano was the pitcher, and Tony Armas was dentified as the player to be named later on Dec. 18.

BONUS TRIVIA ANSWER: Andre Dawson, then with the Chicago Cubs

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Kim Wilde is 49 today. Sorry, it was a slow day.

Welcome to Tuesday’s Morning Mashup, where we’ll get you caught up on what’s going on in the sports world and beyond.

While Bill Belichick is being questioned and defended for his fourth-down call Sunday night, another coach was coming under fire for a different reason. The legendary Isiah Thomas, who is guiding the basketball team at Florida International, yelled at Tulsa coach Doug Wojcik for not emptying his bench early enough in Sunday’s rout.

Thomas didn’t address the issue after the game, but Wojcik did: “I’ve never seen anything like that. It was very bizarre.” At least he didn’t go for it on fourth down.

FOOTBALL: Fourth-and-2 dominated the airwaves yesterday. Check out the It Is What It Is blog for transcripts including Belichick’s lengthy visit with The Big Show as well as his press conference earlier in the day. Chris Price has an interesting piece on those in academia who support Belichick’s aggressive style. Dan Guttenplan says to stop hating on the coach.

The Ravens blanked the hapless Browns in the Monday night game.

Chiefs castoff Larry Johnson is meeting with the Bengals.

Titans owner Bud Adams was fined $250,000 for making obscene gestures at the Bills toward the end of Tennessee’s victory Sunday. The NFLPA is looking into Eric Mangini’s practice situation with the Browns.

The University of Michigan program is coming under more fire. UNLV fired coach Mike Sanford. Tiger Woods will be the honorary captain for his alma mater, Stanford, for Saturday’s Big Game against Cal.

BASKETBALL: Paul Pierce sat out Celtics practice yesterday to rest his bruised left knee. Paul Flannery writes that the Celtics need to show more respect for the opposition.

Dirk Nowitzki hit a jumper at the end of overtime to give the Mavericks a win over the Bucks.

Stephen Jackson finally got his wish, getting traded from the Warriors along with Acie Law to the Bobcats for Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovic. Allen Iverson parted ways with the Grizzlies.

Dennis Rodman was detained in Germany for failing to pay a hotel $5,100 for beverages consumed at a party he hosted following a basketball legends exhibition game.

Heralded freshman John Wall hit the winner as Kentucky edged Miami (Ohio). UCLA fell in double overtime to Cal State Fullerton. UConn turned away Colgate.

HOCKEY: The Bruins lost to the Islanders. Graig Woodburn has a Hat Trick of Things We Learned from the loss. B’s coach Claude Julien has had enough.

The Flyers ended the Devils’ eight-game winning streak. Bill Guerin revived the struggling Penguins.

Peter Forsberg is staying in Sweden.

BASEBALL: The Red Sox announced 2010 ticket prices, with some modest increases. Reliever Billy Wagner is drawing some interest around the league, according to his agent.

Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan and A’s closer Andrew Bailey were named Rookies of the Year. Catcher Ramon Hernandez will stay with the Reds. Controversial former Mets infielder Wally Backman will manage a Mets minor league team.

ON THIS DAY TRIVIA: On Nov. 17, 1975, the Red Sox sent Juan Beniquez, pitcher Steve Barr and a player to be named (pitcher Charlie Skok) to the Texas Rangers for which future Hall of Fame pitcher?

QUOTE OF THE DAY: “I was excited. I was ecstatic. To trust the defense so much to give Peyton Manning the ball on the 20-yard line, or better yet, go for it to win the game right there, you’ve got to be excited. You’ve got to be behind him 100 [percent]. Whenever Bill makes a decision like that, we’re always behind him, That’s the Bill Belichick everybody knows.” — Patriots defensive back Brandon Meriweather, speaking yesterday on the Dale & Holley show about the fourth-and-2 call with 2:08 remaining in Sunday night’s loss to the Colts

STAT OF THE DAY: 22 — Consecutive penalty kills for the Bruins, who nonetheless lost night to the Islanders

AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED TRANSCRIPT OF THE DAY: Bill Belichick visited with The Big Show yesterday to talk about his fourth-and-2 call in the waning minutes of Sunday night’s loss to the Colts. When asked if he would have changed the call had it been the AFC championship game, he offered a telling response, according to the automatically generated transcript:

“Again. — on on the island me situations different on have to violate.”

What he actually said: “Again, the only thing I can answer is what happened yesterday. That was the situation, and that’s what we did.”

‘NET RESULTS: Celtics fans looking for reasons to smile after the lost weekend can enjoy the fact that the Lakers also have lost two straight. In fact, the Lakers were booed on their home court during Sunday night’s blowout loss to Houston. And in case you thought Ron Artest has dialed down his craziness, here he is taking Rockets forward Trevor Ariza’s sneaker and throwing it toward the stands.

TRIVIA ANSWER: Ferguson Jenkins

SOOTHING SOUNDS: Gordon Lightfoot is 71 today.