Need a lot of help

Hey there everyone! Been a while since I have been here, but I am still trying to just break into this hobby and well, with time restraints (work, girlfriend, work, life) EF has been pushed aside again.
Alas, I am back and I am as jazzed as ever. I am not sure exactly makes me so drawn to this hobby, but I am completely obsessed!
I have ordered some figures from footballfigures.com and wow...they are truly amazing. I had never seen anything but the Miggle versions before. I am super new to this...like I had a game when I was a kid, but never really figured it out and my brother and I really just had 40 yard dash races, one-on-one lineman fights, etc.
I got back interested last year when I decided to paint some high school teams for my buddies. Didn't turn out as good as planned, but sparked my interest.
Now, I am trying to learn the customization side. And I still want to learn to play. I have a ton of football knowledge (played 14 seasons including college, and covered the NFL as a reporter for three seasons) and I love uniforms and color schemes (not sure why, just always have).
I am trying to make myself a team, 1986-87 Cleveland Browns. and I want to make the Broncos so I can have grudge matches against myself and replay the drive (but with a happier ending!). Eventually I want to make an OSU vs. Michigan game too.
I guess what I am asking for is some help. First, in making my team, I have Reggie Rutledge's customization DVD (amazing) and I have begun to tinker. Any ideas would be great though. Another thing that interests me is making the coaches. Anyone with ideas on making Marty or Dan Reeves would help a lot. Also, referees.
As for painting, anyone know the colors for the Browns (like the actual ones) and Broncos (1987 style). Also, I need decals. Should I just use the fff.com ones? Or are any of you (Maybe Decal Master) making ones for the FF.com figures?
Lastly, I truly want to learn to play this game. So I will some advice on learning the game, bases, etc. Most stuff I read seems aimed at guys that already know the jargon. I am super raw....never played an actual game. So, I need that kind of help.
I guess that is it. I need a lot of help. But I am comitted to the hobby. I am going to learn the game,. customization, etc...and with a little help from you guys...hopefully I can find myself playing in some of your tournaments in the future.
Anyone can respond (please do)...or e-mail me directly at:
arturobinewski30@hotmail.com
Hope to hear from you guys...and eventually see you on the field.
Brian King