Torry Holt's Long-Term Future in St. Louis in Doubt

St. Louis Rams wide receiver Torry Holt would welcome finishing his career in St. Louis, but he's realistic about the chances of that actually happening.

"I'm pretty sure there were guys before me that welcomed that. It doesn't always work out that way. So I'm going to take it year by year. I know for sure, hopefully, I have this year, so I'm going to play this year and see how things go from there."

Holt made statements earlier this off-season about returning to his home state (North Carolina) when his current contract expires after the 2009 season. After yesterday's mini-camp practice, Holt did not back off those statements.

"And then, if they would like to do something here, I'll consider it. If not, then I'll have the option to go and explore and give my services somewhere else. So if that happens, Carolina will definitely be the first choice — no question about it. But I have '08 and '09 left to play, and that's what I plan on doing."

Williams Meets With Defensive Staff

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Brian Stewart and defensive backs coach Brent Maxie met with Cowboys safety Roy Williams to discuss his involvement in the 3-4 defense that Williams hasn't felt comfortable in.

Williams also had some comments for the fans.

"I'm tired about worrying about the fans," Williams said. "The fans are only around when things are good. I want supporters. At the end of the day, we're human beings, too. Everything can't be perfect, and you can't let your emotions rule over you being a human being. It gets to a point where you are abusing who you really are as a fan."

I'm sure those comments will get all those Cowboys fans, er, "supporters", back in his corner.

NFL News and Notes

While New York Giants rookie linebacker Jonathan Goff was starting his NFL career at mini-camp on Friday, his mother, a Middlesex County (Mass.) juvenile court judge, was collecting his college degree.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Trent Cole spent Saturday hunting wild turkey with Ohio Governor Ted Strickland.

Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo has no plans on releasing Cedric Benson after the former first-round draft pick was arrested for boating under the influence. Bears quarterback Kyle Orton is confident that the Bears' starting QB job could be his.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Bruce Allen's influence appears to be growing.

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton had positive reviews for rookies Sedrick Ellis and Tracy Porter. Special teams coaches for the Saints worked out two kickers before the draft, Wisconsin's Taylor Mehlhaff and Georgia's Brandon Coutu, and drafted Mehlhaff because they felt there was a "gap and clear seperation" between the two kickers.

Atlanta Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan wears a knee brace for precautionary reasons. Falcons linebacker Michael Boley apologized for his arrest last week. Falcons running back Michael Turner, quarterback D.J. Shockley and wide receiver Brian Finneran returned to the field yesterday.

Scott Ostler of the San Francisco Chronicle can't wait for what promises to be an exciting August for football fans in the Bay Area.

St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson is in the final year of his contract and staying in St. Louis is his first choice.

Former New England Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe is enjoying life away from football.

Why do so many people in western New York believe in the Buffalo Bills? Former Bills great Bruce Smith will be inducted into the team's Wall of Fame this fall.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin delivered the commencement speech at Saint Vincent College on Saturday.

Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski sees a lot of room for improvement for the unit that ranked 8th in the NFL in 2007.

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is stressing the team concept and building cohesion in the locker room. And on the second day of mini-camp, the team got into an 85-player brawl during practice. There's a lack of healthy tight ends in Ravens camp.

The chip on Tennessee Titans defensive end Jevon Kearse's shoulder is now a boulder. Paul Kuharsky of The Tennessean has some OTA observations.

The Houston Texans secondary is loaded with second-day draft picks. Safety Will Demps' helmet will be outfitted with a radio receiver, as he'll be the alternate when linebacker Demeco Ryans is off the field.

Denver Broncos defensive tackle Marcus Thomas was cleared of drug possession charges stemming from a March arrest.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards was asked to speak to students at the U.S. Army's School of Advanced Military Studies in Fort Leavenworth.

Oakland Raiders running back Michael Bush just wants to play.