Buffalo Bills special teamers Brian Moorman, Rian Lindell and Ryan Neill will compete in a triathlon on Sunday to raise funds for Moorman's charity.
Scott Cohen is the new assistant general manager for the New York Jets.
The Miami Dolphins signed fourth-round pick Shawn Murphy to a multi-year contract.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Mewelde Moore is comfortable serving as a return man/third-down back. If the Steelers are comfortable with Troy Polamalu working out on his own, why have OTA's at all?
New Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron says that 60-70% of the offense has been installed.
New Tennessee Titans tight end Alge Crumpler says playing with Vince Young "is a match made in heaven".
Houston Texans running back Ahman Green returned to practice on Friday.
Mike Kils of the Denver Post wraps up Denver Broncos training camp, which was sort of hamstring-y.
Jerry McDonald of the ContraCosta Times opines that the Oakland Raiders should sign Odell Thurman.
The new Dallas Cowboys stadium is on schedule to be completed next June.
Washington Redskins training camp will begin on Sunday, July 20th.
Philadelphia Eagles rookie linebacker Joe Mays lacks ideal size, but has good instincts and plays with intensity. The Eagles promoted cap expert Howie Roseman and extended GM Tom Heckert's contract thru 2011.
Minnesota Vikings center Matt Birk hasn't attended the voluntary OTA's to protest his contract situation, but he will be at the team's mandatory mini-camp next weekend.
Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris wants to preserve his body for when it counts. Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher said he was "supposed to be here" when asked about his attendance at Bears' mini-camp. Jay Mariotti of the Chicago Sun-Times has an idea for how Urlacher can increase his leverage in contract talks with the Bears.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released quarterback Bruce Gradkowski and re-signed tight end Jerramy Stevens. When and how the Buccaneers announced the re-signing of Stevens, via a quick press release after 5pm on a Friday, probably wasn't a coincidence.
Everyone who was supposed to participate in the New Orleans Saints first mandatory mini-camp practice, did exactly that.
Former Atlanta Falcons Claude Humphrey and Steve Bartkowski will be inducted into the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Arnaz Battle is one of the few players who have not been participating in the team's off-season conditioning program.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Vince Young Says He Wasn't Going to Quit
Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young said that the NFL.com report that he considered retirement after his rookie season was "blown out of proportion".
"Oh, my God. Oh, my God. I ain't never said (Ed. note: English major?) I was going to quit football," Young said. "There was a lot of stuff going on in my life, but football is not hard to me. Football is easy. All you have to do is be coachable and use your God-given talent. If it was a thought at all it was just a passing thought for a second.''
Living in the spotlight clearly had an affect on Young.
"When you retire, a lot of stuff goes away, people calling you and asking you for things. Some people say things about you that you don't like, and a lot of that stuff was killing me inside,'' Young said. "I am trying to be a role model and be a good citizen and have fun with my friends. Things were so fuzzy (that) I could hardly see through it all.''
If Young harbored momentary thoughts of retirement two years ago, it doesn't sound like that notion is on his mind today.
"My goal is to win three or four Super Bowls,'' Young said.
NFL News and Notes
Both of the Dallas Cowboys first-round picks figure to have an impact in Dallas' return game. Despite being unhappy with the amount of reps he's getting during practices in May, Cowboys linebacker Greg Ellis is keeping himself eligible for a $1.5M bonus tied into his participation in off-season workouts.
Mike Garafolo has the play-by-play from the "Blue Carpet" as the New York Giants arrived Tiffany & Co. to receive their Super Bowl rings. Giants quarterback Eli Manning called the rings "perfect". (Jared Lorenzen thought his "tasted funny".)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Bam Childress always thinks his position coach is talking to him. Eagles rookie defensive end Bryan Smith hopes to put on some more weight.
Green Bay Packers defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila had knee surgery on Thursday and will be out until training camp. The Packers removed Brett Favre's locker and will ship it to his Mississippi home.
On August 7th, the NFL Network will re-air the "Hail Mary Game" between the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings from December 28th, 1975. I'd add further comments about that game, but I was exactly three weeks old at the time. Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson returned to practice on Thursday.
Nicholas Cotsonika of the Detroit Free Press is impressed with the comeback workout video free agent running back Kevin Jones hopes to use to convince teams he's healthy.
Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher will attend the Bears' mandatory three-day mini-camp which begins today. Urlacher's decision to show up gives him more leverage at the bargaining table, writes David Haugh.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks Luke McCown and Bruce Gradkowski will be competing for a training camp roster spot.
New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith will attend the Saints' mandatory three-day mini-camp which begins today.
Carolina Panthers rookie linebacker Dan Connor was lugging equipment and passing out towels after practice on Thursday. There's no timetable for when rookie tackle Jeff Otah (ankle) will practice.
Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker Curtis Lofton is looking forward to putting the pads on. Falcons assistant coach Emmitt Thomas was in Dallas last weekend preparing to be bronzed.
Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Rocky Bernard has a court date on Monday.
The Arizona Cardinals rookies were sent to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio for a history lesson.
Kevin Lynch writes that the San Francisco 49ers decision to move Chilo Rachal to right tackle was done out of necessity.
A new state-of-the-art football stadium in downtown St. Louis could cost taxpayers nearly $1 billion.
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said that Junior Seau's decision to come back for a 19th season will be made closer to training camp. Belichick has been a highly visible presence at Boston Celtics playoff games, sitting near the visitor's bench. (Insert Spygate joke here.) Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe is impressed with the length of Patriots rookie linebackers Shawn Crable and Vince Redd.
Buffalo Bills safety Ko Simpson is recovering from broken ankle that ended his 2007 season just as it was beginning.
After his team spent $22M in free agency and a Top 10 pick in the draft on outside linebackers, New York Jets outside linebacker Bryan Thomas admitted he got complacent in 2007. In what I hope was done in his best Howard Lederman voice, Dave Hutchinson scores the Kellen Clemens-Chad Pennington fight as 3 rounds to 1 in favor of Clemens, who is beating the more experienced Pennington with clean, effective punching. (Ho-kay Jim!)
14-year old Akeem Havens closed out yesterday's Pittsburgh Steelers practice with a 10-yard touchdown.
Tony Grossi writes that Rex Hadnot is fitting in "seamlessly" at right guard for the Cleveland Browns.
The Cincinnati Bengals released wide receiver Doug Gabriel on Thursday.
Free agent wide receiver Freddie Mitchell worked out for the Baltimore Ravens yesterday.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver D'Juan Woods knows he's got to make the most of his second shot at making an NFL roster.
Former Titans quarterback Steve McNair doesn't regret his decision to retire.
Megan Manfull of the Houston Chronicle is all for a 17th regular season game.
The Brits want to see the Bolts.
Denver Broncos safety John Lynch welcomes the competition bringing in a few free agents has created. The Broncos success in 2008 hinges on the defense, writes Mark Kiszla. The Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center celebrated its grand opening on Thursday.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle knows the starting job is once again his to lose. Chiefs middle linebacker Napolean Harris was surprised to learn that his starting job might be in jeopardy.
"Oh, my God. Oh, my God. I ain't never said (Ed. note: English major?) I was going to quit football," Young said. "There was a lot of stuff going on in my life, but football is not hard to me. Football is easy. All you have to do is be coachable and use your God-given talent. If it was a thought at all it was just a passing thought for a second.''
Living in the spotlight clearly had an affect on Young.
"When you retire, a lot of stuff goes away, people calling you and asking you for things. Some people say things about you that you don't like, and a lot of that stuff was killing me inside,'' Young said. "I am trying to be a role model and be a good citizen and have fun with my friends. Things were so fuzzy (that) I could hardly see through it all.''
If Young harbored momentary thoughts of retirement two years ago, it doesn't sound like that notion is on his mind today.
"My goal is to win three or four Super Bowls,'' Young said.
NFL News and Notes
Both of the Dallas Cowboys first-round picks figure to have an impact in Dallas' return game. Despite being unhappy with the amount of reps he's getting during practices in May, Cowboys linebacker Greg Ellis is keeping himself eligible for a $1.5M bonus tied into his participation in off-season workouts.
Mike Garafolo has the play-by-play from the "Blue Carpet" as the New York Giants arrived Tiffany & Co. to receive their Super Bowl rings. Giants quarterback Eli Manning called the rings "perfect". (Jared Lorenzen thought his "tasted funny".)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Bam Childress always thinks his position coach is talking to him. Eagles rookie defensive end Bryan Smith hopes to put on some more weight.
Green Bay Packers defensive end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila had knee surgery on Thursday and will be out until training camp. The Packers removed Brett Favre's locker and will ship it to his Mississippi home.
On August 7th, the NFL Network will re-air the "Hail Mary Game" between the Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings from December 28th, 1975. I'd add further comments about that game, but I was exactly three weeks old at the time. Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson returned to practice on Thursday.
Nicholas Cotsonika of the Detroit Free Press is impressed with the comeback workout video free agent running back Kevin Jones hopes to use to convince teams he's healthy.
Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher will attend the Bears' mandatory three-day mini-camp which begins today. Urlacher's decision to show up gives him more leverage at the bargaining table, writes David Haugh.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks Luke McCown and Bruce Gradkowski will be competing for a training camp roster spot.
New Orleans Saints defensive end Will Smith will attend the Saints' mandatory three-day mini-camp which begins today.
Carolina Panthers rookie linebacker Dan Connor was lugging equipment and passing out towels after practice on Thursday. There's no timetable for when rookie tackle Jeff Otah (ankle) will practice.
Atlanta Falcons rookie linebacker Curtis Lofton is looking forward to putting the pads on. Falcons assistant coach Emmitt Thomas was in Dallas last weekend preparing to be bronzed.
Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Rocky Bernard has a court date on Monday.
The Arizona Cardinals rookies were sent to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio for a history lesson.
Kevin Lynch writes that the San Francisco 49ers decision to move Chilo Rachal to right tackle was done out of necessity.
A new state-of-the-art football stadium in downtown St. Louis could cost taxpayers nearly $1 billion.
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said that Junior Seau's decision to come back for a 19th season will be made closer to training camp. Belichick has been a highly visible presence at Boston Celtics playoff games, sitting near the visitor's bench. (Insert Spygate joke here.) Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe is impressed with the length of Patriots rookie linebackers Shawn Crable and Vince Redd.
Buffalo Bills safety Ko Simpson is recovering from broken ankle that ended his 2007 season just as it was beginning.
After his team spent $22M in free agency and a Top 10 pick in the draft on outside linebackers, New York Jets outside linebacker Bryan Thomas admitted he got complacent in 2007. In what I hope was done in his best Howard Lederman voice, Dave Hutchinson scores the Kellen Clemens-Chad Pennington fight as 3 rounds to 1 in favor of Clemens, who is beating the more experienced Pennington with clean, effective punching. (Ho-kay Jim!)
14-year old Akeem Havens closed out yesterday's Pittsburgh Steelers practice with a 10-yard touchdown.
Tony Grossi writes that Rex Hadnot is fitting in "seamlessly" at right guard for the Cleveland Browns.
The Cincinnati Bengals released wide receiver Doug Gabriel on Thursday.
Free agent wide receiver Freddie Mitchell worked out for the Baltimore Ravens yesterday.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver D'Juan Woods knows he's got to make the most of his second shot at making an NFL roster.
Former Titans quarterback Steve McNair doesn't regret his decision to retire.
Megan Manfull of the Houston Chronicle is all for a 17th regular season game.
The Brits want to see the Bolts.
Denver Broncos safety John Lynch welcomes the competition bringing in a few free agents has created. The Broncos success in 2008 hinges on the defense, writes Mark Kiszla. The Darrent Williams Memorial Teen Center celebrated its grand opening on Thursday.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle knows the starting job is once again his to lose. Chiefs middle linebacker Napolean Harris was surprised to learn that his starting job might be in jeopardy.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
As the Dallas Cowboys Turn
NFL Films and HBO couldn't have made a wiser choice when they chose to film the Dallas Cowboys training camp this summer for their "Hard Knocks" series, because you'd be hard-pressed to find another team with this many drama queens.
For Steve Sabol's sake, I hope their cameras are rolling are right now. In addition to the situation involving suspended cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones, whose West Nashville townhouse was recently foreclosed upon, there's:
Wide receiver Terrell Owens, who thinks NFL player contracts should be guaranteed. I agree with him that there's not much team loyalty anymore, but is a guy who talked his way out of San Francisco and Philadelphia the right person to be talking about "loyalty"? (Jeff Garcia and Donovan McNabb probably don't think so)
What Owens doesn't get is this: If these contracts were guaranteed, players could wave goodbye to the massive 8-figure signing and roster bonuses, as well as the 6-figure workout bonuses, they receive each year.
Dallas would also like wide receiver Terry Glenn to accept a $500K settlement should he re-injure his right knee during the OTA's and is lost for the season. Asking a guy to agree to an injury settlement before he gets hurt? That's an interesting way to promote team unity.
And here's my own personal favorite: Linebacker Greg Ellis will skip today's OTA session because he's unhappy that his repetitions have been reduced. Ellis was already unlikely to ever be confused with Allen Iverson, but this seals the deal.
Just so we're clear: A soon-to-be 33-year old linebacker, who just last summer was scared that a 2006 Achilles' injury would force him into retirement, is upset that he's not getting enough reps during practice? In May?
"Like sand through an hourglass..."
NFL News and Notes
Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe has five observations from New England Patriots passing camp. Thirty-six players are participating in this voluntary passing camp.
The New York Jets could have a bona fide quarterback controversy this summer. Free agent outside linebacker Roosevelt Colvin is on the Jets' radar screen.
Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor sounds like a guy who plans on attending training camp.
Three weeks from now, the Pittsburgh Steelers will make a limited number of individual game tickets available to the general public. Being more familiar with the offense will allow Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to be more aware of where his receivers are, but he knows he'll still take some sacks. The Steelers will use rookie wide receiver Limas Sweed's long arms and speed to block punts.
Newly signed Cleveland Browns cornerback Terry Cousin is looking forward to playing nickel corner and mentoring young Browns starters Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson owes over $13,000 in taxes on his Cincinnati-area condo. Bengals running backs Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry participated in yesterday's voluntary practice.
David Steele writes that Baltimore Ravens rookie quarterback Joe Flacco has the leverage in contract negotiations.
Indianapolis Colts players Dwight Freeney, Joseph Addai and Gary Brackett will host a football camp next week. Colts defensive lineman Raheem Brock is giving back to the kids in his hometown of Philadelphia.
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis is going full speed during this year's OTA's. Jaguars wide receiver Jerry Porter pulled a hamstring yesterday.
Safety is one of the deepest positions on the Houston Texans roster. Texans running back Ahman Green may have missed yesterday's workout due to food poisoning.
Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler is using mini-camps as a gauge for how to handle his diabetes during training camp. Broncos wide receiver Brandon Stokely says Cutler is a different person than the guy who ended the 2007 season. Broncos cornerback Dre Bly pulled a hamstring and will miss the remainder of this week's workouts.
In Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Chan gailey's opinion, offense isn't about fooling defenses, it's about beating them.
Former Oakland Raiders offensive line coach Keith Rowen will return to the Silver & Black as a scout.
The New York Giants will receive their Super Bowl rings tonight during a ceremony at the Fifth Avenue store of Tiffany & Co.
Newly acquired Washington Redskins defensive end Erasmus James will take a physical today.
After nearly three years as a wide receiver on the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad, Michael Gasperson is switching to tight end. Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb says running back Lorenzo Booker has a "one-of-a-kind burst".
Minnesota Vikings back-up quarterback Gus Frerotte is adjusting to the West Coast offense, while the Vikings wide receivers are adjusting to the NFL's force-out rule.
Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola is at his best when he's on the move. Former Lions wide receiver Charles Rogers isn't returning calls from the CFL team he verbally agreed to play for.
Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris wants to leave a footprint in this world "that people can follow afterward."
The most difficult opponent Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Gaines Adams faced during his 2007 rookie campaign wasn't Pro Bowl left tackle Walter Jones. It was Ronald McDonald. Only four members of the Buccaneers' 2002 Super Bowl roster remain with the team.
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal will visit New Orleans Saints mini-camp on Friday to "kickoff" a campaign about hurricane readiness.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme was back under center during the team's first voluntary practice on Wednesday. Panthers first-round tackle Jeff Otah sat out practice with a lingering ankle injury.
After missing all of last season with a knee injury, Atlanta Falcons quarterback D.J. Shockley has been cleared to play. Falcons head coach Mike Smith is switching things up during the team's OTA's.
In Kent Somers' Arizona Cardinals notebook in today's Arizona Republic, Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt isn't sweating the 80-man roster limit, guard Reggie Wells improved a skill he'll never need, the Cardinals opponent will determine who wears the radio helmet, and Anquan Boldin and Darnell Dockett still want new contracts.
Former San Francisco 49ers greats Steve Young and Brent Jones are interested in acquiring a piece of the franchise.
NFL players Aaron Kampman, Casey Wiegmann, Jared DeVries and Brad Meester are looking to help their hometown of Parkersburg, Iowa, which was devastated by a tornado on Sunday night.
Former NFL football player Tom McHale used cocaine the night before he died.
My sincerest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of North Carolina A&T offensive lineman Chad Edward Wiley, who died yesterday morning after collapsing and losing consciousness following an off-season conditioning session on Tuesday. Wiley was 22 years old.
For Steve Sabol's sake, I hope their cameras are rolling are right now. In addition to the situation involving suspended cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones, whose West Nashville townhouse was recently foreclosed upon, there's:
Wide receiver Terrell Owens, who thinks NFL player contracts should be guaranteed. I agree with him that there's not much team loyalty anymore, but is a guy who talked his way out of San Francisco and Philadelphia the right person to be talking about "loyalty"? (Jeff Garcia and Donovan McNabb probably don't think so)
What Owens doesn't get is this: If these contracts were guaranteed, players could wave goodbye to the massive 8-figure signing and roster bonuses, as well as the 6-figure workout bonuses, they receive each year.
Dallas would also like wide receiver Terry Glenn to accept a $500K settlement should he re-injure his right knee during the OTA's and is lost for the season. Asking a guy to agree to an injury settlement before he gets hurt? That's an interesting way to promote team unity.
And here's my own personal favorite: Linebacker Greg Ellis will skip today's OTA session because he's unhappy that his repetitions have been reduced. Ellis was already unlikely to ever be confused with Allen Iverson, but this seals the deal.
Just so we're clear: A soon-to-be 33-year old linebacker, who just last summer was scared that a 2006 Achilles' injury would force him into retirement, is upset that he's not getting enough reps during practice? In May?
"Like sand through an hourglass..."
NFL News and Notes
Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe has five observations from New England Patriots passing camp. Thirty-six players are participating in this voluntary passing camp.
The New York Jets could have a bona fide quarterback controversy this summer. Free agent outside linebacker Roosevelt Colvin is on the Jets' radar screen.
Miami Dolphins defensive end Jason Taylor sounds like a guy who plans on attending training camp.
Three weeks from now, the Pittsburgh Steelers will make a limited number of individual game tickets available to the general public. Being more familiar with the offense will allow Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to be more aware of where his receivers are, but he knows he'll still take some sacks. The Steelers will use rookie wide receiver Limas Sweed's long arms and speed to block punts.
Newly signed Cleveland Browns cornerback Terry Cousin is looking forward to playing nickel corner and mentoring young Browns starters Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson owes over $13,000 in taxes on his Cincinnati-area condo. Bengals running backs Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry participated in yesterday's voluntary practice.
David Steele writes that Baltimore Ravens rookie quarterback Joe Flacco has the leverage in contract negotiations.
Indianapolis Colts players Dwight Freeney, Joseph Addai and Gary Brackett will host a football camp next week. Colts defensive lineman Raheem Brock is giving back to the kids in his hometown of Philadelphia.
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Rashean Mathis is going full speed during this year's OTA's. Jaguars wide receiver Jerry Porter pulled a hamstring yesterday.
Safety is one of the deepest positions on the Houston Texans roster. Texans running back Ahman Green may have missed yesterday's workout due to food poisoning.
Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler is using mini-camps as a gauge for how to handle his diabetes during training camp. Broncos wide receiver Brandon Stokely says Cutler is a different person than the guy who ended the 2007 season. Broncos cornerback Dre Bly pulled a hamstring and will miss the remainder of this week's workouts.
In Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Chan gailey's opinion, offense isn't about fooling defenses, it's about beating them.
Former Oakland Raiders offensive line coach Keith Rowen will return to the Silver & Black as a scout.
The New York Giants will receive their Super Bowl rings tonight during a ceremony at the Fifth Avenue store of Tiffany & Co.
Newly acquired Washington Redskins defensive end Erasmus James will take a physical today.
After nearly three years as a wide receiver on the Philadelphia Eagles practice squad, Michael Gasperson is switching to tight end. Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb says running back Lorenzo Booker has a "one-of-a-kind burst".
Minnesota Vikings back-up quarterback Gus Frerotte is adjusting to the West Coast offense, while the Vikings wide receivers are adjusting to the NFL's force-out rule.
Detroit Lions center Dominic Raiola is at his best when he's on the move. Former Lions wide receiver Charles Rogers isn't returning calls from the CFL team he verbally agreed to play for.
Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris wants to leave a footprint in this world "that people can follow afterward."
The most difficult opponent Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Gaines Adams faced during his 2007 rookie campaign wasn't Pro Bowl left tackle Walter Jones. It was Ronald McDonald. Only four members of the Buccaneers' 2002 Super Bowl roster remain with the team.
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal will visit New Orleans Saints mini-camp on Friday to "kickoff" a campaign about hurricane readiness.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme was back under center during the team's first voluntary practice on Wednesday. Panthers first-round tackle Jeff Otah sat out practice with a lingering ankle injury.
After missing all of last season with a knee injury, Atlanta Falcons quarterback D.J. Shockley has been cleared to play. Falcons head coach Mike Smith is switching things up during the team's OTA's.
In Kent Somers' Arizona Cardinals notebook in today's Arizona Republic, Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt isn't sweating the 80-man roster limit, guard Reggie Wells improved a skill he'll never need, the Cardinals opponent will determine who wears the radio helmet, and Anquan Boldin and Darnell Dockett still want new contracts.
Former San Francisco 49ers greats Steve Young and Brent Jones are interested in acquiring a piece of the franchise.
NFL players Aaron Kampman, Casey Wiegmann, Jared DeVries and Brad Meester are looking to help their hometown of Parkersburg, Iowa, which was devastated by a tornado on Sunday night.
Former NFL football player Tom McHale used cocaine the night before he died.
My sincerest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of North Carolina A&T offensive lineman Chad Edward Wiley, who died yesterday morning after collapsing and losing consciousness following an off-season conditioning session on Tuesday. Wiley was 22 years old.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Nnamdi Asomugha's Contract A Dicey Situation
Jerry McDonald of the ContraCosta Times does a great job of framing Nnamdi Asomugha's contract situation with the Oakland Raiders.
Asomugha has a choice to make: Sign the tender now and report for the OTA's and training camp, or wait until the end of training camp before signing the tender.
The moment he puts ink to paper, the $9.8 million dollar "exclusive" franchise tender becomes guaranteed. That's a very nice payday, however, four other cornerbacks (Asante Samuel, Marcus Trufant, Terence Newman and DeAngelo Hall) have signed contracts this off-season worth nearly $224 million dollars, including $87 million in guaranteed money, and Asomugha is arguably more talented than all of them.
Asomugha's own team traded a 2nd round pick for Hall, and then gave him a 7-year contract worth $66.28 million dollars that included $24.5 million in guarantees, which is two-and-a-half times the value of Asomugha's "exclusive" tender.
This off-season, Oakland has given Hall, Tommy Kelly, Gibril Wilson and Javon Walker contracts that include nearly $75 million in guaranteed money. Once you factor in what running back Darren McFadden, the 4th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, will ask for, that total could exceed $100 million in guaranteed money.
So should Asomugha sign the tender, report to the OTA's and training camp, and talk about a long-term contract extension?
In my opinion, absolutely not.
For starters, Asomugha turns 27 this summer and has a narrow window in which he can command $20M+ in guaranteed money. Players get hurt all the time during the OTA's and training camp, and Asomugha shouldn't risk injury before the regular season.
Secondly, considering how much bonus money Al Davis has already spent this off-season, and will continue to spend on McFadden's contract, Asomugha's camp would be wise to question how much "cash on hand" the Raiders actually have to spend on things like signing and roster bonuses.
If Asomugha stays away from training camp, Oakland could decide to rescind the "exclusive" part of the franchise tag. This is unlikely, however, since the difference between the two tags ($400K) is minimal and they've already budgeted for it. They wouldn't rescind the franchise tag, either, since the Raiders don't want to lose Asomugha without getting something in return for him.
About the worst thing the Raiders could do to Asomugha is to trade his rights to a team in need of a cornerback (Hello Cleveland!). Since no team would make that trade without first agreeing to a long-term contract with Asomugha, Oakland would actually be doing him a huge favor.
NFL News and Notes
Jean-Jacques Taylor of the Dallas Morning News, who has railed against the idea of the Dallas Cowboys acquiring Pacman Jones, saw Jones at three different events last weekend and now thinks he has a chance to succeed. Cowboys safety Roy Williams was on the field for the OTA's on Tuesday.
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce got married over the weekend.
The Washington Redskins traded a conditional 2009 7th-round draft pick to the Minnesota Vikings for defensive end Erasmus James, a former 1st round pick whose career has been marred by various injuries.
Philadelphia Eagles undrafted rookie wide receiver Terrell Golden hopes there's a spot on the Eagles roster for him this year. Eagles fullback Dan Klecko and tight end Kris Wilson are learning the Eagles' West Coast offense. Eagles tackle Winston Justice feels as though he has something to prove. (And he can start by proving that he's more than just a turnstile.)
The grandfather of Green Bay Packers defensive end Aaron Kampman was injured in a tornado in Iowa on Sunday night. Contract talks with Packers running back Ryan Grant are heating up, according to Pete Dougherty.
The Minnesota Vikings supplanted their horrendous 2005 draft class with good free agent signings. Vikings free agent additions Michael Boulware, Derrick Pope and Maurice Hicks were added to improve the special teams.
Detroit Lions linebacker Buster Davis' attitude, not his lack of height and speed, was why the Arizona Cardinals cut him last year.
Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs told ESPN that his teammate Brian Urlacher won't be at the team's mandatory workouts that get underway on Friday. If Urlacher does indeed skip the mandatory sessions, he risks losing millions, writes Brad Biggs.
The New Orleans Saints altered their linebacking corps on Tuesday.
Carolina Panthers first-round running back Jonathan Stewart can't participate in this week's OTA session, as classes at the University of Oregon are still in session. The Panthers re-signed cornerback Curtis DeLoatch.
Former Atlanta Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino joked that his experience in Atlanta was like the movie Misery.
Making music and gigging "is a serious hobby" for Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Craig Terrill.
Arizona Cardinals punter Dirk Johnson knows the value of having perseverance.
San Francisco 49ers undrafted free agent linebacker Ezra Butler was arrested last weekend for driving under the influence of marijuana (was he going 12mph?) in Reno, and the 49ers waived him on Tuesday.
Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch calls St. Louis Rams guard Richie Incognito a "force of nature" during a Tuesday afternoon chat about St. Louis sports.
Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe opens up his mailbag to answer New England Patriots-related questions, and to his credit, provides real, truthful answers to homerish questions regarding Spygate.
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcus Stroud is embracing the Bills' "run to the ball" defensive philosophy.
The New York Jets signed free agent running back Musa Smith on Tuesday.
The Miami Dolphins released a transcript of a recent Q&A session with quarterback Josh McCown. Dolphins quarterback John Beck shouldn't allow himself to be defined by his forgettable rookie season.
Pittsburgh Steelers second-year tight end Matt Spaeth is hoping for an increased role in the passing game.
The Baltimore Ravens added a pair of scouts on Tuesday.
Only 5% of the seats at Lucas Oil Stadium for Super Bowl XLVI will be available to local fans.
Instead of installing his own, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is learning the Jaguars' defensive terminology.
Despite being behind a 1,000-yard rusher and a 2008 first-round pick, Tennessee Titans second-year running back Chris Henry has an upbeat attitude.
Houston Texans second-year wide receiver Jacoby Jones wants to get his "old swagger" back. A pair of Texans used the four-day break over Memorial Day weekend to get married. (And no, not to each other.)
The San Diego Chargers deny that they're supporting any of San Diego's mayoral candidates.
After rushing for 729 yards as a rookie in 2007, Denver Broncos running back Selvin Young has set 2,000 yards rushing as one of his goals for 2008. Young will have more competition for the starting tailback job, as the Broncos signed free agent Michael Pittman on Tuesday.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson (remember him?) said he is healthy and eager to practice and play in a game.
Asomugha has a choice to make: Sign the tender now and report for the OTA's and training camp, or wait until the end of training camp before signing the tender.
The moment he puts ink to paper, the $9.8 million dollar "exclusive" franchise tender becomes guaranteed. That's a very nice payday, however, four other cornerbacks (Asante Samuel, Marcus Trufant, Terence Newman and DeAngelo Hall) have signed contracts this off-season worth nearly $224 million dollars, including $87 million in guaranteed money, and Asomugha is arguably more talented than all of them.
Asomugha's own team traded a 2nd round pick for Hall, and then gave him a 7-year contract worth $66.28 million dollars that included $24.5 million in guarantees, which is two-and-a-half times the value of Asomugha's "exclusive" tender.
This off-season, Oakland has given Hall, Tommy Kelly, Gibril Wilson and Javon Walker contracts that include nearly $75 million in guaranteed money. Once you factor in what running back Darren McFadden, the 4th overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, will ask for, that total could exceed $100 million in guaranteed money.
So should Asomugha sign the tender, report to the OTA's and training camp, and talk about a long-term contract extension?
In my opinion, absolutely not.
For starters, Asomugha turns 27 this summer and has a narrow window in which he can command $20M+ in guaranteed money. Players get hurt all the time during the OTA's and training camp, and Asomugha shouldn't risk injury before the regular season.
Secondly, considering how much bonus money Al Davis has already spent this off-season, and will continue to spend on McFadden's contract, Asomugha's camp would be wise to question how much "cash on hand" the Raiders actually have to spend on things like signing and roster bonuses.
If Asomugha stays away from training camp, Oakland could decide to rescind the "exclusive" part of the franchise tag. This is unlikely, however, since the difference between the two tags ($400K) is minimal and they've already budgeted for it. They wouldn't rescind the franchise tag, either, since the Raiders don't want to lose Asomugha without getting something in return for him.
About the worst thing the Raiders could do to Asomugha is to trade his rights to a team in need of a cornerback (Hello Cleveland!). Since no team would make that trade without first agreeing to a long-term contract with Asomugha, Oakland would actually be doing him a huge favor.
NFL News and Notes
Jean-Jacques Taylor of the Dallas Morning News, who has railed against the idea of the Dallas Cowboys acquiring Pacman Jones, saw Jones at three different events last weekend and now thinks he has a chance to succeed. Cowboys safety Roy Williams was on the field for the OTA's on Tuesday.
New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce got married over the weekend.
The Washington Redskins traded a conditional 2009 7th-round draft pick to the Minnesota Vikings for defensive end Erasmus James, a former 1st round pick whose career has been marred by various injuries.
Philadelphia Eagles undrafted rookie wide receiver Terrell Golden hopes there's a spot on the Eagles roster for him this year. Eagles fullback Dan Klecko and tight end Kris Wilson are learning the Eagles' West Coast offense. Eagles tackle Winston Justice feels as though he has something to prove. (And he can start by proving that he's more than just a turnstile.)
The grandfather of Green Bay Packers defensive end Aaron Kampman was injured in a tornado in Iowa on Sunday night. Contract talks with Packers running back Ryan Grant are heating up, according to Pete Dougherty.
The Minnesota Vikings supplanted their horrendous 2005 draft class with good free agent signings. Vikings free agent additions Michael Boulware, Derrick Pope and Maurice Hicks were added to improve the special teams.
Detroit Lions linebacker Buster Davis' attitude, not his lack of height and speed, was why the Arizona Cardinals cut him last year.
Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs told ESPN that his teammate Brian Urlacher won't be at the team's mandatory workouts that get underway on Friday. If Urlacher does indeed skip the mandatory sessions, he risks losing millions, writes Brad Biggs.
The New Orleans Saints altered their linebacking corps on Tuesday.
Carolina Panthers first-round running back Jonathan Stewart can't participate in this week's OTA session, as classes at the University of Oregon are still in session. The Panthers re-signed cornerback Curtis DeLoatch.
Former Atlanta Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino joked that his experience in Atlanta was like the movie Misery.
Making music and gigging "is a serious hobby" for Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Craig Terrill.
Arizona Cardinals punter Dirk Johnson knows the value of having perseverance.
San Francisco 49ers undrafted free agent linebacker Ezra Butler was arrested last weekend for driving under the influence of marijuana (was he going 12mph?) in Reno, and the 49ers waived him on Tuesday.
Jeff Gordon of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch calls St. Louis Rams guard Richie Incognito a "force of nature" during a Tuesday afternoon chat about St. Louis sports.
Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe opens up his mailbag to answer New England Patriots-related questions, and to his credit, provides real, truthful answers to homerish questions regarding Spygate.
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcus Stroud is embracing the Bills' "run to the ball" defensive philosophy.
The New York Jets signed free agent running back Musa Smith on Tuesday.
The Miami Dolphins released a transcript of a recent Q&A session with quarterback Josh McCown. Dolphins quarterback John Beck shouldn't allow himself to be defined by his forgettable rookie season.
Pittsburgh Steelers second-year tight end Matt Spaeth is hoping for an increased role in the passing game.
The Baltimore Ravens added a pair of scouts on Tuesday.
Only 5% of the seats at Lucas Oil Stadium for Super Bowl XLVI will be available to local fans.
Instead of installing his own, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Gregg Williams is learning the Jaguars' defensive terminology.
Despite being behind a 1,000-yard rusher and a 2008 first-round pick, Tennessee Titans second-year running back Chris Henry has an upbeat attitude.
Houston Texans second-year wide receiver Jacoby Jones wants to get his "old swagger" back. A pair of Texans used the four-day break over Memorial Day weekend to get married. (And no, not to each other.)
The San Diego Chargers deny that they're supporting any of San Diego's mayoral candidates.
After rushing for 729 yards as a rookie in 2007, Denver Broncos running back Selvin Young has set 2,000 yards rushing as one of his goals for 2008. Young will have more competition for the starting tailback job, as the Broncos signed free agent Michael Pittman on Tuesday.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson (remember him?) said he is healthy and eager to practice and play in a game.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Bryce Fisher Struggled to Learn Titans Defense
Acquired last September from the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans defensive end Bryce Fisher struggled with the "Tennessee way" of playing on the defensive line.
Fisher admitted that there were times when he was lost.
"For the majority of my career they've said early downs you're focusing more on run, later downs you're working more on your pass stuff. Here, everything is about let's put pressure on the passer. We're playing in a division where you've got to play against Peyton Manning.
Kansas City Chiefs undrafted rookie kicker Connor Barth has heard the horror stories of last year's disastrous Justin Medlock Experiment. Chiefs rookie wide receiver Will Franklin looked like he belonged during last week's mini-camp.
Tim Kawakami writes that Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin's future in Oakland is tied to how well he can get JaMarcus Russell to play in 2008.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Zach Thomas admits he can get obsessive about his routines. Hey look! Another story in a Dallas newspaper about the NFL's most overrated player.
Philadelphia Eagles assistant coaches Otis Wilson and Mike Caldwell are the only two members of 21-man Eagles staff who have played in the NFL.
Detroit Lions president Matt Millen believes quarterback Drew Stanton has what it takes to score points and win games.
San Francisco 49ers safety Mark Roman had minor elbow surgery last week.
Fisher admitted that there were times when he was lost.
"For the majority of my career they've said early downs you're focusing more on run, later downs you're working more on your pass stuff. Here, everything is about let's put pressure on the passer. We're playing in a division where you've got to play against Peyton Manning.
"There are no Peyton Mannings in the NFC West, which is where I've been for the majority of my career. He's not there. So you have to be able to rush the passer on first down here, otherwise you don't have a chance to beat them."
Fisher's National Guard commitment has limited the amount of time he's spent in Tennessee this off-season, but he's hopeful he can use the rest of the OTA's to get more comfortable in the Titans defense.NFL News and Notes
Kansas City Chiefs undrafted rookie kicker Connor Barth has heard the horror stories of last year's disastrous Justin Medlock Experiment. Chiefs rookie wide receiver Will Franklin looked like he belonged during last week's mini-camp.
Tim Kawakami writes that Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin's future in Oakland is tied to how well he can get JaMarcus Russell to play in 2008.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Zach Thomas admits he can get obsessive about his routines. Hey look! Another story in a Dallas newspaper about the NFL's most overrated player.
Philadelphia Eagles assistant coaches Otis Wilson and Mike Caldwell are the only two members of 21-man Eagles staff who have played in the NFL.
Detroit Lions president Matt Millen believes quarterback Drew Stanton has what it takes to score points and win games.
San Francisco 49ers safety Mark Roman had minor elbow surgery last week.
Monday, May 26, 2008
The Marion Barber Rule
After an off-season in which the NFL put a radio in a defenders helmet, eliminated the force-out rule as well as the 5-yard defensive facemask penalty, allowed field goals to be reviewed and let coaches defer a decision on the coin toss until the second half, there's a point-of-emphasis rule that hasn't received much attention this off-season:
Offensive facemask.
Officials have been told to throw a flag whenever an offensive player grabs onto or twists the facemask of a defender. Another aspect of this is that when an offensive player "violently" shoves a defender aside with a stiff arm to the face, like this one from Seattle Seahawks fullback Leonard Weaver, a 15-yard, hands-to-the-face penalty will be called.
And Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram writes that Dallas Cowboys runing back Marion Barber is going to have to adapt to a rule named after him.
He won't be the only one.
NFL News and Notes
Minnesota Vikings safety Darren Sharper is the NFL active leader in interceptions.
Kirk Wright, who bilked $150 million from thousands of clients, including former NFL players Terrell Davis, Rod Smith and Steve Atwater, hanged himself in an Atlanta-area jail.
Tom Kowalski has scouting reports on a pair of Detroit Lions rookies, Andre Fluellen and Cliff Avril.
The San Francisco 49ers hope hiring Mike Martz will "jolt the team back" to it's end-of-2006 form.
Before the St. Louis Rams hit up the taxpayers for a new stadium, they need to win.
Offensive facemask.
Officials have been told to throw a flag whenever an offensive player grabs onto or twists the facemask of a defender. Another aspect of this is that when an offensive player "violently" shoves a defender aside with a stiff arm to the face, like this one from Seattle Seahawks fullback Leonard Weaver, a 15-yard, hands-to-the-face penalty will be called.
And Charean Williams of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram writes that Dallas Cowboys runing back Marion Barber is going to have to adapt to a rule named after him.
He won't be the only one.
NFL News and Notes
Minnesota Vikings safety Darren Sharper is the NFL active leader in interceptions.
Kirk Wright, who bilked $150 million from thousands of clients, including former NFL players Terrell Davis, Rod Smith and Steve Atwater, hanged himself in an Atlanta-area jail.
Tom Kowalski has scouting reports on a pair of Detroit Lions rookies, Andre Fluellen and Cliff Avril.
The San Francisco 49ers hope hiring Mike Martz will "jolt the team back" to it's end-of-2006 form.
Before the St. Louis Rams hit up the taxpayers for a new stadium, they need to win.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
NFL News and Notes - May 25th, 2008
According to Forbes magazine, the value of an average NFL franchise went from $423 million in 1999 to $957 million in 2006.
If 2010 is an uncapped year, New England Patriots Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork and Ben Watson would be free agents, which doesn't really matter, since teams can use three franchise tags to retain their players.
Former Buffalo Bills Thurman Thomas and Jim Kelly will serve as minority owners in Buffalo's new arenafootball2 franchise.
An "unnecessarily ugly dispute" is not the way Jason Taylor's Dolphins' career was supposed to end, writes Israel Gutierrez.
Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes that it's time to let Spygate go.
Despite signing veteran cornerback Terry Cousin after Daven Holly was lost for the season, the Cleveland Browns could still make a trade for a cornerback, with Buffalo's Ashton Youboty a possibility.
After Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis distributed t-shirts that read "NOW" on the back, Richard Skinner of the Cincinnati Enquirer has some WHAM-inspired t-shirt ideas for individual Bengals players.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison faces his 36th birthday this summer, so it's fair to ask how much football does he have left?
Tennessee Titans first-round running back Chris Johnson has already earned a nickname from the veterans.
Former NFL offensive tackle Roman Oben doesn't have a problem with rookie salaries.
Accuracy will be the issue as Denver Broncos kicker Matt Prater attempts to replace the best kicker in franchise history.
Kansas City Chiefs undrafted rookie defensive end Johnny Dingle will try to prove he can play in the NFL.
Jean-Jacques Taylor of the Dallas Morning News writes that former Dallas Cowboys running back Herschel Walker is an enigma. After years of sinking money into underachieving players, it's time Cowboys owner Jerry Jones gets what he pays for, writes Jennifer Floyd Engel.
The Green Bay Packers believe tight end Tory Humphrey could've won the starting tight end job last summer had he not suffered a season-ending knee injury. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers learned from soldiers on a trip to Fairbanks, Alaska in March.
The Minnesota Vikings roster overhaul has given the players and coaches an air of confidence, writes Sid Hartman.
Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Mike Williams has lost 30 pounds in an attempt to salvage his once-promising NFL career.
Jay Mariotti of the Chicago Sun-Times writes that by keeping Cedric Benson, the Chicago Bears are courting trouble.
Even if he's unhappy with his contract, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia plans to fulfill it.
New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson thinks the city of New Orleans will be awarded the 2013 Super Bowl. Saints defensive end Charles Grant's ultimate goal in this situation (being charged with involuntary manslaughter) is to make sure "another kid, in this business I'm in, will not be humiliated in this situation because of who they are and what they work for".
Considering the variables, it's unrealistic that a Jason Taylor trade to the San Francisco 49ers would work.
St. Louis Rams offensive linemen Brett Romberg and Mark Setterstrom will battle this summer for the starting center job.
If 2010 is an uncapped year, New England Patriots Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork and Ben Watson would be free agents, which doesn't really matter, since teams can use three franchise tags to retain their players.
Former Buffalo Bills Thurman Thomas and Jim Kelly will serve as minority owners in Buffalo's new arenafootball2 franchise.
An "unnecessarily ugly dispute" is not the way Jason Taylor's Dolphins' career was supposed to end, writes Israel Gutierrez.
Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes that it's time to let Spygate go.
Despite signing veteran cornerback Terry Cousin after Daven Holly was lost for the season, the Cleveland Browns could still make a trade for a cornerback, with Buffalo's Ashton Youboty a possibility.
After Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis distributed t-shirts that read "NOW" on the back, Richard Skinner of the Cincinnati Enquirer has some WHAM-inspired t-shirt ideas for individual Bengals players.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Marvin Harrison faces his 36th birthday this summer, so it's fair to ask how much football does he have left?
Tennessee Titans first-round running back Chris Johnson has already earned a nickname from the veterans.
Former NFL offensive tackle Roman Oben doesn't have a problem with rookie salaries.
Accuracy will be the issue as Denver Broncos kicker Matt Prater attempts to replace the best kicker in franchise history.
Kansas City Chiefs undrafted rookie defensive end Johnny Dingle will try to prove he can play in the NFL.
Jean-Jacques Taylor of the Dallas Morning News writes that former Dallas Cowboys running back Herschel Walker is an enigma. After years of sinking money into underachieving players, it's time Cowboys owner Jerry Jones gets what he pays for, writes Jennifer Floyd Engel.
The Green Bay Packers believe tight end Tory Humphrey could've won the starting tight end job last summer had he not suffered a season-ending knee injury. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers learned from soldiers on a trip to Fairbanks, Alaska in March.
The Minnesota Vikings roster overhaul has given the players and coaches an air of confidence, writes Sid Hartman.
Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Mike Williams has lost 30 pounds in an attempt to salvage his once-promising NFL career.
Jay Mariotti of the Chicago Sun-Times writes that by keeping Cedric Benson, the Chicago Bears are courting trouble.
Even if he's unhappy with his contract, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia plans to fulfill it.
New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson thinks the city of New Orleans will be awarded the 2013 Super Bowl. Saints defensive end Charles Grant's ultimate goal in this situation (being charged with involuntary manslaughter) is to make sure "another kid, in this business I'm in, will not be humiliated in this situation because of who they are and what they work for".
Considering the variables, it's unrealistic that a Jason Taylor trade to the San Francisco 49ers would work.
St. Louis Rams offensive linemen Brett Romberg and Mark Setterstrom will battle this summer for the starting center job.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Dolphins' Porter Speaks Out on Spygate
Former Pittsburgh Steelers and current Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter, who has a long history of being shy and reserved when it comes to publicly commenting on matters with the press, shared his thoughts on Spygate during an interview with ESPN yesterday.
They cheated," Porter said. "I feel like there should be an asterisk on it, just because [disgraced track star] Marion Jones, she gets caught, they take the gold medals back. Obviously, they got caught."
Porter took the manner in which the NFL destroyed the evidence as a sign that the NFL was covering up.
"If it wasn't that bad, why would you destroy the evidence?" Porter said. "If Tom Brady wasn't getting help out of it, then why would you do it every week? And everyone wants to wonder how these guys just went from zero to 60 overnight."
Only 120 days until Porter's Dolphins travel to Gillette Stadium to face the Patriots in a Week 3 AFC East match-up.
In other Spygate news, Mike Kils of the Denver Post writes that due to the secretive nature of the Denver Broncos, it's no surprise that the Patriots are 1-5 against them since 2001.
NFL News and Notes
The New York Jets are depending on Kris Jenkins to make the transition to nose tackle and to keep his weight in check. Jets running back Thomas Jones is excited about the additions to the offensive line.
Dolphins sixth-round pick Donald Thomas agreed to a multi-year contract.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden will have to beat out Deshea Townshend for a starting job.
The Cleveland Browns were always thinking of bringing 33-year old cornerback Terry Cousin in for a visit, even before Davin Holly was injured on Tuesday.
The Baltimore Ravens deny they've been talking to the Dolphins about acquiring Jason Taylor.
Jacksonville Jaguars third-year defensive end James Wyche is looking to prove that he can be a part of the defense.
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Paul Williams learned last year that he was nowhere near as good as he thought he was.
Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune cites sources who say that the San Diego Chargers have no interest in Jason Taylor.
Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin isn't a rookie anymore, and shouldn't be expected to act like one.
Suspended Dallas Cowboys cornerback Pacman Jones repaid his $20,000 debt to a Las Vegas casino.
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Jack Iwegwuonu considers himself fortunate to be in the position he's currently in.
The nine remaining members of the Green Bay Packers who ended the season on IR are eager to return to the field.
Former Minnesota Vikings first-round defensive end Erasmus James was waived on Friday.
Detroit Lions cornerback Leigh Bodden is an ideal fit for the Tampa Two defense.
Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson was fined $510 for a speeding incident last month.
Atlanta councilman Jim Maddox wants to add a $1 surcharge to tickets for professional sporting events.
The Seattle Seahawks will be one of sixteen teams to get an international player as part of the NFL's International Practice Squad program.
Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat examines the San Francisco 49ers coaching dynamic, and passes along word that the 49ers plan on using rookie Chilo Rachal at right tackle during the upcoming OTA's.
They cheated," Porter said. "I feel like there should be an asterisk on it, just because [disgraced track star] Marion Jones, she gets caught, they take the gold medals back. Obviously, they got caught."
Porter took the manner in which the NFL destroyed the evidence as a sign that the NFL was covering up.
"If it wasn't that bad, why would you destroy the evidence?" Porter said. "If Tom Brady wasn't getting help out of it, then why would you do it every week? And everyone wants to wonder how these guys just went from zero to 60 overnight."
Only 120 days until Porter's Dolphins travel to Gillette Stadium to face the Patriots in a Week 3 AFC East match-up.
In other Spygate news, Mike Kils of the Denver Post writes that due to the secretive nature of the Denver Broncos, it's no surprise that the Patriots are 1-5 against them since 2001.
NFL News and Notes
The New York Jets are depending on Kris Jenkins to make the transition to nose tackle and to keep his weight in check. Jets running back Thomas Jones is excited about the additions to the offensive line.
Dolphins sixth-round pick Donald Thomas agreed to a multi-year contract.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden will have to beat out Deshea Townshend for a starting job.
The Cleveland Browns were always thinking of bringing 33-year old cornerback Terry Cousin in for a visit, even before Davin Holly was injured on Tuesday.
The Baltimore Ravens deny they've been talking to the Dolphins about acquiring Jason Taylor.
Jacksonville Jaguars third-year defensive end James Wyche is looking to prove that he can be a part of the defense.
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Paul Williams learned last year that he was nowhere near as good as he thought he was.
Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune cites sources who say that the San Diego Chargers have no interest in Jason Taylor.
Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin isn't a rookie anymore, and shouldn't be expected to act like one.
Suspended Dallas Cowboys cornerback Pacman Jones repaid his $20,000 debt to a Las Vegas casino.
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Jack Iwegwuonu considers himself fortunate to be in the position he's currently in.
The nine remaining members of the Green Bay Packers who ended the season on IR are eager to return to the field.
Former Minnesota Vikings first-round defensive end Erasmus James was waived on Friday.
Detroit Lions cornerback Leigh Bodden is an ideal fit for the Tampa Two defense.
Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson was fined $510 for a speeding incident last month.
Atlanta councilman Jim Maddox wants to add a $1 surcharge to tickets for professional sporting events.
The Seattle Seahawks will be one of sixteen teams to get an international player as part of the NFL's International Practice Squad program.
Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat examines the San Francisco 49ers coaching dynamic, and passes along word that the 49ers plan on using rookie Chilo Rachal at right tackle during the upcoming OTA's.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Former Patriots Alleges More Rules Violations
Former New England Patriots offensive lineman Ross Tucker backed up the allegations made by former Patriots video assistant Matt Walsh that New England violated league rules by using practicing players who are placed on injured reserve.
"I had heard the Patriots did this before I signed with them in 2005 and I saw it firsthand during my time there. I asked veteran receiver Troy Brown about it one time and he responded, 'Every team in the league does that.' I quickly let him know none of the three teams I played for previously had done so."
For the record, how many other teams has Troy Brown played for? None.
Unlike the Spygate issue, there is no debate that anyone could "misinterpret" this rule, or deny that a team would gain an advantage by violating it. Since players on IR are frequently healthy enough to practice before the season ends, using late season practices to develop players on IR, and to also give veterans a break, creates an advantage in both the short and long-term.
Unless you're a fan of passing out, don't hold your breath waiting for the league to look too deeply into this.
NFL News and Notes
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick will be inducted into the Wesleyan University Hall of Fame this weekend.
Buffalo Bills season-ticket sales are the highest they've been in 15 years.
New York Jets head coach Eric Mangini is impressed with first-round tight end Dustin Keller's speed. Jets guard Alan Faneca wants to be "the rock" between D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold.
Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter doesn't think he was used effectively in the Dolphins' 4-3 scheme last year.
As he attempts to replace Alan Faneca, Pittsburgh Steelers guard Chris Kemoeatu knows he has some big shoes to fill.
Losing cornerback Davin Holly is a big blow to the Cleveland Browns, writes Tony Grossi. The Browns have signed veteran cornerback Terry Cousin.
Cincinnati Bengals kicker Shayne Graham is selling Matt Maupin memorial dog tags to benefit the Yellow Ribbon Supper Center and Fallen Heroes.
After finishing his rookie season on IR, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver John Broussard is trying to knock the rust off during the team's OTA's this week. Jaguars defensive backs coach Donnie Henderson believes in yelling.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young apologized for the photographs of him that surfaced online recently, and added that an athletes private life might not be so private anymore.
Houston Texans defensive end Anthony Weaver wants to prove that he can still rush the passer. Texans owner Bob McNair is still hunting to bring a Super Bowl back to Houston.
The injury to Denver Broncos tight end Tony Scheffler creates a bigger opportunity for back-up tight end Nate Jackson to play. The Broncos have shut defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson down for the remainder of passing camp.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards didn't want Larry Johnson to run on artificial turf, so they held him out of practice on Thursday.
With the release of Stuart Schweigert, Oakland Raiders safety Michael Huff will switch to his more natural free safety position. Jerry McDonald of the ContraCosta Times thinks the Raiders should consider putting a claim on linebacker Odell Thurman. Free agent quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo is heading back to Oakland.
The Dallas Cowboys are encouraged by how ready wide receiver Terry Glenn is. In other Cowboys receivers news, Terrell Owens isn't worried about his contract situation.
The game is slowing down for Philadelphia Eagles second-year quarterback Kevin Kolb. Eagles undrafted rookie quarterback Casey Hansen is used to sticking out in a crowd.
Wide receiver Bill Schroeder, who has been out of football for three years, signed a one-day contract to retire as a Green Bay Packer. The Packers are pleased with how their '07 draft class is improving this off-season.
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield wants to finish his career in Minnesota. Running back Maurice Hicks has been getting the bulk of the work during the Vikings' OTA's this week.
Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli believes he's purged the locker room of players he thought were a bad influence on the team. Despite having no NFL experience, the Lions hired Scott Loeffler to coach their quarterbacks.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Earnest Graham can't win his contract dispute with the team, writes John Romano. Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden was in a yelling mood when his offense wasn't sharp. (Yeah, because he's so serene when they're doing well.)
New Orleans Saints defensive end Charles Grant posted $10,000 bond after turning himself in on involuntary manslaughter charges.
The Carolina Panthers should re-sign Dan Morgan so he can retire as a Panther.
The Atlanta Falcons are not interested in former Georgia Bulldog Odell Thurman, who was released by Cincinnati earlier this week. His Falcons teammates are giving Matt Ryan some playful ribbing about the size of his contract.
Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley will assume the play-calling duties from head coach Ken Whisenhunt this season.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee answered some San Francisco 49ers-related questions yesterday.
The key to the St. Louis Rams offensive success is to get the whole offensive line to play as hard as Richie Incognito, writes Jim Thomas.
"I had heard the Patriots did this before I signed with them in 2005 and I saw it firsthand during my time there. I asked veteran receiver Troy Brown about it one time and he responded, 'Every team in the league does that.' I quickly let him know none of the three teams I played for previously had done so."
For the record, how many other teams has Troy Brown played for? None.
Unlike the Spygate issue, there is no debate that anyone could "misinterpret" this rule, or deny that a team would gain an advantage by violating it. Since players on IR are frequently healthy enough to practice before the season ends, using late season practices to develop players on IR, and to also give veterans a break, creates an advantage in both the short and long-term.
Unless you're a fan of passing out, don't hold your breath waiting for the league to look too deeply into this.
NFL News and Notes
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick will be inducted into the Wesleyan University Hall of Fame this weekend.
Buffalo Bills season-ticket sales are the highest they've been in 15 years.
New York Jets head coach Eric Mangini is impressed with first-round tight end Dustin Keller's speed. Jets guard Alan Faneca wants to be "the rock" between D'Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold.
Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter doesn't think he was used effectively in the Dolphins' 4-3 scheme last year.
As he attempts to replace Alan Faneca, Pittsburgh Steelers guard Chris Kemoeatu knows he has some big shoes to fill.
Losing cornerback Davin Holly is a big blow to the Cleveland Browns, writes Tony Grossi. The Browns have signed veteran cornerback Terry Cousin.
Cincinnati Bengals kicker Shayne Graham is selling Matt Maupin memorial dog tags to benefit the Yellow Ribbon Supper Center and Fallen Heroes.
After finishing his rookie season on IR, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver John Broussard is trying to knock the rust off during the team's OTA's this week. Jaguars defensive backs coach Donnie Henderson believes in yelling.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young apologized for the photographs of him that surfaced online recently, and added that an athletes private life might not be so private anymore.
Houston Texans defensive end Anthony Weaver wants to prove that he can still rush the passer. Texans owner Bob McNair is still hunting to bring a Super Bowl back to Houston.
The injury to Denver Broncos tight end Tony Scheffler creates a bigger opportunity for back-up tight end Nate Jackson to play. The Broncos have shut defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson down for the remainder of passing camp.
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards didn't want Larry Johnson to run on artificial turf, so they held him out of practice on Thursday.
With the release of Stuart Schweigert, Oakland Raiders safety Michael Huff will switch to his more natural free safety position. Jerry McDonald of the ContraCosta Times thinks the Raiders should consider putting a claim on linebacker Odell Thurman. Free agent quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo is heading back to Oakland.
The Dallas Cowboys are encouraged by how ready wide receiver Terry Glenn is. In other Cowboys receivers news, Terrell Owens isn't worried about his contract situation.
The game is slowing down for Philadelphia Eagles second-year quarterback Kevin Kolb. Eagles undrafted rookie quarterback Casey Hansen is used to sticking out in a crowd.
Wide receiver Bill Schroeder, who has been out of football for three years, signed a one-day contract to retire as a Green Bay Packer. The Packers are pleased with how their '07 draft class is improving this off-season.
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Antoine Winfield wants to finish his career in Minnesota. Running back Maurice Hicks has been getting the bulk of the work during the Vikings' OTA's this week.
Detroit Lions head coach Rod Marinelli believes he's purged the locker room of players he thought were a bad influence on the team. Despite having no NFL experience, the Lions hired Scott Loeffler to coach their quarterbacks.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Earnest Graham can't win his contract dispute with the team, writes John Romano. Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden was in a yelling mood when his offense wasn't sharp. (Yeah, because he's so serene when they're doing well.)
New Orleans Saints defensive end Charles Grant posted $10,000 bond after turning himself in on involuntary manslaughter charges.
The Carolina Panthers should re-sign Dan Morgan so he can retire as a Panther.
The Atlanta Falcons are not interested in former Georgia Bulldog Odell Thurman, who was released by Cincinnati earlier this week. His Falcons teammates are giving Matt Ryan some playful ribbing about the size of his contract.
Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley will assume the play-calling duties from head coach Ken Whisenhunt this season.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee answered some San Francisco 49ers-related questions yesterday.
The key to the St. Louis Rams offensive success is to get the whole offensive line to play as hard as Richie Incognito, writes Jim Thomas.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Aaron Rodgers Is Doing Things Differently
More than 30 Green Bay Packers players were expected at quarterback Aaron Rodgers' house last night to play some pool, video games and generally just bond as a team.
To those who've been around the Packers in recent years, this represents a departure for how things were when "you know who" was there.
As Greg Bedard writes: "Rodgers said he's just being himself in respect to the off-season gatherings. But it's easy to see that Rodgers' living room is where Favre's reign ends and the Rodgers era - whatever it will ultimately be - has begun."
And later:
"Team pizza parties were never Favre's kind of thing, and that's not necessarily bad. Some players are rah-rah team players. Others prefer to do their job and let the rest take care of itself.
"It was a different situation," said Rodgers, who has traded voicemails with Favre since his retirement. "(Favre) was 36, I was 21. We were 15 years apart. I'm 24 and these guys are 22 so as far as age goes, there's a little more connection there. But I'm just doing things the way I've always done them."
Another area the two situations are different is that Favre knew he wouldn't be pulled for Rodgers during the latter's rookie season.
Despite the assertions by Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson that he's "the guy", with the highly touted Brian Brohm on the roster, and only 59 pass attempts on his resume, Rodgers won't be afforded the same slack Favre received when he struggled in 2005 because the Packers are expected to make a return trip to the playoffs this year.
NFL News and Notes
Albert Breer of the Dallas Morning News writes that when the Dallas Cowboys entered free agency, running back and cornerback were the shakiest positions on the roster. After reaching contracts with Terence Newman and Marion Barber, they're now the healthiest positions on the roster. Suspended Cowboys cornerback Pacman Jones passed his physical.
New York Giants guard Chris Snee, who is married to head coach Tom Coughlin's daughter, would like a new long-term contract from the team, but isn't going to skip the team's voluntary off-season workout program.
Former Washington Redskins players Art Monk and Darrell Green will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame by their only sons.
How did Philadelphia Eagles rookie Andy Studebaker, a linebacker from Division III Wheaton College (Ill.) who missed half of his senior season with a Lisfranc fracture in his right foot, become a 6th round draft pick? A solid Pro Day workout 8 days before the draft and YouTube. Eagles general manager Tom Heckert disputes the notion that running backs Lorenzo Booker and Tony Hunt are competing for the same roster spot. While growing up in a Minneapolis suburb, Eagles rookie defensive tackle Trevor Laws tried to emulate John Randle, right down to the face paint.
In Lori Nickels' Packers notebook, offensive linemen Daryn Colledge and Allen Barbre are rotating at left guard, injuries continue to plague 2007 first-round pick Justin Harrell, and Ryan Grant comments on long-term contract talks.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson has had the swagger of a starter during the team's OTA's this week. After missing the first two days of the team's OTA's (due to the NCAA's archaic rules), Vikings brothers/linebackers E.J. and Erin Henderson were on the field together. As a repeat offender, Vikings left tackle Bryant McKinnie faces a suspension this season.
From the sounds of it, Detroit Lions quarterback Drew Stanton is starting from square one this off-season. (Kudos to Mike Martz!)
Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson appears to be aware that his career is at a crossroads, writes David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune. At the bottom of this Tribune article about Benson, there's word that Bears wide receiver Mark Bradley had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and is questionable for the start of training camp.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Kevin Carter has quarterback Jeff Garcia's back. Buccaneers wide receiver Michael Clayton wants a genuine opportunity to have an increased role in the offense.
New Orleans Saints defensive end Charles Grant, indicted for involuntary manslaughter on Tuesday, practiced on Wednesday before heading to Georgia to turn himself in. Saints head coach Sean Payton addressed the media on Wednesday.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Jamaal Anderson is committed to helping the deaf community. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Terence Moore still insists the Falcons made a mistake in drafting Matt Ryan, who must now prove that the Falcons were justified in drafting him and paying him that much money.
Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune isn't buying the notion that NFL owners aren't making enough money.
After struggling at cornerback for three years, Arizona Cardinals defensive back Antrell Rolle will play free safety in the base defense and cornerback in nickel situations. Steve Breaston could move into the #3 wide receiver role this season.
San Francisco 49ers defensive linemen Ron Fields and Isaac Sopoaga are switching positions to maximize their strengths.
Bernie Miklasz spoke to St. Louis Rams owner Chip Rosenbloom about the rumors of a possible sale, and shares what he thinks he knows based on their discussion.
New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker uses soccer as part of his training regimen, and it's even rubbed off on Randy Moss.
Buffalo Bills All-Pro left tackle Jason Peters has outperformed the contract extension he signed in 2006, writes Mark Gaughan.
The Jason Taylor-Miami Dolphins issue is getting ugly, writes Ethan Skolnick.
Pittsburgh Steelers first-round running back Rashard Mendenhall practiced with the team for the first time since straining his hamstring earlier this month. Members of the Steelers and Pirates have caught Penguins Phever this Spring.
With Daven Holly likely out for the season after injuring his knee during the OTA's, Cleveland Browns general manager Phil Savage will be looking for a veteran free agent cornerback, preferably one who can be one of their top three.
Courtesy of head coach Marvin Lewis, each player on the Cincinnati Bengals
To those who've been around the Packers in recent years, this represents a departure for how things were when "you know who" was there.
As Greg Bedard writes: "Rodgers said he's just being himself in respect to the off-season gatherings. But it's easy to see that Rodgers' living room is where Favre's reign ends and the Rodgers era - whatever it will ultimately be - has begun."
And later:
"Team pizza parties were never Favre's kind of thing, and that's not necessarily bad. Some players are rah-rah team players. Others prefer to do their job and let the rest take care of itself.
But it's no secret that Favre, at least later in his career, didn't do a lot of off-field bonding with his teammates, especially Rodgers. The two had a distant relationship - at best - after Rodgers was taken in the first round of the 2005 draft."
Rodgers is determined to take a different approach with rookies Brian Brohm and Matt Flynn, but acknowledges that the two situations are quite different."It was a different situation," said Rodgers, who has traded voicemails with Favre since his retirement. "(Favre) was 36, I was 21. We were 15 years apart. I'm 24 and these guys are 22 so as far as age goes, there's a little more connection there. But I'm just doing things the way I've always done them."
Another area the two situations are different is that Favre knew he wouldn't be pulled for Rodgers during the latter's rookie season.
Despite the assertions by Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson that he's "the guy", with the highly touted Brian Brohm on the roster, and only 59 pass attempts on his resume, Rodgers won't be afforded the same slack Favre received when he struggled in 2005 because the Packers are expected to make a return trip to the playoffs this year.
NFL News and Notes
Albert Breer of the Dallas Morning News writes that when the Dallas Cowboys entered free agency, running back and cornerback were the shakiest positions on the roster. After reaching contracts with Terence Newman and Marion Barber, they're now the healthiest positions on the roster. Suspended Cowboys cornerback Pacman Jones passed his physical.
New York Giants guard Chris Snee, who is married to head coach Tom Coughlin's daughter, would like a new long-term contract from the team, but isn't going to skip the team's voluntary off-season workout program.
Former Washington Redskins players Art Monk and Darrell Green will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame by their only sons.
How did Philadelphia Eagles rookie Andy Studebaker, a linebacker from Division III Wheaton College (Ill.) who missed half of his senior season with a Lisfranc fracture in his right foot, become a 6th round draft pick? A solid Pro Day workout 8 days before the draft and YouTube. Eagles general manager Tom Heckert disputes the notion that running backs Lorenzo Booker and Tony Hunt are competing for the same roster spot. While growing up in a Minneapolis suburb, Eagles rookie defensive tackle Trevor Laws tried to emulate John Randle, right down to the face paint.
In Lori Nickels' Packers notebook, offensive linemen Daryn Colledge and Allen Barbre are rotating at left guard, injuries continue to plague 2007 first-round pick Justin Harrell, and Ryan Grant comments on long-term contract talks.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson has had the swagger of a starter during the team's OTA's this week. After missing the first two days of the team's OTA's (due to the NCAA's archaic rules), Vikings brothers/linebackers E.J. and Erin Henderson were on the field together. As a repeat offender, Vikings left tackle Bryant McKinnie faces a suspension this season.
From the sounds of it, Detroit Lions quarterback Drew Stanton is starting from square one this off-season. (Kudos to Mike Martz!)
Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson appears to be aware that his career is at a crossroads, writes David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune. At the bottom of this Tribune article about Benson, there's word that Bears wide receiver Mark Bradley had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee and is questionable for the start of training camp.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Kevin Carter has quarterback Jeff Garcia's back. Buccaneers wide receiver Michael Clayton wants a genuine opportunity to have an increased role in the offense.
New Orleans Saints defensive end Charles Grant, indicted for involuntary manslaughter on Tuesday, practiced on Wednesday before heading to Georgia to turn himself in. Saints head coach Sean Payton addressed the media on Wednesday.
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Jamaal Anderson is committed to helping the deaf community. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Terence Moore still insists the Falcons made a mistake in drafting Matt Ryan, who must now prove that the Falcons were justified in drafting him and paying him that much money.
Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune isn't buying the notion that NFL owners aren't making enough money.
After struggling at cornerback for three years, Arizona Cardinals defensive back Antrell Rolle will play free safety in the base defense and cornerback in nickel situations. Steve Breaston could move into the #3 wide receiver role this season.
San Francisco 49ers defensive linemen Ron Fields and Isaac Sopoaga are switching positions to maximize their strengths.
Bernie Miklasz spoke to St. Louis Rams owner Chip Rosenbloom about the rumors of a possible sale, and shares what he thinks he knows based on their discussion.
New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker uses soccer as part of his training regimen, and it's even rubbed off on Randy Moss.
Buffalo Bills All-Pro left tackle Jason Peters has outperformed the contract extension he signed in 2006, writes Mark Gaughan.
The Jason Taylor-Miami Dolphins issue is getting ugly, writes Ethan Skolnick.
Pittsburgh Steelers first-round running back Rashard Mendenhall practiced with the team for the first time since straining his hamstring earlier this month. Members of the Steelers and Pirates have caught Penguins Phever this Spring.
With Daven Holly likely out for the season after injuring his knee during the OTA's, Cleveland Browns general manager Phil Savage will be looking for a veteran free agent cornerback, preferably one who can be one of their top three.
Courtesy of head coach Marvin Lewis, each player on the Cincinnati Bengals