Around the NFL - January 31st, 2009

As you read this, 50 football writers are gathered in a conference room, making presentations and discussing and debating each of the 17 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The announcement will be made at 2:30pm ET today, but if I were naming the 2009 Hall of Fame class, here's who'd be making a tear-filled speech on a hot, muggy night in Canton, Ohio this August:

CB/S - Rod Woodson
LB - Derrick Thomas
DE - Bruce Smith
DT - Cortez Kennedy
OG - Russ Grimm
DE - Claude Humphrey

Super Bowl News and Notes

Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner's wife Brenda discussed the traumatic events that filled their time in New York five years ago.

When it comes to coaching, Cardinals offensive coordinator Todd Haley has the right stuff.

Regardless of the outcome tomorrow, Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner belongs in the Hall of Fame, writes Bernie Miklasz.

Within Kent Somers' Cardinals notebook in The Arizona Republic, Ken Whisenhunt expects a pro-Steelers crowd and isn't sure how much he needs to say to his team on Sunday.

Former Cardinals quarterback Jake Plummer played a role in the Cardinals reaching the Super Bowl.

Cardinals rookie cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromarties is keeping his focus on the game.

X's and O's Matchup: James Farrior vs. Edgerrin James.

Steelers rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall has been back among his teammates this week.

Steelers owner Dan Rooney says that Mike Tomlin wasn't a Rooney Rule candidate.

The Steelers defense wants to be remembered as one of the greatest defenses of all time.

Dick LeBeau has been avoided by the Hall of Fame, but the Cardinals won't be so lucky.

Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians will be bold in his play-calling on Sunday.

Pro Football Hall of Fame News and Notes

Bob Hayes' induction into the Hall of Fame is long overdue, writes Jean-Jacques Taylor. Richard Justice of the Houston Chronicle agrees that Hayes' Hall of Fame slight needs to end.

Joe Posnanski of the Kansas City Star think it's ludicrous that Derrick Thomas isn't in the Hall of Fame.

Russ Grimm is more concerned with how his offensive line will play on Sunday than he is about today's Hall of Fame vote.

Former Atlanta Falcons defensive end Claude Humphrey expects to get the call from the Hall of Fame today.

Sackmasters highlight this year's Hall of Fame finalists.

Cornerback Rod Woodson and tight end Shannon Sharpe could be the first ex-Ravens to make the Hall.

Woodson is practically a lock to make the Hall of Fame today.

Sharpe could be the third Bronco to make the Hall, and the second in as many years.

NFL News and Notes

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the current Collective Bargaining Agreement is causing his bosses economic hardship and they want to renegotiate it.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Roy Williams says their offense was easy for opponents to figure out.

Goodell said New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress is not a repeat offender under the league's personal conduct policy.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson is the reason Brian Dawkins has wanted to play his entire career with the Eagles.

Chicago Bears quarterback Kyle Orton isn't bothered by general manager Jerry Angelo's assessment of the team's quarterback position.

ESPN's Mel Kiper has the Bears choosing LSU defensive end Tyson Jackson with the 18th pick.

Few fans remember who the Detroit Lions fired to make Matt Millen their President and CEO. It was Ron Hughes, who is now the Pittsburgh Steelers' college scouting coordinator.

The St. Louis Rams hired a new chief negotiator.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Singletary and offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye see eye-to-eye, writes John Crumpacker.

Raye brings the style of offense that Singletary wants.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady wants to play until he's 40.

Patriots safety Rodney Harrison is learning towards retirement, but left the door open to return next season.

The goal of regionalizing the Buffalo Bills was successful, according to Goodell.

Goodell also said that moving next year's Pro Bowl to Miami and a week before the Super Bowl is meant to increase interest in both games.

Miami Dolphins vice president of football operations is staying to finish the job.

The Tennessee Titans are raising ticket prices in 2009.

Denver Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler is tired of not playing in the post-season.

San Diego Chargers running back Darren Sproles is going to test the free agent market.