Former Lions O-Lineman Gordy Dead

John Gordy, a former offensive lineman for the Detroit Lions and University of Tennessee who helped form the NFL Players' Association, died Friday after a long battle with Cancer. He was 73.

The Lions picked him in the second round of the 1957 draft, and the rookie starter helped the team win the NFL championship, the last time Detroit claimed the league title.

"All of us who knew John Gordy and were teammates and colleagues are very deeply saddened by his passing," said former UT coach Johnny Majors, who played tailback and was alternate captain the year Gordy was captain. "He was a great friend to many, was outgoing and an outstanding leader of our football team."

Gordy served as president and executive director of the NFL Players' Association and was instrumental in negotiating the first collective bargaining agreement in major professional sports.

Hall of Fame Class of 2009 Announced

Wide receiver Bob Hayes, guard Randall McDaniel, defensive end Bruce Smith, linebacker Derrick Thomas, owner Ralph Wilson, and defensive back Rod Woodson make up the Class of 2009 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinees.

The 2009 class will increase to 253 the number of all-time greats permanently honored in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Enshrinement of the Class of 2009 will take place at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, on Saturday, August 8, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. ET. The Enshrinement Ceremony will be televised live by both ESPN and the NFL Network.

Here is a small bio on each of the new enshrinees.

Bob Hayes
Wide Receiver 5-11, 185 Florida A&M.
Born December 20, 1942 in Jacksonville, Florida - Died September 18, 2002, at age of 59.

• 1965-1974 Dallas Cowboys, 1975 San Francisco 49ers.
• 11 seasons, 132 games.
• Selected as a future pick by Cowboys, seventh round, 1964 NFL Draft (88th player overall) and future choice by Denver, 14th round (105th player overall) 1964 AFL Draft.
• Won a pair of gold medals in the 1964 Olympic Games earning him the title “World’s Fastest Human”.
• As a rookie, his 46 receptions for 1,003 yards led all Cowboys receivers.
• His world class speed was major factor in Cowboys offensive successes.
• “Bullet Bob” terrorized defensive backs and demanded deep double coverage rarely seen in the NFL at that time.
• Often said that bump and run defense was developed to slow him down.
• Used his speed “in a football sense,” rather than just trying to run fast.
• Four times was named first- or second-team All-NFL.
• Three times led the Cowboys in receptions, including back-to-back titles in 1965-66 when he caught a total of 110 passes for more than 2,200 yards and 25 touchdowns.
• For 11-year career, Hayes accumulated 7,414 yards and 71 touchdowns.
• His 71 career touchdown receptions remain a Cowboys’ club record.

Randall McDaniel:
Guard 6-3, 276 Arizona State
Born December 19, 1964 in Phoenix, Arizona

• 1988-1999 Minnesota Vikings, 2000-01 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
• 14 seasons, 222 games. Selected by the Vikings in first round (19th player overall) of 1988 NFL Draft.
• Played in all 16 games as rookie, starting 15. Earned All-Rookie honors.
• Started in 13 consecutive playoff games with the Vikings.
• Started in 202 consecutive games before retiring.
• Possessed uncanny ability to either finesse block or overpower opponents.
• Led Vikings offensive line that held opponents to a sack every 22.7 attempts (1994), and every 21.3 attempts in 1998.
• Blocked for six 1,000-yard rushers and five 3,000-yard passers during career .
• With McDaniel leading the offensive line, team captured NFC Central Division titles in 1989, 1992, 1994, and 1998.
• Anchored offensive line of explosive Vikings team that led league with then-record 556 points in 1998.
• Named All-Pro nine consecutive times (1990-98).
• Selected to play in a record 12 consecutive AFC-NFC Pro Bowls (1990-2001).
  

Bruce Smith
Defensive End. 6-4, 280. Virginia Tech
Born June 18, 1963 in Norfolk, Virginia.

• 1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000-03 Washington Redskins.
• 19 playing seasons, 279 games.
• Bills’ first-round draft pick (1st player overall), 1985 NFL Draft.
• All-America choice at Virginia Tech.
• Considered one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history.
• Known as fierce pass rusher who possessed tremendous strength.
• His 200 career sacks is NFL all-time record.
• Recorded 10 or more sacks in an NFL record 13 seasons.
• Most consider 1990 as his finest single season during which he recorded 19 sacks, including four against Colts QB Jeff George in the first 20 minutes of a Week 14 game and sacked Giants QB Jeff Hostetler for a safety in Super Bowl XXV.
• Was a dominant part of Bills championship teams that between 1988-1995 won six AFC Eastern Division crowns (1988-1991, 1993, 1995) and four AFC championships (1990-93)
• Named NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 1990 and 1996.
• Named to the NFL’s All Decade Teams of the 1980s and 1990s
• Named first- or second-team All-Pro 11 times and selected to play in 11 Pro Bowls (1988-1991, 1993-99).

Derrick Thomas
Linebacker. 6-3, 243. Alabama.
Born January 1, 1967 in Miami, Florida - Died February 8, 2000, at age of 33.

• 1989-1999 Kansas City Chiefs.
• 11 seasons, 169 games.
• Selected in the first round (4th player overall) in 1989 NFL Draft.
• Consensus All-America.
• Amassed 10 sacks and 75 tackles to earn Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
• In 1990 recorded league-leading and team record 20 sacks; including NFL record seven sacks in game vs. Seahawks.
• Also recorded six forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, 63 tackles, five pass deflections, 35 quarterback pressures.
• Named to nine Pro Bowls.
• No player amassed more sacks during 1990s than 116.5 by Thomas.
• Finished career with 126.5 sacks; fourth highest total by linebacker in NFL history at the time.
• Had 10 or more sacks in a season seven times; recorded multi-sack games 27 times.
• Forced 45 fumbles, had 19 fumble recoveries, scored four touchdowns on fumble returns and added three safeties during career.
• Lone interception came in final season.
• Member of NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1990s.
• All-NFL three times.
• Named first-team All-AFC seven times during eight-year stretch (1989-1996)
• In 11 years Thomas anchored defense, Chiefs finished first or second in AFC West ten times, made seven playoff appearances, won three division titles.

Ralph Wilson, Jr.
Founder/Owner. . .Virginia, Michigan. . .1960-present Buffalo Bills
Born October 17, 1918 in Columbus, Ohio.

• One of original founders of American Football League, Wilson formed Buffalo Bills in 1959. .
• During tenure as team owner, Bills won AFL Championships in 1964 and 1965, AFC titles in 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1993 on way to unprecedented four consecutive appearances in Super Bowls XXV, XXVI, XXVII, and XXVIII.
• Bills 103 regular season wins, second most in NFL during 1990s.
• Helped lead AFL through early years making tough decisions that were necessary for league’s survival.
• Began talks with Carroll Rosenbloom, then owner of NFL’s Colts in January 1965, that eventually resulted in AFL-NFL merger.
• Considered “voice of reason,” Wilson served as President of AFL, was on AFL’s Expansion Committee and AFL-NFL Negotiations Committee.
• Was prominent in 1977 negotiations between NFL Management Council and NFL Players Association.
• Has served as Chairman of NFL Pension Committee, Labor Committee, Super Bowl Site Committee, NFL Expansion Committee, NFL Realignment Committee.

Rod Woodson
Cornerback/Safety. . .6-0, 200. . .Purdue
Born March 10, 1965, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

• 1987-1996 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1997 San Francisco 49ers, 1998-2001 Baltimore Ravens, 2002-03 Oakland Raiders.
• 17 playing seasons, 238 games with 229 starts.
• Steelers first-round draft pick (10th player overall), 1987 NFL Draft.
• First-team All-America at Purdue.
• First interception of pro career resulted in 45-yard touchdown return.
• From 1991-94 recorded 12 sacks and 19 interceptions, returning three for TDs.
• In 1995 suffered serious knee injury with recovery time projected to be six to 12 months.
• Returned to action in just four months and played in Super Bowl XXX.
• Member of NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team and NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s.
• NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 1993.
• Intercepted 71 passes in career; third on NFL all-time list.
• Is NFL’s all-time leader in interception return yardage (1,483).
• Holds NFL record for most interceptions returned for TDs (12)
• Six-time first-team All-Pro choice (1989, 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 2001).
• Earned All-Pro honors as cornerback, kick returner, safety.
• Chosen to play in 11 Pro Bowls – seven with Steelers, three with Ravens, and one with Raiders.

Tuna Will Swim with the Dolphins in 2009

In an interview Friday with ESPN, Dolphins executive vice president of football operations Bill Parcells said he is committed to staying with the team for the 2009 season.

''I'm going to be with Miami until I feel that the team is in position and [general manager Jeff Ireland and coach Tony Sparano] have enough experience that they can handle it,'' Parcells said

Parcells helped the Dolphins, who were 1-15 in 2007 before he arrived, earn a record of 11-5 and a playoff berth in just one season. But Bill is not yet satisfied, saying that yes the record improved but they still lost in the first round of the playoffs. "We have a lot to do in Miami. We need a lot more guys.''

Tillman to be Honoured by NFL at Super Bowl

As of a few days ago, the NFL did not have anything planned at the Super Bowl to honor the memory of former Cardinals safety Pat Tillman, who was killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in 2004.

Now there will be a video tribute to Tillman shown in the stadium Sunday night. Tillman's wife, Marie, will be the guest of Cardinals owner Bill Bidwell at the game. She was commissioner Roger Goodell's guest at the Super Bowl in Pheonix last year.

Ronde Barber Thinks Change Might Be Good

Buccaneers CB Ronde Barber, a 12 year veteran, will surely miss the only defensive coordinator of his pro football career but acknowledges that change might be a good thing.

"He did a lot of great things for our defense for 12 years. But 12 years of the same thing - people start figuring you out. That's not to say our defense wasn't innovative or that we didn't get things done. We were very consistent. But for me personally, it's almost like I'm changing teams now."

Barber expects the Bucs defense to be more aggressive under Jim Bates. Saying they will take more chances, chances that will hopefully lead to more "splash" plays that former head coach Jon Gruden was so fond of.

Ronde is unaware of what his new role in the defense will be but says guys like safety Tanard Jackson will thrive in this defense. Bates is most likely to employ a "quarters" scheme. The difference is that the field is divided into four zones, or quarters, instead of two halves.

McNabb: I Want to be Back in Philly

Following teammate Brian Dawkins, who said earlier in the week he wants to resign with Philadelphia. Eagles QB Donovan McNabb who had an up and down season, in which he was benched at halftime against Baltimore but then brought his team to the NFC Championship game, reiterated this week that he too would like to return to Philly.

"I want things to get taken care of, and then I won't have to answer whether I'll be back the next year. I've had to answer 20 weeks this year about coming back and last year as well. It's tiresome, but I'd rather have people asking me every year than be somewhere else. I want to be in Philly."

During a discussion with Philadelphia-area reporters, McNabb addressed a number of issues, but he knew the conversation would eventually turn to his desire to speak with Reid and Banner. Asked if he wanted a meeting to discuss a new contract, he couldn't have been any blunter.

"Everyone knows that," McNabb said. "You guys know it, and you've talked about it. We'll just leave it behind closed doors."

McNabb, who is signed through 2010, is scheduled to make $9.2 million next season and $10 million in the final year of his deal. Fletcher Smith, the agent for McNabb, said he has not yet broached the subject with the Eagles.

Sproles Will Test the Market

Chargers RB Darren Sproles who will becaome a free agent on Feb. 27, said he would like to remain in San Diego but will test the market first.

“I'm going to test it,” Darren Sproles said. “It makes sense. But I like where I'm at. I want to stay a Charger.”

Sproles was at the Super Bowl media center Friday doing interview after interview during a tour of radio row. He hired a marketing company recently that brought him there, essentially, to help him become more comfortable in such situations. He feels it will be important to gain comfortability with the media as his profile rises.

The Chargers plan to make a contract offer to Sproles that would reflect him being a returner and specialty back. Their plan would be to use him in a role that expanded on what he did last season, when he set career highs with 61 carries for 330 yards and 29 receptions for 342 yards and five touchdowns.

Simeon Rice: Jon Gruden is 'a scumbag'

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Simeon Rice called Jon Gruden "a scumbag" in a Tuesday interview with Sirius NFL Radio. Rice, a 34-year-old free agent, had a lot to say to "Movin' The Chains" radio hosts Pat Kirwan and Tim Ryan.

The following quotes are courtesy of ProFootballTalk.com editor and Sporting News contributor Mike Florio.

"You look at what he did when Chris [Simms] damn near died on the field; he wanted to release him right when he got injured. I get hurt, my shoulder's torn off the bone. This dude releases me. You know what I mean? I'm your guy. The list goes on. Keenan McCardell, that situation was a debacle. Keyshawn Johnson, another situation [that] was a debacle. Joey Galloway, which was his man, was in the dog house all year because he got injured, broke his ankle or whatever. Brad Johnson, that situation was bad. Brings Jeff Garcia in here, oh, he's going to change things. I helped recruit him [and he] released me, kept Jeff and then put him in the dog house. Gets rid of Brian Griese, brings him, starts a controversy. It was chaotic. I'm giving you facts. How I feel personally? I could tell you that, too. I think he's a scumbag. I think he's a scumbag personally. ... You know what he told me? 'Simeon you'll be here in the next five years.' I got injured [and] this man's never said one word to me. I won a Super Bowl for you. I got 13 sacks, 12, 15 every year for you. I balled. I got injured [and] you let me go like it was nothing."

(Update) Simeon Rice is at it again, blasting Jon Gruden telling ESPN that he has "Zero Integrity".

http://video.aol.com/partner/espn/simeon-sounds-off/3870086

Vick Getting Closer to Reinstatement Moving to Halfway House 'Any Day Now'

Lawyers for Michael Vick the Atlanta Falcons QB who has been in prison for his involvement in a dog fighting conspiracy said that Vick will be released to a halfway house "any day now" to serve the remainder of his sentence.

"He's in the process of being released to the halfway house," attorney Paul Campsen told Judge Frank Santoro, who is presiding over Vick's Chapter 11 bankrupcy case, "We expect it to occur any day."

But the U.S. Bureau of Prisons has not given Vick's attorneys a specific date for the move, which Campsen said could occur with only "a day or so" notice.

"We believe he is ultimately going to be reinstated by the NFL," said another Vick bankruptcy attorney, Michael Blumenthal.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has not said whether he will lift Vick's suspension after his release. Vick once was the league's highest-paid player before his indictment and guilty plea left both his finances and his reputation in tatters. He filed for bankruptcy protection in July, claiming assets of $16 million and liabilities of $20.4 million.

Franchise and Transition Tag Numbers Released

The franchise and transition tag numbers have been released for the 2009 season.

The franchise tag number is determined by taking the average of the top 5 players salaries at each position or 120% of the players previous salaray whichever is greater.

The transition tag number is determined by the average of the top 10 players salaries at each position or 120% of the players previous salaray, whichever is greater.

The quarterback franchise number is $14.65 million and the transition figure is $12.44 million.
The wide receiver franchise number is $9.88 million and the transition figure is $8.39 million.
The offensive line franchise number is $8.45 million and the transition figure is $7.74 million.
The running back franchise number is $6.62 million and the transition figure is $5.92 million.
The tight end franchise number is $4.46 million and the transition figure is $4.07 million.
The defensive end franchise number is $8.99 million and the transition figure is $7.78 million.
The defensive tackle franchise number is $6.06 million and the transition figure is $5.45 million.
The linebacker franchise number is $8.3 million and the transition figure is $7.48 million.
The safety franchise number is $6.34 million and the transition figure is $5.13 million.
The cornerback franchise number is $9.96 million and the transition figure is $8.37 million.
And the franchise number for a punter/kicker is $2.48 million and $2.26 million for a transition figure.

AFC News Blitz

January 30, 2009

AFC

• Baltimore Ravens: Pro Bowl MLB Ray Lewis about returning to Baltimore next season: That's between me and God.
• Buffalo Bills: Bills 2nd year RB Lynch is added to Pro Bowl roster.
• Cincinnati Bengals: In order to make the playoffs Marvin Lewis believes his team needs more discipline.
• Cleveland Browns: Free Agent safety Mike Adams wants to remain a Cleveland Brown.
• Denver Broncos: Former Bronco Shannon Sharpe anxiously waiting for Hall Call.
• Houston Texans: Texans WR eager to take next step: Finds Super Bowl stage appealing.
• Indianapolis Colts: New Colts coordinator can't make many personnel changes.
• Jacksonville Jaguars: New Jaguars GM Smith has control over roster.
• Kansas City Chiefs: Former Chiefs QB Steve DeBerg is a quarterback guru
• Miami Dolphins: The NFL Players Association thinks that Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross made a wise investment.
• New York Jets: Jealous Jet Calvin Pace, rooting for his old team.
• New England Patriots: WR Wes Welker thinks that Bill O'Brien is quite the catch.
• Oakland Raiders: Despite denial it seems inevitable, Cable will become next head coach.
• Pittsburgh Steelers: Trophy or not, fans told not to greet returning Steelers at airport.
• San Diego Chargers: Rob Chudzinski to return to Chargers as TE coach and assistant head coach.
• Tennessee Titans: Tians DT Haynesworth not interested in hometown discount.

Drew Brees Wins Award

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who this past year became only the second quarterback in NFL history to throw for 5,000 yards in a season, was named Wednesday as the FedEx Air NFL Player of the Year.

The award was announced this week in Tampa Bay at a news conference at the Tampa Convention Center, the NFL Media Center for Super Bowl XLIII.

As part of the awards, FedEx will donate $25,000 each to the Safe Kids USA chapter in New Orleans Safe Kids is a national non-profit organization that works to prevent accidental injury among children.

“I’m very pleased that $25,000 is going to the Safe Kids program in New Orleans,” said Brees, who was on hand to accept the award. “It’s a tremendous program, one that FedEx has put a lot into.”

Brees was honored after throwing for 5,069 yards — just 15 yards short of Dan Marino’s 24-year-old NFL record — and 34 TDs as the Saints led the league in total yards (6,571) and points (463). Both were club records.

Bentley Opens O-Line Academy

Offensive lineman LeCharles Bentley is hoping his NFL career is not over, he has not been on an NFL Roster since he asked for his release from the Cleveland Browns in June 2008, but has decided to help young offensive line prospects start theirs. Bentley has opened the L. Bentley O-line Academy in Avon, Ohio. Which will be dedicated to enhancing the performance of offensive linemen at the high school, college and pro levels.

"I haven't gotten playing completely out of my mind yet," said Bentley, who hasn't played the past three seasons since suffering a torn patella tendon and subsequent potentially limb- and life-threatening staph infection in the knee. "There's still some interest out there and I'm not going to back myself into a corner and completely retire from it. If the right opportunity comes along, we'll see what happens."

Among other things, the academy will develop high school athletes for their prep and college careers, prepare college athletes for the NFL Scouting Combine and improve technique for the pros. The comprehensive approach will include strength training, Pilates, martial arts, nutrition and on-field position work. Bentley, a St. Ignatius grad, vowed to be hands-on with all of his participants.

"When I came out of Ohio State, I went to a few training facilities to prepare for the Combine, but none of them catered specifically to offensive linemen," he said. "They put all their focus on the quarterbacks and running backs, and for the offensive linemen, it was like 'we'll get to you.' We all felt that way. I've thought about doing something like this ever since then, but I didn't have the time until now."

Eagles DC has Skin Cancer

Philadelphia Eagles' long time defensive coordinator Jim Johnson has been diagnosed with a reccurance of skin cancer, on his spine. Johnson was diagnosed with cancer the first time in 2001 and the new tumor is in the same location on his back. Team trainer Rick Burkholder said Johnson has cancer in other areas but would not specify.

"Who knows where it tracked to from there, but his symptoms came from the spine," Burkholder told The Inquirer. "Now there are some other areas in his body [that have cancer], but I'm not going to get into where else some other stuff is. They will all be treated together. "

Johnson complained of back pain in early January which lead to the team performing an MRI after the Eagles playoff win against the Giants, a game which he coached from the press box. The MRI came back and alerted the doctors to perform further testing, which revealed that the melanoma had returned.

Bucs Tag Jagz as New OC

Tampa Bay Buccaneers have hired former Boston College head coach Jeff Jagodzinski as their new offensive coordinator. Jagodzinski became available when he was fired from Boston College 3 weeks ago for interviwing for a head coaching position in the NFL.

Jagodzinski led Boston College to a pair of bowl appearances and lost twice to Virginia Tech in the ACC title game during his brief stay with the Eagles, where he was responsible for developping 2008 1st rounders Gosder Cherilus and Rookie of the Year QB Matt Ryan.

Jagodzinski has several years of NFL coaching experience including stops in Green Bay and Atlanta.

Jacobs Blames Burress

NY Giants RB Brandon Jacobs who is in tampa this week as a spokesman for Under Armour told reporters today that Plaxico Burress is the reason the Giants are not playing in the Super Bowl.

"If we don't have a lot of the stuff that happened on our football team we come here and we win, easy," said Jacobs, "We come here and we win it. That's why we got to come and get our team back together next year and make that run again."

"If we have Plax on our team we go 15-1 and we win the Super Bowl," Jacobs stated. "I'm not afraid to say that and I'll say it to anybody on any team. We had a different identity with him and we didn't have enough time to try to change our identity to be effective at what we wanted to do, try to play teams differently. Teams I'm not going to say stopped the run but they did a little bit better each week because they were able to have that eighth guy in the box."

Bills RB Lynch to Pro Bowl

Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson has dropped out due to injury so, Buffalo Bills RB Marshawn Lynch will be heading to the pro bowl as his replacement.

Buffalo's 2007 first-round draft pick out of California rushed for 1,036 yards this season and 8 TD's this season in just 15 games. Lynch would have been joining teammate Jason Peters but he also was forced to drop out due to injury.

NFL to Honour Flight 1549 Crew at Super Bowl

The NFL is planning to honour US Airways Pilot Chesley "Sully'' Sullenberger and the crew from Flight 1549 in Tampa Bay this weekend.

Sullenberger, co-pilot Jeffrey B. Skiles and flight attendants Doreen Walsh, Sheila Dail and Donna Dent will be recognized before the start of Sunday's game.

The heroic Sullenberger safely landed a plane Jan. 15 on the Hudson River after both the plane's engines were disabled following a collision with a flock of birds. All 155 passengers and crew members were rescued.

NFL Warns its Fans; Look out for Fake Tickets

It happens every year, a few days before the Super Bowl a round of counterfeit tickets emerge and fans pay big bucks to find out at the gates that their tickets are no good.

To guard against knock-offs, the NFL has placed multi-dimensional holograms on game tickets that show different logos at different angles. Plus, on the back of real tickets is a stadium with a green playing field — the green is a heat-sensitive ink that disappears when heat is applied and reappears when it cools. But even these measures are not foolproof," NFL Senior Counsel Anastasia Danias said. "Counterfeiters can replicate them," she said.

The problems are the same for counterfeit merchandise, where there is usually an influx of these items in the host city and the two competing cities. So far $1.2Million worth of countefeit jerseys, hats and other merchandise has been seized.

Some stores have been found to have counterfeit items mixed in with authentic ones. The message the NFL is trying to get across is that counterfeiting is a crime and will not be tolerated.
Major John Bennett of the Tampa Police Department said task forces will continue to hunt counterfeiters. "If you want a jersey that is orange and says 'Central Booking,' we'll be happy to give it to you," he said. "And it won't be a counterfeit, by the way."

NFC News Blitz

January 29th, 2009


NFC

• Arizona Cardinals: Woman's Professional Team has special bond with Cardinals.
• Atlanta Falcons: Falcons' Dimitroff wins Executive of the Year.
• Carolina Panthers: Tampa trip is bittersweet for WR Smith.
• Chicago Bears: Gandy joins list of players Angelo gave up on.
• Dallas Cowboys: TE Martellus Bennett apologizes for rap video with another video.
• Detroit Lions: Culpepper and Linehan reunite, OC still a fan.
• Green Bay Packers: Softball fans, get out your gloves; Drivers' charity softball game set for June 14th
• Minnesota Vikings: Favre seeds being planted in Minnesota Vikings territory again by "SI" writer
• New Orleans Saints: Saints' Usama Young tells his story in this years NFL Superad.
• New York Giants: Brandon Jacobs shouts it to the world: It's Plaxico's Fault.
• Philadelphia Eagles: Dawkins feel good about possibility of returning to Philadelphia
• St. Louis Rams: Rams coaching staff continues to take shape as 3 more are added.
• San Francisco 49ers: NFL names its minority coaching program after Bill Walsh.
• Seattle Seahawks: Seahawks top priority this offseason; improve weak secondary.
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bucs have picked former BC head coach Jagodzinski to be OC
• Washington Redskins: Portis noncommittal about participating in the team's offseason workout program

Steelers WR Holmes: I used to sell drugs.

Steelers WR Santonio Holmes made a startling admission this week during an interview with a Miami Herald reporter.

Holmes, who grew up in Belle Glade, Florida. Admitted this week that as a teenager he sold drugs on the street. He explained that he became exposed to the lifestyle while growing up. Some family members and friends made money selling drugs, he said, and he found it an easy way to make money, too, though he didn't specify what he sold.

"My friends were always doing it and I felt comfortable doing it at the time," Holmes said. "As the years grew older, I just felt like that wasn't what I wanted to do. I wanted to play football. I don't want to end up like a lot of my friends, in jail, standing on the corner, not going to school."

By revealing his secret, Holmes hopes he might persuade other at-risk youth to choose a path that leads to the athletic field and a classroom. Holmes explained "I feel it's time to share things. I'm on the biggest stage, everybody's going to be watching. I'm pretty sure some kids can get a feel for changing their lives and not doing those type of things and can get an opportunity to get out of the ghetto, the 'hood, to be successful."

Dawkins Thinks He will be Back in Philly

Eagles safety and soon to be free agent Brian Dawkins is in Tampa Bay this week to take part in charity events and also as a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

During his interview there he addressed his desire to return to Philadelphia and said he felt confident he would be back. Head coach Andy Reid assured him of that there would be contract discussions sometime soon.

"I think both sides want to get something done, and that's a positive thing going into any negotiations," Dawkins said after helping build a playground in the Jackson Heights section of Tampa.

Dawkins would not get specific on the number of years or dollar amount he expected from this contract but aknowledged it will likely be his last.

Judge rules NFLPA must pay $28M to ex-players

The NFLPA lost an appeal of an earlier ruling and will be required to pay as many as 2,062 of its retired members $28.1 million in a case involving royalties from and licensing agreements with video-game producer Electronic Arts and other companies, if a recent ruling holds up.

U.S. District Court of Northern California Judge William Alsup, upheld a San Francisco jury's decision from November that ruled the union breached its fiduciary duty to its members and violated group licensing agreements.

Trench Talk January 29, 2009

Hey Everyone,
In this weeks Trench Talk we will be discussing the Detroit Lions and what we think they need to do this off-season to turn the franchise around. This week you will get part one of our two-part discussion on the topic.

Enjoy and don't forget we would love to answer any of your football related questions in a Trench Talk discussion. E-mail them to eric@alldayfootball.com

Eric Dunn says:
Alright Matt I think we need to talk about the Lions, they were completely helpless last season and ended up not winning a single game. What do you think needs to be done to turn this franchise around?
Matt Gambino says:
They need to make some serious cuts, starting with Jon Kitna
ED says:
Ya, he definitely won't be around, I feel a lot of guys will get cut
MG says:
I think Dwight Smith, Edwin Mulitalo, Jon Kitna, Ryan Nece, Travis Fisher and Dan Campbell need to be cut
ED says:
They need to gut the roster, get some good character and talent on both sides of the ball. I think it would be a good idea to go after some key Free Agents like a TJ Houshmanzadeh (if they can afford him), bring some reliability to the offense take pressure of Calvin Johnson.
MG says:
I think they can go after him but I doubt they have the money or the prestige to get a guy like that, who I know wants to be a #1 and wont get that in Detroit. I think they should go after a guy like Devery Henderson or Michael Clayton who are more realistic targets, Henderson is great with the deep plays and Clayton probably could use a change of scenery, not to mention he blocks well in the run game
ED says:
Before we get into Free agents let's quickly discuss who needs to be kept.I say
re-sign: Jason Hanson, Culpepper and McDonald
cut: Dwight Smith, Edwin Mulitalo, Jon Kitna, Ryan Nece, Travis Fisher, Mike Furrey and Dan Campbell.
and I think keeping Hanson would be the priority, he is a solid kicker.
MG says:
I would agree with that, I also think Paris Lenon should be resigned and tender Robinson and Cannon.
ED says:
Alright, that works. Now free agents to target, I could see Jim Schwartz going after Haynesworth since he is familiar with the defense and has thrived in it. But the only problem is I hear that Haynesworth is in talks to return to Tennessee, and it is progressing nicely.
MG says:
He would make a lot of sense, but Haynesworth would probably make any defense better. I think the Lions should focus mainly on defense in free agency since their offense has the potential to be fairly explosive as is, their problem last season was that they got down too big too quickly. So DL, MLB and DB's all could use an upgrade.
ED says:
Let's start with defensive line. Bertrand Berry will be a free agent
MG says:
Exactly who I was gonna say
ED says:
But chances are he will be expensive ... especially now that he playing in the super bowl Super bowl player free agents always try and get huge contracts
MG says:
It's true, same with Antonio Smith
ED says:
Ya, I actually wrote a piece about it in my news blitz recently.
MG says:
Nice, I think Demetric Evans from the Skins may be a good pick up
ED says:
Also Tank Johnson is gonna be available or Chauncey Davis from the Falcons
ED says:
Ok, we are kinda just tossing out names ... lets get specific on players
let’s start with Bertrand Berry
MG. says:
has great experience, still knows how to get to the QB and plays well against the run, he can be a solid LE or RE depending on what they wanna do with Dewayne White
ED says:
solid player, good motor, playoff experienced. DO you feel like he would be a good fit for Schwartz's system?
MG says:
Absolutely, he'd be the equivalent of Kyle Vanden Bosch
ED says:
Ok, good. Lets move on. Tank Johnson
MG says:
High motor, experienced and talented DE who can play the run and move in space
ED says:
I think he would be a good fit... was productive in Chicago before his arrest, struggled in the 3-4 in Dallas might be good to get him back into a 4 man line
MG says:
I agree, I think off the field issues are over exaggerated and due to his performance in Dallas he could be had for cheap and would be a good NT to play inside with Corey Redding
ED says:
Definitely could get back to his old form ... willing to sign to a smaller 1-year trial contract
MG says:
Which will give Andre Fluellen more time to mature
ED says:
Jovan Haye is out because he is more of an UT not a NT
MG says:
Mhm, and they have enough there
ED says:
Peppers would be too expensive and wants to try out the 3-4 so he is out too
MG says:
Absolutely
ED says:
Babineaux from the falcons?
MG says:
He reupped for 5 years
ED says:
Ok, so definitely out. You mentioned Demetric Evans
MG says:
Ya, 29 year old DE from the Skins. He plays the run really well and knows how to get to the QB
ED says:
He is somewhere in the middle of his career, but a nice possibility
MG says:
Chauncey Davis is the same type of player but he's younger and has a higher ceiling but I think Falcons resign him
ED says:
No way the Falcons are letting their young players go .. they want to keep building So D-line possibilities are Bertrand Berry, Tank Johnson and Demetric Evans?
MG says:
and Haynesworth long shot but you never know
ED says:
Well he is such a long shot I left him out .. and he has already started talks with Titans to return, lets try to keep our focus on guys who will actually hit the market. Ok, so if they can only sign one DL who would you say? I says Tank Johnson
MG says:
yup
ED says:
you agree?
MG says:
I do agree
ED says:
Well that makes it easy, lets move on to MLB. I think Channing Crowder would be available .. he told the Dolphins he wants to test the market
MG says:
Ya, I think he would fit well into Schwartz's system, a stout guy who plays the run and is decent playing middle zones and underneath routes, but he's definitely not a down and distance guy
ED says:
I think he would be the best fit unless the Lions could miraculously pry Ray Lewis away from the Ravens, his leadership would be epic in the locker room
MG. says:
he would, but I don't think Ray gets anywhere near the Lions, if he's not a Raven, he'll be a Cowboy
ED says:
I don't think Ray Lewis gets anywhere but Baltimore, it just wouldn't feel right
MG says:
I agree but apparently Dallas is trying its hardest to pry him loose, but regardless Lions need an interior force I also think they could go after Mike Peterson he's a little undersized but he is vocal, he is talented and he's on the outs with the Jags
ED says:
I would still have to say Crowder is the better choice from an age factor, they have an opportunity to get better long term instead of a one two year fix
MG. says:
Absolutely, but i doubt they put all their eggs in one basket i think if they can't land Crowder, Peterson is a viable option.
ED says:
Another guy who might be a good LB is Vilma, he has come back nicely from his injury, quick to the ball, good hands for a LB
MG says:
Productive when healthy but might only get a 2 year deal
ED says:
I'd say incentive filled contract to protect the Lions.
MG says:
Make him earn his pay
MG says:
That's true and the Saints will probably cut him because if they re-sign him, they'll have to give up a first and a second.
ED says:
They hope to cut him and re-sign him after the draft, save the pick and keep the guy, Lions just swoop in for the kill. Ok, those are some solid choices for MLB
anyone else, you mention Peterson earlier.. I think he is on the downside of his career, I wouldn't take the risk and from what I have heard he is a locker room cancer in Jacksonville this season, they don't need that in Detroit
MG says:
I don't think he was a cancer, I think he had a serious feud with Del Rio
ED says:
Maybe, but it would be a red flag regardless
MG says:
Ya, he might not be an ideal fit.
ED says:
Anyone else you think would fit? Bart Scott, Michael Boley, Carlos Dansby, Monty Beisel?
MG says:
Dansby would fit, but he'll be expensive and highly sought after Boley will probably be tendered by the Falcons, Bart Scott could potentially be a pick up and Monty Beisel, meh
ED says:
There is no way the Ravens will be able to resign all of their LB's so I think if anything Scott would be the odd man out, just like they did with Adalius Thomas 2 seasons ago. They let him go and Bart Scott took his place, I feel like the Ravens would be able to do it again with another unknown especially if Lewis and Suggs are retained
MG says:
Actually, I agree they have 2, wait 3 potential replacements in Tavares Gooden, Prescott Burgess and Antwan Barnes
ED says:
Exactly, the Ravens and linebackers they always have a plan B, this may also affect Suggs status. Ok, so if you could only have 1 LB prospect which would it be?
ED says:
I still really like Crowder
MG says:
I think Crowder fits their need best
ED says:
we agree again, 2 for 2 .. lets move on to DB's I can't see Nnamdi Asomugha being a financially viable option
MG. says:
No way Oakland lets him go they cut Hall to lock him up
ED says:
Dunta Robinson would be a great choice, but chances are he would want to go to a winning franchise... all the losing in Houston is gotta start to wear a player down
MG says:
Very true. The one guy I think they should go after who made himself some money this season was Jabari Greer from Buffalo he showed a real knack in getting to the ball, he has great ball skills and great speed, not to mention, he's dangerous once the ball is in his hands, he was good in man and probably could play zone as well the other guy would be Jarrad Page from Kansas City, I think he's the odd man out in their system as they have a great young SS in Pollard and a young up and comer in DeJaun Morgan, so I think his skills at interchanging between FS and SS would be of great help, he has good ball skills and he sticks his nose in on the run, putting him at SS next to Gerald Alexander could only help their secondary
ED says:
Well said Matt. How about Jermaine Phillips he is a hitter
MG says:
Potentially he'd be a solid pick
ED says:
I think he now has a plate in his arm... so that will help the arm breaking issues, and would hurt everyone else more
MG. says:
Eh, i wouldn't think that was a positive, but he'd still be an upgrade
ED says:
Its only a positive from a pain perspective and, he'll bring it. Aside from all that ... same question pick one. I'll say Jarrad Page because of his versatility
MG says:
I’ll pick Greer, corner is a bigger need, Greer is a solid corner back who can play in man coverage, he has great ball skills, good recovery speed and is young enough to warrant a long term deal
ED says:
Ok, perfect then.... now Big question to end the session... if you could have just one defensive free agent who would it be and why
MG says:
Jabari Greer considering their depth at cornerback, they need as much help as can be, he can step in day 1 and be a starter alongside Bodden
ED says:
Ok, and I would say they get a guy like Tank Johnson, still relatively young, solid NT and would make the D-line and then the entire defense better. Harassing a QB instantly makes mediocre DB's better.


Ok everyone there you have it. Stay tuned for part 2 next week.

Texans TE Daniels to Replace Gates at Probowl

Houston Texans TE Owen Daniels, will replace San Diego TE Antonio Gates in this seasons Pro Bowl. This will be Daniels' first trip to Hawaiin All Star Game.

Daniels a 3rd year pro will join two teammates WR Andre Johnson and DE Mario Williams. Johnson and Daniels were a very prolific WR-TE combination in the NFL this season combining for 185 catches and 2,437 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Titans S Griffin to replace Ed Reed on AFC Pro Bowl roster

Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed has elected to not play in this seasons Pro Bowl, as he recovers from a shoulder injury. His replacement will be Tennessee Titans second-year man Michael Griffin.

Griffin tied for second in the NFL with 7 interceptions 81 tackles and a sack. He will be joining 7 other teammates in Hawaii. Strong safety Chris Hope, cornerback Cortland Finnegan, defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, center Kevin Mawae, running back Chris Johnson, offensive tackle Michael Roos and quarterback Kerry Collins have also been voted to the Pro Bowl.

"It was a blessing to be an alternate with all of the great safeties in our conference, but to actually get the chance to go is a huge blessing. All I can do is thank God for this opportunity," Griffin said. "It's going to be great being out there with some of my Titans teammates, friends and family."

McCaulay Earns 2nd Super Bowl Gig

Terry McAulay will referee his second Super Bowl when the Arizona Cardinals play the Pittsburgh Steelers.

His first Super Bowl was in 2005 when the New England Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles. A Super Bowl assignment is earned by the officials who have graded out the highest through out the regular season at each position. Candidates must have at least 5 years of experience before being considered.

Other members of the Super Bowl officiating crew are umpire Roy Ellison, head linesman Derick Bowers, line judge Mark Perlman, field judge Greg Gautreaux, side judge Michael Banks, back judge Keith Ferguson, and replay official Bob McGrath.

Fitzgerald Offers to Restructure to Keep his Buddy Boldin

Cardinal WRs Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin are spending this week preparing for the Super Bowl in Tampa Bay. If Fitzgerald has his way the two will be preparing for plenty of games together in the future.

Fitzgerald who signed a four-year, $40 million contract after the 2007 season, with $30 million guaranteed was asked if he would do something contract wise to help out the team, to which Fitz responded "no problem".

"This opportunity right here to be playing deep in the postseason, this is an amazing feeling. I'll do whatever it takes to get back to this point going forward in my career." The star receiver said Wednesday.

Easily the best receiving tandem in the NFL, the two Cardinals combined for 2,469 yards and 23 touchdowns and both made the pro bowl.

General manager Rod Graves said he hoped to reopen contract talks with Boldin's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, after the title game.

Amani Toomer Criticizes the Giants, says Career There is Over

Toomer, a 34-year-old free agent receiver, is upset with the way the Giants kept his play to a minimum late in the season, especially considering his limited playing time following Plaxico Burress' suspension, the New York Daily News reports.

"I just think the last couple of games I wasn't really a part of the offense," he said. "We lost a big percentage of those games. You can't tell me I didn't play a big role in that. ... In the current situation I don't think I could go back."

Toomer, who has played his entire 13-year pro career with the Giants, started in 12 games in 2008, finishing with 48 receptions for 580 yards and four touchdowns.

video courtesy of http://www.nj.com/

Lions to Release Furrey

WR Mike Furrey is in Tampa Bay participating in a charity event in conjunction with Super Bowl XLIII. When asked about Scott Linehan being his new offensive coordinator Furrey replied, "He's not my offensive coordinator," explaining that he was told Tuesday morning in a brief phone call from Lions general manager Martin Mayhew that he'll be let go by the team with a year remaining on his contract. Players can't be officially released until Feb. 9.

"(Mayhew) just called to say they were calling the guys they were releasing, and that was the gist of the conversation," said Furrey, who was due $1.85 million in salary next season. "I said, 'Thanks,' and that was it. The conversation was real brief. But I wasn't surprised at all. We butted heads toward the end of the season. And it's because I wanted to win. I was sick of losing, sick of going out on Sundays without a chance to win."

Furrey, who caught only 18 passes for 181 yards in nine games last season, also was among a handful of players who were openly critical of the Lions' shift in offensive philosophy last season. Furrey was brought to Detroit largely because of his familiarity with former coordinator Mike Martz's pass-oriented system. He led the NFC with 98 receptions in 2006, his first season with the Lions.

Cards' Graham to be 1st Aussie in Super Bowl

Cardinals' punter Ben Graham, 35, spent 11 years playing Australian rules football before deciding to make a change, joining the New York Jets in 2005. Signing with the Jets Graham became only the 4th Australian to play in the NFL. On Sunday evening he will be the first to play in the Super Bowl.

He punted in New York for more than three seasons, his time elapsing just days after the Jets beat the Cardinals 56-35 on Sept. 28. After a team meeting, Graham was on his way to the locker room to prepare for a team photo when he felt a tap on his shoulder.

"I went upstairs and was told I was being released," Graham said. "I actually left the building, walking past my teammates getting their photo taken."

After being released Graham spent 8 days on the New Orleans Saints roster before joining the Cardinals on December 1.

Tomlinson vows to play in another Pro Bowl

In an interview this week Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson addressed several issues arising from his sub-par 2008 season and the rumors that he might be leaving San Diego. Including one question that he answered with extreme confidence.

If you take the gray area out of it, and you're healthy all the way through at age 30 in 2009, what are you capable of?

"I'm gonna say that I'll be in another Pro Bowl and I'll be an All-Pro," Tomlinson said. "I gotta believe that, because I know me. I'm pretty much a realistic dude, and if I'm starting to get old and I feel like I can't do it anymore, I'm gonna tell the media that. I'm gonna say, 'Yeah, I'm getting old.' But at this point, I'm not. I'm telling you, I'm not."

Tomlinson, who had his worst statistical season since his rookie year averaged 3.8 yards per carry. Combined with the fact that he will turn 30 years old in June and it is no surprise that there are rumors that the only franchise he has ever played for might be interested in moving on without him.

Billy Wilson, star receiver on Niners in 1950s, dead of cancer at age 81

Former 49er star receiver Billy Wilson, a 6-tme pro bowler who played in San Francisco in the 1950's died on Tuesday, at age 81. He died peacefully surrounded by family in southern california after a battle with cancer, the team says.

Wilson career lasted from 1951-1960, during that span he led the NFL in receiving 3 times and finished his career with 407 catches for 5,902 yards and 49 touchdowns. Wilson also made the pro-bowl six times.

"He was one of the fiercest competitors I ever played with," said Wilson's former quarterback, Y.A. Tittle. "He was our No. 1 receiver. Whenever we needed a big catch, I went to him, because I knew he would make the play."

After his playing career was over Billy Wilson also worked for the Niners as an assistant coach and scout.

Branch'ing out into Dance

Cardinals defensive tackle Alan Branch will be a winner no matter what happens on Sunday. The 2nd year player was the last man standing in a rumba dancing contest at Super Bowl Media Day on Tuesday in Tampa, Fla.

The contest was organized by Kevin Frazier of Entertainment Tonight. Former NFL star Warren Sapp also a veteran of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" was the celebrity judge.

Panthers Pull a Dick Move on Struggling Fans

The Carolina Panthers are revoking personal seat licenses from fans that did not purchase playoff tickets, the Charlotte Observer reports. Season-ticket holders are required to buy playoff tickets as part of the plan, but some PSL owners who received termination letters this week are still surprised.

"It's a lot of money for some people," Panthers PSL owner Mike Stewart, who had tickets to the Panthers' playoff game against Arizona but could not sell them, told the newspaper. "I don't agree with it, but I would hope the Panthers would have some consideration as regards to the economy. Some people are suffering right now and some people maybe didn't have the money."

The Panthers have not released the total number of PSL's lost but say that it is comparable to previous revokations. The dissapointed fans can regain their PSL's buy paying a reinstatement fee determined by the price of their tickets.

Patriots Hire Floyd Reese as Advisor

Titans general manager Floyd Reese was hired Tuesday by the New England Patriots as their senior football adviser, he will be replace Scott Pioli who left to be come Kanasa City's GM. Nick Caserio, the director of player personnel, will manage the personnel department's daily operations, while Reese will handle contracts and other duties.

"It's as thrilling as it can get," Reese said. "The opportunities most of the time are in areas or with teams that are broken, unable to win, don't have quarterbacks, don't have backing, maybe have issues with stadiums or facilities, fan support, whatever it may be. This opportunity is so at the opposite end of the spectrum from all of that. None of those things are broken. They're all in very good shape. It's going to be my role to come in and help however I can."

Reese has spent 32 years in player personnel and coaching in the NFL and served from 1994 to 2006 as general manager of the Houston Oilers and then the Titans when the Oilers moved to Tennessee. He spent the last two years as an ESPN analyst. Reese's first pro coaching job was as strength and conditioning coach for Detroit in 1975. He later became an assistant with San Francisco, Minnesota and the Oilers. From 1990 through 1993 he was the Oilers' assistant general manager.

Neon Deion Says He Can

NFL Network analyst, and former NFL superstar Deion Sanders believe that Bears WR Devin Hester can be both an Elite return man as well as an Elite wide receiver. This came in response to Bears GM Jerry Angelo's comments that the expectation of Hesters season must be reshaped since he was splitting time.

"He could do it,'' Sanders said in between Super Bowl XLIIII media day sessions Tuesday morning at Raymond James Stadium. ``You get the right personnel to block for him, sure he can. When I returned punts it wasn't that I was so great, it was the 10 guys in front of me were great and they were blocking their butts off. That's what made me who I was as a returner. That's the same as Devin in his previous years.''

Cowboys TE in Hot Water over Rap Video

Cowboys TE Martellus Bennett may receive a fine from the Dallas Cowboys over a recent rap video he put on Youtube. The video which has since been removed, was posted on Bennett's own channel "Marty B TV" was filled with profanities as well as mentioning the names of owner Jerry Jones, tight end Jason Witten and quarterback Tony Romo. Bennett used derogatory terms towards blacks and gays.

The video controversy is the latest of what was a scrutinized first season for Bennett, who got off on the wrong foot right from the beginning when the Cowboys made him a second-round draft pick. His draft-day comment about Romo’s girl friend resulted in an immediate rebuke from tight ends coach John Garrett.

He’s young. It’s pure and simple," Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said during the season. "He’s just like my dad told me one time, ’If you’d quit trying to be so funny, you might get something done. Get serious with me, will ya?’ My dad told me that, because I needed to quit screwing around."

New Signs of Serious Brain Damage Found in Deceased NFL Players

Doctors at Boston University’s School of Medicine found a condition called chronic traumatic encephalopathy in the brain of Tom McHale, an N.F.L. lineman from 1987 to 1995 who died in May at age 45. Known as C.T.E., the progressive condition results from repetitive head trauma and can bring on dementia in someone in their 40s or 50s

Using techniques that can be administered only after a patient has died, doctors have now identified C.T.E. in all six N.F.L. veterans between the ages of 36 and 50 who have been tested for the condition, further evidencing the dangers of improperly treated brain trauma in football.

“This is a medically significant finding,” said Dr. Daniel P. Perl, the director of neuropathology at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York, who is not affiliated with the Boston University group. “I think with a sixth case identified, out of six, for a condition that is incredibly rare in the general population, there is more than enough evidence that football is clearly strongly related to the presence of this pathology.”

Mariucci on Millen; Maybe He Should Stick to Broadcasting

NFL Network analyst and former Detroit Lions head coach Steve Mariucci, who was hired and fired by Matt Millen said today in a roundtable interview that maybe Millen should stick with broadcasting.

"It's what he did before he went to the Lions, and he did a good job with it," Mariucci said Tuesday during Super Bowl XLIII media day. "It's what he does best, I think. I mean, it's what he did best before. How he does now remains to be seen. In his former life, he did a good job with it."

Millen will get his chance to resume his broadcasting carrer as he is joining the NBC's studio crew for coverage of Super Bowl XLIII

AFC News Blitz

January 27, 2009

AFC

• Baltimore Ravens: Defense in limbo may mean tricky steps for Mattison.
• Buffalo Bills: Making Hall of Fame case for three Bills.
• Cincinnati Bengals: Bengals WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh sees the similarities between the Cardinals and the Bengals and it is killing him.
• Cleveland Browns: Kain leaving as adviser to owner Lerner.
• Denver Broncos: D.J. Williams has surgery to fix rotator cuff.
• Houston Texans: John McClain discusses the Texans' offseason needs.
• Indianapolis Colts: Philly man who accused WR Harrison goes on trial.
• Jacksonville Jaguars: Jacksonville's stadium bus service is in jeopardy for 2009 season.
• Kansas City Chiefs: Billboards, dollar bills, long shots and every reason the Chiefs need to trade for Matt Cassel.
• Miami Dolphins: Although a Super Bowl will be in town next year at Dolphin Stadium, the NFL has invited South Florida to bid on the 2013 game.
• New England Patriots: Patriots front office coming together with the hiring of Floyd Reese.
• New York Jets: Rex Ryan is bolstering staff with 2 new members.
• Oakland Raiders: Making a case for Herm Edwards in Oakland.
• Pittsburgh Steelers: Steelers fans waiting at airport to catch a glipse of their heroes arriving in Tampa.
• San Diego Chargers: Smith calls L.T. to clear the air.
• Tennessee Titans: Jim Wyatt's Titans' offseason breakdown.

Glazers Got Help From Fans Regarding Gruden Firing

Buccaneers executive vice president Bryan Glazer said today the the fans played an important role in their decision to fire head coach Jon Gruden on January 16th, following an epic collapse to end the season.

"Our fans are our stockholders. They're what we play for every week. They're the people in our stadium and who watch on TV," Glazer said during an impromptu interview at the media headquarters for the Super Bowl. "This is what it's all about – winning, and how they feel about the team. If they don't feel good at the team, something's wrong." He added, "Not to speak for the fans, but I think you all know the sense that was out there. It was time for a change."

So far, this change has been met with mostly positive responses, RB Earnest Graham's face reportedly lit up when asked about the coaching change. Quarterback Jeff Garcia admitted that being Jon Gruden's quarterback was difficult and that there were times the recently fired Bucs coach "rubbed me wrong."

The Buccaneers are am estimated $45Million under the salary cap and are commited to spending it to bring the team back to an elite level.

Hill Apologizes For Arrest

Seattle Seahawk and free agent to be linebacker Leroy Hill has released a statement to apologize for his recent arrest for misdemeanor marijuana possession in Atlanta.



In a statement Monday, Hill said he's embarrassed by the Saturday morning arrest "and the poor judgment I showed." And he added: "Please understand my actions were not consistent with the type of person I hope to become."



A third round draft choice in 2005, Hill was becoming a solid player in Seattle. Team president Tim Ruskell said he was the teams top-priority in free agent re-signings. Ruskell this week said he feels as though he has been pinched in the gut.



"We are a team always striving for good, consistent character, so it is disappointing when something like this happens," Ruskell said.

Chargers Sign Marketing Deal with L.A. Company

More pain for San Diego fans, as Chargers have signed a marketing contract with Los Angeles based Wasserman Media Group.

Any tie-in between the Chargers and Los Angeles always gets San Diegans wondering if it's a precursor to the Chargers moving up the freeway to the nation's second-biggest market, which has been without an NFL team since the Raiders and Rams bolted before the 1995 season.

Attorney Mark Fabiani, who has been trying to work out a new stadium deal in San Diego since 2002 says this deal has nothing to do with the Chargers moving to L.A.

In a deal that was first reported on the Los Angeles Times' Web site, Wasserman Media Group will help the Chargers sell luxury suites and club seats to fans in LA and Orange counties.

Chargers fans may be reading between the lines because Casey Wasserman, the grandson of the late Hollywood mogul Lew Wasserman, is chairman and CEO of LA-based Wasserman Media Group. Casey Wasserman, who owns an Arena Football League team, has wanted for years to bring an NFL team to Los Angeles.

Moving Company Owner Charged with Super Theft

A moving company owner has been ordered held on $250,000 bail after pleading not guilty to charges connected to a $2 million jewelry heist that included New York Giants Super Bowl rings.

Sean D. Murphy was arraigned Monday in Lynn District Court on charges of receiving stolen property related to the June robbery at E.A. Dion Inc. in Attleboro.


Murphy was arrested Friday at his home. According to court documents, police found one of the stolen Super Bowl rings in Murphy's bedroom, jewelry in his car, and rare coins in a bank safe deposit box. Police did not say what led them to Murphy.

Williams has Surgery to Repair Shoulder

Denver Broncos LB D.J. Williams had surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff on his right shoulder. The team expects Williams to be out 4 - 6 weeks before being able to return to training and full rehabilitation.

Williams was the Broncos first round pick in 2004, his best overall season may have been his first, when he played his natural weakside linebacker position and finished third in the NFL defensive player of the year balloting. He has since been moved around to different LB positions and has been bothered by Knee and shoulder problem.

Denver rewarded Williams with a six-year, $32 million contract extension before the 2008 season and may be asking his to switch positions again as the Broncos move to a 3-4 defensive allignment.

Reeves Discussing Consultant Role with Cowboys

Former NFL head coach Dan Reeves, 65, is in discussion with Jerry Jones about joining the Cowboys in a consultant type role. Reeves' Dallas roots run deep, he was a former Cowboys player (1965 - '72) and an assistant under Tom Landry (1972 - '80). Reeves has also worked with Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips in both Denver and Atlanta.

Joe DeCamillis, who is married to Reeves' oldest daughter, Dana, was recently hired by the Cowboys as special teams coach. DeCamillis worked on Reeves' staffs with the New York Giants and the Falcons.

According to ESPN:

"Reeves recently interviewed with the San Francisco 49ers about the offensive
coordinator's job but a 49ers source said Monday that Reeves informed them he
likely would be taking a consultant position with the Cowboys. Reeves could not
be reached for comment. A Cowboys spokesman said he had no information about
Reeves joining the organization."

Former NFL Lineman Fowler Dies After Surgery.

Former NFL Lineman Jerry Fowler died on Monday in post-op. recovery, he was 68. Fowler played for the Houston Oilers in 1968 before moving on to politics, as an elections commissioner in Louisiana.

"He had surgery Friday night, and he was recuperating from that surgery and operation, and I don't know, but he just had heart failure, and he died suddenly," said James A. Wayne Sr., executive director of a nonprofit indigent defense firm in Baton Rouge and a longtime Fowler family friend.

Titans and Haynesworth Begin Contract Talks

The Tennessee Titans have begun preliminary contract talks with All-Pro defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, and all signs are pointing to the two being able to work out a deal before Haynesworth hits the market.

Haynesworth was the teams franchise player last season, but avoided that this season by triggering a clause in his contract if he was nominated to the Pro Bowl that the Titans could bnot use the franchise tag again in '09.

Though no actual outlines were set, the two sides discussed ideas for the contract extension and the feeling is that Haynesworth would be compensated in a similar fashion as one of the top defensive ends Jared Allen.

King says Favre is Done

Sports Illustrated's Peter King said today in an appearance on ESPN's Pardon The Interruption that he believes that Brett Favre is done with football. King claimed on PTI that doctors suggested Favre have a surgery to repair a torn right bicep tendon immediately if he wanted to play next season, a surgery which Favre declined.

Peter King also says he has a "gut feeling" that Favre would return to football if he could play for the Minnesota Vikings in 2009. Saying "If he's not going to be able to play where he really wants to play, I think he's not going to play".

Another reason for the retirement speculation is that it is believed that Jets owner Woody Johnson wants the 39 year old Favre to participate in the offseason training program. Something he claims he has never done.

King expects a decision from Favre sometime shortly after the Super Bowl.

Vick Suing Former Financial Advisor

Michael Vick has recently filed a lawsuit against his former financial advisor for at least $2Million claiming she used his money to pay her personal and business expenses.

The lawsuit accuses Mary Wong, of fraud, breach of contract, negligence and other offenses. Vick, who is serving 23 months in the federal penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kan., for his role in a dogfighting conspiracy, demanded a jury trial in the civil suit filed late last week in U.S. District Court in Norfolk.

The lawsuit also names Williams and Bullocks, a company Wong co-owns with three NFL players: Demorrio Williams of the Kansas City Chiefs and twins Josh Bullocks of the New Orleans Saints and Daniel Bullucks of the Detroit Lions.

Vick alleges that persuaded him to give her power of attorney over his finances. He also claims that Wong transferred to the Bullocks twins and Williams $650,000 directly from Vick's bank account. In July, Vick filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, claiming assets of $16 million and liabilities of $20.4 million.

Browns Vice Chairman Leaves

Cleveland Browns Vice Chairman Bob Kain has decided to leave the team. Kain the former CEO of IGM, a Cleveland based sports management company, spent time on the board of Aston Villa, Randy Lerner's Premier League soccer team in England before joining the Browns in 2006.

Part of his duties included conducting an in-depth study of the team's business operations. He wound up assisting on everything from marketing to media relations. Kain says he felt like it was time to move on and pursue other opportunities and his departure was not forced or due to frustration.

NFL Lawsuit Settled with Former Viking's Widow

Kelci Stringer the widow of former Viking Lineman Korey Stringer reached a settlement in her wrongful death lawsuit against the NFL. Stringer died at training camp in 2001 of heat stroke.

Kelci Stringer had filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the league, claiming the NFL hadn't done enough to ensure that equipment used by players protected them from injuries or deaths caused by heat-related illnesses.

"We were able to find what we feel is a very fair settlement that helped us move to the next step," said James Gould, a spokesman for the family who also was Korey Stringer's agent.

Under an agreement with Kelci Stringer, the NFL will support her efforts to create a heat illness prevention program. No other details of the settlement were revealed.

Morgan Coming out of Retirement

Saints LB Dan Morgan is planning a comeback in 2009. He has reportedly filled his papers for reinstatement and has spoken to Saints officials who seem interested in his return. Signed by the Saints as a free agent last season retired before playing a single game for New Orleans, the team still owns his rights.

The linebacker's career began in Carolina in 2001 where his rookie season ended with a broken leg, in the following seasons problems with concussions and othr injuries slowed his production and effectiveness.

"I feel better than I have at any point since before my rookie season in the NFL," Morgan said by telephone from Charlotte, N.C. "I've been working out very hard and I feel great. Last year, I was down in New Orleans and I was coming off shoulder problems and my wife was pregnant with our third child and back in Charlotte. It just didn't feel like the right place or the right time and I made the decision to retire. But the year off has refreshed me and I'm very anxious to get back out there."

Morgan has had at least 5 reported concussions dating back to his days at the University of Miami, but after a year off claims to be fully healthy and is eager to resume his career. Morgan said he began to get seriously involved in distance running shortly after his retirement. He even registered to run in a marathon but backed out of that and slowed down on his training once he started thinking about a return to football. Morgan said he didn't want to lose too much weight and he's focused now on strength and flexibility training.

Ravens Promote Mattison to D-Coordinator

The Ravens have promoted LB's coach Greg Mattison to defensive coordinator in an attempt to keep some continuity in a unit that has excelled under former D.C. Rex Ryan. Mattison will inherit a fierce unit that ranked 2nd in the NFL this past season. He plans on using the same type of attacking defense used by Ryan.

Mattison, 59, has only 1 year of NFL experience, but has been the defensive coordinator in several college programs including Michigan, Notre Dame and Florida.

"Greg is a guy that I have full trust and belief in, and not just because of his track record," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "He's been successful at every stop, but the job he did this year with our guys, I think he established himself as a premier coach in the NFL. If you talk to our players, they'll tell you the same thing."

NFL pushing for 49ers/Raiders Shared Stadium

The NFL is asking the 49ers and Raiders to think about sharing a new stadium, the San Jose Mercury News reports.

"The NFL has encouraged us to explore the possibility of a two-team facility to address the economics" of building a new stadium, 49ers president Jed York told the newspaper. "I think it's important you look at all of your options. If that's a possibility, that's certainly something we'll explore."

The Giants and Jets sharing a $1.6 Billion state-of-the-art facility in New Jersey is just one example of two successful franchises that the NFL is using as support for this plan. Currently the 49ers and Raiders are in some of the NFL's oldest venues.

NFC News Blitz

January 26, 2009

NFC

• Arizona Cardinals: Free Agent to be Antonio Smith's value is rising, but maybe too high for Cardinals.
• Atlanta Falcons: Falcons want to resign CB Foxworth but at the right price.
• Carolina Panthers: Panthers new QB coach is no stranger to Delhomme.
• Chicago Bears: Two ex-Bears on short list to replace Upshaw.
• Dallas Cowboys: Terrell Owens to be the Star of a new reality TV show.
• Detroit Lions: The Lions have unveiled their 75th anniversary team.
• Green Bay Packers: Packers are looking for unique fan memorabilia.
• Minnesota Vikings: Former Viking found guilty of drunken, profane brawl with police.
• New Orleans Saints: Taking a look at the Jeremy Shockey trade, and what it is costing the Saints.
• New York Giants: Ex- Giant charged in HS player's practice death.
• Philadelphia Eagles: For owner Jeff Lurie, the playoff loss was a painful one.
• St. Louis Rams: As the Draft gets closer, the Rams are beginning to think who they will take at #2.
• San Francisco 49ers: 49ers are 28 days deep in their coordinator search.
• Seattle Seahawks: Seahawks in rush to balance offense under Knapp.
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Glazer says fans helped make decision on Gruden's firing.
• Washington Redskins: Redskins safety Reed Doughty wins Ed Block Courage award.

Need a Monday Morning Laugh?

Its Monday, the weekend is over and its back to our regular schedule. So when I came across this story I thought what a great way to start Super Bowl week.

A youtube video of a Giants fan bawling his eyes out and swearing after the playoff loss to the Eagles. The best part of the video is that his friends are egging him on (watch for the girl who appears over his shoulder and calls him a pussy), just making his situation worse.

I hope this made your Monday a little bit better, plus it reminded us of one of our favorite playoff loss moments.

*** Warning this video is not work safe material, lots of cursing***

Steelers Owner Responds to Angry letter

Following Super Bowl XL an angry Seahawks fan wrote a 5 page letter to then Commissioner Paul Tagliabue in response to what he felt was a horrible officiating job done by Bill Leavy’s officiating crew, citing bad calls, imaginary penalties, and non-calls for Steelers' penalties.

A few weeks later this disgruntled fan recieved a written response from Steelers owner Dan Rooney himself. Now this disgruntled fan has decided to sell his letter on Ebay to the highest bidder.

The full text of the letter appears below, the Steelers have not confirmed if the letter is legit or not.

22 February 2006

Dear Mr. [omitted]

You are something special — you watch a TV broadcast of Super Bowl XL, with all the interruptions, camera locations, replays and now know more than anyone else in America on what was wrong with the officiating. You review the plays from your own prejudice. Did you look at what was happening? I could go over the game and point out things that were just not perfect for the Steelers officiating, but why? The Seahawks held Casey Hampton, a great Pro Bowl player, on every play. But it’s over — let it go.

You say the best team didn’t win. The best team did win. They gave their all to gain the victory. The Steelers defense was outstanding from the kickoff to the final play. The offense made the plays to win. The only thing I will say — the Seahawks are a good football team — they kept it close — but the Steelers were the best.

I am pleased you are from [omitted], PA because I would be disappointed if you were from Washington. They are fine people. The Seahawks are a class team. I have much respect and high regard for Paul Allen and the Seahawk organization.
Attached are a list of 20 reasons the Steelers won.

Thank you for your interest,

/s/ Dan Rooney

cc: Commissioner Tagliabue

Attachment

"Lights Out" Steps in

Chargers LB Shawne Merriman, who spent the season on IR with a knee injury has emerged to discuss the public Tomlinson/Smith fued. Particularly, he expressed his concern over General Manager A.J. Smith's comments in which he was interpreted as mocking the star running back

“That (stuff) doesn't help bring a Super Bowl to San Diego,” linebacker Shawne Merriman said. “And that (stuff) needs to stop, period. It needs to stop now.”

Although no one else has stepped up publicly Merriman's sentiments seemed to be shared by many of the players players, and one other important member of the organization. Sources say that team president Dean Spanos is "very upset" that this issue has been brought into the public eye, and is particulary bothered by the fact that most of this is based on speculation.

Smith has not spoken publicly since Wednesday, but sources indicated he maintains a deep respect for Tomlinson.

Browns Hire GM

The Cleveland Browns have hired former Baltimore pro personnel director George Kokinis as their General Manager, reuniting him with new Browns head coach and close friend and former roommate Eric Mangini.
Mangini and Kokinis shared an apartment together in 1991 when the two worked, ironically, for the Cleveland Browns. Owner Randy Lerner decided to hire friends this time around as the Head Coach/GM team after seeing the dysfunctional relationship between Romeo Crenell and Phil Savage.

"The Browns are excited to bring George back to Cleveland where he began his NFL career," Lerner said in a team release. "He is a tireless worker that has spent his entire career evaluating talent and knows the type of player it takes to be successful in this league and in our division."

One of the first evaluations of talent facing the Mangini-Kokinis team will be what do with quarterback Derek Anderson, who was benched midway through the season for Brady Quinn. Anderson is owed a $5 million roster bonus in March. If he is deemed expendable, the Browns could trade him for draft picks. Savage dealt several 2009 picks, leaving the Browns with only four selections in this April's draft.

Bucs hire OL coach

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have hired another coach as they attempt to re-fill their staff. They have hired former Patriots Tight Ends coach Pete Mangurian. Joining the Bucs, Mangurian will be coaching one of the NFL's youngest and most promising offensive lines.

Mangurian was the patriots TE's coach for 4 seasons and was the Head Coach at Cornell in 1999 where Raheem Morris was an assistant. He has also coached in Atlanta; Offensive Line (2002) and Offensive Coordinator (2003).

Tampa Bay still needs to hire and offensive coordinator, a tight ends coach as well as a defensive backs coach.

Collins Named Starter in '09

Titans head coach Jeff Fischer informed QB Kerry Collins that he was added to the pro bowl roster as a replacement for Brett Favre last week, he also told him he would be returning as the Starter in '09.

Collins is set to become a free agent, but preliminary talks of a contract extension will begin soon, as nothing more than a philosophical discussions have taken place yet between Collins' representatives and GM Mike Reinfeldt .

Fischer made a public announcement saying that Collins earned the starter spot based on this season performance. This means former first round pick QB Vince Young will become the back-up, but promises to have a good attitude regarding this news.