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Athletes have long complained that they have not been fairly paid for the use of their images. A century ago, Honus Wagner supposedly objected when a tobacco company issued baseball cards with his face on them not because he opposed smoking, but because he was not compensated. The players’ battle has become more complex since then because of television, video games and other technologies that have turned their images and likenesses into moneymaking content. Leagues have resisted paying retired players for using their images, arguing that they were already paid to play. Players have sued leagues seeking compensation and often failed.
In 2009, Fred Dryer and five other former players sued the N.F.L. on behalf of all retired players demanding that they be paid for the use of their images by NFL Films and the league. In March, the N.F.L. agreed to put $42 million in a common-good fund to help retired players find health care, housing and jobs, and to set up a licensing agency to promote the sale of the images of groups of players.
Given players’ customary lack of success in these disputes, some notable retirees hailed the plan. Jim Brown, a Hall of Fame running back, called the deal a “landmark for those who really need it.” He added that “for the first time in history, retired players will be represented at the table.”
Last week, the more than 20,000 retired N.F.L. players and their heirs were sent notices asking them to approve, object or opt out of the settlement. Many class-action suits of this kind are approved, but if a significant portion of retirees oppose or opt out of the settlement before the deadline at the end of August, the court may reopen negotiations.
Endorsements by Brown, Reggie McKenzie, Lem Barney and other former stars will surely carry weight with the retirees. But so may the objections from Dryer, Elvin Bethea, Jim Marshall, Dan Pastorini, Joe Senser and Ed White, setting up an unusual showdown among players who in many cases stand together.
The plaintiffs are named for Dryer, a former Giant and Los Angeles Ram who holds the N.F.L. record for safeties in a game and went on to star in the TV series “Hunter.” — They argue that it is unclear if the $42 million settlement is fair because there has not been sufficient discovery to determine what NFL Films is worth, a claim the N.F.L. rejects.
The plaintiffs also argue that the settlement requires that retirees forfeit all future claims to the use of their images even though the fund does not ensure that needy retirees will receive help from the charities chosen by the fund. The plaintiffs also say that the new licensing agency duplicates what existing agencies do and it does not require that the N.F.L. license its films and other intellectual property to the players.
“You cannot say to any player that you will get a benefit from this,” said Michael V. Ciresi, who represents the Dryer plaintiffs. “The legal issue is players are giving up their property rights for what might be nothing.”
The push to reject the settlement, though, faces an uphill battle. There is no precise number of retirees who must oppose the deal before it is rejected. That is for the judge to determine, and in this case, Paul Magnuson of the United States District Court in Minnesota has made it unusually clear that he believes the players should accept the settlement.
“It bears repeating: the individuals who originally brought this lawsuit and who now oppose the settlement rode into court on the banner of saving their downtrodden brethren, those who had played in the N.F.L. yet today were penniless and, often, suffering from injuries or illnesses directly related to their playing days,” Magnuson wrote when approving the settlement in April. “It is the height of disingenuousness for these same plaintiffs to now complain, like children denied dessert, that the settlement does not benefit enough the individuals who brought the lawsuit.”
Then there is inertia. In this case, the retirees will be considered to have approved the settlement if they do nothing, yet they must respond if they want to object or opt out of the settlement. In many class-action suits, plaintiffs also tend to approve settlements because some money is better than no money, especially if they have financial problems.
“When you’re dealing with plaintiffs with immediate health and economic needs, they are willing to discount the value of their claims for an immediate payout,” said Jodi Balsam, a former lawyer for the N.F.L. who now teaches at New York Law School.
The retirees also must ask whether opting out of the settlement, which would entitle them to sue the league individually, is a better strategy than accepting the deal now, especially because the judge made clear they may only seek damages on images dating to 2003.
“We agree with the judge’s decision and reasoning that the structure of the settlement is a thoughtful solution and a win for everyone,” said Gary Gertzog, the senior vice president for legal and business affairs at the N.F.L. “There is not a comparable alternative solution. The players have to evaluate if they have a valid claim, and if so, is it valuable enough to pay an attorney to pursue it?”
The Dryer plaintiffs are merely the latest in a line of athletes and performers who have sued to recoup what they perceive to be lost revenue from the use of their likenesses. Al Gionfriddo, a former Brooklyn Dodger, and several other former players sued Major League Baseball more than a decade ago, arguing that they should be compensated for appearing in archival footage shown on television. The league won.
In 2009, Ed O’Bannon, a star basketball player at U.C.L.A., and a group of other former college athletes sued the N.C.A.A., arguing that they should be paid for the use of their images and likenesses. That case is continuing.
Unlike these and other cases in which leagues prevailed, the N.F.L. chose to settle its case with the
In 2009, Fred Dryer and five other former players sued the N.F.L. on behalf of all retired players demanding that they be paid for the use of their images by NFL Films and the league. In March, the N.F.L. agreed to put $42 million in a common-good fund to help retired players find health care, housing and jobs, and to set up a licensing agency to promote the sale of the images of groups of players.
Given players’ customary lack of success in these disputes, some notable retirees hailed the plan. Jim Brown, a Hall of Fame running back, called the deal a “landmark for those who really need it.” He added that “for the first time in history, retired players will be represented at the table.”
Last week, the more than 20,000 retired N.F.L. players and their heirs were sent notices asking them to approve, object or opt out of the settlement. Many class-action suits of this kind are approved, but if a significant portion of retirees oppose or opt out of the settlement before the deadline at the end of August, the court may reopen negotiations.
Endorsements by Brown, Reggie McKenzie, Lem Barney and other former stars will surely carry weight with the retirees. But so may the objections from Dryer, Elvin Bethea, Jim Marshall, Dan Pastorini, Joe Senser and Ed White, setting up an unusual showdown among players who in many cases stand together.
The plaintiffs are named for Dryer, a former Giant and Los Angeles Ram who holds the N.F.L. record for safeties in a game and went on to star in the TV series “Hunter.” — They argue that it is unclear if the $42 million settlement is fair because there has not been sufficient discovery to determine what NFL Films is worth, a claim the N.F.L. rejects.
The plaintiffs also argue that the settlement requires that retirees forfeit all future claims to the use of their images even though the fund does not ensure that needy retirees will receive help from the charities chosen by the fund. The plaintiffs also say that the new licensing agency duplicates what existing agencies do and it does not require that the N.F.L. license its films and other intellectual property to the players.
“You cannot say to any player that you will get a benefit from this,” said Michael V. Ciresi, who represents the Dryer plaintiffs. “The legal issue is players are giving up their property rights for what might be nothing.”
The push to reject the settlement, though, faces an uphill battle. There is no precise number of retirees who must oppose the deal before it is rejected. That is for the judge to determine, and in this case, Paul Magnuson of the United States District Court in Minnesota has made it unusually clear that he believes the players should accept the settlement.
“It bears repeating: the individuals who originally brought this lawsuit and who now oppose the settlement rode into court on the banner of saving their downtrodden brethren, those who had played in the N.F.L. yet today were penniless and, often, suffering from injuries or illnesses directly related to their playing days,” Magnuson wrote when approving the settlement in April. “It is the height of disingenuousness for these same plaintiffs to now complain, like children denied dessert, that the settlement does not benefit enough the individuals who brought the lawsuit.”
Then there is inertia. In this case, the retirees will be considered to have approved the settlement if they do nothing, yet they must respond if they want to object or opt out of the settlement. In many class-action suits, plaintiffs also tend to approve settlements because some money is better than no money, especially if they have financial problems.
“When you’re dealing with plaintiffs with immediate health and economic needs, they are willing to discount the value of their claims for an immediate payout,” said Jodi Balsam, a former lawyer for the N.F.L. who now teaches at New York Law School.
The retirees also must ask whether opting out of the settlement, which would entitle them to sue the league individually, is a better strategy than accepting the deal now, especially because the judge made clear they may only seek damages on images dating to 2003.
“We agree with the judge’s decision and reasoning that the structure of the settlement is a thoughtful solution and a win for everyone,” said Gary Gertzog, the senior vice president for legal and business affairs at the N.F.L. “There is not a comparable alternative solution. The players have to evaluate if they have a valid claim, and if so, is it valuable enough to pay an attorney to pursue it?”
The Dryer plaintiffs are merely the latest in a line of athletes and performers who have sued to recoup what they perceive to be lost revenue from the use of their likenesses. Al Gionfriddo, a former Brooklyn Dodger, and several other former players sued Major League Baseball more than a decade ago, arguing that they should be compensated for appearing in archival footage shown on television. The league won.
In 2009, Ed O’Bannon, a star basketball player at U.C.L.A., and a group of other former college athletes sued the N.C.A.A., arguing that they should be paid for the use of their images and likenesses. That case is continuing.
Unlike these and other cases in which leagues prevailed, the N.F.L. chose to settle its case with the
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Adrian Peterson said Monday that having an openly gay teammate "really wouldn't bother me that much."
In Tulsa to accept the 2013 Henry P. Iba Citizen Athlete Award for his great play and charity work, the NFL's 2012 Most Valuable Player then elaborated somewhat on what he meant by "that much."
"Simple things, as far as showers and things like that, you know, of course, anyone would be uncomfortable," Peterson said, according to The Oklahoman. "But you know, I'm a grown man. There's things that I can deal with. I'm comfortable in my skin.
"I'll still high-five them. Pat them on the butt when he's doing good, and go on about my business."
Peterson made some headlines recently for saying that gay marriage is "not something I believe in."
"I'm not biased towards them (gay people)," Peterson had said in a radio interview. "I still treat them the same. I love 'em. But again, I'm not with that. That's not something I believe in. But to each his own."
Adrian Peterson: Gay teammate not that big a deal - NFL-com
In Tulsa to accept the 2013 Henry P. Iba Citizen Athlete Award for his great play and charity work, the NFL's 2012 Most Valuable Player then elaborated somewhat on what he meant by "that much."
"Simple things, as far as showers and things like that, you know, of course, anyone would be uncomfortable," Peterson said, according to The Oklahoman. "But you know, I'm a grown man. There's things that I can deal with. I'm comfortable in my skin.
"I'll still high-five them. Pat them on the butt when he's doing good, and go on about my business."
Peterson made some headlines recently for saying that gay marriage is "not something I believe in."
"I'm not biased towards them (gay people)," Peterson had said in a radio interview. "I still treat them the same. I love 'em. But again, I'm not with that. That's not something I believe in. But to each his own."
Adrian Peterson: Gay teammate not that big a deal - NFL-com
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The NFL is changing. Gradually but definitely, the 100-yard version of the game is becoming more like the 50-yard indoor variety, with plenty of points and yards and defenses that merely hope to make a periodic stop.
The Packers have epitomized that style in recent years, and coach Mike McCarthy embraces it.
“Running the football is important, but at the end of the day, the offense’s responsibility is scoring points,” McCarthy said Wednesday regarding the perceived decline of the run game, via Packers-com. “You have to score as many points as you can. . . . I don’t play keep away. I want to play as fast as we can, throw as many punches as we can and beat you as bad as we can.”
In Green Bay, that approach arguably is a necessity, since the defense has been not so good in recent years. The emphasis on scoring points arguably has put more pressure on the team’s defense.
“What you do has to complement whatever your team’s philosophy is. It has to tie in with the head coach’s philosophy. When you have a quarterback like Aaron [Rodgers], you’re going to try to play to the strength of your personnel,” defensive coordinator Dom Capers said.
And so the goal has become creating turnovers.
“Our No. 1 goal is always going to be to lead the league in scoring defense. We’ve got to create more fumbles,” Capers said.
Ultimately, they’ve got to allow fewer points. In so doing, they need to figure out how to stop the read option, which the 49ers used in the playoffs last year to bury the Packers, prompting strong opinions that someone other than Capers should be running the defense.
McCarthy knows that today’s NFL requires a lot of points | ProFootballTalk
The Packers have epitomized that style in recent years, and coach Mike McCarthy embraces it.
“Running the football is important, but at the end of the day, the offense’s responsibility is scoring points,” McCarthy said Wednesday regarding the perceived decline of the run game, via Packers-com. “You have to score as many points as you can. . . . I don’t play keep away. I want to play as fast as we can, throw as many punches as we can and beat you as bad as we can.”
In Green Bay, that approach arguably is a necessity, since the defense has been not so good in recent years. The emphasis on scoring points arguably has put more pressure on the team’s defense.
“What you do has to complement whatever your team’s philosophy is. It has to tie in with the head coach’s philosophy. When you have a quarterback like Aaron [Rodgers], you’re going to try to play to the strength of your personnel,” defensive coordinator Dom Capers said.
And so the goal has become creating turnovers.
“Our No. 1 goal is always going to be to lead the league in scoring defense. We’ve got to create more fumbles,” Capers said.
Ultimately, they’ve got to allow fewer points. In so doing, they need to figure out how to stop the read option, which the 49ers used in the playoffs last year to bury the Packers, prompting strong opinions that someone other than Capers should be running the defense.
McCarthy knows that today’s NFL requires a lot of points | ProFootballTalk
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We've long thought Ahmad Bradshaw is the most talented free agent still available. For most of Thursday, it appeared the running back wouldn't be on the market much longer. NFL-com's Kimberly Jones reported that Bradshaw and the Indianapolis Colts were in contract talks, according to a person familiar with the negotiations, and a deal was likely to happen. But later in the day, according to Jones, talks between the sides reached a stalemate, and a deal that earlier was described as close to being done now might not be.
If the stalemate can be broken, Bradshaw as a Colt would make a lot of sense. He is a versatile back who can excel on early downs, but he's especially good on passing downs. And there are plenty of passing downs in Indianapolis with Andrew Luck, no matter how much the Colts are talking about "balance" this offseason.
Bradshaw is very tough for his size, but you can get more out of him by giving him less work. The Colts need another option at running back with Vick Ballard, Donald Brown and Delone Carter atop the depth chart. Ballard is a nice player, but he's not a true lead back.
Ahmad Bradshaw, Indianapolis Colts stall on contract - NFL-com
If the stalemate can be broken, Bradshaw as a Colt would make a lot of sense. He is a versatile back who can excel on early downs, but he's especially good on passing downs. And there are plenty of passing downs in Indianapolis with Andrew Luck, no matter how much the Colts are talking about "balance" this offseason.
Bradshaw is very tough for his size, but you can get more out of him by giving him less work. The Colts need another option at running back with Vick Ballard, Donald Brown and Delone Carter atop the depth chart. Ballard is a nice player, but he's not a true lead back.
Ahmad Bradshaw, Indianapolis Colts stall on contract - NFL-com
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Fans strolling down the Pocono Raceway garage had to look twice. Sure, Richard Petty standing outside his hauler is a common scene on race day. Throw in Jim Brown and it was a Hall of Fame twin bill tough to top. Brown was Petty's guest for Sunday's NASCAR race at Pocono. The two legends - perhaps the greatest in their respective sports - chatted privately before they were swarmed by fans wanting pictures of The King and the former Cleveland Brown great.
"I'm a fan of NASCAR, in a certain kind of way," Brown said. "I recognize a legend like this."
Brown also recognized the NFL could learn a few things in athlete safety from NASCAR.
"In the National Football League, we're way behind," Brown said. "I think NASCAR, out of the fact that you can really get hurt, stepped up their safety concepts. So, I think most of the drivers would feel like they've done everything that can pretty much be done without taking away from the sport."
Standing to Brown's right, Petty nodded in agreement.
"We have a ways to go," Brown said. "This is the first time we've ever really taken the safety situation seriously because of the lawsuits. When we come out of this, I think we'll have a much safer game and we won't take away from the safety of the game."
NASCAR has made serious upgrades since the 2001 death of Dale Earnhardt in the Daytona 500. The head-and-neck restraint device became mandatory that same season. Additional safety features - soft wall technology, stronger cockpits, automatic engine kill switches - were added the next few years.
The NFL recently approved a rule that banned ball carriers from using the crown of their helmets to make forcible contact with a defender in the open field.
"I think they're making an honest effort to make the game safer," Brown said. "Maybe it's been forced upon them because of the lawsuits and this whole concussion deal. I don't quite like that one because I don't think it gets to the point. A running back lowering his head is going to knock himself out.
"They're giving a great effort in trying to make it safer. But some of the rules are made by people who didn't play the game."
Wearing a black, button-down Cleveland Browns shirt, the 77-year-old Brown hobbled around Pocono, but said his health was otherwise fine.
"I feel very fortunate," Brown said.
"All them concussions ain't caught up with you," Petty asked, laughing. "They haven't caught up with me," Brown said.
Brown said because he doesn't suffer from any lingering symptoms of concussions he might have sustained over his career, he isn't among the group of players to have filed lawsuits that accuse the NFL hiding known concussion risks.
"I know that there are players that have had problems and those things should be taken care of," Brown said. "But on a personal level I would be dishonest to say I was suffering from anything."
Jim Brown: NFL will have much safer game in the future - NFL-com
"I'm a fan of NASCAR, in a certain kind of way," Brown said. "I recognize a legend like this."
Brown also recognized the NFL could learn a few things in athlete safety from NASCAR.
"In the National Football League, we're way behind," Brown said. "I think NASCAR, out of the fact that you can really get hurt, stepped up their safety concepts. So, I think most of the drivers would feel like they've done everything that can pretty much be done without taking away from the sport."
Standing to Brown's right, Petty nodded in agreement.
"We have a ways to go," Brown said. "This is the first time we've ever really taken the safety situation seriously because of the lawsuits. When we come out of this, I think we'll have a much safer game and we won't take away from the safety of the game."
NASCAR has made serious upgrades since the 2001 death of Dale Earnhardt in the Daytona 500. The head-and-neck restraint device became mandatory that same season. Additional safety features - soft wall technology, stronger cockpits, automatic engine kill switches - were added the next few years.
The NFL recently approved a rule that banned ball carriers from using the crown of their helmets to make forcible contact with a defender in the open field.
"I think they're making an honest effort to make the game safer," Brown said. "Maybe it's been forced upon them because of the lawsuits and this whole concussion deal. I don't quite like that one because I don't think it gets to the point. A running back lowering his head is going to knock himself out.
"They're giving a great effort in trying to make it safer. But some of the rules are made by people who didn't play the game."
Wearing a black, button-down Cleveland Browns shirt, the 77-year-old Brown hobbled around Pocono, but said his health was otherwise fine.
"I feel very fortunate," Brown said.
"All them concussions ain't caught up with you," Petty asked, laughing. "They haven't caught up with me," Brown said.
Brown said because he doesn't suffer from any lingering symptoms of concussions he might have sustained over his career, he isn't among the group of players to have filed lawsuits that accuse the NFL hiding known concussion risks.
"I know that there are players that have had problems and those things should be taken care of," Brown said. "But on a personal level I would be dishonest to say I was suffering from anything."
Jim Brown: NFL will have much safer game in the future - NFL-com
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Many NFL observers predicted that former New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams never would get an NFL job again after his role in the "Bountygate" scandal. But Williams said Monday he never had a doubt.
"Never once had I even thought that," Williams told Tennessee Titans beat reporters when asked if he ever worried about not coaching again. Williams worked for Titans owner Bud Adams from 1990 to 2000, and he quickly landed on his feet as a senior defensive assistant in Tennessee after his season-long NFL suspension. Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray worked under Williams in three different cities.
"I feel like I'm home," Williams said. "There's five coaches on this staff I've had a chance to coach. ... I'm just happy to get a chance to do it one more time. ... In the NFL, it's a production business. We're all on one-year contract. I'm very happy."
Williams looked like a new man in Tennessee. He lost a lot of weight during his suspension, not unlike Saints coach Sean Payton. Williams' often-brash way of speaking was toned down slightly, but Titans players have talked up a "new attitude" with Williams in the building. He says he's the same coach he's always been.
"I don't know about a new attitude, because this is how the attitude has been wherever I've been," Williams said.
Gregg Williams: I never doubted I'd be back in NFL - NFL-com
"Never once had I even thought that," Williams told Tennessee Titans beat reporters when asked if he ever worried about not coaching again. Williams worked for Titans owner Bud Adams from 1990 to 2000, and he quickly landed on his feet as a senior defensive assistant in Tennessee after his season-long NFL suspension. Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray worked under Williams in three different cities.
"I feel like I'm home," Williams said. "There's five coaches on this staff I've had a chance to coach. ... I'm just happy to get a chance to do it one more time. ... In the NFL, it's a production business. We're all on one-year contract. I'm very happy."
Williams looked like a new man in Tennessee. He lost a lot of weight during his suspension, not unlike Saints coach Sean Payton. Williams' often-brash way of speaking was toned down slightly, but Titans players have talked up a "new attitude" with Williams in the building. He says he's the same coach he's always been.
"I don't know about a new attitude, because this is how the attitude has been wherever I've been," Williams said.
Gregg Williams: I never doubted I'd be back in NFL - NFL-com
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Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jason Peters was arrested early Wednesday morning in Monroe, La., after allegedly drag racing and resisting arrest by flight, the Ouachita Parish Sheriff's Office confirmed to NFL-com and NFL Network. The News-Star first reported the news.
Deputy L. Deal said he saw a white Camaro and blue sedan waiting at the same red light at 4:45 a.m. CT and that the cars began racing once the light turned green, according to the arrest affidavit first obtained by The News-Star. After the deputy activated the emergency lights, the Camaro, driven by Peters, allegedly sped away while the blue sedan immediately pulled over. The affidavit said the Camaro was clocked at speeds of 100-mph-plus during the deputy's pursuit. The police said Peters' Camaro later exited the highway and pulled over into a shopping-center parking lot. The deputy instructed Peters to step out of his vehicle, which he did. Peters then was arrested and booked at Ouachita Correctional Center. He was released on bond at approximately 7:45 a.m. CT on Wednesday. The amount of the bond wasn't disclosed.
"We are aware of the reports that Jason Peters was arrested this morning in Louisiana," the Eagles said in a statement obtained by The Associated Press. "We have been in contact with Jason, and due to the legal nature of this matter, we will not have any further comment at this point."
Peters, a five-time Pro Bowl pick, signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2004. The Eagles traded a 2009 first-round draft pick to acquire Peters from the Bills during the 2009 offseason. He missed all of the 2012 season with a ruptured Achilles tendon, but he has been fully cleared for participation in Eagles practices this offseason.
Peters' other known arrest came in March 2011, when he was charged with disturbing the peace and resisting arrest while he was in Shreveport, La., for a concert featuring rapper Rick Ross. According to records, an officer asked Peters to turn down the volume on the stereo in his vehicle, and he didn't cooperate. According to reports, Peters refused to show the officer his license, which resulted in the charge of resisting arrest.
Jason Peters, Eagles star, arrested for allegedly drag racing - NFL-com
Deputy L. Deal said he saw a white Camaro and blue sedan waiting at the same red light at 4:45 a.m. CT and that the cars began racing once the light turned green, according to the arrest affidavit first obtained by The News-Star. After the deputy activated the emergency lights, the Camaro, driven by Peters, allegedly sped away while the blue sedan immediately pulled over. The affidavit said the Camaro was clocked at speeds of 100-mph-plus during the deputy's pursuit. The police said Peters' Camaro later exited the highway and pulled over into a shopping-center parking lot. The deputy instructed Peters to step out of his vehicle, which he did. Peters then was arrested and booked at Ouachita Correctional Center. He was released on bond at approximately 7:45 a.m. CT on Wednesday. The amount of the bond wasn't disclosed.
"We are aware of the reports that Jason Peters was arrested this morning in Louisiana," the Eagles said in a statement obtained by The Associated Press. "We have been in contact with Jason, and due to the legal nature of this matter, we will not have any further comment at this point."
Peters, a five-time Pro Bowl pick, signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2004. The Eagles traded a 2009 first-round draft pick to acquire Peters from the Bills during the 2009 offseason. He missed all of the 2012 season with a ruptured Achilles tendon, but he has been fully cleared for participation in Eagles practices this offseason.
Peters' other known arrest came in March 2011, when he was charged with disturbing the peace and resisting arrest while he was in Shreveport, La., for a concert featuring rapper Rick Ross. According to records, an officer asked Peters to turn down the volume on the stereo in his vehicle, and he didn't cooperate. According to reports, Peters refused to show the officer his license, which resulted in the charge of resisting arrest.
Jason Peters, Eagles star, arrested for allegedly drag racing - NFL-com
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The Denver Broncos have released Willis McGahee, their leading rusher last year.
The 31-year-old running back is the NFL's active leader with 33 100-yard games. McGahee is coming off a right knee injury that sidelined him for the final two months last season. The 11-year veteran was set to make $2.5 million in 2013.
McGahee skipped all of the team's 10 voluntary workouts but returned to Dove Valley for their three-day mandatory minicamp that ends Thursday.
With second-year pro Ronnie Hillman and rookie Montee Ball getting most of the work out of the backfield this week, McGahee was relegated to a handful of snaps.
McGahee said Tuesday he was confident he'd keep his starting job and didn't regret skipping the workouts. He says he "probably would have been behind the 8-ball either way."
NFL Notes: Broncos release Willis McGahee | Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia
The 31-year-old running back is the NFL's active leader with 33 100-yard games. McGahee is coming off a right knee injury that sidelined him for the final two months last season. The 11-year veteran was set to make $2.5 million in 2013.
McGahee skipped all of the team's 10 voluntary workouts but returned to Dove Valley for their three-day mandatory minicamp that ends Thursday.
With second-year pro Ronnie Hillman and rookie Montee Ball getting most of the work out of the backfield this week, McGahee was relegated to a handful of snaps.
McGahee said Tuesday he was confident he'd keep his starting job and didn't regret skipping the workouts. He says he "probably would have been behind the 8-ball either way."
NFL Notes: Broncos release Willis McGahee | Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia
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Indianapolis Colts linebacker Robert Mathis wasn't all that thrilled being called for an offside penalty on the final day of minicamp.
The official who made the call? Sarah Thomas, who is on her way toward becoming the first permanent female official in the NFL. It could happen as early as the 2014 season.
"I'm certain I can't make everybody happy," Thomas said of that call on Mathis. Thomas spent three days at the Colts minicamp as part of the NFL's officiating development program, and league officials say she would be the first woman to reach NFL fields through the program. She's expected to join the Colts in training camp next month and could call some preseason games this year.
Once completing the development program, Thomas could get a shot at the regular season if a spot becomes available. That wouldn't happen until a current official retires or leaves the league.
"It's just something that happened," said Dean Blandino, the NFL's vice president of officiating. "She was in our pipeline for a while."
Last year, Shannon Eastin became the first woman to be an official in both a preseason and regular-season NFL game. She was a line judge in the Rams-Lions season opener, among the replacements hired during the officials' lockout.
Eastin, who started officiating high school games before moving up to colleges, owns a company called SE Sports Officiating, which trains officials in football and basketball.
Last summer, the NFL Referees Association said Eastin shouldn't be allowed to work league games because she has been in the World Series of Poker. If Eastin is hired permanently, the NFL's gambling policy would bar her from participating in such events.
Thomas is an official with Conference USA and has been for the past eight seasons. She still has some steps to take before she can get to the NFL. There are interviews and background checks, and she will be evaluated during any NFL camps and preseason games she handles -- as well as during the upcoming college football season. Just like a player, it's a big step for an official to go to the next level.
"It's similar from when a players jumps from college to the NFL," Blandino said. "Getting used to that type of speed is important."
Thomas noticed the speed right away at minicamp even when the players run with no pads. But she said she likes the challenge of officiating. That's what got her interested in the job of wearing the stripes during football games, even as a high school football official in Mississippi, where she's called state championship games.
"The speed, yes, is there," Thomas said. "These are just phenomenal athletes on both sides of the ball. The game has a tendency to slow down the most snaps you get and repetition. So, hopefully, the more snaps I get, things will start slowing down a little bit."
Thomas shows many of the qualities and traits the NFL looks for in an official. She's confident and shows a command of where to go and what to do at all times. Having a female involved and the NFL showing its diversity, well, that's just a bonus.
"It's always a positive when there's diversity," Blandino said.
NFL could have permanent female official by 2014 - NFL-com
The official who made the call? Sarah Thomas, who is on her way toward becoming the first permanent female official in the NFL. It could happen as early as the 2014 season.
"I'm certain I can't make everybody happy," Thomas said of that call on Mathis. Thomas spent three days at the Colts minicamp as part of the NFL's officiating development program, and league officials say she would be the first woman to reach NFL fields through the program. She's expected to join the Colts in training camp next month and could call some preseason games this year.
Once completing the development program, Thomas could get a shot at the regular season if a spot becomes available. That wouldn't happen until a current official retires or leaves the league.
"It's just something that happened," said Dean Blandino, the NFL's vice president of officiating. "She was in our pipeline for a while."
Last year, Shannon Eastin became the first woman to be an official in both a preseason and regular-season NFL game. She was a line judge in the Rams-Lions season opener, among the replacements hired during the officials' lockout.
Eastin, who started officiating high school games before moving up to colleges, owns a company called SE Sports Officiating, which trains officials in football and basketball.
Last summer, the NFL Referees Association said Eastin shouldn't be allowed to work league games because she has been in the World Series of Poker. If Eastin is hired permanently, the NFL's gambling policy would bar her from participating in such events.
Thomas is an official with Conference USA and has been for the past eight seasons. She still has some steps to take before she can get to the NFL. There are interviews and background checks, and she will be evaluated during any NFL camps and preseason games she handles -- as well as during the upcoming college football season. Just like a player, it's a big step for an official to go to the next level.
"It's similar from when a players jumps from college to the NFL," Blandino said. "Getting used to that type of speed is important."
Thomas noticed the speed right away at minicamp even when the players run with no pads. But she said she likes the challenge of officiating. That's what got her interested in the job of wearing the stripes during football games, even as a high school football official in Mississippi, where she's called state championship games.
"The speed, yes, is there," Thomas said. "These are just phenomenal athletes on both sides of the ball. The game has a tendency to slow down the most snaps you get and repetition. So, hopefully, the more snaps I get, things will start slowing down a little bit."
Thomas shows many of the qualities and traits the NFL looks for in an official. She's confident and shows a command of where to go and what to do at all times. Having a female involved and the NFL showing its diversity, well, that's just a bonus.
"It's always a positive when there's diversity," Blandino said.
NFL could have permanent female official by 2014 - NFL-com
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True shutdown corners are rare in the NFL. And as offenses continue to develop and throw new wrinkles into the system every year, elite cornerbacks are becoming more and more valuable.
The following five cornerbacks are the few who have established themselves as the game's shutdown corners. They're the ones who can be left on an island and consistently handle the league's elite receivers.
Read More: Power Ranking the Best Shutdown Cornerbacks in the NFL | Bleacher Report
The following five cornerbacks are the few who have established themselves as the game's shutdown corners. They're the ones who can be left on an island and consistently handle the league's elite receivers.
Read More: Power Ranking the Best Shutdown Cornerbacks in the NFL | Bleacher Report
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The hot new line of New England Patriots apparel for the 2014 season is on the runway at NFL headquarters in New York right now, under review by league officials before making its way onto racks at the team pro shop and into the wardrobes of football fans.
That’s right — the hot new line for the 2014 season.
With sports enthusiasts spending $12 billion each year to wear their team pride on their sleeves (and on their hats, jackets, and pants), the imperative to satisfy their tastes demands a level of research and planning once confined to the fashion industry.
Licensed apparel makers, like Westwood-based ’47 Brand, begin designing team gear almost two years in advance. The NFL will not open training camp for the 2013 season before next month, yet manufacturers already have conceived what they hope will become the popular looks of 2014. They have been showing the designs to league executives since last month, said Josh Feinstein, the NFL’s director of consumer products.
Companies will think over the feedback they receive, make product changes, and then pitch their merchandise to buyers for all 32 franchises. To help decide what to stock at the official team store in Foxborough, the Patriots conduct surveys and focus groups with fans, said Jessica Gelman, the club’s vice president of customer marketing and strategy. By November, teams will be placing orders for next fall.
“The sports apparel industry has become exponentially more strategic and sophisticated,” said Marty Brochstein, senior vice president for industry relations and information at the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association. “The items are better made and better thought-out than ever before.”
But no amount of forethought can anticipate every trend. A year ago, few could have predicted that the league’s top-selling jersey would belong to San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, an unheralded backup before he stepped in for injured starter Alex Smith last season and led his team to the Super Bowl.
Kaepernick is not an isolated case. Fourteen of the 25 most popular jerseys in the league today were not even on the best-seller list last year.
“It’s both a science and an art,” Gelman said. “You never know what kind of season a player’s going to have.”
Feinstein agreed that “nobody’s got a crystal ball,” and added that the NFL’s growing popularity among women continues to reshape the licensed apparel landscape. “I truly don’t believe that ceiling has been hit yet,” he said.
Because demand can shift quickly, the NFL requires its jersey maker, Nike Inc., to keep a stockpile of “blanks” — jerseys with no names and no numbers — on hand at all times, ready for rapid printing with the letters and digits of tomorrow’s superstars.
The reserve supply enables a team to capitalize on a player’s emergence literally overnight. One day after the Patriots signed free agent quarterback Tim Tebow, the pro shop was taking orders for replica jerseys bearing his number, 5.
Such a rapid response is critical because sports apparel purchases are often driven by emotion and impulse, according to Brochstein.
“It’s about having the right product at the right price at the right time,” Brochstein said.
Increasingly, the right product is a more fashionable product. Last year, ’47 Brand debuted as an official retail partner of the NFL, launching a line of licensed apparel that might fit in at American Eagle Outfitters, if not for the team logos. The NFL’s partnership with ’47 Brand followed deals with other trendy merchandisers, like Junk Food Clothing and the Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Co.
“We’re blending sports and lifestyle looks in a fashionable way,” said Dan Cohen, a spokesman for ’47 Brand. “You can get away with wearing one of our shirts in a setting where you couldn’t wear a regular T-shirt or jersey, just because it’s more fashionable.”
NFL apparel makers plan far ahead for sports trends - Business - The Boston Globe
That’s right — the hot new line for the 2014 season.
With sports enthusiasts spending $12 billion each year to wear their team pride on their sleeves (and on their hats, jackets, and pants), the imperative to satisfy their tastes demands a level of research and planning once confined to the fashion industry.
Licensed apparel makers, like Westwood-based ’47 Brand, begin designing team gear almost two years in advance. The NFL will not open training camp for the 2013 season before next month, yet manufacturers already have conceived what they hope will become the popular looks of 2014. They have been showing the designs to league executives since last month, said Josh Feinstein, the NFL’s director of consumer products.
Companies will think over the feedback they receive, make product changes, and then pitch their merchandise to buyers for all 32 franchises. To help decide what to stock at the official team store in Foxborough, the Patriots conduct surveys and focus groups with fans, said Jessica Gelman, the club’s vice president of customer marketing and strategy. By November, teams will be placing orders for next fall.
“The sports apparel industry has become exponentially more strategic and sophisticated,” said Marty Brochstein, senior vice president for industry relations and information at the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers’ Association. “The items are better made and better thought-out than ever before.”
But no amount of forethought can anticipate every trend. A year ago, few could have predicted that the league’s top-selling jersey would belong to San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, an unheralded backup before he stepped in for injured starter Alex Smith last season and led his team to the Super Bowl.
Kaepernick is not an isolated case. Fourteen of the 25 most popular jerseys in the league today were not even on the best-seller list last year.
“It’s both a science and an art,” Gelman said. “You never know what kind of season a player’s going to have.”
Feinstein agreed that “nobody’s got a crystal ball,” and added that the NFL’s growing popularity among women continues to reshape the licensed apparel landscape. “I truly don’t believe that ceiling has been hit yet,” he said.
Because demand can shift quickly, the NFL requires its jersey maker, Nike Inc., to keep a stockpile of “blanks” — jerseys with no names and no numbers — on hand at all times, ready for rapid printing with the letters and digits of tomorrow’s superstars.
The reserve supply enables a team to capitalize on a player’s emergence literally overnight. One day after the Patriots signed free agent quarterback Tim Tebow, the pro shop was taking orders for replica jerseys bearing his number, 5.
Such a rapid response is critical because sports apparel purchases are often driven by emotion and impulse, according to Brochstein.
“It’s about having the right product at the right price at the right time,” Brochstein said.
Increasingly, the right product is a more fashionable product. Last year, ’47 Brand debuted as an official retail partner of the NFL, launching a line of licensed apparel that might fit in at American Eagle Outfitters, if not for the team logos. The NFL’s partnership with ’47 Brand followed deals with other trendy merchandisers, like Junk Food Clothing and the Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Co.
“We’re blending sports and lifestyle looks in a fashionable way,” said Dan Cohen, a spokesman for ’47 Brand. “You can get away with wearing one of our shirts in a setting where you couldn’t wear a regular T-shirt or jersey, just because it’s more fashionable.”
NFL apparel makers plan far ahead for sports trends - Business - The Boston Globe
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Outside the occasional storm cloud, the Cleveland Browns remain a team with reason for hope in 2013.
Part of that goes back to a defense that imported some legitimate talent in Paul Kruger, Desmond Bryant and Barkevious Mingo, the No. 6 overall pick in April's draft.
Mingo has yet to play a snap in the NFL, but he envisions big things for the Browns.
"If everything is going well, I think this defense could be the best in the league," Mingo said Tuesday, according to The Plain Dealer.
"We have a lot of players that can contribute and help this team win. We've got a lot of rushers," Mingo added. "We've got corners on the back end. We've got D-linemen that can hold those blocks and get off and make plays. We've got linebackers that can come up and tackle the run and get back in coverage as well. So we have a lot of tools that we can use."
Defensive coordinator Ray Horton has likened the offseason additions on defense to winning the Powerball lottery. The outlook certainly is positive in Berea, Ohio -- we'll see if hype leads to results.
Barkevious Mingo: Browns could be NFL's top defense - NFL-com
Part of that goes back to a defense that imported some legitimate talent in Paul Kruger, Desmond Bryant and Barkevious Mingo, the No. 6 overall pick in April's draft.
Mingo has yet to play a snap in the NFL, but he envisions big things for the Browns.
"If everything is going well, I think this defense could be the best in the league," Mingo said Tuesday, according to The Plain Dealer.
"We have a lot of players that can contribute and help this team win. We've got a lot of rushers," Mingo added. "We've got corners on the back end. We've got D-linemen that can hold those blocks and get off and make plays. We've got linebackers that can come up and tackle the run and get back in coverage as well. So we have a lot of tools that we can use."
Defensive coordinator Ray Horton has likened the offseason additions on defense to winning the Powerball lottery. The outlook certainly is positive in Berea, Ohio -- we'll see if hype leads to results.
Barkevious Mingo: Browns could be NFL's top defense - NFL-com
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The Minnesota Vikings finished the 2012 NFL season with a 10-6 record, which included one of the best single-season rushing performances in league history by Adrian Peterson.
The six-year veteran was a mere nine yards shy of breaking Eric Dickerson's record of 2,105 yards on his way to receiving the 2012 MVP award—the first running back to do so since LaDanian Tomlinson in 2006.
In addition to coming off surgery to repair the torn ACL that Vikings' all-time leading rusher suffered a year earlier against the Washington Redskins, Peterson also underwent surgery for a sports hernia following the 2012 season.
With Peterson at 100 percent entering the upcoming season, one could anticipate high expectations for a team sporting a top offensive line behind Matt Kalil, John Sullivan and Phil Loadholt.
Add in a draft that included three selections in the first round—Sharrif Floyd, Xavier Rhodes and Cordarrelle Patterson—which all met immediate and future needs for the Vikings, you might expect the team to be on the radar as a potential contender in the NFC for a deep playoff run.
Right?
Well, not so fast.
Instead, the Minnesota Vikings appear to be a team once again on the outside looking in as forecast by "experts" as another convoluted NFL season approaches.
ESPN has the Vikings ranked 17th in its recent power rankings, with nine other teams ahead of them in the NFC. This means that even after the playoffs are set, Minnesota ranks fourth among teams watching from home.
Out of all playoff teams from 2012, ESPN's rankings put the Vikings dead last prior to the start of the 2013 season, with two sub-.500 teams, the New Orleans Saints (7-9) and St. Louis Rams (7-8-1), both rated ahead of Minnesota.
The experts over at Bristol are not the only ones down on the Vikings this year. Will Brinson of CBSSports-com predicts the Vikings will be under the win total odds of 7.5 set by Las Vegas. A difficult schedule and regression by Peterson are cited as the rationale for the prediction.
Continuing with Vegas odds, Minnesota is the greatest long shot to win the Super Bowl among all 2012 playoff teams, coming in at 50-1 to bring home the Lombardy Trophy.
And while Christian Ponder seems to be a common target for criticism, finishing 21st in passer rating at 81.2, the third-year quarterback has an improved arsenal of receivers with former Packer Greg Jennings and rookie Cordarrelle Patterson joining the team.
Combine that with Pro Bowl MVP Kyle Rudolph and an emerging threat in slot receiver Jarius Wright, it would be fair for fans to scratch their head as to why so many pundits expect a 10-win playoff team to regress so much. However, this tends to be the trend for analysts predicting the fate of the Minnesota Vikings, a team that has not been to a Super Bowl since the 1976 season and has lost three NFC Championship Games over the last 15 years.
History seems to be battling the likelihood for success of this upcoming season, one that includes the best running back in the NFL, young players continuing to develop at key positions and an overall improved team following free agency and the NFL draft.
Looking at the overall landscape of the NFL, it's hard to find a team more underrated than the Minnesota Vikings in 2013.
But maybe that's just the type of motivation the team needs to shake its harshest critics.
Are the Minnesota Vikings the Most Underrated Team in the NFL? | Bleacher Report
The six-year veteran was a mere nine yards shy of breaking Eric Dickerson's record of 2,105 yards on his way to receiving the 2012 MVP award—the first running back to do so since LaDanian Tomlinson in 2006.
In addition to coming off surgery to repair the torn ACL that Vikings' all-time leading rusher suffered a year earlier against the Washington Redskins, Peterson also underwent surgery for a sports hernia following the 2012 season.
With Peterson at 100 percent entering the upcoming season, one could anticipate high expectations for a team sporting a top offensive line behind Matt Kalil, John Sullivan and Phil Loadholt.
Add in a draft that included three selections in the first round—Sharrif Floyd, Xavier Rhodes and Cordarrelle Patterson—which all met immediate and future needs for the Vikings, you might expect the team to be on the radar as a potential contender in the NFC for a deep playoff run.
Right?
Well, not so fast.
Instead, the Minnesota Vikings appear to be a team once again on the outside looking in as forecast by "experts" as another convoluted NFL season approaches.
ESPN has the Vikings ranked 17th in its recent power rankings, with nine other teams ahead of them in the NFC. This means that even after the playoffs are set, Minnesota ranks fourth among teams watching from home.
Out of all playoff teams from 2012, ESPN's rankings put the Vikings dead last prior to the start of the 2013 season, with two sub-.500 teams, the New Orleans Saints (7-9) and St. Louis Rams (7-8-1), both rated ahead of Minnesota.
The experts over at Bristol are not the only ones down on the Vikings this year. Will Brinson of CBSSports-com predicts the Vikings will be under the win total odds of 7.5 set by Las Vegas. A difficult schedule and regression by Peterson are cited as the rationale for the prediction.
Continuing with Vegas odds, Minnesota is the greatest long shot to win the Super Bowl among all 2012 playoff teams, coming in at 50-1 to bring home the Lombardy Trophy.
And while Christian Ponder seems to be a common target for criticism, finishing 21st in passer rating at 81.2, the third-year quarterback has an improved arsenal of receivers with former Packer Greg Jennings and rookie Cordarrelle Patterson joining the team.
Combine that with Pro Bowl MVP Kyle Rudolph and an emerging threat in slot receiver Jarius Wright, it would be fair for fans to scratch their head as to why so many pundits expect a 10-win playoff team to regress so much. However, this tends to be the trend for analysts predicting the fate of the Minnesota Vikings, a team that has not been to a Super Bowl since the 1976 season and has lost three NFC Championship Games over the last 15 years.
History seems to be battling the likelihood for success of this upcoming season, one that includes the best running back in the NFL, young players continuing to develop at key positions and an overall improved team following free agency and the NFL draft.
Looking at the overall landscape of the NFL, it's hard to find a team more underrated than the Minnesota Vikings in 2013.
But maybe that's just the type of motivation the team needs to shake its harshest critics.
Are the Minnesota Vikings the Most Underrated Team in the NFL? | Bleacher Report
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From the moment Bill O’Brien arrived in State College, rumors have been swirling about when he’d leave to take an NFL job. Between his prior position as Patriots offensive coordinator and the restrictions placed on Penn State by the NCAA, everyone was predicting that O’Brien’s stay as Nittany Lions head coach might be short.
After rejecting overtures from the Eagles, Browns, Chargers and Cardinals this past winter, O’Brien has agreed to a new deal with Penn State that gives him a substantial raise and makes it rather pricey for him to change jobs.
PennLive-com has the details of the deal:
O'Brien's base salary rises from $950,000 to $1,932,779 beginning on July 1, 2013. O'Brien will get a five percent salary increase and a $935,279 lump sum payment.
…
The raise will elevate O'Brien's annual compensation to approximately $3.28 million. O'Brien will also receive $1 million from television revenue and $350,000 from Nike.
O’Brien guided his team to an 8-4 record despite NCAA sanctions that resulted in several high-profile transfers. The coach also secured a commitment from five-star quarterback Christian Hackenberg, the 24th ranked player in the country according to Rivals.
Another interesting part of the contract is how much it will cost O’Brien – or the team that decides to hire him – if he wants to leave Penn State after this season. NFL-com’s Ian Rapaport sums up the financial situation: From the moment Bill O’Brien arrived in State College, rumors have been swirling about when he’d leave to take an NFL job. Between his prior position as Patriots offensive coordinator and the restrictions placed on Penn State by the NCAA, everyone was predicting that O’Brien’s stay as Nittany Lions head coach might be short.
After rejecting overtures from the Eagles, Browns, Chargers and Cardinals this past winter, O’Brien has agreed to a new deal with Penn State that gives him a substantial raise and makes it rather pricey for him to change jobs.
PennLive-com has the details of the deal:
O'Brien's base salary rises from $950,000 to $1,932,779 beginning on July 1, 2013. O'Brien will get a five percent salary increase and a $935,279 lump sum payment.
…
The raise will elevate O'Brien's annual compensation to approximately $3.28 million. O'Brien will also receive $1 million from television revenue and $350,000 from Nike.
O’Brien guided his team to an 8-4 record despite NCAA sanctions that resulted in several high-profile transfers. The coach also secured a commitment from five-star quarterback Christian Hackenberg, the 24th ranked player in the country according to Rivals.
Another interesting part of the contract is how much it will cost O’Brien – or the team that decides to hire him – if he wants to leave Penn State after this season. NFL-com’s Ian Rapaport sums up the financial situation: $6.75 million is a lot of money, but it will only be a slight deterrent for NFL teams if O’Brien has another great year in State College. When you consider that Chip Kelly - a more successful college coach than O’Brien but one without the NFL experience - was given a deal averaging $6.5 million per year, it seems likely that a professional team that fell in love with the idea of hiring the PSU coach could absorb the cost.
(When negotiating with new employers, the departing coach will often add language to get some or all of his buyout taken care of. For a recent example of these discussions, read this L.A. Times story on Steve Alford, UCLA and New Mexico.)
Less likely to shell out $11.48 million? Opposing college teams, meaning that at the very least, Nittany Lion fans can feel secure they won’t have to face O’Brien in the near future. Watching him on Sundays, however? Still a very real possibility when you consider the deep pockets of NFL owners.
Y! SPORTS
After rejecting overtures from the Eagles, Browns, Chargers and Cardinals this past winter, O’Brien has agreed to a new deal with Penn State that gives him a substantial raise and makes it rather pricey for him to change jobs.
PennLive-com has the details of the deal:
O'Brien's base salary rises from $950,000 to $1,932,779 beginning on July 1, 2013. O'Brien will get a five percent salary increase and a $935,279 lump sum payment.
…
The raise will elevate O'Brien's annual compensation to approximately $3.28 million. O'Brien will also receive $1 million from television revenue and $350,000 from Nike.
O’Brien guided his team to an 8-4 record despite NCAA sanctions that resulted in several high-profile transfers. The coach also secured a commitment from five-star quarterback Christian Hackenberg, the 24th ranked player in the country according to Rivals.
Another interesting part of the contract is how much it will cost O’Brien – or the team that decides to hire him – if he wants to leave Penn State after this season. NFL-com’s Ian Rapaport sums up the financial situation: From the moment Bill O’Brien arrived in State College, rumors have been swirling about when he’d leave to take an NFL job. Between his prior position as Patriots offensive coordinator and the restrictions placed on Penn State by the NCAA, everyone was predicting that O’Brien’s stay as Nittany Lions head coach might be short.
After rejecting overtures from the Eagles, Browns, Chargers and Cardinals this past winter, O’Brien has agreed to a new deal with Penn State that gives him a substantial raise and makes it rather pricey for him to change jobs.
PennLive-com has the details of the deal:
O'Brien's base salary rises from $950,000 to $1,932,779 beginning on July 1, 2013. O'Brien will get a five percent salary increase and a $935,279 lump sum payment.
…
The raise will elevate O'Brien's annual compensation to approximately $3.28 million. O'Brien will also receive $1 million from television revenue and $350,000 from Nike.
O’Brien guided his team to an 8-4 record despite NCAA sanctions that resulted in several high-profile transfers. The coach also secured a commitment from five-star quarterback Christian Hackenberg, the 24th ranked player in the country according to Rivals.
Another interesting part of the contract is how much it will cost O’Brien – or the team that decides to hire him – if he wants to leave Penn State after this season. NFL-com’s Ian Rapaport sums up the financial situation: $6.75 million is a lot of money, but it will only be a slight deterrent for NFL teams if O’Brien has another great year in State College. When you consider that Chip Kelly - a more successful college coach than O’Brien but one without the NFL experience - was given a deal averaging $6.5 million per year, it seems likely that a professional team that fell in love with the idea of hiring the PSU coach could absorb the cost.
(When negotiating with new employers, the departing coach will often add language to get some or all of his buyout taken care of. For a recent example of these discussions, read this L.A. Times story on Steve Alford, UCLA and New Mexico.)
Less likely to shell out $11.48 million? Opposing college teams, meaning that at the very least, Nittany Lion fans can feel secure they won’t have to face O’Brien in the near future. Watching him on Sundays, however? Still a very real possibility when you consider the deep pockets of NFL owners.
Y! SPORTS
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Now that we know for sure that Titans safety Bernard Pollard doesn't literally want to end his opponents' lives, the NFL won't discipline him for his comments that he was on a mission to kill, according to ESPN.
Earlier in the week, Pollard taped a note to his locker that looked like this: Later, he was asked what he thought about the critics who didn't think the note was entirely appropriate.
“I don't care what they have to say,” Pollard said. “If they feel like we're going to carry guns and knives and try and stab people and try and kill them, shame on you. You are an idiot. For us, when we say kill, we want to go out there and knock the [heck] out of people, we want to hit you. And for me, we're going to help you up because I'm going to knock you back down. I have been at plenty of pee-wee football games where I have seen my son, my daughter, and you hear parents, you hear women, white, black, Hispanic, Chinese, Japanese, telling their sons, 'Kill them! Telling their daughters, Kill them!'"
But Pollard -- who's now playing on a team in which Bounty-gate organizer Gregg Williams is an assistant -- also made sure to add this:
“Do I believe they mean kill them?" he asked. "Literally kill them? No. So if you have never played this game before and you want to take that and run with it, go ahead. Shame on you. You're a fool. But for us, that is just the mentality you have to have and that's not going to change.”
Reportedly, the NFL believed Pollard's explanation that he wasn't being literal and that he would express himself more carefully in the future. A lesson that Mario Williams already has learned.
Report: NFL won't discipline Bernard Pollard for 'kill' comment - CBSSports-com
Earlier in the week, Pollard taped a note to his locker that looked like this: Later, he was asked what he thought about the critics who didn't think the note was entirely appropriate.
“I don't care what they have to say,” Pollard said. “If they feel like we're going to carry guns and knives and try and stab people and try and kill them, shame on you. You are an idiot. For us, when we say kill, we want to go out there and knock the [heck] out of people, we want to hit you. And for me, we're going to help you up because I'm going to knock you back down. I have been at plenty of pee-wee football games where I have seen my son, my daughter, and you hear parents, you hear women, white, black, Hispanic, Chinese, Japanese, telling their sons, 'Kill them! Telling their daughters, Kill them!'"
But Pollard -- who's now playing on a team in which Bounty-gate organizer Gregg Williams is an assistant -- also made sure to add this:
“Do I believe they mean kill them?" he asked. "Literally kill them? No. So if you have never played this game before and you want to take that and run with it, go ahead. Shame on you. You're a fool. But for us, that is just the mentality you have to have and that's not going to change.”
Reportedly, the NFL believed Pollard's explanation that he wasn't being literal and that he would express himself more carefully in the future. A lesson that Mario Williams already has learned.
Report: NFL won't discipline Bernard Pollard for 'kill' comment - CBSSports-com
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The NFL will give the Deacon Jones Award to each season's leader in sacks as a tribute to the legendary defensive end,according to NFL.com.
The announcement was made at a memorial service for Jones in Los Angeles on Saturday, per the report.
Jones was a prolific pass rusher who is credited with inventing the term "sack." He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980. The sack became an official statistic starting in 1982.
Jones died on June 3, at the age of 74.
The announcement was made at a memorial service for Jones in Los Angeles on Saturday, per the report.
Jones was a prolific pass rusher who is credited with inventing the term "sack." He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980. The sack became an official statistic starting in 1982.
Jones died on June 3, at the age of 74.
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Beginning in 2013, the NFL will honor the annual league leader in sacks with the Deacon Jones Award, Ian Rapoport of NFL-com reports.
Jones was 74-years-old when he died of natural causes at his Southern California home on June 4. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will make the official announce at a memorial service for Jones at the Los Angeles Coliseum on Saturday.
The award is expected to be presented during the annual "NFL Honors" program on the night before the Super Bowl.
Jones played 14 seasons in the NFL, mostly with the Los Angeles Rams, who selected him in the 14th round (No. 186 overall) of the 1961 NFL draft. Jones finished his career with a two-year stint with the San Diego Chargers before spending the 1974 season with the Washington Redskins. Jones coined the phrase "sacks" and though they were not an official statistic during his playing career, the Rams' media guide credits Jones with 173.5 sacks over his career.
"Sacking the quarterback is like when you devastate a city, or you cream a multitude of people," Jones said during one of his memorable interviews with NFL Films. "You take all the offensive linemen and put them in a burlap bag, and then you take a baseball bat and beat on the bag. You're sacking them, you're bagging them. And that's what you're doing with a quarterback."
Had sacks been an official statistic during his career, Jones' estimated total in the Rams' media guide would have him at third in NFL history behind fellow Hall of Fame defensive ends Bruce Smith (200) and Reggie White (198).
Y! SPORTS
Jones was 74-years-old when he died of natural causes at his Southern California home on June 4. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will make the official announce at a memorial service for Jones at the Los Angeles Coliseum on Saturday.
The award is expected to be presented during the annual "NFL Honors" program on the night before the Super Bowl.
Jones played 14 seasons in the NFL, mostly with the Los Angeles Rams, who selected him in the 14th round (No. 186 overall) of the 1961 NFL draft. Jones finished his career with a two-year stint with the San Diego Chargers before spending the 1974 season with the Washington Redskins. Jones coined the phrase "sacks" and though they were not an official statistic during his playing career, the Rams' media guide credits Jones with 173.5 sacks over his career.
"Sacking the quarterback is like when you devastate a city, or you cream a multitude of people," Jones said during one of his memorable interviews with NFL Films. "You take all the offensive linemen and put them in a burlap bag, and then you take a baseball bat and beat on the bag. You're sacking them, you're bagging them. And that's what you're doing with a quarterback."
Had sacks been an official statistic during his career, Jones' estimated total in the Rams' media guide would have him at third in NFL history behind fellow Hall of Fame defensive ends Bruce Smith (200) and Reggie White (198).
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The bulk of the NFL offseason has passed, and most of the key acquisitions have already been completed. However, there are still a few more moves that could shake up the league, like a Maurice Jones-Drew trade.
Did the thought of your team adding MJD entice you? Well, it should. And it’s possible.
Please note that many of these prognostications will actually predict the outcome of certain situations. One will only highlight what could be the biggest move of the entire offseason.
Every move matters in today's NFL. So click through to find out what's going to happen between now and September.
Pictures: Predicting the 5 Biggest Moves Still to Come This NFL Offseason | Bleacher Report
Did the thought of your team adding MJD entice you? Well, it should. And it’s possible.
Please note that many of these prognostications will actually predict the outcome of certain situations. One will only highlight what could be the biggest move of the entire offseason.
Every move matters in today's NFL. So click through to find out what's going to happen between now and September.
Pictures: Predicting the 5 Biggest Moves Still to Come This NFL Offseason | Bleacher Report
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2006/12/07
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The money can disappear, the fame can vanish. This week, NFL rookies are being reminded that the game's hardest knocks often happen off the field.
During the league's annual Rookie Symposium, first-year players are getting a crash course into everything that goes into being a professional athlete — the good, and the bad. The NFL wants its newest members to be prepared not only for what awaits them this season, but for the years ahead, especially those days when they're no longer making big paychecks or big plays.
Through various educational seminars, candid, sometimes heartbreaking speeches and panel discussions, players are learning the X's and O's of life.
"It's a great opportunity for us to be out here learning from players who've been here, been in our shoes and who are where we want to be," said San Diego Chargers linebacker Manti Te'o, the former Notre Dame star who this year was the target of a hoax involving a fake girlfriend. "As we get into the next phase of our lives, it's a new phase, something we're not used to, so to keep our circle small and remember the people who have always been there for you." The AFC's rookie class arrived in Aurora, Ohio, on Sunday to begin the four-day session, which the league has constructed as a teaching and bonding experience. The NFC rookies arrive Wednesday and stay through Sunday.
On Monday, players attended a seminar titled: "Are You Bigger Than The Game?" that featured Cincinnati cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones and former Ohio State star running back Maurice Clarett as speakers.
Jones recently pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge and has had other off-the-field issues that led to league suspensions. He talked frankly about his many errors and warned players about them.
"He's always been a guy who has preached don't do the same mistakes he's done," said New York Jets rookie quarterback Geno Smith, who knows Jones because both played at West Virginia. "He's made a lot of mistakes in his career, but he's a guy who is still standing strong and still working hard. He's using his past trials and tribulations to try and help us."
Because Jones is still an active player and Clarett's story is well documented, their messages resonated with the young players.
"Growing up, those were the role models of their era," Steelers linebacker Jarvis Jones said. "Great players, tremendous players. Just to see where they're at it in life now and the things they've been through, it opened our eyes because we're no different from nobody else.
"For me, I always try to surround myself with positive people. I don't do nothing negative, man. I can make the best decisions for me and my family and my team as well. What stuck out to me was just some of the decisions that they made, clearly it was caused by them just not thinking about it before they made it."
Clarett urged the players to stay straight. His promising pro career was derailed by legal troubles not long after he helped lead the Buckeyes to their first national title in 34 years. Clarett wound up serving 3½ years in prison.
"His story was really deep," said Tennessee guard Chance Warmack while taking a break from teaching area school kids some football basics on the Browns' practice fields. "He and Pacman reminded us there are obstacles you have to deal with as a professional and the standards you've got to hold yourself to because we're not like everybody else."
Chris Herren had a more harrowing tale.
The former NBA player was invited by the league to talk of how substance abuse nearly cost him his life. Now sober for five years, Herren had his audience riveted with firsthand accounts of his perilous road before recovery.
"He was a guy that lost a lot," Browns linebacker Barkevious Mingo said. "He nearly lost his family for the choice that he made, and he was sitting in the same seat that we were saying that it wasn't going to be him. I looked around and everybody was paying attention to what he had to say because it was real.
"This was a guy that said this wasn't going to happen to him. He's not going to get addicted to drugs, he's not going to spend his money on this, he's not going to do that, but he did. Everybody listened to that and it made them pay more attention to the events and the speakers."
On Wednesday, the AFC players will get a history lesson with a tour of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in nearby Canton. One of the reasons the league is holding the symposium in northeast Ohio is its proximity to football's birthplace. It's a chance for the players to connect with the game's immortals who all began as wide-eyed rookies.
Following a two-hour tour of the shrine, the players will have a session with Hall of Fame cornerback Mike Haynes. Jim Brown was scheduled to speak but canceled. The 77-year-old NFL great has traveled extensively of late and said in a statement he needs to rest. Brown was recently rehired as a special adviser by the Browns following a separation from the team.
Bills quarterback EJ Manuel was most looking forward to seeing the bronze bust of his godfather, Bills end Bruce Smith.
"I've seen the replica one he's got at his house," Manuel said. "I'm going to take a lot of pictures."
Fallen stars offer cautionary tales to NFL rookies
During the league's annual Rookie Symposium, first-year players are getting a crash course into everything that goes into being a professional athlete — the good, and the bad. The NFL wants its newest members to be prepared not only for what awaits them this season, but for the years ahead, especially those days when they're no longer making big paychecks or big plays.
Through various educational seminars, candid, sometimes heartbreaking speeches and panel discussions, players are learning the X's and O's of life.
"It's a great opportunity for us to be out here learning from players who've been here, been in our shoes and who are where we want to be," said San Diego Chargers linebacker Manti Te'o, the former Notre Dame star who this year was the target of a hoax involving a fake girlfriend. "As we get into the next phase of our lives, it's a new phase, something we're not used to, so to keep our circle small and remember the people who have always been there for you." The AFC's rookie class arrived in Aurora, Ohio, on Sunday to begin the four-day session, which the league has constructed as a teaching and bonding experience. The NFC rookies arrive Wednesday and stay through Sunday.
On Monday, players attended a seminar titled: "Are You Bigger Than The Game?" that featured Cincinnati cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones and former Ohio State star running back Maurice Clarett as speakers.
Jones recently pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge and has had other off-the-field issues that led to league suspensions. He talked frankly about his many errors and warned players about them.
"He's always been a guy who has preached don't do the same mistakes he's done," said New York Jets rookie quarterback Geno Smith, who knows Jones because both played at West Virginia. "He's made a lot of mistakes in his career, but he's a guy who is still standing strong and still working hard. He's using his past trials and tribulations to try and help us."
Because Jones is still an active player and Clarett's story is well documented, their messages resonated with the young players.
"Growing up, those were the role models of their era," Steelers linebacker Jarvis Jones said. "Great players, tremendous players. Just to see where they're at it in life now and the things they've been through, it opened our eyes because we're no different from nobody else.
"For me, I always try to surround myself with positive people. I don't do nothing negative, man. I can make the best decisions for me and my family and my team as well. What stuck out to me was just some of the decisions that they made, clearly it was caused by them just not thinking about it before they made it."
Clarett urged the players to stay straight. His promising pro career was derailed by legal troubles not long after he helped lead the Buckeyes to their first national title in 34 years. Clarett wound up serving 3½ years in prison.
"His story was really deep," said Tennessee guard Chance Warmack while taking a break from teaching area school kids some football basics on the Browns' practice fields. "He and Pacman reminded us there are obstacles you have to deal with as a professional and the standards you've got to hold yourself to because we're not like everybody else."
Chris Herren had a more harrowing tale.
The former NBA player was invited by the league to talk of how substance abuse nearly cost him his life. Now sober for five years, Herren had his audience riveted with firsthand accounts of his perilous road before recovery.
"He was a guy that lost a lot," Browns linebacker Barkevious Mingo said. "He nearly lost his family for the choice that he made, and he was sitting in the same seat that we were saying that it wasn't going to be him. I looked around and everybody was paying attention to what he had to say because it was real.
"This was a guy that said this wasn't going to happen to him. He's not going to get addicted to drugs, he's not going to spend his money on this, he's not going to do that, but he did. Everybody listened to that and it made them pay more attention to the events and the speakers."
On Wednesday, the AFC players will get a history lesson with a tour of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in nearby Canton. One of the reasons the league is holding the symposium in northeast Ohio is its proximity to football's birthplace. It's a chance for the players to connect with the game's immortals who all began as wide-eyed rookies.
Following a two-hour tour of the shrine, the players will have a session with Hall of Fame cornerback Mike Haynes. Jim Brown was scheduled to speak but canceled. The 77-year-old NFL great has traveled extensively of late and said in a statement he needs to rest. Brown was recently rehired as a special adviser by the Browns following a separation from the team.
Bills quarterback EJ Manuel was most looking forward to seeing the bronze bust of his godfather, Bills end Bruce Smith.
"I've seen the replica one he's got at his house," Manuel said. "I'm going to take a lot of pictures."
Fallen stars offer cautionary tales to NFL rookies
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Jones, considered one of the top defensive players of all-time, spent his first 11 seasons with the Los Angeles Rams and tallied a team-best 159 1/2 sacks with the franchise. He appeared in seven consecutive Pro Bowls and eight overall.
He played his final season in 1974 with the Washington Redskins, concluding a 14-year career. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980.
The news was announced by Redskins' general manager Bruce Allen on the team's website.
A storied member of one of the most famous defensive lines in football, Jones played alongside Merlin Olsen, Rosey Grier and Lamar Lundy to form what is better known as "The Fearsome Foursome".
He had seven seasons with double-digit sack totals for the Rams and amassed 173 1/2 for his career. He also became the first defensive lineman to post 100 solo tackles in a season during the 1967 campaign.
Deacon Jones NFL Hall of Fame - chicagotribune-com