Shady Side Academy grad Skyy Moore goes to Kansas City Chiefs in 2nd round
Free of the hold placed upon him by the covid-19 pandemic, Skyy Moore put on a show for Western Michigan fans, NFL scouts and — though they didn’t appreciate it — Pitt’s defensive players on his way to hearing his name called by the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday night...
Bears select former Gateway, Penn State safety Jaquan Brisker
Former Penn State safety Jaquan Brisker, who was named an All-American safety on the junior college and Power 5 levels after a decorated career at Gateway, started a new journey Friday night when he was drafted in the second round (48th overall) by the Chicago Bears. Brisker is the fifth...
Falcons choose Penn State defensive end Arnold Ebiketie in 2nd round
Arnold Ebiketie transferred from Temple to Penn State last year for the purpose of showing the NFL he could handle Power 5 blockers. The league’s talent evaluators paid attention, and Ebiketie, a defensive end, was chosen Friday night in the second round of the NFL Draft (38th overall) by the...
Commanders pick Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson in 1st round, 16th overall
The Washington Commanders took a long look at former Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson and were not bothered by his relatively slight 5-foot-11, 184-pound frame. So much so that the Commanders made Dotson a first-round choice Friday (No. 16 overall). “I’m a big fan of Jahan Dotson. I think...
Jags take ‘athletic freak’ Travon Walker with top pick in NFL draft
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Placing more emphasis on pro potential than college production, the Jacksonville Jaguars chose Georgia pass rusher Travon Walker with the top pick in the NFL draft on Thursday night. The Jaguars took the 6-foot-5, 272-pound “athletic freak” over Michigan star Aidan Hutchinson, who set a school record...
NFL draft class faced major challenges in covid-19 battles
INDIANAPOLIS — This year’s NFL draft prospects reluctantly recall their personal covid-19 experiences. Some consider them inspirational reminders of obstacles already overcame. Others sound more reminiscent of old war stories. And while the stories change, each comes with unforgettably vivid detail and heartfelt emotion about a challenging two-year battle to...
From Gateway water boy to Penn State star, Jaquan Brisker ready for the NFL
Sometimes, Jaquan Brisker inserted himself into practice drills at Gateway High School, inching as close to the varsity football team — and his brothers — as a 12-year-old boy could get. Other times, he was quick to provide relief, producing a cold drink of water for the tired and thirsty...
1st NIL draft class could have long-lasting impact on NFL
INDIANAPOLIS — Desmond Ridder spent the days leading up to last year’s NFL draft preparing for his final college season and awaiting the birth of his first child. The veteran quarterback returned to campus hoping to improve his draft stock, increase his potential future earnings and lead Cincinnati to the...
Virginia AG launches investigation into NFL’s CommandersVideo
RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia’s attorney general has launched an inquiry into the Washington Commanders following allegations of financial improprieties raised by a congressional committee. Attorney General Jason Miyares, a Republican, disclosed his office’s investigation in a letter to a team lawyer on Monday, saying he viewed it as his “responsibility...
Deion Sanders highlights HBCU prospects ahead of NFL draft
Deion Sanders did his part to make sure NFL teams don’t overlook players from historically Black colleges in this week’s draft. The Jackson State coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer released his “Prime Prospects” on Monday, featuring 16 players from 12 HBCUs. Last year, not one HBCU player was...
Dearth of premier passers in draft had QB carousel spinning
A dearth of premier passers in the upcoming NFL draft meant the quarterback carousel spun faster than ever this spring. Russell Wilson, Matt Ryan, Marcus Mariota, Carson Wentz, Teddy Bridgewater, Drew Lock and Deshaun Watson all changed teams in 2022. Franchises still searching for a prized quarterback won’t find much...
Ho, ho, hut: NFL will play 3 games on Christmas for 1st time
The NFL will capitalize on Christmas Day falling on a Sunday. The league will have three games Dec. 25 for the first time: two in the afternoon on CBS and Fox, followed by a prime-time contest on NBC. NFL vice president of broadcasting Mike North revealed the tripleheader on a...
Pro Football Hall of Fames expands opportunities for seniorsVideo
CANTON, Ohio — Senior candidates will have more opportunities to be selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the next three years. The hall’s Board of Trustees on Thursday approved several changes to the bylaws governing the selection of Hall of Fame enshrinees. In the past, only one...
Former Raiders QB Daryle Lamonica dies at age 80
Daryle Lamonica, the deep-throwing quarterback who won an AFL Player of the Year award and led the Raiders to their first Super Bowl appearance, has died. He was 80. The Fresno County Sherriff’s said Lamonica passed away at his Fresno home on Thursday morning. The death is considered to be...
Report: 49ers All-Pro WR Deebo Samuel requests trade
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — All-Pro receiver Deebo Samuel told ESPN on Wednesday that he has requested a trade from the San Francisco 49ers as the two sides have been unable to negotiate a long-term deal for one of the league’s top playmakers. Samuel is entering the final year of the...
Most teams welcomed combine’s comeback but some snubbed it
INDIANAPOLIS — Comparison shopping and face-to-face contact with college prospects returned to the NFL this year after the 2021 scouting combine was scuttled by the pandemic. Talent evaluators welcomed back college pro days and private workouts even as the covid-19 broadside entered its third year. The core of the league’s...
Mike Tirico, Chris Collinsworth and Melissa Stark to do ‘Sunday Night Football’
NEW YORK — NBC Sports revealed its new “Sunday Night Football” announcing team with analyst Cris Collinsworth returning and being joined by Mike Tirico in the booth and Melissa Stark on the sidelines. The network said the crew will work for the first time at the Hall of Fame game...
Deshaun Watson reports to Browns for 1st offseason program
CLEVELAND — Deshaun Watson walked through snow on the way to his first day of work with the Cleveland Browns. Baker Mayfield was nowhere in sight. Watson reported to Cleveland’s offseason program Tuesday to restart his career with the Browns, who mortgaged their short-term future by acquiring the controversial quarterback...
Browns speak to NFL on ‘tanking’ claims made by former coachVideo
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Browns have spoken to an NFL investigator looking into claims by former coach Hue Jackson, who said the team intentionally lost games — tanked — in the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Jackson, now coaching at Grambling State, was fired by Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam...
Commanders send letter to FTC denying financial improprietyVideo
WASHINGTON — The NFL’s Washington Commanders denied several allegations of financial impropriety in a letter sent Monday to the U.S Federal Trade Commission. The 19-page letter including testimony, emails and other documents came as a response to the U.S. House Oversight and Reform Committee asking the FTC to look into...
AP source: Browns, CB Ward agree on $100M contract extensionVideo
CLEVELAND — Cleveland Browns two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward has agreed to a five-year, $100.5 million contract extension with the team, a person familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press on Monday. Ward’s deal includes $71.25 million guaranteed, said the person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity...
Malik Willis, Matt Corral only QBs attending NFL draftVideo
NEW YORK — Quarterbacks Malik Willis and Matt Corral are among 21 prospects who will attend the NFL draft in Las Vegas this month. Ohio State wide receivers Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson will be there along with two more wideouts. Alabama is also sending two players: wide receiver Jameson...
WR A.J. Green returns to Cardinals on 1-year dealVideo
TEMPE, Ariz. — Receiver A.J. Green is coming back to the Arizona Cardinals on a one-year deal. The seven-time Pro Bowler played in 16 games last season, catching 54 passes for 848 yards and three touchdowns. The 33-year-old is expected to be the team’s No. 2 option next to three-time...
Tom Clements wants to help Aaron Rodgers reach another Super BowlVideo
GREEN BAY, Wis. — The biggest offseason clue forecasting Aaron Rodgers’ eventual decision to stay in Green Bay came when Tom Clements ended his retirement to begin a second stint as the Packers quarterback coach. Clements also held that position when Rodgers led the Packers to a Super Bowl title...
Quarterback Derek Carr gets 3-year extension from Raiders
HENDERSON, Nev. — Through a season of turmoil, Derek Carr performed at his best. So the Las Vegas Raiders have given the veteran quarterback a three-year contract extension. The extension is worth $121.5 million, a person with knowledge of the deal told the Associated Press, speaking Wednesday on condition of...
