Now healthy and enjoying the luxury of the wide-open schedule that follows retirement, Tony Romo will return to the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament this weekend.Even after a four-year layoff, the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback is right there alongside a two-time defending champion as an odds-on betting favorite heading in.Romo and former MLB pitcher Mark Mulder are atop the star-studded field with 3-1 odds at the local Harveys Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino sportsbook, according to David Purdum of ESPN.Among the other celebrities taking part in this year's event are Stephen Curry, Jerry Rice, Aaron Rodgers, Justin Timberlake, Charles Woodson, Steve Young, and Charles Barkley.For those who have witnessed Barkley's disaster of a golf swing, it probably won't come as a surprise that he's been given virtually zero chance to take home the trophy.Checking in at the bottom of the odds list, one slot below Larry the Cable Guy, the NBA legend faces 6,000-1 odds.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Peyton Manning filled Jimmy Kimmel in on his much-talked-about golf outing with President Donald Trump during an appearance on the late-night talk show Tuesday.The future Hall of Fame quarterback called his decision to hit the links with Trump "a no-brainer," but acknowledged a lot of people advised him against it."I've had a chance to play with President Bush before," he said. "If President Obama or President Clinton asked me, I'd be there in a heartbeat. It was just the experience of playing with the office that was pretty cool to me. And I think it would have been almost un-American to have said no."Manning also spoke about what post-NFL life has been like for him and shared what annoys him about fantasy football fans.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

DeAngelo Williams' admission that he wouldn't be willing to sign with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent had fans of the team on the offensive and Williams playing defense.After Williams disclosed the four clubs he wouldn't sign with, Cowboys fans lashed out on Twitter and it produced some memorable material.In response, Williams was quick to point out the Cowboys' poor playoff record over the last two decades.

Bruce Arians believes the Arizona Cardinals' 2016 season got derailed when it had barely begun.The Cardinals' Week 1 loss to the Patriots, in which a missed last-minute field goal by kicker Chandler Catanzaro sealed a 23-21 New England victory, cost his team its "swagger" and sent them into a nosedive for the rest of the campaign, the head coach said Wednesday."I think the biggest reason was losing the opener on Sunday Night Football to the Patriots on that missed field goal," Arians told "PFT Live," according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. "That took a lot of swagger out of our football team, then we came back and lost to the Rams in another close game. We didn't win the close games we had won in the past but it all goes back to that first one."Arizona lost two of its next three games and never looked like the Super Bowl contender most expected it to be, ending the year 7-8-1 and out of the playoffs.However, the Cardinals returned most of their roster, clearly hoping to recapture the 2015 magic that the Patriots seemingly robbed them of last year.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Calvin Johnson was candid Tuesday about what drove him to retire at age 30 after the 2015 season, squarely in the prime of a Hall of Fame-type career.The former wide receiver revealed that the Detroit Lions' inability to compete for a Super Bowl was a factor in his decision to walk away, and added that he considered playing elsewhere, but the franchise wouldn't release his contract.But what if the Lions don't have a choice?If Megatron's itch to play isn't quite gone, he could unretire and the Lions would be on the hook for his $21-million cap hit in 2017. Detroit has just under $6 million in space (according to Over The Cap), meaning the team would likely have to either release or trade him.Here are three contenders that should try to entice the six-time Pro Bowler into making a comeback.Oakland RaidersThe Raiders have already convinced one former star to give the NFL another shot. Why not make it two?Oakland checks the contender box after proving its place among the league's elite with a sensational 2016 season. And Johnson already has connections with the team - the wideout attended Raiders OTAs in late May as a guest of offensive coordinator Todd Downing.The two spent five seasons together with the Lions, so Downing should be able to almost seamlessly fit Johnson into a passing game that already boasts Derek Carr, Amari Cooper, and Michael Crabtree.Thanks to the Raiders' recent draft success, they're in a position to give up future assets to try to win now. Flipping the Lions a few mid-to-late-round picks would be worth it to give Carr another great weapon, and with ample cap space, the Raiders could take on a reworked version of Johnson's contract.New England Patriots(Photo courtesy: Action Images)Randy Moss 2.0., anyone?If Johnson unretires in search of that elusive ring, New England would be the best place to do it. It's a strategy that many older veterans have successfully employed of late, such as Darrelle Revis and Chris Long.The Patriots don't exactly need Johnson - they already have an embarrassment of riches on the offensive side of the ball after a busy offseason - but the one thing they do lack is a physical threat on the outside. At 31, Johnson's physical skills have likely declined, but you can bet offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels would find creative ways to use him.Though Johnson has said that football's toll on his body became too much and he's happy in retirement, could he really turn down a call from Bill Belichick and the chance to play with Tom Brady?The Patriots are looking to maximize their last championship window with Brady, and the temptation to add Johnson to an already fearsome offense would be enormous.Green Bay PackersYes, this is the longest of shots, but the fit makes sense.Of course, Green Bay would have to convince Johnson to return and hope no other team decided to trade for him, since the Lions would almost certainly never deal him within the division - especially not to their biggest rival for the NFC North crown.The Packers would instead have to wait for Johnson to be released, and while Green Bay is notorious for rarely dipping its feet into the free-agency waters, Megatron - like Julius Peppers in 2014 - would be exactly the type of veteran they'd target.The Packers' receiving corps of Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and Davante Adams is good, but the group has shown its failings in recent years. And yes, Johnson would be a luxury, but one that Aaron Rodgers deserves.If the prospect of a Rodgers-Johnson connection doesn't get you drooling, it may be time to find another favorite sport.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Jay Cutler's retirement saddened many fans and players of rival NFC North teams. None more so than Clay Matthews, it appears.Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show recently, the Green Bay Packers linebacker said he'll miss his frequent on-field interactions with the former Chicago Bears quarterback."I always enjoyed playing against Jay," Matthews said. "Obviously, he rubbed some fans the wrong way. I know people get on him about his nonchalant attitude, but I always enjoyed playing against him."I'm glad I got a lot of sacks against him. I'll miss that the most. But hopefully the next in line in Chicago will be as equally willing to help me pad my stats."The Packers and Bears play twice a year each season, allowing Matthews, an eight-year veteran, to corral Cutler 8.5 times over the course of his career.In fact, Cutler is the quarterback Matthews has sacked the most, as Eisen revealed to the pass-rusher.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As the NFL continues to morph into a pass-first (and pass-second, and pass-third) league, more receivers than ever before will become significant fantasy producers.Here are three wide receivers going undrafted in many fantasy leagues who have a chance to be this year's waiver-wire hero.Average draft position (ADP) data courtesy of FantasyPros and is based on 12-team leagues with standard scoring.Mohamed Sanu, FalconsADP: WR64Julio Jones is a beast and the unquestioned receiver to own in Atlanta, but fantasy owners should be careful not to overlook what Sanu is capable of. Sanu saw 15 red-zone targets in 2016 (four more than Jones, surprisingly) but managed only four touchdowns. If Sanu can be more efficient this year, his fantasy value will rise. If Jones were to get hurt, Sanu's fantasy stock would skyrocket.Devin Funchess, PanthersADP: UndraftedThe Panthers spoke openly this offseason about finding better ways to use Funchess, a big-bodied receiver who has been relatively quiet in his first two seasons as a pro. Part of the reason for that could be the team's waning faith in Kelvin Benjamin, who looked slow and out of shape at offseason practice. Funchess must develop a stronger rapport with Cam Newton, but it's conceivable he could surpass both Benjamin and the aging Greg Olsen as Newton's preferred red-zone target.Kamar Aiken, ColtsADP: UndraftedLargely forgotten by fantasy owners in 2016 after scoring five touchdowns and approaching 1,000 yards receiving in 2015, Aiken has moved on to Indianapolis and will catch passes from Andrew Luck. The Colts' receiving corps largely lacks physicality, something Aiken should be able to offer. All he needs to do to earn snaps is beat out Phillip Dorsett.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

DeAngelo Williams may be a free agent, but he has standards.The available running back is interested in continuing his NFL career, one that's spanned 11 seasons thus far, but there are four teams he won't sign with. Williams revealed that list to ESPN's Adam Schefter on his "Know Them From Adam" podcast on Wednesday."First team would be the Cleveland Browns, mainly because they don't have a history of winning. I don't think they've ever had a winning season (during my career) and the closest thing they've ever got to a winning season is 8-8, in my lifetime," Williams said.In fact, since Williams' pro debut in 2006, the Browns' best finish was a 10-6 season in 2007. Since then, they haven't won more than seven games in a single campaign.Surprisingly, Williams also named the team he spent the first nine years of his career with."The Carolina Panthers would be team No. 2," he said. "And the reason being is because of the way they handled my exit. I had no problem with getting fired, but (there were) things that went on there that I didn't like, and I still don't like to this day, however they have rectified the situation in terms of other players."Steve Smith Sr. would likely beg to differ with that final statement."You don't go back to exes, and that's just where I'm at there," Williams added.The Jacksonville Jaguars were revealed as the third team Williams wouldn't consider playing for."My fondest memory of the Jacksonville Jaguars is Fred Taylor. He in my opinion is a future Hall of Famer, but I can't think of anything else positive about that particular organization outside of the fact that they have pools in the stadium," Williams said.Last, Williams said the fourth team on his no-sign list shouldn't be considered a surprise, given his background."I grew up and was raised as a (San Francisco) 49ers fan, so this fourth team, you should be able to guess it," he began. "My fandom for the team I was raised as (a fan of) would not allow me to go to the (Dallas) Cowboys."It's a diverse list, and he may have standards, but considering Williams remains a free agent with training camp just weeks away, those four teams probably aren't interested in him, either.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Aaron Rodgers may not be planning to end his career soon, but he's willing to admit it's closer to the end than it is to the beginning.The 33-year-old has hinted before that he would like to play into his 40s, which is still on the table as he didn't endure the typical wear and tear at the beginning of his career."I think I'm on the back nine of my career," Rodgers told NFL Network on Tuesday. "But I think I'm just kind of starting the back nine. This will be my 10th year starting, I got to sit for three years. So I'm not the typical 13-year pro, having the opportunity to sit for three years and not take the wear and tear to learn the game."Rodgers famously had to wait behind Brett Favre before he was able to take over as the Green Bay Packers starting quarterback - a position he would like to hold until his time as a pro is up."I think we all have numbers," Rodgers said. "When I was a young player, I remember thinking as I looked at some of the older guys, if I got to five that'd be cool, or eight, or anything after 10 would be amazing."For me, I think the longevity is tied to being a Green Bay Packer. I'd like to finish my career in Green Bay."Despite his extended redshirt period, Rodgers has had historical success in the league. He is just three scores away from becoming the 11th passer ever to throw for 300 touchdowns, while throwing only 72 interceptions in the process.Rodgers will likely get at least one more contract with the Packers if his prediction is correct, with his current deal expiring after the 2019 season.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Redskins may still be deciding whether to sign Kirk Cousins to a long-term contract, but the quarterback has enough information to know that's a bad idea.Cousins has the nice-guy role down pat right now, saying the money doesn't matter, raving about his new teammates, and playing nice with his negotiators, but that can change in an instant.After all, the NFL is a business.The sixth-year quarterback and his current club have until Monday, July 17, to come to an agreement on a new contract, or the 28-year-old will be forced to play his second straight season under the franchise tag.If the Redskins functioned like an average NFL team, Cousins would have been locked up by now. But that's not what Washington offers; they bring dysfunction to a whole new level.Related: Redskins' dysfunction unresolved after front-office 'restructure'While some may argue he's had success because of his system rather than his skills, Cousins has proven to be a very competent quarterback in Washington, with back-to-back 4,000-yard seasons that included winning records. He led the team to a top-three offensive finish in 2016, but while others scramble for anything resembling a franchise quarterback, the Redskins refuse to admit they may have one.This could be a blessing in disguise for Cousins, who can escape from a team that can't get out of its own way and may not even want him.Related: Campbell recalls 'a whole bunch of crazy going on' during Redskins careerCousins has been loyal to a team that essentially drafted him to be Robert Griffin III's backup, and has refused to commit to him since he more or less saved them from the painful RG3 fallout.As time moves on and his sample size increases, his team can no longer say they're still waiting to see if he can be their leader.Derek Carr has put up comparable numbers to Cousins' over the last two seasons and carries a similar off-field attitude, and the Oakland Raiders just made him the highest-paid player ever.QBGP since 2015YardsTDsINTs RecordDerek Carr317924601919-13Kirk Cousins329083542317-14-1There are plenty of arguments to make between Carr and Cousins, and why one deserves more money than the other, but with the state of the current quarterback market, the Washington passer should have at least gotten a contract with more security by now.Related - Garcon: I don't know why Redskins won't commit to CousinsHe has no reason to reward the Redskins for their slow pace of appreciation, since their waiting has put the control in his hands by now.Cousins claims you should shame him if he bases his life around money, but please don't. It's every player's right and, to a degree, responsibility to take as much money as they can to increase the salaries of their peers. NBA players have been wildly successful with this strategy, and it's time football players do their part for one another.In this case, Cousins can give the Redskins two options that will guarantee him more money, and both involve him playing under the franchise tag this season.If Cousins plays out the year well enough that Washington feels it needs to keep him, the team has already admitted they're willing to use a third straight franchise tag if necessary. That tag would pay Cousins at least $26 million and force the team to either pay him all that money or give him a higher-paying contract.His other option would simply be to hit the open market as a free agent, which is what he should hope for. Cousins wouldn't have to play for Washington under its umbrella of dysfunction anymore, and, as Brock Osweiler and Mike Glennon proved, quarterbacks can be massively overpaid on the free-agent market.Assuming Drew Brees and Matthew Stafford re-up with their current teams, Cousins would be the prized target of any team looking for a quarterback who can play from Day 1. By that time, the storied San Francisco 49ers or Pittsburgh Steelers could be looking for a new passer.At the end of the day, Cousins has to smell something fishy in his relationship with Washington, and while he likes to be a good team player, he needs to look out for himself and avoid getting locked into a dysfunctional long-term relationship.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Former New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders defensive end Richard Seymour always knew how to win at football, but he's found another competition he's quite good at in retirement.Seymour, a three-time Super Bowl champion, is currently enjoying some success at the World Series of Poker as he turned a starting stack of $50,000 into $114,000 on the first day. The 37-year-old is having fun, using one of his Super Bowl rings to hold down his chips.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Damien Wilson seemed to fess up to police after allegedly hitting a woman with his truck and threatening a man with a rifle on July 4 outside of Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, according to The Dallas Morning News' Naheed Rajwani, citing court documents.Wilson initially told police he was not involved in any sort of incident when being identified by a witness, but admitted fault after being detained by police and offered a rather weak excuse for his actions."I had road rage," Wilson told officers, in response to being asked why he brandished his gun.Police have not confirmed or denied that the woman who was struck suffered any injuries, though they say the man who flagged down police had feared for his life when Wilson displayed his rifle.Wilson faces two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As the newly dubbed highest-paid receiver in the NFL, Antonio Brown spared no expense for his 29th birthday party.The Pittsburgh Steelers receiver had a $350,000 Rolls-Royce - that he drove into Cipriani restaurant in Miami - as a centerpiece, according to TMZ Sports. Brown also received a $20,000 painting of Muhammad Ali.The Miami native's celebration saw many notable attendees including rapper Ace Hood, super agent Drew Rosenhaus, and Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside.

The Carolina Panthers may have a new alternate logo to show off this season.Kicker Graham Gano received a mysterious package in the mail Monday containing some "Game of Thrones"-themed shirts and stickers, with the phrase "Wofford is Coming" printed on the back, in reference to the Panthers' training camp location.

Sam Darnold does not seem to like the idea of playing for the New York Jets after next season - or anyone else willing to sacrifice wins for his services.The USC quarterback who is projected to be one of the top picks in the 2018 NFL draft is reportedly no lock to declare for the pros after the 2017 season. Darnold's reported indecisiveness could stem from his disapproval of a team tanking for the right to select him."I don't think any team should tank their season because of me," Darnold told SportsCenter on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Dianna Russini. "I'm taking it one year at a time."Darnold led USC to a 10-3 record last season as a redshirt freshman while throwing for 3,086 yards with 31 touchdowns and nine interceptions.The 20-year-old quarterback has plenty of time to make his decision on the 2018 draft with a full season ahead of him and three more years of collegiate eligibility.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Take a deep breath, Colts fans. Sure, your franchise player, Andrew Luck, is still sidelined following January shoulder surgery - he hasn't begun throwing despite passing the usual six-month recovery timeline - but that's no reason to push the panic button.Related: Luck unsure shoulder will heal before camp; Pagano 'praying'Luck underwent the procedure after playing the past two seasons with a partially torn labrum in his right shoulder. The injury was manageable, but the strain of that management took its toll on Luck, who the Colts admit struggled with the constant treatments and who was forced to consistently miss practices.The surgery was a long-term decision, and must be viewed as such. Yes, no one wants to see Luck standing on the sidelines come Week 1, but Indy's training camp doesn't start until July 30, and regardless, this is about Luck being healthy for the next 8-to-10 years, not pushing too hard to play in what should be a rebuilding campaign for the Colts.Plus, the star quarterback has proven he can perform at a Pro Bowl level with the injury and a messed up practice schedule - Luck posted career highs in yards per attempt and completion percentage last season - so if he misses training camp and some of the preseason, the Colts won't be doomed.While it's a concern that Luck hasn't thrown for almost seven months, Indy has time and time again refused to put a concrete timetable on his return, seemingly knowing this was a possibility.And while a fair portion of Colts fans have begun to panic - resorting to analyzing every picture of the pivot to determine exactly how much weight he's lost due to inactivity - there's at least been some positive news in recent days.Will Carroll, an injury expert, reported Monday that Luck "could" throw now, though he hasn't, and that the Colts are focused on maximizing the stability of the shoulder before moving on to the next stage of rehab.

Former NFL receiver Chad Johnson made a sizable donation to help get a Baltimore track team to Kansas City for the USATF National Junior Olympic Championships.On Tuesday, Twitter user @TariqToure shared a link to a GoFundMe page set up by the Turbo Track Club to help cover its travel expenses.

Denver Broncos receiver Emmanuel Sanders may not know who is going to win his team's quarterback competition, but he already knows what to expect from either potential victor.Sanders has already declared he doesn't have a preference between Paxton Lynch and Trevor Siemian, though he does expect very different playing styles from the combatants."Both of those guys throw catchable passes," Sanders said Monday, according to 9News' Mike Klis. "When it comes to the deep ball, Paxton loves to throw the deep ball. Big, strong arm."Trevor, he loves to throw the out-routes, the in-routes. He's a checkdown, all-around type guy."Siemian was the surprise winner of the Broncos' 2016 quarterback contest and passed for a commendable 3,401 yards and 18 touchdowns in 14 starts, but the Broncos missed the the postseason for the first time since 2010.As a 2016 first-round pick, Lynch is expected to eventually assume the starting role, and according to Sanders, the Broncos' offense will become much more exciting once he gets under center.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Having a surefire Hall of Fame quarterback under center is without question one of the greatest advantages a coach can have. For as much as football will always be the ultimate team game, an elite player at that position can almost single-handedly have his team in playoff contention on a yearly basis.But that doesn't mean working with this rare breed of signal-caller doesn't also come with certain challenges.Take Tom Brady, for example. Citing an obsession with his craft that demands the absolute most from his coaches, Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien explained in an appearance on CBS Sports Radio that, based on his past experience, working with the New England Patriots' star quarterback can actually present quite a challenge."One of the most difficult jobs you can have is coaching Tom because he wants to be coached, you coach him every single day, every minute of the day and all year round because he's all football," O'Brien said, via John Breech of CBS Sports.O'Brien certainly isn't casting the idea of coaching a player like Brady in a negative light. In fact, it's the exact opposite.The 47-year-old, who spent five years in various roles on the New England offensive staff, went on to point out Brady's obsession both fuels his greatness and brings out the best in those around him - coaching staff included."He's a phenomenal guy and the reason why he is what he is, is because he's obsessed with football," O'Brien said. "He's a great family guy, don't get me wrong, but he's obsessed with football and so when you're coaching him you better be ready to go at a moment's notice whether it's for a meeting or practice or game and it made me a much better coach when I was fortunate enough to coach him."O'Brien's challenge in Houston, with an otherwise loaded roster already in place, will be solving the all-important position that's for so long been considered his area of expertise. Whether it's from returning veteran Tom Savage or first-round rookie Deshaun Watson, any improvement in that area could very well push the Texans into title contention.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Joe Montana doesn't seem bothered by Colin Kaepernick's inability to land a new NFL contract. In fact, it makes perfect sense to him.While some claim Kaepernick's acts of protest have led to his unemployment, the Hall of Famer believes his fellow former San Francisco 49ers quarterback's playing style doesn't jell with the NFL's current state."That style of quarterback, everybody thought was going to take over the NFL," Montana told For The Win's Charles Curtis on Tuesday, referring to Kaepernick's tendency to play outside the pocket. "You look at guys who had success in college, that only had success one year. Usually those guys, the next year, it's very difficult on them."Kaepernick looked like he was on his way to becoming a star when he broke through as a starter in 2012 and 2013, using his legs as his primary weapon, but struggled in the following three seasons."The league has figured out how to defend it," said Montana. "If I'm playing defense, I want the quarterback to run so I can hit him. In the pocket, you can't really hit him. So you look at Tim Tebow - he's a great guy, does a lot of great things. But when you complete 40-something percent of your passes, even in the low 50s, you're not going to make it."Kaepernick's completion percentage has never dipped below 58.4 percent over a season in his six seasons, though his career high is only 62.4 percent.Montana admits he has some admiration for Kaepernick's protest of the national anthem, but he understands how those demonstrations could affect the quarterback's job prospects as well."I'm sure there are some distraction issues," Montana said. "When we were playing with Bill Walsh, if you were a distraction, he didn't care how good you were, if you didn't mix in with the team, you weren't there very long."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Britney Spears may be returning to the Super Bowl halftime show.The pop star's associates have had "secret discussions" with television and advertising executives connected to Super Bowl LII, according to the New York Daily News."Britney has made it clear to her team that it is a dream to perform at a Super Bowl," one insider told the Daily News. "She has the hits package and appeal to be a headliner."The report goes on to say that Spears could "also be packaged with other big acts to fill the 12-minute slot."The 35-year-old previously performed alongside NSYNC, Aerosmith, Nelly, and Mary J. Blige during the Super Bowl XXXV halftime show in 2001.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians underwent surgery in February to remove a "small portion" of his kidney, he revealed in his new book released Tuesday called "The Quarterback Whisperer."An ultrasound for a hernia in December showed a cancerous spot on the organ. Arians coached the remainder of the season before undergoing the procedure and said he's ready for "at least one more season" as the leader of the Cardinals."Now I feel great," Arians wrote, according to Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site. "My energy has returned. I'm told I'm cancer-free again. I'm ready for at least one more season of NFL football - maybe more."Arians' health has been an issue since the start of the 2016 season. He was hospitalized while on a visit to San Diego due to diverticulitis and needed another hospital check in late November.The 64-year-old is also a survivor of prostate cancer."I now realize more than ever nothing is guaranteed in life," Arians wrote. "Every day needs to enjoyed and celebrated to the fullest. Roses need to be smelled, sunsets savored, time with family cherished. Moving forward, I want to be a beacon of hope for others struggling with cancer. My fight is their fight. I'm not coaching for myself in 2017; I'm coaching for everyone who's dealing with cancer. This is my charge."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Imagine that.At a time when sports venues around the world continue to pull every dollar they can out of paying customers, the Atlanta Falcons are on the cusp of new, respectable territory.Here's a look at the incredibly reasonable food and drink prices at Mercedes-Benz stadium, the club's state-of-the-art facility that's set to open for Week 3 of the preseason.

Ronaldo, Neymar ... Dak?Referring to an athlete by a single name is commonplace in soccer, and according to Mississippi State's Dan Mullen, one NFL player has earned the same distinction.Speaking at SEC Media Days on Tuesday, the head coach was asked about his former quarterback Dak Prescott, now a Dallas Cowboys star."Dak is on a one-name basis now in the sports world. That's pretty special," Mullen said, according to Chase Goodbread of NFL.com.Prescott was an absolute stud for the Bulldogs under Mullen, finishing his four-year career with 9,376 yards passing and 70 touchdowns. The hulking pivot also added 2,609 yards rushing and 41 touchdowns on the ground in Mullen's spread-based attack.Despite the college success, most people felt his skill set wouldn't translate to the NFL, and he wasn't selected by the Cowboys until the fourth round of the 2016 draft. Prescott finished his incredible rookie season with 3,667 yards passing and 23 touchdowns against just four interceptions.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Running back is the most volatile position in fantasy football. Injuries and ineffectiveness can result in starters losing their jobs, and it's a near lock that at least one virtually unknown runner - if not several - will emerge as a fantasy stud this season.Here are three running backs going undrafted in many fantasy leagues who have a chance to be this year's waiver-wire hero.Average draft position (ADP) data courtesy of FantasyPros and is based on 12-team leagues with standard scoring.Jonathan Williams, BillsADP: RB65The Patriots poached restricted free agent Mike Gillislee from the Bills this offseason, making sophomore runner Williams the backup for LeSean McCoy. McCoy will turn 29 this season and has battled soft-tissue injuries recently, so it's not a stretch to suggest Williams will see significant action and perhaps even start games in 2017. Considering the Bills' run-blocking prowess, that makes him a player every fantasy owner needs to consider drafting late or adding to their watch list.DeAndre Washington, RaidersADP: RB66The Bay Area is buzzing after Marshawn Lynch's unretirement, but let's not forget that the last time we saw Beast Mode on an NFL field he was hurt and largely ineffective. Lynch seems to be rejuvenated, but it's unprecedented for a 31-year-old running back to produce RB1 value after a year away from football. If Lynch gets hurt or can't recapture his old magic, Washington is next in line for carries behind one of the NFL's best offensive lines.Branden Oliver, ChargersADP: UndraftedRemember him? In 2014, Oliver landed on the radar of fantasy owners after injuries in the Chargers' backfield made him the starter for seven games. He returned good value in those starts, but missed the entire 2016 season with an Achilles injury and fell out of mind for most fantasy owners. Now healthy, and with Danny Woodhead no longer a Charger, Oliver's behind only Melvin Gordon on the depth chart. Considering Gordon has missed at least two games due to injury in each of his first two seasons, we could be seeing more of the forgotten Oliver in the near future.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

As Hue Jackson seeks to turn around the Cleveland Browns' fortunes on the field, he is also looking to make a much bigger difference off it.Jackson is set to launch the Hue Jackson Foundation, which has the goal of helping those impacted by human trafficking, according to the Browns' official website.The foundation will focus on awareness, prevention, and healing for victims of trafficking.Jackson and his wife Michelle have three daughters and say they are starting the foundation for reasons close to their hearts.Ohio has some of the highest human trafficking rates in the U.S., the Browns' website notes.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Wondering what J.J. Watt's been up to this offseason?The three-time Defensive Player of the Year recently revealed an eight-shirt collection he designed with a company called Mizzen and Main.Yup, just eight shirts.Here are the eight incredibly generic looks. Have a look and let J.J. know which one is most appealing to the All-American male.

Already having cemented his case as one of the NFL's elite kickers, both in the present day and all time, Justin Tucker is setting his sights on a premier spot in the history books.The Baltimore Ravens specialist told SiriusXM NFL Radio that he wants to break the record for longest field goal, currently held by a Matt Prater 64-yarder.The way Tucker sees it, making a kick from such a distance really doesn't require anything different from his most standard attempts."I've never attempted a 75-yarder in a game, but should the opportunity arise, not a whole lot would be different between a 75-yard attempt and a PAT," Tucker said, according to Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. "And I know a lot of people will probably be scratching their heads, (because) I think it's drilled into every football fan's mind that a longer kick requires lower trajectory. We make these analogies to golf, how it's like you're driving a ball off a tee box when you're trying to kick a ball from farther away, but the difference in the trajectory, I think, is manageable if you're hitting a good ball."It remains to be seen whether Tucker will get the opportunity to kick from such a distance in a game scenario, let alone a range far enough to challenge the record. He certainly has the leg to get it done, though.The 27-year-old, who converted on all but one of his 39 kicks last year, put his power on full display with a 75-yard field goal during a Pro Bowl practice in January.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

A Baltimore seafood joint hoped to entice free-agent receiver Jeremy Maclin to sign with the Ravens with the allure of free crabcakes for life. Now that Maclin has signed with the Ravens, he's cashing in on the promise.Maclin recently visited Jimmy's Seafood and shared a photo of his evening via Twitter.

Calvin Johnson's decision to walk away from football just nine seasons into a Hall of Fame career seems to have been about more than just the wear and tear on his body.Effectively confirming a not-so-rosy relationship with his now-former team, the retired receiver revealed in an appearance this week at the Italian Bowl in Vicenza, Italy that a lack of confidence in the Detroit Lions was a reason he elected to hang up his cleats last year.Johnson started on the topic by saying that continuing to play in Detroit after the 2015 season "just wasn't for me anymore," according to Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit.Pressed further on the issue, he admitted to giving some thought to the idea of suiting up elsewhere before adding that the Lions weren't going to allow him to do so."I thought about it," Johnson said. "I was stuck in my contract in Detroit, and they told me they would not release my contract so I would have to come back to them."After making just two playoff appearances in nine years, a frustrating stretch that included a winless season and an overall record of 54-90, the Lions' losing ways may have gotten to Johnson."I didn't see a chance for them to win a Super Bowl at the time, and for the work I was putting in, it wasn't worth my time to keep on beating my head against the wall and not going anywhere."Johnson's most recent comments mark the second occasion this offseason in which he's been critical of the Lions organization. While he wouldn't disclose the issues between the two sides, the 31-year-old told Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press in May that he wasn't happy with the way he was treated after his retirement.One of the most dominant players of his generation, Johnson finished his Lions career as the franchise's all-time leader in receptions (731), receiving yards (11,619), and touchdown catches (83).Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

New Washington Redskins wideout Terrelle Pryor is hard at work as much of the NFL world takes a well-earned vacation with training camps on the horizon.Pryor posted this video to Twitter early Tuesday of him doing exercises aimed at increasing his speed.

The deadline for teams to sign franchise-tagged players to long-term deals is July 17. With that in mind, here are the cases for and against the Los Angeles Rams extending cornerback Trumaine Johnson on a multi-year deal:Also from this series

Time and again, Adrian Peterson has proven he's no ordinary athlete.The New Orleans Saints running back returned from a torn ACL in 2011 to rush for over 2,000 yards and win the MVP award the following season.Now 32 years old and coming off an injury-ravaged 2016 season, Peterson is once again looking to prove he can achieve what few believe he can."Yes, the doubt motivates me," Peterson told Dan Pompei of Bleacher Report. "I'd be lying to say it doesn't. You want to do things people say you can't do."Pompei spoke to Peterson's trainer, James Cooper, who believes his client can remain among the NFL's elite."There are the NFL players, there are the NFL starters, and then there is the upper-echelon one percent," Cooper said. "He is still going to be in that upper one percent."Peterson is entering a situation unlike any he's faced in his 10-year career. During his time with the Minnesota Vikings, the seven-time Pro Bowler was always the focal point of the offense.Now, in New Orleans, he won't only have to play second fiddle to Drew Brees and the passing game, but he'll also split carries with Mark Ingram and rookie Alvin Kamara."I don't need all those carries to be my best," Peterson said. "I don't think I became a great player by having to have 20 or 30 carries to get 200 yards. If they feed it to me, hey, I'm going to eat. Whenever I get opportunities, I'll take advantage of them."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Kansas City Chiefs promoted co-director of player personnel Brett Veach to their vacant general manager job Monday, ending one of the least publicized GM searches in recent history.It was a curious offseason for the Chiefs' front office, beginning with the departure of highly respected executive Chris Ballard (who left for the Indianapolis Colts' GM gig), through to the surprising firing of former GM John Dorsey and Veach's move up the ranks.If you've never heard of Veach, you aren't alone. He's as nameless and faceless as GMs come (his Wikipedia page is just two sentences long), but that doesn't mean his story isn't interesting.Here are three things to know about Veach:He's only 39 years oldYet to turn 40, Veach is one of the youngest general managers in NFL history. That record is held by current Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace, who was 37 years old at the time of his hiring.He's very close with Andy ReidVeach broke into the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2007 as an assistant to Andy Reid. He spent three seasons in the role before becoming a scout for the franchise.Reid reportedly had great trust in Veach early on, giving him the chance to find the best wideout to select in the second round of the 2008 draft. Veach's recommendation? DeSean Jackson.Then, after the Eagles fired Reid late in the 2012 season, he brought Veach with him to Kansas City.Their relationship won't help squash the rumors that Dorsey's firing was the result of a power struggle with Reid.He once caught a TD thrown by the Chiefs' OC

Due to the long layoff between NFL seasons, memories of the previous year can easily become murky, especially the ones that don't seem real.Let's take a quick trip down memory lane to remind you of five statistics from the 2016 season that will make you ask, "How in the hell?!"Gurley had only 2 rushes of 20 yards or moreAs a rookie, Todd Gurley looked set for superstardom. But to say his sophomore season was a disappointment would be putting it lightly - fantasy football fans will likely never forgive him.Whether it was due to the Los Angeles Rams' terrible offensive line, uninspiring play-calling, or the complete lack of threat from the passing game, Gurley struggled to create big plays.In fact, despite playing all 16 games, Gurley somehow managed to produce just two rushes of 20 yards or more. Yes, two! The back carried the ball 278 times, meaning he produced a 20-plus-yard rush on less than 1 percent of his carries. In contrast, Gurley had 11 20-plus and five 40-plus rushes on 229 attempts in 2015.For a player of his supposed talent, it's crazy to think he was essentially neutered for the entire campaign.Bradford set record for single-season completion percentage (71.6)After a torrid start, the Vikings were fairly unremarkable for the rest of the 2016 campaign, which meant few noticed what a solid season Sam Bradford put together in his first year in Minnesota.While Bradford still needs to prove himself a franchise player in the eyes of most, he did something that no other quarterback in NFL history has achieved before.Already known as an accurate passer, Bradford took this area of his game to a whole new level, finishing the campaign with an NFL-record 71.6 completion percentage.In a season of strong quarterback play, it's easy to forget Bradford made history in 2016.Falcons scored just 2 fewer TDs (6) in L.A. than the Rams (8)Watching the Rams on offense last season was a painful experience. They were one of the least productive units in the league, scoring just 24 touchdowns in 16 games.And in a bizarre twist, the Rams were even worse when they played in their home of Los Angeles as opposed to on the road. In the seven games the Rams played in L.A. (they gave up one home game to play in London), they produced a measly eight total touchdowns.In the Falcons' blowout 42-14 December win in L.A., Atlanta found the end zone six times, meaning they had more touchdowns in the City of Angels than the Rams did (five) at that point of the season. The Rams needed three Week 17 scores to save them from an utterly embarrassing stat (though still ended up with a pretty embarrassing one).Wentz threw 5 fewer passes as rookie than in whole college careerCarson Wentz wasn't even supposed to see the field during his rookie season. But the North Dakota State graduate forced his way into the starting lineup, and the Eagles weren't shy about testing out their young gunslinger's arm.During his four college seasons, Wentz appeared in 42 games, with the majority of his snaps coming in his last two years as the team's starter. But injuries were an issue for Wentz in college, causing him to throw just 612 passes in his entire career.In his first year in the NFL, Wentz attempted 607 - a little shy of Andrew Luck's record for attempts by a rookie quarterback.Bush rushed for negative-3 yards on 12 carriesThis a record that no running back wants to own.While many people likely remember Reggie Bush's rushing struggles from last season, this stat is so ridiculous that it had to make the list.While with the Buffalo Bills, Bush had just 12 carries in 2016 ... for negative-3 yards, becoming the first non-quarterback with 10-plus carries to finish a campaign with negative yards since 1970.Bush has two 1,000-yard campaigns on his resume, so it's more of a freak stat than an indictment of his talent. The 32-year-old did somehow have a rushing touchdown and 90 receiving yards, too, so his unenviable achievement shouldn't sting too badly.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tyrann Mathieu has been making the most of his time off before training camp begins later this month.During a trip to the U.K. to participate in a fan forum, the Arizona Cardinals' star safety took in some Wimbledon tennis at the All England Club on Tuesday:

Sage Rosenfels is a former 12-year NFL quarterback who writes, does radio, and podcasts about the NFL and college football.With the NFL's annual celebration of its Hall of Fame inductees only three weeks away, I thought I'd take some time to identify which current NFL quarterbacks will be wearing a gold jacket some day.Having your bust placed in the Hall with the rest of football's greatest players and coaches is a dream for most NFL players. These men are already shoo-ins to the Hall, while a trio of others are well on their way.Tom Brady, New England PatriotsWith five Super Bowl wins in his seven appearances, Brady solidified himself as one of the top three quarterbacks of all time. In my opinion, he is the best of all time. His level of success is unmatched.Despite the fact that he is almost 40, Brady is still playing at an extremely high level. For years, non-Patriots fans have been hoping for his effectiveness to drop, only to have their hopes dashed. The question of Brady entering the Hall isn't if, but when.It would not surprise me if Brady plays for another five years, especially given his dedication to the science of diet and training. Mobility and arm strength are usually the first things that leave an aging quarterback, forcing them to retire. Brady never had great mobility and, because of the fundamentals of his throwing motion, his arm strength has yet to be an issue. Brady will be in the Hall, but it may not happen for another decade.Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay PackersDespite riding the bench for the first three years of his career, Rodgers is a shoo-in Hall of Famer.Since 2008, his first year as a starter, Rodgers has been one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He has won two NFL MVPs, was selected first team All-Pro twice, is a six-time Pro Bowler, and won a Super Bowl. He is still only 33, so football fans get to enjoy Rodgers' magic for another 5-10 years. He has one of the NFL's strongest and most accurate arms.Over the last few seasons, he has also become one of the league's best playmakers. A strong, accurate arm, combined with the ability to make off-schedule plays, is an extremely rare combination - so rare that he will be a shoo-in exactly five years after he retires. Packers fans have been unbelievably lucky to have Brett Favre and Rodgers back-to-back. I wonder if their busts will be near each other in Canton.Drew Brees, New Orleans SaintsThe second-oldest quarterback in the NFL after Brady, Brees has the third most all-time passing yards - less than 6,000 yards behind Favre and Peyton Manning. If he can play two more seasons, he'll pass both of them.Brees is also third all time in TD passes. He has won a Super Bowl and owns every passing record in New Orleans Saints history. Despite being a second-round draft pick and standing barely six feet tall, Brees has defied the odds.In a league which values quarterbacks with strong arms or raw athleticism, Brees found his niche with accuracy. He owns the NFL record for highest career completion percentage at 66.6. Because the Saints have had three consecutive 7-9 seasons, Brees' numbers haven't been noticed as of late. In 2016, he must have had the quietest 5,200-yard season in NFL history.How long Brees plays for is anyone's guess, but his stats haven't dropped off as much as you'd expect from an older quarterback without a huge arm. His last six seasons have produced the most yards of any six-year run in the league's history.Brees also takes incredible care of his body. It would not surprise me if he, like Brady, plays for another five seasons. However longer he plays, his place in Canton has already been secured.Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh SteelersBig Ben is also a no-doubt Hall of Famer.He is into his 14th NFL season, which could be his last. After winning Rookie of the Year honors in 2004, Roethlisberger won his first of two Super Bowls in his sophomore season. He holds the distinction of being the youngest quarterback to ever win a Super Bowl.Early in his career, his greatest asset was his ability to grind out ugly wins on a team loaded with defensive talent and a strong running game. As his career has progressed, more and more of Pittsburgh's offensive responsibility has rested on Roethlisberger's right shoulder. Of his five Pro Bowls, three have come in the last three seasons.Roethlisberger won't end his career with numerous NFL passing records, which is just fine with him. His greatest strength has always been his ability to find ways to win football games. He has won over 70 percent of the games in his career, and has made Heinz Field one of the hardest places to play in the league.Big Ben won't be remembered for statistics such as passing yards or career touchdowns. Those have always been inconsequential to him. Winning has been and always will be all that matters. He has done plenty of that through his first 13 seasons, which is why he will be in the Hall, as well.Eli Manning, New York GiantsSimilar to Roethlisberger, Eli is best known for being a clutch quarterback in the biggest games of his career.He has won two Super Bowls, the first against the previously undefeated Patriots. He has been selected to four Pro Bowls and is 8-4 in the playoffs. Though he has only made it to the playoffs in six of his 13 seasons, his two Super Bowl wins give him the extra push he needs to make it into the Hall.Eli owns nearly every Giants passing record, while holding down the starting quarterback job for the G-Men since midway through his rookie season. His ability to stay healthy puts him into an elite category with Favre and his older brother, Peyton. He is currently third all time with 199 starts in a row.Eli also has thrown for the eighth most career passing yards in NFL history. Though Eli's career hasn't been as consistently great as Brady or Rodgers, he will have done enough by its end to land him in Canton.Philip Rivers, Los Angeles ChargersWhile some may disagree, Rivers will be in the Hall of Fame. He, like Marino, will enter the Hall without a Super Bowl ring.Drafted in 2004 after Eli and before Roethlisberger, Rivers has had disadvantages that the other two quarterbacks never faced. While the Giants and Steelers are two of the classiest and smartest NFL franchises, the Chargers are known for making bad decisions and being cheap with players.Despite this, Rivers is currently ranked 12th all time in passing yards, but could end his 2017 season as high as seventh on the list. He is right behind Eli on the list of consecutive starts with 148. If he weren't sitting behind Brees for his first two seasons, he would probably be ahead of Eli, as well.The Chargers have always been an inconsistent team, but Rivers has been the glue that has kept the Bolts competitive for the last 11 seasons. His six Pro Bowls and passing stats will get him to the Hall, despite the Chargers' inability to build a consistent playoff team.And here are three other active QBs who could play their way into Hall of Fame contention if they continue down their current paths:Matt Ryan, Atlanta FalconsIn only nine seasons, Ryan is already ranked 21st all time in passing yards. His career so far isn't enough to get him into the Hall of Fame. But, after winning the NFL MVP award in 2016, Ryan is well on his way.In just two years, he will be on the cusp of the NFL's top-10 passing yard leaders. He has been to four Pro Bowls and came within minutes of winning a Super Bowl last year. If his career ended today, Ryan wouldn't get in. Luckily for Falcons fans, he should have another 8-10 more seasons as their starter.When his career concludes, Ryan may go down as one of the NFL's greatest passers. He could be a top-five leader in passing yards, touchdowns, and consecutive starts. He currently is seventh all time with 115 straight games under center. Ryan has a long career ahead of him, which may end up being on a short road to Canton.Russell Wilson, Seattle SeahawksThough he is only five years into his career, Wilson is on a path to the Hall of Fame. He has made three Pro Bowls in those five seasons, as well as winning a Super Bowl (should've been two).Despite being one of the shortest quarterbacks in recent NFL history, Wilson should have a lengthy career. He is strong and compact which should keep him away from season-ending injuries. Like Rodgers, Wilson is one of the best playmaking quarterbacks in the league. Though he doesn't light up the record books with gaudy passing stats, he is a talented passer.Wilson has a career 65 percent completion rate and is the most accurate deep-throwing QB in the NFL. Wilson has another decade left in his NFL career if he stays healthy. At this rate, he will have his bronze bust waiting for him in Ohio.Cam Newton, Carolina PanthersIn six seasons, Newton has made the Pro Bowl three times. He also was the MVP in 2015. His passing numbers have never compared well to the greatest throwers in league history.But Newton has an element to his game that Marino, Brees, and Peyton have never had. Cam has also ran for over 3,500 yards in his six seasons. Most importantly and why he is so valuable, is that Newton has 48 rushing touchdowns. His combination of passing and running makes him a scary player to defend.My biggest concern with Newton is injuries. Because of his large frame and playing style, he is susceptible to brutal hits. As his career progresses, he and the Panthers will have him running less and passing more. While he has a huge arm and throws a beautiful ball, he has yet to master the intricacies of the NFL passing game.This will have to change if he too wants a long career. What Newton has accomplished as an NFL quarterback is special. But because of the way he plays, his style will undoubtedly need to change if he wants to reach the Hall of Fame. He is the only quarterback on this list that I have to say that about.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Baltimore Ravens safety Tony Jefferson is more in touch with the common fan than one would expect.Jefferson entered free agency coming off the best season of his career, recording 96 tackles, two sacks, five pass deflections, and two forced fumbles in 15 games with the Arizona Cardinals in 2016.Coveted by several teams, Jefferson used a resource designed for fans that ultimately helped him choose Baltimore."I had to personally go on NFL Game Pass and watch tape and film before I made a decision. I felt like this defense fits me," Jefferson said on "NFL Total Access" on Monday. "I feel like this style fits me. I love to hit, and do that type of stuff. And I think that's the culture, and that's what I want to be a part of."Jefferson hasn't played a snap for the Ravens yet, but by all accounts, he appeared to have made the correct decision. Ravens safety Eric Weddle recently raved about Jefferson, stating that his new teammate is "just on another level.""When you're surrounded by a bunch of guys like the guys that are in the locker room that Harbaugh and (general manager Ozzie Newsome) put together, it makes the transition easy," Jefferson said. "With guys like Eric Weddle, who's smart and a great football player, he's going to make me better as well. So I'm excited for the year to come."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Adolphus Washington was arrested on a firearms charge Sunday, Bob Strickley of Cincinnati.com reports.Washington was arrested for improperly carrying a concealed firearm in a waterpark. The Sharonville Police Department stated Washington displayed and reached for a gun without informing officers first.Later in the evening, Washington was released by police without incident.The Bills released a statement on Washington:"We are aware of the incident regarding Adolphus Washington and have been in contact with him. Since it is a pending legal matter, we will have no further comment."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Chris Archer is enjoying his second All-Star Game appearance, but if he were to star on the gridiron, he wouldn't suit up for the sport's festivities.Although Archer appears to be having a ball in Miami, he outlined why NFL players ought not to participate in the Pro Bowl, noting the grueling physical hazards that pro football entails.

A fellow Oakland native, Marcus Peters is one of the many who are thrilled for Marshawn Lynch to have the opportunity to finish off his career with the Raiders.But a friendship between the two Bay Area stars evidently won't do much to cool down the rivalry between some bitter AFC West foes.Along with expressing his happiness for the veteran running back in an appearance at Lynch's local football camp, Peters made sure to add that he and the Kansas City Chiefs plan on maintaining their dominance over the Raiders this fall."It's going to feel good for him," Peters said, according to Jimmy Durkin of The Mercury News. "It's going to be a good feeling, It's going to be a good feeling for Oakland. But when we come here, we're going to beat the dog (expletive) out of him."Kansas City is currently riding a five-game winning streak over the Raiders that dates back to before Peters was selected in the first round of the 2015 draft. The silver and black's last win in the division rivalry, oddly enough, was their first after an 0-10 start to the 2014 campaign.The most recent pair of Chiefs victories came despite Oakland's rapid ascent last season, each far more convincing than even the 26-10 and 21-13 final scores may have shown.Oakland will be hoping that the arrival of Lynch, in addition to the several other upgrades made on both sides of the ball, can finally allow the club to break through against the defending AFC West champs.As was the case in 2016, the annual showdowns could go a long way toward deciding the division title at season's end.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Home Run Derby encapsulates everything the lighter side of sports ought to be, an event where the MLB's biggest sluggers attempt to crush baseballs to cartoonish lengths, much to the delight of the viewing audience.Instituted in 1985, the Home Run Derby has become an essential part of the MLB's midseason break, leading up to the All-Star Game, and fans of all ages have come to enjoy watching the league's best power hitters deposit balls out of the stadium.The NFL could learn a thing or two from the MLB, and here are three events that could eventually become the equivalent of the Home Run Derby.A 40-yard dash contest The 40-yard dash is the highlight of the NFL Scouting Combine for most viewers, so why not build on it with the world-class athletes already in the league? There isn't a metric to determine who the NFL's fastest player is, with several players claiming rights to the throne. Imagine Antonio Brown, Odell Beckham Jr., DeSean Jackson, Tyreek Hill, Patrick Peterson, and other top talents burning down the field in an effort to claim superiority over each other. Get your popcorn ready, this should be a cinch for the NFL, its viewers, and its product at-large.Longest completion contest If the Home Run Derby judges power to some degree, a contest determining the longest completion could serve as a close equivalent. Arm strength without accuracy is functionally useless in the NFL, however, and to make the event viable, the quarterback should designate a receiver to run downfield in order to haul the ball in at its deepest point. Much like the batters choosing their pitcher, it would be a tandem event. Add in some kids in the field to defend the pass, much akin to fielding balls in the Derby, and this event could really take off.Feats of strength Football is a showcase for a diverse array of athleticism and a triathlon-style competition determining the NFL's strongest player could be a television spectacle. Getting the NFL's strongest linemen and linebackers to compete in the bench press, tire toss, and dead lifts would showcase the truly unique physicality the league has to offer. The NFL is far more than the sum of its skill players, and this event would embody a different side of the game.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Panthers bouncing back from their Super Bowl hangover season was always going to be about doing a better job of surrounding Cam Newton with talent.After upgrading the offense with a series of moves, highlighted by the drafting of a pair of dynamic playmakers in Christian McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel, head coach Ron Rivera is hoping the ball can come out of his star quarterback's hands more efficiently."There are some things we want to do in terms of getting the ball out of Cam's hands and putting it the in hands of the playmakers," Rivera said in an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio, according to Conor Orr of NFL.com."And those two young guys, they're not going to be just the primary targets. We've got a tremendous slew of targets on our team, starting with Jonathan Stewart, and being able to run the ball. One thing we found in 2013, 2014, and 2015, we went around and looked at what we did running the football, and how much that translated to victories for us.McCaffrey and Samuel joining the Panthers' offense gives Newton a wide range of passing-game options, each bringing a different skill set to the table.In the end, there's a clear focus on not having the entire weight of the offense fall on Newton's shoulders."Greg Olsen, getting vertical and making plays for us. Finding the seams in the defenses," Rivera said. "Then Kelvin Benjamin, with his size, and Devin Funchess. We've got what we feel like has the potential to be an explosive offense. And yes, a lot of the idea is to take the pressure off our quarterback, and take some of the hits off of him as well."Due at least in part to the deficiencies in the receiving corps and on the offensive line, Newton stumbled to his least productive season to date.The 28-year-old even approaching the level of play he enjoyed en route to MVP honors the season prior, throwing for 3,837 yards, running for 636, and racking up 45 total touchdowns, would give Carolina every opportunity to make a quick return to title contention.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Kansas City Chiefs promoted Brett Veach to general manager Monday, the team confirmed in a press release.NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero were the first to report the story.Veach served as the Chiefs' co-director of player personnel from 2015-2017, previously operating as their pro and college personnel analyst."My family and I would like to extend our gratitude to Clark and the Hunt family for this incredible opportunity,” Veach said. "I am humbled and honored to serve as the General Manager of the Kansas City Chiefs. Over the last four seasons, I’ve had the privilege to work alongside Andy Reid, John Dorsey and a great group of coaches and personnel staff. Together, we built a strong foundation of players that have helped us sustain success on the field. I’m looking forward to continuing our progress as we head into 2017."The executive was considered a leading candidate for the Buffalo Bills' general manager vacancy earlier this summer, with star running back LeSean McCoy lobbying heavily on Veach's behalf.However, Veach became the favorite to win the Chiefs' general manager job after John Dorsey was surprisingly dismissed on June 22.Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt also released the following statement:

Le'Veon Bell competed on an NFL-themed episode of "Celebrity Family Feud" on Sunday night, and while he was quick on the trigger, he set himself up for embarrassment with one of his answers.Host Steve Harvey posed the following question to Bell and Marshall Faulk: "We asked 100 married men. You're home alone. The doorbell rings. It's a naked lady. What do you do?"Bell replied "get her number," which got Harvey pretty riled up."She's there! Ask her for her phone number!" Harvey said. "She already naked, she's at the door, and your ass needs her number! Come on, Le'Veon!"Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kirk Cousins and the Redskins are tethered together for the 2017 season thanks to Washington using the franchise tag on the quarterback for the second straight season. But beyond this campaign, Cousins' future with the franchise remains in doubt, as there's been no significant movement on a long-term contract ahead of the July 17 deadline.The Redskins' refusal to commit to Cousins after two solid seasons as the starter has been perplexing, and even one of the veteran pivot's favorite targets over that time has no clue as to why Washington has been reluctant to open up its checkbook.Related: The cases for and against giving Kirk Cousins an extensionPierre Garcon, who joined the San Francisco 49ers this offseason, had no answers on the matter during a Monday appearance on Sirius XM NFL Radio."I don't know, man," Garcon said when asked if he was surprised Cousins has yet to receive a long-term extension, according to Conor Orr of NFL.com. "I wish I had the answer. But like you said, Kirk, he's got to be consistent. He's moving the ball up and down the field, he's making plays for us, he's been doing it for a long time. He is the guy that's helped us make those playoff runs. He's done a lot of things great for us, but I don't know why he's not the long-term answer there."If the Redskins' perceived lack of faith in Cousins ultimately leads to him being traded elsewhere, Garcon's 49ers have been rumored as the most likely landing spot. The wide receiver wouldn't be the only familiar face in San Francisco for Cousins, as his former offensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan, was brought in as the 49ers' new head coach this offseason."That's so far-fetched, I'm not even worried about that right now," Garcon said on a potential reunion with Cousins. "We got this season to go. We got our first game against the Carolina Panthers, and that's who we're focused on right now to tell you the truth."The Redskins' decision to wait to reward Cousins could backfire. If Washington wants to lock him up for the foreseeable future, it will likely have to either match or exceed the record five-year, $125-million contract given to Derek Carr by the Oakland Raiders on June 22.Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The quarterback position is deeper than ever in fantasy football. Even in leagues where more than half the owners draft a backup passer, it's possible to find value in the very late rounds and even on the waiver wire.Here are three quarterbacks going undrafted in many fantasy leagues who have a chance to be this year's waiver-wire hero.Average draft position (ADP) data courtesy of FantasyPros and is based on 12-team leagues with standard scoring.Carson Wentz, EaglesADP: QB19Wentz finished as fantasy's QB24 as a rookie, but did so with a severe lack of reliable receivers around him. The Eagles rectified that by adding Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith to their pass-catching corps in free agency, plus LeGarrette Blount to the backfield to force defenses to respect the run, which should set Wentz up to take a sophomore leap. He's a high-upside option owners will need to keep on waiver-wire speed dial.Blake Bortles, JaguarsADP: QB20Remember all the talk about how bad Bortles was last season? It might surprise you to learn that he still finished as a top-10 fantasy quarterback, a year after finishing in the top five. The Jaguars drafted Leonard Fournette and should run the ball more this year, which could hurt Bortles' numbers. But it could just as easily help them by taking some of the pressure off the Jaguars' passing attack. If reports that Bortles has corrected his throwing mechanics issues are true, he's a player who needs to be on every owner's watch list.Carson Palmer, CardinalsADP: QB22Palmer slumped to a hugely disappointing QB19 finish last year after a top-five finish in 2015. It's hard to pinpoint precisely what went wrong, but it didn't seem to be entirely Palmer's fault. John Brown battled injuries all season, Michael Floyd got arrested and then released, and the Cardinals just didn't score as many touchdowns. Palmer's age - he'll turn 38 before the season concludes - is leading many fantasy owners to stay away. It's also creating an opportunity for savvy owners who see past Palmer's age to his bounce-back potential.(Photos courtesy: Action Images)Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Cam Newton was hit and harassed throughout the 2017 season, prompting some moves by the Carolina Panthers in the offseason.In addition to a new left tackle, Newton will also have some added weapons at his disposal that will help diversify the offense. The Panthers selected running back Christian McCaffrey and receiver Curtis Samuel in this year's draft to accomplish just that."We need to make sure we protect our QB and put playmakers around him," head coach Ron Rivera said on SiriusXM NFL Radio on Monday. "McCaffrey and Curtis Samuel help do that."In the past, Newton has doubled as the team's franchise quarterback and its X-factor as a rusher. In an effort to limit the damage he takes, the team added to its core weapons of Greg Olsen, Kelvin Benjamin, and Devin Funchess."We have to be judicious when we do use (Newton) as a runner," Rivera said. "The best thing is getting the ball out and downfield."Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.