• My story: What Vikings QB Christian Ponder learned from Brett Favre about leadership

    Updated: 2012-05-31 19:56:07
    : Thursday , May 31 2012 BLOGS Rap Sheet Official Blog of the National Football League Home Home My story : What Vikings QB Christian Ponder learned from Brett Favre about leadership Ian Rapoport Tags : Vikings QB Christian Ponder is ready to take the next step Associated Press I spent yesterday at Winter Park with the Vikings , and I came away impressed with second-year QB Christian Ponder I’m not even talking about how he played during . OTAs Using legendary QB Brett Favre as an example , Ponder has , one-by-one , taken teammates out to dinner . He’s trying to be a leader by bonding , spending time with the guys , and growing close . It’s a worthwhile . activity If they’re going to follow me , if we’re going to play close together as a team , we have to get closer off the field Ponder

  • Saints coach Joe Vitt talks about whether Drew Brees can dance… and other OTAs reflections

    Updated: 2012-05-31 18:40:18
    Thursday , May 31 2012 BLOGS Rap Sheet Official Blog of the National Football League Home Home Saints coach Joe Vitt talks about whether Drew Brees can dance and other OTAs reflections Ian Rapoport Tags : Saints QB Chase Daniel is lying down Associated Press I’m here at the Saints facility in Metaire , La . and OTAs just ended . On a fairly hot day , with lightning in the backgrounds , the Saints did their thing on the field . It was , as always , a little . odd Drew Brees wasn’t here , coach Sean Payton wasn’t here , and Joe Vitt was running things as he will be right up until the suspension . We’ll get to some notes in a minute but first , a Brees . update Vitt says he is still confident” that Brees’ deal will get done . He said he had a great conversation with Brees the other day about

  • Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin ran up a hill… and other Vikings things!

    Updated: 2012-05-31 14:41:17
    Thursday , May 31 2012 BLOGS Rap Sheet Official Blog of the National Football League Home Home Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin ran up a hill and other Vikings things Ian Rapoport Tags : Vikings ACL Adrian Peterson Percy Harvin Percy Harvin and Adrian Peterson ran up a hill , and we all watched Associated Press Minnesota was sooooo yesterday I’m actually in New Orleans now , gearing up to go to Saints OTAs in a little bit . But before I do , let’s get reflect on what we saw in Eden Prairie during Vikings OTAs which I talked about on TV here What happened The biggest thing that happened was that rehabbing Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin ran up a hill . And I’m not lying , it was one of the coolest things I’ve seen . Two electric athletes , both fighting their way back to health , just

  • Vikings GM Rick Spielman was just as surprised as anyone that Asher Allen retired

    Updated: 2012-05-30 20:29:57
    Thursday , May 31 2012 BLOGS Rap Sheet Official Blog of the National Football League Home Home Vikings GM Rick Spielman was just as surprised as anyone that Asher Allen retired Ian Rapoport Tags : Vikings Asher Allen Leslie Frazier retirement Vikings CB Asher Allen abruptly retires AP Here in Eden Praire , Minn . the big story of the Vikings OTAs was that rehabbing stars  Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin put on a show racing each other More on that later . But the most surprising story That was that cornerback Asher Allen decided to retire . At just 24 years old , Allen is calling it quits Coach Leslie Frazier announced the news , saying it wasn’t for health reasons . It was just what Allen . wanted I didn’t see that , coming Frazier said . But everybody has to make decisions that are the

  • Three and out: Justin Blackmon has room to grow

    Updated: 2012-05-30 18:42:59
    Happy Wednesday everybody. I know this is going to be hard for you to concentrate today because your Los Angeles Kings are in the Stanley Cup Finals (which starts tonight at 5 p.m.), but can we at least try to get through some fantasy content?

  • Dear Internet: Oh, if only Rob Gronkowski and Kim Kardashian can get together…

    Updated: 2012-05-30 17:54:36
    : , Thursday , May 31 2012 BLOGS Rap Sheet Official Blog of the National Football League Home Home Dear Internet : Oh , if only Rob Gronkowski and Kim Kardashian can get together Ian Rapoport Tags : Kim Kardashian Belichick Gronk Patriots Kim K and Gronk Oh , if wishing made it so AP Dear : Interwebs I don’t ask for much . Maybe a dumb picture here . Maybe a stupid movie there . Some sort of snarky article on Deadspin or the Big Lead will usually suffice . I’m low . maintenance But I will ask for something now . Hopefully , I’ve saved up my favors . Hopefully , one puny request won’t fall on deaf . ears Because last night , I came across this item on the gossip side of the Internet linking Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski and famous for something Kim Kardashian as a . item The news” is short on

  • Why the Rams and 49ers may benefit from the Lions mishaps…

    Updated: 2012-05-30 15:21:02
    Thursday , May 31 2012 BLOGS Rap Sheet Official Blog of the National Football League Home Home Why the Rams and 49ers may benefit from the Lions mishaps Ian Rapoport Tags : Nick Fairley walks off the field AP The Lions have had their share of off-the-field issues . Yeah you may have read about it Colleague Albert Breer broke it down nicely earlier today With a troubled but talented draft class from 2011, they have a lot work to do to right the situation . Nick Fairley’s arrest for DUI this weekend was only the latest in a string of disciplinary issues . The courts will have to handle some of . it But so will Commissioner Roger Goodell thanks to the NFL’s personal conduct . policy Poor judgment situations like Fairley’s and that of RB Mikel LeShoure rarely benefit anyone , and as Alex

  • Sean Gilbert, one of the earliest fighters against the franchise tag, still hates it

    Updated: 2012-05-30 00:55:06
    , , Wednesday , May 30 2012 BLOGS Rap Sheet Official Blog of the National Football League Home Home Sean Gilbert , one of the earliest fighters against the franchise tag , still hates it Ian Rapoport Tags : Saints Drew Brees franchise tag Sean Gilbert Sean Gilbert used to play for the Panthers AP You read earlier today about former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Sean Gilbert and his strong feelings about the situation surrounding Saints QB Drew Brees As the last player to sit out an entire year in protest of the franchise tag , Gilbert has more than earned his bona fides on this . topic It’s been 15 years since Gilbert battled the franchise tag , sat out a year , then proved it was worth it . And he still hasn’t warmed up to the concept of the tag , which was , once again , part of the newest

  • My story: Sean Gilbert, the last man to take a year-long stand, backs Saints QB Drew Brees

    Updated: 2012-05-29 16:58:53
    : , , Tuesday , May 29 2012 BLOGS Rap Sheet Official Blog of the National Football League Home Home My story : Sean Gilbert , the last man to take a year-long stand , backs Saints QB Drew Brees Ian Rapoport Tags : Saints contract dispute Drew Brees Mickey Loomis Sean Gilbert Tom Benson Saints QB Drew Brees is looking at a lot of things these days AP There are so few people who can understand what Drew Brees is going through . The Saints franchise quarterback is without a contract for 2012, and he doesn’t want to sign his franchise tag that provides no long-term . security A contract drama that has played out in public may result in Brees missing mandatory mini-camp , some of training camp , and then who knows The possibilities are chilling and . endless To gain some perspective , I spoke

  • Three and out: Can Hakeem Nicks return by Week 1?

    Updated: 2012-05-29 14:55:25
    Hakeem Nicks could be ready for the start of the season, but he still comes with some risk as a WR1.

  • My story: How the Cowboys could put four CBs on the field, including Mike Jenkins

    Updated: 2012-05-28 17:12:41
    : , Tuesday , May 29 2012 BLOGS Rap Sheet Official Blog of the National Football League Home Home My story : How the Cowboys could put four CBs on the field , including Mike Jenkins Ian Rapoport Tags : Cowboys Jason Garrett Jerry Jones Mike Jenkins Rob Ryan How will the Cowboys put Mike Jenkins on the field next year AP We’ve read a ton about Mike Jenkins in recent days , as the Cowboys CB is staying home for OTAs He wants to be traded , yet the Cowboys aren’t into . it Well , the team does have a contingency plan . They could use four cornerbacks on the field at the same time in nickel , which would make Jenkins a pseudo starter . Unconventional Yup . So is Rob . Ryan Thanks to some help from our buddies at ProFootballFocus.com we learned it’s rare but not completely unheard of . Really ,

  • Nine really random things and whatever else is going on around the NFL…

    Updated: 2012-05-27 14:44:16
    A quick and random spin through what the heck happened in the NFL this week ...

  • Eagles DE Brandon Graham’s situation makes me think twice before using the word “bust”

    Updated: 2012-05-26 16:39:05
    It's easy to call someone a bust. You just look at a series of poor performances for a guy who was drafted highly, write that he's a bust, and boom, he's a bust. Even this week, Ravens WR Tommy Street was fighting through "bust" labels on, like, Day 2. Really?

  • Trying to understand the latest in the Mike Jenkins saga — Colts edition

    Updated: 2012-05-25 23:20:33
    Saturday , May 26 2012 BLOGS Rap Sheet Official Blog of the National Football League Home Home Trying to understand the latest in the Mike Jenkins saga Colts edition Ian Rapoport Tags : Cowboys Mike Jenkins Did we mention Cowboys CB Mike Jenkins wants to be traded AP It’s the holiday weekend , and everyone is heading off to their various locales . But before you do let’s take a moment to try to figure out what’s up with Cowboys CB Mike . Jenkins You’ve probably seen by now that sources say the Colts are pushing to trade for him They appear a little frustrated , though , at some of their offers not getting any . traction A s for why that is , a high-ranking Cowboys source told me We’re not interested in trading Mike . Jenkins OK , then . So What does this all mean Well , let’s play the

  • Reactions and reflections following the first week of Cowboys OTAs…

    Updated: 2012-05-25 19:10:43
    Saturday , May 26 2012 BLOGS Rap Sheet Official Blog of the National Football League Home Home Reactions and reflections following the first week of Cowboys OTAs Ian Rapoport Tags : The Cowboys wrapped up the first week of OTAs by sitting on a mat AP The Cowboys wrapped up their first week of OTAs with a bunch of players making their first appearance in a while because of injury and others making their first appearance as Cowboys . It was only open to the media one day , and we’ve already written some about . it Want some more details and reactions OK , then Here’s what’s : up Training camp is still months away , but I’m already looking forward to one particular aspect of it . WR Dez Bryant and CB Brandon Carr are slated to have some serious one-on-one battles , and I am slated to enjoy

  • Am I missing something or do the Saints players and coaches not think Drew Brees is serious?

    Updated: 2012-05-24 23:51:25
    Friday , May 25 2012 BLOGS Rap Sheet Official Blog of the National Football League Home Home Am I missing something or do the Saints players and coaches not think Drew Brees is serious Ian Rapoport Tags : Saints bounties Drew Brees Joe Vitt Sean Payton New Saints , um , QB Chase Daniel throws . He’s taking the place of Drew Brees for now . AP The Saints held OTAs today , and it was open to the media . For the first time , everyone watched a Saints practice without coach Sean Payton or QB Drew . Brees Payton is suspended along with some others , and Brees is staying away because of contract . issues I surmised recently that the suspensions would actually help Brees and no doubt the scene of little Chase Daniel running the team must’ve been jarring . Couldn’t have been pretty . Brees’ stance

  • Hakeem Nicks’ value takes a hit, but not too big

    Updated: 2012-05-24 20:57:45
    Time to rearrange the fantasy rankings following word Hakeem Nicks broke a bone in his foot, which the team announced on Thursday. Nicks will undergo surgery on Friday and is expected to be out 12 weeks, which would push his return to sometime around training camp and the opening of the season.

  • My story: Is this the year Cowboys WR Dez Bryant lives up to his potential? “We’re just going to see”

    Updated: 2012-05-24 19:59:30
    Cowboys WR Dez Bryant is talented. Duh. He's big, he's strong, he's fast, he's got great hands, he has great balance. Yet we are all still waiting to see how good the former first-round pick from Oklahoma State can be.

  • Three and out: Will Rice hold out in 2012?

    Updated: 2012-05-24 16:21:39
    If Ray Rice holds out of training camp to land a new contract, it could put a dent into his lofty fantasy appeal.

  • Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray says he has “No limitations. I’m feeling good out there”

    Updated: 2012-05-23 22:15:49
    . Thursday , May 24 2012 BLOGS Rap Sheet Official Blog of the National Football League Home Home Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray says he has No limitations . I’m feeling good out there” Ian Rapoport Tags : Cowboys DeMarco Murray Felix Jones Jason Garrett Jerry Jones Tony Romo Back on the field , DeMarco Murray felt good AP One of the best signs for the Dallas Cowboys today during their OTAs was that RB DeMarco Murray was on the field . The second-year player , who showed off some serious skills last year , is coming off a broken ankle suffered on Dec . 11. In part because of his injury , the Boys lost three of their last four and missed the . playoffs When he was healthy , though , he averaged 5.5 yards per carry . The Cowboys , in fact , won all five games in which he had 20 or more carries .

  • Cowboys coach Jason Garrett says “We’re not going to trade” Mike Jenkins, expects him back soon

    Updated: 2012-05-23 20:31:28
    , Thursday , May 24 2012 BLOGS Rap Sheet Official Blog of the National Football League Home Home Cowboys coach Jason Garrett says We’re not going to trade” Mike Jenkins , expects him back soon Ian Rapoport Tags : Cowboys Jason Garrett Jerry Jones Mike Jenkins Lots of drama surrounding Cowboys CB Mike Jenkins AP The Dallas Cowboys wrapped up their second day of OTAs a few minutes ago , but their first open to the media . One player not present was CB Mike Jenkins who has made known his desire to be traded for real at some point He’s also rehabbing a shoulder injury , so he wouldn’t be participating . anyway A few minutes ago , coach Jason Garrett seemed pretty clear on two things : He wants Jenkins to be here , and the team isn’t trading the disgruntled defensive . back Mike Jenkins , we

  • Three and out: Fantasy concern about Beanie Wells

    Updated: 2012-05-23 16:34:34
    Beanie Wells has value as a No. 2 fantasy runner, but another knee surgery is definitely cause for at least some concern.

  • How will the Lions pay for their version of the Big 3 — Megatron, Suh, and Stafford?

    Updated: 2012-05-23 15:36:56
    , , Thursday , May 24 2012 BLOGS Rap Sheet Official Blog of the National Football League Home Home How will the Lions pay for their version of the Big 3 Megatron , Suh , and Stafford Ian Rapoport Tags : Lions Calvin Johnson Matthew Stafford Ndamukong Suh Lions WR Calvin Johnson throws out the first pitch at a Tigers game AP From 2007 to 2010, the Lions picked their version of the Big 3. After years and years of terrible drafting , Detroit grabbed WR Calvin Johnson second overall in 2007, QB Matthew Stafford first overall in 2009, and DT Ndamukong Suh second overall in 2010. That’s not bad . Three . cornerstones And each were in the era of massive , massive rookie deals . Slowly , that trio will look to get paid And considering their production , all will deserve it . Megatron was first ,

  • Recapping this road trip: The Detroit edition

    Updated: 2012-05-22 23:39:32
    : Wednesday , May 23 2012 BLOGS Rap Sheet Official Blog of the National Football League Home Home Recapping this road trip : The Detroit edition Ian Rapoport Tags : Road trip Detroit That’s my Doppelbock braised beef brisket panini Twitpic Well , I’m back from a two-night stay in Detroit , which is actually Dearborn , Mich . It becomes Allen Park when you drive a mile and get to the Lions facility . That was the place where I wrote this article that is now posted on . NFL.com What else happened on my trip Come on in Overall feel from : OTAs I went over a bunch of this here yesterday but the Lions did have a very business-like feel . There wasn’t the euphoria that you might expect from a team that has just started winning after being really , really terrible for so long . Maybe that’s good

  • My story: The Lions aren’t satisfied with just breaking through in 2011

    Updated: 2012-05-22 20:21:07
    : Wednesday , May 23 2012 BLOGS Rap Sheet Official Blog of the National Football League Home Home My story : The Lions aren’t satisfied with just breaking through in 2011 Ian Rapoport Tags : Lions Jim Schwartz Matt Millen Tom Lewand Lions offensive linemen Rob Sims and Jeff Backus are kinda just standing there AP I began my conversation with Lions President Tom Lewand yesterday just hoping to get an understanding for how Detroit has turned around its once-woeful franchise . I left with a franchise-wide view on why this string of success may . continue Lewand and I spoke for a while , with him mixing in anecdotes about the two main things that have happened to spring the Lions . One is how decisions have been made without bowing to public pressure . The other is that those in power

  • Why Cowboys CB Mike Jenkins is on the right track… and who could deal for him

    Updated: 2012-05-22 17:54:05
    Wednesday , May 23 2012 BLOGS Rap Sheet Official Blog of the National Football League Home Home Why Cowboys CB Mike Jenkins is on the right track and who could deal for him Ian Rapoport Tags : Cowboys Jason Garrett Jerry Jones Mike Jenkins Cowboys CB Mike Jenkins is using his only recourse AP Yesterday , while I was doing my thing in Detroit we learned that Cowboys CB Mike Jenkins is staying home for OTAs . He wants to be traded , I was told , and is still weighing what to do for mandatory mini-camp Cowboys coach Jason Garrett wants him in town , Jenkins isn’t having . it A few things on this First , in my opinion , Jenkins is absolutely doing the right thing . His only leverage is to sit out , sit home , and stay away from OTAs that are , by the way , . voluntary Jenkins wants to be

  • Robert Kraft would like to see Wes Welker a Patriot for life

    Updated: 2012-05-22 16:38:48
    New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft told NFL Network on Tuesday he would like Wes Welker “to be a Patriot for life.”

  • TEs Winslow, Clark won’t have much draft value

    Updated: 2012-05-22 16:30:29
    Dallas Clark and Kellen Winslow will be wearing new uniforms in 2012, but neither will have much fantasy appeal.

  • Three and out: Reasons to fear Andre Johnson

    Updated: 2012-05-22 15:42:06
    Injuries and offensive philosophy are just a few of the reasons to fear Andre Johnson this season.

  • Reactions and reflections from a day in Allen Park for the Lions OTAs…

    Updated: 2012-05-22 01:24:43
    I thought there would be a ton to talk about at Detroit Lions minicamp, considering the kind of year the team had, the Lions' stars, and a bunch of off-the-field things. And yeah, my head was swimming by the end. This really is a franchise on the rise, and it's fun to watch from close up. The optimism is palpable.

  • Player Twitter Accounts

    Updated: 2012-05-11 16:01:37
    As with baseball and basketball, we've now added player Twitter account links to player pages. Let us know if we're missing anybody.

Current Feed Items | Previous Months Items

Apr 2012 | Mar 2012 | Feb 2012 | Jan 2012 | Dec 2011