San Francisco (NFL/Newsfeed) – Two generations of star NFL quarterbacks combined in San Francisco on Friday night as Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady joined Joe Montana, Steve Young and Jim Plunkett at a charity occasion hosted by NBC’s Bob Costas.

That’s eight Super Bowl MVP awards among the 5 of them, if you’re keeping score.

Brady and Rodgers, who grew up in the Bay region, both talked of childhoods spent idolizing Montana and Young.

“We were pretty high from the top of the stadium,” Brady said, according to CSNBayArea.com. “We required binoculars to see what was going on, but there was absolutely nothing far more thrilling than being at the games and watching Joe and Steve. Any young kid growing up at that time wanted to be like these two guys. It’s very an honor be to sitting right here with these two.”

It was also a rare double sighting of Montana and Young, who engaged in maybe the greatest quarterback controversy of all. The two had been seated next to every other on stage.

The event was held at UC San Francisco and organized by former 49ers offensive lineman Harris Barton. It was expected to raise up to $ 750,000 for tumor investigation at UCSF, Initial Tee of San Francisco, Monterey County and Silicon Valley, and Champion Charities.

(About:) This post was distributed by Syndicated Sports news wire and aggregation service, For much more NFL news see: Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers honor Joe Montana, Steve Young.

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New Orleans (NFL/Newsfeed) — The 2012 season shapes up as a crucible for the New Orleans Saints defense. Among the stigma of the league’s “bounty” findings and the loss of linebacker Jonathan Vilma (suspened for the entire season) and defensive finish Will Smith (suspended for the very first four ganes), perhaps no NFL defense has ever gone into a season with more of a chip on its collective shoulder.

The man charged with rallying the troops is Steve Spagnuolo, the former St. Louis Rams coach and New York Giants coordinator who led Big Blue’s defense to a Super Bowl victory in 2007.

That resume, and Spagnuolo’s air of confidence, appear to be winning more than the Saints’ veteran players, according to The Instances-Picayune.

“He speaks with so much confidence, you have absolutely nothing to do but think in this guy and know he’s going to be excellent for us,” safety Roman Harper stated. “He’s been a head coach in this league, had a lot of success as a defensive coordinator, and you’ve got to respect this guy. I’m searching forward to operating with him much more and much more.”

The man the players call “Spags” has a challenging act to adhere to: His predecessor in the job, Gregg Williams, may have suffered incalculable damage to his reputation — along with an indefinite suspension from the league — for his function in the “bounty” saga, but Williams still enjoys the fierce loyalty of his former players.

“You know, Gregg lit a fire that a lot of us aren’t going to let burn out. A sense of intensity,” Harper mentioned. “And now we understand what it takes to win. Before I don’t feel we understood it, and we didn’t have that total feeling. But now we’ve been to the top of the mountain. We know what it takes to get there. And that’s what we’re attempting to do now.

“It’s either Super Bowl or bust. And we won’t take something less this year, no matter what our circumstances are.”

Spagnuolo has a various tactical approach than Williams, who was popular for his indulgence in blitzes. And he brings a various leadership style as well.

“It’s a lot quieter,” safety Malcolm Jenkins mentioned. “And there’s a lot a lot more teaching and other stuff going on. But Spags nonetheless has a way … there’s not a lot of cursing or something like that, but he has a way of letting you know when he’s critical and when he’s disappointed. It gets across.”

(About:) This article was distributed by Syndicated Sports news wire and aggregation service, For more NFL news see: Harper desires Saints, Spagnuolo to sustain Williams’ intensity.

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Veteran safety Brian Dawkins is retiring from the NFL immediately after 16 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos, the Pro Bowl defender announced Monday on Twitter.

“The Lord has blessed me to play in the NFL for 16 years,” Dawkins mentioned. “I would like to thank the Eagles &amp the Broncos four believing In me. I would like 2 thank all my teammates &amp Coaches that I have been blessed 2 go to battle with. Along with u, the fans 4 helping make my career 1 that i have enjoyed tremendously. In other words. I am announcing my retirement from the NFL.”

Dawkins finishes his career with 26 sacks, 37 interceptions and 28 forced fumbles. He played in 1 Super Bowl with the Eagles and created nine Pro Bowls (like this past season, as an alternate). Dawkins was also a four-time first-team All-Pro choice.

“Thank you, @BrianDawkins, for becoming a Excellent Bronco and showing such an amazing commitment to your team and community,” Broncos executive vice president of football operations John Elway wrote on Twitter, adding “Congratulations on a Hall of Fame career, Dawk!!!”

Dawkins battled neck injuries toward the finish of the 2012 season, and missed two of the Broncos’ final 3 games of the normal season and the team’s two playoff games. Dawkins’ contract with the Broncos expired following the season, and The Denver Post reported he spent close to six weeks mulling over his possibilities.

“I’m a small emotional correct now,” Dawkins told The Post shortly following announcing his retirement, adding that he demands some time prior to he can speak.

(About:) This article was distributed by Syndicated Sports news wire and aggregation service, For more NFL news see: Denver Broncos’ Brian Dawkins tweets he will retire from NFL.

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Osi doesn’t like getting a backup to Tuck and Pierre-Paul

Posted by Michael David Smith on April 13, 2012, 7:44 AM EDT

Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora had a excellent postseason, recording three.5 sacks and helping his team win the Super Bowl. But that doesn’t mean he’s happy with his situation.

Umenyiora was not in the starting lineup for any of the Giants’ four postseason games, and even although he got lots of playing time behind Justin Tuck and Jason Pierre-Paul in the Giants’ defensive line rotation, he says that’s not adequate.

“I don’t like being a backup, I can tell you that,” Umenyiora told the New York Daily News. “It worked for us final year, but I was coming of an injury or whatever. But I see myself as a starter in the NFL. I see myself as a Pro Bowl sort player. That’s the way I see myself.”

Umenyiora stated he “didn’t complain” final season, and “I’m not complaining now.” But he might commence complaining if he spends time on the bench behind Tuck and Pierre-Paul this year.

“I don’t like getting on the bench,” Umenyiora said. “I’m not OK with that.”

NFL teams often rotate their defensive linemen to keep absolutely everyone fresh, and for the Giants, it’s fantastic that they have three defensive ends who are great adequate to begin. At least, it would be wonderful if they could do it and keep everyone content. Umenyiora, nonetheless, won’t be happy if he’s seeking up at any person else on the depth chart.

Umenyiora is also unhappy with his contract, which pays him $ 3.975 million this season. He is not expected to participate in the team’s voluntary offseason system, which begins on Monday. There’s been speak that the Giants may trade Umenyiora, but the best way for Umenyiora to get what he desires could be to play out the final year of his deal, play nicely, and then hit cost-free agency subsequent year and find some other team that’s willing to make him a starter, and spend him like a starter.

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(About:) This article was distributed by Syndicated Sports news wire and aggregation service, For far more NFL football news see: Osi doesn’t like becoming a backup to Tuck and Pierre-Paul.

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In his judgment upholding suspensions for New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton, common manager Mickey Loomis and assistant head coach Joe Vitt, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the parties had to meet specific needs for their potential reinstatements.

One of the expectations is that they avoid all football and operational communication, according to a source with understanding of the scenario, citing NFL guidelines. When Payton’s suspension kicks in April 16, he can’t speak to Loomis or Vitt — or have any communication with the team — regarding football or operational matters until immediately after the Super Bowl. There is latitude for dialogue, for example, must a individual matter arise and counsel is warranted.

Although Payton’s suspension technically ends after the Super Bowl, he has to re-apply for reinstatement and have Goodell assessment his status to establish whether or not to permit him back to coach in the NFL.

Loomis and Vitt can operate as normal till the begin of the normal season but as soon as their suspensions start, Vitt can’t speak with anybody on the team with regards to football matters for six games, Loomis for eight.

What could be an intriguing wrinkle is how the schedule lays out for the Saints. If the NFL schedules a bye week in the first six games, Vitt’s and Loomis’s suspensions could be prolonged for a week. The same applies to Loomis if a bye is scheduled in the 1st eight games.

Final season the Saints’ bye did not come until Week 11.

Comply with Steve Wyche on Twitter @wyche89

(About:) This post was distributed by Syndicated Sports news wire and aggregation service, For more NFL news see: Payton cannot consult Saints, Vitt, Loomis ahead of Super Bowl.

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Bill Parcells told Sports Illustrated on Monday that he doesn’t think he’ll return to coaching, amid reports that he could take over the New Orleans Saints on an interim basis.

“Do I have the bug?” Parcells mentioned. “I don’t feel so.”

Parcells said he has passed on two opportunities to coach again since leaving the Dallas Cowboys in 2006.

Saints coach Sean Payton planned to talk with Parcells about having the Hall of Fame finalist fill in as the team’s interim coach for the upcoming season, Fox Sports insider and NFL Network contributor Jay Glazer reported Monday. Payton was suspended by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for the whole 2012 season for his function in the team’s “bounty” scandal.

A league supply told NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora that the Saints are considering bringing on Parcells, but that it’s unlikely the team would hire him. Parcells, 70, also is only one particular of numerous alternatives the team is weighing, La Canfora reported.

At the NFL Annual Meeting in Palm Beach, Fla., Goodell confirmed the Saints would be permitted to employ a coach from outside the franchise, so long as he isn’t at present on staff with one more team.

Parcells assembled a 172-130-1 record, such as two Super Bowl titles with the New York Giants and an additional Super Bowl appearance with the New England Patriots, in 22 years as an NFL head coach. He is the only coach to take 4 various franchises to the playoffs.

Parcells initial retired from coaching following leaving the New York Jets in 1999, but he joined the Cowboys in 2003 ahead of leaving again 3 years later.

After being named a Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist in 2012, Parcells would have to wait yet another 5 years to be considered for Hall of Fame induction if he returns to coaching in any capacity, Hall of Fame vice president of communications Joe Horrigan confirmed to NFL.com.

(About:) This write-up was distributed by Syndicated Sports news wire and aggregation service, For a lot more NFL news see: Bill Parcells: ‘I don’t think’ I have urge to coach once more.

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Jets scheduled to host cost-free agent Donnie Avery

Posted by Evan Silva on March 18, 2012, 11:11 PM EDT

Adam Caplan reports that the Jets have scheduled a visit with free of charge agent wide receiver Donnie Avery.

The initial receiver selected in the 2008 draft, Avery flashed promise during his first two NFL seasons with 100 receptions for 1,263 yards and eight touchdowns. Avery tore his right ACL in August of 2010, nevertheless, and struggled to get on the field throughout final year.

He did catch 3 balls for 45 yards and a touchdown in Week Seventeen with the Titans.

This will be Avery’s first known check out of the 2012 free of charge agency period. The Jets are seeking to add to a receiver corps that consists of Chaz Schilens, Jeremy Kerley, and Patrick Turner behind top wideout Santonio Holmes.

Avery can add speed to the unit. His forty occasions at the Houston Cougars’ 2008 Pro Day had been 4.34 and 4.35.

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1. shawshankreception says: Mar 18, 2012 11:17 PM

   Wow. Scrapin’ the bottom of the barrel aren’t we?
2. mrclearview says: Mar 18, 2012 11:21 PM

   Perhaps Avery is the piece Rex demands to get that Super Bowl hes been guaranteeing for about 3 yrs now?
3. billybob91 says: Mar 18, 2012 11:30 PM

   Wherever he signs the team will get a very good low risk/high reward player. He looked like a really excellent young WR till he got hurt. If he can get back on the right track a person will grab themselves a excellent young WR with upside.
4. vincentbojackson says: Mar 18, 2012 11:39 PM

   Heard the Jets were impressed by his capability to snag one-hoppers. A ability essential when playing with the Sanchize.
5. jameswestphal says: Mar 18, 2012 11:44 PM

   Well, that does it. Quite significantly seals the Jets fourth Super Bowl win in a row.

(About:) This report was distributed by Syndicated Sports news wire and aggregation service, For far more NFL football news see: Jets scheduled to host free agent Donnie Avery.

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Practically a month after his “dance” moves at a New England Patriots Super Bowl postgame non-victory party drew criticism from some and bewilderment from other individuals, tight finish Rob Gronkowski said he can understand the viewpoint of fans.

But he’s not about to let his work ethic come into question.

The video of a shirtless Gronkowski jumping around a dance floor, on an ankle injury that had his status for the game in question, drew the ire of numerous, which includes former Patriot Rodney Harrison. Other individuals — notably a single of his bosses, Jonathan Kraft — didn’t take issue with the scene.

Gronkowski, ever the student, drew from the Bill Belichick cache of responses during an interview with 97.five FM in Philadelphia on Friday, explaining that, basically, he was just getting enjoyable.

“I always put my job initial, ahead of anything, no matter what it is. I’m usually dedicating myself,” Gronkowksi said.

“Unfortunately, I mean, it just occurred like that. It just is what it is,” he added. “I had a lot of enjoyable with my loved ones, and that was the 1st time I got to see them in awhile. We had been just having entertaining with my brothers, friends I hadn’t seen in a although. The opportunity of hanging out with LMFAO, that was pretty cool also. Regrettably we didn’t win and that was the No. 1 goal.”

Gronkowski, who stated he’s still in a cast and on crutches following surgery on the ankle, admitted he’s not more than the loss emotionally.

But he extremely much appeared more than the loss in the video in question, and it was recommended that numerous perceive he could have taken the loss tougher.

“Yes, absolutely I could see the fan’s viewpoint,” Gronkowski said. “I’m 100 percent in every single game, each single practice. It was undoubtedly a difficult loss. I was hurting from it, everyone was hurting from it. You don’t perform that hard all year to get to the final game and shed. It just hurts.

“It just went on. I’m an easy-going type of guy. I try and get more than issues as soon as attainable. Life just moves on.”

(About:) This article was distributed by Syndicated Sports news wire and aggregation service, For a lot more NFL news see: Pats’ Gronkowski defends function ethic, is not more than Super Bowl loss.

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