Football News

All-Pro guard, Upshaw was craftier as union boss

AP - Thu Aug 21, 7:50 PM ET

Gene Upshaw was common sense writ extra large.

  • Rams RB Jackson signs 6-year, $44 million deal AP - Thu Aug 21, 5:02 PM ET

    ST. LOUIS - Steven Jackson signed a six-year, $44 million contract, ended a 27-day holdout, and was on the field for practice with the St. Louis Rams on Thursday.

  • In this December 1970 file photo, Oakland Raiders' Gene Upshaw (63) and Hewitt Dixon, center right, look for the ball after Dixon fumbled near the goal line during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Oakland, Calif. Upshaw, who was executive director of the NFL Players Association for more than 25 years, died Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008. He was 63. (AP Photo/File)
    Former Raider great, NFLPA head Gene Upshaw dies AP - 26 minutes ago

    NEW YORK - Gene Upshaw, a towering lineman on the football field who went on to win untold millions of dollars for NFL players as their union leader, has died at age 63.

  • Rams sign running back Jackson to six-year contract Reuters - Thu Aug 21, 3:15 PM ET

    NEW YORK (Reuters) - St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson signed a six-year contract Thursday, one day after ending his holdout on a new deal.

  • Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Farrior (R) tackles Chad Pennington, December 12, 2004. (Pam Panchak/Reuters)
    Linebacker Farrior signs five-year deal with Pittsburgh Reuters - Thu Aug 21, 2:49 PM ET

    NEW YORK (Reuters) - The Pittsburgh Steelers signed All-Pro linebacker James Farrior, a pillar of their defense for the last six seasons, to a five-year contract on Thursday.

  • Pro Football Hall of Famer and longtime head of the NFL Players Association Gene Upshaw is seen in Washington February 27, 2008. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)
    Hall of Famer Gene Upshaw dies at 63 Reuters - Thu Aug 21, 1:27 PM ET

    NEW YORK (Reuters) - Pro Football Hall of Famer and longtime head of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) Gene Upshaw has died after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the NFLPA announced on Thursday. He was 63.

  • In this Nov. 4, 2007 file photo, Washington Redskins Rocky McIntosh (52) after a football game against the New York Jets at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.  The only good thing about losing two players to serious knee injuries is that they get to rehab with each other. All those hard days in the training room have finally paid off for Washington Redskins defensive starters Rocky Mc Intosh? and Carlos Rogers, who returned to game action on the very same day. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun, File)
    Redskins' Rogers, McIntosh return from injuries AP - Thu Aug 21, 4:36 AM ET

    ASHBURN, Va. - They were two Washington Redskins defensive starters with wrecked knees, spending long days together in rehab in the offseason. They supported each other and pushed each other, yet they were also subtly trying to beat each other in the race back to football health.

  • In this Dec. 31, 2006, file photo, Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chris Henry celebrates after catching a touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in a football game in Cincinnati. The Bengals are close to signing Chris Henry, four months after they released him after his fifth arrest since 2005, Henry's agent said Monday, Aug. 18, 2008. (AP Photo/David Kohl, File)
    Bengals players hoping Chris Henry avoids trouble AP - Wed Aug 20, 6:26 PM ET

    CINCINNATI - Chris Henry's return hasn't made much of an impact on his Cincinnati Bengals teammates, who have tried many times already to help the troubled receiver change his life. Now, they say it's entirely up to Henry to make good on his latest, unexpected chance.

  • Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck stretches during morning practice drills Monday, Aug. 18, 2008, on the NFL football team's first full training camp session in their new facilities in Renton, Wash. Hasselbeck did not play in Saturday's preseason game against the Chicago Bears due to a sore back. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
    Seahawks QB Hasselbeck still out with stiff back AP - Wed Aug 20, 5:14 PM ET

    RENTON, Wash. - Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck did not practice again because of a stiff back on Wednesday, and he may also miss his second consecutive preseason game against San Diego.

  • Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peryton Manning, center, talks with team president Bill Polian, right, and owner Jimmy Irsay as the football team practiced for the first time in the new Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008.  This was the first appearance of Manning with the team since have surgery on his left knee on July 14. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
    Peyton Manning hopes to start Colts season opener AP - Wed Aug 20, 2:35 AM ET

    INDIANAPOLIS - Peyton Manning proved Tuesday he can stand, walk and talk. Next question: Will the two-time league MVP start in the Colts' season opener?

  • New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning scrambles for a first down against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game Monday night, Aug. 18, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
    Manning, Hixon lead Giants in mistake-filled win AP - Mon Aug 18, 11:25 PM ET

    EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Eli Manning was in Super Bowl form for the New York Giants and Domenik Hixon was even better.

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Brian Griese (8) throws a pass from the pocket as offensive line men Arron Sears, center, and Donald Penn block New England Patriots' Richard Seymour, right, during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game Sunday night Aug. 17, 2008, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
    Backup QBs shine in Bucs' 27-10 win over Patriots AP - Sun Aug 17, 11:21 PM ET

    TAMPA, Fla. - No Tom Brady equals little offense for the New England Patriots this preseason. With the 2007 MVP sitting out for the second straight week, the defending AFC champions sputtered with backup Matt Cassel running the show in a 27-10 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night.

  • Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson (81) celebrates with Kevin Smith (34) after Johnson caught a 27 yard touchdown pass in the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008, in Cincinnati. Bengals cornerback Leon Hall, left, and Lions receiver Roy Williams (11) are in the background. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)
    Bengals WR Chad Johnson hurt in Lions' 27-10 win AP - Sun Aug 17, 11:10 PM ET

    CINCINNATI - Pro Bowl receiver Chad Johnson strained his left shoulder Sunday night during the Detroit Lions' 27-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, who now have their top two receivers and their starting tailback limited by injuries.

  • New York Jets quarterback Brett Favre throws a pass against the Washington Redskins during the first quarter of a NFL pre-season football game Saturday night, Aug. 16, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.  (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
    Brett Favre tosses TD pass in Jets debut AP - Sun Aug 17, 7:59 AM ET

    EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Brett Favre proved he's a quick study. The New York Jets' new quarterback also showed he has plenty of zip remaining in that rocket right arm.

  • Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman (8) looks out from under Seattle Seahawks linebacker Leroy Hill after Grossman went down after throwing an incomplete pass in the first quarter Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, in an NFL football preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
    Orton outplays Grossman, Bears lose in OT, 29-26 AP - Sun Aug 17, 12:44 AM ET

    SEATTLE - Bloodied Rex Grossman hopes this wasn't a knockout blow in his fight for the Bears' quarterback battle.

  • San Francisco 49ers quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan (14) passes against the Green Bay Packers in the first quarter of their preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
    O'Sullivan leads Niners past Packers 34-6 AP - Sun Aug 17, 12:21 AM ET

    SAN FRANCISCO - J.T. O'Sullivan might have moved a step closer toward completing his long-shot bid to become the San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback.

  • Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall, front, celebrates catching a pass for a touchdown with quarterback Jay Cutler against the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter of an NFL exhibition football game in Denver on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
    Marshall gets best of Jones as Denver tops Dallas AP - Sun Aug 17, 12:13 AM ET

    DENVER - No scribbled messages on his shoulder pads this time. No trash talk, either. Just Brandon Marshall letting his play do all the debating with a silenced Adam "Pacman" Jones.

  • Houston Texans defensive end Mario Williams (90) chases New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush (25) in the first half of their NFL preseason football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008.  (AP Photo/Bill Haber)
    McAllister promising, but Texans triumph, 31-27 AP - Sat Aug 16, 11:23 PM ET

    NEW ORLEANS - Deuce McAllister made a promising return from his second knee reconstruction in three seasons, but the Saints running back's brief appearance wasn't enough to keep the Houston Texans from staying perfect in the preseason.

  • In this Dec. 2, 2007 file photo, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin sits on the turf after being injured against the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter of an NFL football game in Glendale, Ariz. Boldin said Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008 he recently asked to be traded, saying he doesn't feel his situation can be resolved and declaring he has no relationship with coach Ken Whisenhunt. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)
    Receiver Boldin wants Cardinals to trade him AP - Wed Aug 20, 2:28 AM ET

    FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin asked to be traded, saying he doesn't feel his situation can be resolved and declaring he has no relationship with coach Ken Whisenhunt.

  • Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle (12) throws in the first quarter of a preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
    Cardinals get first preseason win, 27-17 over KC AP - Sat Aug 16, 11:10 PM ET

    KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Rookie running back Tim Hightower had a short touchdown run and Matt Leinart shook off a bad start and threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Steve Breaston, leading the Arizona Cardinals to a 27-17 victory over a punchless Kansas City on Saturday night.

  • In this May 12, 2007 file photo, Atlanta Falcons receiver Joe Horn runs after making a catch during a minicamp practice in Flowery Branch, Ga. Horn was released by the Falcons on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008 after the team couldn't trade the veteran receiver. The Falcons will receive no return on the guaranteed $2.5 million salary in 2008 for the 36-year-old. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)
    Falcons release veteran wide receiver Joe Horn AP - Tue Aug 19, 5:46 PM ET

    Joe Horn, released by the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday after the team couldn't trade the veteran receiver, said he is relieved he can pursue a job with another team.

  • St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger drops back to throw during the first quarter of an NFL preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
    Rams win 7-6 as Chargers rest most starters AP - Sat Aug 16, 11:04 PM ET

    ST. LOUIS - The San Diego Chargers' defense made some big stops against the St. Louis Rams despite missing more than half its starters.

  • Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jim Sorgi looks for a receiver as Atlanta Falcons linebacker Keith Brooking closes in during the first quarter of a preseason football  game Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
    Sorgi outplays Ryan in Colts' win over Falcons AP - Sat Aug 16, 10:59 PM ET

    ATLANTA - Jim Sorgi eased some concerns at quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts.

  • Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington, right, runs for first-quarter yardage as Jacksonville Jaguars 'Justin Durant (56) moves in to make the tackle during a National Football League preseason game, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, in Jacksonville, Fla.(AP Photo/Phil Coale)
    Miami tops Jaguars 19-14 in Pennington's debut AP - Sat Aug 16, 10:53 PM ET

    JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Chad Pennington is already giving the Miami Dolphins something they're not used to.

  • Minnesota Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson (7) runs the ball as Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jarret Johnson (95) and defensive end Trevor Pryce pursue in the first quarter of a preseason football game Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, in Baltimore.  (AP Photo/Gail Burton)
    Jackson hurts knee during Vikings' win over Ravens AP - Sat Aug 16, 10:52 PM ET

    BALTIMORE - Tarvaris Jackson left with a knee injury in the first quarter of Saturday night's preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, ruining an otherwise productive night for the Vikings quarterback in Minnesota's 23-15 victory.

  • New York Jets quarterback Brett Favre throws a pass during warm-ups of an NFL preseason football game against the Washington Redskins on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008, at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.  (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
    Favre tosses TD pass in Jets debut AP - Sat Aug 16, 7:52 PM ET

    EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Brett Favre threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to Dustin Keller to cap the second series of his New York Jets debut against the Washington Redskins on Saturday night.

  • Tennessee Titans defensive end Jevon Kearse (90) tackles Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) in the first quarter during their NFL preseason football game Friday, Aug. 15, 2008, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Russell)
    Titans beat Raiders with last-second field goal AP - Fri Aug 15, 11:34 PM ET

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Titans and Oakland Raiders have talented young quarterbacks in Vince Young and JaMarcus Russell.

  • Carolina Panthers' quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) throws a pass in the rain during the first quarter of an NFL football preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Philadelphia, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008.  (AP Photo/Mel Evans)
    Delhomme sharp in Panthers' loss to Eagles AP - Fri Aug 15, 12:14 AM ET

    PHILADELPHIA - Jake Delhomme fired a pass over the middle for a touchdown that was overturned. The result didn't matter so much. Delhomme's surgically repaired right elbow passed the test.

  • Buffalo Bills fan Dan Malette, of North Bay, Ontario, tries to get the attention of a friend during the second half of a preseason NFL football game between the Bills and the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2008. (AP Photo/David Duprey)
    Edwards shines in Bills' debut in Toronto AP - Thu Aug 14, 10:31 PM ET

    TORONTO - O, Canada, did Trent Edwards ever find his groove during the Buffalo Bills' debut in their new northern home away from home.

  • Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12)  pulls away from Cincinnati Bengals' Daniel Coats, left, during the first half of a preseason NFL football game at Lambeau Field on Monday, Aug. 11, 2008, in Green Bay, Wis. At right is Packers tight end Tory Humphrey. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
    Rodgers sharp, but Packers fall to Bengals 20-17 AP - Tue Aug 12, 3:54 AM ET

    GREEN BAY, Wis. - Aaron Rodgers shrugged off a shaky beginning as Brett Favre's replacement.

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