Category: NFL

Gale Sayers, Bears Hall of Fame running back, dies at 77

Gale Sayers, Bears Hall of Fame running back, dies at 77
CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Bears Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers has died. Sayers made his mark as one of the NFL’s best all-purpose running backs and was later celebrated for his enduring friendship with a Bears teammate with cancer. Nicknamed “The Kansas Comet,” Sayers was considered among the best open-field runners the game has ever seen. Yet it was his rock-steady friendship with Brian Piccolo depicted in the 1971 film “Brian’s Song” that marked him as more than a sports star. Sayers died Wednesday at the age of 77, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Relatives say he was diagnosed with dementia. His wife said she partly blamed his football career.

Steelers knock out Lock, hold off Driskel, Broncos 26-21

Steelers knock out Lock, hold off Driskel, Broncos 26-21
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Ben Roethlisberger threw for 311 yards with two touchdowns and an interception and the Pittsburgh Steelers fended off a spirited comeback by the Denver Broncos 26-21. The Steelers (2-0) knocked out Denver starting quarterback Drew Lock in the first quarter with a right shoulder injury but didn’t secure the win under safety Terrell Edmunds sacked Broncos backup Jeff Driskel on fourth-and-2 with less than two minutes to go. Driskel completed 18 of 34 for 256 yards with two touchdowns and a pick and absorbed a serious pounding at the hands of Pittsburgh’s defense.

Defense, Snell, Big Ben carry Pittsburgh over Giants 26-16

Defense, Snell, Big Ben carry Pittsburgh over Giants 26-16
By BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writer
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Ben Roethlisberger did a very Pittsburgh thing in his return to the lineup, riding the Steelers’ defense and running game to victory. Big Ben did plenty to help the cause, too. Roethlisberger, who missed the final 14 games last season after elbow surgery, threw for three scores in a 26-16 win over the New York Giants at an empty and eerie MetLife Stadium on Monday night. The keys were several defensive plays and the running of backup Bennie Snell, who rushed for 113 yards on 19 carries — his first 100-yard performance in his second NFL season. The Giants were sloppy and couldn’t run the ball in Joe Judge’s first game as coach.

Steelers LB Ryan Shazier announces retirement

Steelers LB Ryan Shazier announces retirement
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier has announced his retirement nearly three years after a spinal injury put his career on indefinite hold. Shazier required spine stabilization surgery after getting hurt in Cincinnati in December 2017. The two-time Pro Bowler became a source of inspiration during his rehab as he learned to walk again. The team placed him on the reserved/retired list during the offseason. The 28-year-old says he still loves football but is ready to begin the next chapter of his life

NFL reveals more in-game social and racial justice plans

NFL reveals more in-game social and racial justice plans
NEW YORK (AP) — NFL end zones will be inscribed this season with two slogans: “It Takes All Of Us” on one end line, “End Racism” on the other. As part of its social justice awareness initiatives, the NFL also will allow similar visuals on helmets and caps. Previously announced were decals on the back of helmets, or patches on team caps, displaying names or phrases to honor victims of racism and/or police brutality. Now, a T-shirt designed by NFL Players Association executive committee member Michael Thomas, a safety with the Houston Texans, can be worn in warmups.

Finally pain-free, Roethlisberger ready to sling it

Finally pain-free, Roethlisberger ready to sling it
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger says his surgically repaired right elbow feels better than it has in years. Roethlisberger missed most of the 2019 season after tearing three flexor tendons in his right elbow in Week 2 against Seattle. The 38-year-old says the elbow had been bothering him for quite some time but now he is able to throw pain-free. While the team is trying to keep Roethlisberger on a “pitch count” as he prepares for his 17th season, he’s taken on a heavier workload this camp than he has in previous years.

Roethlisberger’s return makes Steelers major factor in 2020

Roethlisberger’s return makes Steelers major factor in 2020
By The Associated Press undefined
The Pittsburgh Steelers believe the return of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will put them in contention for a return to the postseason. The Steelers missed the playoffs for the second straight year in 2019 after Roethlisberger exited at halftime of Week 2 with a right elbow injury. Roethlisberger has drawn raves from teammates during training camp and says he’s as motivated as ever. The defense that nearly carried Pittsburgh to the playoffs while leading the league in sacks and turnovers remains largely intact, giving the Steelers optimism they can unseat defending AFC North champion Baltimore.

Watt’s Up; Steelers LB TJ Watt stepping into spotlight

Watt’s Up; Steelers LB TJ Watt stepping into spotlight
By WILL GRAVES AP Sports Writer
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker TJ Watt is stepping out of the shadow cast by older brother JJ. The youngest member of the Watt family in the NFL spent a portion of the offseason co-starring in commercials and TV shows with JJ and middle brother Derek. TJ Watt says he’s dipping his toe in celebrity following his second Pro Bowl selection in three seasons. Watt says it’s good for him to get out of his comfort zone but stresses he wants to be known as a football player first.

NFL positive COVID-19 tests from NJ lab could be false

NFL positive COVID-19 tests from NJ lab could be false
By BARRY WILNER AP Pro Football Writer
NEW YORK (AP) — The NFL revealed Sunday that several positive COVID-19 tests were found a day earlier by one of its testing partners. Among teams reporting false positives, the Minnesota Vikings said they had 12, the New York Jets 10 and the Chicago Bears nine. The league has asked the New Jersey lab BioReference to investigate the results “while the clubs work to confirm or rule out the positive tests.” The NFL did not identify the teams or say how many tests were positive. Other teams that were affected are the Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns. The NFL uses BioReference for all of its COVID-19 testing, though tests are handled by labs throughout the nation to ensure teams get results quickly.

Bumpy 2019 over, Steelers’ Rudolph eager to “push” Big Ben

Bumpy 2019 over, Steelers’ Rudolph eager to “push” Big Ben
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph believes he can be a starter in the NFL despite a rocky 2019. Rudolph was thrust into a starting role last fall after Ben Roethlisberger was lost for the season due to a right elbow injury. The team went 5-3 during his starts, but his season was side-tracked following an incident with Cleveland defensive star Myles Garrett. The two fought near the end of a Browns’ victory, with Garrett ripping off Rudolph’s helmet and hitting him with it. Garrett claimed Rudolph used a racist slur, a slur the NFL found no evidence of. Rudolph says he’s focused on getting better in 2020.