http://www.sportsnipe.com NFL news headlines from all sources http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1777309/new-york-jets-giants-to-flip-coin-decide-who-will-open-meadowlands-stadium.html The Jets say they will flip a coin with the Giants to determine which team will host the first regular-season game at the new Meadowlands Stadium. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1777308/league-union-at-odds-regarding-benefits-for-retirees.html The NFL and its players union are bickering again, this time over benefits for the league's retired players. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1777307/jets-giants-to-flip-coin-decide-host-stadium-opener.html The Jets say they will flip a coin with the Giants to determine which team will host the first regular-season game at the new Meadowlands Stadium. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1777306/giants-jets-to-flip-coin-over-debut-at-16b-digs.html NEW YORK (AP) -- The Jets say they will flip a coin with the Giants to determine which team will host the first regular-season game at the new Meadowlands Stadium. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1777305/goodell-no-new-deal-involving-retirees-benefits.html NEW YORK (AP) -- The NFL and its players union are bickering again, this time over benefits for the league's retired players. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1777304/nfl-union-bicker-over-retiree-benefits-ap.html The NFL and its players union are bickering again, this time over benefits for the league's retired players. Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a letter posted on the league's labor Web site Saturday that the NFL is committed to its former players, and that no new collective bargaining agreement will be made without improving things for them. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1777303/jets-giants-to-flip-for-stadium-opener-ap.html The Jets say they will flip a coin with the Giants to determine which team will host the first regular-season game at the new Meadowlands Stadium. The teams will begin playing in their new 82,500-seat, $1.6 billion stadium this season, and both have campaigned to the NFL to play the opening game there. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1777302/bbc-superpower-visualising-internet.html Interesting Nielsen ratings along with a few stats and visuals. Attaching 3 more articles with this seed, the same way its tabbed on the BBC page. Internet billionaires NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1777301/pft-giants-jets-to-flip-for-dibs-on-new-stadium-opener.html NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1777006/free-agent-mawae-reelected-as-nflpa-president.html WAILEA, Hawaii (AP) -- Free agent center Kevin Mawae was unanimously re-elected as president of the NFL Players Association during the union's board of player representatives meeting Saturday. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1776635/tennessee-titans-kevin-mawae-reelected-unanimously-as-nflpa-president.html Free agent center Kevin Mawae has been unanimously re-elected as president of the NFL Players Association during the union's board of player representatives meeting. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1776634/mawae-unanimously-reelected-as-nflpa-president.html Free agent center Kevin Mawae was unanimously re-elected as president of the NFL Players Association during the union's board of player representatives meeting Saturday. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1776633/mawae-reelected-as-nflpa-president-ap.html Free agent center Kevin Mawae was unanimously re-elected as president of the NFL Players Association during the union's board of player representatives meeting Saturday. Mawae, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, will serve his second straight two-year term beginning this season after the voting was announced in Maui with more than 100 players in attendance. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1776501/jake-delhomme-agrees-to-2year-deal-browns.html The Cleveland Browns quarterback carousel continued today as they have acquired the second player at that position in less than a week. Recently cut Jake Delhomme has reportedly agreed to a 2-year contract with the Browns. Delhomme’s agent Rick Smith said the veteran quarterback would be continuing his career with the Browns. He also said that Delhoome would sign his contract before the team begins their off season conditioning program. Delhomme is the fourth quarterback on the roster that includes holdovers Brady Quinn, Brett Ratliff and the recently acquired Seneca Wallace. Many deep thinkers in the league think that Quinn will be traded before the draft. The Browns said they have no comment and no press conference scheduled at this time. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1775959/seahawks-make-first-freeagent-move-te-baker.html The Seattle Seahawks have finally stepped into the free-agent marketplace, agreeing to terms with tight end Chris Baker. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1775958/qb-delhomme-agrees-to-2year-deal-browns.html CLEVELAND (AP) -- Free agent quarterback Jake Delhomme has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the Cleveland Browns. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1775957/free-agent-te-baker-oks-deal.html RENTON, Wash. (AP) -- The Seattle Seahawks have finally stepped into the free agent marketplace, agreeing to terms with tight end Chris Baker. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1775836/seahawks-ink-free-agent-tight-end-baker.html According to ESPN Insider Adam Schefter, the Seattle Seahawks came to terms today with former New England Patriot Chris Baker. Schefter sited league sources when he reported a two-year deal worth $4.75 million for Baker. In 16 games last season for New England, Baker nabbed 14 balls for 142 yards and two scores. He’ll serve as John Carlson’s backup. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1775835/baker-bates-were-together-jets.html NFL teams hardly make a move without tapping into some sort of connection. The Seahawks' agreement with Patriots castoff Chris Baker fits the profile. Baker, 30, and Seahawks offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates were together with the Jets in 2005. Baker averaged a career-high 14.9 yards per catch that season. He caught 14 passes for 142 yards and two touchdowns with New England last season. The Patriots terminated his contract. The Seahawks also showed interest in former Patriots tight end Ben Watson, but he signed with Cleveland instead. This deal with Baker made Seattle the latest NFC West team to seek depth at tight end. The Rams brought back Daniel Fells. The Cardinals brought back Anthony Becht and Stephen Spach. The 49ers visited with Becht. Scouts Inc. on Baker: Baker is a short, thickly built tight end who isn't a powerful blocker at the point of attack, but has enough athleticism to be an effective target in the passing game. He has good foot agility, quickness and balance to be an effective short and intermediate route-runner. He has improved as a route-runner by using his body to get separation. He has good, reliable hands to extend and make receptions away from his body. Baker doesn't have great burst or speed to stretch deep seams and he can be a liability as a run-blocker at the point of attack or anchoring versus bull rushers off the edge. He has developed into a solid football player, but is somewhat one-dimensional because he is primarily used as a receiving tight end and wall-off type blocker. It's possible the Seahawks disagree with that assessment. If not, the team is getting another receiving tight end to go with John Carlson. John Owens, Cameron Morrah and Jason Pociask are also on the roster at tight end for Seattle. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1775834/delhomme-wont-be-joining-saints.html Jake Delhomme won’t be coming to the New Orleans Saints as a backup quarterback. He reportedly has agreed to a contract with Cleveland, where he could have a shot at the starting job. The Saints were planning on Delhomme visiting this weekend, but all they could offer him was a backup role behind Drew Brees. Although Delhomme began his career with the Saints and is a Louisiana native, the chance to compete for a starting job with the Browns apparently outweighed the chance to come back home. Delhomme had been the starter in Carolina since 2003, but was released recently after a disastrous 2009 season. Carolina plans to go with Matt Moore as the starter. But, ironically, Delhomme signing with Cleveland could give them another option. Numerous reports have said the Browns are shopping quarterback Brady Quinn for a potential trade and Carolina might have some interest. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1775833/quinn-era-close-to-end-in-cleveland.html The new regime of the Cleveland Browns never appeared sold on Brady Quinn. So it was no surprise Saturday when the team made its most dramatic move to date to reshape its quarterback position. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Browns signed veteran quarterback Jake Delhomme to a two-year contract, likely signaling the end of the Quinn era in Cleveland. Delhomme comes to the Browns with a lot of starting experience. Barring any dramatic or unforeseen moves in free agency or the draft, pencil in Delhomme as Cleveland's 2010 starting quarterback. Browns president Mike Holmgren said he does not believe in quarterback competitions. So there will not be one between Delhomme and Quinn. In the meantime, Holmgren will continue to shop Quinn to see what value he can get for the former first-round pick. If nothing materializes, Quinn will be Delhomme's backup along with Seneca Wallace. But the safe money right now is that Quinn will not wear orange and brown next season. Quinn already has his house for sale, and it's best that both parties move on at this point. Quinn was hailed as a Columbus, Ohio product who could finally bring the Browns back to prominence. Instead, he spent most of two seasons backing up former Pro Bowler Derek Anderson and was benched in 2009 after a disappointing start. There should be some level of interest in Quinn, who has a limited amount of starts and was never surrounded with quality players in Cleveland. We listed five possible suitors earlier this week in the AFC North blog. But despite all the excitement that came with Quinn coming to Cleveland three years ago, everything likely came to a close Saturday with Cleveland signing a 35-year-old quarterback. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1775832/browns-sign-jake-delhomme.html Cleveland's added quarterback Jake Delhomme on a two-year deal. read more NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1775831/skins-resign-offensive-lineman-montgomery.html Offensive lineman Will Montgomery has re-signed with the Washington Redskins. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1775830/redskins-resign-ol-montgomery-ap.html Offensive lineman Will Montgomery has re-signed with the Washington Redskins. Montgomery, a restricted free agent, started three games at right guard last season as the Redskins frequently shuffled their lineup due to injuries. The 27-year-old lineman has played in 29 career games with nine starts over four seasons with the Carolina Panthers, New York Jets and Redskins. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1775829/seahawks-agree-to-terms-te-baker-ap.html The Seattle Seahawks have finally stepped into the free agent marketplace, agreeing to terms with tight end Chris Baker. A team spokesman confirmed a deal had been agreed to on Saturday, although the team did not release terms of the contract. Baker spent last season as a backup in New England, but previously was a starter for the New York Jets. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1775828/browns-qb-delhomme-agree-to-2year-deal-ap.html Free agent quarterback Jake Delhomme has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with the Cleveland Browns. The QB's agent, Rick Smith confirmed Delhomme's agreement with the Browns, who have been busy trying to fix a troublesome position. Delhomme,35, was released last week after seven seasons with the Carolina Panthers. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1775827/pft-browns-delhomme-agree-to-2year-deal.html NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1775826/pft-lingering-to-talk-about-keeping-85-happy.html NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1775171/does-sam-bradford-follow-bill-parcells-qb-rules.html Via Smart Football, here are the 4 rules for drafting a QB high in the NFL draft: He must be a senior, because you need time and maturity to develop into a good professional quarterback. He must be a graduate, because you want someone who takes his responsibilities seriously. He must be a three-year starter, because you need to make sure his success wasn't ephemeral and that he has lived as "the guy” for some period of time. He must have at least 23 wins, because the big passing numbers must come in the context of winning games. - Sam Bradford is not technically a senior, but he was in college for 4 academic years because he was a red-shirt in his first season at Oklahoma. - I haven't found anything saying that Bradford has already graduated, but he was set to graduate in 3 and a half years this winter with a degree in Finance and only on B amongst all A's in his classes. - If you could his injury-shortened junior season, Sam Bradford started for 3 years and was "the guy” for Oklahoma over this period of time. - In his first two seasons, Bradford won 11 and 12 games with the Sooners.  In his third year, after his first injury, he returned to the lineup to lead the Sooners over Baylor.  That gives Bradford 24 wins in his career. The Parcells theory is just another way to evaluate quarterbacks, who are nearly impossible to evaluate how well they will do in the NFL in vastly different circumstances.  But, Sam Bradford passes this one just like he passed all his classes at Oklahoma. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1775170/no-deals-involving-vikings-for-now.html According to Access Vikings, Jimmy Kennedy left Buffalo without signing a deal yet. This could be a good sign for the Vikings who, by all appearances, would still like to retain the defensive tackle.  Kennedy has expressed interest in both winning a championship and being a starter.  With the Vikings remaining on top of the NFC hopefuls for 2010 and Pat Williams entering what could be the final year of his career, being in Minnesota could very well be his best option when it comes to accomplishing those two goals. Also, PFT reports that Ladanian Tomlinson left New York / New Jersey and has headed back to San Diego  to spend the weekend thinking about his decision.  There are really three options here.  L.T. could either choose the Vikings or the Jets, or he could possibly decide to continue his tour by visiting such teams as the Saints or the Eagles. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1775169/lions-to-take-look-at-pacman-jones-during-his-workout.html Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network reports that the Lions are expected to attend Pacman Jones' workout after Tulane's Pro Day.  La Canfora also reports that the 49ers are interested as well, with Mike Singletary expected to attend the workout. I am not a Pacman Jones fan for a multitude of reasons.  First and foremost, his repeated off field incidents are well documented.  However, it's not the incidents that bother me the most, it's the fact that he never seemed to learn from them.  Even when he was well-aware that his football career was on the line he still found himself getting into fights with his own bodyguard in Dallas.  He knew that alcohol was a major contributor to his constant delinquency, yet he was always at the clubs.  If he knew that he was a screw up away from being unemployed, why was he still putting himself in these bad situations.  Not only does it mean he has terrible judgement, but how much does football mean to him?  If he lived and died football, he would have kept his nose clean so he'd still have the opportunity to play.  Football was a was to live the high roller lifestyle and that's why he played, not for the love of the game. Secondly, on the field Jones is a smallish finesse type of corner who shied away from tackling.  I liken him to a faster Dre Bly, he can cover well but freelances too much, doesn't contribute against the run and struggles with big physical receivers. Lastly, he has been out of football for a year.  How many players come back to play at a high level after a year off?  I can't think of one off the top of my head.  This is a guy who has a questionable work ethic and has displayed no passion for the game.  This will be his second attempted comeback after a missed season, and he wasn't any good after the first comeback. Pacman made his choice years ago, being a thug was more important to him than being a football player.  I think his only motivation for coming back is the fact that he's broke and knows his only other career options involve hairnets and spatulas.  I think the Lions are taking a look because they don't want to ignore any possibility to make the team better, but I think they will find that Pacman does not help achieve that goal. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1775168/tomlinson-leaves-new-york-without-contract-jets.html NEW YORK (AP) -- LaDainian Tomlinson is heading home to San Diego to consider his options after spending a day with the New York Jets and leaving without a deal. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1775053/eagles-bring-back-wide-out-hank-baskett.html After his big time screw up in the Super Bowl, the Eagles (who seem to be trying to develop a reputation for giving second chances) have agreed to a one-year deal with wide receiver Hank Baskett. Baskett served his first three seasons in Philadelphia before being released during his fourth season and signed by the Colts. Baskett had his best year in 2008 when he recorded 33 receptions for 440 yards and three touchdowns. Another element Baskett always brought to the team was his ability to play special teams (although I'm not sure if the Eagles will want him on their hands team this year). He also possesses a vertical threat around the goal line with his height and jumping capabilities. Of course, what everyone will probably enjoy most about this signing if having Playboy model Kendra (Wilkinson) Baskett back in town. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1775052/ladainian-tomlinson-heads-home-after-visits-new-york-jets-minnesota-vikings.html LaDainian Tomlinson is heading home to San Diego to consider his options after spending a day with the New York Jets and leaving without a deal. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1774673/redskins-sign-former-pro-bowl-back-larry-johnson.html Running back Larry Johnson has signed a three-year deal with the Washington Redskins. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1774672/lt-heads-home-from-jets-visit-without-contract.html LaDainian Tomlinson is heading home to San Diego to consider his options after spending a day with the New York Jets and leaving without a deal. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1774579/inside-job-teams-make-good-calls-retaining-these-five-free-agents.html Dennis Dillon The ripest fruit doesn't always grow on your neighbor's tree. Sometimes it's best to pick from your own vines. On the opening day of free agency last week, while the Bears signed former Carolina defensive end Julius Peppers, the Lions corralled former Tennessee defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch, the Jets traded for San Diego cornerback Antonio Cromartie, the Colts quietly held a news conference to announce the re-signing of middle linebacker Gary Brackett. In years past, the Colts have allowed their linebackers to leave. Mike Peterson, David Thornton and Cato June all exited as free agents. This time, Indianapolis took care of its own by locking up Brackett with a five-year contract reportedly worth $33 million, of which $12 million was guaranteed. The NFL has entered into what it likes to call uncharted waters. This is the first year since 1994 that there is no salary cap, which has made this class of free agents (they must have at least six years' experience to qualify) mostly average. So it makes a lot of sense for teams to retain their own core players rather than seek out the company of strangers. Or, as former NFL personnel man Bill Kuharich put it: "The devil you know is better than the devil you don't know." A scrappy 5-11, 235-pound player in the middle of the Colts' defense, Brackett has been devilish for opponents. He has totaled more than 100 tackles in each of his five seasons as a starter, including a team-leading 149 in '07. "He's built for their defense—a guy who can diagnose, know where to be and run to the ball," Kuharich said. Brackett is one of the leaders of an underrated defense that usually is overshadowed by Peyton Manning and the offense. He had 13 tackles in Super Bowl 43 and made one of the biggest plays of the game when he and fellow linebacker Clint Session teamed up to stop Saints running back Pierre Thomas at the 1-yard line on a fourth-and-goal play in the second quarter. The Colts ended up losing that game, which is one reason Brackett wanted to stay in Indianapolis. "I really felt that we had some unfinished business," he said at his press conference. "We went to the Super Bowl this year, but didn't get the job done. I feel like we're right there, we're very competitive, and next year I think it is the same thing over again." The Colts were one of several teams that made smart moves with a stay-at-home signing during the first week of free agency. Here are four others: • Kevin Walter, WR, Texans (five years/$21.5 million/$8 million bonus). Andre Johnson is Houston's premier wideout, but the 6-3 Walter is more than a sidekick. In the past three seasons, he has quietly averaged 59 catches and 770 receiving yards while scored 14 touchdowns combined. "He does a great job running routes, is easy to find over the middle and is a great blocker," former Seahawks coach Jim Mora said. • Ryan Clark, FS, Steelers (four years/$14 million). Although fellow safety Troy Polamalu gets more attention and lines up in myriad places, Clark provides a strong presence in the deep middle of coordinator Dick LeBeau's 3-4 defense. Clark is an instinctive player and one of the hardest hitters in the game. Just ask former Ravens running back Willis McGahee, who fumbled after getting smashed by Clark in the AFC championship game a year ago. "The Steelers are a team that prides itself on its toughness, and this guy is tough," Mora said. "He knows the complexities of the system and allows Polamalu to free-lance." • Chad Clifton, OT, Packers (three years/$19.8 million/$6.375 million bonus). He'll turn 34 in June and was nicked up a bit last season, but Clifton was as much of a proven commodity as any of the left tackles that were on the market. He has been a longtime pillar for the Packers at one of the most important positions on offense—and one of the key reasons for the rapid development of quarterback Aaron Rodgers. "In a left tackle market that was lean in depth and front-line starting options among unrestricted free agents, Clifton was one of the better solutions despite his age," an AFC scout said. "He gives the Packers short-term stability at a critical spot." Related Links Packers lock up Pickett and Collins Titans' Hood gets a new contract Dillon: Boldin, Stallworth have Ravens excited • Leonard Weaver, FB, Eagles (one year/$1.75 million). He does a lot more than provide a 6-0, 250-pound fireplug in the backfield. Last season, he carried 70 times for 323 yards and two touchdowns—nearly surpassing his rushing totals for his three seasons in Seattle combined—and caught 15 passes for 140 yards and two more TDs. "He is a different spin on their offense as a fullback who became more involved as the season went along in receiving and running the ball," Kuharich said.    Dennis Dillon is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at ddillon@sportingnews.com. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1774578/tomlinson-headed-back-to-san-diego.html Just a quick update to let you know where the chase for free agent running back LaDainian Tomlinson now stands. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Tomlinson departed the New York area Saturday morning and is on his way back to San Diego. That jives with the timetable Tomlinson had previously told Minnesota he would follow: visit the Jets and then return home to consider his options and discuss them with his wife. Based on travel time and other hurdles, a decision might not come until Sunday or Monday. As always, we'll keep you updated. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1774262/jamie-dukes-talks-about-his-battle-obesity.html Vinnie Iyer Jamie Dukes, a former NFL offensive lineman who entered the league as an undrafted free agent, played for the Falcons, Packers and Cardinals in a 10-year career (1986-95). Now working as an analyst for the NFL Network, Dukes is passionate about an issue that affects him and many other retired players—battling obesity and the major health issues it can cause. Dukes, 45, talked to Sporting News' Vinnie Iyer about the problem, the solution he found for himself and how he's spreading the word about this issue. Sporting News: How does obesity develop into a problem for retired NFL linemen? Jamie Dukes: As a lineman, you're trained to maintain body mass, so you gorge yourself to stay at 290 or more pounds over the course of your career. When you're retired, not working out as much as you used to, taking on responsibilities like being a father, you realize your weight is getting progressively worse. There are no six and seven hours in the gym anymore. For me, 12 years after I finished playing, I was a biscuit away from 400 pounds. SN: How did you overcome the problem? JD: I had some teammates who passed away—Reggie White from sleep apnea, Ricky Bryan from a heart attack—that were directly related to being overweight. I tried all the diets, and I would lose 15 pounds here and there, but then would come a family vacation and I put it all back on again. I then heard about the gastric band procedure, and since July 16, 2008, it's helped me lose 110 pounds. SN: How does the gastric band work? JD: It's a numbers game, really. The procedure sets up a plastic band around the stomach, so it closes up more quickly. I used to consume 10-12 ounce portions, and now they're much smaller. It sends a sensation to your brain that you're full, so you're unable to consume large quantities. You can still eat all the foods you like, just less of them. You don't have issues with feeling hungry. It's just a 30-minute procedure, and I've had no medical issues. SN: How have you spread the word about your success? JD: Many former players contacted me after watching me on television, melting away the pounds right in front of their eyes. There's a lot of disability that comes with being obese, and a lot of guys have knee or other joint replacements. Literally, they want help taking off the weight that their lower body is carrying. SN: Is there something players can do to prevent this during their active career? JD: We all make a deal to play this game. It's not when they're playing or right when guys retire—that's when they're most physically fit. It's after that when those muscles turn into fat. SN: Have a good story on how you've inspired another former player? JD: I was at the Super Bowl, and the Saints were honoring one of their great former linebackers, Rickey Jackson. New Orleans is about to celebrate this victory, and he asked me "Tell me, what you done to lose all that weight?" It speaks volumes. It was so stunning to me, with his team right there, winning a championship, that was the first thing we talked about. SN: Do you consider yourself the leader of this cause? JD: I'm not the first player to recognize this problem. I'm just trying to do my part. With my Put Up Your Dukes foundation, it's there to help those who haven't connected the dots that a lot of what they're going through comes from what I call a disease of excess. SN: So is it more wishful thinking with other weight-loss solutions? JD: It's all about going from supersized consumption to eating in moderation. There are different ways to go about just shutting it off and keep from being overweight. SN: How about fighting this problem from a young age? JD: Childhood obesity is big issue, and through the NFL's Play 60 program, we're trying to get kids more involved in getting in enough physical activity every day. It's not good that P.E. is being pulled out of a lot of schools. With Xbox and other video games, more kids are on the couch moreoften. We've got to work to get them back outside. Vinnie Iyer is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at viyer@sportingnews.com. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1774261/pft-lt-flies-back-to-san-diego-ponder-vikes-jets.html NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1774210/expert-welkers-shoulder-wont-throw-him.html ESPN injury analyst Stephania Bell doesn't believe New England Patriots receiver Wes Welker's return will be delayed because of recent rotator cuff surgery. "The good news in all of this is that Wes Welker should be far enough along after knee surgery that his injured shoulder shouldn't affect him, meaning that he's off crutches by now," Bell told ESPNBoston.com. "So the torn rotator cuff won't impact his rehab at all. In fact, he can use the time while he's rehabbing his knee to rehab the shoulder as well." Bell's initial armchair diagnosis for Welker pegged a realistic return to the practice field by September and back to his old self by October if his recovery went well. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1772505/rams-want-to-bring-back-de-james-hall.html In addition to Leonard Little, the Rams also want to bring back free agent DE James Hall. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1772136/rumor-says-tomlinson-to-pick-jets-over-vikings.html Just a little while ago, Kevin Seifert at ESPN stated that Ladanian Tomlinson would be having dinner with Jets officials this evening and spend the night in New York. Then, a few minutes later, PFT passed along a "strong” rumor that Tomlinson has made up his mind and will soon become the newest member of the Jets. Which leaves me wondering why I paid so much attention to this story... hours that I could have spent, I don't know, talking to my wife or playing Madden. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1772135/washington-inks-former-chiefs-back-larry-johnson-to-3year-deal.html Newly signed Redskins RB Larry Johnson had a turbulent 2009... he turned 30, changed teams mid-season, went from a starter in KC to a backup for Cedric Besnon in Cincinnati who went on to have a breakout year, and Johnson for the first time in his career failed to get into the endzone. From Johnson's NFL Career Stats: I'm going to be as optimistic as I can right now, so the good news is that in the latter half of the season when Johnson joined Cincy, he finally got a taste of what it's like to run behind a good offensive line and regain some confidence.  And even though he got minimal touches due to Benson's major success as the featured back, Johnson ran consistently better behind their top 10 run blocking o-line. To illustrate in plain, colorful visuals what that looks like... check out this graphic: Notice that there is no huge dips into the red after week 7 when he left KC.... In reality - Johnson only took 80 snaps for the Bengals. However, in those 80 snaps he averaged over 4 yards a carry for each game.... which is something he hadn't done since 2006. The truth is the Chiefs had an AWFUL offensive line in 2009, particularly in terms of run blocking. And even on the Bengals, Johnson struggled between the tackles. But behind a decent pulling offensive line with the Redskins, I think Larry Johnson can produce some explosiveness for this team. Of course, that is easier said than done. And the discouraging fact is: The Redskins had one of the worst run blocking unit's in the NFL, even worse than the Chiefs. So, in all my optimism regarding Larry Johnson's abilities, there is one caveat that is perhaps fundamental to the success or failure of his role  - unless the Skins draft heavily on the O-line for the next several April's - Larry Johnson is going to have a loooooong 3 years with this team. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1772119/pft-packers-throwback-jersey-goes-way-back.html NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1772118/pft-saints-willing-to-keep-bush-for-8-million.html Saints GM Mickey Loomis says tailback Reggie Bush will be back in 2010 'at his current salary,' which is a lot considering it's $8 million. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1771508/another-welker-surgery-knifes-pats.html Wes Welker can't run or catch. WelkerThe NFL's leading receiver over the past two years has been rehabilitating a reconstructed left knee. Now he's recovering from serious shoulder surgery. ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss, citing an unnamed league source, confirmed Welker recently underwent surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff. The news first surfaced on the Web site of blogger Seth Davis. The source told Reiss that Welker's knee remains paramount to getting back on the field, but the shoulder surgery will make the return of Tom Brady's favorite target that much more difficult. ESPN injury expert Stephania Bell has forecast October as the likely timetable for Welker becoming effective enough to play on the reattached knee again. The Patriots entered trade talks with the Arizona Cardinals last week to obtain receiver Anquan Boldin. It was a surprising development at the time, but this could be a reason why. Welker's replacement, sophomore Julian Edelman, will have a glorious opportunity to make his mark as the Patriots' slot receiver. The converted quarterback from Kent State endured some growing pains last year, but still caught 37 passes for 359 yards and a touchdown. He certainly will benefit from a full offseason, training camp and preseason with a healthy Brady. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1771507/packers-sign-collins-pickett.html The Green Bay Packers signed safety Nick Collins and nose tackle Ryan Pickett to long-term contract extensions Friday, securing the services of two cornerstones in their much-improved defense. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1771506/childress-testifies-during-williamses-drug-lawsuit.html MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- After more than a year and a half of legal maneuvering in their closely watched labor fight with the NFL, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackles Kevin Williams and Pat Williams may finally learn in May if they must serve a four-game suspension for taking a banned substance. NFL News From Everywhere http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/1771300/maryland-loses-to-ga-tech-on-bad-call.html Clinging to a three-point lead with the shot clock winding down, Georgia Tech’s Moe Miller drove the line and floated a shot high off the glass, which Derrick Favors caught and slammed in one fluid motion: Problem is Miller’s shot didn’t catch rim, and the ball was still in Favors’ hands when the clock struck zero (see above). Announcers Tim Brando and Mike Gminski (G-Man!) agreed on both counts after multiple replays. The basket counted anyway, dealing Maryland a critical blow in a game they lost 69-64 after trailing big. The Terps now wait for Selection Sunday while Georgia Tech plays on, perhaps against Duke in the ACC Championship. NFL News From Everywhere