TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Defensive standouts Bruce Smith and Rod Woodson have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on their first try, while former commissioner Paul Tagliabue was denied for the third straight year.
Also picked Saturday were longtime Bills owner Ralph Wilson; the late Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas; former Vikings guard Randall McDaniel; and former Cowboys star Bob Hayes.
Inductions will be Aug. 8 in Canton, Ohio.
Smith, Woodson make Hall of Fame....
Roger Goodell delivered his annual state of the league address, saying the NFL will look at all aspects of the league's controversial overtime rule. Some are angry because they believe whoever wins the coin toss will most likely win the game.
President Barack Obama says he's pulling for the Pittsburgh Steelers to win the Super Bowl. Obama says other than his hometown Chicago Bears, the Steelers are probably the team closest to his heart.
COMMENTARY: Football fans love to see big hits. But AP National Columnist Tim Dahlberg says there is growing evidence that those big hits are causing dementia for retired players.
Florida has provided more than just the host city for the Super Bowl. The AP's Jim Militello reports several players from the state will play in the Super Bowl.
86-year old Charley Trippi was a star rookie on the last Cardinals' team to win an NFL championship in 1947. Trippi is still a fan of his former team. He'd love to see the Cardinals win the Super Bowl.
The AP's Jim Militello reports from Tampa, Florida on the two Super Bowl head coaches. Pittsburgh's Mike Tomlin and Arizona's Ken Whisenhunt are first-time head coaches who are a win away from an NFL championship.
It was Media Day in Tampa, Fla., where the Steelers and Cardinals got their first mass exposure to the throng of reporters. Many of the Pittsburgh players have been there, done that, but it's Arizona's first-ever appearance in a Super Bowl.
In a commentary from Tampa, Florida, AP National Columnist Jim Litke looks at the unique workout regimen of Cardinals' running back Edgerrin James.
Kurt Warner could be on the verge of a Hall of Fame career. This is his third Super Bowl with two different teams. The AP's Jim Militello reports from Tampa.
Does Cardinals' head coach Ken Whisenhunt have an edge over Pittsburgh's Mike Tomlin? Just two seasons ago, Whisenhunt was the Steelers' offensive coordinator.
The pilot of their airplane stuck a team flag out the cockpit window as the Arizona Cardinals landed in a place few could have imagined. The Cardinals arrived in Tampa, the Super Bowl city, Monday.
The Steelers arrived via US Airways charter at Tampa International Airport just before noon Monday to resume preparations for Super Bowl XLIII.
By STEVEN WINE
MIAMI (AP) — New York real estate billionaire Stephen Ross became majority owner of the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday, completing his purchase of 95 percent of the franchise for $1 billion, with Wayne Huizenga retaining a 5 percent interest.
The two businessmen reached an agreement to complete a deal forged last February. At that time Ross bought 50 percent of the franchise, Dolphin Stadium and surrounding land from Huizenga for $550 million, with an agreement that Ross would later become managing general partner.
Ross closed on the purchase of an additional 45 percent Tuesday. That part of the agreement received pre-approval from the NFL in October.
Huizenga, 71, became sole owner of the Dolphins in 1994. A year ago he said it was time for another person to assume control.
Ross becomes Miami Dolphins' majority owner....
Two Arizona Cardinals fans hung their team's flag in a tree and burned "Go Cards," "Go Kurt," and "I heart AZ" in Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donavan McNabb's yard with diesel, Chandler, Arizona, police Sgt. Joe Favazzo said on Tuesday.
Steelers' safety Troy Polamalu sealed Pittsburgh's win over Baltimore in the AFC title game Sunday. Polamalu returned an interception 40 yards for the clinching score.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are headed to the Super Bowl after beating the Ravens, 23-14, in the AFC title game. Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw a 65-yard touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes in the win.
The Arizona Cardinals advanced to Super Bowl XLIII with a 32-25 victory Sunday over the Philadelphia Eagles. Veteran quarterback Kurt Warner led his team to victory. Receiver Larry Fitzgerald scored three first-half touchdowns.
After Arizona defeated the Philadelphia Eagles, 32-25, Sunday to advance to Super Bowl XLIII, AP Pro Football Writer Barry Wilner discussed the keys to the Cardinals' stunning victory.
PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Pittsburgh's dominating defense beat the Baltimore Ravens 23-14 in the AFC championship on Sunday and put the Steelers back in the Super Bowl.
Santonio Holmes scored on an electrifying 65-yard catch-and-run in the first half, and hard-hitting safety Troy Polamalu returned an interception 40 yards for a clinching TD with 4:24 remaining for the Steelers (14-4).
Pittsburgh earned a matchup with the NFC champion Arizona Cardinals in two weeks in Tampa, where they will meet in the championship game.
Steelers rattle Ravens 23-14, head to Super Bowl....
GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- The Arizona Cardinals rallied to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 32-25 in the NFC championship Sunday afternoon, earning the first Super Bowl trip in their long and not-so-glorious history.
After the Cardinals jumped out to a 24-6 halftime lead behind a record-tying three touchdown catches by All-Pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, the Eagles rallied for a 25-24 lead in the fourth quarter. But Arizona won it on an 8-yard touchdown pass to Tim Hightower from Kurt Warner with 2:53 to play - Warner's fourth touchdown throw.
"That drive where we scored a touchdown at the end of the game and took seven minutes was really the difference," Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt said.
Donovan McNabb was superb in leading Philadelphia's second-half rally, but he misfired from midfield four times in the final moments.
Arizona (12-7) will face the AFC champion in two weeks in Tampa for the NFL title. Baltimore played at Pittsburgh later in the day for the AFC crown.
If the Cardinals, the first No. 4 seed to host a conference championship game, were supposed to be thunderstruck by their surroundings, they instead responded like playoff veterans.
Warner throws for 4 TDs, Cards stun Eagles 32-25....
The Cardinals haven't won an NFL championship in decades. In 1947, they were the Chicago Cardinals and beat the Philadelphia Eagles at the original Comiskey Park.
Arizona hosts Philadelphia in this weekend's battle for NFC Championship. The Arizona Cardinals are playing for the conference title for the first time in history.
Philadelphia may be gripped by a cold-snap, but its football fans have their eyes on sunny Arizona and Sunday's NFC championship game between the Eagles and the Arizona Cardinals.
by FOXSports.com
Jon Gruden has been fired as coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team announced Friday. The Bucs also fired GM Bruce Allen.
"We will be forever grateful to Jon for bringing us the Super Bowl title, and we thank Bruce for his contributions to our franchise," said Buccaneers Co-Chairman Joel Glazer in the announcement. "However after careful consideration, we feel that this decision is in the best interest of our organization moving forward."
Bucs fire Gruden, GM Allen....
Baltimore and Pittsburgh are squaring off to decide to advances to the Super Bowl from the AFC.
Philadelphia and Arizona are playing for the right to advance to the Super Bowl.
By EILEEN SULLIVAN
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. intelligence officials have found no credible threat of terrorist attacks at the Super Bowl scheduled Feb. 1 in Tampa, Fla., but they are still raising security concerns.
A joint FBI and Homeland Security intelligence assessment cautions that Raymond James Stadium, the Super Bowl site, does not have the typical security features of permanently secure buildings and arenas.
The report, obtained Wednesday by The Associated Press, says possible attackers could be deterred by the posting of hundreds of visible security officials, barriers and other measures.
Officials are also concerned that terrorists or criminal could impersonate government or military officials because some Florida law enforcement badges and uniforms were stolen in 2008.
No credible terror threats seen for Super Bowl....
By MICHAEL MAROT
AP Sports Writer
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Tony Dungy always considered football just a career path.
Not his life's mission.
On Monday, Dungy began the transition from head coach to full-time dad and devoted volunteer by announcing his retirement after seven years leading the Indianapolis Colts.
"We just felt this was the right time," Dungy said. "Don't shed any tears for me. I got to live a dream most people don't get to live."
The move triggered a succession plan Indianapolis put in place a year ago, making Jim Caldwell, the associate head coach, Dungy's replacement.
But the culmination of a 31-year NFL career, which started with Dungy winning a Super Bowl ring as a player in Pittsburgh and ended two years after he became the first black coach to hoist the Lombardi Trophy, brought out some rare emotional moments from the usually stoic Dungy.
"My wife Lauren told me to bring some Kleenex. I thought I would make it a little farther than the first sentence," Dungy said, his voice cracking.
He told owner Jim Irsay of his decision Sunday.
Colts coach Tony Dungy retires....
The Eagles beat the defending Super Bowl champion Giants, 23-11. Eagles' quarterback Donovan McNabb accounted for two touchdowns in the victory. The win was the Eagles' second over New York at Giants Stadium in two months.
Pittsburgh beat San Diego, 35-24, in an AFC playoff game Sunday. The Steelers limited Chargers' running back Darren Sproles to just 15 yards. Pittsburgh's Willie Parker ran for 146 yards and two touchdowns.
Arizona defeated Carolina, 33-13, to advance to the NFC championship game. The Cardinals intercepted Jake Delhomme five times.
Matt Stover kicked a 43-yard field goal with less than a minute left to lead Baltimore past Tennessee, 13-10. The Ravens advance to the AFC championship game with the win.
The Super Bowl champion New York Giants meet the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC playoffs this week. The teams played twice during the regular season. Each team won at the other's stadium.
Pittsburgh hosts San Diego in the AFC playoffs this week. The AFC North champion Steelers had a bye last week. San Diego upset the Colts to advance.
By TOM WITHERS
AP Sports Writer
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Eric Mangini is the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, a week after being fired by the New York Jets. A person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press that Mangini will be introduced Thursday at a news conference at the team's headquarters in Berea. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because Mangini's contract has not been finalized.
Mangini reached an agreement on a four-year deal with the club on Wednesday, the person said.
Mangini is represented by agent Ron Shapiro, who is Mangini's father-in-law.
The 37-year-old Mangini began his NFL career as a ballboy with the Browns in 1994 under then-coach Bill Belichick.
AP source: Browns to hire Eric Mangini as coach....
By JEFF CARLTON
Associated Press Writer
IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Troubled cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones was released Wednesday by the Dallas Cowboys following a season in which he was suspended six games for an off-field fight.
The transaction will not become official until Feb. 9, the first day NFL teams can make waiver requests.
"He was surprised, and I think he was obviously somewhat hurt," said Worrick Robinson, Jones' agent. "At the same time, he understands the business behind what is happening here."
A Cowboys spokesman declined to comment on the team's decision and said owner Jerry Jones was unavailable.
Cowboys release troubled CB Pacman Jones....
The Titans meet the Ravens in the AFC playoffs. The Titans allowed the second-fewest points per game in the NFL. The Ravens were thirdin that category.
The Carolina Panthers play their first playoff game in three years Saturday against Arizona. The two teams met in October. Cardinals' quarterback Kurt Warner threw for 381 yards, but Carolina won.
By PATRICK WALTERS
Associated Press Writer
PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- A gun owned by Indianapolis Colts star Marvin Harrison was used in an April shooting, but investigators still can't determine who pulled the trigger, the city's chief prosecutor said Tuesday.
Five of the six bullet casings found at the North Philadelphia shooting scene came from Harrison's weapon, but investigators have conflicting witness accounts of who fired it, Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham said.
No charges have been filed in the April 28 shooting and the investigation remains open.
Prosecutor: Harrison's gun used in April shooting....
By BARRY WILNER
AP Football Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- Drew Brees has won The Associated Press 2008 NFL Offensive Player of the Year award after nearly setting a passing record for yards.
The quarterback of the New Orleans Saints threw for 5,084 yards, 16 fewer than Dan Marino's 1984 mark and only the second time someone has eclipsed 5,000 yards passing in a season.
Saints QB Brees is AP Defensive Player of Year....
Talk about a monster of a promotion. Some 150 million 3-D glasses will be given away for Super Bowl viewers to watch a three-minute 3-D sneak preview of the big-screen animated feature 'Monsters vs. Aliens.'
By BARRY WILNER
AP Football Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- James Harrison slams down the current version of the Steel Curtain better than any Pittsburgh Steeler, earning him The Associated Press 2008 Defensive Player of the Year award.
The linebacker who had a career-high 16 sacks, setting a team record, and led the NFL with a career-high seven forced fumbles, beat Dallas' DeMarcus Ware in balloting by a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters announced Monday. Pittsburgh defense was the league's stingiest in total defense, pass defense and points allowed. Harrison was its main hammer.
"That's something that everybody in the league would love to have, to be voted the top player in the league for that year," Harrison said. "In my mind, I think I do - and it's going to sound boring - what the defense allows me to do and what my teammates allow me to do."
Harrison earned 22 votes to 13 for Ware.
Baltimore safety Ed Reed, the 2004 winner, got eight votes. Tennessee defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth had five and Harrison's teammate, safety Troy Polamalu, got two.
Steelers' Harrison is AP Defensive Player of Year....
The Philadelphia Eagles used two big plays to beat the Vikings in an NFC playoff game, 26-14. The Eagles move on to play the defending Super Bowl champion New York Giants.
Baltimore's Ed Reed intercepted two passes, helping the Ravens silence the Miami Dolphins, 27-9, in Sunday's AFC Wild Card game. Baltimore advances to play the AFC South champion Tennessee Titans.
By BARRY WILNER
AP Football Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- Mike Smith and Tony Sparano performed so brilliantly as rookie head coaches it was almost impossible to separate them.
Atlanta's Smith edged Miami's Sparano by one vote Sunday for The Associated Press 2008 NFL Coach of the Year award.
Both coaches oversaw sensational turnarounds, leading their teams from last-place finishes in 2007 to playoff berths this year. Their achievements were reflected by the closeness of the balloting, with Smith getting 23 1/2 votes and Sparano 22 1/2 from a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the NFL.
After improving from 4-12 to 11-5 and making the NFC playoffs as a wild card, the Falcons fell 30-24 at Arizona on Saturday night. That should not detract from a memorable season that bodes well for the football future in Atlanta.
Smith edges Sparano for AP Coach of Year....
The San Diego Chargers upset the Indianapolis Colts in overtime Saturday, 23-17. Darren Sproles accounted for 328 all-purpose yards in the victory.
Kurt Warner led the Cardinals to a 30-24 win over the Falcons. The Cardinals set a team record for points in a playoff game in the victory.
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) -- Fans purchased more than 20,000 tickets to Minnesota's playoff game over six days, assuring there will be no local TV blackout when the Vikings host Philadelphia at the Metrodome on Sunday.
The Vikings announced the sales results Saturday afternoon for their wild-card playoff game with the Eagles after moving the remaining 3,100 seats that were still unsold the day before. There were a limited number of tickets remaining for the game, including some returned by the Eagles.
The NFL gave the Vikings two extensions, the second until Saturday - 24 hours before kickoff - after they sold about 5,000 seats from Thursday to Friday.
Vikings' ticket sales avoid local TV blackout....
By BARRY WILNER
AP Football Writer
NEW YORK (AP) -- Peyton Manning can tell Brett Favre to move over and make room for him atop the roster of NFL Most Valuable Players.
For the third time, Manning won the award by The Associated Press, tying Favre as the only players in that elite category.
The Indianapolis Colts quarterback was a landslide winner Friday in balloting by a nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who cover the NFL. Manning also was the league MVP in 2003, when he shared it with Tennessee quarterback Steve McNair, and in 2004.
Favre, then with Green Bay, took MVP honors in 1995 and '96 before sharing it with Detroit running back Barry Sanders in 1997.
"I know it's an individual award, but ... truly, in my opinion, a team award," said Manning, who received 32 votes, far ahead of Miami quarterback Chad Pennington (4) and Atlanta running back Michael Turner (4).
"It's been the most rewarding regular season that I've been a part of in my 11 years, and I have to believe a lot of the other players and even coaches might feel the same way."
Colts QB Peyton Manning voted AP's NFL MVP....
Discarded by New York after the Jets acquired Brett Favre prior to the season, Chad Pennington flourished in Miami by leading the Dolphins to the AFC East Title. On Wednesday, the quarterback was named AP's NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
Veteran Kurt Warner and rookie Matt Ryan lead their teams in a first round NFL playoff game.
