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.
