Month: January 2021

Apr 18, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney II accompanies his mother Patricia Rooney (R) widow of Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Daniel Rooney after his funeral service at Saint Paul Cathedral. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers matriarch Patricia Rooney dies at 88

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Patricia Rooney, the matriarch of the Pittsburgh Steelers, passed away Saturday night at 88.

A team statement said she “passed away peacefully at home.”

A Pittsburgh native, she was the mother of Steelers president Art Rooney II and the widow of late Steelers president Dan Rooney. They were married 65 years until his death in 2017.

“It is a sad day for our family,” Art Rooney II said.

“My mother meant so much to not only all of us in the family, but she gave so much of her time and energy helping those in need in the Pittsburgh community. She will leave a lasting impression on so many people and organizations in our area, especially the Salvation Army and many organizations in the North Side of Pittsburgh, where my parents called home.”

Mrs. Rooney had nine children, three of whom predeceased her. She also is survived by 18 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

An ESPN film from 2019, “A Lifetime of Sundays,” focused on Mrs. Rooney and three other female owners of NFL teams: Martha Ford of the Detroit Lions, Norma Hunt of the Kansas City Chiefs and Virginia Halas McCaskey of the Chicago Bears.

Another female owner, Gayle Benson of the New Orleans Saints, remembered Mrs. Rooney.

“She was a pillar of strength and grace and proudly represented not only the Steelers but also the millions of female football fans around the world,” Benson said in a team-issued statement. “We share in the sadness and sorrow that the Rooney family is experiencing and hope for grace, mercy, and healing in this most difficult time.”

Commissioner Roger Goodell and his wife, Jane, also paid tribute on Sunday.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Art Rooney and the entire Rooney family with the passing of his mother and our friend Patricia.

“Patricia represented the Rooney family and the Steelers with extraordinary grace, dignity and integrity. Patricia was passionately devoted to her faith, the wonderful family she and Dan raised and adored, the Pittsburgh community and the Steelers’ organization. She was also one of the most passionate football fans you could ever meet. … We will greatly miss her.”

Because of COVID-19, funeral services will be private. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.

–Field Level Media

Dec 29, 2019; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New York Jets center Jonotthan Harrison (78) warms up prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Giants sign C Jonotthan Harrison

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The New York Giants signed veteran center Jonotthan Harrison to a one-year deal worth $1.2 million, according to NFL Network.

Harrison, who played in 84 games (42 starts) with the Indianapolis Colts (2014-16) and New York Jets (2017-19), spent the 2020 season on the Bills practice squad.

Harrison, 29, figures to provide the Giants depth at center and guard.

Nick Gates, 25, was the starter at center for the Giants (6-10) last season, playing every snap in his first season at the position.

–Field Level Media

Jan 3, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) attempts a pass as Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Harold Landry (58) defends during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Deshaun Watson takes Texans out of social media accounts

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Star quarterback Deshaun Watson has made it clear that he wants out of a Houston Texans uniform, and he went to social media on Saturday to perhaps preview the breakup.

Watson, whose formal demand to be traded was reported this week as having been made two weeks ago, has removed references to the Texans from his accounts, such as his Twitter and Instagram profile picture, and his cover photo on Twitter.

Among sources of Watson’s unhappiness was the hiring of general manager Nick Caserio, when Watson later said he had been told he would have input in the decision but did not.

The 25-year-old Watson, who has played all four of his NFL seasons with the Texans since they made him their top draft pick, 12th overall in 2017, is fresh off signing a four-year, $156 million contract last September.

The contract gives Watson a no-trade clause and would impose salary-cap hits above $40 million in both 2021 and 2022 on the Texans.

In the team’s press conference on Friday to announce their new head coach, David Culley — another decision that reportedly made Watson unhappy – Caserio said the team has “zero interest” in trading Watson.

Watson has thrown for 14,539 yards and 104 touchdowns in four seasons. He has also rushed for 1,677 yards and 17 scores.

The Texans finished 4-12 this season and missed the postseason for the second time in Watson’s tenure with the team. Watson threw for a league-high and franchise-record 4,823 yards to go with 33 touchdowns. He also rushed for 444 yards and three scores.

–Field Level Media

Jan 3, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Rams acquire Matthew Stafford from Lions for Jared Goff

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Less than two years after reaching the Super Bowl, the Los Angeles Rams have a new quarterback, acquiring veteran Matthew Stafford from the Detroit Lions on Saturday in exchange for Jared Goff, according to multiple reports.

The Lions also will receive a third-round draft pick in 2021 and first-round picks in 2022 and 2023.

Stafford has played in just three career postseason games but has delivered a productive 12-year career in Detroit, throwing for 45,109 yards in 165 games with 282 touchdowns and 144 interceptions.

Goff has played in six playoff games over his five-year career, helping the Rams to the Super Bowl following the 2018 season. But he struggled in that game, throwing for 229 yards as the New England Patriots earned a 13-3 victory in the lowest scoring Super Bowl ever.

New Lions general manager Brad Holmes was hired by the team this month after serving as the Rams’ director of college scouting. The Lions and Stafford already agreed to mutually part ways.

“We’ve got quite a few offers and so it looks like we’ve got some trade partners,” new Lions head coach Dan Campbell said, according to the Detroit Free Press. “We’re just trying to work out the best scenario and see what’s best for us, ultimately.”

Stafford, who turns 33 next month, did not lead the Lions to an NFC North division title. He currently has two years left on a team-friendly contract due to pay him a combined $43 million — $20 million this year and $23 million next year.

The trade will be in principle only until the new league year begins in March. Stafford is due a $10 million roster bonus on the fifth day of the 2021 league year.

Detroit would carry $19 million in dead money on their salary cap in 2021, but a trade would yield a savings of $14 million in cap space and $20 million in cash at a time the NFL’s salary cap is expected to decrease, NFL Network reported.

Stafford started all 16 games and threw for 4,084 yards with 26 touchdowns and 10 interceptions last season, despite playing through rib, right thumb, ankle and neck injuries. None of the injuries are expected to require surgery.

Stafford has gone 74-90-1 for the Lions and has completed 62.6 percent of his passes. His 38 game-winning drives rank eighth all time, and his 31 fourth-quarter comebacks are seventh-best in league history.

His most recent trip to the playoffs was in 2016, when Detroit went 9-7 in the regular season before losing to Seattle in the wild-card round.

Goff, 26, is a two-time Pro Bowler, but his quarterback rating the past two seasons was worse than the previous two.

The Cal product, who was the No. 1 overall selection in the 2016 NFL draft, has thrown for 18,171 yards in 69 career games with 107 touchdowns and 55 interceptions. He led the NFL in pass attempts in 2019 with 626.

Goff threw for 3,952 yards and 20 TDs with 13 interceptions in 15 games this past season, undergoing thumb surgery after a Week 16 injury. He returned off the bench two weeks later to help the Rams to a wild-card round victory over the Seattle Seahawks, but threw for just 155 yards in that game.

The Rams went 9-6 in the regular season with Goff as the starter and 10-6 overall. Los Angeles fell 32-18 in the divisional round of the NFC playoffs to the Green Bay Packers when Goff was 21 of 27 for 174 yards and one touchdown.

Stafford’s move to Los Angeles puts him in close proximity with close friend and Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw. The two attended Highland Park High School together in the Dallas area.

–Field Level Media

Jan 24, 2021; Kansas City, MO, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Alex Okafor (57) during the fourth quarter in the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Report: QB Josh Allen fined $15K for flipping ball at opponent

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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen was fined $15,000 by the NFL for flipping the ball at Kansas City defensive end Alex Okafor after Okafor sacked him during the Chiefs’ 38-24 win in the AFC title game last week, NFL Network reported Saturday.

After being hit by the ball, Okafor stood over Allen while yelling at him. Bills guard Jon Feliciano took offense and shoved Okafor. Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins also went after Okafor, as all four players earned unsportsmanlike conduct penalties on the play.

Feliciano and Dawkins were each fined $10,000 for their actions, while Okafor wasn’t penalized monetarily, according to the report.

“The way it ended doesn’t sit right with me with how chippy and ticky tack it got. I’m disappointed in myself,” Allen said, via Matt Parrino of Syracuse.com. “I let my emotions get to me there. That’s not how you’re supposed to play football.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 3, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Matthew Stafford trade expected before Super Bowl

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Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is likely to have a new team to play for before the Super Bowl, NFL Network reported Saturday.

Interest in Stafford is significant, with both the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams rumored to be among the potential landing spots for the 12-year pro.

NBC Sports also reported that a trade for Stafford is likely to occur this week.

Detroit has been looking to deal the quarterback after Stafford asked to move on from the only NFL franchise he has played for since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2009.

New Lions coach Dan Campbell told the Detroit Free Press that interest in the quarterback is “pretty hot and heavy right now.”

“We’ve got quite a few offers and so it looks like we’ve got some trade partners,” Campbell told the paper. “We’re just trying to work out the best scenario and see what’s best for us, ultimately.”

Stafford, who turns 33 next month, did not lead the Lions to a NFC North division title or playoff victory in his 12 seasons with the Lions. He currently has two years left on a team-friendly contract due to pay him a combined $43 million — $20 million this year and $23 million next year.

When Stafford is traded, it will be in principle only until the new league year begins in March. Stafford is due a $10 million roster bonus on the fifth day of the 2021 league year. Detroit would carry $19 million in dead money on their salary cap in 2021, but a trade would yield a savings of $14 million in cap space and $20 million in cash at a time the NFL’s salary cap is expected to decrease, NFL Network reported.

Stafford started all 16 games and threw for 4,084 yards with 26 touchdowns and 10 interceptions last season, despite playing through rib, right thumb, ankle and neck injuries. None of the injuries are expected to require surgery.

Stafford has started 165 games — going 74-90-1 — for the Lions and has completed 62.6 percent of his passes for 45,109 yards, 282 touchdowns and 144 interceptions. His 38 game-winning drives rank eighth all time and his 31 fourth-quarter comebacks are seventh-best in league history.

He led the Lions to the postseason three times, most recently in 2016, when Detroit went 9-7 before losing to Seattle in the wild-card round.

With Stafford reportedly on the trading block and the uncertainty surrounding Deshaun Watson in Houston and Carson Wentz in Philadelphia, the quarterback market could be robust this offseason. The free-agent class could include Dak Prescott, Andy Dalton, Cam Newton, Mitchell Trubisky, Jameis Winston, Tyrod Taylor, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jacoby Brissett, Colt McCoy and Nate Sudfeld.

–Field Level Media

Jan 30, 2021; Mobile, AL, USA; National quarterback Feleipe Franks of Arkansas (8) throws in the first half of the 2021 Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Feleipe Franks helps National team win Senior Bowl

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Feleipe Franks of Arkansas passed for 122 yards and a touchdown Saturday to help the National team beat the American squad 27-24 in the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

Franks’ 21-yard touchdown pass to Ole Miss tight end Kenny Yeboah gave the National team a 27-16 lead with 11:57 left in the game. Franks completed 9 of 16 passes.

American quarterback Kellen Mond of Texas A&M completed 13 of 25 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns and was named MVP of the contest that featured NFL draft prospects. Mond received increased playing time since Alabama’s Mac Jones was unavailable due to an ankle injury sustained in Thursday’s practice.

Jamie Newman, who played for Wake Forest before transferring to Georgia and then opting out of the 2020 season, was 10-of-14 passing for 118 yards, a touchdown and an interception for the American squad.

Two other quarterbacks saw action for the National team: Ian Book (Notre Dame) was 5-of-11 passing for 48 yards and one interception, and Sam Ehlinger (Texas) completed 4 of 10 passes for 42 yards and a touchdown.

The National’s Michael Carter (North Carolina) had a game-high 60 rushing yards and one touchdown on eight carries. Dez Fitzpatrick (Louisville) caught six passes for 90 yards for the National team and was named Offensive Player of the Game.

Tulane defensive end Cameron Sample (American) was named Defensive Player of the Game after he recorded seven tackles and a half-sack.

The National squad led 13-0 at halftime before Mond guided two third-quarter touchdown drives as the American team took a 16-13 lead. But then, with 44 seconds left in the quarter, Carter scored on a 12-yard run to put the National team ahead to stay.

The National team was coached by Brian Flores and the rest of the Miami Dolphins’ staff. Matt Rhule and the Carolina Panthers’ staff coached the American squad.

–Field Level Media

Dec 31, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Houston Texans quarterback T.J. Yates (2) drops back to pass during the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons hire T.J. Yates as passing game specialist

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The Atlanta Falcons hired former NFL quarterback T.J. Yates as a passing game specialist, the team announced Saturday.

Yates was a fifth-round pick by the Houston Texans in 2011 and spent the 2014 season as a backup with the Falcons.

Yates, 33, retired after the 2017 season, having played in 22 games and starting 10.

The former North Carolina Tar Heels QB was the Texans’ assistant quarterbacks coach in 2020.

He’ll work under new offensive coordinator Dave Ragone and new head coach Arthur Smith.

–Field Level Media

Jan 16, 2021; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Baltimore Ravens free safety Jordan Richards (28) prior to an AFC Divisional Round game against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Ravens re-sign S Jordan Richards

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The Baltimore Ravens have reached a one-year deal with veteran safety Jordan Richards, according to ESPN.

Richards, 28, emerged as a key special teams player since joining the Ravens in 2019.

The deal is reportedly worth $1.015 million, with $125,000 of that guaranteed.

Originally a second-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2015, Richards has 100 tackles and two fumble recoveries in 84 career games (19 starts).

–Field Level Media

Sep 7, 2019; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers offensive coordinator Jim Chaney before the game against the Brigham Young Cougars at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Assistants Jim Chaney, Chris Weinke out at Tennessee

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New Tennessee football coach Josh Heupel is starting to assemble his staff and won’t bring back a pair of prominent assistant coaches, multiple outlets reported.

Not returning to the Volunteers are offensive coordinator Jim Chaney and quarterbacks coach Chris Weinke.

Former coach Jeremy Pruitt, who was dismissed earlier this month after an investigation into potential recruiting violations, hired Chaney in January 2019 to lead the offense. Chaney has been a coach in college and the NFL for 36 years. He was Georgia’s offensive coordinator before moving to Knoxville.

Weinke, the 2000 Heisman Trophy winner, was hired by Pruitt in 2018 to coach running backs, then became the quarterbacks coach the following year.

He also played seven seasons in the NFL.

ESPN said Chaney still has $1.7 million remaining on his contract, with Weinke owed $450,000.

Heupel has not yet announced whether he will retain Kevin Steele, a defensive assistant who was hired just a week before Pruitt’s firing, or wide receivers coach Tee Martin. Martin was the quarterback on the last Volunteers national championship team in 1998.

Tennessee hired Heupel, formerly the coach at UCF, earlier this week.

–Field Level Media