NFL Capsules: Rodgers, Brees, Jim Harbaugh win AP awards
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The best quarterbacks bring fans out of their seats. Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning did exactly that Saturday night when the NFL Most Valuable Player accepted the trophy from the only four-time winner of the award.
The Green Bay quarterback won the 2011 Associated Press award in a landslide. Manning, the hometown hero who didn't play a down this season because of neck surgery, handed it to him.
Manning was greeted with a standing ovation when he came on stage at the Murat Theatre during "NFL Honors," a primetime special on NBC. Moments later, the crowd was back on its feet for Rodgers.
"It means a lot to be recognized as a consistent player and contributing on my team," Rodgers said. "I think it's an award that relies on a player having the support of his teammates, obviously, guys blocking, guys running, guys catching, guys making plays. But I'm very honored to receive the award."
Speaking to Manning, who didn't miss a game for 13 seasons before 2011, Rodgers added: "We're all really excited to see you back on the field next year."
Rodgers earned 48 votes to two for New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees in balloting by a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the NFL. The Packers star is the first Green Bay player honored since Brett Favre concluded a run of three straight seasons as MVP in 1997.
Brees won Offensive Player of the Year for the second time.
Other winners included:
— Baltimore defensive end/linebacker Terrell Suggs, Defensive Player of the Year.
— San Francisco's rookie coach Jim Harbaugh, Coach of the Year.
— Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford, Comeback Player of the Year.
The top two picks in last April's draft took the rookie awards: Carolina QB Cam Newton and Denver linebacker Von Miller.
Rodgers led the NFL in passing with a 122.5 rating built on 45 touchdown passes, six interceptions and a 68.3 completion percentage as the Packers went 15-1 and won the NFC North. The Packers were beaten by the New York Giants at Lambeau Field in the divisional round.
"People really count on me to be consistent each week, to play well. Knowing that my performance, the fact that I touch the ball every play, I have a direct impact on the game, the way I play," Rodgers said. "And if I'm playing consistent and doing things I know I'm supposed to do, we've been able to have some success because of it."
He joined former Packers Bart Starr, Jim Taylor and Paul Hornung as MVPs. Rodgers is the third consecutive quarterback voted MVP, joining New England's Tom Brady (2007, 2010) and Manning (2008, 2009).
Brees shattered Dan Marino's 27-year-old mark by passing for 5,476 yards, and his 468 completions broke Manning's 2010 record of 450. Brees finished the season completing 71.6 percent of his passes, breaking his own 2009 NFL record (70.6). He also surpassed 300 yards passing for seven straight games and 13 times during the season, both beating league marks he already held.
Thanks to Brees' brilliance, the Saints set several single-season records, including offensive yards with 7,474 and first downs with 416.
"Our best is yet to come, not just for our team, but the league," Brees said.
Suggs had 70 tackles, including 14 sacks, and was a threat all over the field from his hybrid linebacker-end position. He also forced seven fumbles and had two interceptions.
Teammate Ray Lewis, a two-time winner of the award, praised Suggs' versatility.
"That's why when you sit back and watch him year after year, week after week, I am just proud to say that I love how he understands the game now," Lewis said.
In his first season as an NFL head coach, Harbaugh guided the 49ers to a 13-3 mark and the NFC West championship. They beat New Orleans in the first round of the playoffs before losing the conference title game to the Giants.
Stafford beat out six other players who received votes. He fought through injuries his first two seasons, then threw for more than 5,000 yards in 2011 to lead Detroit to its first playoff berth in 12 years.
Newton set an NFL record for touchdowns rushing in a season by a quarterback with 14 and became the first player in league history to throw for 4,000 yards and rush for 500. He helped Carolina improve from 2-14 to 6-10, throwing for 21 touchdowns.
"He set a standard, a very high standard, for any rookie quarterback coming in, and he wants to improve," Carolina coach Ron Rivera said. "He's gotten better in so many different areas. ... He's really taken his game to next level, and there's so much room for him to grow. He's got such a high ceiling."
The second Broncos player to win the award — LB Mike Croel got it in 1991 — Miller made 64 tackles and had 11½ sacks despite missing one game and playing the last four contests with a cumbersome cast protecting his surgically repaired right thumb. He teamed with quarterback Tim Tebow to energize the Broncos, who rallied from a 2-5 record to the AFC West title and a playoff win over Pittsburgh.
Green Bay QB Rodgers wins MVP award
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers has won the 2011 Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player award in a landslide.
Rodgers earned 48 votes to two for New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees in balloting by a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the NFL. The Packers star is the first Green Bay player honored since Brett Favre concluded a run of three straight seasons as MVP in 1997.
"It means a lot to be recognized as a consistent player and contributing on my team," Rodgers said. "I think it's an award that relies on a player having the support of his teammates, obviously, guys blocking, guys running, guys catching, guys making plays. But I'm very honored to receive the award."
Rodgers received a standing ovation after his name was announced by Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, the league's only four-time MVP. The award was presented on the "NFL Honors" primetime special Saturday night on NBC.
"We're all really excited to see you back on the field next year," Rodgers told Manning.
Rodgers led the NFL in passing with a 122.5 rating built on 45 touchdown passes, six interceptions and a 68.3 completion percentage as the Packers went 15-1 and won the NFC North. The Packers were beaten by the New York Giants at Lambeau Field in the divisional round.
"People really count on me to be consistent each week, to play well. Knowing that my performance, the fact that I touch the ball every play, I have a direct impact on the game, the way I play," Rodgers said. "And if I'm playing consistent and doing things I know I'm supposed to do, we've been able to have some success because of it."
He joins former Packers Bart Starr, Jim Taylor and Paul Hornung as MVPs.
Rodgers is the third consecutive quarterback voted MVP, joining New England's Tom Brady (2007, 2010) and Indianapolis' Peyton Manning (2008, 2009).
-- Barry Wilner
Saints QB Brees wins offensive player of year
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Drew Brees' record-setting season has earned the New Orleans quarterback the 2011 Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.
Brees shattered Dan Marino's 27-year-old mark by passing for 5,476 yards, and his 468 completions broke Peyton Manning's 2010 record of 450. Brees finished the season completing 71.6 percent of his passes, breaking his own 2009 NFL record (70.6). He also surpassed 300 yards passing for seven straight games and 13 times during the season, both beating league marks he already held.
"I obviously take a lot of pride in what I do on the football field, because that has the ability to influence a lot of people," Brees said. "That puts smiles on people's faces. That gives people a pep in their step on Monday morning when they go back to work. That does so much for the city. We have the greatest fans in the world. There's no doubt about that. I think each and every day I think about what can I do to make my team better, make my city better, that's my mentality."
Brees, the 2008 top offensive player, received 43 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the NFL. Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers got the other seven votes. The award was presented on the "NFL Honors" primetime special Saturday night on NBC.
Thanks to Brees' brilliance, the Saints set several single-season records, including offensive yards with 7,474 and first downs with 416.
"Our best is yet to come, not just for our team, but the league," Brees said.
Ravens LB Suggs wins defensive player of year
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Baltimore linebacker Terrell Suggs, the most dynamic player on the Ravens' staunch defense, has won the 2011 Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.
On a team featuring longtime stars Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, Suggs stood out most for a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league. He earned 21 votes, seven more than Minnesota end Jared Allen.
"There is not a harder worker in football than Terrell Suggs," said Ravens coach John Harbaugh, whose team went 12-4 to win the AFC North. "I don't think people always understand and realize that because of his personality. This guy takes it very seriously — pass rush, run defense, studying the opposing offense, studying the particulars of the guys he's going against. To me that's what makes him great."
Suggs had 70 tackles, including 14 sacks, and was a threat all over the field from his hybrid linebacker-end position. He also forced seven fumbles and had two interceptions.
Lewis, who won the award in 2000 and 2003, said Suggs understands that it's one thing to be considered a pass rusher, and another to be considered the complete defensive player that he is today.
"That's why when you sit back and watch him year after year, week after week, I am just proud to say that I love how he understands the game now," Lewis said.
Linebackers coach Ted Monachino said the way Suggs plays is about more than just numbers.
"People see the sack totals and know he's a special player, but it's all the other parts of the game that prove, week-in and week-out, what a valuable player he is for our defense and for our team," Monachino said.
Also receiving votes were DE-DT Justin Smith of San Francisco, DE Jason Pierre-Paul of the New York Giants, linebackers Patrick Willis and NaVorro Bowman of San Francisco, and Green Bay cornerback Charles Woodson.
-- Barry Wilner
Lions QB Stafford wins comeback player of year
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has won the 2011 Associated Press NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.
Stafford beat out six other players who received votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league. Stafford fought through injuries his first two seasons, then threw for more than 5,000 yards in 2011 to lead Detroit to its first playoff berth in 12 years.
He received 21 votes, six more than Cleveland linebacker D'Qwell Jackson. San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith finished third, followed by Carolina receiver Steve Smith, Denver defensive end Elvis Dumervil, New England defensive end Andre Carter and Giants quarterback Eli Manning.
Stafford is the first Lion and the ninth quarterback to win the award since its inception in 1998.
Stafford stressed the team's success was more important than anything he did individually. Detroit made the playoffs for the first time since 1999.
"That's what people are judged on this time of year," said Stafford, who added the Lions are capable of much more than just earning a wild-card berth and losing in the opening round. "''We have great talent around me. We've got it all. We're still proving ourselves."
Stafford not only had a great comeback year from shoulder and knee injuries in his first two pro seasons, but he was exceptional at leading comebacks in games. He helped Detroit become the first team in NFL history to rally and win four games after being down by at least 13 points, including 20-plus point comebacks at Dallas and Minnesota.
"He doesn't waver," receiver Nate Burleson said. "When you have a quarterback that isn't worried, who always has a smile on his face and lets the ball release out of his hand like a cannon, you're not worried at all. You look at him like he's the captain of the boat and if he's ready to sail, we're going to go to sea with him."
Stafford completed 63.5 percent of his passes for 5,038 yards — only the fourth quarterback to go over 5,000 yards — and 41 touchdowns.
-- Barry Wilner
49ers' Jim Harbaugh wins coach of year
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — San Francisco's Jim Harbaugh has won the 2011 Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year award for leading the 49ers back to the playoffs.
In his first season as an NFL coach, Harbaugh guided the 49ers to a 13-3 mark and the NFC West title and the conference championship game. They beat New Orleans in the first round of the playoffs before losing the conference title game to the Giants.
"I think it was an amazing season," Harbaugh said. "In a lot of ways, beyond description. Incredible"
A former NFL quarterback and successful coach at Stanford, Harbaugh earned 45 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the NFL. He easily outdistanced Green Bay's Mike McCarthy, who received three votes, and Denver's John Fox, who got two.
"I've said so often how proud I was of this team. I thought they played their hearts out," Harbaugh said. "I thought we were a well-coached team. They stand toe-to-toe and fight every time they go out onto the field."
Harbaugh said his only regret about his rookie year in the NFL was how the season ended, in a 20-17 overtime loss to the New York Giants in the NFC title game.
"It didn't have the ending that we wanted," he said. "The football gods had a different ending in mind."
Atlanta's Mike Smith was the last man to win the award in his initial season as an NFL coach, in 2008.
-- Barry Wilner
Panthers QB Newton wins offensive rookie of year
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has won the 2011 Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Newton is the second straight No. 1 overall draft pick to take the honor in voting by a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league. Rams QB Sam Bradford won it last year.
"I want to thank the man upstairs," Newton said.
The first Panther to win the award, Newton received 47 votes to three for Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton. The awards were presented on the "NFL Honors" primetime special Saturday night on NBC.
Newton set an NFL record for touchdowns rushing in a season by a quarterback with 14 and became the first player in league history to throw for 4,000 yards and rush for 500. He helped Carolina improve from 2-14 to 6-10, throwing for 21 touchdowns.
It's still a learning process for me. I mean, I learned so much the entire season. I can do so many things better. I have so much respect for this league that a lot of people don't understand what it takes to be a player in the National Football League, let alone the quarterback."
No quarterback had won the award until Ben Roethlisberger in 2004. Since then, Vince Young, Matt Ryan, Bradford and Newton have been chosen.
"He set a standard, a very high standard, for any rookie quarterback coming in, and he wants to improve," Carolina coach Ron Rivera said. "He's gotten better in so many different areas. ... He's really taken his game to next level, and there's so much room for him to grow. He's got such a high ceiling."
-- Barry Wilner
Broncos LB Miller wins defensive rookie of year
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller has won a two-man race with 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith for the 2011 Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Miller, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, sparked a defensive turnaround in Denver with his steady and sometimes spectacular play. He teamed with quarterback Tim Tebow to energize the Broncos, who rallied from a 2-5 record to the AFC West title and a playoff win over Pittsburgh.
"It's special because you only get one rookie season," Miller said. "You don't get two tries at it. It's really a one-and-done thing. That was probably the most special thing about it, you only get one shot to accomplish this feat."
Miller received 39 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the NFL. Smith, also a first-round choice, got the other 11. The awards were presented on an "NFL Honors" primetime special Saturday night on NBC.
"Aldon and me are good friends. If he got it, I wouldn't have been mad. That's still like my buddy," Miller said. "If anybody else would have gotten him, I probably would have been sick. But knowing him and knowing what kind of guy he is and spending time with him, I know what type of player he is and he deserved it, too."
The second Bronco to win the award — LB Mike Croel got it in 1991 — Miller made 64 tackles and had 11½ sacks despite missing one game and playing the last four contests with a cumbersome cast protecting his surgically repaired right thumb.
"The thumb is a setback," Broncos coach John Fox said. "I mean, I can't deny that. It affects what you can do with that one hand. I don't have any doubts in my mind he would have shattered any types of records. With all due respect, I'm convinced he would have shattered any records if he'd have stayed 100 percent."
And as good as Miller was this year, he promised he'll be even better next year.
''I have no doubt that I'll be a totally different player next year," he said. "It will be night and day."
-- Barry Wilner
'Tebowing' Alec Baldwin hosts NFL Honors
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Trying to do his best "Tebowing," Alec Baldwin got a bit of help on stage.
The host of "NFL Honors" on NBC was kneeling down when Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow stepped up and showed Baldwin how it's really done.
"Bless you, Tim," Baldwin responded.
That capped a nearly 10-minute monologue Saturday night on the eve of the Super Bowl as The Associated Press awards for the 2011 season were announced.
Baldwin started by walking into the glittery crowd, handing a football to Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers and asking the AP NFL Most Valuable Player to sign it.
The "30 Rock" star then tossed around the jokes, taking equal shots at the NFL, Madonna and the Kardashians, mostly to big laughs from the likes of Joe Namath, Rex Ryan and Cam Newton. All the while, Baldwin clutched his prized souvenir.
The evening's first presenter, Katy Perry, kept in the spirit.
"Hi Tim, my parents said hi," Perry told Tebow. Both of the 27-year-old singer's parents are pastors — Tebow was raised by missionary parents.
Early in his monologue, Baldwin pretended he saw Madonna — who's performing at halftime of the game between the New England Patriots and New York Giants in the audience. He pointed out it was instead Packers linebacker Clay Matthews.
"I was confused by the hair and biceps," he said to a roomful of laughs. Matthews, for the moment, didn't look too amused.
Baldwin jabbed a famous reality show family, too. Mentioning the power and popularity of the NFL, "It would take 800 years for the Kardashians to date and destroy all of them."
But Baldwin did not spare the NFL.
He told the audience New England coach Bill Belichick was tucking in his Patriots and telling them that Giants coach Tom Coughlin was not hiding in their closet.
He joked about the NFL lockout, saying fans would've had to resort to watching Canadian football with teams with silly names such as the Argonauts.
And he compared Philadelphia quarterback Vince Young's preseason comments of being on a dream team with a bad dream — the nightmare of being naked in school. The Eagles lost four of their first five games.
After the award for the AP Defensive Rookie of the year, Baldwin sat next to former NFL star Archie Manning and asked him: "Peyton or Eli?"
Rather than choose between his quarterback sons, Manning offered a quick retort.
"Let me ask the question: Alec or Billy?" Manning said.
Conveniently, the younger Baldwin brother was sitting right in front of Alec.
As for the postgame altercation between coaches Jim Harbaugh of the 49ers and Jim Schwartz of the Lions, "I haven't seen a handshake that awkward since Nixon met Elvis."
Before the show, players were eager to hear Baldwin's take on the NFL.
"He'll say anything but he's always funny," Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew said.
The evening's presenters included television host Jimmy Fallon, "Mad Men" star Jon Hamm and "Entourage" actress Emmanuelle Chriqui.
-- Joe Carucci
Hall of Fame
Martin, Four linemen make Hall of Fame
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Curtis Martin has gone from the mean streets of Pittsburgh to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The star running back with the Patriots and Jets for 11 seasons was one of six players elected Saturday to the shrine. Martin once disliked playing the game, but used it to escape a neighborhood where his grandmother was murdered.
"When I get awarded something like the Hall of Fame, it's almost foreign to me," said Martin, the NFL's No. 4 career rusher. "This wasn't something I planned on doing. Football is something I did so I didn't end up jailed or dead.
"If you make up your mind to just do the right thing no matter what ... and you stick to it, which I did, this is how things can turn around. I feel as if my life turned around from what it used to be, and I think anyone has a chance."
Martin and four linemen were elected to the hall, along with one senior committee choice. He is joined by Chris Doleman, Cortez Kennedy, Willie Roaf, Dermontti Dawson, and senior selection Jack Butler.
Jerome Bettis, Cris Carter and Bill Parcells were among the finalists who didn't make it.
"I'm not even close to this position, I actually don't think I'd play more than four or five years without Bill Parcells," Martin said, indicating he will have his former coach present him for induction on Aug. 4 in Canton, Ohio.
A panel of 44 media members voted.
Martin made it for his consistency and durability, rushing for 14,101 and 90 touchdowns. He rushed for at least 1,000 yards in each of his first 10 seasons, the first three with New England and the others with the Jets. The 1995 Offensive Rookie of the Year, Martin won the NFL rushing title in 2004 with 1,697 yards.
Doleman and Kennedy were sackmasters from the defensive line, Doleman at end and Kennedy at tackle.
Doleman had 150 1/2 sacks in his 15 seasons, mostly with Minnesota, and was one of the prototype agile yet powerful pass rushers who dominate the game today. He made the Pro Bowl eight times and was fourth on the sacks list when he retired.
"I am totally blown away by this and humbled by it," Doleman said, adding his son, Evan, would present him for induction. "When they call your name, you're absolutely numb."
Kennedy was a force inside, both as a run stopper and in threatening quarterbacks. The 1992 Defensive Player of the Year made eight Pro Bowls, had 58 sacks — an unusually high total for a tackle — and spent his entire 11-season career with Seattle.
He waited by his phone to hear whether he'd made it after a six-year wait, and was happy he had the television on when the announcement was made.
"I thought I was supposed to get a call. I didn't get a call. I had to watch it on TV," Kennedy said.
"I am very excited right now."
Roaf spent enough time in his 13 seasons with New Orleans and Kansas City blocking the likes of Doleman and Kennedy. He played one season at right tackle, then the rest of his career on the left side, making 11 Pro Bowls. He made the All-Decade team for the 1990s.
"He possessed exceptional physical talent and a great work ethic," said Jim Mora, who coached in New Orleans for 11 seasons. "He was blessed with high quality character and a team-oriented attitude. He was a team leader, always positive, upbeat, and a fun guy to coach and have on the team. Without question Willie was one of my best and favorite players ever."
Dawson made seven Pro Bowls as the Steelers' center, that rare snapper who also could block defensive players one on one. He replaced a Hall of Famer, Mike Webster, and started for Pittsburgh for most of his 13 pro seasons.
"You never know what your career is going to turn out to be," Dawson said. "I knew I had big shoes to fill 'cause it was my first year playing center. I never would have thought I would be in this position after my career."
"It is a great honor and because of being selected today, my phone has blown up."
Butler also played for the Steelers as a cornerback from 1951-59, picking off 52 passes, at the time second most in NFL history. But he was best known for his tackling skills.
"They told me I was good. I didn't know I was good," Butler said. "I never, ever, ever thought I would be here."
Guard Will Shields didn't get in — the only first-year eligible player to make the 15-man finals. Shields started all but one of the 224 games in his 14 seasons in Kansas City.
Bettis also fell short. He was the 1993 Offensive Rookie of the Year with the Rams who retired in 2006 after winning his only Super Bowl with the Steelers. He is the NFL's No. 5 career rusher.
Parcells coached the Giants to Super Bowl titles in the 1987 and 1991 games and also lost the 1997 Super Bowl with New England. He coached the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys, too.
Carter is the No. 4 career receiver with 1,101 in 16 seasons with three teams.
Others not voted in were receivers Tim Brown and Andre Reed, defensive end/linebackers Kevin Greene and Charles Haley, defensive back Aeneas Williams, and former 49ers owner Ed DeBartolo Jr.
The other senior finalist, guard Dick Stanfel, was not chosen, either.
-- Barry Wilner
Capsules of Hall of Fame Inductees
A capsule look at those elected into for the Pro Football Hall of Fame:
Jack Butler
Defensive Back
6-1, 200
1951-59 Pittsburgh Steelers. ... 9 seasons, 103 games.
Senior nominee. ... Free agent signee with Steelers in 1951. ... Intercepted five passes as rookie. ... Record-tying four interceptions vs. Redskins, Dec. 13, 1953. ... Set then record with two interception returns for TDs in 1954. ... Retired as the game's second all-time leading interceptor. ... 52 career interceptions for 827 yards and four touchdowns. ... Named to four Pro Bowls. ...First-team All-NFL three straight seasons. ... Named to NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1950s. ... Suffered a severe leg injury in a game against the Philadelphia Eagles late in the 1959 season which forced him into retirement.
Dermontti Dawson
Center
6-2, 288
1988-2000 Pittsburgh Steelers. ... 13 seasons, 184 games.
Selected by Pittsburgh in second round (44th overall) of 1988 draft. ... Started five of eight games played as a rookie at right guard. ... Missed eight weeks at midseason with knee injury. ... Became starting center in 1989 replacing future Hall of Famer Mike Webster. ... Doubled as team's long snapper, 1988-1993. ... Named Co-AFC Offensive Lineman of the Year (with Richmond Webb) by NFL Players Association, 1993. ... Played in 170 consecutive games before streak ended in 1999 due to hamstring injury. ... His exceptional speed and strength enabled him to do things not typical of a center. ... Named first-team All-Pro six consecutive years (1993-1998). ... Selected to play in seven consecutive Pro Bowls (1993-99). ... Anchor on offensive line that led Steelers to five AFC Central Division championships and one AFC championship.
Chris Doleman
Defensive End/Linebacker
6-5, 270
1985-1993, 1999 Minnesota Vikings, 1994-95 Atlanta Falcons, 1996-98 San Francisco 49ers. ... 15 seasons, 232 games.
Selected by Vikings in first round (fourth overall) in 1985 draft. ... Drafted as linebacker, moved to starting defensive end position final three games of second season. ... Tallied team-high 11 sacks in 198. ... First of six sack titles with Vikings. ... Named All-NFL, All-NFC and voted to first Pro Bowl in 1987 ... Finest season came in 1989, led NFL with 21 sacks, one shy of single-season record at time. ... In 1992, named NFCs Defensive Player of the Year when he recorded 14 1-2 sacks and 64 tackles, returned interception for touchdown, forced six fumbles, recovered three fumbles, and had safety. ... Spent two seasons with Atlanta (1994-95) three with the San Francisco (1996-98). ... Returned to Vikings for final season, 1999. ... His 150 1-2 sacks was NFLs fourth best at time of retirement. ... Tied for third in the NFL Record Book with eight seasons 10 or more sacks. ... Also intercepted eight passes returning two for touchdowns; recorded two safeties; and scored touchdown on a fumble recovery during career. ... Named to eight Pro Bowls; first-team All-Pro in 1987, 1989, 1992 and first-team All-NFC four times. ... A member of the NFLs All-Decade Team of 1990s.
Cortez Kennedy
Defensive Tackle
6-3, 298
1990-2000 Seattle Seahawks. ... 11 seasons, 167 games.
Selected by Seattle in the first round (third overall) of 1990 draft. ... Extremely durable, played in 167 of possible 176 games. ... Injury ended streak of 116 straight games played and club record 100 consecutive games started. ... Named first-team All Rookie by PFWA. ... Voted to a team-record eight Pro Bowls (1992-97, 1999, 2000). ... Named first-team (1992, 1993, 1994) or second-team (1991, 1996) All-Pro five times. ... Named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1992 while playing for a 2-14 team. ... That season led all interior linemen with 14 sacks and career best 92 tackles; had four forced fumbles; recovered fumble and batted down two passes. ... Recorded three career interceptions and scored touchdown on a fumble recovery. ... Recorded 73 tackles, 6½ sacks and two interceptions in 1999 as team captured AFC Western Division title.
Curtis Martin
Running Back
5-11, 207
1995-97 New England Patriots, 1998-2005 New York Jets. ... 11 seasons, 168 games.
New England Patriots third round draft pick (74th overall) of 1995 draft. ... Ran 30 yards on first NFL carry, scored game-winning touchdown and became first Patriots player to rush for 100 yards in pro debut. ... Had rookie-record-tying nine 100-yard games. ... Finished year as AFCs leading rusher; 1,487 yards, 14 touchdowns. ... Named Rookie of the Year, voted to first of five Pro Bowls. ... Joined Hall of Famer Barry Sanders as only runners ever to start careers with 10 straight 1,000-yard seasons. ... Led his team in rushing in each of his 11 seasons. ... Had finest year in 2004. ... Rushed for career-high 1,697 yards winning his lone NFL rushing title. ... Also tied career-high nine games with 100-plus yards rushing. ... Suffered knee injury in final year snapping streak of 119 consecutive starts that kept him from reaching 1,000-yard mark for only time in career. ... First- or second-team All-Pro 1999, 2001, 2004. ... Retired as NFLs fourth all-time leading rusher; 14,101 yards on 3,518 carries, 90 rushing touchdowns ... Rushed for 100-plus yards 57 times ... Caught 484 passes for 3,329 yards and 10 touchdowns. ... His 17,421 combined net yards placed him 10th all-time.
Willie Roaf
Tackle
6-5, 300
1993-2001 New Orleans Saints, 2002-05 Kansas City Chiefs. ... 13 seasons, 189 games.
Selected by New Orleans in first round (eighth overall) of 1993 draft. ... Started all 16 games at right tackle, did not miss offensive snap during first season earning All-Rookie honors ... Following year switched to left tackle and was voted to first of 11 Pro Bowls, named first-team All-Pro, All-NFC, and NFLPAs NFC Offensive Lineman of the Year for first of two consecutive seasons ... Played nine seasons in New Orleans, starting 131 regular season games. ... Also started two playoff games including franchises first-ever postseason win, a 31-28 victory over defending Super Bowl champion St. Louis Rams in 2000 NFC Wild Card Game. ... Knee injury shortened 2001 season to just seven games. ... Traded by the Saints to Chiefs in exchange for a third-round draft pick ... Rebounded from injury to regain form and earned All-Pro honors in three of four seasons with Chiefs. ... Was a key part of Kansas Citys offensive line that helped Chiefs lead NFL in points scored in 2002, 2003 ... Team also led AFC in total yards in 2003 and NFL in 2004, 2005. ... Was named first-team All-Pro seven times (1994-96, 2000, 2003-05), All-NFC six times, and All-AFC three times. ... A member of the NFLs All-Decade Team of the 1990s. Selected to NFL's All-Decade Team 1990s.
Team Capsules
Chiefs in discussions with Daboll to run offense
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Chiefs are in discussions with Brian Daboll to become their new offensive coordinator. Team spokesman Ted Crews told The Associated Press on Saturday that Daboll has not been hired, but the two sides remain in discussions. The former Dolphins offensive coordinator could be introduced as soon as Monday, when Chiefs executives return from the Super Bowl in Indianapolis.
Daboll would take over for Bill Muir, who announced his retirement Wednesday.
Kansas City coach Romeo Crennel had already interviewed candidates for offensive coordinator before Muir's retirement. Others known to have interviewed were quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn and former Raiders offensive coordinator Al Saunders.
Daboll has connections to Crennel and Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli after spending time in New England, where Daboll coached wide receivers and Crennel was defensive coordinator.
Daboll later spent two seasons as the New York Jets' quarterbacks coach before taking over as offensive coordinator in Cleveland. The Browns were last in the NFL in total offense during his first season and 29th in Year 2, after which he departed for Miami.
The Dolphins were 22nd in total offense this season, though there was marked improvement over the second half of the season. Miami also piled up 31 points in a victory over the Chiefs.
Daboll would be taking over a potentially potent offense in Kansas City.
All-Pro running back Jamaal Charles is expected to participate in offseason workouts after missing all but the first two weeks of the season with a knee injury. Tight end Tony Moeaki will also be back after sustaining a similar knee injury during a preseason game.
Quarterback Matt Cassel will also be back after hurting his hand during Week 10.
The Chiefs still managed to play themselves into a position to defend their AFC West title despite struggling on offense. But their playoff hopes were dashed when they managed only 13 points in an overtime loss to Oakland in the penultimate game of the season.
There are still questions surrounding the offense. Top wide receiver Dwayne Bowe is a free agent, though the Chiefs are considering whether to use the franchise tag on him.
Pioli also has promised that there will be competition for Cassel at quarterback. Kyle Orton became a free agent after finishing out the season for Kansas City, which means fifth-round draft pick Ricky Stanzi is the only other quarterback currently under contract.
-- Dave Skretta
Dolphins hire three more assistants
DAVIE, Fla. (AP) — Dolphins coach Joe Philbin has added Ken O'Keefe, Lou Anarumo and Phil McGeoghan to his staff.
O'Keefe was Iowa's offensive coordinator for the past 13 years, and will coach the Dolphins' wide receivers. McGeoghan will be O'Keefe's assistant, after coaching wideouts at South Florida for the last three years. Anarumo most recently had been the defensive backs coach at Purdue, and he will have that same role with the Dolphins.
The moves completed a busy week for the Dolphins, who earlier announced the hirings of George Edwards as linebackers coach and Zac Taylor as assistant quarterbacks coach. Philbin is retaining tight ends coach Dan Campbell, strength coach Darren Krein and special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi from the previous Dolphins staff.
Miami announced its latest coaching moves on Saturday.
Chargers hire Barry as linebackers coach
SAN DIEGO (AP) — The San Diego Chargers have hired Joe Barry as linebackers coach.
Barry spent the last two seasons as linebackers coach at Southern California. Before that, he spent nine seasons as an NFL assistant coach, including seven as a linebackers coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and two as the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. Barry coached for the Buccaneers' 2002 Super Bowl championship team that led the league in total defense and scoring defense. He replaces John Pagano, who was promoted to defensive coordinator.
League Capsules
Ticket sales for NFL's Wembley game suspended
LONDON (AP) — Ticket sales for the NFL's annual game in London have been suspended while the St. Louis Rams try to solve an issue regarding the lease on their stadium.
NFL UK said in a statement on its website that the Rams "have expressed optimism that a resolution is near" and it expects the ticket sales to resume shortly.
"We're going to play the London games," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Friday. "We hope it will be with the Rams and the New England Patriots next year. That's what we planned. ... But there are issues that obviously are going to have to get resolved. We know there are discussions going on. We hope that will get resolved shortly."
The Rams are scheduled to host the Patriots at Wembley on Oct. 28 and have agreed to give up a home game in each of the next three seasons to play in London.
However, that apparently clashes with the team's lease on the Edward Jones Dome, where the Rams play their regular home games.
''The reason for the postponement (of ticket sales) is to allow the Rams and their stadium authority time to finalize the technical amendments to the lease required under the terms of the Rams' commitment to London," NFL UK said.
