NFL Capsules: Vick ‘humbled' by Ed Block Courage Award

BALTIMORE — Inside the banquet hall, a humbled but defiant Michael Vick was honored Tuesday night as one of 32 NFL players to receive the Ed Block Courage Award.

Outside, dozens of protesters expressed dismay over his nomination.

The award is presented to players who exemplify commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. Each NFL team selects their own recipient, and most of the winners were on hand for the gala event Tuesday night.

Vick was picked as the Philadelphia Eagles’ representative by a unanimous vote of his teammates. Once a star quarterback with the Atlanta Falcons, Vick was convicted in 2007 for his role in a dogfighting ring and served 18 months in federal prison.

"I’m very humbled to be here," Vick said before the award ceremony. "I’m blessed to be voted by my peers, to be here, and this is an opportunity that I will take advantage of and cherish forever."

It was the first award he received since being reinstated by the NFL in September 2009.

"It shows I’m making strides," Vick said. "I’m trying to do the right thing."

There were police cars at every driveway of the parking lot, and security inside the building was heavier than usual at the 32nd annual event.

Many of the protesters outside carried signs, one of which said, "No Award For Dog Killers."

Erin Marcus, of Open The Cages Alliance, said, "I don’t think there have been enough time for him to show the proper remorse for what he’s done to animals."

Many of the other 2009 Ed Block Award winners rebounded from serious injuries to excel in 2009, such as New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman, Tennessee Titans center Kevin Mawae and Baltimore Ravens safety Dawan Landry.

Vick, of course, had to bounce back from something entirely different.

"I think I do exemplify what this award stands for," Vick insisted. "I think everybody has the right to their own opinion. But I feel like I’ve done everything that I said I would do, coming out and moving forward. My peers felt like I was doing the right thing, and that I display courage and sportsmanship and leadership. I value their opinion."

Vick did more than just show up to collect a piece of hardware. He spent hours Monday and Tuesday speaking to kids at a community center and at the Baltimore Ravens Courage House, which houses abused children.

"It’s easy to see, when you spend a couple of days with Michael Vick, why his Philadelphia Eagles teammates picked him as the Courage Award winner. It’s been that impressive," Ed Block spokesman Paul Mittermeier said.

Mittermeier said the Eagles will dedicate a Courage House in Philadelphia next year on behalf of Vick.

Vick was signed as a free agent with Philadelphia during the preseason and playing sparingly in 2009 as the backup to Donovan McNabb. The Eagles have exercised their 2010 option on Vick, meaning the quarterback will receive a $1.5 million roster bonus sometime this week, and the rest of his $5.25 million 2010 salary will be paid by either Philadelphia or another NFL franchise.

"The Eagles picking up the roster bonus, it’s a blessing for me, a blessing for my family," Vick said. "As far as I know, I’m a Philadelphia Eagle, and I will carry out the role I’ve been playing. We’ll see what happens. The entire organization knows I want to be a starter."

Off the field, Vick has worked with The Humane Society of the United States, speaking at churches, schools and community groups about the poor judgment he showed in getting involved in dogfighting.

"Michael Vick approached us and said he wanted to be part of the solution instead of the problem," Michael Markarian, executive vice president and CEO of the Humane Society, said before the event. "We asked him if he do volunteer work, go to communities all over the country and talk to at-risk youth and try to steer them away from dogfighting."

Markarian said Vick has told his story in "about a dozen" cities.

"The Humane Society of the United States was the toughest critic of Michael Vick when these allegations first came to light," Markarian said. "But we want to find creative solutions to try to reach kids, particularly young men, who get pitbulls for the wrong reason. They are really moved after they hear Michael Vick’s story, and it turns them away from dogfighting."

Which, to some, explains why Vick received the Ed Block Courage Award.

The award, named after longtime Baltimore Colts trainer Ed Block, was first presented in 1978.

Vikes’ KWilliams takes stand in suit vs NFL

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Vikings All-Pro defensive tackle Kevin Williams testified Tuesday that he was under pressure to lose weight and earn a $400,000 bonus when he took a weight-loss supplement two years ago — a supplement he didn’t know contained a substance banned by the NFL.

The testimony was the first from a player in the closely watched trial deciding whether the NFL’s use of its anti-doping policy broke Minnesota labor law.

Williams said he learned about the StarCaps supplement from a teammate and thought that the over-the-counter drug contained natural substances, which his attorney identified as "papaya and garlic." After undergoing surgery on his left knee in 2006, Williams said he began taking StarCaps at the start of training camp in 2007 to "help me shed a couple extra pounds, for health reasons, keep the coach off my back" and to make his weight bonus.

Williams, whose playing weight is 310 pounds, said his weight will rise to 315 pounds in the offseason. When he’s not at his playing weight, the lineman said Vikings defensive line coach Karl Dunbar makes him "feel real bad."

Williams and teammate Pat Williams have sued the NFL over its anti-doping policy, which resulted in positive tests for both of them during training camp in 2008. Both players tested positive for bumetanide, which can mask steroids, though neither player is accused of taking steroids.

The Williamses, who are not related, are suing the NFL for unspecified damages and attorneys’ fees. The players contend the NFL knew StarCaps contained the banned diuretic — which was not listed as an ingredient on the label — and had an obligation to tell them. Among the issues to be settled at trial is whether the NFL has to follow Minnesota labor law when it comes to drug testing.

At issue is whether the NFL notified both players of their positive tests within a required three days and whether the league leaked test results in violation of confidentiality requirements. The NFL counters that it complied with all Minnesota laws in suspending the Williamses and that there is no evidence the leak came from the league.

Kevin Williams, 29, said he was appealing his four-game suspension and waiting to tell his family about his positive test when "it came across the news." He said he did not tell the media about his test results and was "a little upset" when he heard the report.

Williams said friends asked him "‘Are you taking steroids? What’s the deal?’ All they see is the (words) banned substance flash across the screen."

Speaking softly, Williams said he has never taken steroids, performance-enhancing drugs or substances to mask their use.

Earlier, the medical overseer of the NFL’s anti-steroid policy said other players tested positive for banned diuretics before the Williamses in 2008 but were not punished. Dr. John Lombardo testified that more than six players tested positive for diuretics from 2005 to late 2007.

Attorneys for the Williamses contend the NFL inconsistently applied its anti-doping policy. NFL attorney Dan Nash argued that those questions had already been settled by a federal judge, but Hennepin County Judge Gary Larson reversed himself Tuesday and allowed attorneys for the Williamses to pursue that line of questioning.

Kevin Williams is expected to be cross-examined by NFL attorneys Wednesday. Pat Williams has yet to testify.

-- Jeff Baenen

Steelers reach deals with S Clark, WR Randle El

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers, normally one of the quietest teams in NFL free agency, suddenly are one of the busiest.

The Steelers made a pair of surprise moves by re-signing safety Ryan Clark and bringing back wide receiver Antwaan Randle El on Tuesday — a day after signing two backups who excel on special teams, safety Will Allen from the Buccaneers and wide receiver Arnaz Battle from the 49ers.

There’s more, too: They’re also bringing in offensive tackle Jonathan Scott, who played the last two seasons in Buffalo under new Steelers offensive line coach Sean Kugler. Scott started eight games last season but wasn’t given even the lowest tender offer to stay with the Bills.

Before the free agent signing period began, Steelers director of football operations Kevin Colbert said the offseason priorities were to bring back Clark, nose tackle Casey Hampton and kicker Jeff Reed. They retained all three, re-signing Hampton to a $21.3 million, three-year contract and placing the franchise tag on Reed, which assures him of making $2,814,000 next season.

Clark, who didn’t want to leave Pittsburgh but initially couldn’t work out terms, signed a $14 million, four-year contract only a day after visiting the Miami Dolphins. Clark reopened talks with the Steelers after deciding he preferred to stay in Pittsburgh rather than switch franchises.

Clark had an up and down season as the Steelers went 9-7 and didn’t make the playoffs after winning the Super Bowl during the 2008 season. With star safety Troy Polamalu missing most of the season with two knee injuries, Clark struggled in coverage at times. Displaying a bit of late-season frustration, he criticized Steelers fans for being more demanding than those in other cities.

"Coach (Mike) Tomlin talked with me about being a nomad, a journeymen ... but if I finish my contract here, that’s eight years in the same place, and that’s an accomplishment," Clark said Tuesday. "I didn’t want to leave. My neighbors didn’t want me to leave. They didn’t want to get new neighbors."

Randle El is coming back four seasons after leaving Pittsburgh to sign a $31 million, seven-year deal with the Redskins. He was released despite being Washington’s second-leading receiver last season with 50 catches, although none were for touchdowns.

Randle El, who threw a TD pass to Hines Ward on a gadget play during the Steelers’ Super Bowl win over Seattle in February 2006, agreed to a three-year deal. The Steelers drafted him in the second round in 2002, but he left for Washington as a free agent after the 2005 season.

Bringing back Randle El — and signing Battle — suggests the Steelers may not be counting on former second-round draft pick Limas Sweed next season. He was taken off the active roster late last season for reasons not fully explained by the Steelers, who still haven’t commented on the move. Sweed met with team officials on Tuesday.

Randle El expects to be the Steelers’ No. 3 receiver, although he could be pressed for that job by second-year receiver Mike Wallace, who had six touchdowns among his 39 catches as a rookie.

"We talked about being the No. 3 receiver," Randle El said. "I’m focused on being the No. 3 receiver, and that’s what I want to be. Certainly, If Hines or Santonio (Holmes) goes down, of course, being (lined up) outside. ... It’s a great situation. I have some history here."

Despite being a disappointment in Washington, Randle El caught at least 50 passes each of the last three seasons; the most receptions he had with Pittsburgh were 47 as a rookie in 2002.

Allen, who lost his starting job in Tampa Bay, and Battle, whose playing time at wide receiver was reduced in San Francisco, should upgrade the Steelers’ deficient special teams. Their four kickoff return touchdowns allowed last season led the NFL.

"That’s what I’m good at, that’s what they saw in me," Allen said. "I’m a good safety and a good special teams player."

Allen is a former Bucs special teams captain but missed half of last season with a thumb injury.

Battle played in San Francisco under new Steelers special teams coach Al Everest. He could make as much as $3.9 million in three seasons; Allen’s deal would pay him as much as $4.4 million if he plays three seasons for Pittsburgh.

Before the free agency period began, the Steelers declined to tender offers to fullback Carey Davis and former starting right guard Darnell Stapleton.

-- Alan Robinson

Fujita embraces Cleveland’s turnaround mission

Scott Fujita knows all about what’s possible in the NFL.

In 2006, against the advice of friends and loved ones, he chose to join a New Orleans Saints team coming off a 3-13 campaign and playing home games in a disaster-stricken city under a rookie coach.

Four years later, Fujita was starring in a commemorative video released this week chronicling the Saints’ uplifting run to the first championship in the franchise’s 43-year history.

"I’ve always enjoyed the process of trying to turn teams around," Fujita said by phone from his offseason home near Monterey, Calif. "We did that in New Orleans and I’m so excited about the opportunity to try to do that again."

On Sunday, Fujita agreed to a three-year, $14 million free-agent contract with the Cleveland Browns, with $8 million guaranteed.

Fujita, who’ll be 31 next season, said he wasn’t looking to leave New Orleans, a city for which he’s repeatedly professed his affection.

Rather, he was courted by the Browns, who offered a generous contract, a more central role in their defense than he had in New Orleans — and the chance to be part of another uplifting story in a place that could use more of them.

"It’s obviously tough leaving because everyone knows how much we love New Orleans. ... My affection for the city will never change," Fujita said. "Realistically, making this decision wasn’t all that difficult because the Saints made the decision easy for me. They didn’t put forth too much effort and I understand that completely.

"They have a lot of young guys now that they need to start paying some money to and that’s just part of the business," he continued. "The Browns had a demand and I think they see a good role for me to come in and help turn that team around."

For Fujita, New Orleans’ recovery from Hurricane Katrina was something to experience rather than avoid. Even as he returns to grab some things from his residence in New Orleans’ warehouse district in the next few weeks, he’ll be continuing his community service efforts on behalf of the city. Fujita said he’ll be donating half of his $83,000 player’s share from the Super Bowl to two charities, one in Haiti and one in Louisiana that is dedicated to coastal restoration.

He also plans to appear in public service announcements promoting coastal restoration efforts, which are critical to south Louisiana’s defense against tidal surges caused by hurricanes.

"We love New Orleans whether we were going to be there or not, so we wanted to help any way we can to protect the city," Fujita said. "We plan on keeping a home there, and when I’m there, I’m there to serve."

Cleveland fans can look forward to Fujita taking a similar approach in their city.

Fujita is well aware of the economic hardship that has hit Cleveland and double-digit unemployment rates across much of Ohio.

"I do know the city to a certain extent is suffering right now," Fujita said. "Unemployment is really high and I know they’re craving to have football be big again. You always hear about Cleveland fans. It’s a storied franchise, a lot of championships back in the day. And they want great football again."

In some ways, Fujita is coming into a situation in Cleveland that was more promising than the one he first joined in New Orleans. Although the Browns went 5-11 last season, they appeared to be moving in the right direction when they closed the season with four straight wins. When Mike Holmgren was hired as team president, he saw enough evidence of improvement to retain head coach Eric Mangini.

Fujita also has a history with Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, who was a linebackers coach with the Patriots when Fujita entered the league in 2002. Fujita expected to be drafted by the Patriots, but Kansas City took him in the fifth round. While with Oakland in 2006, Ryan made another push for Fujita, who chose New Orleans instead.

"Now it’s a chance for me to go and work with (Ryan), a guy I’ve respected for a long time," Fujita said.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees said Fujita will be missed in New Orleans, where he was considered "a great leader, a great locker room guy."

"When we talk about our core guys, it was the guys there from that 2006 team," Brees said.

Fujita will miss out on the Saints’ quest to repeat as champions. Instead, barring an unforeseen setback, he’ll be lining up against Brees in the Louisiana Superdome when the Browns visit the Saints next season.

"To not be a part of that repeat challenge, am I saddened by it? I kind of expected to be there and be able to help with that," Fujita said. "But now I’m on to the same mission, which is to win a championship and try to bring that to Cleveland."

-- Brett Martel

Browns release former Pro Bowl QB Derek Anderson

CLEVELAND — Quarterback Derek Anderson’s uneven five-year stint with the Cleveland Browns is over.

The team released the one-time Pro Bowl quarterback Tuesday, one day after the Browns acquired backup Seneca Wallace in a trade from Seattle.

Anderson made the Pro Bowl in 2007 when he threw 29 touchdown passes and led the club to a 10-6 record. However, his promising career has been in a tailspin ever since. He lost his starting job to Brady Quinn at the start of last season, got it back, lost it again, returned to the starting lineup when Quinn got hurt, and won Cleveland’s last two games.

The 26-year-old Anderson spent five seasons with Cleveland, which claimed him off waivers from Baltimore in 2005. Anderson was due a $2 million roster bonus March 19 and his salary was set for $7.45 million in 2010, financial burdens that factored heavily into the Browns’ decision to dump him.

"I want to thank Derek for everything that he gave to the Cleveland Browns organization over the last five years," coach Eric Mangini said in a statement. "He did everything we asked of him and it was a pleasure to coach such a competitive person. I want to wish him all the best in the future."

Anderson passed for 3,787 yards in 2007, tossing 17 of his 29 TD passes to wide receiver Braylon Edwards, whom Cleveland last season traded to the New York Jets. Blessed with one of the NFL’s strongest arms, Anderson was never able to duplicate the success he attained in ‘07.

In seven starts last season, Anderson completed just 81 of 182 passes (45 percent) for 888 yards with three TDs and 10 interceptions. On a windy Oct. 11 in Buffalo, Anderson went only 2-of-17 for 23 yards, but the Browns managed to eek out a 6-3 win over the Bills.

Anderson’s rating was an abysmal 42.1 and the Browns went 3-4 with him in the starting lineup. But despite his struggles and constant criticism from Cleveland fans who preferred Quinn, Anderson never complained and remained one of the team’s leaders.

After Quinn sustained a season-ending foot injury on Dec. 20, Anderson started and won Cleveland’s final two games as the Browns finished with a four-game winning streak — a spurt that likely saved Mangini’s job.

Anderson will likely catch on with another team quickly. He’s 6-foot-6, he’s young and he’s got one of those rare rifle arms that make NFL GMs drool. He’s also got experience with 34 career starts.

As for the Browns, it’s still unclear which direction they’ll go at quarterback. Quinn hasn’t lived up to expectations and Wallace, who worked with Cleveland president Mike Holmgren with the Seahawks, has nice all-around skills but doesn’t appear to be the future. Holmgren said last week that the team was actively looking for a quarterback but did not specify if that meant in free agency or via trade.

The Browns also have 11 picks in April’s draft, and it’s possible the club could use a high one to groom a starter.

-- Tom Withers

Free agent Terrell Owens will meet with Bengals

CINCINNATI — Terrell Owens headed to Cincinnati on Tuesday to see if the Bengals are interested in adding him to their stalled-out passing game.

The 36-year-old receiver tweeted on Tuesday that he was on his way to meet with team officials. Receiver Chad Ochocinco has been lobbying for the Bengals to sign Owens since the end of last season, when the Bengals’ passing game lacked a deep threat.

"En route (at) Natti land!!" Owens tweeted. "i’ll let u guys know how the mtg went! Cn’t go 2 bad considering the pursuit of tht Lombardi shiny thing!!"

The Bengals went 10-6 and won the AFC North last season by relying on their defense and their running game. They lost to the New York Jets in their first playoff game since 2005, struggling to move the ball.

Cincinnati needs at least one proven receiver after releasing Laveranues Coles, who lasted only one season with the Bengals. Receiver Matt Jones, who was out of the NFL last season after Jacksonville released him for off-field problems, has signed a one-year deal with the Bengals.

It’s unclear whether they have much interest in Owens, whose production declined each of the last two seasons with Dallas and Buffalo. Former Tampa Bay receiver Antonio Bryant was in Cincinnati on Tuesday.

Owens, a six-time Pro Bowl receiver, had 69 catches for 1,052 yards and 10 touchdowns with Dallas in 2008, and dropped off to 55 catches for 829 yards with five touchdowns last season in Buffalo.

Owens and Ochocinco are represented by agent Drew Rosenhaus, who didn’t return a phone message Tuesday. Rosenhaus told Sirius NFL Radio on Friday night that he had talked to the Bengals about Owens, but wasn’t sure where the team was headed.

Bryant had career highs with 83 catches for 1,248 yards and seven touchdowns in 2008 with Tampa Bay. He needed surgery for torn cartilage in his left knee during training camp last year, and was bothered by pain in the knee all season. He finished with 39 catches for 600 yards and four touchdowns.

Cincinnati’s passing offense finished 26th in the league last season even though Carson Palmer was back from an elbow injury. The Bengals didn’t have a reliable third-down receiver — T.J. Houshmandzadeh left as a free agent for Seattle before last season — and Coles failed to blend into the offense.

The Bengals also lacked a deep threat after Chris Henry got hurt. Henry later died in a fall from a truck during a domestic dispute.

Getting a receiver and a tight end are among the team’s top priorities in free agency and the draft.

-- Joe Kay

Bills DE Schobel still undecided on retirement

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Aaron Schobel is in no rush to collect his $2 million roster bonus because the Buffalo Bills defensive end still hasn’t decided on whether he’ll come back for a 10th NFL season.

The two-time Pro Bowl selection was due to be paid the roster bonus on Tuesday. Schobel remains a member of the Bills, but the payment remains on hold because there’s a provision in his contract that he must first pass a physical.

That’s fine with Schobel, who told The Associated Press by phone on Tuesday that he’s not willing to take the physical until he’s made up his mind on whether or not to continue playing.

"I’m in no hurry to get up there and take the physical," Schobel said. "I’m not stressing over the money."

Schobel failed his end-of-year physical in January because of an elbow injury that bothered him for most of last season. He’s since had surgery to repair the damage.

As for his future, Schobel said, "We’ll wait and see. I’m not ready to make a decision either way."

The Bills previously have left the door open for Schobel’s return.

"The ball is in his court," general manager Buddy Nix was quoted as saying on the team’s Web site last month. "If he wants to play, we certainly want him back. If he wants to retire, we wish him the best."

Schobel would likely continue playing at the defensive end position as Buffalo changes its defense to a 3-4 scheme under new coach Chan Gailey.

Schobel, whose 78 career sacks rank second on the Bills list, has four years left on a $50.5 million contract extension he signed before the 2007 season.

Schobel, however, has been willing to forego the remainder of his deal since the start of last season, when he first began entertaining thoughts of retiring.

At 32, Schobel said age, his performance and enjoying a healthy life after football will all weigh into his decision. Another issue is his three children, who he wants to have grow up in his native Texas and be close to his family.

Schobel has put his Buffalo-area home up for sale and permanently relocated his family to Texas. Should he return to play, Schobel intends to rent in Buffalo.

He’s ruled out the possibility of being traded, saying he’ll either play for the Bills or retire.

After missing 11 games with a foot injury in 2008, Schobel bounced back last year to lead the Bills with 10 sacks — the most he’s had since registering a career-best 14 in 2006.

Buffalo’s second-round pick in the 2001 draft, he’s tied with punter Brian Moorman as the current team’s longest-tenured player.

-- John Wawrow

From Peyton to Eli: Giants sign backup QB Sorgi

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — After six years backing up Peyton Manning in Indianapolis, Jim Sorgi will get a chance to do the same for Peyton’s brother Eli.

The New York Giants announced Tuesday that they have signed Sorgi to a one-year deal. Terms were not disclosed.

Sorgi will compete with second-year man Rhett Bomar for the Giants’ backup quarterback job.

The 6-foot-5, 196-pound quarterback was the Colts’ sixth-round draft choice in 2004.

He has appeared in 16 NFL games, completing 99 of 156 pass attempts for 929 yards with six touchdowns and one interception. He played in only one game in 2009 and was placed on injured reserve in December with shoulder tendinitis.

Sorgi worked out for the Giants on Monday and said his shoulder felt fine.

"Both are elite players," Sorgi said of the Mannings. "I had a great time working with Peyton, and I learned a lot, obviously. The experience was invaluable as far as my development as a professional. I hate to see my time in Indianapolis come to an end, but I am as excited about working with Eli as I am sad about leaving Peyton, and I look forward to working with Eli and helping him any way I can."

The signing of Sorgi comes a day after it was reported that David Carr agreed to terms with the San Francisco 49ers. Carr had been Eli Manning’s backup for the last two seasons.

"Jim demonstrated in the meeting room with our coaches that he is very sharp and a very good student of the game, which you would expect after spending six years backing up Peyton," Giants coach Tom Coughlin said. "He is used to spending the amount of time that is necessary in preparation. He was involved in the study and preparation and everything that Peyton does, so he will be outstanding in the meeting room with Eli."

Sorgi appeared in a career-high five games as a reserve in 2005 and posted career-best totals with 42 completions on 61 attempts for 444 yards, three touchdowns and one interception for a 99.4 rating. Sorgi’s career long completion is a 71-yard touchdown pass to Reggie Wayne as a rookie in 2004.

Chiefs sign free agent RB Thomas Jones

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs’ running game just got a big boost.

The Chiefs signed free agent running back Thomas Jones, who led the New York Jets to the AFC championship game last season and was the NFL’s third-leading rusher.

The team announced the deal Tuesday, but declined to disclose the terms.

Jones had career highs of 1,402 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, a year after being selected for the Pro Bowl following a season in which he ran for 1,312 yards and 13 touchdowns.

The 31-year-old Jones is expected to complement third-year running back Jamaal Charles, who was Kansas City’s MVP last season with 1,120 yards rushing and seven touchdowns.

Despite Jones rushing for 1,000 or more yards for the fifth straight season, the Jets cut ties with him when free agency began last Friday. He was due a $3 million roster bonus on top of a $2.8 million base salary this season, and Jones and the Jets failed to reach a compromise on restructuring his contract. The team wanted him to take a pay cut, and Jones declined.

Jones sat out voluntary activities last offseason while trying unsuccessfully to renegotiate his deal, which was front-loaded over the first two seasons. He made only $900,000 in base salary last season, but didn’t allow it to affect his play.

Jones was a major reason the Jets ranked first in the league with 172.2 yards rushing per game, and helped New York within a game of the Super Bowl. He appeared to tire down the stretch as rookie Shonn Greene got the bulk of the carries, but Jones has said he feels he can play another four or five seasons because of the terrific shape he keeps himself in.

He was drafted seventh overall in 2000 by the Arizona Cardinals. He was traded to Tampa Bay in 2003, went to Chicago the following year as a free agent and was traded to the Jets in 2007.

Jones ranks second only to LaDainian Tomlinson, also a free agent, in yards rushing since 2005. Jones ranks 28th on the career list with 9,217 yards, 190 behind Earl Campbell.

Broncos sign DLs Green, Williams

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Denver Broncos continued beefing up their defensive line, signing unrestricted free agents Jamal Williams and Jarvis Green on Tuesday.

Williams, a 12-year veteran, was the run-stuffing anchor of the San Diego Chargers’ defensive line. He injured an arm in last season’s opener and missed the rest of the year. The 6-foot-3, 348-pound Williams will turn 34 next month and also has a history of knee injuries.

He was released by the Chargers last Thursday before the free agency period began.

Williams was one of just two players left from Bobby Beathard’s tenure as Chargers general manager. Beathard, who retired in 2000, picked Williams in the second round of the 1998 supplemental draft.

Green is well versed in the 3-4 defensive alignment that coach Josh McDaniels implemented in Denver last year after being hired away from Bill Belichick’s Patriots staff.

The 6-3, 285-pound Green spent his first eight NFL seasons in New England.

Last season, Green had 47 tackles in 13 games, including 12 starts.

He has 325 tackles and 28 sacks in 121 games since the Patriots drafted him in the fourth round out of LSU in 2002. He also has 36 tackles and five sacks in 15 playoff games.

Vikings sign kickoff specialist Rhys Lloyd

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings have signed kickoff specialist Rhys Lloyd to a two-year contract.

The deal was announced by the Vikings on Tuesday. It includes a signing bonus, but agent Frank Murtha declined to specify the amount.

Lloyd handled kickoffs for the Carolina Panthers the last two seasons, leading the NFL with 30 touchbacks in 2008. He had 21 touchbacks last year, tied for fourth-most in the league.

Ryan Longwell remains the regular kicker for the Vikings. He was second in the NFL in field-goal percentage, but had only five touchbacks last year, 23rd in the league.

Lloyd played at Eastview High School in the Twin Cities area and two seasons at Rochester Community and Technical College before transferring to the University of Minnesota. Lloyd’s 101 points for the Gophers in 2003 are the fifth-most in program history for a single season.

Bears release RB Kevin Jones

CHICAGO — Injury-plagued running back Kevin Jones has been released by the Chicago Bears.

The Bears let Jones go Tuesday after signing running back Chester Taylor away from Minnesota last Friday, when they also lured Pro Bowl defensive end Julius Peppers from Carolina and blocking tight end Brandon Manumaleuna from San Diego.

Jones missed last season after tearing ligaments in his left ankle in the preseason finale against Cleveland. He appeared in 11 games and ran for 109 yards with Chicago in 2008 while trying to come back from foot and knee injuries that plagued him the previous two years in Detroit.

He missed the final three games of the 2006 season and the first two of 2007 because of a foot injury. Then he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee late that season.

NT Ferguson re-signed by Dolphins

MIAMI — Nose tackle Jason Ferguson has been re-signed by the Miami Dolphins, even though he faces a suspension for the first eight games of this season.

The Dolphins announced the signing Tuesday in a news release that made no reference to Ferguson’s suspension last week for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.

At 35, Ferguson improves the Dolphins’ roster depth, but they remain in the market for a starter at the position.

Ferguson, acquired by Miami in a trade with Dallas in 2008, has 128 career starts. He was sidelined by a season-ending quadriceps injury in November that required surgery and has contemplated retirement.

Reports: LB Witherspoon agrees to 3-year deal

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans have agreed to terms on a three-year, $11 million deal with linebacker Will Witherspoon, according to reports.

The team confirmed that the 29-year-old Witherspoon visited the team Tuesday. The Tennessean and The (Nashville) City Paper reported on their Web sites Tuesday night that they had reached the team’s first deal of free agency.

Witherspoon was released by the Philadelphia Eagles last week after being acquired from St. Louis in a trade last October.

Neither the Titans nor Witherspoon’s agent, Tom Condon, immediately returned messages left by The Associated Press.

The eight-year veteran played 17 games last season, the last 12 for the Eagles.

Patriots re-sign longtime offensive lineman Neal

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots have re-signed longtime starting offensive lineman Stephen Neal.

The team did not disclose terms of the deal, which was announced Tuesday.

The 6-foot-2, 305 pound Neal was drafted by the Patriots in 2001 out of Cal State-Bakersfield, where he was a championship wrestler and didn’t play football.

The Patriots waived him, then re-signed him in December 2001. By 2004, he was starting at right guard.

In 2008, Neal started the final nine games on a Patriots team that set rushing records in yards, touchdowns and yards per carry.

Last season, he was part of a line that allowed 18 sacks, the team’s fewest since the league switched to a 16-game schedule in 1978.

Vikings, CB Benny Sapp agree to contract

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — The Minnesota Vikings and cornerback Benny Sapp have agreed to terms on a new contract.

The deal to bring back Sapp was announced Tuesday.

Sapp started a total of seven games last season while filling in for injured starter Antoine Winfield, totaling 25 tackles, two passes defensed and two forced fumbles during a particularly strong six-game stretch. He finished the regular season with 55 tackles, the most in his NFL seasons.

Sapp served the rest of the season as the nickel back, and his presence this year will be important since Winfield and fellow starter Cedric Griffin are coming off injuries.

Sapp first signed with the Vikings in 2008 as an unrestricted free agent.

Colts claim DE Skolnitsky off waivers

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Colts have claimed defensive end J.D. Skolnitsky off waivers from the Washington Redskins.

Skolnitsky was on the Redskins’ practice squad last season after being signed as an undrafted free agent. The team announced the move Tuesday.

The 6-foot-5, 255-pound defensive end played at James Madison and fits the Colts’ model for defensive linemen: undersized and quick.

Packers sign WR Charles Dillon

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Green Bay Packers have signed wide receiver Charles Dillon, a first-year player who spent time in Indianapolis’ training camp in 2008.

Dillon, a wide receiver and kick returner at Washington State, spent last season with the Spokane Shock of the af2 arena league.

Elsewhere

Jury gets case in Williams’ slaying

DENVER — A man accused of firing the shots that killed Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams lived in a gang culture where an insult following a confrontation in a nightclub proved to be enough to send him into a murderous rage, prosecutors said Tuesday.

"He wouldn’t take a fist fight he can’t win, but he’d take a gun fight he can’t lose," Chief Deputy District Attorney Bruce Levin said of Willie Clark during closing statements in the 26-year-old’s trial.

Clark faces 21 charges, including first-degree murder, attempted murder and assault in the New Year’s Day 2007 shooting. Two others were injured in the shooting that killed Williams, a rising star in the NFL in late 2006. Jurors were to begin deliberations Wednesday morning.

Clark’s attorney, Abraham Hutt, said the evidence presented during the trial pointed to Clark not being in a white SUV from which more than a dozen gunshots were fired into the rented Hummer limousine carrying Williams and other football players.

"This is what this is about: Willie Clark is a scapegoat," Hutt told jurors, pointing to deals cut by prosecutors that reduced prison sentences for five witnesses by a total of 188 years in exchange for testimony.

Hutt said the prosecution’s star witness, Daniel "Ponytail" Harris, had faced a life sentence for a drug charge but will be released within two years. Harris testified that he saw Clark fire the shots.

Prosecutors say Williams and the others in the limousine had just left a nightclub where they got into an altercation with a group that included Clark, a suspected gang member.

The altercation started when a member of Williams’ group sprayed champagne on New Year’s partiers, prosecutors said.

But Chief Deputy District Attorney Timothy Twining said testimony during the trial showed Clark was out for a fight, walking around a house earlier that night in a bulletproof vest, waving a gun, then confronting Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall outside a nightclub as the Broncos’ entourage was waved through the VIP entrance.

"We street. ... We got money, too," Twining quoted Clark as telling Marshall outside the club. "The thing about the champagne? It’s a so what."

During a confrontation on the sidewalk outside the club after closing time, Marshall went up Clark with his hands up and may have hit Clark on the head, sending Clark into a murderous rage, Twining said.

"It was this man, who indiscriminately, with universal maliciousness ... took it upon himself to unload his .40-caliber handgun into that limousine full of innocent people," Twining said of Clark.

-- P Solomon Banda

Lawyers: Respect Roethlisberger accuser’s privacy

ATLANTA — Attorneys for the woman who accuses Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger of sexual assault said that she did the right thing by going to police and asked for privacy in a statement Tuesday.

Atlanta-based Attorneys Lee Parks and David Walbert said in the statement released to several media outlets that woman is assisting police. They said they were hired to advise the woman and her family while police investigate the allegations.

The 20-year-old told police that the two-time Super Bowl winner, who had been out barhopping with friends, assaulted her early Friday at a nightclub in Milledgeville, Ga. Roethlisberger has not been charged.

"Their daughter has done the right thing and reported this matter to the police," reads the statement released by the attorneys’ Atlanta law firm, Parks, Chesin & Walbert. "She has been, and will be, available to the authorities to assist them in the criminal investigation. While the matter is under investigation, we ask you to respect her privacy, keep her name out of the press and allow the family space and time to heal."

Ed Garland, an attorney for Roethlisberger, has said the quarterback is innocent of any crime.

"The facts show that there was no criminal activity. No sexual assault occurred," attorney Garland said in a statement Monday.

Milledgeville police have said they expect to interview Roethlisberger in the next several days and are planning to take a DNA sample from him.

Roethlisberger, who owns a home about 30 miles north of Milledgeville on Lake Oconee, is also being sued by a woman who claims he raped her in 2008 at a hotel-casino in Lake Tahoe hotel and casino, an allegation he strongly denies.

Parks and Walbert didn’t return calls and e-mails from The Associated Press.

Dallas-area boy to trigger Texas Stadium implosion

DALLAS — An 11-year-old Dallas-area boy will trigger the implosion of Texas Stadium.

Casey Rogers, a sixth-grader from Terrell, got the honor by winning a Kraft Foods essay contest for kids who have made a difference in their communities. The implosion is scheduled for April 11.

Rogers, a former foster child who was adopted when he was 1, founded the charity Casey’s Heart to help the homeless in downtown Dallas. The charity is a ministry of a Garland church where his father is senior pastor.

The longtime Dallas Cowboys fan tells The Dallas Morning News he remembers playing at Texas Stadium as a 6-year-old on a flag football team.

Terrell is about 30 miles east of Dallas.

Robert De Niro set to play Vince Lombardi in movie

BRISTOL, Conn. — Robert De Niro is set to play Vince Lombardi in an upcoming movie.

ESPN announced Tuesday that the Academy Award-winning actor has agreed to play the Hall of Fame coach in the film it is developing with Andell Entertainment and the NFL.

"Lombardi" will chronicle the years in which he transformed the Green Bay Packers from the NFL’s worst team to league champions. It is tentatively scheduled to be released in 2012 during the weekend between the conference championship games and the Super Bowl.

Screenwriter Eric Roth, who won an Oscar for "Forrest Gump," has also signed on to the project. De Niro’s Tribeca Productions will join the producing group. A director has yet to be chosen.