05/24/01
[Philadelphia Eagles] Fourth-round draft pick Correll Buckhalter signed a 3-year, 1.17M deal with Philadelphia which makes him the first Husker 2001 Draft Pick to sign with their team. The deal includes a signing bonus worth about $275,000.
[Washington Redskins] Former Redskins WR Irving Fryar has decided to retire: "I won't be there next year," Fryar said in a telephone interview. "I just want to leave quietly. I wasn't intending to make an announcement." The Redskins cut Fryar earlier this year but there were rumors that he might have returned for the 2001. (Washington Post)
The Washington Post reports that Irving Fryar will retire despite an offer from the Redskins to return.
05/18/01
[New York Jets] Jason Wiltz, entering his third season, is the best of an extremely thin crop of backups. He has good size and some movement skills, but his contributions have been few and far between. Nevertheless, Wiltz is being counted on to be part of the defensive-line rotation.
[San Diego Chargers] John Parrella, the Chargers' other fine defensive tackle, also could be an unrestricted free agent next year. But word is that Parrella soon may sign an extension, which would clear some salary cap room for rookie signings. Getting both his tackles re-signed would make (Chargers' GM) John Butler's job a whole lot easier next year. DT Jamel Williams and Parrella were to be the team's most important free agents. They are very difficult to block and they don't stay blocked. Together, they form one of the better run-stopping interiors in the NFL. Williams and Parrella are strong and mobile and have motors. They have been better run-stoppers than pass rushers, but they haven't benefited greatly by the lack of an outside pass rush in recent years either. That could change this season.
05/11/01
[San Diego Chargers] MLB Carlos Polk, drafted in the 3rd round out of Nebraska, and S Robert Carswell, taken in the 7th round out of Clemson, were impressive athletes. Polk has starting middle linebacker Orlando Ruff looking over his shoulder. "He handles himself like a middle linebacker," Coach Riley said. "Polk and Carswell will play a factor this year."
[Carolina Panthers] DE Jason Peter is optimistic that this will be the year he can make an impact. Peter sat out a recent minicamp because he still is recovering from surgery for a neck problem that has bothered him throughout his career. But Peter said he should be 100 percent by training camp. Peter has played well when healthy, but that hasn't been very often. The team plans to go with Jay Williams as the starter on the left side. Peter, if healthy, could rotate in and be a productive pass rusher.
[af2] "This is the best crowd we have had yet, it was awesome. I just want to do whatever I can to get them in the game," Matt Baldwin when asked about his very animated performance against Lincoln. The former Nebraska Cornhusker was constantly dancing for fans and giving the front two row high fives during the contest. (WichitaStealth.com)
05/04/01
Scott Frost roasted at banquet.
[Green Bay Packers] Green stays put, signing his tender
[Kansas City Chiefs] One veteran that may be making a bid to save his job is Eric Warfield. He was impressive in mini cap and Vermeil was impressed with him. Vermeil said he has the athletic ability, but just needs to build to confidence back that was lost last year. He will be needed in a defensive backfield that is short on any sort of veteran leadership especially with new acquisition Ray Crockett nursing a sore hamstring.
[Indianapolis Colts] When the team wasn't able to select one of the top DT prospects in the draft, it turned to the veteran free-agent market. Enter Christian Peter, who spent the past four seasons with the New York Giants. The Colts are banking on him making a difference in a run defense that a year ago allowed 120.9 yards per game and 4.3 yards per attempt and yielded a staggering 258 yards in an overtime playoff loss at Miami. Peter never has offered much in the way of an inside pass rush, but has been stout against the run. He said he weighed 285 pounds when he reported to the team after signing a two-year, $2.55 million contract, but expected to bulk up to 300 pounds for the regular season. And inside bulk is one thing that's been missing. Peter worked with the No. 2 unit during minicamp, but look for him to be positioned alongside Johnson when the regular season opens. (TSN)
[Oakland Raiders] With the drafting of Gibson and Perryman, the team switched safeties Eric "Crazy" Johnson and Brandon Jennings to cornerback.
04/30/01
[Green Bay Packers] Ahman Green has a lock on the Packers' starting running back job right now. He lost a few pounds from last season and is in great shape. With Dorsey Levens unable to work for extended periods of time without his knee aching, Green is the clear No. 1. (TSN)
Fantasy Spin: That should be all you need to know about this situation. Trust us: There will be no Green Bay running back controversy.
04/29/01
[Green Bay Packers] Ahman Green Packers Minicamp: RealAudio
The Journal Sentinel's Bob McGinn reports Ahman Green has the early edge over Dorsey Levens at RB. Levens still can't work without developing soreness in his right knee that required arthroscopic surgery almost six months ago. Coach Mike Sherman said Green has looked "excellent."
04/28/01
[Carolina Panthers] Carolina Panthers DE Jason Peter's neck isn't causing him problems, for the first time since late in the 1998 season. "I'm feeling great," Peter said. "I finally feel like I have some relief in my neck and that was the main problem." Peter is not taking part in drills at the team's mini-camp, but he has been working on conditioning on the sidelines and hopes to take part in the voluntary coaching sessions in June. (Charlotte Observer)
Jason Peter, who underwent neck surgery that threatened to possibly end his career last December, will be able to return to the team next season. "Jason is doing well in his rehab," Seifert said. "I think the jury is still out, but again, I'm hearing optimistic reports." (Winston-Salem Journal)
[Oakland Raiders] Oakland Raiders coach Jon Gruden said LB Eric Johnson who also played on special teams last season, will get some snaps at cornerback in mini-camp. (San Francisco Chronicle)
04/25/01
[Washington Redskins] Washington Redskins coach Marty Schottenheimer met with WR Irving Fryar, released earlier this off-season, about returning to the team. Fryar is scheduled to broadcast some NFL Europe games and will have to decide whether to pursue announcing or playing. The Redskins will need to decide if Fryar fits in with their WR mix. The Redskins could use Fryar's veteran leadership. (KFFL, The Washington Post)
04/23/01
[Indianapolis Colts] The Colts signed Giants veteran defensive tackle Christian Peter to a two-year, $2.55 million contract and it saved him from a bad situation.
For weeks, the Browns and Giants have been fighting over Giants charges that they tampered with Peter before he was a free agent. The Giants even filed a complaint with the league that probably won't result in any disciplinary action. What Peter wants is to have the Giants leave the issue alone. He wants to join the Colts and have the experience behind him.
(ESPN- Jon Clayton)
[Arizona Cardinals] Bobby Newcombe fills the need Arizona had at punt returner after it cut Mac Cody. Newcombe could make an immediate impact there. He's a dynamic open-field runner who can contribute on special teams while he works on his receiving skills. He's a couple years away from being a third wideout. (Sporting News)
[Philadelphia Eagles] Correll Buckhalter, a fourth-round pick, was a backup in college and likely will serve the same role with the Eagles. Buckhalter is a good all-around back who can block and catch but might take time to develop. (Sporting News)
Fantasy Spin: He could see time if Duce Staley's struggles, but don't count on much.
[Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Hochstein headed to Tampa Bay
[Indianapolis Colts] Colts come to terms with Giants DT Christian Peter
04/22/01
[NFL Draft] Five Huskers picked in day two of draft.
Seven Huskers picked in NFL Draft.
04/21/01
[NFL Draft] Injuries, illness hurt Kaiser.
04/12/01
[NFL Draft] A Friend Indeed: He's so handsome, Hollywood producers have contacted him about the movies. He already has his degree in exercise science. He sings in musicals to raise money for charity. He listens to Frank Sinatra. He has mulled over a career in medicine.
Yes, so far in life, Heisman Trophy-winning Nebraska quarterback Eric Crouch has made his mother Susan proud. But perhaps the one thing that has pleased her most was Eric's actions in grade school. As a popular athlete, Eric would befriend the students others teased. "I talk to them, become friends with them," he told his mother, "and they don't get picked on anymore." (from StLouisRams.com)
03/21/01
[Green Bay Packers] Steve Warren Packers Minicamp: RealAudio
03/20/01
[Poll] What will happen to LP this time?
A) One of the best players in the AFL - 17%; B) AFL MVP (like he did in the NFLE) - 25%; C) Will have a good season but nothing special - 8%; D) He'll get into non-football trouble - 8%; E) Will not perform well in the AFL - 0%; F) Who? - 8%; G) I don't care anymore - 33%; or H) He'll quit the team before he even gets started (not an origional choice, but the right one)
03/19/01
[AFL] Phillips absent from Bobcats camp; family reasons.
03/13/01
[Detroit Lions] New Lion Stai eager for an extended stay.
[AFL] Ex-Dolphin Phillips signs with Bobcats.
03/10/01
[Detroit Lions] Lions sign guard Stai, 310 pounds
03/06/01
[NFL Draft] Worked out for NFL scouts at Nebraska's "Pro Day" which is intended mostly for Husker seniors such as Davison, Raiola, Polk, etc.
[XFL] San Francisco Demons aquire S Toby Wright in trade with Las Vegas.
03/05/01
[Kansas City Chiefs] Dick Vermeil on Free Agent CB Eric Warfield: "I feel good about Eric Warfield. I don't think he's been given a good enough opportunity to prove whether he can play or not. I think he can."
[Carolina Panthers] Mike Minter agrees to terms with Panthers.
03/04/01
[Carolina Panthers] Agreed to a 5-year, $17M contract ($4M signing bonus) with Carolina.
03/01/01
[Kansas City Chiefs] Will Shields, Chiefs agree to new deal.
Shields feels effects of Chiefs' changes.
02/27/01
[Olympics] Rulon Gardner on The Dan Patrick Show
[St. Louis Rams] "The only defensive starters sure to return in 2001 are middle linebacker London Fletcher, cornerback Dexter McCleon and defensive end Grant Wistrom. Wistrom was the star of the (defense) this season, with 11 sacks and his usual relentless brand of play."
Rams' DE Grant Wistrom and Chiefs' TE Tony Richardson have joined forces to raise funds for the 13,000 athletes of Special Olympics Missouri and put one lucky individual in the driver's seat of a 2001 Dodge Ram Pickup this December.
Richardson and Wistrom are serving as the honorary chairmen of a state-wide fundraising campaign for Special Olympics Missouri. Law Enforcement Agencies from across the state and the Missouri/Illinois Dodge Dealers have joined their team to promote the statewide "Drive Away in a Dodge Ram" raffle.
All proceeds raised from these $5.00 raffle tickets will benefit local Special Olympics programs, helping them provide year round training and competition opportunities for athletes with developmental disabilities.
[San Diego Chargers] Chargers DT John Parrella was chosen as one of the 31 NFL players to be honored at the 23rd annual Ed Block Courage Awards event on March 6, 2001. One player is selected from each NFL team who, in the eyes of his teammates, exemplifies a commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. Parrella had his best season in 2000 and had to endure the loss of his father who was murdered in Grand Island, NE.
[Green Bay Packers] 2001 - Ahman Green won the NFL Huskers vote for Former Husker of the Year. He gained 44% of the vote over US Olympic Champion Rulon Gardner and Rep/Dr/Legend/Coach Tom Osborne.
[Carolina Panthers] It's likely the Panthers will try to re-sign strong safety Mike Minter, who can become an unrestricted free agent in 2001.
...the biggest priority of the (2001) offseason will be clearing cap room to keep strong safety Mike Minter. He has developed into a top-notch player and is easily the most productive of the defense's younger players. If the team plans to rebuild through the draft it's imperative to re-sign Minter. He's a player the team drafted and developed into a quality player. It may be expensive, but the team has to find a way to keep him.
02/22/01
[Kansas City Chiefs] Shields' future up in the air.
02/15/01
[XFL] Jamel Williams takes gladiator mentality into role as mad dasher.
[Green Bay Packers] Green lands sports honor.
[XFL] Demons cut RB Derek Brown.
02/13/01
02/13/01 - Outlaws cut LB Julius Jackson, who was on IR.
02/12/01
[Olympics] Rulon wins the ESPY for Male U.S. Olympic Athlete of the Year.
02/00/01
[af2] Lightning sign OL/DL Brian Nunns
01/31/01
[Kansas City Chiefs] Melancholy Smith reflects on his friend's life.
[Green Bay Packers] Ahman Green has a new position coach as the Packers hire Croom
01/30/01
[Oakland Raiders] Since Adam Treu hardly played any downs on offense, this grade is based on his special teams play. Treu played with a new Holder, Punter and Kicker. Although Lechler and Janikowski were rookies, Treu did a great job. Rarely did he send an errant snap to Lechler, and most of his snaps on place kicks were on the money. Grade: B+ (RaiderFanMagazin.Rivals.com)
01/21/01
[Carolina Panthers] There is growing concern within the Panthers' organization that the team might not be able to re-sign SS Mike Minter. He's coming off the best year of his career and likely will generate a lot of interest when he becomes a free agent in March.
There's no question the team would love to keep Minter, but the salary cap situation might make that impossible. The team is about $10 million over the salary cap and will have to cut players and restructure contracts just to reach the cap.
Finding enough room to keep Minter will be difficult, but it's not impossible. If the team can structure the contract to keep Minter's cap figure for this year low, a deal could be possible. That would be in the team's best interest because Minter is easily the best young player on the defense and could be a force for years to come. He was a major reason why the secondary was so solid last season and a departure by Minter could lead to major problems next season. (The Sporting News)
01/18/01
[Oakland Raiders] Adam Treu is the only other true center on the team. Treu spends the majority of his playing time as the team's long-snapper. However, he has the benefit of having learned under Robbins for the past four seasons. Treu spent most of his time in college at guard, but he now is most comfortable at center. The Raiders are so confident in Treu's ability to fill in for Robbins that they don't have any more centers on their roster. Still, Treu remains inexperienced in game situations so no one is quite sure how he would fare if called upon. (Sporting News)
01/17/01
[San Diego Chargers] The NFL pointed out John Parrella as it's most Underrated DT.
01/15/01
[Carolina Panthers] ...There is at least one unrestricted free agent (the Panthers) are expected to seriously consider re-signing — SS Mike Minter, who is coming off a very strong season. "I talked to their guys at least four times during the season in a cursory fashion about Mike, and I’m planning to meet with them at the Senior Bowl," Minter’s agent, Craig Domann, told PFW last week. "They have indicated to me that they will make him an offer, so we’ll see what happens. They’ve told me they want to try to build within the organization, and Minter certainly affords them the opportunity to do that. Mike finally feels comfortable at Carolina after four different position coaches in four years. He’s healthy, and he put together a terrific year. Mike’s very open-minded. He’s a very complete player vs. both the pass and run, and he wants to be paid market value. But the door is wide open for Carolina. It’s really up to them." (Pro Football Weekly)
[XFL] Outlaws cut LB Troy Dumas
[XFL] 01/14/01 - The Chicago Enforcers cut DT Larry Townsend . While the SF Demons sign RB Derek Brown. Both are former New Orleans Saints.
01/10/01
Wednesday morning NFL veteran linebacker Mike Croel decided to retire and leave the Xtreme training camp. Several minor injuries have slowed down the former NFL first round draft choice the past two years.
"Mike was not playing to the level he knows how to play," said Al Luginbill, Xtreme Head Coach. "It’s an unfortunate situation for both sides. Mike has been nothing but a positive influence in camp. He has been a pleasure to work with."
Croel, who lives in Los Angeles, spent seven seasons in the NFL with the Broncos, Ravens and Seahawks. The former Nebraska star registered 24 sacks and two interceptions in 102 games for his NFL career. (LAXtreme.com)
01/09/01
[Kansas City Chiefs] Will Shields extends Pro Bowl streak.
Irvine sees smaller future for Mikki Moore
01/00/01
[Kansas City Chiefs] The National Football League announced that Kansas City Chiefs guard Will Shields has been named as a replacement to play in his sixth consecutive Pro Bowl. He is taking the spot of Tennessee Titans 13-time Pro Bowl guard Bruce Matthews, who will not make the trip. The annual AFC-NFC Pro Bowl will be played in Honolulu, Hawaii at Aloha Stadium on February 4, 2001. Shields was not initially invited to the Pro Bowl despite a great season. Usually a player who annually makes the Pro Bowl, as Shields has, recieves an almost automatic invitation- especially if they have had great seasons as Shields had.
[St. Louis Rams] Grant Wistrom visits with Germany's Sport1.de and discusses his Super Bowl picks and beer with a DeutcheChick: RealVideo: ISDN
01/08/01
[XFL] Las Vegas Outlaw RB Vershan Jackson was run off the road by a fellow motorist and has been place on IR. Josh Heskew and Clinton Childs were both waived by the Outlaws on December 29. Heskew played with Oklahoma of the AFL and there is a possibility that he could return to their roster. Childs played with Omaha of the IPFL and could return to a similar league. XFL training camp starts Jan 1 and goes through the 27th. The season starts in early February.
01/00/01
[Carolina Panthers] 0Panther coach George Seifert said that the Panthers aren't close to re-signing any of their players who are scheduled to become free agents on March 2. He said that re-signing starting strong safety Mike Minter was probably the top priority, but added that he isn't sure the Panthers can afford the salary Minter may command. (from Journal Now)
"Defensively, the (Panthers) has a decent nucleus in place. But the biggest priority of the offseason will be clearing cap room to keep strong safety Mike Minter. He has developed into a top-notch player and is easily the most productive of the defense's younger players." If the team plans to rebuild through the draft "it's imperative to re-sign Minter. He's a player the team drafted and developed into a quality player. It may be expensive, but the team has to find a way to keep Minter.
01/07/01
Panther coach George Seifert said that the Panthers aren't close to re-signing any of their players who are scheduled to become free agents on March 2. He said that re-signing starting strong safety Mike Minter was probably the top priority, but added that he isn't sure the Panthers can afford the salary Minter may command. (from Journal Now)
[XFL] Key members of the Xtreme defense getting their first taste of the XFL include former Denver Bronco linebacker Mike Croel. The former Nebraska star is a veteran of 102 NFL in a productive seven year professional career. Croel has spent the past two years resting his body and expanding his mind. Out of football since a stint with the Seahawks in 1998, Croel has been following his first passion outside of football and his family: abstract painting. Earlier this year, Croel rented out a studio near his home in West LA and began flushing out his visions on canvas, selling several of his works. So why would this budding artist return to football after a two year hiatus? For Croel, the answer is easy. "The love of the game. I’m not here to get back in the NFL. I’m here to play because I love it. The team is right here in my own backyard. So I might as well give it a shot." An NFL veteran, Croel sees plenty of talent on team Xtreme. "The talent level is solid. Most everyone on this team has had some experience in the NFL. This is going to be good stuff." (LA Xtreme.com)