07/31/02

  • [Chicago Bears] Bears S Mike Brown (hand) will be out until Monday with a broken bone in his right hand. Brown broke the bone, which is being described as a non-displaced fracture of the fifth metacarpal, during Tuesday’s practice. Brown said he will wear a splint on the finger for about four weeks, but will be able to participate in non-contact drills Monday. (KFFL,ChicagoBears.com)
  • [Detroit Lions] Lions OG Brenden Stai (knee) missed practice on Tuesday due to a bruised bone in his left knee. (KFFL, Detroit News)

    07/30/02

  • [Chicago Bears] Bears DT Jason Wiltz (hamstring) was held out of practice at various times on Monday. (KFFL, Chicago Tribune)
  • [San Diego Charger] Fonoti is getting crash course after signing

    07/29/02

  • [Philadelphia Eagles] Eagles RB Correll Buckhalter (knee) will test out his surgically repaired knee in a running drill later this week. Buckhalter still hopes he can return to the field near the end of the season, but head coach Andy Reid expects to place Buckhalter on the injured reserve list. (KFFL,PhillyBurbs.com)
  • [San Diego Chargers] The Chargers signed G Toniu Fonoti, their 2nd round draft choice.
  • [Green Bay Packers] Packers RB Ahman Green (hamstring) sat out the afternoon practice Sunday after participating in the morning session. (KFFL, PackersNews.com)

    07/28/02

  • 07/28/02 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers] The Buccaneers signed their 7th round draft pick, TE Tracey Wistrom, to a 3-year deal.

    07/26/02: Sporting News & USA Today

  • [Arizona Cardinals] DE Kyle Vanden Bosch (knee) says he's completed recovered from reconstructive surgery. Coaches likely will limit him early in training camp.
  • [Houston Texans] So much for the expected training camp battle for the starting inside linebacker spot between veterans Allen Aldridge and Jay Foreman. After just three days of workouts, Aldridge called coach Dom Capers and told him he was retiring. A native of Houston, Aldridge signed with the Texans to finish his career at home. But the 30-year-old linebacker, citing wear and tear on his body, decided to call it quits after eight seasons in the NFL. That means the job goes to Foreman, who was considered the frontrunner anyway.
  • [New Orleans Saints] Cornerback Keyuo Craver must step up his game in the absence of Carter (suspended) and Kevin Mathis. Craver's offseason progress was slowed by a shoulder injury but he is expected to be 100 percent for camp. The Saints are eager to evaluate his toughness and how he competes during camp.
  • [Oakland Raiders] The Raiders switched Eric Johnson from defensive back to outside linebacker. Johnson struggled learning the nuances of playing safety and cornerback after converting from linebacker out of college. He doesn't figure to see much action on defense but remains a core special teams player.
  • The Raiders faltered in kick coverage the second half of the season last year. A season-ending injury to Eric Johnson played a key role in that going from a strength to a liability because, without him, the Raiders lacked a player capable of breaking through untouched and disrupting the opponent's returns. Johnson's speed and recklessness enables him to outrun and overpower would-be blockers and break down returns. Johnson figures to be even more of a potent factor this season with the addition of more young players capable of adding more speed and coverage ability. Therefore, teams will be less likely to focus on Johnson and try to neutralize him. The only concern is if Johnson bulks up too much to accommodate his conversion from defensive back to linebacker and loses speed and agility. That isn't too much of a strong concern for now because Johnson still weighs only 210 pounds and he isn't being counted on to contribute defensively.
  • [CFL] He's Mr. Mom: Alouettes' Barron Miles fills in for his bedridden wife during pregnancy

    07/24/02

  • [New Orleans Saints] The Saints has agreed to a three-year contract with rookie CB Keyuo Craver. No financial terms were released. "It was important for us to get Keyuo in training camp at the start," said Coach Jim Haslett. "We expect him to be a big contributor for us as a rookie, both in our defense and on special teams. Getting his deal done quickly keeps him moving in the right direction." (NewOrleansSaints.com)

    07/22/02

  • [Oakland Raiders] Raiders SS Eric Johnson has switched positions to OLB. Head coach Bill Callahan said he made the move based on Johnson’s college experience at the position, which will allow the Raiders more options in their coverage package. (Raiders.com)

    07/19/02

  • [St. Louis Rams] Rams have agreed to terms on a three-year deal with rookie WR Eric Crouch, a third-round draft selection. The 2001 Heisman Trophy winner's deal is worth $1.3 million, including a $350,000 signing bonus. Crouch will have base salaries of $225,000 (for 2002), $300,000 (2003) and $380,000 (2004). His salary cap figure for 2002 is $356,667. (KFFL,Len Pasquarelli-ESPN)
  • NFL violence is nothing compared to what Zaven Yaralian saw during Lebanon’s civil war

    07/19/02: Sporting News

  • [Chicago Bears] The signing of Christian Peter gives the Bears some depth in training camp, when starters Ted Washington and Keith Traylor will be used carefully. But Peter is more than just a camper. The Bears like Alfonso Boone but Peter will compete with Jason Wiltz initially and will have a shot at moving into the rotation at some point if he shows no lingering effects from a late 2001 neck injury injury.
  • [Houston Texans] Texans' K Kris Brown will excel outside of Pittsburgh and might be the team's best player. The problem is a lack of scoring chances. Brown could be the greatest kicker in the world, but if he never gets to kick, he won't be very valuable. He is a stretch to finish in the top 15-20 among kickers. (TSN Fantasy Source)

    07/16/02: Sporting News

  • [New York Giants] The Giants allowed defensive tackle Christian Peter, who spent the first four years of his NFL career with them and started during the Super Bowl season of 2000-01, to sign as a free agent in Chicago. There was an apparent "unofficial agreement" that Peter, 6-3 and 320, would be re-signed since he was released by Indianapolis last March, but when it came down to actually putting pen to paper, agent Ralph Cindrich balked at an injury waiver clause inserted. The Giants wanted to protect themselves from paying for an injury not suffered while in their employ (last December in Indianapolis) and it proved to be the breaking point for the contract. Peter signed a few days later with the Bears — without an injury waiver.
  • [Green Bay Packers] Ahman Green has been a franchise back since Dorsey Levens got hurt in mid-2000. Billed as a speed back coming out of Nebraska, he has proven to be much more in Green Bay. He runs with tremendous power and heart. He is more elusive than advertised. And he improved his hands and blitz pick last year, his first one as a full-time starter. His only drawback is his propensity to fumble. With Dorsey Levens having departed, there will be a four-way scramble for the right to back up Green.
  • Rams QB-turned-WR Eric Crouch has to learn how to play the position in the NFL, but is expected to contribute immediately in a variety of ways.
  • Newcombe leaves CFL's Allouettes

    07/15/02

  • [Former Packer & NFL Official Rohrig passes away

    07/13/02

  • [Chicago Bears] the one-year contract signed by DT Christian Peter with the Chicago Bears is valued at $525,000. He steps in as an immeditate addition to rotate along the interior defensive front of the Bears. "He's always played stout against the run and that's where everything starts for us," said GM Jerry Angelo. "Everyone knows you can never have enough defensive linemen in this league. To get an experienced guy, one we can roll in for a series and give the other guys a breather, is a big plus. He knows how to play the game." (KFFL,Len Pasquarelli-ESPN)

    07/12/02: USA Today

  • [Arizona Cardinals] Arizona coaches are content with Joel Makovicka at FB, who figures to start for the third straight season. Makovicka is a decent blocker who has good enough hands to be an occasional receiving threat. Backup Dennis McKinley has worked hard to improve his receiving ability, but he doesn't figure to push Makovicka for the starting job.
  • [Detroit Lions] Lions FB Cory Schlesinger was one of the league's most consistent performers last season as a prototypical fullback. Schlesinger is a solid blocker and also proved he could catch the ball with a career-high 60 receptions, which was second on the team.
  • [Green Bay Packers] Ahman Green offers more than any back for the Packers since John Brockington. His speed and explosiveness are well documented, but his vision and patience are underrated parts of his game. Fumbling is still a problem because his hands aren't great and he is constantly wiggling for extra yardage. He has led the team in receiving the last two seasons.
  • [San Diego Chargers] The Chargers are hoping that mammoth run-blocking rookie Toniu Fonoti, a second-round choice out of Nebraska, will improve their conversion rate on third-and-one rushes. San Diego was 13-of-26 last year. With roughly a week to go before rookies were scheduled to report to training camp, the Chargers had yet to sign one of their eight picks. Second-round pick Toniu Fonoti could be the toughest to sign; he has changed agents twice since the draft.
  • [Chicago Bears] Bears sign DT Peter
  • Bears sign free-agent defensive tackle Christian Peter
  • As had been rumored, DT Christian Peter has signed with the Chicago Bears, he joins fellow Huskers/Bears Mike Brown, Dave Volk, and Jason Wiltz. Unfortunately however, this may make it more difficult for Wiltz to make the cut.

    07/11/02

  • [Chicago Bears] Bears are reportedly seeking some veteran help along the defensive line, namely at defensive tackle. One name being floated is free agent DT Christian Peter. He is being pursued by the Giants, but the Bears would still have a shot to make a move on him, if they desired to do so (KFFL). The Bears had signed DT Jason Wiltz earlier in the offseason. (Sun Times)

    07/10/02

  • [St. Louis Rams] Agent Jim Steiner, representing St. Louis Rams rookie WR Eric Crouch, said he is confident a contract agreement will be reached before training camp. "It will get done before camp. We have plenty of time," said Steiner. (KFFL, Post Dispatch)
  • [New York Giants] The Giants have reopened talks with DL Christian Peter (Colts). The two sides came close to a deal earlier this year before Peter balked at some of the contract specs. (KFFL, New York Times)
  • Giants in contract talks with Christian Peter

    07/05/02: Sporting News & USA Today

  • [Arizona Cardinals] Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch is returning from reconstructive knee surgery and has amazed coaches and trainers with his commitment to rehabilitation. The challenge will be convincing Vanden Bosch to show some restraint in his return. He needs the work, though. He played just three games as a rookie last year and needs to develop as a pass rusher to help the club.
  • [Buffalo Bills] Buffalo's four-year vet Sheldon Jackson has been a reliable blocker, but his receiving skills are limited. He'll have to hold off promising first-year players Dan O'Leary and Brady McDonnell to stay with the team. O'Leary also is the team's top long snapper, which adds to his value.
  • [New Orleans Saints] Saints' fourth-round draft pick Keyuo Craver's sprained shoulder sidelined him for the last minicamp and damaged his chances of competing for the dime position in the eyes of the coaching staff. Scouts questioned the toughness of the athletic cornerback after an inconsistent college career. He's well behind veteran reserves Michael Hawthorne and Ken Irvin in the rotation and might have to fight off recent signee Fakhir Brown for a spot on the final roster.

    07/02/02

  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers] The Bucs were impressed by LB Tony Ortiz' performance with the Scottish Claymores, enough that they signed him to a two-year deal on July 2nd. Ortiz had spent time with the Dallas Cowboys and the New England Patriots but has never survived pre-season cuts.
  • The Green Bay News-Chronicle reports the Green Bay Packers will workout free agent CB Michael Booker this month.

    06/24/02

  • [San Diego Chargers] Chargers feel Redding's new conditioning program will make them stronger and faster

    05/29/02

  • [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] Pewter Report Mini-Camp Diary: Tracey Wistrom
  • [CFL] Alouettes ready to help Phillips jumpstart career

    05/14/02

  • [Three NFL Huskers deemed underrated by CBS' Pete Prisco

    04/22/02

  • [New Orleans Saints] N.O. fills speed need with Craver and Mitchell
  • Craver a Saint, Wistrom a Buc after NFL draft

    04/21/02

  • [San Diego Chargers] Chargers pick up Fonoti in the second round

    04/18/02

  • [Olympics] Gold medal-winner Rulon Gardner wrestler to speak at Devaney Center
  • [New Orleans Saints] Craver tries to win over NFL executives
  • [NFL Draft] Huskers aim for spot in NFL Draft

    04/17/02

  • [Houston Texans] Bills trade Foreman for return specialist Rogers

    04/12/02

  • Eric Crouch signs for SEGA Sports

    03/25/02

  • Pittsburgh Steelers] Steelers fail to match offer for Kris Brown

    03/19/02

  • [CFL] Newcombe signs with Montreal
  • [Houston Texans] Brown given $4.7 million deal to kick for Houston

    03/17/02

  • [Kansas City Chiefs] CB Eric Warfield's new seven-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs was valued at $28 million and included a signing bonus of $ 5 million. The base salaries are: $525,000 (2002), $1.5 million (2003), $2.5 million (2004), $3.3 million (2005), $3.775 million (2006), $3.5 million (2007) and $4 million (2008). (Kansas City Star)

    03/13/02

  • [Pro Day] Pro-testing day means all or nothing for some Huskers
  • NFL scouts eye former Huskers

    03/02/02

  • [NFL Draft] Crouch is one of a QB trio trying to break through stereotype

    03/01/02

  • Combine to test former Huskers' agility, appearance

    02/13/02

  • [Pittsburgh Steelers] Steelers hire new ST coach to help Brown

    02/01/02

  • [NFL Draft] Crouch working on passing, catching, running

    01/15/02

  • [Pittsburgh Steelers] Brown has been destiny's child
  • Playoffs: Stats and Stories

    01/08/02

  • [San Diego Chargers] Fonoti to chase his NFL dream

    01/07/02

  • [Green Bay Packers] Green runs into record book

    01/02/02

  • [Green Bay Packers] Jared Tomich is yet another Husker/Packer

    00/00/02

  • Corey Dixon, formerly of the Atlanta Falcons, now a record company executive in Oak Cliff, comes to watch the (Oak Cliff High) Redskins whenever he can. (Dallas Morning News)