05/30/03

  • [CFL] Montreal Alouettes (CFL): The Als are looking for a running back after the offseason releases of Mike Pringle and Lawrence Phillips. Despite the presence of Jason Brookins, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens, and Thunder Collins, who produced impressive numbers at Nebraska, Montreal head coach Don Matthews continues to insist Éric Lapointe (two-time winner of Canadian college football's outstanding-player award) has the talent and will receive every opportunity to capture the position.

    05/29/03

  • [Houston Texans] HoustonTexans.com reports Houston Texans free agent acquisition OL Zach Wiegert had been speculated to start at the right tackle spot for the Texans after signing a deal earlier this offseason. However, he is facing strong competition from OL Greg Randall, according to head coach Dom Capers. “If Wiegert and Randall are two of our best five, then we have to find a way to get them on the field," Capers said. Weigert could possibly slide to right guard, where he has starting experience. (KFFL)
  • [Kansas City Chiefs] Q&A with Chiefs head coach Dick Vermeil: Eric Warfield all right? He looked like he may have gotten hurt?
      Vermeil: "He got a knee. He's fine. It hurt, but he's fine."
  • [CFL] Montreal Alouettes (CFL): Defensive-back Barron Miles went for X-rays on his injured foot. (Montreal Gazette)
  • [Carolina Panthers] A few players were held out because of injuries. S Mike Minter (quadriceps) and DE Mike Rucker (hamstring) had minor muscle pulls and should be back next week. (Panthers.com)

    05/28/03

  • [Detroit Lions] On age difference with veterans: “It’s funny I was telling Cory Schlesinger, I was watching him since I was probably in the eighth or ninth-grade, when he came down to Saginaw Valley, as well as Robert Porcher and Luther Ellis. It’s kind of funny being up here with some of the vets I’ve seen on TV and have been watching for a long time.” (DetroitLions.com)
  • [Green Bay Packers] Ahman Green says he learned to believe in himself as he grew up.

    05/27/03

  • [San Diego Chargers] A peek at the depth chart at middle linebacker shows Matt Wilhelm behind Zeke Moreno and Carlos Polk. The battle between Moreno and Polk is expected to be among the juiciest in camp.
      Moreno, who started three games last year in place of Seau, was a middle linebacker for two years at USC.
      Polk, who to date has made his mark on special teams, held down the middle spot for four years at Nebraska.
      "We knew it was going to come to this, but we're supportive of each other," Moreno said. (Chargers.TheInsiders.com)

    05/25/03

  • [Mini Camp] Battles to Watch: Carlos Polk vs Zeke Moreno, Chargers starting middle linebacker. (Chargers.com)
      Steve Warren vs James Lee vs Rod Walker, Packers starting nose tackle. (Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel)
  • [Free Agency] According to Christian Peter's agent, Ralph Cindrich, Peter will wait until the summer to decide on his future. Cindrich added that Peter would welcome the chance to return to the Patriots, who released him for alleged character questions shortly after drafting him in the fifth round in 1996. (the Boston Herald) If the Pats were to consider signing Peter, owner Bob Kraft would likely need approval from his wife- who demanded Peter be "undrafted" after he was chosen by then-coach Bill Parcells.
  • [Free Agency] Lawrence Phillips, he's been in nearly every known league except the NIFL and has only been successful and clean in one of them- NFL Europe (Barcelona). Most recently he was cut from the Montreal Allouettes after a series of disagreements with the club's management and now the Calgary Stampeders have decided to take a chance and give LP another chance. Is it only a matter of short-time before he is kicked out of Calgary, and maybe all of Canada? Or will he make the best of this chance as he did in Barcelona?

    05/20/03

  • [Green Bay Packers] The AP reports Packers RB Ahman Green agreed to plead guilty to one of two traffic citations stemming from a one-vehicle accident as part of a settlement with the district attorney's office. Green was cited Jan. 28 for failure to notify police of an accident and hit-and-run to property adjacent to a highway. One of the violations – which wasn't specified – was dropped in the settlement, and Green was ordered to pay a fine of about $200 on the other, he said. (KFFL.com)

    05/17/03

  • [St. Louis Rams] Len Pasquarelli or ESPN reports that Rams rookie CB DeJuan Groce (hamstring strain) injured himself during last weekend's rookie minicamp, and will not participate in this weekend's full-squad drills. (KFFL.com)
  • [San Diego Chargers] And Diedrick makes 4

    05/14/03

  • [Carolina Panthers] Yakety yak, Minter talks back
  • [Kansas City Chiefs] Chiefs OG Will Shields missed May 14th practice. His absence was excused by head coach Dick Vermeil ahead of time. (KFFL.com)

    05/13/03

  • [CFL] Thunder Collins has agreed to a 2-year contract with the CFL's Montreal Alouettes. Earlier this month Montreal cut another former Husker running back, Lawrence Phillips; but Collins will be joining DB Barron Miles. (Omaha World Herald)

    05/10/03

  • [Carolina Panthers] Charlotte Observer asks "Folks" to take a "look back on first crushes"- from Panther DE Mike Rucker: Daisy Duke (Catherine Bach) from "Dukes of Hazzard." "I liked her denim shorts."

    05/09/03

  • [Green Bay Packers] Green keeps promise, gets degree
  • [Green Bay Packers] Packers RB Ahman Green will receive his diploma from the University of Nebraska this Saturday.
  • [Green Bay Packers] ESPN's Len Pasquarelli reports that the role of Packers QB Eric Crouch could possibly consist of returning punts along with being a back-up quarterback. (KFFL)

    05/07/03

  • [Green Bay Packers] From PackersNews.com: Quarterback Eric Crouch proved over the five-day minicamp that he has good arm strength but also showed he will need time to develop.
      Crouch seemed to be indecisive at times getting rid of the ball and threw a fair amount of interceptions as he knocked off some rust and tried to grasp the offense. He played in a run-oriented offense at Nebraska, and before this minicamp he hadn’t played quarterback since the end of the 2001 season.
      "It’s natural for me to make those reads; it’s just a matter of not having taken a snap since college," Crouch said. "I felt like the rust was there and I got it worked out, and I think I’ll be much better the next minicamp because of this one."

    05/05/03

  • [Green Bay Packers] Of the Packers free agents, Nebraska's 5-foot-111/2 Eric Crouch clearly outperformed Northwestern's Zak Kustok and Utah State's Jose Fuentes.
      "Crouch was encouraging," offensive coordinator Tom Rossley said. "He throws a good, tight spiral. Very athletic. Good drops. The height is his biggest drawback but there's quarterbacks who play at his height. We'll keep working and see if we can't make a quarterback out of him."
  • [Green Bay Packers] Undersized Packer DT Steve Warren had to start at nose tackle because Rod Walker still is recovering from major shoulder surgery Jan. 16 to repair a labram tear, a four- to six-month injury.

    05/04/03

  • [Arizona Cardinals]The new cast of free agency has brought veteran leadership for the Arizona Cardinals, but it is also important that some of the returning players also step into more of a leadership role this season and defensive lineman Kyle Vanden Bosch seems prepared for just that.
      Last year, Vanden Bosch was returning from a knee injury and wasn’t cleared for full contact practice until after the start of training camp. A year later, he’s ready to get things rolling and put his knee problems behind him.
      "I am far more physically prepared now and this year I am going to focus more on some of the mental aspects of my game,” stated the third-year defensive end. “With the loss of some seasoned vets I am looking to take more of a leadership role this year and help lead the new Cardinals to a winning season.” (AZCardinals.com)

    05/03/03

  • [Carolina Panthers] Since May is the time to experiment, a few unexpected players were fielding punts for the Panthers on Saturday. Along with Steve Smith and Deon Grant, veteran safety Mike Minter was back with the returners Saturday morning. Although he has good hands and remains one of the faster players on the team, Minter has never returned a punt in the NFL. (HeraldOnline.com)
      Carolina Panthers Head Coach John Fox on using safety Mike Minter as a back-up punt returner: He does a pretty good job with it. This is the time to get it oiled up, not when the season starts, so we are trying to get guys trained. He has done a little bit of it in his past. This is the time and place to get him acclimated to it with the things we are doing. It gives us some depth there that we can look at in any kind of emergency situation that the season may bring up. (Panthers.com)
  • [San Diego Chargers] Chargers offensive line coach Hudson Houck is using the offseason to experiment with his group. He has flip-flopped his starting guards, moving Toniu Fonoti to the left side and Kelvin Garmon to the right.
  • [Buffalo Bills] Kelsay already likes Buffalo's football fans
  • [Green Bay Packers] Crouch enjoys a second chance
  • [CFL] Als release Phillips
  • [CFL] Another version of the story from Bill Lankhof of the Toronto Sun: Montreal Alouettes released running back Lawrence Phillips. General manager Jim Popp said Phillips "did not meet the minimum behavioural standards expected."
      In other words, the medical staff couldn't find a way to fix his loose screw.

    05/02/03

  • [Buffalo Bills] Bills Fortunate To Grab Chris Kelsay
  • [Green Bay Packers] Most of the Packers rookies were awed by stars they have seen on television like Brett Favre and Ahman Green. Some by the speed in which the team practiced. Some by the speed of most every player on the field.
      "It's a little overwhelming seeing Brett Favre pass to (Ahman Green) and guys I'm used to watching on TV," said Hunter Hillenmeyer, selected in the fifth round by the Packers in the recent NFL draft, "but it's exciting."

    05/02/03

  • [Philadelphia Eagles] Eagles head coach Andy Reid said RB Correll Buckhalter (knee) is taking part in the team’s early May minicamp. He said he’s running around and doing a pretty good job. He noted that Buckhalter didn’t show much hesitation on the field. Reid also said Buckhalter is able to go full speed at this time. (KFFL)

    05/01/03

  • [Gren Bay Packers] Tight end David Martin flashed his playmaking ability when he pulled in a 10-yard pass from Eric Crouch and maneuvered up the right sideline. Meanwhile, the one interception thrown by Crouch on his first day as NFL QB was hauled in by another Husker, CB Erwin Swiney, after Martin failed to bring in a Crouch throw.
  • [San Francisco 49ers] One of the undrafted free agents the 49ers signed was Miami punter Freddie Capshaw who was one of the nation's top punters and could challenge incumbent Bill LaFleur. (SF Illustrated)
  • [CFL] RB Lawrence Phillips, {place well-known story here}, was cut by the Montreal Allouettes; according to their official statement released Thursday: "Lawrence Phillips did not meet the minimum behavioral standards expected from the Montreal Alouettes Football Club and has been released by the organization."
  • [Green Bay Packers] The NFL-world is curious to see how the Eric Crouch story will turn out; he graced the front page of NFL.com on May Day as its' national editor Vic Carucci offered yet another look at the ongoing saga: "Mostly, for our peace of mind and to settle those endless what-if arguments that are a staple of sports discussion, we have to believe Crouch is getting a legitimate chance to answer these questions once and for all."
  • [Green Bay Packers] Audition might answer Crouch questions

    04/30/03

  • [Green Bay Packers] QB-turned-WR-returned-QB/Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch had mixed results in his first day at Packers minicamp. Precise, hard-thrown balls down the seam were negated by two interceptions over the middle and a couple of passes batted down at the line.
      Eric Crouch: "I couldn't be more excited to be here, I'm happy about the situation I'm in. I just have to really focus on it."
      Packers Coach Mike Sherman: "I was fairly encouraged," said Sherman, excusing Crouch for one of the interceptions because it was tipped. "He has a live arm, a strong arm. The ball gets out of there."
      Sherman has said he also wants to try Crouch as a returner. Crouch said he is open to returning kicks, but is focusing only on his natural position as a quarterback for now. (AP)
  • [Green Bay Packers ]First-year quarterback Eric Crouch impressed Green Bay coach Mike Sherman on Wednesday. Sherman thought Crouch's technique was much further ahead than Sherman was expecting. The 24-year-old Nebraska kid also has an arm.
      "You mean the cannon?" said Packer tight end Tyrone Davis. "Everything he throws is fast, whether it be 2 yards or 20 yards." (JSOnline.com)
  • [Green Bay Packers] Packers Notebook - Crouch gets his shot

    04/28/03

  • [Buffalo Bills] Analysis of the Bills' draft (Kelsay)
  • [St. Louis Rams] St. Edward star (Shanle) joins Groce, Wistrom in St. Louis
  • [St. Louis Rams] Post-Draft Q & A with Rams Coach Martz (Shanle)
  • [NFL Draft] Four Cornhuskers selected in NFL draft (AP).
  • [Seattle Seahawks] Seahawks draftees at a Glance (Josh Brown)
  • [CFL] Diedrick agrees to free-agent deal after being bypassed in NFL
  • [St. Louis Rams] Shanle drafted by St. Louis Rams
  • [NFL Draft] Undrafted Rookie Free Agents: Wilson Thomas, WR, Kansas City Chiefs; Dahrran Diedrick, RB, San Diego Chargers; John Garrison, C, Tennessee Titans; Jon Clanton, DT, Tennessee Titans
  • [Seattle Seahawks] From the Seattle Herald: The Seahawks finally added a placekicker to their roster, drafting Nebraska's Josh Brown in the seventh round.
      Brown made 43 of 62 field-goal attempts during his career, including 14 of 18 in 2002. He was 7 of 9 from beyond 40 yards, with a long of 48, as a senior.
      "It's not like we're just bringing a guy in here to have a body," Seahawks general manager Bob Ferguson said. "He's got a chance to be our guy."
      Seattle has been hosting veteran free agents for tryouts throughout the month, but they have yet to sign one.
  • [Seattle Seahawks] Josh Brown named to the 2004 All-Rookie Team

    04/27/03

  • [Seattle Seahawks] Seahawks Q & A with Josh Brown

    2003 NFL Draft

  • [NFL Draft] The newest NFL Huskers: Chris Kelsay, 2nd round/48th overall, Buffalo Bills; Dejuan Groce, 4th round/107 overall, St. Louis Rams; Josh Brown, 7th round/222 overall, Seattle Seahawks; Scott Shanle, 7th round/251 overall, St. Louis Rams
  • [NFL Draft] Mel Kiper had Josh Brown listed as the best kicker available this year, and he was the only kicker selected the draft; however, Josh's experience on FieldTurf may have had some weight on Seattle's decision to grab Brown in the 7th round (the Seahawks play their home games on the same artificial surface as do the Huskers).

    04/26/03

  • [Buffalo Bills] Chris Kelsay was selected in the 2nd round/48th overall by the Buffalo Bills. The Bills' official site has some provided some extras including an interview with Kelsay and press conference comments from the Bills.
  • [Buffalo Bills] Kelsay eager to answer bell for Bills

    04/25/03

  • [Green Bay Packers] PackersNews.com reports Green Bay Packers RB Ahman Green will appear in court May 19 on traffic citations of hit and run to property adjacent to a highway and failure to notify police of an accident. (KFFL.com)

    04/24/03

  • [Green Bay Packers] PackersNews.com reports the Green Bay Packers must pay QB Eric Crouch $300,000 in salary this year and $380,000 next year if he is activated off the reserve/retired list and makes the team. (KFFL)

    04/23/03

  • [Green Bay Packers] Rumors had him heading up north to Canada and the whiter pastures of the CFL; but, for now, Wisconsin is as far north as Eric Crouch will get. On Wednesday the Green Bay Packers, who at one point in 2002 had six NFL Huskers on their roster, claimed Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch off waivers. According the Packers official site, although Crouch has been released by the Rams he is still on their "reserve-retired list, where he will remain unless or until he submits a letter to NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue requesting to have his name removed from the list." Last year Green Bay had another Husker-QB turned not-quite-NFL-QB on their roster in S Scott Frost who is no longer with the Packers.
  • [Green Bay Packers] Packers claim QB Eric Crouch, former Heisman winner, on waivers (Packers.com)
  • [Green Bay Packers] Packers may claim Crouch
  • [NFL Draft] Chris Kelsay Diary: Part V
  • [Green Bay Packers] From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "The Green Bay Packers are one of the teams giving consideration to making a waiver claim on former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Eric Crouch." Crouch is expected to be released by the St. Louis Rams.

    04/22/03

  • [San Francisco 49ers] From SF49ers.com: The 49ers had two free agents in for workouts Tuesday morning with veteran long snapper Aaron Graham and (former CU) running back Rashaan Salaam visiting team headquarters in Santa Clara.

    04/19/03

  • [New York Giants] KFFL reports that the New York Giants have re-signed CB Ralph Brown to an undisclosed deal. The team previously tendered Brown a one-year, $605,000 deal.

    04/18/03

  • [Free Agency] TheInsiders.com reports that Chris Kelsay visited the Ravens.

    04/17/03

  • [Arizona Cardinals] Cards Out in the community (Vanden Bosch)

    04/17/03

  • [CFL] Crouch closer: Argos eye soon-to-be-released Ram

    04/15/03

  • [NFL Draft] At defensive end, Jerome McDougle of Miami (Fla.), Penn State's Michael Haynes or Nebraska's Chris Kelsay might be available (when the Buffalo Bills pick #23).
      The Packers lost two free-agent linemen -- DE Vonnie Holliday and DT Billy Lyon -- and is unsure if DT Gilbert Brown will be back, so there is a need for an end and tackle. A player such as Georgia DT Johnathan Sullivan, Penn State DE Michael Haynes or Nebraska DE Chris Kelsay would bolster the eight-man rotation.
      The Chiefs could choose from a small pool of players that includes Oklahoma State DT Kevin Williams, Nebraska DE Chris Kelsay and Oklahoma CB Andre Woolfolk. (Sporting News)
  • [NFL Draft] The Kansas City Chiefs have had a pre-draft visit with WR Wilson Thomas. (KFFL)

    04/14/03

  • [Free Agency] ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that the Rams are "likely" to waive Eric Crouch so that he may "pursue a quarterback career in the Canadian Football League."
  • [Jacksonville Jaguars] After meeting with them on Saturday, Johnny Mitchell has signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. According to Bart Hubbuch of the Florida Times-Union, the contract was a one-year, $540,000 deal, however, if Mitchell sustains a season-ending injury he will only receive half of the contract’s value. (KFFL)
  • [St. Louis Rams] QB Crouch likely to be waived Tuesday
  • [Jacksonville Jaguars] Jags sign Mitchell to 1-year contract
  • [Jacksonville Jaguars] Mitchell wins over Jags at mini-camp
  • [Jacksonville Jaguars] 04/12/03 - Associated Press reports the Jacksonville Jaguars worked out TE Johnny Mitchell on Saturday. (KFFL.com)
  • [Green Bay Packers] 04/10/03 - Random Questions With Steve Warren

    04/07/03

  • [NFL Draft] KFFL reports that WR Wilson Thomas will visit the Kansas City Chiefs on Tuesday, April 8th.

    04/03/03

  • [NFL Draft] KC Star's Adam Teicher reports the Chiefs may try to fill its hole at right defensive end via the draft, possibly in the first round. Chris Kelsey are possible first-round prospects who have visited the club this week. In the past, Kansas City's top picks almost always have made a pre-draft visit to Arrowhead Stadium.
  • [Detroit Lions] Schlesinger's courage rewarded

    04/01/03

  • [Free Agency] John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports the St. Louis Rams hosted free agent TE Johnny Mitchell to determine whether he could help shore up a position that could lose starter Ernie Conwell to free agency. Mitchell was out of the NFL for two years before being used sparingly by New Orleans the last two season, but he says he can run a 4.5 40 after training at Cris Carter's facility near Miami. (KFFL)
  • [Free Agency] Free-agent tight end Johnny Mitchell, who played most recently for the New Orleans Saints, is scheduled to visit Rams Park today. (the St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

    03/25/03

  • [NFL Draft] Kelsay's speed turns heads at NFL Combine

    03/25/03

  • [Jacksonville Jaguars] The Jacksonville Jaguars have re-signed exclusive rights free agent FB Dan Alexander.

    03/22/03

  • [Free Agency] TE Johnny Mitchell is on the Rams list of possible replacements for Ernie Conwell, who's negotiations with St. Louis have hit a rough spot. Mitchell will visit with the Rams following this week's league meetings, as will TEs Cam Cleeland and Justin Swift. (The St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

    03/17/03

  • [Atlanta Falcons] Falcons officially sign Demorrio Williams. The signing was made official March 17th. The Journal Sentinel reports the contract is for five years and is worth $11.5 million and included a $3 million signing bonus. (KFFL.com)

    03/00/03

  • [NFL Draft] Chris Kelsay Diary: Part 3

    03/14/03

  • [Atlanta Falcons] - The Falcons have agreed to terms with former Packer CB Tyrone Williams. The deal is reportedly worth five-years with a bonus in excess of $2 million. (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
      Note for those who believe in bad-vibes and curse-like symptoms: the last two prominent cornerbacks to play for Atlanta were Michael Booker and Bruce Pickens- both careers took a nose-dive and never recovered; however, both were originally drafted by the Falcons while Williams has spent the last seven seasons in Green Bay.

    03/12/03

  • [NFL Draft] As NFL draft nears, Groce finishes up plethora of testing

    03/11/03

  • [San Francisco 49ers] The 49ers have re-signed exclusive rights free agent P Bill Lafleur to a one-year deal.

    03/10/03

  • [Free Agency] C/LS Aaron Graham visited the Texans over the weekend after traveling to Cleveland on Friday. Agent Vann McElroy said the Texans made an offer. The Titans are expected to sign center Tom Ackerman soon, and because he can long-snap as well, Graham's chances of returning might be in jeopardy. "I am going to talk to [Titans General Manager] Floyd Reese [today] to see if Tennessee is going to be able to do anything, and if not, then he may go to Houston," McElroy said. (The Tennessean)

    03/08/03

  • [Free Agency] According to their website the Houston Texans "entertained" C Aaron Graham on Saturday; Graham spent the 2002 season as a backup for Tennessee. Houston recently signed Graham's '94 Pipeline linemate Zach Wiegert. (HoustonTexans.com)

    03/05/03

  • [Free Agency] Rob Demovsky reports for PackersNews.com free agent CB Tyrone Williams (Packers) has visited with the Atlanta Falcons, according to his agent, Dick Davis. He also has other visits scheduled for next week. Davis wouldn’t identify which teams were courting his client, but Cincinnati and Minnesota have reportedly shown interest. (KFFL.com)
  • [Free Agency] Plain Dealer reports the Cleveland Browns may take a look at free agent LS/C Aaron Graham (Titans). Agent Vann McElroy said Graham hopes to visit the Browns on Friday. (KFFL)

    03/03/03

  • [Free Agency] Free agent LB Jay Foreman will remain in Houston after signing a 5-year $10M contract. According to the Houston Chronicle, several teams were interested in Foreman, including Detroit, Green Bay, Indianapolis, New Orleans, Kansas City, and Philadelphia. But Foreman said: "I didn't want to have to go out onto the market and start making visits. I wanted to stay here and help this team take the next step." Adding that "this team is on the right track. I've got a great defensive line in front of me and great defensive backs behind me. You can't beat that with a stick. I'm ready to rock 'n' roll." (Houston Chronicle) Update, the AP reports that Foreman recieved a signing bonus of $2.2 million.
  • [Free Agency] According to the Florida Times-Union, the Jacksonville Jaguars gave exclusive-rights free agent RB Dan Alexander a one-year, $375,000 tender offer.
  • [Free Agency] Paul Sheehy of ProStar Agency, asked the Washington Redskins to release OL Brenden Stai and the Redskins complied. Stai is now an unrestricted free agent.
  • [Jacksonville Jaguars] 03/02/03 - Right tackle Zach Wiegert was signed from Jacksonville to bolster an offensive line that allowed Houston QB David Carr to be sacked a record 76 times. Wiegert, an eight-year veteran, will bring experience to a line that included two rookie starters last season. The Texans believe Wiegert is more physical than Ryan Young, who won't return. (The Sporting News)

    03/01/03

  • [Free Agency] Bill Williamson reports for the Pioneer Press the Minnesota Vikings have contacted the agent for free agent CB Tyrone Williams (Packers). (KFFL)
  • [Houston Texans] The Houston Texans have signed former Jaguars T Zach Wiegert. Wiegert called it "the perfect fit," adding that he "knew a lot of the players and coaches here and right tackle is my natural position." The Texans have said that upgrading their offensive line was a priority for 2003 as Wiegert becomes Houston's first free agency signing. (HoustonTexans.com)

    02/28/03

  • [Free Agency] According to the Houston Chronicle, the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles are among the teams considering free agent LB Jay Foreman (Texans). No word yet on any planned visits. (KFFL.com)
  • [San Diego Chargers] The Union Tribune reports San Diego Chargers G Toniu Fonoti (quad) is said to be recovering well from the quad tear he sustained in the season finale.
  • [Free Agency] The Bergen Record's Tara Sullivan reports the New York Giants gave restricted free agent CB Ralph Brown a one-year, $605,000 tender offer. (KFFL)

    02/26/03

  • [Free Agency] The Florida Times-Union reports Jacksonville Jaguars OL Zach Wiegert will hit the free agent market Friday and will likely have a new deal within a week or two, his agent, Michael Huyghue, said yesterday. Huyghue said he expects Wiegert to test the market because he feels the Jaguars are in a "wait-and-see" mode. Huyghue said he'll probably call the Jaguars and give them a chance to match Wiegert's best offer from another team. (KFFL)
  • [Indianapolis Colts] The Indianapolis Colts have released S/KR Joe Walker.

    02/25/03

  • [Green Bay Packers] Tyrone Williams walking into free agency

    02/24/03

  • [NFL Draft] ESPN's John Clayton reports that "Chris Kelsay of Nebraska helped himself the most by running in the 4.7s (at the combine)."
  • [St. Louis Rams] Agent Jim Steiner who represents former Rams draft pick Eric Crouch told the St. Louis Dispatch that despite statements by Rams coach Mike Martz on Saturday that he would welcome Crouch back as a wide receiver, Steiner said Monday that Crouch remains interested only in playing quarterback. (the St. Louis Dispatch)

    02/23/03

  • [Houston Texans] The outlook for the Texans re-signing linebacker Jay Foreman appears to be good. (The Sporting News)
  • [Free Agency] ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli reports the Detroit Lions are expected to demonstrate big-time interest in Green Bay Packers CB Tyrone Williams, if he goes into free agency. (KFFL.com)
  • [Free Agency] For the Packers, replacing Tyrone Williams, should he be released to create cap space, will be difficult because seasoned backups Tod McBride and Bryant Westbrook are free agents. (The Sporting News)
  • [St. Louis Rams] Pasquarelli also says that if WR Eric Crouch wants to return to the NFL in 2003, after "retiring" last season, it most likely will have to be with the team that drafted him, the St. Louis Rams. Rams coach Mike Martz said Saturday the Rams would welcome Crouch back to camp, but added that there are no plans to relinquish his rights to another franchise, for now. "I wanted him to give it a year and see where he was with it. I mean, it wasn't going to happen overnight. But he was anxious about it and didn't want to stick with it. I still think he could be a good wide receiver in this league," said Martz. (KFFL)

    02/21/03

  • [NFL Draft] Nebraska's "Pro Day" will be March 12, 2003.
  • [NFL Draft] Gil Brandt, for NFL.com, reports Nebraska DL Chris Kelsay will work out as a LB at the NFL Combine. (KFFL.com)
  • [NFL Draft] DE Chris Kelsey and DB Dejaun Groce are the only Huskers in Indianapolis for the NFL Combine.
  • [Free Agency] 02/21/03 - ESPN's John Clayton lists Brenden Stai (Washington) and Tyrone Williams (Green Bay) as possible salary cap cuts.

    02/20/03

  • [NFL Draft] Nebraska DE Chris Kelsay said he has dressed in red in high school and in college and wouldn’t mind keeping that trend going with the Chiefs. (ProFootballWeekly.com)
  • [Green Bay Packers] PackersNews.com reports the Green Bay Packers are expected to tender restricted free agent DT Steve Warren with the minimum offer. (KFFL)

    02/19/03

  • [Kansas City Chiefs] Will-ing to Go The Extra Mile (Will Shields).
  • [NFL Draft] Chris Kelsay Diary: Part 2.

    02/17/03

  • [Coaches] Rathman joins the Lions
  • [Coaches] 02/15/03 - The San Jose Mercury News reports former 49ers RBs coach Tom Rathman has signed a three-year contract with the Detroit Lions. Rathman said he wanted to stay with the 49ers but they told him they were going a different direction. (KFFL) This also means that Rathman will be Cory Schlesinger's position coach next season.
  • [New Orleans Saints] 02/11/03 - Pete Prisco for Sportsline.com reports the New Orleans Saints are toying with the idea of moving CB Keyou Craver to safety. The move would be predicated on the team finding a CB in free agency, but Craver’s lack of running ability might make him a better fit at safety. (KFFL.com)
  • [Philadelphia Eagles] 02/07/03 - Eagles coaches are thrilled with the rehabilitation of tailback Correll Buckhalter from knee surgery that cost him the entire 2002 campaign. (ESPN's Len Pasquarelli)

    02/05/03

  • [Green Bay Packers] Green runs tough despite injuries
  • [NFL Draft] Huskers Preparing for the Draft: Part 1
  • [History] Kahler thought Rose Bowl was his last game

    02/04/03

  • [NFL Europe] The Kansas City Chiefs allocated S Clint Finley to NFL Europe where he will play for the Berlin Thunder this upcoming season. LB Tony Ortiz, who played for the Scottish Claymores last season, will suit up for the Amsterdam Admirals after they selected him as their 8th selection (44th overall) in the Free-Agent Draft.
  • [NFL Europe] ...Last week TE Johnny Mitchell had received approval from the NFL to enter the NFL Europe Allocation Draft, but he was not selected.
  • [AFL] The Arena Football season has begun with only one Husker is on an AFL roster; David White, a four-year AFL veteran, will play FB/LB for the Tampa Bay Storm. The Las Vegas Gladiators had signed OL/DL Derek Allen, (lettered in 1996 & 97) who was a sophomore DT on Nebraska's 1997 National Championship team before being dismissed from the team in 1998 for "disciplinary reasons" (flashback), but he was not on their latest roster. Tony Ortiz had signed a contract with the Dallas Desperados but was cut within a week, he opted instead for NFL Europe.

    02/03/03: Sporting News

  • [Oakland Raiders] Raiders troubled C Barret Robbins was suspended indefinitely after his bizarre behavior Super Bowl week. The team wouldn't gain much or be hurt badly from a salary-cap standpoint if it released Robbins; the issue is team chemistry because several Raiders expressed reservations about playing with or counting on Robbins again. If Robbins is released, Adam Treu would start. Treu is intelligent, agile, sound technically and well-versed in Oakland's offensive terminology and assignments. There likely would be a slight drop-off from Robbins in overall productivity but not much.
  • [Philadelphia Eagles] The Eagles will count on RB Correll Buckhalter to have a big season in 2003, but he has to prove he he is healthy after Buckhalter tore his ACL in April and sat out the season. Late in the season, Buckhalter showed no sign of a limp and was confident he would return as good as new. Before the injury, he needed to work on rounding out his game. Buckhalter has good speed, but to play extensively in coach Andy Reid's offense, he needs to become a better receiver and a better blocker. He could be the team's No. 1 back, or at least split time with Duce Staley.
  • [San Diego Chargers] Chargers OG Toniu Fonoti had problems mastering his pass-blocking assignments in 2002.
  • [Coaches] Nothing Tampa Bay does between now and the start of next season will match the importance of retaining defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. Kiffin's defense is the biggest reason the Bucs won the Super Bowl. His knowledge of the cover 2 scheme is unsurpassed, and his ability to tweak it in a way that disguises its objectives is uncanny. Kiffin is more than just a schemer, though. He also is an outstanding teacher and motivator. And it's not just players who benefit from his vast knowledge and extensive years of service in the NFL. Just like he does with players, Kiffin finds ways to make his coaches better. He regularly passes down his motivational tactics and his technical knowledge of fundamentals, which consistently strengthens his staff.

    01/31/03

  • [Coaches] Kiffin signs extension with Bucs
  • [Coaches] Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin to a three-year contract extension worth about $5-million, making him the highest paid assistant in the NFL.
  • [Free Agency] 01/29/03 - The Sun-Sentinel reports former New York Jets TE Johnny Mitchell has received approval from the league to enter the allocation draft for the 2003 NFL Europe season. He has spent five of the last six seasons out of the NFL. (KFFL)

    01/27/03

  • [Coaches] ESPN.com's John Clayton reports the 49ers are in the process of asking permission from Bucs to interview Monte Kiffin for the head coaching vacancy in San Francisco.
  • [Super Bowl] 01/27/03 - Greg Garber reports for ESPN.com several Oakland Raiders coaches and players commented C Adam Treu played well filling in for C Barrett Robbins (illness) in the Super Bowl. Head coach Bill Callahan stated, "I thought Adam Treu came in there and gave us quality play. We didn’t lose the game because of the center position." (KFFL)

    01/26/03

  • [Super Bowl] Congrats to Monte Kiffin and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Kiffin-trained Bucs D manhandled the Raiders in Sunday nights Super Bowl.
  • For a brief moment in the third quarter it appeared as though the Raiders might've been able to make an interesting game out of it, thanks to NFL Husker Eric Johnson. Johnson caught a blocked punt and dove into the endzone cutting the Bucs lead to 34 - 15.
  • Raiders C Adam Treu started the game in place of Barret Robbins. During pre-game Oakland Raiders officials confirmed to ABC's Andrea Kremer that Robbins was receiving medical treatment in San Diego. Following the loss, Oakland Raiders coach Bill Callahan told Andrea Kremer that Robbins' absence had "zero impact" on his team's performance. (KFFL.com) In fact, Treu appeared to be the only bright spot on a Raider offensive line that was manhandled through much of the game.
  • Early in the game Raider special teamer Eric Johnson recovered what was initially ruled a Tampa Bay fumble however, the play was correctly reversed after a recheck on instant replay.
  • Raider DT John Parrella had 4 tackles in the game.

    01/26/03: Sporting News

  • [Green Bay Packers] Packer CB Tyrone Williams, who is due a roster bonus of $4 million, is likely to become a free agent unless he and the team can agree on a new contract. He could be a hot prospect because of his experience and durability. What the club has to determine is how many good seasons Williams, 29, has left, especially considering he never has been a workout warrior. The fact there aren't any young, promising starters in line to take his job will affect the team's decision.
  • [Free Agency] Offensive lineman Zach Wiegert is an unrestricted free agent and unlikely to be re-signed. He helped the team with his versatility -- he could play guard and tackle -- but wasn't worth as much as the team paid for him as a free agent.
  • [Coaches] 01/24/03 - Rathman's coaching career in limbo with 49ers
  • [Green Bay Packers] 01/21/03 - Green Bay Packers RB Ahman Green won't play in the Pro Bowl because of his knee injury, according to his agent, Joby Branion. Minnesota Vikings RB Michael Bennett was named to the NFC Pro Bowl team as Green's replacement. Giants RB Tiki Barber was the original replaced but he is also injured, thus Bennett got the nod.
  • [Super Bowl] 01/20/03 - Three NFL Huskers will play in the 2003 Super Pirate Bowl featuring Oakland and Tampa Bay. All three play for the Raiders: DL John Parrella, C/Long-snapper Adam Treu, and DB Eric Johnson. The current Bucs roster is void of Huskers, though TE Tracey Wistrom and LB Tony Ortiz played for Tampa Bay during preseason before roster cut-downs. Tampa Bay does however have a coach with deep Husker connections in defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. Kiffin played for Nebraska from 1959 to 1963 before serving on the Huskers coaching staff as a defensive assistant and later as a defensive coordinator from 1966-76.

    01/19/03: Conferense Championships

  • [NFC - Philadelphia vs Tampa Bay] The only NFL Husker playing in the game was Eagles DL Jeremy Slechta who returned a kick for 0 yards.
  • [AFC - Oakland vs Tennessee] Both teams featured a Husker snapper on special teams, with Aaron Graham handling long snapping duties for the Titans and Adam Treu as his counterpart for the Raiders. Oakland DT John Parrella recorded 7 tackles and sacked Titan QB Steve McNair, pushing the the Titans out of FG range. Meanwhile Raider DB Eric "Crazy" Johnson forced Tennessee to abandon a punt attempt in the 3rd quarter.

    01/17/03

  • [Senior Bowl] Nebraska DL Chris Kelsay, who has been quick off the ball and giving offensive linemen nightmares in one-on-one passing drills, continued to fly around on Thursday in a non-contact practice with just helmets. His high motor and hustle have boosted his stock this week. (ProFootballWeekly.com)
  • [Senior Bowl] Huskers in the 54th Annual Senior Bowl included DE Chris Kelsey (#57, ESPN: "1st-2nd round, Good week; appears to be over hamstring injury") and DB DeJuan Groce (#8, ESPN: "3rd round, Good ball skills, excellent nickel corner")

    01/16/03

  • [Senior Bowl] Emotions were running high during one-on-one drills between the offensive and defensive linemen in the North practice, when the defensive linemen dominated the day. One telling incident occurred when Nebraska DL Chris Kelsay drilled Marshall OL Steve Sciullo, knocking him on his back before tapping a lineman standing seven yards deep in place of a quarterback. Sciullo, who has been slow off the ball the last two days, traded pushes with Kelsay as the tussling match continued beyond the whistle, which ended with Kelsay walking away, saying, “You don’t want to get your ass kicked twice,” That drew chuckles from the large gathering of scouts, coaches, media and agents circling the drills. He got a few more laughs when he said, “You’ve been getting your ass kicked all week.” (ProFootballWeekly.com)
  • [Free Agency] Pete Prisco reports for SportsLine.com the Jacksonville Jaguars quietly renegotiated the contract of OT Zach Wiegert in December, assuring he would not be with the team next year. The Jaguars voided out the deal he signed last year. The 2003-05 years are no longer valid, which means he's gone come March. (KFFL)
  • [Senior Bowl] Blackshirts DE Chris Kelsey and CB/KR DeJuan Groce are headed to Mobile, Alabama for the Senior Bowl.
  • [Gridiron Classic] C John Garrison and LB Scott Shanle will represent Team USA in the Rotary Gridiron Classic (Jan. 25).
  • [Hula Bowl] PK Josh Brown and WR Wilson Thomas are headed to Maui for the Hula Bowl (Feb. 1).

    01/09/03

  • [All Star Games] Seven Huskers selected to postseason contests

  • [Dallas Cowboys] 01/07/03 - Dallas Cowboys sign OL Dave Volk to their 2003 roster.

    Wildcard Playoffs

  • WEEK 18: Stats and Stories

    01/06/03

  • [Coaches] With a Packers loss Bo Pelini starts packing his bags for Lincoln. Meanwhile, the season ends for several Huskers-turned-Packers.
  • [Green Bay Packers] There wasn't much call for a running game once Green Bay was behind 21-0 (against Atlanta). Ahman Green ran as hard as he typically does but had very little success early on when the team needed him. He had a couple opportunities to break big runs later and couldn't do it. It was the story of his performance the last couple weeks.

    01/04/03

  • [Kansas City Chiefs] Kansas City OG Will Shields was named to the AP's NFL All-Pro Team.

    01/03/03

  • [Green Bay Packers] The Journal Sentinel reports Green Bay Packers DL Billy Lyon has been told he will be inactive for this week's playoff game. The decision to deactivate Lyon could signal the end of his career in Green Bay. He is a free agent at the end of the 2002 season. DL Steve Warren will be active in his place. (KFFL)
  • [Green Bay Packers] The only thing missing from Ahman Green's performance these days is long runs. He almost always gets positive yards, but he gets tripped up every time it looks like he might break a big run. Part of it might be the sore knee that he has been struggling with the second half of the year, and part of it might be smaller holes because of a reshuffled offensive line. The last time the Green Bay and Atlanta met, Green gashed the Falcons for 155 yards rushing and 42 yards receiving.
  • [Arizona Cardinals] Arizona RE Kyle Vanden Bosch plays hard and is great against the run, but he doesn't pressure the passer.
  • [Carolina Panthers] Panthers LE Julius Peppers, DT Kris Jenkins and fourth-year RE Mike Rucker are the nucleus of what could become one of the league's best defensive lines. Rucker already was good but blossomed into a pass-rushing force with the arrival of Peppers.
  • [Houston Texans] Three defensive starters for Houston, linebackers Jay Foreman and Jeff Posey and strong safety Eric Brown, can become free agents. The team would like the defense, which ranked in the top half of the league most of the season, to remain intact. Foreman, who led the team in tackles, could be the most difficult player to re-sign. He has more than 200 tackles over the past two seasons and had his best season in 2002. (Sporting News)