George Atallah says the union does not want a repeat of 2011, when its position was weakened by some players' inability to build their own war chests.
Alex Marvez
FIU head coach Butch Davis believes his experiences in both the NFL and college ranks will prepare him to resurrect a struggling Panthers program.
Joseph Fauria is hoping for the opportunity to put his new end-zone celebrations on display.
The NFL still hasn’t fielded an openly gay player during a regular-season game.
The Bills interviewed Brian Gaine for their GM job, as well, a source tells Sporting News.
Speaking with SN, Mike Pereira explained why he is concerned about NFL replay and detailed the challenges new officiating czar Al Riverton will face.
The 49ers expect Reuben Foster to be "full go" for training camp, GM John Lynch tells SN. He also is not at all worried about NaVorro Bowman's status.
49ers GM John Lynch spoke with SN about the draft, his working relationship with coach Kyle Shanahan and the overall state of San Francisco's roster.
Under new GM Chris Ballard, the Colts' newfound unity is reflected in the team's 2017 draft picks and free-agency moves.
Oakland GM Reggie McKenzie tells SN the Raiders are "very comfortable" with their selection of Gareon Conley. For his sake, McKenzie better be right.
Stafford enjoyed a tremendous 2016 season before a late-season injury affected his throwing.
The NFL Draft is over, so now it's time for the Raiders to focus on two of their biggest offensive assets.
Drew Pearson was not seeking personal advancement with his over-the-top announcement of Dallas’ draft choice. But now that it happened, why not hope to stay in the spotlight?
The 5-6 dynamo went from viral sensation to viable prospect.
The 2017 draft could be the start of a turnaround — and not just because the television ratings increased slightly from last year.
NFL teams are desperate to reap immediate returns on high draft picks like Mitchell Trubisky, which means the Bears will throw him into the fire sooner than later, even if he isn't ready to play.
A rough month already for University of Florida defensive tackle Caleb Brantley could be getting worse.
The biggest NFL Draft mistake Cleveland can make is to panic entering the second year of a massive rebuilding job. The Browns should not reach for a QB in this class.
Having undergone a shoulder operation before, Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis can relate to what teammate Cam Newton is experiencing after last month’s rotator cuff surgery. That’s what has Davis so impressed with how the Panthers quarterback is recovering.
Adrian Peterson won't be carrying the load in the Saints' backfield, and that may be just what he needs.
Andreas Knappe started playing football at 18 — in Denmark. After excelling at Connecticut, the offensive lineman has a chance to play stateside long term.
Dean Blandino’s resignation as the NFL’s officiating director caught many in the league completely off-guard. Not the NFL’s Referees Association executive director.
Suspended since last March, the Steelers wide receiver met with NFL officials Thursday.
Joe Vitt started work earlier this spring in a role focused on special projects with Miami’s football research staff, sources tell SN.
"It's weird," Devonta Freeman told SN about his recollection of Atlanta's Super Bowl collapse. He remembers everything.
"I love these guys. I love football," Devonta Freeman told SN when asked why he plans to attend all Falcons offseason activities as he waits for a new deal.
Foot surgery did not keep Julio Jones from attending "Camp Brotherhood" with his Atlanta Falcons teammates.
In an exclusive interview with SN, Matt Ryan opens up about Atlanta's Super Bowl loss, the future of the offense under a new coach and more.
Montee Ball's football career was destroyed by alcoholism. Now the former running back is taking measures to make sure it does not destroy his life.
Tony Romo could have provided Houston the boost it needed to reach Super Bowl 52. That possibility is gone, so now what?
SN's Alex Marvez learned these nuggets of information after four days at the annual league meeting in Phoenix.
The NFC champs are close to making some big decisions about key players, according to their general manager.
The NFL didn't discuss Colin Kaepernick and other players taking a knee during the anthem last season. League VP Troy Vincent says players are "asked (to stand), but not required."
Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is making impressive strides in his recovery from a major knee injury.
Denver exec John Elway told SN he plans to add another quarterback. Does that mean Colin Kaepernick or Tony Romo?
Mark Davis did what his father could never do and some of his peers doubted could ever get done. He found the Raiders a home of their own.
Wisconsin tackle Ryan Ramczyk figured his livelihood would involve wearing a face mask, but not necessarily one attached to an NFL helmet.
Even after a zany week of free-agency signings, every NFL team still has roster holes to fill.
Move over, Sarah Thomas. The NFL is set to add another woman, Terri Valenti, to its officiating department.
The veteran quarterback would give Denver its best chance to succeed immediately.
Kevin Zeitler agrees to a record-setting contract with a team that went 1-15 last season. The former Bengals guard will get up to speed in his unexpected new home starting Friday.
History says the Bears made a mistake in signing Mike Glennon.
The defensive end signed a lucrative extension earlier this week, no longer being doubted just because his cousin, Vernon, was an epic draft bust with the Jets.
The college quarterbacking landscape may not be as bleak as some teams and analysts had thought, while this was among the most promising tight ends group ever.
The NFL team located where NASCAR is also based faces its own type of mechanical challenge in 2017. Fixing the “Ferrari.” That’s the sports car Carolina Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman likens to his star quarterback, Cam Newton.
Dede Westbrook must convince teams he's worth drafting, not only because of his size, but also because of his family violence arrests.
Lane is getting the whole Kiffin family involved in his new gig.
Oakland's coach knows what his team needs to do to improve in 2017. He's making sure everyone in the organization is aware, too.
Dwight Freeney reportedly wants to play his 16th NFL season, but Atlanta coach Dan Quinn won't be making any exceptions for the veteran defensive end.
Dan Quinn, whose Atlanta team collapsed in Super Bowl 51, wanted to know how Golden State rebounded so well from its similar collapse in the NBA Finals.
Chris Johnson figures the island Adidas is dangling should belong to him for the moment, seeing as how he holds the record for fastest 40 time.
Johnson, who turns 32 this year, wants to go somewhere he can still "get in the game."
The way some NFL teams conduct wild "job interviews" at the Combine can leave players scratching their heads or, in extreme cases, hoping they don’t get picked by the questioning party.
While there is no official announcement that Ben Roethlisberger is returning for the 2017 season, how the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback is spending part of his offseason seemingly indicates that he will be back.
Future Hall of Fame kicker Adam Vinatieri suggests people do not understand how badly the Colts will miss retired punter Pat McAfee.
The higher Rodney Adams can leap at the Combine, the greater the number of grieving children who may be able to jump for joy once again.
The longtime Bengal is looking for a new home.
Projected No. 1 NFL draft pick Myles Garrett is clearing up the Browns-Cowboys nonsense and reminding us what he really wants out of his draft selection.
The Seattle linebacker admits he rooted for the team that knocked the Seahawks out of the playoffs.
Mental coach Trevor Moawad worked with Russell Wilson after Seattle lost Super Bowl 49 in heartbreaking fashion. Now he has advice for Atlanta following its Super Bowl 51 collapse.
What you did not see when New England recovered a key, fourth-quarter fumble in Super Bowl 51 was also why the Patriots are considered the smartest team in football.
Several high-profile Patriots are skipping their Super Bowl celebration at the White House.
The Patriots running back wasn't too busy to take a call from his biggest supporter right after the big game.
Sporting News has learned that Jeff Zgonina will leave his post as New York Giants assistant defensive line coach to join Kyle Shanahan’s staff in San Francisco.
Two sources told Sporting News that Richard Smith won’t be returning as coordinator and Bryan Cox will be replaced as defensive line coach.
White, like Martellus Bennett and Devin McCourty, could turn down an photo op with President Donald Trump.
Andre Carter was a first-round pick by the 49ers in 2001. He went on to play for the Redskins, Raiders and Patriots, as well.
An epic Super Bowl collapse is how Kyle Shanahan’s tenure with the Falcons will be most remembered as he leaves to become the 49ers' new coach.
The Saints spent the past three seasons at The Greenbrier resort in Sulphur Springs, W.V., but opted against renewing their contract per the New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Thomas Dimitroff in an interview with SN explained the elements that came together and made a Falcons Super Bowl possible.
Johnny Manziel is serious enough about his NFL comeback attempt to show teams he truly is clean and sober.
Tom Brady has a set of four Super Bowl hats. Two other lids, made in anticipation of Pats championships, wound up in the far reaches of the globe.
For Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount, visiting the Musket Men is a treasured post-touchdown tradition.
The likes of Jimmy Graham, Travis Kelce and Drew Brees know a little something about beating the teams that will play in Super Bowl 51.
Lorenzo Alexander notched 12.5 sacks in 2016, significantly driving up his asking price as he enters free agency.
Nobody feels a greater sense of urgency than Seahawks tight end Jimmy Graham, who was told his NFL career was likely over after suffering a ruptured patella tendon during the 2015 season.
Kansas City coach Andy Reid wants Hill to see a lot more of the ball in 2017.
ESPN analyst Charles Woodson doesn’t believe his former unit carried its weight this season.
The Steelers QB will be 35 in March and has suffered multiple injuries throughout his 13-year career. His former teammate can relate.
Kyle Shanahan was the NFL's best coordinator in 2016, according to the league's head coaches.
Jordy Nelson's NFL peers voted him Comeback Player of the Year for the 2016 season.
A former San Francisco 49ers head coach may be getting back in the NFL.
Green Bay might have been watching Sunday's NFC title game from home had Micah Hyde not stepped up over and over on defense during its winning streak.
The last two seasons, Freeney hasn't been on an opening day roster. Both seasons unfolded with Freeney standing one win away from reaching the Super Bowl.
Paul Tagliabue was one of the driving forces behind the rule that has helped bring diversity to NFL sidelines.
San Francisco will know the name of its next general manager soon.
The Texans face a tough-enough opponent against the Patriots on Saturday without a divided locker room. Thankfully for Houston, they're playing what Bill O'Brien calls "complementary ball."
The Panthers discovered firsthand just how hard it is to get over a Super Bowl loss.
A source tells SN that Vance Joseph has spoken with Mike McCoy about returning to the Broncos.
Pagano is 49-31 as Colts coach.
Three straight losses to end the regular season — and a likely fourth coming in the playoffs — are enough to get some head coaches fired. In Detroit, you still have job security.
Felton didn't like the fact the team was forced to deal with internal distractions.
The bad news for Denver is it has no QB or coach for 2017. The good news for Denver is it has John Elway.
Stick a fork in Oakland, which fell to a wild card in the AFC playoffs with its loss in Denver on Sunday.
The Broncos' special teams coordinator could be the next Bill Belichick, so teams probably shouldn't ignore him in their coaching search.
Will Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald retire after the season? Not if his coach can help it.
Denver was eliminated from playoff contention in Week 16 ... and you're surprised?
The Browns' best player knows better things are coming for the franchise very soon.
Oakland GM Reggie McKenzie tells SN why he thinks the Raiders are here to stay as contenders. Their success is his doing, after all.
Jerry Jones was once heralded as solely a businessman, but it's hard to deny the success that Big D has had in nearly three decades of ownership.
If the Broncos fail to make the playoffs, defeats like Sunday’s 16-3 home loss to New England will be the reason.
Michael Floyd was arrested Monday, and the Cardinals have had enough of him.
Despite slumping TV ratings, the NFL fully plans to remain America's No. 1 sport, and it'll do so by "pushing the boundary" of technology.
Nobody inside the Tennessee locker room is counting down the days anymore, looking for the first flight out to start offseason vacationing.
Kansas City's all-time leading tackler wants to be ready to go for Week 1 next season.
Kansas City’s all-time leading tackler isn’t wasting any time getting ready to play in 2017.
Football wasn't meant to be for the "Nature Boy." His backup plan worked out pretty well, at least on the business side. And business is as good as ever.
Tyreek Hill made the plays Kansas City needed to beat Oakland on Thursday. The Chiefs will rely on that type of play now more than ever.
More NFL games in London might also mean more NFL games in Mexico, Sporting News has learned.
Johnson fell to the turf at Arrowhead Stadium untouched. It was his second season-ending injury in three seasons.
West's tribute to McKnight came after a 3-yard touchdown.
Longtime linebacker Derrick Johnson is playing well, as is his team. It's a happy convergence that could last all the way to Houston this season.
Doug Baldwin called Earl Thomas' injury "heartbreaking." Good thing Seattle has a strong heart as a team.
It’s almost as if Jason Garrett doesn’t exist during one of the best seasons in recent Cowboys history.
Adam Gase came in with the goal of fixing Ryan Tannehill, and it looks like it might have worked.
Why haven’t the Seahawks asked mega-fan Jeffrey Dean Morgan to participate in their 12th Man pregame flag-raising ceremony? Morgan would love to know the same thing.
The wide receiver has been hampered by sickle cell trait all season. The condition flared up again last weekend.
It was a rough beginning for Tampa Bay, but they're finding ways to close out games thanks to words of advice from their rookie head coach.
After dedicating Sunday’s game against Seattle to his late father, Tampa Bay cornerback Alterraun Verner delivered in a big way.
Some bad news for the rest of the NFC North: Adrian Peterson is starting to look like the Adrian Peterson of old.
Derek Carr is everything that the Houston Texans needed. But, unfortunately, he's only going to haunt them for years to come.
Mexico City, folks!
Butch Davis has added another assistant which college head coaching experience to his new staff at Florida International University.
Arizona's shocking demise is among our Week 11 NFL takeaways.
Dan Hawkins will be working under Butch Davis, who left an ESPN announcing role last week to become FIU’s new head coach.
To the NFL, Donald Trump’s plan to build a wall along the Mexican border is of little consequence.
A former college and CFL head coach is under consideration to join Butch Davis’ staff at Florida International University.
NFL executive vice president/International Mark Waller says that the process of finalizing dates and venues will be different than during the past decade.
Vincent Jackson's knee injury might spell the end of his NFL career.
All twin brothers Devin and Jason McCourty want is a chance to finally meet in the postseason. With the Titans improving, it's possible.
The Seahawks receiver, fresh off a three-TD performance in Foxborough, takes down the Pats defender in a charity event.
The ex-NFL offensive coordinator is in the mix to replaced the fired Darrell Hazell in West Lafayette.
The O-line has been plagued by injuries all season.
Martin has been sidelined pretty much all season, but the Bucs organization is being careful with his return.
The right guard plans to appeal the $9,115 fine levied by the NFL, but his reasoning for doing so is almost justified.
Could a reunion be in the works at Fresno State?
The smallest slate of Sunday games this season produced something the NFL was sorely lacking during the 2016 campaign: smiles.
The Hall of Fame won't give Ken Stabler's family a ring and/or yellow jacket. This is exactly what Raiders owner Mark Davis tried to prevent.
Butch Davis is working toward a return to South Florida — albeit with a different school than the one he once coached.
NFLPA executive George Atallah says a drop in TV ratings hasn't been caused by a "major structural issue" in the NFL.
Martin has been sidelined with a nagging hamstring injury all season.
Atlanta's record after nine games is the same as it was last year, but this is a much different team.
Josh Norman, being a sore loser, verbally assaulted an official after Sunday's game.
Dalton is the NFL's fourth-leading passer, heading into the Bengals Week 8 matchup against Washington.
The NFL trade deadline is next week, and Seattle desperately needs O-line help. Make the call, John Schneider.
The NFL doesn’t have plans for any more regular-season games in Canada, but that doesn’t mean the league is turning a blind eye to the north.
The NFL playing the Pro Bowl in Brazil and/or Australia is an idea that won’t be revisited anytime soon.
The NFL is ready to become the first U.S. sports league to play a regular-season game in China. The reason it may not happen as planned stems from what may happen afterward to the two participating clubs.
London wants to host a fourth NFL game, but the league tells Sporting News that won't be easy.
Oakland clearly is ahead of Jacksonville, but the two rebuilding teams are on the same track.
The Rams and their QB situation reached a new level of sadness Sunday.
On the subject of Josh Brown, Giants leadership is leaving coach Ben McAdoo out to dry.
Odell Beckham Jr. has trouble controlling his emotions. The Rams have a reputation for cheap shots. That led to a melee the last time they met. Rams coach Jeff Fisher doesn’t want a repeat Sunday in London.
The Jets have numerous problems, including one of the oldest rosters in the NFL and a bleak future.
Bucs rookie Roberto Aguayo nailed 38-yard field goal to sink the Panthers on Monday night.
Former Panther and current Minnesota Viking Captain Munnerlyn told Sporting News the Panthers aren't afraid of their own division, and are staying positive despite
Minnesota is 4-0 on the strength of its defense. The unit's main challenge now is to stay hungry.
Odell Beckham explained to Sporting News why he embraced all the soldiers Monday night.
Odell Beckham Jr. believes all of the elements are conspiring against him. Once again, they won.
Miami's big-money quarterback isn't providing much return on investment. How much longer can the franchise afford to wait while he costs it wins?
Mike Brown is pumped to get two of his star players back, but he knows their returns need to be "gradual."
Coach Chip Kelly doesn’t believe Kaepernick is “ready to go full time.”
The 2006 Saints marched into history with a single play — one in which the former Falcons punter will be forever remembered.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins' high ceiling on the field couldn't make up for his lowlights off it.
The team will start its designated-driver program Oct. 9.
There are many responsible tailgaters in Orchard Park, but the team wants the number to increase. It's working hard to make that happen.
P.J. Williams' injury is apparently more serious than first perceived.
For eight NFL teams, the sky isn’t falling after all. For seven others, it is.
Cameron Erving is in stable condition.
A young Tampa team might've let a high get it too high, heading into its Week 2 tilt at Arizona
The Bills fired OC Greg Roman in a move to appease a disgruntled fanbase, according to SN's Alex Marvez.
The Buffalo franchise celebrated the glory days of the '80s and '90s at halftime Thursday night. Its present and near future look like a long series of gory days.
Taylor was yanked immediately from the game to undergo concussion protocol, a stark contrast from the league's handling of Newton's helmet-to-helmet hits.
The Bills' top receiver was hurt in the team's Week 1 loss.
The Raiders quarterback knows he's fortunate he didn't join Robert Griffin III on injured reserve. Expect him to lose the acrobatics.
Jackson's status is uncertain after an offseason incident involving him and his wife.
Allen went down in the second quarter of the Chargers' game against Kansas City. Sources have said he has a torn ACL.
Los Angeles has totally botched its handling of No. 1 draft pick Jared Goff.
Even quarterback Aaron Rodgers is impressed by the development of Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. “I got to sit down and talk a little ball with him a few weeks ago and was just amazed by the way he sees the game. He sees it like a quarterback on the field," Rodgers said.
Tom Brady won't be denied, Washington doubles up and more big, bold prediction from Sporting News NFL insider Alex Marvez.
Sporting News has learned that the Bears have signed guard Josh Sitton.
Titans can feel "it", says new GM Jon Robinson, thanks to a new front office mentality and revamped roster.
Thursday night's face-to-face meeting between Colin Kaepernick and Nate Boyer was powerful and impactful. Here's what happened.
Players of note are replaced by guys who most likely won't make teams. On the flip side, those potential cuts gain a final audition.
Former professional wrestler George Gray took a beating during his wrestling career. But none of it compares to what he is going through after losing his home in Central City, La.
In a Q&A with Sporting News, Aaron Rodgers proves he's ready to be a vocal leader in the NFL, not just Green Bay.
Mike McCarthy thinks Colin Kaepernick's protest will have the opposite effect than intended.
The 49ers already owe Colin Kaepernick more than $12 million this season. Getting rid of him because of his suspect play and national anthem stance might be cost prohibitive.
The contract dispute between the San Diego Chargers and first-round draft pick Joey Bosa has plenty of collateral damage. At the top of the list is head coach Mike McCoy.
The man who is ninth on the NFL's all-time sacks list is OK with how his career ended. He played the game — and left it — on his terms.
The defensive lineman decided it was the Cowboys or nothing, and Dallas wasn't interested in re-signing him.
Craig Stevens had established himself as one of the NFL's top blocking tight ends.
Despite recording 100 or more tackles in his last seven full seasons, the vet has never reached the postseason.
Jaguars LB Paul Posluszny wants his eventual successor to get up to speed quickly and make the team better sooner.
The league is looking for a new perspective, particularly for special teams officiating.
New Detroit GM Bob Quinn is changing almost everything you know about the Lions.
Detroit made the playoffs in 2014 and thought it had made it. Whoops.
After his poor play and poor sportsmanship in Super Bowl 50, Cam Newton is taking his game to a new level. Teammates at Carolina Panthers training camp say Newton is driven to get back to Super Bowl LI.
The league can learn a lot from Arizona coach Bruce Arians and team president Michael Bidwill.
The Texans' coach and QB are still getting to know each other, but they're already falling in love.
