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The Cleveland Browns are proposing a rule change that would allow NFL teams to trade draft picks five years into the future instead of three.

The league announced Wednesday that only two teams submitted proposals that will be considered by owners at the league meetings later this month, with the other coming from the Pittsburgh Steelers about contacting players during the free agent negotiating period.

NFL executive Troy Vincent said last month at the scouting combine that no team had submitted a proposal to ban the tush push after Green Bay's proposed rule change was narrowly defeated last year. There were no other on-field rule changes proposed by teams this year, although the competition committee will announce next week its proposed rule changes.

Any changes need to be approved by at least 24 of the 32 teams.

The most significant proposal came from the Browns, who are trying to extend how far into the future teams can trade draft picks. Current rules allow teams to trade draft picks up to three years into the future, compared to a seven-year window in the NBA.

A new crop of general managers has led to more trades in recent years, and this rule change would make that easier in the future. There have already been six first-round picks from this year's draft that have been traded with the latest coming earlier this week when Denver sent its first-rounder to Miami for receiver Jaylen Waddle.

The Browns argued that the changes would lead to a more active trade market and greater roster flexibility.

The NFL allowed teams this year on a trial basis to conduct up to five phone or video calls directly with players on other teams during the two-day free agent negotiating period before the start of the league year. Teams previously had been able to contact only agents during that time.

The Steelers are asking for that rule to be permanent, as well as allowing teams to make travel arrangements before the start of the league year with players who have agreed to terms for new contracts during the negotiating period.


https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id...ule-change-allow-pick-trades-5-years-out

The Browns proposing this frightens me. Who does AB want that he will give up the next 5 first round picks?

Haha. That's the first thing I thought. It was on ESPN but for a split-second I thought it was a fake article.

Cleveland will soon get the Ted Stepien Rule 2.0 to try and save them from themselves.

Haslam sees Arch Manning coming out next year. PLEASE SAVE HIM FROM HIMSELF!!!! Arch will be a good QB but not worth 5 1st round picks.

Or is it the opposite?
Myles Garret going on the trading block?

It could be that they don't want to have to give up 3 consecutive 1st round picks to trade for a pick for a QB,

Maybe instead of trading 1st rounders in years 1,2,and 3, they could trade picks in years 1, 3, and 5? Who knows?

But the real question: Will Haslam drop footballs from the 52nd floor of Terminal Tower to celebrate the drafting of Arch Manning?

I think this is more the case. They have seen how removing 3 years worth of draft picks decimates a roster. There is almost no coming back from it. If they need to maneuver in next years draft for a QB, this would give them a better opportunity without completely moving their immediate future options in the draft.

Haslam cant win playing by the rules ; So lets change them ! Makes me ill.

Everyone would still have the same rules. It wouldn't really help one team without helping the other 31. It just gives everyone more flexibility. We are only talking 2 years difference, it is currently out 3 years allowed.

Everyone hears 5 years and jumps to the conclusion that Berry and/or Haslem wants to trade 5 picks instead of 3. I think it's more about flexibility than adding more picks to the pot. I'll be honest, I didn't think much about it until YTown brought it up. Kudos to him.

j/c

What I don't see is where the rule change mentions first round draft picks. It just states draft picks. Only the writer insinuated it was about first round picks. I think it simply means you can extend trading picks for up to five years and that would help anywhere multiple picks are involved.

To me, if what the standard to this point holds true, the further out you push the other team getting the pick, the less value that pick holds.

It's like giving out a loan and zero interest being accrued over a much longer term.

This could also mean trading more lower-round picks instead of fewer higher picks. It doesn't necessarily mean we are looking to break our own record in terms of blockbuster trades.

For sure. Just gives a little more leverage in negotiations. And in the case of huge trades, it gives the team dealing the picks a "skip year" in year two, or more likely, year three.

I bet this is passed at a near unanimous vote. It's just fodder for punch lines because it was the Browns that proposed it.

Jimmy dropping J-Dubs bobbleheads from atop the new Sherwin Williams building.

That makes a helluva lot more sense... If you are gonna give up 3 or 4 or 5 First Rounders, it should probably be on a Shoe in for the HOF.

You missed the point completly

Well, you were pretty vague. Other than you can’t stand Haslem. I was just discussing the rule and how it wouldn’t be an advantage to the guy you hate.

Sorta reminds me of the 50yr mortgage that was getting proposed last year. Like, what could possibly be wrong with letting people dig as deep a hole as they want if there are takers.

I’m not saying 5yrs specifically is necessarily wrong but with how coaching & FO’s get swapped out every few years in (…ehem) stability-challenged franchises at some point this kind of can-kicking becomes “let’s just do it and if doesn’t work out we’ll be long gone before the bill comes due anyway”. Certain FO’s may just go for broke when they sense they’re reaching the end of their rope. Happens anyway but the damage potential is at least somewhat limited. I mean, can you imagine if we gave 4 or 5 firsts for DW? At some point someone always shoots themself in the face in the most elaborate way possible with the tools available and you can’t worry too much about that. Buuuuut…. You know it’s gonna be the Browns. 😂

Well in our case the GM that was here, involved, with the DW fiasco is still here and been given the very difficult task of righting the ship. That is a rarity and I'm 100 % supporting AB and hope he accomplishes the job. So far, he's done a decent job IMO and if he hits on these FA signings and this draft we could be contending for the division this season.

Since we're stuck with AB what choice do we have but to hope he does well? We're not going to be competing for the division this year. We don't even have a QB.

And if you want to have a shot at answering the QB position in next years draft you better hope they don't do that well.

Hope is what you have when you have when all else has failed.

https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profo...roposal-to-expand-trading-of-draft-picks

Looks like Browns are withdrawing the proposal.

Justice Department opens investigation into NFL

The Justice Department has opened an investigation into whether the National Football League has engaged in anticompetitive tactics that harm consumers, according to people familiar with the situation.

The Sports Broadcasting Act grants the league limited antitrust protection to allow the teams to collectively negotiate packages of TV rights. Media companies, regulators and members of Congress have raised concerns in recent months over how difficult it is for consumers to be able to watch their favorite sports games as a result of rights deals in which leagues offer smaller packages of games to streamers.

Full article:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/other/justice-department-opens-investigation-into-nfl/ar-AA20w86L

The other leagues better watch this closely. MLB, teams have special channels that are only available on certain subscriber venders. Then, Even if you subscribe to MLB baseball, local games are blacked out on that SUBSCRIPTION service to local communities.

It's all getting a little out of control. It is making more money for super stars to get rich giving us entertainment, but at the same time, when is enough..enough?

I pay $22 per month for MLB to watch my San Francisco Giants, and they black out the Reds, Indians and Pirates games, I'm 2 1/2 - 3 hours away from all three?

Sounds a lot like them just "doing what they've been doing" at this point.

Generally I don't agree with government interference with business, but here I agree. It's too complicated with all the TV packages being awarded.

Here's the thing about that. I simply do not understand the problem. I mean I get the fact people do not like NFL games going to streaming. To get these games you have to pay an extra fee. But why is it they feel a need to investigate the NFL over it?

It's basic capitalism 101. The NFL is conducting business the same way they always have in this regard. The rights to broadcast these games is put up for bid. The highest bid wins. That's how capitalism works in its most basic of forms.

Monday Night Football is a package that is bid on. The same goes for Sunday Night Football, Thursday Night football, the holiday games, playoff packages and the Super Bowl. Which network or service bids on covering either the NFC or AFC during the regular season as well.

Streaming services have become popular enough that they now have the funds to bid and compete for the broadcasting rights to those games.

I think people need to consider that when it comes to the home teams things have actually improved. Years ago if the home team didn't sell out the game it wasn't wasn't televised. Now it's televised regardless.

As I said, I understand the frustration on the part of the fans. I do however find it odd those who promote capitalism now seem to side with those trying to interfere with it.

IMO with all of the friction over everything from BLM to the Bad Bunny halftime show and the tantrum thrown over it this is nothing but an extension of that. Using the power of the government to harass a perceived enemy.

Exactly.

If it's that big of a problem, then people will stop watching. Plain and simple. NFL isn't food/shelter... it's entertainment. Let people vote with their wallet.

How many baseball or basketball games can you watch on broadcast TV?

Why if football any different?

I don't have a problem with the NFL selling it's product. I just think it is getting carried away with all the different platforms.

Do you think as a business they should sell their products to the second, third or fourth highest bidder?

You see, the NFL isn't choosing the platform. They're simply selling to the highest bidder. Isn't that the way business and capitalism works?

I wonder if many of those who don't like the streaming are of an older demographic. I am in my mid 60s, and it is so different than the days when we were young and all games (at least your local teams) were on free TV.

However, for the last 15 years or so when I follow the Browns, I have the radio on to listen and the TV muted. This was probably because of how much I enjoyed Jim Donovan's play by play and enthusiasm. I miss listening to him and Dieken so much. I have never paid to stream a game but someday I may, who knows?

Saying that, I don't think this is where the government should be getting involved.

I think it's simply a matter of people in general who don't like having to pay the added cost of streaming services to watch NFL games. Back in the day even local teams weren't televised if the games weren't sold out. That rule didn't change until 2015. Only then were all local games televised whether they were sold out or not. Browns games have traditionally pretty much always sold out so I don't think Browns fans in general noticed much if any difference at the time.

I do understand the aggravation of having to pay the additional costs. But many complaining are same people who were happy streaming services came along to break up the monopoly of the cable companies and to give them more viewing option. And I'm willing to bet a lot of the people complaining are the same people that have no problem paying between $5 and $7 dollars for a latte at Starbucks.

At my age I've learned that people love things when it works to their benefit but as soon as it doesn't they complain about it. It brings up the old adage "Be careful what you wish for."

I'm wishing for Peace on Earth and goodwill toward the Browns.

j/c... I can definitely see both sides of this broadcast argument. Hopefully, the investigation can be impetus for changing archaic rules that have governed the NFL... the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 requires games to be on free, over-the-air television. Once there was cable, sports leagues just treated that as a natural exemption. Now, with streaming, things are getting out of hand.

The fragmentation is out of hand. Imagine renting an apartment where year after year they take rooms away from you? "Sorry Bub, this guy just rented your closet." That's something that will have to change. If you're paying for all the games - you get all the games. Driving up the bidding war by taking something away from others is bad business. So, Peacock (or whoever) can have exclusivity, but only to the point of not violating other consumer deals.

And local games should always be free, that's the actual spirit of the current laws in place. If the Browns play on Peacock, the game will either have to be broadcast by a sister station, or a "free watch" code be provided.

just my .02

I agree with what you're saying, but my response isn't a reply to your last post.


I live in Cinci. I get a decent proportion of Browns games on cable here.

Over the years, I purchased NFL Sunday ticket twice. Both times I ended up cancelling before the season was out, resulting in mixed results getting refunds.

If my team's game was on locally, then I couldn't stream it via Sunday ticket. If it was Monday or Thursday night football, couldn't stream it. If it was some random game on some random streaming service (Peacock), then couldn't stream it.

How that can be true and they still charge the flat (and exhorbitant) rate for Sunday ticket in the year 2025 is mind-boggling.

But to your earlier point, I just stopped paying.

I don't think anyone is upset that they have to pay for a streaming service to watch the games.. I think it is because they have to pay for 4-5 different streaming services. I get them all anyway and it is annoying trying to figure out which game is on. I can't imagine those who don't have all these services having to sign up for them just to watch a few football games.

Amen Brother

It isn't a matter of not paying. I think I pay for every service that carries games, but the games isn't the only reason I have the service, well, except for Sunday Ticket, that is all they show.

I am thinking about the poor, hard working people who can't afford to pay for the service to get the games.

Why don't you care about them?

LOL

It's odd that now all of a sudden you think capitalism is the enemy of the poor. That's a new one.

I don't. I think it can be their best friend. It's the way to a better life.

And for the record I don't seek to limit what the NFL can get for their product. I think they should tighten up the number of platforms. I think that can cause hardship for many fans.

I am not sure who carries what anymore, but for the ones who get one game a week, make them buy 2 different days. I am fairly certain that those with one game per week would be eager to pick up another game.

I'm more about priorities in terms of the poor. I'm more about them being fed and having a roof over their heads first. NFL games are pretty low on the priority list.

Once again the idea of "make them buy two instead" would be interfering in the way the NFL markets its games to broadcasters. To maximize their income from the broadcasting rights they open bids on these games in more separate packages. If any streaming platform has the means and desire to get more than one night a week they have every tight to outbid their competitors.

Joke. Sarcasm.

Patrick Mahomes leaps past Dak Prescott as NFL's highest-paid QB with record Chiefs extension worth $504.75M

Deal ties three-time Super Bowl champion to Kansas City through 2033 season

It seemed a bit, let's say, irregular over the past few years to see NFL quarterbacks who had never won or even played in a Super Bowl surpass Patrick Mahomes as the league's highest-paid quarterback.

That's changing starting in 2027.

On Wednesday, Mahomes vaulted over the entire quarterback pack in agreeing to a new contract with a two-year extension that is worth $504.75 million and ties him to the Kansas City Chiefs through the 2033 season. ESPN was first to report the news.

The deal is not yet signed but has been in the works for weeks between Mahomes' representatives at Equity Sports and Chiefs general manager Brett Veach and his team.

The extension means Mahomes now has a contract from 2026 to 2033 worth over half a billion dollars over eight seasons. That represents the first NFL contract to climb over the half-billion-dollar mark.

Mahomes can climb as high as $522.25 million if he meets incentives.

And this: When $239.05 million in new money kicks in starting in 2027, Mahomes will be averaging a reported $64 million per season.

That beats the $60 million per year on an annual average basis Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott gets as the NFL's current highest-paid quarterback.

And it certainly blows away the $45 million per year average Mahomes has been getting since signing his current contract in 2020.

Back then, Mahomes signed a 10-year contract worth $450 million. It made him the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL.

But in the ensuing years, players including Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, Brock Purdy, Tua Tagovailoa, Jared Goff, Trevor Lawrence, Josh Allen, Jordan Love and Prescott signed deals worth more on an annual average basis.

And you know how many Super Bowl championships all those higher-paid QBs boast?

Zero.

Mahomes has helped the Chiefs reach five Super Bowls. And they've won three.

That alone suggests Mahomes was underpaid while averaging $45 million per season. That, of course, can be debated because Mahomes hasn't exactly posted career statistics in recent years.

His annual passing yards have declined each of the last three seasons since he posted a career-high 5,250 passing yards in 2022.

But the statistics are affected by the talent level around him. The Chiefs have had offensive line issues and the wide receiver cast has been in flux and often inconsistent in recent years.

The important thing is whether the Chiefs believe Mahomes to be worthy of a raise. They've answered that question.

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/patr...-qb-record-chiefs-extension-worth-50475m

No Supplemental Draft in 2026
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id...tal-draft-brendan-sorsby-nfl-path-paused

I'm happy to see that issue is now settled.

Not Quite- always Lawyers involved- Sorsby's attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, called the NFL's decision "a violation of the CBA and the law" and said in a statement to CBS Sports that "we will pursue this immediately with the NFLPA." I don't get it, he-Sorsby- gambled on his/other college football games- players betting on games/ especially theirs is universally a no/no......yet, his lawyer says NFL broke law.....duh!, he ain't in the league yet and MOST employers can reject a prospective employee for poor judgement- he might not EVER play in NFL for his personal stupidity.

While his attorney may not be willing to admit it, it's over. But yes, this will make his path to the NFL even harder. I have no idea why the players union would want to get involved in a fight about someone who isn't even an NFL player. At this stage of the game I think his attorney is just making a lot of noise.

If you are an alcoholic or drug addict the NFL will bend over backwards to help you with your addiction. If you whup your girlfriend's azz you'll get a slap-on-the-wrist suspension and go to anger management classes. It reads to me like they aren't interested in giving/helping this kid with his addiction. Now comes the virtue signaling by the shield.

It would seem to me that this decision makes him an undrafted, free agent. That should make teams even MORE willing to take a chance.

Lastly, how is it even remotely reasonable to NOT hold a supplemental draft? The shield is essentially saying that they have no legal basis to stop the kid from joining the league...so their answer is to shut off the established avenue to do so. I can see the shield losing this battle in court...and I think they should.

The NFL decided not to hold a supplemental draft because it did not have enough time to review the complex case of former Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who had applied to enter the draft following a permanent NCAA gambling ban.

The league stated that Sorsby's application did not include a complete record of the NCAA's investigation. Because of the short window between his petition and league rules requiring the draft to be held at least seven days prior to the first training camp, the NFL opted against hosting the draft entirely. This decision effectively means Sorsby cannot join the NFL until the 2027 draft.

The NFL hasn't had a supplemental draft since 2019. It's an option left up to the discretion of the NFL that isn't owed to anyone.

I get what you're saying and I agree with you to a point. But a player who is known to gamble repeatedly on his own games casts a direct shadow as to whether the games are rigged. That's why it's a topic the NFL takes so seriously.

The ironic thing in all of this is how much the NFL is in bed with, well, NFL gambling. Reports surmise the NFL receive anywhere from $130MM to $270MM annually in sponsorships and ad revenue from sports gambling sites. This allegedly comes from a deal In 2021 where they signed a five year contract worth $1 Billon w/ sites like DraftKings, Fanduel, Caesar's, etc.

I'd take their concern about gambling more seriously if they weren't so invested in getting paid by the industry.

It's not only remotely reasonable, it's basically protocol to NOT hold a supplemental draft for any reason. I don't think you'll see many in the future and I think when you do, it will be nearly 100% because a player is experiencing a legitimate hardship. That's actually one of the driving factors for ever having the SD in the first place.

Now that players earn NIL money and are "free to roam" from team to team in college (don't have to sit a year if they're academically ineligible at a certain school), this will be (and has been) basically a thing of the past.

They certainly aren't going to hold one, in a rush job, for someone with game integrity issues. So, in that respect, you're correct, this is virtue signaling by the shield.

He is not an undrafted free agent becaue he didn't declare for the draft. Declaring that you want a supplemental draft isn't the same thing. All UDFA were eligible to be drafted, but weren't.

His only options now are to sue the league, which I believe would have to come from the NFLPA not his private attorney or declare for the 2027 draft where there will be a lot of other players to compete with after losing a year of college ball...

OR.. he could try to get on the CFL negotiation list, if they don't have an issue with the gambling in his past, then enter the NFL draft in 2027. This would be very difficult though since they are like 4 weeks into their season already.

I think that the NFL takes gambling by players very seriously, because it truly could affect game outcomes, especially at the QB position., The QB touches the ball on almost every snap. If a QB were influenced by his own betting, or someone he owes money to from said gambling, it would not be hard for him to throw a game.

Look at the investigation/prosecution of the 2 Guardians pitchers. They just agreed to certain outcomes for certain pitches. I certainly don't want another such embarassment.

Lions' Terrion Arnold arrested, faces kidnapping, robbery charges

Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold is facing multiple felony charges after he was arrested Wednesday in Tampa, Florida, in connection with a robbery and kidnapping in early February.

Tampa police previously arrested six other individuals involved in a targeted armed robbery that took place shortly after midnight on Feb. 4, during which three men were pistol-whipped, held at gunpoint and robbed, according to police.

Police say Arnold was the primary conspirator. He is accused of "coordinating and directing the codefendants" to lure the three men to an apartment where the assault occurred, according to a release from the state attorney's office.

Arnold turned himself in and was taken into custody at Orient Road Jail in Hillsborough County on Wednesday night. He faces four counts of kidnapping and four counts of armed robbery, which carry a potential sentence of life in prison. He is scheduled to appear in Hillsborough County court Thursday afternoon.

The state attorney's office said it would file a pretrial motion to keep Arnold in jail until trial. A date for that hearing has not been set.

According to the police investigation, the incident began after personal property belonging to Arnold and others was stolen Feb. 1 from an Airbnb that Arnold rented in Largo, Florida, and periodically stayed at with the six codefendants -- Arianna Del Valle, Jasmine Randazzo, Lyndell Hudson, Christion Williams, Boakai Hilton and Freddie Lee Hughes III -- and other friends.

Arnold, Hilton, Hughes and another individual reported property loss totaling more than $250,000 to the Largo Police Department on Feb. 3. Arnold, according to Tampa police, suspected that two of the three victims in the kidnapping case were responsible for the Airbnb robbery, but investigators later determined they were not involved.

The state attorney's office, in its release, accused Arnold of "orchestrating the kidnapping and robbery just hours after reporting the missing items to the Largo Police Department." Investigators said they located a group chat in which Arnold and Hilton reportedly gave directions to Del Valle, Williams and Hudson during the assault at the apartment.

Two of the codefendants in the case have pleaded guilty and the other four are being held without bond, according to the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office.

In a statement Wednesday, Denise White, CEO of EAG Sports Management, said Arnold "categorically denies any involvement in the matters underlying the allegations made against him and maintains his innocence. There is no credible evidence linking Mr. Arnold to these allegations. Instead, the government appears to be relying on testimony from multiple convicted felons who have admitted their own involvement and may have substantial incentives to shift blame in an effort to lessen their sentences.

"Mr. Arnold looks forward to his day in court and is confident that the judicial process will lead to his ultimate vindication."

The Lions, in a statement, said they were aware of the situation but declined to comment "out of respect for the ongoing legal process."

Arnold was approached by reporters about the off-field incident during the Lions' veteran minicamp June 17 and declined to comment, saying he just wanted to "focus on football" while coming off a season-ending shoulder surgery.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id...-felony-charges-kidnapping-armed-robbery

Former Titans RB Chris Johnson Reveals ALS Diagnosis

NASHVILLE – Former Titans running back Chris Johnson revealed on Monday morning he has been diagnosed with ALS.

Johnson made his diagnosis public during an interview with Michael Strahan on ABC's Good Morning America.

"I want people to know I am still me," Johnson said. "ALS has changed what my body can do, but it hasn't changed who I am."

Johnson, who is 40, was diagnosed with ALS last year and the disease has spread rapidly. He now uses his eyes to trigger a speech-generating device to speak.

"If sharing my story helps even one person get diagnosed sooner, inspires more research, or gives another family hope," Johnson said, "it is worth it."

Often referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

According to the ALS Association, the progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to death. Patients in the later stages of the disease may become totally paralyzed.

Former Titans linebacker Tim Shaw, who played from 2010-12 with the Titans, was diagnosed with ALS in 2014, not long after his six-year playing career ended. He has been battling the disease since, now using a wheelchair to maintain his mobility.

A first-round pick of the Titans in the 2008 NFL Draft, Johnson played from 2008-2013 in Tennessee.

"Some people leave a mark on an organization that you just can't put into words," Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk said in a statement. "Chris Johnson is one of those people for us. His leadership on the field, in addition to his impact in the locker room and Nashville community have written him permanently into the story of this franchise.

"Learning this news is extremely difficult, and we will support Chris every step of the way throughout his journey. We are holding him and his family close, and join our fans around the world in expressing our love for Chris."

In the interview, Johnson said he first noticed weakness in his right hand last year, when his grip didn't feel right. But his condition began to worsen, and doctors ultimately gave him the diagnosis. Johnson said he reached out to Good Morning America after seeing a doctor discuss ALS, and potential experimental treatments.

"We hoped it was something else," Johnson said. "But after thorough testing, they finally came down with a diagnosis of ALS. They told us about a medication that might extend life by a few months, then they told us to get our affairs in order. It was hard hearing that."

In 10 NFL seasons, Johnson rushed for 9,651 yards and 55 touchdowns, while adding another 2,255 yards and nine receiving touchdowns.

In 2024, Johnson was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.

During an interview with TennesseeTitans.com in 2024, Johnson said he fell in love with the city, while Titans fans fell in love with him.

"I love Tennessee," said Johnson, who played six of his 10 NFL seasons with the Titans. "I come back all the time. The city embraced me, the fans loved me. Everyone around the city – and the whole state, for that matter – embraced me. Nashville, and Tennessee, will always be my second home. It will aways be a place I come to.

"I love the city of Nashville and the state of Tennessee. No matter where I am, I always seem to run into somebody from Tennessee and they are so nice to me."

Johnson had 1,742 carries for 7,965 yards and scored 58 touchdowns in 95 games for the Titans in his career.

In 2009, Johnson ran for 2,006 yards with the Titans while setting a single-season NFL record with 2,509 yards from scrimmage. He was named the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year, along with first-team All-Pro.

It was the time of his life, Johnson said.

"I was 21 years old when I first got there," said Johnson in 2024. "I grew up there, in Tennessee, learned a lot, learned how to be on my own. I went from not having money, to having money and learning what I wanted to do with it. There was some maturing going on. It was a whole lot of growing up.

"And I loved playing football. I had some great teammates, great coaches. I have so many great memories."

Johnson, who has four children, including twin sons, has remained involved in Titans events since his playing days ended. He's also hosted a podcast, "Smash & Dash," with his friend and former teammate, LenDale White.

In recent years, Johnson has also expressed an interest in a career in scouting. He was invited to NFL Scout School at the Senior Bowl to expand his knowledge and determine just what his overall interest might be, and he has worked mentoring running backs in Mobile.

During a mock draft roundup leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, Johnson was the only person among 160 TennesseeTitans.com pollsters to correctly tab Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate to the Titans.

"I told you," Johnson replied with a pair of laughing emojis on April 23, the night of the draft.

Today, Johnson is battling a serious disease, and he's asking for prayers. He said he wants more time with his wife, and his children.

"Honestly, I don't know if you ever fully process it," Johnson said. "At first, you are in shock, and then you realize you have two choices: You can give up, or you can fight. I chose to fight.

"(ALS) has continued to progress much faster than I imagined. I want people to understand just how quickly ALS can attack your body. … I still think the same, I still dream, I still love my family. My body just doesn't cooperate.

"Having doctors who are willing to collaborate and explore every reasonable option has meant a lot to my family," Johnson continued. "Right now there isn't a cure, but we are seeing more research, more clinical trials, and more promising ideas than ever before. Seeing how hard these doctors and researchers are working gives me hope. As long as they are fighting for people with ALS, I am going to keep fighting, too."

https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/former-titans-rb-chris-johnson-reveals-als-diagnosis

oh man, that sucks for him. Average life expectancy isn't great from diagnosis.

ALS is a cruel disease. It takes most of you away, then let's they little it leaves behind to wither away.

I've had one person in my life suffer from ALS. It is an experience I hope I never have to relive and I wouldn't wish that disease on anyone. There is nothing I know of that quite compares to it.

I think the biggest potential gambling problem the NFL faces is with the refs. It's way bigger with the refs.

That was my first thought when the quick gambling apps, and then NFL sponsorship of it started.

Just like Clase and Ortiz, prop bets and/or micro bets could be a huge problem

j/c:

’That’s The Risk’ — NFL Insider Reveals How Baker Mayfield Can ’Stick It To The Buccaneers’ After Contract Dispute

https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/risk-nfl-insider-reveals-baker-005447931.html?fr=yhssrp_catchall

I hate to have a negative view of the future, but if Mayfield doesn't get paid what he deserves, he could end up coming back the AFC North in 2027.

I wouldn't mind him coming back....

I don't think Tampa will let him walk. He's been too good for them, and WE know how hard it is to get a good QB. They would be really dumb to let him go. Really dumb!!!

It won’t be in Cleveland, it’ll be about 2.5 hours south east of Cleveland.

Seahawks to be sold for NFL-record $9.6 billion: Who bought the team, and why billions will go to charity

The historic price tag smashes the previous NFL record set just three years ago

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/seahawks-sold-9-6-billion-nfl-record-buyer-owners/

Kyle Shanahan injured in car accident: 49ers coach to begin training camp in limited role

Reports say Shanahan suffered a broken nose, three broken ribs, a broken hand, a concussion and required more than 40 stitches to his face after the July 14 crash

The San Francisco 49ers have officially reported to training camp but will begin building the foundation for the 2026 campaign with their head coach limited. The team announced in a statement Saturday that Kyle Shanahan was involved in a car accident last week and suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Shanahan, 46, will still participate in team activities, but on a limited basis. Assistant head coach Chris Foerster and the team coordinators will handle the bulk of the head coach duties while Shanahan recuperates.

Here is the full official statement from the 49ers:

"San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan was involved in a car accident last week where he suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Coach Shanahan will participate in team activities on a limited basis at the start of training camp while he recovers. Coach Shanahan and the 49ers organization would like to sincerely thank all first responders involved for their efforts and care.

Assistant Head Coach Chris Foerster along with team coordinators will handle head coach responsibilities during this period."

The accident occurred July 14 when Shanahan collided with an SUV near his Northern California home, per ESPN. While the injuries weren't life-threatening, they were significant. ESPN reported that Shanahan broke his nose, three ribs and his hand, suffered a severe concussion and needed more than 40 stitches to his face.

Shanahan was taken by paramedics to a local hospital and released later that day. The other driver was not injured, according to Palo Alto Lt. Nicholas Martinez. He also told ESPN that drugs and alcohol were not involved, and both drivers cooperated with law enforcement.

Since the crash, Shanahan has been recovering at home and informed the coaching staff of the incident Tuesday. He has yet to be cleared by doctors for full coaching duties and won't be until his concussion symptoms subside.

Shanahan is entering his 10th season as the 49ers' head coach. Since being hired in 2017, he has become one of the league's top coaches, compiling an 82-67 (.550) regular-season record and a 9-5 playoff mark. Under his leadership, San Francisco has made two Super Bowl appearances and is coming off a 12-5 regular-season campaign in 2025 that ended with a divisional-round loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/kyle-shanahan-car-accident-injuries-49ers-training-camp/