This is quite the honor in the memory of a player who deserves it.
The University of Colorado will retire the No. 19 in honor of Rashaan Salaam, the 1994 Heisman Trophy winner and all-time Colorado great who killed himself last summer at age 42. Salaam ran for 3,057 yards, highlighted by his magical 2,055-yard, 24-touchdown season as a junior in 1994. His Heisman Trophy winning campaign helped launch Salaam’s draft stock, and with the 21st selection in the 1995 NFL Draft. Salaam ran for 1,074 yards as a rookie, but played just four years in the NFL.
May he rest in peace.
Hub Arkush of Pro Football Weekly shares some sage advice, warning readers not to get completely caught up in the quarterback derby because there are plenty of other position battles that need to be accounted for before the regular season kicks off. There are only a handful of players perceived to have locked down roster spots, which means the competition should be fierce as we come down the stretch. Competition at tight end (Daniel Brown, Zach Miller, MyCole Pruitt, Ben Braunecker) and wide receiver (Victor Cruz, Kendall Wright, Tanner Gentry, Deonte Thompson) are among those worth watching closely.
On the defensive side of the ball, Prince Amukamara hopes to prove last year’s interception-less year was a fluke. Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic writes about how Amukamara has made an impact in the secondary, and how he hopes to get his hands on some more passes when challenged in the secondary as the team’s new top corner. Amukamara has just one interception in his last 25 games, and that’s something he wants to change with the Bears.
I’ll be curious to see if a one-on-one matchup between Amukamara and Tennessee Titans rookie receiver Corey Davis will unfold. Davis is going to get a close look from the Titans after Sunday’s game, and the health of his hamstring will be a high priority. His playing status seems uncertain as of right now, which is unfortunate for the Chicagoland product who played his college ball at Western Michigan where he became a MACtion star.
Speaking of college football, it is already under way. And to think, Mitch Trubisky was a relative unknown at this time last year. Who is going to be that breakout star this season? I don’t know, but I’m totally here to find out.
Isaiah Irving is one of the Bears’ undrafted free agents looking to make the season-opening 53-man roster, and is making a strong case for inclusion by being one of the most productive rookie pass-rushing 3-4 outside linebackers during the preseason:
If you thought the Bears’ quarterback situation is up for grabs, the Jacksonville Jaguars just might take the cake. Head coach Doug Marrone has named Blake Bortles the team’s starter. Chad Henne started the team’s third preseason game, but didn’t impress his coach with an 8 of 14, 73-yard showing. Good luck to Allen Robinson’s fantasy owners this coming season.
A tough break for the New England Patriots, as Albert Breer reports Julian Edelman suffered a complete ACL tear. Edelman was carted off the field after a non-contact knee injury during the team’s preseason game against the Detroit Lions.
Ahmad Brooks put together a pretty solid career for the San Francisco 49ers, picking up 51.5 sacks in 120 games from 2009 to 2016. Unfortunately, Brooks’ time with the 49ers has come to an end with the team announcing his release on Friday.
The FOX Sports NFL coverage team made a transaction of its own, hiring Michael Vick to its team of studio analysts. The former Pro Bowl quarterback spent some time as a coaching intern with the Kansas City Chiefs under Andy Reid before taking the step into the broadcast studio.
Moving from the broadcast studio to the kitchen, football fans need to prepare themselves to possibly pay more for one of the foods most associated with gridiron glory. The Wall Street Journal reports wholesale prices for chicken wings are on the rise, which means the cost will almost certainly be passed down to the consumer.
Caption this photo, please:
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