An alliance anchored by the NFL and its union agreed to create a toll-free hotline for former players with medical and financial problems during a two-hour meeting in Midtown yesterday.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has ordered the New England Patriots to turn over all videotape, files and notes relating to all their activity that resulted in the disciplinary action of coach Bill Belichick and the franchise, according to sources familiar with the details of Goodell's private communication with the team.

You must wonder why NFL teams are waiting to sign quarterback Byron Leftwich.

Bad news for NFL linebackers, good news for soap opera fans: Ricky Williams is planning another comeback.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell visited injured Bills tight end Kevin Everett on Thursday morning, spending 90 minutes with the tight end who sustained a severe spinal cord injury.

Roger Goodell's hard line on discipline, aimed so far at players, came down this time on a coach and a team.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has determined that the Patriots violated league rules Sunday when they videotaped defensive signals by the Jets' coaches, according to league sources.

Tiki Barber's presence in the Giants' backfield was immense, but Troy Aikman said he believes Barber's attitude off the field is one of the reasons the team did not win a Super Bowl during his career.

Simeon Rice has narrowed his choices to the Rams and Broncos and could decide this weekend.