Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson is working towards his degree at the University of Miami. Johnson promised his mother that he would complete his studies. "I told my mom I'd finish," he told the Houston Chronicle. "I just never said when." Johnson turned 29 this year. "I was sitting around one day this season thinking about what I'd told my mom," he said. "Why not do it now? I've been out seven years and just felt it was time." He's 30 hours away from a liberal arts degree and is taking three sociology classes worth 12 hours this spring.

The Pro Bowl may return to Hawaii next season, but it could be played the week prior to the Super Bowl. "We have the option when we go back to Hawaii, we can do it before or after (the Super Bowl)," Goodell said. "Here's where I like it: I think you should stop or end your season when you reach the pinnacle. The pinnacle is the Super Bowl. I think it's anticlimactic when you come back with the Pro Bowl the week after the Super Bowl." Traditionally, the Pro Bowl has been held the week after the Super Bowl. Goodell acknowledged that not having the Super Bowl players in the Pro Bowl is a "negative," but overall, he likes the new date for the league's all-star game.

Kris Jenkins took some shots at former Jets teammate Brett Favre on Friday night's NFL Total Access on NFL Network. Jenkins said Favre's presence caused a rift in the New York locker room in 2008. "No, no it was not," Jenkins said when asked if the team's chemistry was good. He didn't call out Favre or any of his teammates in particular, Jenkins cited some negative comments made by some Jets in the papers which he says, "destroy the morale of the locker room." "It was a snowball effect," Jenkins added. "And once it was a snowball effect, and some things started happening here, there -- then the next thing you know it gets out of control, and the team was lost at that point."

Jets coach Rex Ryan flipped off Dolphins fans in Miami during an event on Saturday night. Ryan made the obscene gesture during an MMA event, according to a report in the Miami Herald. Sunday, Ryan apologized in a statement released by the Jets: "It was stupid and inappropriate. I wouldn't accept that type of behavior from one of the coaches or players and it's unacceptable from me. I apologize to the Jets organization, the National Football League and NFL fans everywhere."

Former Bears quarterback Jim McMahon says that Jay Cutler relies too much on his arm strength. Speaking to the Denver Post recently, McMahon was critical of Cutler's decision-making. "The little bit that I saw when I'd watch replays of his interceptions, I'd think, 'Where is he throwing the ball?' " McMahon said. "The guy has a great arm, but I think he relies on that too much." McMahon is the last Chicago quarterback to make the Pro Bowl. "You don't have to throw it through the wall to be a good quarterback in this league," McMahon said. "You need timing and instincts. You can't teach instincts. You either got 'em or you don't."

Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney has begun a series of treatments to fix an ankle injury suffered in the AFC Championship Game. Freeney set up the use of a hyperbaric chamber to help, a usual technique he uses to try to heal from injuries quickly. The swelling and pain have bothered him all week.

Herschel Walker was victorious in his mixed martial arts debut for Strikeforce on Saturday night. Walker, 47, defeated newcomer Greg Nagy (1-2) when the referee stopped the fight at 2:17 of the third round. The former NCAA and NFL star is a fifth-degree black belt with training in Tae Kwon Do, Kenpo karate and Muay Thai. Following the fight, Walker did not rule out fighting again.

Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason is expected to return to the club for the 2010. Lamont Smith, Mason's agent, expects to meet with Baltimore general manager Ozzie Newsome soon. The Carroll County Times, however, points out that Mason is expected to work out a deal to remain with the franchise.

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow struggled during Saturday night's Senior Bowl, but said after the game that he's "open" to working on his fundamentals. Tebow looked shaky running a pro-style offense and fumbled twice in the South's 31-13 loss to the North. "I think I'm definitely open to improving my fundamentals," Tebow said after the game. "I think I definitely showed that by being here. If you just watched the way I played, you could see there is room for improvement and what I need to work on."

Troy Smith wants to play for the Browns. The Ravens backup quarterback told ESPN Radio's Cleveland affiliate of his desire. "There is no doubt about it. It has always been a childhood dream of mine," Smith said. "It's funny how we always talk about Cleveland. That's the first thing that comes to mind with anything I do whether I get a chance to come home and be a part of that organization or not. You know, I would love to get that chance if that opportunity comes up, but the political and right thing to say in this situation is that I would love to be anywhere that would give me a chance. But, without a doubt, there would be no second guessing in my mind if I could come back home and be a part of something that I love." Smith's agent requested a trade earlier this month.