September 2011 - Football Wiretap
Succop Signs Extension With Chiefs
Chiefs kicker Ryan Succop has signed a $14 million, five-year contract extension with the team.
The contract includes a $2 million signing bonus, according to a person who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Gruden Staying With ESPN
Dousing speculation he plans to return to the sideline, former Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden told the Tampa Tribune he is remaining with ESPN as an analyst for its "Monday Night Football" broadcasts.
"I love my job and I'll be back at ESPN with the guys," Gruden said. "I'm not going anywhere."
Gruden, 48, has spent the past three NFL seasons in the ESPN booth with fellow analyst Ron Jaworski and play-by-play man Mike Tirico, receiving two Sports Emmy nominations.
In October, Gruden signed a 5-year extension with ESPN.
Hillis Wants To Remain With Browns
Despite a poor 2011 season, Peyton Hillis doesn't want to go anywhere.
Hillis, who is eligible to become a free agent after the season, would like to return to the Browns.
Negotiations before and during the season did not produce a new contract for Hillis.
"I would love to come back here," Hillis said.
"I'm a Cleveland Brown at heart. Since I've been here, I fell in love with the fans, the city and the people that live here. They've been nothing but 100 percent supportive through everything when I talk to 'em. It's good to have a second family backing [you] like that."
Chiefs Extend Siler For Another Year
The Chiefs signed linebacker Brandon Siler to a one-year contract extension after he missed all of this season because of a torn Achilles tendon.
Siler was expected to compete for time at middle linebacker alongside Pro Bowl selection Derrick Johnson after spending last season with the Chargers.
He had a good start to training camp but was hurt in late August, and had surgery to repair his Achilles a few days later.
Munchak's 'Heart Is Torn' Over Penn State

Penn State has not given up hope it can lure Mike Munchak for its coaching vacancy, according to a source.
Munchak has repeatedly stated he would remain at Tennessee, but a source close to him said Munchak is struggling with the concept that he can "fix and make right" his alma mater.
"He loves his school and his heart is torn," the source said Saturday. "He really fits what they want and need to a tee."
Outgoing Jaguars Owner Says He Should Have Never Fired Coughlin
Outgoing Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver is in a reflective mood these days.
He will hand over the ownership reigns to Illinois businessman Shahid Khan on Jan. 4.
"Look at the first eight years with (then-head coach) Tom Coughlin. It was our most successful time, but we didn't do everything right and I learned a lot from him. ...
"If hindsight you could change, I'll be honest with you: I probably would have never changed Coughlin," the Weaver said.
"I would have tried to have Tom take a step back and just be the coach. I thought about it, but I didn't think Tom would do it. I thought Tom's pride would never allow him to take a step back and me take the general manager's position."
Skittles Shoes Cost Marshawn Lynch $10K
Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch's love of Skittles paid off in the form of free candy earlier this season, but now it is costing him $10,000.
Lynch wore cleats with a Skittles pattern for last Sunday's game against the 49ers, which likely made the candy makers very happy. It wasn't as warmly received by the folks at the league office, though.
He was fined $10,000 for wearing the shoes in violation of the league's uniform policy.
Sproles Closes In On Total Yardage Record
Saints running back Darren Sproles is within reach of the all-time record for all-purpose yards in a season.
The current record is held by Derrick Mason, who had a total of 2,690 yards in 2000, when he was a starting receiver and the primary kick returner for the Titans.
With one game left this season, Sproles has 2,528 all-purpose yards, meaning if he has 163 all-purpose yards on Sunday, he'll have the record.
Hillis Believes In Madden Curse
Browns running back Peyton Hillis resisted blaming his 2011 season on the Madden Curse, but he has finally relented.
After all the drama triggered by his battle with Cleveland management over a new contract, his controversial decision to sit out a game with strep throat on the advice of his agent, the nagging hamstring injury that caused him to miss five straight games, his awkward rapport with teammates and his perhaps too-little-too-late flourish to end the season, Hillis now thinks he may have been jinxed.
"Things didn't work in my favor this year," Hillis said. "There's a few things that happened this year that made me believe in curses. Ain't no doubt about it."
Following a breakout year with the Browns, he won a nationwide fan vote to be the cover figure for "Madden NFL 12," the best-selling video game that has earned a reputation for dooming any player who graces its cover.
Hillis is the latest to succumb to its spell.
Peterson Has Successful Knee Surgery
Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has had surgery to repair torn ligaments in his left knee.
Minnesota coach Leslie Frazier said the team was informed that Friday's operation by Dr. James Andrews was "successful" and that Peterson was "resting comfortably."
Peterson tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in the knee during last Sunday's game at Washington.
Lawrence Taylor Will Be 'Shocked' If Giants Don't Beat Cowboys


Lawrence Taylor fully expects his Giants to defeat the Cowboys on Sunday night with the NFC East title and a playoff berth on the line.
Brady Limited In Practice Because Of Shoulder


Tom Brady was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday because of an injury to his non-throwing shoulder.
McCoy Likely To Play, Chase Rushing Title


LeSean McCoy is 128 yards behind Maurice Jones-Drew, who is probable with a knee injury.
Broncos QBs Fined Tebow For Billboard


Broncos quarterbacks decided to fine Tim Tebow for every day in which an infamous billboard remained up in Denver.
Dolphins Rule Out Reggie Bush


His average of 5.0 yards per rush is the highest for a 1,000-yard runner this year.
Cowboys Expect To Have Romo At 'Full Strength'


Tony Romo was limited in practice on Friday for the third straight day.
Newton, Green Headline Football Outsiders All-Rookie Team


Cam Newton, A.J. Green and Patrick Peterson headline the 2011 All-Rookie Team.
Risdon's Week 17 Meteorology, Team MVPs For 2011


Breaking down the final regular season games of 2011, along with the MVP of each and their unsung player.
Jaworski Believes Cardinals Should Open QB Competition


Ron Jaworski believes the Cardinals should have an open competition at quarterback next season between Kevin Kolb and John Skelton.
Report: Stevie Johnson Seeks $7.5M Per Year


Stevie Johnson's four-year rookie contract is up after the season.
Revis Doesn't Buy Into Marshall's 'Jordan Rule' Claim


Darrelle Revis has responded to criticism from Brandon Marshall, who claimed the defender receives favoritism from the officials.
Orlovsky's Wife Gives Birth To Triplets


Colts quarterback Dan Orlovsky returned to work on Thursday, the day after his wife, Tiffany, gave birth to three sons.
Tomlinson: Miami Game Could Be Last


LaDainian Tomlinson signed a two-year deal with the Jets in 2010 after nine record-breaking seasons with the Chargers.
Owner: IFL Team 'Close' To Deal With Owens


Terrell Owens is close to agreeing to a mid-six-figure contract to play with the Allen Wranglers of the Indoor Football League in suburban Dallas.
Roethlisberger Expects To Face Cleveland


"As long as I can deal with pain, I'll be out there," Ben Roethlisberger said. "I don't want to let the guys down, so I'll do what I can to be out there."
Bush Believes He Can Lead NFL In Rushing


Reggie Bush, in his first season with the Dolphins, has enjoyed the first 1,000-yard rushing effort of his NFL career.
Shanahan Has 'No Doubt' He'll Return To Redskins


Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said he has no doubt he will return to the team next season despite a lack of progress in the won-lost column.
Emmitt Smith Wonders If Cowboys Are Mentally Tough


Emmitt Smith is not sure the Cowboys are mentally tough enough to go to MetLife Stadium on Sunday to beat the Giants in a game to decide the NFC East champion.
Adrian Peterson To Have Knee Surgery


Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has scheduled surgery to repair his left knee.