The voice of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Myron Cope, retired after 35 years of faithful service to the organization. At 76, Cope was experiencing several health problems including a concussion that caused him to miss a game last year. "Joe came to my house and said, 'Do not go another year in the booth. You've got 35 years in and with your health ...,'' Cope said Tuesday. "My slipping, he attributed it to my health problems. He said, 'It's too punishing for you to go another year. It's too physically taxing.' "It takes a very special friend to tell you the truth when he knows it's going to hurt," Cope said.

After considering retirement, Jerome ?The Bus? Bettis, running-back for the Pittsburg Steelers, came to the conclusion to continue playing football for the Pittsburg Steelers. Signing a renegotiated contract for about $1.5 million in 2005, ensured that Jerome Bettis, will play for at least one more season. Jerome Bettis, led the Steelers with 941 yards rushing last season, only to start in the place of Duce Staley after missing six games with excrutiating injuries in his first season with Pittsburg.

The Cleveland Browns signed veteran quarterback Doug Johnson on Monday to a one-year contract. This will be Johnson?s sixth season in the NFL, Johnson was a free agent after playing for the Tennessee Titans last season. He had his best season in 2003 when he filled in for injured starter Michael Vick. During that campaign, Johnson threw for 1,655 yards with eight touchdowns and 12 picks.

The Indianapolis Colts re-signed linebacker Rob Morris to a one-year contract believed to be worth $545,000 on Tuesday. "I have good feelings," Morris said. "I like the coaches a lot. Mr. (Colts President Bill) Polian and everybody always has been good to me here, so I appreciate that they wanted me back. It's good to be back."

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed defensive lineman Chris Hoke to a three-year, $2.7 million extension yesterday that includes a $500,000 signing bonus. Hoke did a great job filling in for injured Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton last year and is expected to be an impact player for the Steelers this season.