What did Super Bowl receiver Julio Jones learn at Alabama?

In six NFL seasons, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones has earned All-Pro recognition twice and four Pro Bowl invitations. He’s led the NFC in receiving yards three straight years, turned in one of the most prolific receiving seasons in NFL history in 2015 and owns one of the six 300-yard receiving games in NFL history .

Howie Long’s son has chance to get own ring

… the fans involved more, do more of the skills competition.” Thousands of fans have been out at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports complex this week watching both the AFC and NFC practice. “The fans aren’t going to remember the game,” said former NFL player …

Two more mock drafts

I ran a mock draft on Fanspeak a couple days ago, and bookmarked it with the intent of postiong it here when I got a chance. I ran another one today, so I decided to post them both in one write up.

Another possible GM candidate for the 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are conducting follow-up interviews with George Paton on Friday and Terry McDonough on Saturday, and will hopefully get something sorted out at that point. However, if neither candidate works out, the team will have to consider other options.

Matchups For The Falcons-Patriots Super Bowl

Atlanta led the NFL in points by a wide margin, thanks to a career year from QB Matt Ryan , who along with WR Julio Jones are All-Pros. If that combination comes close to its production during the season and, in particular, the nine connections for 180 yards and two TDs in the NFC championship game against Green Bay, the Falcons will be difficult to stop.

Super Bowl comes as Houston recovering from latest oil bust

In May 2013, when Houston was awarded the right to host this year’s Super Bowl, the city’s economy was booming as many of the oil and gas companies that call Houston home and have earned it the nickname “the energy capital of the world” were riding high on a wave of oil selling at more than $100 a barrel. But that wave soon collapsed.

Legacy of Kenny Washington, first black player to sign with NFL team, honored Saturday

The late Kenny Washington, who in 1946 became the first African American to sign a contract with an NFL team, will be honored at a ceremony Saturday in Houston. The Black Heritage Society will recognize the legacy and contributions of Washington at its Mountaintop Awards Luncheon starting at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby St. Members of Washington’s family, the Kenny Washington Stadium Foundation, the NFL Ex-Players Association and the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee will be in attendance.

Trump Derangement Syndrome Strikes L.A. Times Sports Columnist

The latest victim to contract Trump Derangement Syndrome is Los Angeles Times sports columnist Bill Plaschke. Here is how Plaschke opened his column in today’s Los Angeles Times : The week before the Super Bowl is historically filled with all sorts of sordid distractions, from cocaine to prostitutes to the infamously bared butt of a quarterback.

A look at the key players in the Super Bowl

Had best season, making All-Pro, leading NFL in passer rating , with 38 TDs … First-rounder in 2008, third overall pick … Has thrown for seven touchdowns and run for one in playoffs … Popular in New England because of college career, won’t be so popular there if he beats Patriots. Rushed for 1,000-plus yards and 11 TDs for second straight season … Also can catch the ball … Fourth-round pick who became starter in second NFL year.

What will the Cowboys do with Tony Romo? Our experts try to predict his fate

What does the future hold for quarterback Tony Romo? It’s the story of the Cowboys’ offseason. Will the franchise’s all-time passing leader suit up for another team? Will he be released by the Cowboys or traded? What about a backup role in Dallas or retirement? SportsDay’s columnists and Cowboys beat writers offer their predictions: It’s fun to consider all of the trade possibilities for Romo.

Elon beats Northeastern in defensive slugfest

Chilling winds gusting to 30 knots greeted anglers Thursday morning, and from that you know the rest of the story, no fishing reports! With thousands of NFL workers already descended on Houston to get ready for all the various aspects of the big game, hundreds of those workers are working on transforming NRG Stadium from the home of the Houston Texans to site of Super Bowl LI. This week the Texas City-La Marque Chamber of Commerce will be saluting the best and brightest members of the community at its 47th annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony.

Building Broncos: OL, Fixing the mess is a must, but it won’t be easy

The Denver Broncos offensive line of Russell Okung, Michael Schofield, Matt Paradis, Max Garcia and Donald Stephenson break the huddle during the preseason game against the Los Angeles Rams at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Saturday, August 27, 2016. Editor’s Note: Fourth of an eight-part series breaking down the Broncos’ roster as they reboot under new head coach Vance Joseph.

Flowers rushing to make impact

New England Patriots defensive end Trey Flowers stretches during an NFL football practice, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass. ORG XMIT: MASR104 New England Patriots defensive end Trey Flowers stretches during an NFL football practice, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017, in Foxborough, Mass.

Kyle Shanahan squeezing in 49ers meeting amid Super Bowl prep

Kyle Shanahan squeezing in 49ers meeting amid Super Bowl prep Falcons offense coordinator will use off day to huddle with San Francisco. Check out this story on USATODAY.com: http://usat.ly/2jCtQJF USA TODAY Sports’ Lorenzo Reyes explains how Falcons head coach Dan Quinn was the Seahawks’ defensive coordinator when they lost to Tom Brady and the Patriots in one of the most memorable Super Bowls ever.

Wrestling: Scouting the Mid-Suburban League meet

Lowdown: Talk to any coach in the league, and they’ll agree this will be a four-team race for the championship. Division champs Barrington and Wheeling get the edge from their brethren as the teams to beat, while divisional runners-up Conant and Prospect have plenty of firepower and are not to be overlooked.

Belichick: Beware of Super Bowl trick plays

Belichick says you prepare for everything in Super Bowl, especially trick plays Patriots coach says you need to be ready for anything in Super Bowl. Check out this story on muskego-newberlinnow.com: http://usat.ly/2k7MigB USA TODAY Sports’ Lorenzo Reyes believes Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback of all time, regardless of the outcome of Super Bowl LI.