NFL news: Around the league in 32 plays
By Ben Almquist
Between the start of NFL Training Camps and covering two weeks worth of news, there will be no shortage of items to talk about this week. I know that certain NFL news stories will fall through the cracks, but also understand that there are certain players that just aren’t going to be reported on. Your UDFA crush from Nowhere State might not be on my radar.
Eric Berry’s recovery from cancer is beyond words. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Eric Berry: I’ll start by saying that the lack of coverage by the major networks when the story officially broke was downright shameful. The extensive coverage of “Deflategate” was already ridiculous, but to put it over the story of a guy beating cancer in the time frame that Berry did should be humiliating for those analysts and reporters. I listened to Mike and Mike for an hour, and didn’t hear any mention…even when they took a break from Tom Brady’s balls to go over other headlines. Just unbelievable.
With that said, IS THIS GUY EVEN HUMAN?!!!! I have, unfortunately, known several people to go through chemotherapy. It is a painful and draining experience that taxes the human body beyond anything most of us can comprehend. Eric Berry actually continued training and put on weight. Folks, that should be impossible. That’s like the backstory of a Marvel superhero. Cleared by doctors, trainers, and now coaches…Eric was getting chemo treatment just a few months ago! I was thoroughly convinced that Berry would start the season on the Non-Football Injury list. It was a logical and reasonable assumption based on the facts…except for the one fact that truly mattered: Eric Berry doesn’t care what I find logical and reasonable.
Jen Welter has become the first female coach in the NFL, receiving an intern position as a linebacker coach. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals have become the first (known) team to hire a female coach. Jen Welter was hired as an intern linebacker coach for Training Camp. She formerly played 14 seasons of professional football in a women’s league and coached last year for a men’s indoor football team. The Cardinals also signed veteran tight end Jermaine Gresham to a one year deal. Gresham will start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. The Cardinals also cut defensive back Alfonzo Dennard who has failed to live up to once-high draft expectations.
- Chiefs’ take: The “intern” status is similar to what the Chiefs hired Al Harris with. Obviously that move paid off for Harris, so we shall see what the future holds for Welter, and other women.
Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons have brought in offensive tackle Jake Long for a workout. There is a big risk to signing Long due to his recent injury history. However, if he can bounce back to the player he was, it’s a major coup for Scott Pioli.
Baltimore Ravens: Former Ravens running back, Ray Rice, is receiving support for a second chance in the NFL. A domestic violence awareness group has endorsed Rice for getting another shot at football. Given how the league has handled both Greg Hardy and Adrian Peterson, it’s tough to imagine that Rice won’t get another chance as well.
Next: What's the deal in Carolina?