NFL

Falcons release CB Alford, possibly clearing spot for OliverATLANTA (AP) The Atlanta Falcons have released cornerback Robert Alford, a second-round pick in 2013 who had 10 career interceptions but none this season.The move, announced by the team on Tuesday night, could clear the way for Isaiah Oliver, a...

Associated PressPhilly celebrates 1st Super Bowl title with paradeBy MICHAEL SISAK and ANTHONY IZAGUIRREPHILADELPHIA (AP) Philadelphia's first Super Bowl parade worked its way up Broad Street on Thursday as hundreds of thousands of deliriously happy Eagles fans jammed the city's main thoroughfares to celebrate an NFL title many...

AP Sports WriterFormer Denver star Wolfe finally gets to play for RavensBy DAVID GINSBURGOWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) Derek Wolfe figured he missed yet another chance to join the Baltimore Ravens when the team reached agreement last month on a three-year contract with free agent defensive lineman Michael Brockers.After...

Associated PressSteelers WR Brown wants contract, but won't hold outBy DAN SCIFOLATROBE, Pa. (AP) Antonio Brown made it clear that he wants a new contract, but never considered holding out despite greatly outperforming his current deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.The wide receiver spoke about his contract status for...

AP Sports WriterEx-NFL kicker, Saints hero Tom Dempsey dies at 73By BRETT MARTELNEW ORLEANS (AP) Former NFL kicker Tom Dempsey, who played in the NFL despite being born without toes on his kicking foot and made a record 63-yard field goal, died late Saturday while struggling with complications...

AP Pro Football WriterTitans-Patriots get prime-time spotlight for wild-card gamesBy BARRY WILNERThe Patriots have been compared to a sporting dynasty and to Palpatine's Evil Empire. Regardless of which is true, there's no denying that New England enters these playoffs more vulnerable than in quite a few years.One thing we've...

AP Sports WriterSaints coaches: Top pick Rankins in good shape, learns fastBy BRETT MARTELMETAIRIE, La. (AP) New Orleans Saints first-round draft choice Sheldon Rankins can accept people calling him boring, as long they're referring to the way he spends time away from football.''I'd use, `laid back,' but whatever...

Los Angeles Chargers sign 1st-round pick Derwin JamesCOSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) The Los Angeles Chargers have signed safety Derwin James, their first-round pick.The Chargers announced the four-year deal Friday.James was the 17th overall pick during the draft in April. The Florida State defensive back was among the highest-rated...

Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu will start against the Baltimore Ravens Saturday night in an AFC wild-card playoff game, coach Mike Tomlin told the team website. Polamalu has missed the last two games because of a knee injury but he practiced all week. The Steelers listed the 12th-year veteran...

Linebacker Vic Beasley finally reports to Titans for campNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Linebacker Vic Beasley reported to the Tennessee Titans on Friday, and he has been activated off the Reserve/DidNot Report list.The Titans also put defensive lineman Jack Crawford on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, meaning he had either tested positive...

Former NFL communications director Liu wins PFWA awardNEW YORK (AP) Randall Liu, the former NFL director of football communications, has won the Jack Horrigan Award from the Professional Football Writers of America.Liu, who employed by the NFL for 18 years and recently joined CBS Sports, is the eighth...

The Latest: Hill's big quarter puts Chiefs up 17-0By The Associated PressThe Latest on Week 12 in the NFL (all times EST):---5:15 p.m.Kansas City is off to a blazing start against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with Tyreek Hill catching seven passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns in the...