NFL

NFL Notes: Gronk solves post-playing stress with puzzlesBy The Associated PressRob Gronkowski is enjoying life in retirement - one piece at a time.The former star tight end who helped the New England Patriots win three Super Bowls during his nine-year career uses jigsaw puzzles to lower his stress levels...

AP Sports WriterSteelers searching for cure to red-zone issuesBy WILL GRAVESPITTSBURGH (AP) The drive that put the NFL's last unbeaten team on notice started three feet from the Pittsburgh Steelers own end zone.Over the course of the next five minutes, the Steelers put their considerable offensive talents on...

AP Pro Football WriterBroncos coach mulling a change at quarterbackBy ARNIE STAPLETONENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) Vance Joseph is either going to simplify his offense for Trevor Siemian or send him to the bench in favor of Brock Osweiler.Joseph complained that Siemian made ''three horrific decisions'' on ''three horrible interceptions''...

Associated PressTrump says Clinton trying to rig debates with NFL conflictsBy DOUGLASS K. DANIELWASHINGTON (AP) Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump says opponent Hillary Clinton and other Democrats ''are trying to rig'' the fall debates by scheduling two of the events opposite NFL games. The football league has complained...

AP Sports WriterChiefs offense forcing opposing offenses to alter strategiesBy DAVE SKRETTAKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) After watching his Ravens miss a trio of 2-point conversions and fail on fourth down near midfield, coach John Harbaugh was forced to defend his go-for-broke decision-making against the Chiefs last week.Turned out...

Associated PressRaiders RB Marshawn Lynch avoids questions about anthemBy MICHAEL WAGAMANNAPA, Calif. (AP) Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch spoke to reporters Thursday for the first time in training camp and avoided questions regarding his decision to sit during the national anthem before last week's preseason game against...

AP Sports WriterCowboys can clinch maligned NFC East with win over EaglesBy DAN GELSTONPHILADELPHIA (AP) Dak Prescott is banged up with a sore shoulder, a finger injury on his throwing hand, and took limited snaps in practice.Even with nagging - or worse - injuries, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones...

Report: Super Bowl brought $370M to economy of Twin CitiesST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) Frigid Super Bowl LII brought $370 million in net new spending to the "Bold North'' Twin Cities area, according to a report released Tuesday by Gov. Mark Dayton's office and the local host committee.The final...

AP Pro Football WriterQB quest new for Patriots, but familiar for AFC East foesBy DENNIS WASZAK Jr.NEW YORK (AP) Welcome to the club, Patriots.You know, that unsettling feeling over not being sure who your starting quarterback will be this season, next year - or beyond. Just ask New...

WRENTHAM, Mass. (AP) - A Hummer owned by former New England Patriots star and convicted murderer Aaron Hernandez has been found for sale at a used car lot.Hernandez was convicted last month of the 2013 killing of Odin Lloyd. Lloyd's mother is suing him, and her lawyers have been...

Associated PressJudge: Kraft's prosecutors cannot use massage parlor videoBy TERRY SPENCERWEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) A Florida judge has blocked prosecutors from using video that allegedly shows New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft engaging in paid sex at a massage parlor.Judge Leonard Hanser ruled Monday that Jupiter police...

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) The New York Jets have hired former Rams assistant Dennard Wilson as their defensive backs coach. Wilson replaces Joe Danna on Todd Bowles staff, which has five other vacancies, including offensive coordinator after Chan Gailey retired after the season. Wilson was the Rams' defensive backs coach the...