http://www.mail.com/organizations/13670-nfc-north.html Mail.com - the best personalized free web-based Email en en http://sec-s.uicdn.com/mail.com/2.28/img/mailcom_logo_rss.png http://www.mail.com/organizations/13670-nfc-north.html http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2103014-bears-lb-urlacher-announces-retirement.html CHICAGO (AP) — Brian Urlacher wasn't sure how dominant he could be any longer, so he's calling it a career after 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears. And what a career it was: —Eight Pro Bowl seasons; —Defensive Player of the Year in 2005 —A trip to the Super Bowl as 2006 NFC champion. And now, it's over. The eight-time Pro Bowler announced his retirement t... Wed, 22 May 2013 20:17:10 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2103014-bears-lb-urlacher-announces-retirement.html 2013-05-22T20:17:10Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2101750-veteran-db-charles-woodson-returns-to-raiders.html ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) — Charles Woodson is coming back home to Oakland. Woodson signed a one-year contract with the Raiders on Tuesday to return to his original team after leaving seven years ago for Green Bay as a free agent. The move will be widely popular with Raiders fans, many of whom staked out the team's facility on Tuesday to greet Woodson on his v... Wed, 22 May 2013 03:31:01 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2101750-veteran-db-charles-woodson-returns-to-raiders.html 2013-05-22T03:31:01Z http://www.mail.com/entertainment/lifestyle/2100766-nfl-xbox-enhancing-interactive-television-viewing.html Imagine Sean Payton holding up a Surface tablet instead of a cardboard playsheet on the sideline. Envision Peyton Manning sitting on the bench and dissecting the last series from a variety of camera angles on his hand-held device instead of looking at still photos. Or sitting at home and pulling up real-time highlights on a Sunday afternoon. ... Tue, 21 May 2013 19:20:36 GMT http://www.mail.com/entertainment/lifestyle/2100766-nfl-xbox-enhancing-interactive-television-viewing.html 2013-05-21T19:20:36Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2083354-vikings-light-with-design-stadium.html MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Opening the roof over the new home of the Minnesota Vikings would have forced planners of the $975 million project to eliminate some of the fancy features. So the team, the public agency in charge of the stadium and the architects designing it literally saw the light. The yet-to-be-named multi-purpose facility will have a translucent ro... Tue, 14 May 2013 02:56:45 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2083354-vikings-light-with-design-stadium.html 2013-05-14T02:56:45Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2066760-kluwe-hes-released-vikings.html MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Vikings released punter Chris Kluwe on Monday, bringing an end to his colorful and outspoken eight-year stay in Minnesota. Kluwe announced the news on Twitter shortly after meeting with Vikings GM Rick Spielman, a move that had been expected ever since the team spent a fifth-round draft pick on punter Jeff Locke at the end of last m... Mon, 06 May 2013 18:59:40 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2066760-kluwe-hes-released-vikings.html 2013-05-06T18:59:40Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2051460-with-jets-6-job-possibilities-tim-tebow.html NEW YORK (AP) — Tim Tebow was "excited" about coming to the New York Jets. So much so, he used the word 44 times in his introductory news conference in March 2012. Well, he must be pretty thrilled to leave. After a failed one-year stint with the Jets, who never found a consistent or effective role for the backup quarterback, Tebow is free to explore other... Mon, 29 Apr 2013 22:17:32 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2051460-with-jets-6-job-possibilities-tim-tebow.html 2013-04-29T22:17:32Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2048024-jets-draft-qb-geno-smith-2nd-round.html FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Geno Smith's surprising slide through the NFL draft stopped in the second round. Now, he might get a chance to be the New York Jets' starting quarterback. The former West Virginia star was taken with the seventh pick in the second round, 39th overall, on Friday night and could be the future — or maybe even present — replacement f... Sat, 27 Apr 2013 03:43:57 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2048024-jets-draft-qb-geno-smith-2nd-round.html 2013-04-27T03:43:57Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2047740-packers-sign-rodgers-to-110m-contract-extension.html GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Green Bay Packers gave Aaron Rodgers his opportunity when 23 other teams passed. On another late April weekend with the NFL draft unfolding anew, there was Rodgers again, expressing his appreciation of the Packers for their latest sign of faith. The Packers signed their franchise quarterback Friday to a five-year contract extens... Sat, 27 Apr 2013 01:46:53 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2047740-packers-sign-rodgers-to-110m-contract-extension.html 2013-04-27T01:46:53Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2026602-packers-sign-matthews-to-long-term-extension.html GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — One big deal done for the Green Bay Packers, one to go. The Packers locked up star linebacker Clay Matthews with a long-term extension Wednesday, and also is negotiating with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. "It feels good," Matthews said Wednesday during a news conference inside the Packers' locker room. "It's funny, because not a whole ... Wed, 17 Apr 2013 22:54:03 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2026602-packers-sign-matthews-to-long-term-extension.html 2013-04-17T22:54:03Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2016012-lions-sign-norwegian-kicking-prospect-rugland.html DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Lions are giving a Norwegian Internet kicking sensation a shot to make the team. Detroit signed kicker Havard Rugland on Thursday, declining to disclose details of the deal. With the move, the Lions seem to be giving newly acquired kicker David Akers some competition or at least provide some depth at the position for practice. D... Fri, 12 Apr 2013 16:11:13 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/2016012-lions-sign-norwegian-kicking-prospect-rugland.html 2013-04-12T16:11:13Z http://www.mail.com/entertainment/celebrity/2014110-ex-nfl-player-hurd-pleads-guilty-to-drug-charge.html DALLAS (AP) — Former NFL wide receiver Sam Hurd pleaded guilty Thursday to trying to buy cocaine and marijuana to set up a drug-distribution network, leaving a once-promising career in tatters as he faces a prison sentence of at least 10 years. Hurd, 27, pleaded guilty in federal court in Dallas to one count of possession of cocaine and marijuana with int... Thu, 11 Apr 2013 22:32:08 GMT http://www.mail.com/entertainment/celebrity/2014110-ex-nfl-player-hurd-pleads-guilty-to-drug-charge.html 2013-04-11T22:32:08Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1991126-raiders-acquire-qb-matt-flynn-seahawks.html ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) — The Oakland Raiders are changing directions at quarterback once again. The Raiders acquired Seattle backup Matt Flynn on Monday for draft picks, bringing an end to Carson Palmer's brief tenure as starter in Oakland even before they are done paying the steep price they dealt to acquire him. "Matt's one of those gu... Mon, 01 Apr 2013 23:19:25 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1991126-raiders-acquire-qb-matt-flynn-seahawks.html 2013-04-01T23:19:25Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1974224-bears-lb-dj-williams-reach-1-year-deal.html CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Bears agreed Friday to a one-year contract with linebacker D.J. Williams, a possible replacement for Brian Urlacher. The deal comes two days after the Bears said they couldn't reach an agreement with Urlacher, the eight-time Pro Bowl selection and the heart and face of the franchise. They also have an opening at strong side line... Fri, 22 Mar 2013 21:49:15 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1974224-bears-lb-dj-williams-reach-1-year-deal.html 2013-03-22T21:49:15Z http://www.mail.com/entertainment/celebrity/1972280-bears-receiver-harlon-hill-dies-80.html FLORENCE, Ala. (AP) — Harlon Hill, the former star receiver for the Chicago Bears whose name adorns the NCAA Division II player of the year trophy, has died. He was 80. Jeff Hodges, chairman of the National Harlon Hill Award Committee, says Hill died Thursday at Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital in Florence after a lengthy illness. Hill, who attended North A... Fri, 22 Mar 2013 08:09:54 GMT http://www.mail.com/entertainment/celebrity/1972280-bears-receiver-harlon-hill-dies-80.html 2013-03-22T08:09:54Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1968810-bears-ways-with-veteran-lb-brian-urlacher.html CHICAGO (AP) — Brian Urlacher wanted to re-sign with the Chicago Bears. Instead, they're parting ways with the veteran linebacker after 13 years. General manager Phil Emery said Wednesday that the team couldn't agree on a contract with Urlacher, for years the heart and face of the franchise. He is now a free agent after being slowed by a knee problem and ... Thu, 21 Mar 2013 01:36:21 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1968810-bears-ways-with-veteran-lb-brian-urlacher.html 2013-03-21T01:36:21Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1958622-vikings-sign-wr-greg-jennings-rival-packers.html EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — Greg Jennings spent seven years getting the best of the Minnesota Vikings secondary while playing for their bitter rivals in Green Bay. No longer feeling as important to the Packers after two seasons shortened by injuries, Jennings crossed the border and found a team that welcomed him with desperately open arms. Jennings signed ... Sat, 16 Mar 2013 03:14:32 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1958622-vikings-sign-wr-greg-jennings-rival-packers.html 2013-03-16T03:14:32Z http://www.mail.com/entertainment/celebrity/1955948-falcons-steven-jackson-matt-cassel-to-vikings.html The Atlanta Falcons replaced Michael Turner with another proven, productive running back. Steven Jackson, the top running back in free agency, agreed to a three-year, $12 million deal with the Falcons on Thursday. Also getting new deals were backup quarterback Matt Cassel in Minnesota, pass rusher Cliff Avril in Seattle and cornerback Keenan Lewis in New ... Fri, 15 Mar 2013 02:44:49 GMT http://www.mail.com/entertainment/celebrity/1955948-falcons-steven-jackson-matt-cassel-to-vikings.html 2013-03-15T02:44:49Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1954594-vikings-land-qb-cassel-talk-with-wr-jennings.html MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Two of the Minnesota Vikings' biggest priorities this offseason were to bolster a thin receiver corps and get a quality veteran to backup quarterback Christian Ponder. One down, one to go. The Vikings agreed to terms with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel on Thursday, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Pres... Thu, 14 Mar 2013 20:58:59 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1954594-vikings-land-qb-cassel-talk-with-wr-jennings.html 2013-03-14T20:58:59Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1950650-reggie-bush-to-lions-welker-to-broncos.html Wes Welker sure knows how to pick his quarterbacks. The star receiver, Tom Brady's favorite target, is leaving New England and heading to Denver, where he'll join Peyton Manning and the Broncos. Also getting new deals were Reggie Bush in Detroit, Dashon Goldson in Tampa Bay, and even Ray Lewis — with ESPN. Day 2 of t... Thu, 14 Mar 2013 04:59:31 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1950650-reggie-bush-to-lions-welker-to-broncos.html 2013-03-14T04:59:31Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1949618-gonzalez-to-falcons-fitzpatrick-cut-bills.html The Baltimore Ravens are paying the price for winning a Super Bowl. The NFL champions lost two key components of their defense, linebackers Paul Kruger and Dannell Ellerbe, as free agency began Tuesday. On Monday, they traded star receiver Anquan Boldin, a key to their title run, to San Francisco — the team the Ravens beat 34-31 to win the championship. ... Wed, 13 Mar 2013 05:16:02 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1949618-gonzalez-to-falcons-fitzpatrick-cut-bills.html 2013-03-13T05:16:02Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1946678-ap-sources-vikings-trade-percy-harvin-to-seahawks.html MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Percy Harvin is headed to Seattle, and Adrian Peterson isn't happy about it. Harvin, Minnesota's moody and multi-talented young wide receiver, will join the Seahawks for a package of draft picks that includes Seattle's first-round selection next month, No. 25 overall. Two people with knowledge of the deal confirmed the details Monday to... Mon, 11 Mar 2013 23:24:41 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1946678-ap-sources-vikings-trade-percy-harvin-to-seahawks.html 2013-03-11T23:24:41Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1936848-ball-better-speed-wisconsin-pro-day.html MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Running back Montee Ball was clocked in the 40-yard dash at 4.46 seconds, a big improvement over his combine time, at Wisconsin's pro day. The two-time All-American and NCAA's career touchdown leader ran a disappointing 4.66 last month at the NFL combine in Indianapolis. "I knew I was capable of getting under a 4.5," Ball said. "So I'... Wed, 06 Mar 2013 23:49:46 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1936848-ball-better-speed-wisconsin-pro-day.html 2013-03-06T23:49:46Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1925920-abraham-turner-latest-stars-free.html NEW YORK (AP) — The free agency frenzy doesn't begin until March 12. Tell that to general managers who have begun flooding the market with veterans they have cut — guys who can sign with any team at any time. Joining that group Friday were such former Pro Bowl players John Abraham and Michael Turner, released by Atlanta along with cornerback Dunta Robinso... Fri, 01 Mar 2013 23:07:43 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1925920-abraham-turner-latest-stars-free.html 2013-03-01T23:07:43Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1895268-packers-release-defensive-charles-woodson.html Charles Woodson is on the market. The Green Bay Packers released the 36-year-old defensive back Friday with two years left on his contract. "We are grateful for all that Charles has given to the Green Bay Packers over the past seven years," general manager Ted Thompson said. "He has been an integral part of the Packers' success and our Super Bowl title in... Fri, 15 Feb 2013 21:31:10 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1895268-packers-release-defensive-charles-woodson.html 2013-02-15T21:31:10Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1895170-vikings-to-play-2-cold-seasons-outdoor-stadium.html MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Next season will be the Minnesota Vikings' last in the 31-year-old Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, and fans of the purple and gold can look forward to blue lips and red cheeks as they shiver through two seasons of old-school, outdoor football. Vikings vice president Lester Bagley said Friday that the team plans to play at the University o... Fri, 15 Feb 2013 18:54:55 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1895170-vikings-to-play-2-cold-seasons-outdoor-stadium.html 2013-02-15T18:54:55Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1893304-carter-thanks-vikings-help-through-drug-issues.html EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — Walking the corridors of Minnesota Vikings headquarters for the first time since he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the memories came flooding back for Cris Carter. He came to Minnesota in 1990 with drinking and drug problems weighing him down, having been kicked to the curb by Philadelphia despite scoring 11 touch... Thu, 14 Feb 2013 23:59:01 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1893304-carter-thanks-vikings-help-through-drug-issues.html 2013-02-14T23:59:01Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1890236-fraziers-deal-with-vikings-thru-2014.html MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — After leading the Minnesota Vikings to a surprising playoff berth last season, coach Leslie Frazier had a contract option picked up for 2014. The Vikings announced they exercised the fourth-year option on his Wednesday, helping Frazier avoid what would have been a lame-duck season in 2013 while also giving the team some flexibility goin... Thu, 14 Feb 2013 05:24:54 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1890236-fraziers-deal-with-vikings-thru-2014.html 2013-02-14T05:24:54Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1875956-adrian-peterson-sports-hernia-surgery.html EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (AP) — Adrian Peterson put up one of the best seasons by a running back in NFL history to run away with the MVP award. Now imagine what he could do if he was actually fully healthy. Peterson had surgery on Thursday to repair a sports hernia in his abdomen, an injury that bothered him for much of the last month of the season while he ca... Thu, 07 Feb 2013 21:31:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1875956-adrian-peterson-sports-hernia-surgery.html 2013-02-07T21:31:00Z http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1871024-lions-cut-vanden-bosch-peterman.html ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — The Detroit Lions released two veteran starters Tuesday, cutting defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch and guard Stephen Peterman. Vanden Bosch signed a four-year contract with Detroit worth $26 million when he arrived as a free agent before the 2010 season. He quickly earned respect in the locker room, but the price tag may have been t... Tue, 05 Feb 2013 21:41:00 GMT http://www.mail.com/sports/football/1871024-lions-cut-vanden-bosch-peterman.html 2013-02-05T21:41:00Z