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LOOK: Broncos’ sheds walking boot after Achilles surgery By Kyle Fredrickson Denver Post Feb. 6, 2019

If Emmanuel Sanders’ dance moves are any indication, he’s reached an important milestone in his injury rehabilitation this offseason.

Sanders, a ninth-year Broncos’ who tore his Achilles during practice in December, posted a video Monday to Instagram of himself hopping out of a black Mercedes-Benz SUV — without a walking boot — before a quick celebratory jig.

His caption read: “Slight limp but I’m finally out of the boot.”

Two months have passed between Sanders’ injury and the post, but a long journey remains for him to be able to play. Former NFL team doctor David Chao told The Denver Post in December: “Recovery is not like a light switch, more of a slow sunrise. Some have returned as early as six months but may not have been 100 percent. Nine months is a good target but to really be explosive (it) could be longer and closer to a year. This is why I expect (Sanders) likely will not be ready or 100 percent for start of (the 2019) season.”

However, Sanders expressed little doubt in December he’ll return to being the same playmaker he showcased in 12 games last season with a team-leading 71 receptions for 868 yards. He also accounted for six total (four receiving, one rushing and one passing).

“I’ll definitely for sure be ready for Week 1,” Sanders said in December. “This is a six-month injury. I heal fast.”

Never-before-told stories about Pat Bowlen from those who know him best — his children By Mike Klis 9 News Feb. 6, 2019

It wasn’t just years of fitness training that left Pat Bowlen with his athletically thin frame.

Boarding school’s starch-filled daily menu caused Bowlen to swear off potatoes the rest of his life. Discipline of a triathlon athlete made deserts forbidden to him and his children.

Shy, reserved, serious and even aloof were familiar descriptions of Mr. B during his 35 years as the Broncos’ owner. So were the words successful, powerful, intelligent, giving and caring.

But to get a transparent peak inside the window of what a man is really like, ask his kids.

At a downtown hotel conference room here late Saturday morning, hours before the Pro Football Hall of Fame voting committee would elect Bowlen into the class of 2019 as a contributor, 9News was given incredible access to six of Bowlen’s seven children (Johnny stayed back in the Denver-area to be with mom and dad, who are both battling with Alzheimer’s disease).

Did you know Pat Bowlen became one of the best owners in all of sports despite dealing with dyslexia? Or the Bowlens, like most Americans, had a once-a-week family dinner that began with grace, even if it didn’t end with desert?

Or that he once, in his younger days, accepted a dare and streaked around a laid-back, but pricey surf-n- turf restaurant? This was still early in his courtship with his wife Annabel, several years before he took ownership of the . Look at that! Look at that!

Arranged by Broncos’ public relations boss Patrick Smyth -- who worked exhaustively behind the scenes the past five years to raise awareness of Pat Bowlen’s viability as a Hall of Fame candidate -- many of the Bowlen kids were sitting down for a formal interview with a media outlet for the first time Saturday. Bowlen’s children all spoke of their father not only in loving terms, but reverence. A piece of them lives to make their father proud.

Like most children, they longed for their father’s affection. Unlike most children, they grew up with the pressures of living up to the standards that comes with having a famous parent.

Regrettably but without complaint, the five youngest Bowlen children must carry on with independence as both of their parents have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s – dad since 2014 and mom since last summer.

Yet, each one displays a positive outlook and a determined spirit to make a difference. And while they may have grown up more privileged than most, they have not wasted their advantages.

Here are some of the topics about their father 9News addressed with them.

Bowlen family dinner night Bowlen was usually busy on Sundays, game day for his Broncos. And he worked late at the office Monday through Friday. So there was one night Mr. B set aside for his family.

“Saturday night," said Annabel, the sixth oldest of Bowlen’s seven children. “I would look forward to it. I knew it was coming and we would all sit down as a family. He always would make everybody laugh at the dinner table. And he had tricks, too."

Like?

“Like, he used to take the knife and pick up another knife or a fork and attach it and hang it from it. That was pretty cool. I don’t know, he just always had tricks up his sleeve."

Sometimes the family dinner was at home. Sometimes it was at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse.

“If we were eating at home we would have a roast chicken," said Brittany, the fifth of seven children. “He loved roast chicken, but he hated potatoes. He used to say he ate too many of them in boarding school."

The boarding school was Campion Jesuit Catholic High School in Prairie du Chien, Wis. George Wendt – “Norm” of Cheers – was among the distinguished alumni of the school that has long since been torn down.

There were family dinner traditions to observe. Starting with grace.

“Oh yeah," said Patrick III, Pat’s oldest son and third oldest child. “He’s a family man, first. But he’s also a business man. He was caring about his family, and caring about his business, and caring about everyone around him. It really showed a lot about him."

There was roasted chicken at home, usually seafood or steak at the restaurant. But he had some pet peeves the rest of his family had to observe.

“You could never have two drinks at the table," Brittany said. “So you either had a glass of wine, or a cocktail. You could never have both. That was a very important rule."

Probably not a bad rule. Neither was the next one.

“It was funny because we’d go to dinner with dad, and we were never allowed to order desert," said Amie Klemmer, the oldest Bowlen child. “I think it was because he really wanted it, but he knew if we ordered desert he’d have to get one, too. He didn’t want to break the weakness."

As time went on, Brittany said dad amended his desert rule slightly.

“You couldn’t order desert unless he was ordering desert," Brittany said. “But if he ordered desert he would be like, maybe we should get the whole menu of deserts. Because we would only get desert once a year. He was very serious about it. I think it was because he didn’t want to give us a bunch of sugar before bed."

Pat Bowlen the father Bowlen had two families. He met his first wife, Sally Parker, while they were attending the in the 1960s. After he earned his law degree from OU in 1968, he and Sally moved to Edmonton, Alberta, where Pat became a wealthy lawyer while also helping to run his father Paul’s oil business.

He and Sally had two children, Amie and Beth, but the marriage split when the daughters were 3 and 2 years old. At that point, Sally and her two daughters moved to . Dad soon followed and bought a second home nearby. It was roughly another 13 years or so before Pat and his second wife Annabel started their family with Patrick, followed by Johnny and three more daughters.

But for both families, Hawaii and all the islands and ocean offers was a huge part of the children’s upbringing.

“He was a young dad, but very hands-on," Amie said. “He co-parented. I remember he would pick us up on the weekends and we went to his house. My parents got along very well. It was like having two houses. We had two Easter egg hunts, two Christmases. We had a lot of fun with him."

He taught most of his kids how to swim and canoe surf. Canoe surfing is like surfing in that you ride the waves except in a canoe. There are two to four people in a canoe with the key person being the steersman.

“I thought he was trying to drown us," Amie said. “We would still be literally in floaties and he would take us out where I thought were tsunamis. We would flip the boat and Beth and I would be floating around like toys out in the ocean and he’d gather us up, put us back in the boat, and we’d go back out and do it again."

Amie said she was 16 or 17 years old when dad bought the Broncos. Beth is 16 months younger than Amie.

“My dad bought the team when I was a teenager, so he wasn’t all consumed through the younger years of my life," Beth said. “He spent half the year in Hawaii which is where I lived so we spent quite a bit of time with him as, if you want to call it, a normal dad.

“When he bought the team, I didn’t notice much of a difference in his parenting. He balanced his life between going to Hawaii and canoe surfing and balanced his achievements in the triathlon and his marathons with his life with his family. But the Broncos were certainly a priority for him."

Patrick III was an infant when his dad bought the Broncos in 1984. The Broncos won their first in 1997, the same year the Bowlen’s youngest child, Christianna was born.

“I was a surprise and then we won the Super Bowl which was also a surprise," Christianna said. “He was the best dad ever. He would give me the most amazing advice. And even when I was getting bullied at school for my dyslexia, he would come to school and make everything better."

That away, Mr. B. Some dads can take care of bullies better than others. But not in the way you might think.

“It made him a little bit mad, but he said, ‘I have dyslexia as well and you have to be a fighter,’’’ Christianna said.

About five years ago, Christianna was diagnosed with a brain tumor that was also related to the severe epileptic seizures she was having.

“My dad had Alzheimer’s, but he was still there for me," she said. “He told me, “You’re a fighter and you can do this.

“I had the brain tumor removed, and I take medication for epilepsy and I’m going to the University of Denver to make my dad proud."

Patrick Dennis Bowlen was the type of dad who liked to dispense advice. Each kid more or less received the same message.

“The best piece of advice my father gave me was that in order to succeed in this world, you have to stay competitive and you have to be strong," Annabel said.

“The lessons he taught us are guiding principles that we live by every single day," Brittany said. “I was sitting on our couch one night – that was one of our favorite things to do. We’d sit on this big, leather sofa. He’d smoke a cigar and we’d chat about life lessons.

“One day he laid out three for me. He said, Brittany you have to understand. You have to understand the big picture. You have to understand people and where they come from. And you have to understand the business.

“And he said you have to have fun. Enjoy what you do. Live your life in a way that brings you joy.

“And the last one was, Brittany you have to kick ass and take names. I think that shows his competitiveness. He wanted some drive. He wanted us to do what was important to us.

“He raised us with purpose and I’m so blessed to have been raised by a father who did that."

So, Brittany. While sitting on the couch with dad, did he ever say he’d like for you to one day sit in his big chair as the Broncos’ owner?

“I’d like to keep this about him and his career and his contributions," she said. “I think that question is for another day."

Fine, fine.

If one of his girls fell down and came up bruised and crying, how would he handle it?

“He said, ‘OK. Come on. Pull it together. It’s going to be OK,’’’ Annabel said. “But he also was very understanding and wanted to make sure I was OK. I remember one time I broke my arm in the back yard. Brittany and I were trying to build a treehouse. My dad was somewhere at an away game. And I came up to my mom and I started crying, “All I want is daddy. I want daddy."

So who was dad’s favorite child? Here’s a hint: Gary Zimmerman, Rod Smith, and Terrell Davis all heard Mr. B call them his second favorite player. After , of course.

Mr. B was sly that way.

“My dad would tell everyone secretly, “You’re my favorite," Annabel said. “You’re my favorite.’ And we all thought, “I’m his favorite.” And then you’d find out Brittany just got told the same thing. Or Christianna was just told the same thing. Or Patrick or Johnny."

Pat Bowlen the man Each kid was asked to describe what Pat Bowlen the man was like.

Patrick: “He was a very serious man. He was also a real funny guy, too. That was always fun to be around him, to hear his jokes, to see him laugh, to see his big, huge smile."

Amie: “He was very intelligent. He was, in my opinion, humble in the sense he didn’t talk a whole lot. He’d listen. He was very thoughtful, and he wanted to make sure his players had everything possible."

Beth: “For me he was dad. He was strict and intense but fun and loving."

Brittany: “Education was incredibly important to my dad. That’s why he worked with so many children’s entities that had so much to do with education because he believed everyone had a right to education.

“He encouraged me to continue my education. And I was able to do that (by getting her M.B.A.) at Duke. I’m not sure if he knows that I went to Duke. But I think we would have had some great laughs about me going to the football school of the United States, Notre Dame, and then the school (Duke)."

Christianna: “My dad is funny. Emotional."

Wait a minute. Hold on. The Bowlen kids keep saying Pat Bowlen was funny. With all due respect, kids, the rest of us didn’t often see that side of him, if at all.

“No, you guys didn’t see funny," Christianna said. “He has the best sense of humor in the world. He always was joking around with us and making us laugh. He once told us this story about when he was very young, my mother and him had first met. And they went to a place called Buzz’s Steakhouse in Hawaii. And he got dared to streak around the entire restaurant. So he did.

“He loves that story to this day."

Where’s social media when you need it?

How Pat Bowlen is doing In a response to a lawsuit filed by Bill Bowlen, Pat’s younger brother, against the trustees of the Pat Bowlen Trust, the trustees stated the Broncos’ owner was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in the final months of 2013, or going on six years ago.

How he’s doing depends on perspective.

“He’s doing pretty great given the circumstances," Annabel said. “My dad is a fighter. Whenever someone tells him you might not be able to do this, or this is too hard for you, he shows them wrong. He’s always fighting. He’s strong. I am always inspired by that."

“He’s OK," Beth said. “He’s transitioning through Alzheimer’s which is a very difficult disease. There is no cure. There is no treatment. I speak out about that so that we can bring more awareness to this disease and find a cure and find a treatment."

As the youngest, Christianna has lived with his father and now her mom’s battle with Alzheimer’s more than the others.

“I understand really well how to be a caretaker," she said. “My dad has his lucid moments where he knows exactly who I am. He says, we’re at (home address) aren’t we? And I say yeah, daddy, we are."

The fur coat You have to understand, when it was 19 degrees in Denver on Tuesday morning before sunset, it was -38 degrees in Edmonton.

Pat Bowlen came from Canada, where a fur coat there was as useful as a parka here. Still, Bowlen got so much guff from local radio hosts and newspaper columnists, he finally shed the fur coat in the late-1980s.

“I remember one game he gave it to me," Amie said. “He said, you need to hold my coat. It was so heavy. So I put it on and I swear there was a head and the coat was down to … yeah. Dad definitely had some fashion faux paus at times (laughed). But we loved him for it. I’ll tell ya, if anybody could rock the fur, he could."

Growing up a child of Pat Bowlen Patrick Bowlen has worked the past 15 years with the Broncos and currently serves as facilities coordinator at the . He is often seen hustling from one task to another.

“I do my best," he said. “I just want to make my dad proud. Whether he’s there to see it or not, I know inside I’ll make myself feel better."

Amie Klemmer lives in Hawaii with her husband Howie. She visits the Denver area once a month as she has two kids attending the University of Colorado. Lillie Klemmer is a junior and middle blocker on the Buffs’ volleyball team. Eric Klemmer spent his freshman year as a walk-on for the Buffs, before deciding to concentrate on his studies.

Beth Bowlen Wallace moved from Hawaii to the Denver-area several years ago and lives her husband John Wallace in Parker. She has two sons from her first marriage, Nalu and William, and John has three children from his previous marriage, James, Bevin and Samantha.

“Winning that first Super Bowl is something I’ll never forget," she said. “I sometimes have to apologize to my children because it may outrank the day I gave birth with the joy. But it was really joy for (her dad). Being able to be with him through the losses and seeing how devastated he was, when you get to experience a win like that with someone, it resonates with me forever."

Brittany Bowlen, who turned 29 last month, is engaged and is working at McKinsey & Co., a global business consulting firm.

“He taught me how to ride a bike," she said. “I remember because when riding the bike I was so terrified of the neighbor’s dog. That memory is still very real for me. But the thing we did together was we canoe surfed. He was an incredible canoe surfer.

“And then we’d ski together. And that was probably my favorite activity to do with my dad. I was an early riser, so we’d get out before anyone else and do a couple runs just the two of us. And ride up on the chairlift together.

“He skied up until 2011, 2012. Which, everyone probably thought we were wild, but he was an incredible athlete, as you know. He kept skiing because it brought him so much joy.

“He was a great skier, but my mom’s better. My mom taught skiing in Whistler, Canada. She goes down the mountain in that old-school style – whoosh, whoosh, whoosh. He would never admit she was better, but she was better."

Annabel “Little Bell” Bowlen is attending the University of Colorado-Denver.

“Recently, I went to tell him I was getting really good grades," she said. “Because I kind of struggled for a bit in high school. So I recently told him I’m getting really good grades. He was like, “Um-hmm.’ He didn’t believe me. And once I showed him, he was shocked. He was so proud of me. I always wanted to make him proud. I worked hard, I studied hard."

About her name, Annabel. Many a son has been named after his father. Had anyone heard of a daughter being named after mom until Annabel came along?

“My dad actually had a lot of say in that," she said. “He told my mom, I want to name her Annabel, just like you. He liked the name and he thought it would be good to have someone else named after my mom. I got the nickname, ‘Little Bell.’ From all the players, anyone in the organization, any of my dad’s friends, everybody knows me as Little Bell. I don’t mind that. I like it. No Junior. It was Little Bell. That nickname was really important to me."

Christianna Bowlen has overcome her dyslexia and recovered from her medical setbacks to study at the University of Denver, where she is doing well.

“My entire life my mom and my dad have been telling me, “You’re a Bowlen, you have a lot to live up to,’’ she said. “And at school, I had to represent my family in the best way possible."

Where will land? Our beat writers break down the market By Sheil Kapadia The Athletic Feb. 6, 2019

Nick Foles will void the 2019 option in his contract with the Eagles, according to an ESPN report.

So what happens next?

The is back in the team’s court. and the Eagles have until March 5 to determine whether they will use the franchise tag on Foles. As explained in detail here, it only makes sense for the Eagles to use the tag if they already have a trade in place. That will be their goal over the next month — to convince a team that if it really wants Foles, it should give something up for him rather than wait for free agency.

If the Eagles don’t find a trade partner, it’s unlikely that they’ll use the franchise tag, and Foles will most likely become a free agent. In that scenario, the Eagles would likely net a third-round compensatory pick in 2020. Either way, barring something completely unforeseen, last year’s Super Bowl MVP will be playing elsewhere next season.

Which teams might be interested in his services? Beat writers from the 31 other teams at The Athletic chimed in to answer that question. Each chose one of three options: no chance, slim chance or real chance. Here’s the breakdown of where Foles might be headed.

No chance Cowboys – At the start of training camp in 2016, was asked why the Cowboys weren’t interested in getting Foles as a veteran backup .

“We wouldn’t get him any snaps,” Jones said at the time. “We got four that are going to get the snaps.”

The Cowboys had as the starter with , and the backups. We know the rest of the story: Moore suffered an injury in a training camp practice and Romo got hurt in the first preseason game. Prescott eventually became the starter and the Cowboys never looked back. If the Cowboys wouldn’t sign Foles back in 2016 when there was need, they’re not doing it now. The Cowboys will go with young — and currently — to back up Prescott. But it’s great to think about what might have been if Foles were backing up Romo in 2016 instead of Moore. —Calvin Watkins

Vikings – The Vikings are only one (unsuccessful) year into the era after giving the quarterback a three-year, fully guaranteed $84 million contract. Like it or not, he’s the guy in Minnesota for two more years. The Vikings will need a backup quarterback this offseason, but that’s obviously not Foles — even if he remains friendly with Cousins from their one year together at Michigan State. Besides, the Vikings would never trade a first-round pick for a veteran Eagles quarterback, right? —Chad Graff

Bears – already has the guy who could have been Foles in some sense — , the ultimate No. 2 QB who was in competing to start before the Eagles drafted . — Kevin Fishbain

Packers – While it’s true the Packers need an upgrade behind Aaron Rodgers — because and DeShone Kizer haven’t cut it — Foles is worthy of a starting job somewhere in this league, and with that comes the premium salary or trade value associated with starting quarterbacks. That’s not a market the Packers are likely to enter with the richest contract in football already on their books. —Michael Cohen

Lions – Detroit does need to find a young QB to develop behind , but a 30-year-old Foles on a $20 million contract is not that. —Chris Burke

Falcons – Matt Ryan is 33 years old and still going strong, so there is no reason to trade and pay starter money for a quarterback who would be a backup. —Jason Butt

Bucs – Tampa Bay nearly landed Foles as a backup in 2017 — with his daughter soon to arrive, the familiarity of Philadelphia and doctors there played a role in him choosing the Eagles, and then of course a Super Bowl. As fully as the Bucs have committed to Jameis Winston being their starter for 2019, there’s little reason to pay the high price that Foles will command when they just need an adequate backup. — Greg Auman

49ers – The 49ers, a team that prefers to keep two quarterbacks on the active roster, currently have three they feel good about: Jimmy Garoppolo, Nick Mullens and C.J. Beathard. If Garoppolo suffered an unexpected setback with his ACL recovery, the 49ers might be interested in Foles. But so far he’s ahead of schedule. —Matt Barrows

Seahawks – The Seahawks have a starting quarterback, and although he’s no Super Bowl MVP like Foles, I think is fine with the guy it has at that position. —Michael-Shawn Dugar

Cardinals – is set at quarterback with starting and as the veteran backup. —Scott Bordow

Jets – Wait. There’s a Super Bowl-winning quarterback on the open market? Who’s 30 years old? In the prime of his career? With no personality flaws, legal red flags or injury concerns? And the Jets… don’t need him? Oh how times have changed. —Connor Hughes

Dolphins – Miami is in rebuilding mode (possibly even tanking mode) and is looking for a rookie quarterback to groom, a first-round pick. One report said Miami might be looking for its quarterback in the 2020 draft. Miami is highly unlikely to trade for Foles. As for free agency, the Dolphins are looking to cut payroll, not add to it with a high-priced free agent. Considering the Dolphins’ rebuilding plan, and assuming Foles has no desire to be part of a rebuild, this marriage won’t work. —Chris Perkins

Bills – A year ago, the Bills may have considered Foles as an answer to their quarterback problem. But heading into 2019, their quarterback room is stable. is entrenched as the starter, and the Bills locked up both of his backups — and Derek Anderson — before the end of the season. — Matthew Fairburn

Browns – There were rumors that Foles asked the Eagles not to trade him to the Browns last year. Whether or not those were true, things worked out for both parties. The Browns think they finally have their quarterback in , and Foles appears to be close to really cashing in and being some team’s long-term guy, not a stopgap. —Zac Jackson

Steelers – Even though will turn 37 in a few weeks and there’s no real succession plan in place, the Steelers have no interest in adding to their quarterback room, and rightfully so. Roethlisberger will sign a lucrative extension within the next few weeks that will keep him in Pittsburgh at least until he’s 40. On top of that, the organization used a fourth-round pick on Josh Dobbs two years ago and a third rounder on the talented Mason Rudolph a season ago as Roethlisberger’s understudy. For all the Steelers’ shortcomings, the quarterback position isn’t one of them. —Mark Kaboly

Ravens – The Ravens have a veteran quarterback of their own in who they are trying to find a trade partner for this offseason. New Eric DeCosta’s offseason focus is building an offense around . They are looking to add a veteran backup who plays a similar style to Jackson, so they’ll be pondering re-signing Robert Griffin III or possibly making a run at . Foles won’t enter the discussion. —Jeff Zrebiec

Titans – The Titans have a quarterback, even if they are still sorting through their long-range plan with . They’d probably love to have someone like Foles as a backup plan for Mariota — for now and the future — but Foles is not going to sign somewhere to sit. And he will not be paid along those lines, either. —Travis Haney

Texans – ’s remarkable comeback attempt in Week 16 at Philadelphia was a reminder of why he’s the Texans’ first true franchise quarterback. doesn’t need Foles, even if he did shred the Texans’ secondary when they visited the Eagles. —Aaron Reiss

Chargers – The Chargers will, some day sooner than later, acquire the heir apparent to , but he will be no one close to Foles’ age or experience. The organization does not believe current backups Geno Smith or Cardale Jones are the future solutions, but that does not mean Foles becomes more attractive. —Sam Fortier

Chiefs – Foles began to revive his career with the Chiefs during the 2016 season as ’s backup. During that year, Foles helped lead the Chiefs to two victories, and his ability in ’s offense likely helped him land with the Eagles and . But if Foles wants to be a starter again, the Chiefs are obviously not the right fit for him. The Chiefs have the league’s reigning MVP in and the team has already invested another season in veteran , who was the backup last year. — Nate Taylor

Washington – Washington is already carrying $20 million on its salary cap with Alex Smith, who may not see the field in 2019, on the roster. The Eagles seem intent on not letting Foles hit the free market, meaning Washington would have to acquire him via trade. With reports that Philadelphia would not be willing to trade Foles within the division, it doesn’t seem to matter much if Washington wants to make a go at getting him or not. With its already limited cap space now, Washington is not in a position to take on two expensive quarterbacks. The team seems perfectly fine with looking ahead to the future and improving the quarterback position through the draft. Colt McCoy is a huge favorite of coach , who has spoken often of his desire to see McCoy get a true chance to show his abilities. —Rhiannon Walker

Patriots – If the plan is to franchise Foles before trading him, the Patriots wouldn’t have the finances to make it work. If they wouldn’t franchise Garoppolo, they won’t inherit a similar price tag on Foles. —Jeff Howe

Rams – They have their starting quarterback of the present and future in Jared Goff and won’t be in the market for a high-priced veteran. —Vincent Bonsignore

Colts – The only quarterback-related question in Indianapolis pertains to the future of backup Jacoby Brissett, who is a potential trade commodity this spring. But even if the Colts part with Brissett, they would likely replace him with a young backup — possibly from the draft — who can grow behind starter . —Stephen Holder

Slim chance Raiders – is a big Foles fan, but they would have to trade first. And even then, trading a pick to add a high-priced, 30-year-old quarterback doesn’t seem wise for the fourth-worst team in the league. —Vic Tafur

Giants – At first glance, the Giants seem like a team that would have strong interest in Foles. has a history with Foles, serving as Eagles during the 2013-14 seasons when Foles had 40 touchdowns and 12 in 18 starts. And the Giants have 38-year-old , who has one year left on his contract and is clearly in decline. General manager Dave Gettleman wouldn’t commit to Manning immediately after the season, but the sense is the Giants will stick with the two-time Super Bowl MVP. The Giants are far more likely to pursue Manning’s successor in the draft than paying $20 million per year for a free agent like Foles. —Dan Duggan

Panthers – With coming off his second shoulder surgery in the past 23 months, the fact is the Panthers need to sign a veteran quarterback this offseason as insurance. But the expectation is that Newton will be ready for training camp. Foles will be looking for somewhere he can start. And barring a setback for Newton, he won’t find that in Charlotte. On top of all that, the Panthers don’t have a lot of money to spend in free agency. —Joe Person

Saints – The Saints have to spend part of this offseason pondering ’ future after the 2019 season. He turns 41 next January. It’s more likely than not that Teddy Bridgewater leaves New Orleans in March. And is Taysom Hill the answer to succeed Brees? Foles might be an option the Saints ponder. But do the Saints have any ammo to make a trade? They only have one pick (a second rounder) in the first four rounds of this year’s draft. —Larry Holder

Bengals – Based on the way this franchise has operated for decades, I would say no chance, but the hiring of is enough of a to nudge it to slim chance. An organization long known for abhorring change is proving its willingness to embrace it not only with the dismissal of , but also by allowing Taylor to dismiss a number of well-paid assistants who were still under contract in favor of building his own staff. Still, not trading away draft picks and not spending big in free agency are bedrock philosophies this organization isn’t likely to alter, especially with having two team-friendly years remaining on his contract ($16 million in 2019, $17.5 million in 2020). Taylor obviously will have a huge say in finding the quarterback of the future, but it’s more likely going to involve drafting and developing the guy. —Jay Morrison

Real chance Jaguars – The Jaguars are one of a few teams legitimately searching for a 2019 starting quarterback, and as such, they will be making some sort of play for Foles, either via trade or free agency. They will keep their playoff-ready defense more or less intact for next season, and that should make Jacksonville an appealing destination for Foles — or any other free-agent quarterback, for that matter. If Foles hits the open market, he’s going to demand a lucrative contract — perhaps upwards of $20 million a year — and the Jaguars will have the money to spend. They can cut a number of players to clear salary cap space. They can also renegotiate contracts to defer money to later years. They’ve already approached defensive lineman Calais Campbell about this. They could also try to restructure the deals of A.J. Bouye and defensive lineman Marcell Dareus. Of course, the Jags hiring John DeFilippo as their new offensive coordinator only heightens their odds of landing Foles, who won a Super Bowl alongside DeFilippo in 2017. The Jags need a quarterback. Foles is the best quarterback on the market. The match makes sense. We’ll see if it comes to fruition. —Daniel Popper

Broncos – While there’s this belief that John Elway is “smitten” with a quarterback in the class of 2019, the truth is he has yet to really formulate a true opinion of them. The Broncos are knee-deep in free agency evaluations, and Elway has long viewed the veteran market as the first crack at fixing a roster. Earlier this year, Elway told Peter King that is “probably a short-term fix,” setting the stage for another quarterback change, maybe as soon as March, be it through free agency or trade (Keenum has one year left on his contract with $10 million in dead money). I would expect the Broncos to seriously consider their options with veteran quarterbacks before setting their sights on the draft prospects — especially if they’re not in love with any of the rookie options this year. They have the cap space and could find more by cutting some veterans on the roster. But some context to consider regarding Foles: The Broncos scouted Foles ahead of the 2012 draft, but ended up selecting in the second round instead. What Foles has accomplished with the Eagles — coupled with the failed results of nearly every quarterback who has come through Denver not named — could have changed their view of him. —Nicki Jhabvala

Column: No love for the defense in Super Bowl 53 By Arnie Stapleton Feb. 6, 2019

In a Super Bowl snoozer featuring a single by victorious New England and the high-scoring, newfangled, all-the-rage managing a measly three points, the MVP trophy went to Patriots receiver Julian Edelman.

Where's the love for the defense?

Sure, Edelman caught 10 passes for 141 yards, including two grabs on the drive that ended with rookie plowing into the end zone with the game's lone touchdown.

Yet, if there ever was a case for another defensive MVP like in , this was it.

Of 54 MVPs (Cowboys DT Randy White and DE Harvey Martin shared the honors in 1978), 42 have been offensive players, 11 were defenders and one was a special teamer (Desmond Howard in 1997).

There were plenty of worthy candidates from the Patriots defense that hit Goff 16 times, collected four sacks, broke up eight passes and picked off another.

Two defenders really stood out:

—Jason McCourty raced across the field to break up a would-be touchdown toss to , who was wide open — but ... had ... to ... wait ... forever ... for Jared Goff's rainbow pass that was knocked away just as it arrived.

—Stephon Gilmore intercepted Goff's pass in front of his end zone with 4:17 remaining on a pass intended for Cooks to seal the sixth title for Tom Brady, who outplayed Goff, and , who outsmarted Sean McVay.

Calais Campbell , for one, insists Gilmore was the real MVP of SB53 after forcing a , intercepting a pass, breaking up three other throws and collecting five tackles.

"The offense only scores 13 points and they give MVP to Edelman but the D only gives up 3 points and Gilmore" does all of that, Campbell complained on social media. "Smh no respect for the masterpiece on defense."

The Rams may very well represent the future with their 33-year-old coach and 24-year-old quarterback, but the 66-year-old coach and his 41-year-old QB still reign supreme in 2019 — thanks again to a defense that allowed the duo to survive another masterful game plan by Rams .

Brady's worst Super Bowl — three scores in 11 drives that didn't end in kneel-downs — also was his easiest — a 10-point margin of victory was his highest ever.

McVay and Goff both accepted the blame for a miserable showing in which Rams never adjusted to New England's zone defense and aggressive D-line and managed to score just once in a dozen drives, the first eight of which ended in punts.

When it was over, the high-flying Rams, who led the NFC in scoring with a 33-point average, had nine punts, an , a and a missed field goal to show for all that firepower that had so many NFL teams trying to find the next Sean McVay.

After the red-white-and-blue confetti was cleaned up with leaf blowers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in , Rams quarterbacks coach Zac Taylor became the third assistant hired off McVay's staff. He was hired as the . At 35, Taylor becomes the second-youngest head coach in the NFL behind his former boss.

The Dolphins hired , the Patriots linebackers coach and de facto defensive play-caller who has cut his teeth in Foxborough since 2004.

With those two hires, the coaching carousel has eight new head coaches, six of them with offensive roots, as owners seek the next McVay or to keep up with all this innovative run-pass optioning, jet-sweeping, scoreboard-busting offenses.

The kind that didn't show up in this Super Bowl.

Vic Fangio, who spearheaded Chicago's dominant defense, was the only other defensive assistant hired as a head coach this cycle, replacing in Denver.

The other jobs all went to offensive minds promising innovation in this age of change.

The Packers hired Matt LeFleur, who was McVay's offensive coordinator in 2017. The Cardinals dipped into the college ranks to hire , who tutored MVP Patrick Mahomes at Texas Tech.

The Browns promoted offensive coordinator , who worked wonders with Baker Mayfield after his midseason promotion from running backs coach. The Jets hired , Peyton Manning's former OC who wore out his welcome in Miami, and the Buccaneers brought and his deep offensive roots out of retirement.

Miami fans should be ecstatic about the arrival of Flores, 37, after watching him help their AFC East rival win yet another Super Bowl title.

Saints fans didn't pay much mind to Super Bowl 53.

Thousands of New Orleans football fans partied in the French Quarter while the Rams and Patriots were trudging into the fourth quarter tied at 3.

A "Boycott Bowl" festival and a jazz funeral procession putting the football season to rest encapsulated how New Orleans residents felt about the Super Bowl, and even the city's police department got in on the disenchantment.

NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune reports the New Orleans Police Department made a spoof video showing their investigation into the infamous "no-call" in the NFC championship that the Saints lost to the Rams.

The newspaper's nearly blank front page also summarized what those in the Big Easy thought of the Patriots' win over the Rams on Sunday: "Super Bowl? What Super Bowl?"

Super Bowl ratings are meaningless and you don't need to care about them By Jay Busbee Feb. 6, 2019

As you roused yourself from the stupor induced by the lowest-scoring Super Bowl of all time, you surely saw the news: Super Bowl LIII recorded its worst ratings in a decade. And, being a good sports fan in 2019, you may have been compelled to devise some sort of declaration based on this news, something like:

• “People are sick of the NFL and are turning away from the game once and for all!”

• “The NFL has gotten too political and Real Football Fans are done with it!”

• “This proves that the ratings jumps from this past season were a mirage!”

• “The NFL is rigged, and everyone has caught on to the scam!”

You’re not alone! More than 3,000 of your fellow NFL fans weighed in on our story Monday! But friends, I urge you not to give these hot takes any breath and life, for two reasons. First, they’re all completely wrong. Second, and more importantly:

Super Bowl ratings have zero impact on you, your life or your experience as a football fan.

I’m serious. Unless you’re responsible for setting ad rates for the Super Bowl — and if you are, congrats on having the easiest job in sports — ratings will have no impact on your daily life. It’s not like the Super Bowl is some quirky teen-witch drama facing cancellation if ratings dip. You’re not going to have to sign a petition to keep the Super Bowl on the air. And, as the Ringer’s Bryan Curtis has noted on multiple occasions, there is absolutely no reason for you to care whether TV executives — in this case, CBS — would be excited by a more thrilling game than we saw Sunday night.

The only reason anyone cares about ratings is to weaponize them in a half-assed pro- or (more commonly) anti-NFL argument. Granted, in 2019 we’ll scrap over anything and wrangle it into some kind of argument involving President Donald Trump, but if you’re going to do that, bring some better weaponry to the table.

Here, let me sum up the Super Bowl ratings story for you in a few hundred words — or, really, just three — and you can get on with your life.

Why ratings declined Ratings were down for the Super Bowl for one main reason: the .

America is flat-out sick of seeing the Pats in the Super Bowl. Yes, New England is great; Tom Brady has a perfect life, Rob Gronkowski is a party bro, Bill Belichick is a cranky genius, blah blah blah. We know this. We’ve known it for the past five freaking years, where the Patriots have played for a Lombardi in four of them. And it’s no coincidence that ratings have declined every year of that run.

There’s no mystery surrounding the Patriots, no drama, no compelling casual interest to anyone outside the Greater Boston area, just more of the same. It’s not that we don’t respect you, New England, it’s that we’re tired of you. If we tell you how great you are, will you go away?

A huge segment of the viewing audience watches the Super Bowl for the same reason they watch any reality TV — compelling storylines delivered with style and attitude. The Patriots bring none of that anymore, just a grim, humorless slog to the mountaintop, year after year. Again: yes, they’re an all-time great . But it’s a story we’ve all heard now six times before. It’s like cheering a clock for ticking.

(There’s also the segment of the audience that tunes in for only the commercials. Which is fine! But what’s fascinating is how every single year, everyone gripes that this year’s commercials are the worst ever … and yet, every year we come back, expecting this year’s batch of try-hard branding efforts to be, I don’t know … art? Anyway, back to the field.)

The Super Bowl is irrelevant to the regular season There is absolutely zero connection between the Super Bowl’s ratings and the fate of the NFL as a whole. The Super Bowl exists apart from the season, as unconnected to the weekly Sunday grind as an “Avengers” movie is from the comic books that inspired it. Want proof? The best game of the regular season, the Rams-Chiefs instant classic on “” (say, where were those Rams?) drew 16.6 million viewers. The biggest draw of the , Chiefs-Patriots in the AFC championship, boasted 53.9 million viewers.

Now consider that the Super Bowl draws in the 100 million viewer range, and you see the scope of what we’re talking about here. Football fans make up — at best — only half of the Super Bowl’s audience.

The game has zero effect on the regular-season ratings, and vice versa. Everyone outside Atlanta would judge Super Bowl LI, where the Patriots beat the Falcons in a thrilling comeback, to be one of the best Super Bowls of all time. Guess what happened in the season right after that game? Yep, the first ratings decline.

Plus, let’s detonate the idea that this has anything to do with politics or concerns about the league’s authenticity. Yes, yes, you and everyone you know might be boycotting the games, but you and everyone you know are an infinitesimal sum in the grand NFL viewing pool … and by all accounts, there has been no significant long-term impact — if, indeed, there ever was — on the NFL thanks to 2017’s presidentially fueled political firestorm.

(The exception, of course, is New Orleans, which legitimately did get screwed out of an opportunity to lock down a Super Bowl berth thanks to a terrible missed penalty, and responded by effectively boycotting the Super Bowl. Nice work, Big Easy. You made your point. Come 2019’s kickoff, though, it’ll be time to stop whining.)

The 2018 regular-season’s ratings were back up 5 percent overall, buoyed by young stars, thrilling plays, compelling games and huge offensive production. And hey, guess what this Super Bowl lacked?

Again, not that you need to care, but other factors play into the Super Bowl’s ratings decline. People are viewing games on their phones, which don’t show up on ratings scales. Plus, the game was hot garbage from any possible entertainment metric; spare me the “defensive shutdowns are good football” junk. Casual viewers — who, remember, make up literally half of the game’s audience — tap out when they’ve had enough of talking animals hawking chips and there’s nothing compelling on the field.

The king remains the king Here’s the bottom line: The fact that any program can get near the 100 million-viewer mark these days is astonishing.

Seriously. Think about how many entertainment options you have now. How many shows are in your Netflix or Hulu queue? How many times have you scrolled through Facebook just today? The fact that people for whom football isn’t a way of life even remember to tune in at all is amazing in this era.

The NFL is doing fine, and the Super Bowl is the last American cultural behemoth still standing. Get more compelling (i.e. non-New England) teams in this game, and watch the ratings reverse course and trend right back upward. Assuming anything else is like assuming the sun shines brighter on you than anyone else.

Now, go forth and enjoy your February, and don’t think about Super Bowl ratings again for another 364 days.

AFC West rookie grades: Denver upgraded both sides of the ball By Nick Shook NFL.com Feb. 6, 2019

DENVER BRONCOS RANK: A- Round 1: (No. 5 overall) , DE, 16 games/16 starts. Round 2: (40) , WR, 16 games/9 starts. Round 3: (71) Royce Freeman, RB, 14 games/8 starts; (99) Isaac Yiadom, CB, 13 games/1 starts. Round 4: (106) Josey Jewell, LB, 16 games/9 starts; (113) DaeSean Hamilton, WR, 14 games/5 starts. Round 5: (156) Troy Fumagalli, TE, 0 games/0 starts. Round 6: (183) Sam Jones, OG, 5 games/0 starts; (217) Keishawn Bierria, LB, 16 games/0 starts. Round 7: (226) Dave Williams, RB, 6 games/0 starts (with Jacksonville). Notable rookie FA signings: , RB 15 games/8 starts.

A year after Denver's draft netted the team exactly one legitimate contributor (Garett Bolles), the Broncos came away with a solid haul. Chubb was lost in the shuffle of the season, but he was an impact player opposite Von Miller, racking up 60 tackles and 12 sacks as a rookie. Sutton is the new jump-ball winner Denver sorely needed, and Freeman was one half of a rookie backfield that looks to be set for years to come. Lindsay was the best addition of the entire class, and he came via free agency. Jewell was a great find in the fourth round, starting nine games and appearing in all 16 contests while growing into a starting linebacker. Hamilton found success in spots and Bierria is a solid depth linebacker. Yiadom had an up-and-down season, as a player you noticed more for his mistakes than his positive contributions. The Lindsay pickup, combined with the Chubb selection, carries this grade.

Combine/free agency focus: Missouri QB product is shooting up the board (because of course), and he could find a match with John Elway, as Case Keenum has only one year left on his deal and is clearly a bridge quarterback. Offensive line still needs to be addressed, starting with right tackle. Much of Denver's defense is good to go, but 's underwhelming play opens the door for the Broncos to at least consider the cornerback position. Receiver Emmanuel Sanders, a personal favorite of mine, is entering the last year of his contract and could be a candidate for a salary-related cut (even though he's still more than productive) -- though Denver has a good amount of space to work with, even if they keep him on the roster.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS RANK: B+ Round 1: (No. 17 overall) , S, 16 games/16 starts. Round 2: (48) , OLB, 16 games/3 starts. Round 3: (84) Justin Jones, DT, 15 games/0 starts. Round 4: (119) , LB, 3 games/3 starts. Round 5: (155) , C, 15 games/0 starts. Round 6: (191) , WR, 0 games/0 starts ( for most of season, promoted Dec. 3). Round 7: (251) Justin Jackson, RB, 13 games/1 start. Notable rookie FA signings: Mike Badgley, K, 10 games.

This draft class was stocked with instant contributors, with James landing All-Pro honors as a rookie in a loaded defensive backfield, making plays all over the field. Nwosu was quietly one of the better edge- defending rookies, making timely plays for the Chargers, and he has a bright future. Jones' best game came in the playoffs, and he carries plenty of promise moving forward. White transitioned to linebacker and helped Los Angeles' defense after it lost to injury. Quessenberry was a depth player with room for growth. Cantrell spent the majority of the season on the practice squad, but Jackson became of use in key games late (due to an injury to Melvin Gordon) and did a solid job. Badgley was a revelation for a team burned by bad kickers in recent years.

Combine/free agency focus: The Bolts have two younger linemen at guard, so they could still use some time to develop, but that was clearly the weakest part of the offense (right tackle Sam Tevi wasn't great, either). The loss of Brown exposed Los Angeles' lack of depth at linebacker (though I'm a fan of ). The defensive backfield is loaded, so that won't be an area the Chargers need to address. 's health needs to be monitored, as does the future of Antonio Gates, who had a close call with retirement before returning to contribute in his 16th season.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS RANK: B Round 2: (No. 46 overall) , OLB, 16 games/4 starts. Round 3: (75) , NT, 16 games/11 starts; (100) Dorian O'Daniel, LB, 16 games/1 starts. Round 4: (124) , S, 5 games/0 start. Round 6: (196) , CB, 14 games/1 start; (198) Kahlil McKenzie, OG, 0 games/0 starts.

Speaks appeared in all 16 games and did a decent job as a rookie, but he was overshadowed by better teammates. He has room for growth. A similar tale existed for Nnadi, though his contributions don't necessarily show up in the stat sheet. O'Daniel contributed in spots and is better against three-receiver sets, due to his athleticism. Watts saw his season end early due to injury and was missed in a secondary that desperately needed help on the back end. Smith made his contributions in the return game, being voted to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team for his special teams efforts. McKenzie, a defensive tackle in college, transitioned to guard in his first season and is a developmental prospect.

Combine/free agency focus: Safety. Get some help for the back end of the secondary, which was an exploitable weakness all season. Running back is also a clear need after the end of Kareem Hunt's time with the Chiefs. If Nnadi develops, the interior defensive line only needs some depth. Chris Jones was a revelation, but the opposite is in need of a fresh face, because Allen Bailey is headed toward free agency. Justin Houston is 30 years old (his birthday was just a couple weeks ago), meaning that position will need to be filled sooner than later.

OAKLAND RAIDERS RANK: C Round 1: (No. 15 overall) , OT, 16 games/16 starts. Round 2: (57) P.J. Hall, DT, 14 games/6 starts. Round 3: (65) , OT, 15 games/12 starts; (87) , DE, 16 games/10 starts. Round 4: (110) , CB, 10 games/3 starts. Round 5: (140) Maurice Hurst, DT, 13 games/10 starts; (173) Johnny Townsend, P, 16 games/0 starts. Round 6: (216) , LB, 0 games/0 starts. Round 7: (228) , WR, 7 games/6 starts. Notable rookie FA signings: , K, 10 games (drafted by Vikings in fifth round, then cut).

What a tumultuous year for the Raiders. Oakland followed this class by dealing away and for future first-rounders, adding emphasis on future drafts, but this one landed a few contributors who have the chance to blossom into good players. Miller was thrown into the fire and did a decent job (he was playing through a knee injury), and Key played slightly above expectations, showing flashes of the potential that once had him projected as a first-rounder. Hurst slid because of concern related to a heart condition, but he played well, recording 31 tackles, four sacks, three passes defensed and one forced fumble. His future is promising. Townsend adequately replaced Marquette King. Parker was another rookie thrown into battle nearly immediately, but he wasn't as effective as Miller. Victor, who was an effective player at Washington when he wasn't in trouble, didn't make it to the final 53-man roster. Ateman found opportunities as a result of a thin receiving corps, while Nelson's season is incomplete, due to a slow return from injury. Carlson, the first of just two kickers drafted in 2018 (Round 5, No. 167 by the Vikings), almost immediately flared out in Minnesota. But the Raiders picked him up off the scrap heap, and the former Auburn standout went 16-for-17 in field goals and 18-for-18 in PATs with Oakland.

Combine/free agency focus: Jon Gruden, and Co. must hit on the first-round picks gathered by the Mack and Cooper trades. Where they go depends on where the Raiders see Derek Carr in their plans. Receiver is a massive need -- and is likely gone, so tight end is a need, too. Right tackle still needs to be addressed ( isn't getting any younger), while the running back group could use a bell cow ahead of (one of my favorite jitterbug backs) and DeAndre Washington. Defensive end could use young talent opposite Key, linebacker needs help, and Nelson's uncertain future opens the door for a pick at CB, too. Simply put, there are holes all over this roster.

Nick Foles tells he's voiding his contract, per report By Martin Frank Delaware New Journal Feb. 6, 2019

That didn't take long.

Nick Foles reportedly informed the Eagles on Tuesday night that he will pay $2 million and become a free agent. That came just a few hours after the Eagles told him that they will pick up his option for 2019 for $20.6 million.

A league source confirmed the Eagles informed Foles about picking up his option. ESPN reported that Foles will buy his freedom.

Both moves were expected once the Eagles announced last month that Carson Wentz is their quarterback going forward.

The question that remains is how the Eagles will work out Foles' exit. They could place the franchise tag on Foles for 2019, which would be worth in the range of $23-$25 million, then try to trade Foles if he signs the offer.

The window for the franchise tag runs from Feb. 19 through March 5.

Or the Eagles can do nothing and let Foles leave as a free agent when the new league year begins March 13. If the Eagles go that route, they could possibly get a compensatory third-round pick in the 2020 draft.

If they sign Foles to the franchise tag, then trade him, they could get a draft pick this year, or a player.

Foles took over for Wentz, who was injured in each of the last two Decembers, and led the Eagles on a playoff run.

In 2017, that resulted in the Super Bowl, where Foles was named the MVP. This past season, it resulted in an unlikely playoff run that ended in the divisional round against the .

If Foles does it again, it'll likely be with another team.

San Francisco mayor: Raiders should play in Oakland in 2019 By Tom Schad USA Today Feb. 6, 2019

San Francisco's mayor is not particularly thrilled about the prospect of hosting the Oakland Raiders in 2019.

The city's mayor, London Breed, told KTVU-TV that she has traffic-related concerns about the Raiders playing at in San Francisco, which The Associated Press reported has been discussed but not yet finalized.

"As far as I'm concerned, the Oakland Raiders should play in Oakland," Breed told the local Fox affiliate.

"We don't need another layer to add to what we already have — and that's an area that's really congested filled with construction and will host a number of basketball and games over the coming months."

Oracle Park, wich is home to MLB's San Francisco Giants, is about a mile north of the Chase Center, which will house the Golden State Warriors when construction is complete.

The Raiders plan to move to Las Vegas in 2020, and their lease at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum expired at the end of the 2018 season. The city of Oakland has sued the team over the move. Nevertheless, there is still a possibility that the Raiders could re-up with the Coliseum and play one more year in the stadium it first called home in 1966.

"The hope of (Raiders owner Mark Davis) is to continue to be in the Bay Area with his Raiders fans," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters when asked about the team's 2019 stadium plans last week. 's lawyer blasts domestic dispute allegations as 'baseless and false' By Jason Owens Yahoo Sports Feb. 6, 2019

Early Tuesday, multiple reports surfaced that wide receiver Antonio Brown was allegedly involved in a January domestic dispute that involved police but did not result in an arrest.

Hollywood, Florida police confirmed to ESPN that Brown was accused of being involved in a domestic dispute, but did not provide further details.

Details on alleged incident are sparse TMZ broke the story, reporting that a woman called the Hollywood Police Department in mid-January alleging misconduct by Brown.

There are no reported details of the alleged incident.

Brown’s lawyer blasts allegations Brown’s attorney responded to the reports, denying the allegations and criticizing the media in a statement given to ESPN.

“The allegations are baseless and false,” Brown’s lawyer, Darren Heitner, wrote. “It’s unfortunate that the media is trying to use distractions like this and prior stories in an effort to tarnish my client’s name and reputation. We have no further comment.”

Steelers’ response The Steelers also responded to the news in a statement provided to Pro Football Talk.

“We were made aware earlier today of the alleged incident involving Antonio Brown last month in Florida. We are still in the process of gathering information, consequently we have no further comment at this time.”

This is the second alleged South Florida incident involving Brown to surface in recent months.

In October, a man filed a civil suit against Brown, accusing him of throwing objects from a high condominium balcony that nearly hit him and his grandson.

Brown’s future with the Steelers is in question after he was suspended for the regular-season finale for reportedly skipping practice in Week 17.

Another Pro Football League Is Born. Will It Outdo the (Short-Lived) Others? By Victor Mather Times Feb. 6, 2019

The most recent, less than Super Bowl notwithstanding, the N.F.L. continues to be a behemoth, dominating the sports landscape in revenue, attendance and television ratings.

That popularity has over the years tempted entrepreneurs to try to cash in by starting professional football leagues of their own. The latest effort is the Alliance of , which plays its first games on Saturday.

There have been plenty of pretenders to the N.F.L.’s crown over the years. None have succeeded, but all had their share of novelty.

World Football League, 1974-75 Season July to December

Weird rules A touchdown was worth seven points; teams could then go for a conversion from scrimmage for one more “action point.” No sudden-death ; a full 15-minute quarter was played. No preseason.

Champion

Odd team names The Hawaiians (), Charlotte Hornets, ,

Big-name owner John B. Kelly Jr. (Princess Grace’s brother) of the

Big-name coaches , ; John McVay,

Big-name players , Birmingham; , Florida; and , Memphis

Unlikely city Shreveport, La.

Strange occurrence A restraining order was served on defensive lineman by his N.F.L. team, the Houston Oilers, in the middle of a game, forcing him to stop playing for the .

TV The syndicated TVS network

The Times said: “The dye on the footballs may still be wet and the players may not he able to keep dry in the stifling heat, but the brings midweek, midsummer football to the nation’s sports life tonight.”

Legacy Gave a start to Coach ; broke ground for professional football in the South.

United States Football League, 1983-85 Season March to July

Weird rules Allowed 2-point conversion (later adopted by the N.F.L.)

Champions , Philadelphia Stars, Baltimore Stars

Odd team name

Big-name owner Donald J. Trump,

The owners Stephen Ross, left, and Donald J. Trump flanked U.S.F.L. Commissioner Harry L. Usher.

Big-name coaches George Allen, ; Marv Levy, Chicago; Jim Mora, Philadelphia and Baltimore

Big-name players , New Jersey; Reggie White, ; , ; Steve Young, Los Angeles Express

Unlikely city Tulsa, Okla.

Strange occurrence The Chicago Blitz was traded in its entirety — players, coaches and assets — for the .

TV ABC and ESPN

The Times said: “Yesterday’s opening of the U.S.F.L. season occurred only five weeks after Super Bowl XVII, meaning pro football now exists for 11 months. It’s as if another baseball league was formed with a season that opened in December.”

Legacy Introduced instant replay for officials’ rulings; won antitrust lawsuit against the N.F.L. but was awarded only $3 in damages.

XFL, 2001. And 2020? Season February to April

Weird rules Players could have nicknames on their jerseys; two players raced for the football to determine opening possession; no fair catches.

Champion

Odd team names New York/New Jersey Hitmen,

Big-name owner All teams owned by World Wrestling Federation and NBC

Big-name coaches , ; , Los Angeles

Big name players Rod “He Hate Me” Smart, Las Vegas Outlaws; , Memphis

Strange occurrence A double overtime game caused “Saturday Night Live” to be delayed by 45 minutes, infuriating the producer Lorne Michaels. Subsequently, NBC cut away from the games at 11 p.m. even if they were not over.

TV NBC

The Times said: “Like a blight that has crept from the low-rent fringes of cable to network prime time, the XFL mingles violence, voyeurism and even politics into one trashy Saturday night show.”

Legacy Unusual camera angles, including Skycam; a return planned for next year.

United Football League, 2009-12 Season October to November

Weird rules Blitzes limited to six players; single-bar face mask permitted.

Champions (three times),

Odd team name Florida Tuskers

Big-name owners was an investor. , Florida.

Big-name coaches , ; , Las Vegas; Jay Gruden, Florida

Big-name players , Florida; , Las Vegas; , ; John David Washington, Denzel’s son, Sacramento Mountain Lions

Unlikely city Virginia Beach

Strange occurrence The “New York” Sentinels played one home game in Hartford, one in New Jersey and one on .

TV Versus and CBS Sports Network

The Times said: “Reports of the U.F.L.’s impending death have been around as long as the league.”

Legacy Had female officials, including Sarah Thomas, who is now in the N.F.L.

Fall Experimental Football League, 2014-15 Season October to November

Weird rules Kicks taken from wider hash mark; extra points from 35 yards.

Champions

Odd team names Florida Blacktips, Hudson Valley Fort

Big-name owner Teams were owned by the league.

Big-name coach , maybe? (a former N.F.L. quarterbacks coach and Rutgers head coach)

Big-name player , Brooklyn

Unlikely city Fishkill, N.Y.

Strange occurrence The Florida Blacktips were a traveling team that had no home stadium. The 2014 championship game was canceled, and Brooklyn declared the champion.

TV ESPN3 and syndicated

The Times said: “Tonight’s contest, against the Boston Brawlers, will be the first pro football game played in since the Jets’ farewell to in 1983.”

Alliance of American Football, 2019-? Season February to April

Weird rules No kickoffs; drives start from 25; 2-point conversions required.

Champions T.B.D.

Odd team name

Big-name owner Charlie Ebersol, son of the t executive Dick Ebersol, is a founder.

Big-name coaches , ; , ; ,

Big-name players , ; , Memphis

Strange occurrence Sites are already taking betting on the new league. BetDSI has the Arizona Hotshots as the favorites.

TV CBS, CBS Sports Network, TNT and NFL Network

The Times said: “The Alliance of American Football, though, will have to overcome the obstacles that others could not, including runaway expenses, limited media exposure and a lack of fans.”

Maybe a fierce rivalry will develop between San Diego and Phoenix. Maybe a player will break out the way “He Hate Me” did in the XFL. Maybe Coach Spurrier will recapture his magic. The Alliance will have to roll a Yahtzee to succeed in the shadow of the N.F.L. But even if it fails, you can bet someone will soon line up to try again.