Walter Payton
FILE - Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Vance McDonald (89) plays against the Cleveland Browns during an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, in this Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, file photo. Steelers tight end Vance McDonald is retiring. The 30-year-old announced the decision Friday, Jan. 22, 2021. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)
Steelers tight end Vance McDonald retiring after 8 seasons

By Will Graves Jan. 22, 2021 09:50 AM EST

FILE - In this Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019, file photo, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) reacts after swinging a helmet at Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Cleveland. The Browns (10-5) will make the postseason for the first time since 2002 with a win over the Steelers. Pittsburgh, which clinched the AFC North last week, is resting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and will start Mason Rudolph, who has a history with Cleveland's Myles Garrett after an ugly helmet-swinging incident a year ago. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)
Garrett, Rudolph in no mood to rehash career-altering brawl

By Will Graves Jan. 01, 2021 05:23 PM EST

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (2) runs the ball for a first down in the first half of an NFL football game agains the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Dec. 27. 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Washington gets 2nd chance to win NFC East at Philadelphia

By Stephen Whyno Dec. 31, 2020 04:30 PM EST

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, right, coaches defenders John Simon, left, Terez Hall, center, and Josh Uche on the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Monday, Dec. 28, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Offseason changes on tap as Jets, Patriots meet in finale

By Kyle Hightower Dec. 31, 2020 04:19 PM EST

FILE - In this Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020 file photo, Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) readies for the play in the second quarter during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Minneapolis. Eric Kendricks and the Minnesota Vikings have had a rough year between the lines, but the 2019 All-Pro linebacker, whose 2020 season has been shortened by a calf injury, has made quite an impact off the field. He’s the team’s nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, for his community work focused on criminal justice reform. (AP Photo/David Berding, File)
Vikings LB Kendricks has done vital work on and off field

By Dave Campbell Dec. 31, 2020 02:46 PM EST

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) passes against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
Steelers to sit Roethlisberger for finale against Browns

By Will Graves Dec. 29, 2020 01:45 PM EST

New York Jets running back Frank Gore (21) is tackled by Los Angeles Rams defensive end Michael Brockers (90) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Jets' Gore out with bruised lung, playing future uncertain

By Dennis Waszak Jr. Dec. 28, 2020 03:15 PM EST

NFL Today, Week 16

By The Associated Press Dec. 27, 2020 08:59 PM EST
SCOREBOARD Monday, Dec. 28 Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots, 8:15 p.m., ESPN — Josh Allen and the AFC East...

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) looks to pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Rams' Goff dislocates thumb, Jets' Gore has chest injury

By The Associated Press Dec. 27, 2020 07:32 PM EST

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield leaves the field after an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets won 23-16. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Browns' playoff chances take hit with 23-16 loss to Jets

By Dennis Waszak Jr. Dec. 27, 2020 04:54 PM EST

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is tackled by Atlanta Falcons Foyesade Oluokun during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Kansas City. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
The Latest: NFC East will produce sub-.500 champ next week

By The Associated Press Dec. 27, 2020 12:51 PM EST

FILE - In this Oct. 26, 2020, file photo, Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears in Inglewood, Calif. In the wake of the civil unrest this year, Rams players established a social justice fund and veteran tackle Andrew Whitworth pledged to match all his teammates’ contributions. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong, File)
NFL players take leading role on social justice front

By Barry Wilner Dec. 22, 2020 03:06 PM EST

Philadelphia Eagles free safety Rodney McLeod runs a route during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020, in Cleveland. Shortly after an MRI confirmed McLeod had a torn knee ligament and needed season-ending surgery, the Eagles' safety went to a local supermarket, helped bag groceries and paid the bill for some lucky customers. McLeod and his wife, Erika, are giving back to the community this month with a "12 Days of Christmas" campaign through their Change Our Future Foundation. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Injury didn't alter Eagles S Rodney McLeod's giving plans

By Rob Maaddi Dec. 21, 2020 04:32 PM EST

FILE - Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce smiles before the NFL Super Bowl 54 football game between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs in Miami Gardens Fla., in this Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020, file photo. Seattle's star quarterback Russell Wilson and Kansas City's standout tight end Travis Kelce are among the 32 finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
Chiefs TE Kelce rewriting record book during special season

By Dave Skretta Dec. 17, 2020 03:49 PM EST

Denver Broncos wide receiver Diontae Spencer, left, celebrates after scoring with safety Justin Simmons during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Broncos safety Justin Simmons piling up big plays, accolades

By Arnie Stapleton Dec. 16, 2020 05:24 PM EST

FILE - In this Nov. 15, 2020, file photo, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett rushes the passer during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans in Cleveland. Garrett on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, was named the Browns' Walter Payton Man of the Year, which annually recognizes the NFL’s best players for their excellence on the field and dedication to community service. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)
End around: Browns' Garrett goes from villain to Man of Year

By Tom Withers Dec. 11, 2020 01:43 AM EST

Washington Football Team quarterback Alex Smith (11) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh, Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Washington win streak directed by Mr. Comeback, Alex Smith

By Howard Fendrich Dec. 10, 2020 06:27 PM EST

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) talks at the end of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Seattle's star quarterback Russell Wilson and Kansas City's standout tight end Travis Kelce are among the 32 finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Russell Wilson, Travis Kelce among NFL Man of Year nominees

By Barry Wilner Dec. 10, 2020 09:00 AM EST

AP Sportlight

By The Associated Press Dec. 08, 2020 10:00 AM EST
Dec. 9 1934 — The New York Giants wins the NFL championship by beating the Chicago Bears 30-13 in the famous “Sneakers Game.” With the...

AP-Sportlight-Week Ahead

By The Associated Press Dec. 03, 2020 05:12 PM EST
Dec. 6 1939 — Iowa’s Nile Kinnick wins the Heisman Trophy. The back passed for 638 yards and 11 touchdowns and rushed for 374 yards. ...