Compiled by Arthur Arkush
April 11, 2008

Friday, April 11, 2008

Saints new DE Bobby McCray, quoted on NOLA.com on the Saints’ expectations for their defensive line after signing him to a five-year contract: "They were obviously talking about wanting to get a better pass rush. Not saying anything was wrong with the one they had last year, but it was just a good addition for me to come in and help them out. Now we've got a lot of guys. We got a Pro Bowl D-end (in Will Smith), a good guy in Charles Grant. So that rotation right there, if all three of us can stay fresh, we can just get after the quarterback, not even mentioning what we have on the inside. We have a lot of great guys, and we can just keep a good rotation going."

Jets S Kerry Rhodes, excited to be one of the highest-paid safeties in the NFL after signing a five-year contract extension worth $33.5 million, including $20 million guaranteed, as quoted in the New York Post: "It's a sense of gratification because I was looked over a little bit. I mean, I didn't play safety long coming from college. People said I was a talent, but even leading up to the draft, I was told I would be like a second-rounder, so the fact I slipped to the fourth, I mean, it happened and that's in the past. … It's just evidence that hard work pays off."

Ravens PK Matt Stover, quoted on ESPN.com in an email addressed to Chris Mortensen clearing up reports from a previous email that suggested Stover was in favor of replacing NFLPA director Gene Upshaw: “My involvement as a Player Rep. and Executive Committee member for the past 16 years has always been about what is best for our organization, and nothing else. You have to remember, I represent the guys who have voted me in over the years, my fellow Ravens/Browns teammates. Further, I have always supported my fellow players, reps. and NFLPA staff in the hopes of adding to our cause. There is no ego, selfish agenda or an overabundance of pride associated with my suggestion for a succession process. This is what I feel, as the Player Rep. for the Baltimore Ravens, is best.”

Former Packers QB Brett Favre, quoted in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel when asked if he would ever consider coming out of retirement if the Packers asked him to return: "It would be hard to pass up, I guess. But three months from now, say that presents itself, I may say, you know what, I'm so glad I made that decision. I feel very comfortable in what I'm doing and my decision. Favre went on to discuss how he’ll miss being away from the game: "I think of that, when I think of now being retired, I think I won't be in the quarterback/receivers meeting on Thursdays joking around and having fun and game plan and all that stuff together. It was a fun year. That was fun throwing the ball around like we did. There's no reason to think that won't happen again. Aaron (Rodgers) has fallen into a great situation. And if that opportunity presented itself and they did call, it would be tempting. And I very well could be enticed to do it."

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Former Bronco QB and Hall of famer John Elway, quoted in the Boulder Daily Camera in response to the criticism Jay Cutler directed at Brandon Marshall following Marshall’s offseason arm injury: "I was surprised to hear it actually." Elway added: "If that's what Jay feels like he needs to comment on, he needs to do that. Personally, I would've done it to him. Even though I tried to settle things in the press, looking back over the years, it hasn't been the right way to do it."

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, beoming less optimistic a deal will be made to acquire Pacman Jones, as quoted on Star-Telegram.com: “I think the longer that it goes, the less likely [it will be done]. It’s just me trying to be realistic about it. I don’t have a feel for it right now.”

Lions WR Calvin Johnson, quoted in The Detroit News on his performance in his rookie 2007 campaign: "Last year, I'd say I could have done twice as good. If the top is 10, I'd say I was a five last year." Johnson went on to say: "I just know myself. I expect the best out of myself all the time. You know you're not perfect, but still, you expect the best."

Panthers newly-signed RB LaBrandon Toefield, excited about a fresh start in Carolina, as quoted in the Gaston Gazette: "I felt like it was a great opportunity for me. In Jacksonville, it was a tough situation. We had three, four or five good backs that could start. I felt it was time for a change and I thought Carolina was a great spot for me. There is an opportunity here and it's up to me to come in and grab it.” Toefield added: "Competition doesn't matter at all. I have been dealing with that for five years. We drafted a running back every year I was in Jacksonville. That's no big deal. I always find some spot on the team. And hey, that might be better for us. It might make us better as a team. Look at Jacksonville - it made everyone at the running back position better."

New Vikings QB Gus Frerotte, quoted on (Minneapolis) StarTribune.com after signing a two-year deal with Minnesota Tuesday to back up Tarvaris Jackson: "The basic idea is I'm coming in as the No. 2 quarterback, will be able to be a quality backup and work with Tarvaris. I'll be able to help him during games and in certain situations. I kind of like that role. It's nice when young kids take to heart what you're telling them and the experiences you've had."

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Ravens K Matt Stover, quoted in an email obtained by ESPN.com expressing his wishes to oust NFLPA executive director, Gene Upshaw: "I feel that the board must begin to prepare for a change in leadership immediately. I believe we have the proper environment with our teammates and leadership within the board to execute the process of this selection." Stover continued in a statement issued by the Ravens that it was not his intention for his e-mail to be made public: "I’m going to respect the process of our union leadership, executive committee and player reps. I choose to handle this matter privately."

NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw, responding to Matt Stover’s comments made in an email Tuesday, as quoted on topix.com: “Matt Stover has no clue. Whoever is pulling his chain is doing a disservice to the union. I could understand the idea that they need to get rid of me if I wasn't doing a good job, but, shoot, the owners are mad because they think I've done too good of a job.”

Bears DT Tommie Harris, quoted in the Chicago Sun-Times regarding his wishes for a contract extension: ''I want a fair deal. I'm not asking for anything ridiculous. [The franchise tag] is not even a figment of my imagination. We're in 2008, and I really don't go that far. I'm optimistic.'' Harris added after Tommy Kelly’s record contract was mentioned: ''Not only Tommy, but when you look at guys like Shaun Rogers for his third contract and Kris Jenkins, it just shows you how important [defensive tackle] is.''

Agent Manny Arora, who represents CB Adam “Pacman” Jones, is willing to forgo money owed to his client in order to help move along trade talks with the Dallas Cowboys, as quoted on Star-Telegram.com: “We are willing to renegotiate the terms of the contract to help facilitate the trade.” Arora added: “Our willingness to redo the contract is irrelevant until trade terms are agreed upon.”

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Jaguars QB David Garrard, happy that negotiations are over after signing a seven-year, $60 million contract with Jacksonville Monday, as quoted on OrlandoSentinel.com: "I pretty much had to say, 'Let's go ahead and wrap it up. I'm done.' It's too much stress on me and my family. My wife was done [listening to negotiations] five weeks ago."

Lions C Dominic Raiola, quoted in The Detroit Free Press on the trade of NT Shaun Rogers: "You wish it was different. You wish things worked out here. It probably would be different. But we haven't won here yet. So this is what Rod wants, and we're going to move forward. It's been kind of cutting fat since I've been here, I guess, with getting rid of, like, the real old guys. And then we went real young. And then Rod came in, and he's going to kind of get what he wants. He gave everybody an equal opportunity when he got here. … Some of those guys that left … I think Shaun's the best in the game. It's hard to let a guy go like that. But it's what Rod wants, and he's going to get it."

Bears head coach Lovie Smith, focusing on several key areas heading into Chicago’s offseason workout program, as quoted on chicagobears.com: “I acknowledged what happened last year, talked about how we finished the season [with impressive wins over the Packers and Saints] and then just talked about the importance of right now trying to get bigger, stronger and faster. … We’re not putting in a game plan. We’re not getting ready for a certain team right now. The game plan now is for each person to try to make themselves better and improve.”

Chargers S Clinton Hart, quoted on SignOnSanDiego.com after signing a five-year deal that will keep him in San Diego through the 2012 season: “It's all just a blessing. I'm happy to be a part of this organization. We fell short last year, but we have a great opportunity.” Hart continued when asked about the terms of his new deal: “It's not going to blow anybody away. … For right now, they have me in the plans for next year. I take it one year at a time. I've got to get it done next year, and I'll let the following years fall where they may.”

Monday, April 7, 2008

Titans head coach Jeff Fisher, pleased by the work QB Vince Young is putting in with new offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, as quoted on Star–Telegram.com: "Vince came in for a week, and together, they went inside and worked on his footwork. That's where the focus was, and Mike was very pleased, as was Vince, as to what was taking place on a daily basis. I think he's made significant strides to this point with his footwork. They now are in a part of the offseason where they are going back through coverage concepts, whatever offensive changes we've made." Fisher went on to praise Heimerdinger: "Coach Heimerdinger got Steve McNair in his fourth year as a starter, and two years later, Steve was co-MVP. He's getting Vince now in his third year as a starter. We'll have to wait and see what happens. But I'm excited about that, the combination."

Patriots DE Richard Seymour, quoted in the Worcester Telegram & Gazette News on his excitement to be in Foxborough on Day One of New England’s voluntary offseason training program: “I haven’t been able to do any offseason training for the last two years. I’ve been out there playing on God-given ability. So for me to have a chance to lay a foundation that it takes to be successful in this league … I’m just thankful I’ll be able to prepare just like the rest of the guys prepare. I’m going to put my best foot forward this season. I’m not saying what that’s going to do or where that leads, but I just feel confident that I’ll be able to hit the ground running.”

Falcons’ owner Arthur Blank has communicated with Michael Vick through letters during his incarceration, as quoted in the New York Daily News: "I told Michael I'll do whatever I can to be helpful to him personally. Nothing to do with the Atlanta Falcons. He's a human being and I would like to reach out and if I can be productive to him in some way, I would be happy to do that. I'd love to see him playing again in the NFL. I would love to see him back in society where he can make a difference and go back to some of these communities and talk to some of these young folks about the impact of choices — choices he personally made about people he was with and choices he made about his own actions. That would be important.”

Ravens LB Bart Scott, quoted in the Baltimore Sun on the changes that have taken place regarding strength and conditioning in Baltimore: "It's back to power, pure powerlifting instead of resistance. I like the philosophy, especially with the offensive line. Those guys are going to be McNasty."