BRADENTON, Fla. (AP)—A few days ago, a sleepy morning in the Pittsburgh Pirates’ clubhouse was brightened when Andrew McCutchen walked into the room.

ANDREW MCCUTCHEN

McCutchen was laughing, as usual, and soon other players were, too. Everyone seemed to perk up as McCutchen quickly changed into his workout gear and headed onto the field.

At just 23 years old and with only 123 days of major league experience, McCutchen already is emerging as the team leader.

“Andrew carries himself with a maturity well beyond his years,” general manager Neal Huntington said.

by Michael Marot

INDIANAPOLIS (AP)—Safety Myron Rolle figured out the proper balance between football and academics long ago.

His priority: Becoming a neurosurgeon after football ends in 10 to 12 years.

So could his passion for football wind up ruining the precious hands of a future surgeon?

‘ROLLE’ MODEL —Florida State safety and Rhodes Scholar Myron Rolle waits for for NFL draft.

“That’s not something I really worry about,” Rolle said Sunday at the NFL’s annual scouting combine. “When I’m on the football field, I’m a football player. I’m tough, I’m physical, I’m aggressive and I like contact. I want to do some violent things on the field. That’s the total opposite of how you need to be as a neurosurgeon.”

INDIANAPOLIS (AP)—The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to a deal with nose tackle Casey Hampton and placed the franchise tag on kicker Jeff Reed.

GETS NEW DEAL—This Sept. 10, 2009 photo shows Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Casey Hampton on the sideline during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Heinz Field.

ESPN first reported the agreement with Hampton, and Kevin Colbert, the team’s director of football operations, confirmed it Thursday at the NFL Scouting Combine. ESPN reported the deal was for three-years and $21 million, including $11 million guaranteed. Colbert declined to offer specifics.

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP)—Arizona Cardinals owner Bill Bidwill has received the Paul “Tank” Younger Award for diversity in his hiring practices.

BIDWELL HONORED—Arizona Cardinals owner Bill Bidwell answers questions during media day for the NFL’s Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, Florida, Jan. 27, 2009.