There was something special in the air regarding the 2010 Pro Football Hall-of-Fame inductees. All of these men deserved to be enshrined and in the case of Floyd Little and Dick LeBeau, better late than never. What struck me, aside from the heat and humidity at Canton, was the humility of Russ Grimm and LeBeau; the swagger and bright personality of Emmitt Smith; the coolness and calm confidence of Jerry Rice; the quiet intensity of Ricky Jackson; the craftiness of John Randle and the relieved smile of Little.

They all have my heartfelt congratulations at being part of one the world’s greatest sports fraternities. Oh by the way, Emmitt Smith gave a 24-minute speech without any notes and without the use of a teleprompter. Mr. Smith does not need me to write any of his quotes.

by Tim Dahlberg
AP Sports Columnist

Sam Bradford is coming off of shoulder surgery, and has never taken a snap in the NFL. Yet the No. 1 draft pick managed to get the St. Louis Rams to guarantee him $50 million and a possible $78 million over six years.

Tom Brady hasn’t had as much luck so far at the bargaining table with the New England Patriots. And that’s despite three Super Bowl wins, a proven arm, and an uncanny ability to complete a pass when it means the most.

CORTLAND, N.Y. (AP)—Super Bowl or bust? Well, the New York Jets’ big hopes might hinge upon the one player not at training camp. And, unless a major resolution occurs soon, it could be a while before they see former Aliquippa and Pitt star Darrelle Revis on the field. The All-Pro cornerback sat out the first practice of camp Aug. 2, locked in a contract dispute.

“We’ve got to get who we have ready to go,” coach Rex Ryan said. “If Darrelle’s not here, then we’re going to move on. We won’t make excuses. We think we’ll have a great defense anyway, and I know we will. It’s just a lot easier if Revis is out there.”

DARRELLE REVIS

It is that time of year, ladies and gents. What time is it? Well as if you didn’t know, it does not snow in August and if you lose your afro pick, just make a few “twisties” and grow some dreads. It’s make ’em, or break ’em time at Steelers training camp now in full swing at St. Vincent’s College in Latrobe. Sometimes heat, coupled with stress, may occasionally cause temporary insanity but usually a Valium or Prozac washed down with a forty of Old “E” will cure all that ails ya; but has Mike Tomlin lost his “fro” comb along with the split ends and the brain matter located beneath?