Chuck Bednarik
FILE - In this Feb. 27, 2020, file photo, Auburn defensive lineman Derrick Brown listens during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. Brown is a likely first-round pick in the NFL draft Thursday, April 23, 2020. (AP Photo/AJ Mast, File)
Panthers choose Brown over Simmons with No. 7 overall pick

By Steve Reed Apr. 23, 2020 09:26 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 7, 2019, file photo, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow (9) runs down field against Georgia during the first half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game in Atlanta. Burrow is expected to be a first round pick at the NFL Draft on Thursday, April 23, 2020.(AP Photo/John Amis)
The Latest: SEC breaks draft record with 15 1st-round picks

By The Associated Press Apr. 23, 2020 05:50 PM EDT

FILE - In this Aug. 4, 2018, file photo, former NFL safety Brian Dawkins delivers his induction speech at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Dawkins was the heart and soul on defense during the team’s impressive run of success in the 2000s.(AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File)
Hall of Famers Bednarik, Dawkins among Eagles' best picks

By Rob Maaddi Apr. 21, 2020 03:25 PM EDT

NFL Draft: Ohio State's Young top defensive player in draft

By Ralph D. Russo Apr. 20, 2020 11:30 AM EDT
Top defensive players available in the NFL draft (x-entered draft with college eligibility remaining). EDGE RUSHERS ...

Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
NFL following NBA's lead in blurring traditional positions

By Arnie Stapleton Apr. 18, 2020 04:33 PM EDT

This combination of newspaper clippers show, at left, an Oct 25, 1937 clipping from the Mount Carmel Item with an image of Cleveland Rams quarterback Stan Pincura in padding worn in a game; and an Oct 27, 1921 article from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch by former Harvard football player Charlie Brinkley on the art of tackling. (Mount Carmel Item, left; St. Louis Post-Dispatch, right, via AP)
Column: Better helmets won’t settle safety vs mayhem race

By Jim Litke Dec. 18, 2019 01:20 PM EST

Deacon Jones, Butkus and LT unanimous All-Team picks

By The Associated Press Nov. 29, 2019 09:00 PM EST
Deacon Jones, Dick Butkus and Lawrence Taylor are among six unanimous choices at defensive line and linebacker for the NFL’s All-Time Team. ...

NFL announces defensive line and linebackers finalists

By The Associated Press Nov. 25, 2019 07:16 PM EST
Hall of Famers Joe Greene, Deacon Jones and Dick Butkus are among the finalists on defense for the NFL’s All-Time Team. The league on...

FILE - In this April 4, 2012, file photo, Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw smiles in Nashville, Tenn. From a sackmaster defensive tackle to a do-everything running back, the list of the NFL’s greatest characters, numbers 31-100, is impressive. (AP Photo/Joe Howell, File)
NFL reveals top characters, numbers 31-100

By Barry Wilner Oct. 11, 2019 10:01 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 21, 1960, file photo, New York Giants' Frank Gifford lies on field as play continues after he was knocked unconscious by Philadelphia Eagles' Chuck Bednarik (60) as Gifford was carrying the ball in the fourth quarter of a football game at New York's Yankee Stadium. The NFL revealed 70 of the 100 greatest plays in league history on Friday night with a TV special produced by NFL Films that has everything from spectacular offensive performances to defensive gems. In balloting conducted by The Associated Press, 68 media members on a nationwide panel voted for their top 100. Among those disclosed is the brutal hit applied by Bednarik on Gifford in 1960. (AP Photo/File)
NFL At 100: League begins revealing top 100 plays

By Barry Wilner Sep. 13, 2019 10:03 PM EDT

FILE - In this June 22, 2001, file photo, actor and former NFL player Merlin Olsen speaks in Urbandale, Iowa. The Hall of Fame defensive tackle went on to have a long career as the top analyst at NBC, working alongside greats like Curt Gowdy and Dick Enberg during the 1970s and 80s and calling five Super Bowls. A physical presence on the Rams "Fearsome Foursome" defensive line, Olsen was more soft spoken as an announcer. (AP Photo/Steve Pope, File)
A look at iconic announcers in NFL history

By Josh Dubow Aug. 23, 2019 05:16 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 9, 1980, file photo, a New Orleans Saints fan wears a bag on his head during a football game against Philadelphia, in New Orleans. “Aints” _ Refers to the struggles of the woeful New Orleans Saints in the 1980 season when they were the first team to finish 1-15 in a season. (AP Photo)
What's in a nickname? NFL has had great ones in its history

By Simmi Buttar Jun. 14, 2019 02:32 PM EDT