Carolina Panthers
FILE - In this June 27, 2020, file phohto, Chicago Red Stars' Julie Ertz, second from left, holds Casey Short, center, while other players for the team kneel during the national anthem before an NWSL Challenge Cup soccer match against the Washington Spirit at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, Utah. The National Women's Soccer League revised its anthem policy after most players knelt during the anthem before season-opening games last weekend at the Challenge Cup. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File)
Discourse over national anthem looms for NBA, other leagues

By Schuyler Dixon Jul. 03, 2020 02:55 PM EDT

Fewer preseason games is another challenge for NFL coaches

By Rob Maaddi Jul. 02, 2020 07:18 PM EDT
Fewer preseason games following an offseason without on-field workouts creates more challenges for new coaches, players who changed teams and rookies. ...

FILE - In this Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020, file photo, Utah State quarterback Jordan Love works out at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis. The Green Bay Packers have signed each of their two top draft picks now that they’ve agreed to terms with Love and Boston College running back A.J. Dillon, the team announced Wednesday, July 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)
Packers sign 1st-round pick Love, 2nd-round choice Dillon

Jul. 01, 2020 04:14 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 8, 2019, file photo, Cleveland Browns center JC Tretter walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Cleveland. NFLPA president JC Tretter warned players they have to "fight for necessary COVID-19 protections" and Malcolm Jenkins said "football is nonessential." With training camp less than a month away, some players are speaking out about concerns over playing football during a pandemic while others are ignoring medical advice and holding workouts with teammates. (AP Photo/David Richard, File)
NFL players raise concerns on playing, others ignore advice

By Rob Maaddi Jul. 01, 2020 04:12 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 8, 2016, file photo, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates a touchdown pass against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, in Denver. The New England Patriots have reached an agreement with free-agent quarterback Cam Newton, bringing in the 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player to help the team move on from three-time MVP Tom Brady, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The one-year deal is worth up to $7.5 million with incentives, the person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss it publicly. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Patriots hope winning still in fashion for new QB Newton

By Jimmy Golen Jun. 29, 2020 07:19 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 8, 2016, file photo, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates a touchdown pass against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, in Denver. The New England Patriots have reached an agreement with free-agent quarterback Cam Newton, bringing in the 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player to help the team move on from three-time MVP Tom Brady, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The one-year deal is worth up to $7.5 million with incentives, the person said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss it publicly. (AP Photo/Joe Mahoney)
Panthers-Broncos 9/8/2016

Jun. 29, 2020 03:26 PM EDT

FILE - In this June 16, 2019, file photo, Gary Woodland poses with the trophy after winning the U.S. Open golf tournament in Pebble Beach, Calif. The U.S. Open is returning to NBC starting this year at Winged Foot after Fox Sports has asked to end its 12-year contract with the USGA, multiple people told The Associated Press on Sunday night, June 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)
USGA transfers US media rights from Fox back to NBCUniversal

By Doug Ferguson Jun. 29, 2020 12:59 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 12, 2019, file photo, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton warms up prior to the team's NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Charlotte, N.C. The New England Patriots have reached an agreement with free-agent quarterback Newton, bringing in the 2015 NFL Most Valuable Player to help the team move on from three-time MVP Tom Brady, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File)
AP source: Patriots sign QB Cam Newton to replace Tom Brady

By Jimmy Golen Jun. 28, 2020 09:14 PM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 8, 2020, file photo, Carolina Panthers NFL football team head coach Matt Rhule talks to the media during a news conference at the teams practice facility in Charlotte, N.C. Rhule said he is considering kneeling alongside his players for the national anthem this season to support the movement against racial injustice. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File)
Panthers' coach considers kneeling during national anthem

By Steve Reed Jun. 25, 2020 03:31 PM EDT

McCaffrey, Thompson look to unite Charlotte through sports

Jun. 22, 2020 03:49 PM EDT
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Panthers All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey is partnering with linebacker Shaq Thompson in an effort to unite the Charlotte...

Cowboys' Frederick wins Halas Award for overcoming adversity

By The Associated Press Jun. 22, 2020 01:33 PM EDT
Dallas Cowboys center Travis Frederick has won the George Halas Award presented by the Pro Football Writers of America. Frederick, who...

FILE - In this Nov. 9, 2019, file photo, Baylor wide receiver Denzel Mims (5) catches a touchdown pass as TCU cornerback Kee'yon Stewart (2) defends during the third overtime of an NCAA college football game in Fort Worth, Texas. Mims was selected by the New York Jets in the second round of the NFL football draft Friday, April 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins, File)
AP Source: Jets agree to terms with 2nd-round pick WR Mims

By Dennis Waszak Jr. Jun. 19, 2020 03:38 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 20, 2019, file photo, Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook rushes during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, in Detroit. The Vikings have centered their offense around running back Dalvin Cook and praised him at every turn, but now the bill has come due. Cook is holding out of team activities until he has a new contract.(AP Photo/Duane Burleson, File)
Vikings, Cook present NFL's latest RB contract standoff

By Dave Campbell Jun. 18, 2020 05:31 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 31, 2019, file photo, Baylor defensive coordinator Phil Snow walks the sideline in an NCAA college football game against West Virginia in Waco, Texas. Carolina Panthers new defensive coordinator Phil Snow has a monumental task ahead of him, returning the once proud Carolina defense to among the best in the league without retired linebacker Luke Kuechly. Carolina's defense is coming off a season in which they allowed 29.4 points per game, the second-most in the league. (AP Photo/Jerry Larson, File)
Snow faces huge task restoring once-proud Panthers defense

By Steve Reed Jun. 17, 2020 05:58 PM EDT

CORRECTS TO DELETE A REFERENCE TO CLARIFY THE STATUE WAS NOT THERE FOR NEAR 25 YEARS AND THAT THE STADIUM HASN'T BEEN REOPENED - FILE - In this Sept. 17, 2017, file photo, a bronze statue of Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson and the team mascot is shown before an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Buffalo Bills, in Charlotte, N.C. The statue of former Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, which had stood in front of the team's stadium, was removed Wednesday, June 10, 2020. "We were aware of the most recent conversation surrounding the Jerry Richardson statue and are concerned there may be attempts to take it down," the team said in a statement. "We are moving the statue in the interest of public safety." (AP Photo/Jason E. Miczek, File)
Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers 9/17/2017

Jun. 10, 2020 03:58 PM EDT

A work crew prepares to remove a statue of former Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson from in front of the team's stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Wednesday, June 10, 2020. “We were aware of the most recent conversation surrounding the Jerry Richardson statue and are concerned there may be attempts to take it down," the team said in a statement. "We are moving the statue in the interest of public safety.” (AP Photo/Steve Reed)
Statue of ex-Panthers owner removed from outside stadium

By Steve Reed And Tom Foreman Jr. Jun. 10, 2020 03:30 PM EDT

FILE - In this Nov. 16, 2019, file photo, free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick arrives for a workout for NFL football scouts and media in Riverdale, Ga. Kaepernick has been a leader in the fight for social justice by people of color not just in the football world or the sports world. Recent developments have raised his profile and, more significantly, reminded many of the sacrifices he has made while protesting social injustice and police brutality.(AP Photo/Todd Kirkland, File)
Analysis: Kaepernick has stronger platform outside football

By Barry Wilner Jun. 09, 2020 04:45 PM EDT

FILE - In a Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017, file photo, former Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Ken Riley waves to the crowd during a halftime 50th anniversary ceremony of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, in Cincinnati. Former Cincinnati Bengals standout Ken Riley, who was later a head coach and athletic director at his alma mater Florida A&M, died Sunday, June 7, 2020, the university announced. He was 72.(AP Photo/Gary Landers, File)
Ken Riley, former NFL star, Florida A&M coach, dead at 72

By Curt Anderson Jun. 07, 2020 11:56 AM EDT

FILE - In this Jan. 1, 2017, file photo, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick greets fans after an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara, Calif. It was his last game in the NFL.. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar, File)
Colin Kaepernick: Timeline of a gesture and its echoes

By Barry Wilner Jun. 06, 2020 04:57 PM EDT

Jacksonville Jaguars assistant defensive line coach Dwayne Stukes walks with his family near the front of the line of players, staff and family members as they start a march from TIAA Bank Field to the Jacksonville Sheriff's office headquarters, Friday morning, June 5, 2020, in Jacksonville, Fla., to protest against inequality and police brutality. (Bob Self/The Florida Times-Union via AP)
'Today we say no more': Jaguars march to sheriff's office

By Teresa M. Walker Jun. 05, 2020 12:07 PM EDT