NFC North chat alert

Source: NFC North Blog

I'm willing to chat on May 21 if you are. I'm sure we'll find plenty to talk about as organized team activities continue around the NFC North. See you over at SportsNation at 2 p.m. ET.

Detroit Lions will begin OTAs at team facility today

Source: Michigan Live by Anwar S. Richardson | arichar2@mlive.com

The Detroit Lions' first day of organized team activities (OTAs) will begin today in Allen Park, but participation is not mandatory.

Lions offseason schedule: Let the OTAs begin!

Source: Pride Of Detroit by Sean Yuille

We're still months away from training camp and actual football games, but the Detroit Lions are set to hit the practice field on Tuesday to open their 2013 organized team activities. There are 10 OTAs in total, and the Lions have three this week: one on Tuesday, one on Wednesday and one on Thursday.

While OTAs are far from full practices, they at least allow veterans and rookies to come together to get on-field instruction and participate in drills. They're sort of like an appetizer to training camp. We'll get a brief taste of on-field news, but the main course will have to wait until the summer.

More:

BBAO: 'Broken' vs. 'injured' fingers

Source: NFC North Blog

We're Black and Blue All Over: Why is the NFL considering a reorganization of its offseason schedule, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter? Naturally, to avoid the kind of quiet period that leaves players, teams and media members fighting over whether someone has broken fingers or simply injured ones. That about sums up the silly fracas that erupted Monday after Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson seemed to confirm that he played much of last season with broken fingers on his left hand.

Calvin Johnson talks broken fingers and Titus Young

Source: Yardbarker

Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson confirmed Monday that he broke the NFL single-season record with 1,964 receiving yards last year despite playing much of the season with broken fingers. Trying to straighten them things out, Johnson said of the crooked fingers on his left hand. Johnson said he wasnt certain exactly when he suffered the injury. It was never reported by the Lions on their mandatory injury updates. You just think its something thats hurting and you keep playing, Johnson said. During an interview with reporters Monday morning at the teams headquarters in Allen Park, Mich., Johnson also addressed the off-field troubles of former teammate Titus Young. Young remains in jail in Riverside, Calif., after being arrested three times in less than a week. Very tough, Johnson said. Just pray he can get his off-the-field stuff straight so he can move on with his life. You can never foresee things like this but I wish him the best. Were praying for him.

Rather than undergoing surgery on up to three broken fingers, Detroit Lions superstar Calvin Johnson is ‘trying to straighten them out’

Source: Yardbarker

Battling knee issues and playing with up to three broken fingers, Detroit Lions superstar Calvin Johnson still managed to trump Jerry Rice‘s single-season record for receiving yards with 1,964 last season. Refusing to undergo surgery, the 27-year-old Johnson has been “trying to straighten (his fingers) out.” Catching 488 balls for 7,836 yards and 55 touchdowns since debuting with Detroit in 2007, the 6-foot-5, 236 pound Johnson is the most dominant player today. Coming off a bitterly disappointing 4-12 campaign, Lions fans can expect their team to rebound in 2013 with Reggie Bush helping to spread the field for Johnson. Provided … Continue reading →

Charles Woodson Could Put Detroit Lions’ Defense Over the Top

Source: Sports Media 101 by Max DeMara

Over the weekend in Michigan, Charles Woodson was doing plenty of talking at a charity event. Amongst other topics, he commented on his surprise over not signing yet and even addressed the hometown Detroit Lions, a team which should now seek out his services for defensive leadership.

Naturally, given that Woodson was around his old college stomping grounds and is still a free agent, people will begin to put two and two together. The Detroit Lions

Kim Kardashian Sent Reggie a Congratulatory Text on New Baby

Source: Yardbarker

A total PR move T… Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush and his Kim Kardashian-esque baby mama, Lilit Avagyan, are basking in that new parent glow. They’ve named their baby “Briseis”, and we’re being told Reggie received plenty of phone calls and texts, but one he didn’t necessarily expect to get was from the very pregnant Kim Kardashian, who also happens to be his ex-girlfriend. Reportedly she sent Reggie a congratulatory text. Our source tells us, “Reggie wasn’t expecting it, but was very happy that she sent out her well wishes” Reportedly Reggie texted her back and wished her well on her upcoming pregnancy. It’s nice to  see these two have remained friends.-TO Bush Welcomes First child with Fiancee Reggie’s Pregnant Girl About to Pop

Reggie Bush & Lilit Avagyan give their daughter a greek first name plan to wed next summer

Source: Yardbarker

Reggie Bush and his girlfriend Lilit Avagyan had a baby girl on May 6th. Now Reggie has announced what they named their baby girl. Briseis Bush- pronounced Bri-say-is – is a Greek name. Bush will be traveling back and forth between LA and Detroit as he gets acclimated with his new team but he’s already in love with Baby Briseis. “She’s brand new. She’s doing great. She’s amazing. She’s so beautiful,” Bush tells US Weekly, “I love her to death. It’s just been an amazing experience so far so I’m very excited – just being a father.” Meanwhile his ex, Kim Kardashian continues on with her rough pregnancy and less than doting dad-to-be, Kanye West. Oh Reggie has indicated he has no desire to discuss Kimmy Cakes and her situation anymore. But he did wax poetic about Lilit and their wedding plans. “My love has always been strong for her, but I think it just grounds us more. Having a child now just grounds us more . . . She has the wisdom of a 35 year old. She’s very mature for her age

NFL roundup: Gronkowski surgery shows he's clear of infection (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski had his surgery as schedule on Monday to install a plate in the broken left arm.

Raiders plan warm welcome for ex-Wolverine Charles Woodson

Source: The Detroit News by Detroit News staff and wires

Former Michigan cornerback Charles Woodson will receive quite a greeting from Oakland Raiders fans when he makes a free-agent visit to the team's facilities on Tuesday.

Calvin Johnson sets sights on 2,000 yards, more wins

Source: Pride Of Detroit by Sean Yuille

2012 was a record season for Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson. He finished with 1,964 yards receiving, breaking Jerry Rice's single-season record. He did all of this despite dealing with multiple injuries throughout the course of the season. Also, he was able to accomplish this feat despite playing for a team that went 4-12.

In 2013, Johnson wants an even better season both for himself and the Lions. For starters,

Five NFL teams still have no signed draftees (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

When the Jacksonville Jaguars signed cornerback Jeremy Harris to a four-year contract, they removed themselves from the list of NFL teams without a signed draft pick as of Monday when cornerback Jeremy Harris signed a four-year contract.

Lions WR Johnson may have played with broken fingers - (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Whether Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson played through his record-setting 2012 season with broken fingers has become a point of contention.

Late-round draft picks signing quickly (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Jacksonville Jaguars removed themselves from the list of NFL teams without a signed draft pick Monday when cornerback Jeremy Harris signed a four-year contract. Only five teams haven't signed any of their choices.

Calvin Johnson: We're praying for Titus Young (National Football Post)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Former WR on minds of ex-teammates

Lions WR Johnson confirms he had injured fingers (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) -- Calvin Johnson is downplaying whatever was wrong with his fingers last year.

Las Vegas Hilton puts Lions' over-under win total at 7.5

Source: The Detroit News by - The Detroit News

The Las Vegas Hilton has released its over-under win totals for the 2013 NFL season and the Lions are at a mediocre 7.5.

Photos from the 2013 Detroit Lions Invitational charity golf outing

Source: Michigan Live by Justin Rogers | jrogers@mlive.com

The Lions hosted the team's 2013 charity golf outing at The Detroit Golf Club on Monday.

Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson is praying for Titus Young

Source: Michigan Live by Anwar S. Richardson | arichar2@mlive.com

Former Detroit Lions receiver Titus Young remains behind bars, but Calvin Johnson offered his support on Monday.

Jared Allen slip-slides away the weekend

Source: NFC North Blog

So, what did you do this weekend? Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen hosted "Night-Ops IV," his fourth annual charity golf tournament to benefit his Homes for Wounded Warriors program. The event included nine holes of night-time golf and a 280-foot slip-and-slide competition. If you thought Allen would be kept off said slip-and-slide a few months after offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum, well, you don't know Jared Allen.

Lions web site says Megatron played with broken fingers, now it doesn't (National Football Post)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Team's writer reverses course on wide receiver

2014 NFL Draft to be held in May?

Source: Pride Of Detroit by Sean Yuille

It looks as though the NFL's plan to overhaul its offseason calendar is moving closer to becoming a reality. Back in February, Adam Schefter reported that the NFL was talking about a possible change to the start of free agency and the dates for the combine and draft. Now it looks like some form of these changes could be coming to fruition.

NFL and NFLPA are on verge of pushing back draft to May and moving up start of league year to before combine, per sources.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 20, 2013

Calvin Johnson confirms he played with injured fingers last season (UPDATED)

Source: Pride Of Detroit by Sean Yuille

Earlier in the offseason, it was reported that Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson played with multiple broken fingers during the 2012 season. Lions head coach Jim Schwartz declined to comment on the report, but he didn't deny it.

On Monday, Johnson himself was asked about the report, and he confirmed that he played with broken fingers last season. According to the Detroit News, Johnson

Super Bowl at Lambeau? You can't handle it

Source: NFC North Blog

As ESPN.com's Ashley Fox acknowledges, Lambeau Field as the host for Super Bowl L "will never happen." You know why? The high-rolling Super Bowl crowd couldn't handle it. It's one thing to make an exception to the dome/warm weather routine for New York City, the largest city in the country and the site of the $1.2 billion MetLife Stadium. It's quite another to bring the league's singular event to Green Bay. In New York, organizers are worried about sub-freezing temperatures at kickoff.

Report: Calvin Johnson Didn’t Actually Break His Fingers

Source: Yardbarker

It was reported earlier today that Detroit Lions star receiver Calvin Johnson had confirmed that he played with three broken fingers last season.  But that turns out not to be true, per ProFootballTalk.com. Photo Credit: Gavin Smith/DetroitLions.com PFT’s story disputes a report from the Detroit News, which includes a Q-and-A with the 6-5, 236-pound wide out that contains no specific quote where Megatron claims to have played with broken fingers. While the team has yet to address the contention—which is really a non-issue at this point—it doesn’t change the fact that Johnson played through the “Madden curse” and injured fingers and regularly battled double teams, yet somehow he still managed to tear up the stats sheet with a career-high 122 catches and 1,964 yards (with five TDs) in 2012. In six seasons, Megatron has appeared in 92 games (87 starts) and collected a whopping 488 receptions for 7,836 yards and 54 scores.  Don’t be surprised if the former 2007 first round pick (No. 2 o...

Megatron: I had broken fingers during historic season

Source: NFL.com by Sessler, Marc

In addition to facing regular double teams, Calvin Johnson battled through injury during the 2012 NFL season. Now, "Megatron" confirms the extent of the injury: He had three broken fingers.

Former Lions DT Andre Fluellen released by Bears

Source: Pride Of Detroit by Sean Yuille

If the Detroit Lions are interested in bolstering their depth at defensive tackle, it's now once again possible that they could re-sign Andre Fluellen. That's because Fluellen is once again a free agent after being released by the Chicago Bears on Monday.

Fluellen signed a one-year deal with the Bears back in April. As far as we know,

Detroit Lions’ Stafford and Tulloch Make ‘The List’

Source: SideLion Report by Marty Medvedik

Oct 22, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) is sacked by Detroit Lions middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch (55) and outside linebacker

Calvin Johnson confirms he played with broken fingers last season

Source: Pride Of Detroit by Sean Yuille

Earlier in the offseason, it was reported that Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson played with multiple broken fingers during the 2012 season. Lions head coach Jim Schwartz declined to comment on the report, but he didn't deny it.

On Monday, Johnson himself was asked about the report, and he confirmed that he played with broken fingers last season. According to the Detroit News, Johnson

Calvin Johnson’s Broken Finger Revelation Only Makes 2012 Season Look More Impressive

Source: Sports Media 101 by Max DeMara

Stop the presses! For another year, the Detroit Lions are finding a small bit of offseason heat, but this time, it isn't exactly the team's fault at all.

Monday, Calvin Johnson revealed he played with three broken fingers in 2012, to most only enhancing the fact that he set a single season record for receiving yardage. Naturally, one member of the media couldn't help himself with some criticism, though, and quickly rained on Detroit's parade.

Mike Florio

Megatron: Good hands and broken fingers

Source: NFC North Blog

In February, we learned that Minnesota Vikings tailback Adrian Peterson played at least the final four games of the regular season with a sports hernia that ultimately required offseason surgery. Peterson, of course, finished the season with the second-most rushing yards in a season (2,097) in NFL history. Now it's time to recognize another feat that was no less impressive. Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson acknowledged Monday to reporters that he played most of last season with broken fingers on his left hand.

Bears terminate DT Fluellen's contract (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

The Chicago Bears announced Monday that they terminated the contract of vested veteran defensive tackle Andre Fluellen.

Calvin Johnson broke Rice’s receiving record despite broken fingers in 2012

Source: Yardbarker

After setting the single-season record for reception yards, Detroit Lions superstar Calvin Johnson told reporters that he was playing with broken fingers.

Calvin Johnson played with broken fingers in 2012

Source: Yardbarker

In 2012, Calvin Johnson turned in an absolutely historic campaign, breaking former great Jerry Rice's single-season receiving yards record. Scarily enough, he wasn't even at full strength. According to the Detroit News, the Lions' All-World receiver confirmed that he played through broken fingers last season. "Yeah, I had a couple of things here and there," he said. "Pretty much trying to get them back straight, trying to straighten them things out. True to his attitude, Johnson simply chalked up the injuries to the nature of the game. "I had a couple of injuries but nothing that prohibited me from doing what I needed to do," he said. "The thing with a lot of football players, you have injuries, but unless you know about it you just think it's something that hurts and you keep on playing." The 27-year-old Megatron is entering the prime of what has been an incredible career. Now that healed up, he's aiming even high...

The Arizona Cardinals Must Cut QB Ryan Lindley (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

COMMENTARY | Having released veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer just a short time ago, the Arizona Cardinals must keep with the theme and also cut second-year QB Ryan Lindley.

Bears release DT Andre Fluellen (NBC Sports)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

A little more than a month after signing him, the Bears announced the release of defensive tackle Andre Fluellen on Monday. The 28-year-old Fluellen has appeared in 56 games in five NFL seasons, notching 52 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He had stints with Miami and Detroit in 2012. The Lions drafted him in the third…

Calvin Johnson played 2012 with broken fingers

Source: Yardbarker

credit: Getty Images Lions receiver Calvin Johnson set a record with 1,964 yards receiving last season. He did so with broken fingers. Johnson confirmed to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News that he had broken fingers in addition to his knee issues last season. What is not know is how many fingers were broken. Rumors in February placed the number as high as three. The news makes Johnson’s 2012 season all the more impressive. Johnson will turn 28 during the 2013 season but is right in his prime years. The Lions should be set on one side of the field for years to come considering Johnson signed an eight-year contract worth $132 million last March. That deal will keep him in a Lions uniform through 2019.

Megatron confirms he played with broken fingers

Source: NFL.com by Sessler, Marc

Calvin Johnson played last season through the haze of constant double teams. We also know he played through plenty of pain, including three broken fingers.

Ex-NFL receiver Chad Johnson arrested for probation violation

Source: The Detroit News by Associated Press

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson has been arrested on charges that he violated probation stemming from an altercation with his now ex-wife, TV reality star Evelyn Lozada.

Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson admits to playing with broken fingers in 2012

Source: Michigan Live by Anwar S. Richardson | arichar2@mlive.com

Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson admits to playing with broken fingers in 2012, and the team could face a possible fine for not divulging his injury.

Calvin Johnson played with broken fingers most of last season (National Football Post)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Lions WR says 'pretty much trying to get them back straight'

Lions WR Johnson played with broken fingers (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson played through his record-setting 2012 season with broken fingers.

Calvin Johnson set high goals for himself, Lions -- with or without broken fingers

Source: The Detroit News by Chris McCosky - The Detroit News

Calvin Johnson looked down at the fingers on his left hand, none of them seemingly going in the same direction, and shook his head. "Yeah, I had a couple of things here and there," he said.

Packers: Desmond Bishop iffy for OTAs

Source: NFC North Blog

Tyler Dunne of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel wrote a heck of a profile on Green Bay Packers linebacker Desmond Bishop. You should by all means check out Dunne's deep dive into Bishop's life story and how it has impacted his recovery from a torn hamstring muscle. From a football perspective, what stood out to me is that the recovery is still ongoing a full nine months after the injury. When the Packers begin organized team activities (OTAs) this week, Bishop isn't expected to participate.

Calvin Johnson confirms he played with three broken fingers in 2012 (NBC Sports)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

During the 2012 season, the Lions took issue with receiver Calvin Johnson’s contention that he had suffered a concussion and nerve damage.  Johnson has now given the team another reason to be nervous. According to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News, Johnson has confirmed that he played with three broken fingers during the 2012 season. …

Calvin Johnson confirms he played with broken fingers in 2012

Source: Yardbarker

We reported back in February that Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson may have played with broken fingers in 2012. Johnson confirmed with Chris McCosky that he indeed played in 2012 while his fingers were broken. Calvin Johnson confirmed that he played with broken fingers last season. Said he’s been trying to straighten them out. No offseason surgery — Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) May 20, 2013   Need NFL Tickets? The post Calvin Johnson confirms he played with broken fingers in 2012 appeared first on Pro Football Zone.

Detroit Lions battle shaping up at OLB?

Source: Yardbarker

After the Detroit Lions set up Stephen Tulloch, DeAndre Levy and Justin Durant as their starting linebackers two seasons ago, I (and a lot of other observers) never thought that the positions would be a question mark so soon.  The Lions failed to re-sign Durant this off season and while middle linebacker Stephen Tulloch is playing under a long-term deal and DeAndre Levy has a new deal in hand, the vacancy created by Durant, or should I say the Lions, remains an apparent question mark and gaping hole in the defense... Read more

Calvin Johnson Admits to Playing with Broken Fingers in 2012

Source: SideLion Report by Zac Snyder

Dec 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

122 catches for 1,964 yards. The numbers Calvin Johnson put up during the 2012 season were ridiculous. More of what was going on behind the scenes has been revealed, making the numbers look even more ridiculous.

It had been speculated that Calvin Johnson

Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson wants to be part of a winning organization

Source: Michigan Live by Anwar S. Richardson | arichar2@mlive.com

Detroit Lions receiver Calvin Johnson has a lot of individual accolades, but would prefer to see his team win more consistently.