WALKING AWAY
Ravens’ Urschel becomes latest young NFL player to retire early, as he chooses pursuing degree in math over risking damage to his brain,
We are in the midst of a very tough stretch for NFL players and their piercings. First we got news that Julio Jones lost a $150,000 earring while jet-skiing, and that was followed by reports that David Irving was searching the Cowboys’ practice field for a missing nipple ring.
The Dallas linebacker was looking there because the item of jewelry had been torn off his body during a training camp session.
That left him, as he described it Wednesday to reporter Mike Fisher, with a “ripped nipple.”
So, while Jones likely suffered the more expensive setback — we haven’t gotten the price tag for the nipple ring — Irving’s was undoubtedly more painful. As to why, exactly, he sports such a relatively unusual item, Irving told Fisher, “That’s my spot.” “The girls love it,” he added. Well, they loved it, but Irving will be without one until he can replace it Friday. BRIDGEWATER BUOYANT: Teddy Bridgewater says he hasn’t had any setbacks in his recovery from the massive injury to his left knee he suffered nearly a year ago in practice with the Minnesota Vikings.
The fourth-year quarterback spoke to reporters Thursday for the first time since he was hurt, marking the first day of training camp for the full team with a fountain of optimism about his progress.
He said there’s no doubt he’ll return to game action, though acknowledging the timetable remains uncertain.
Flashing his signature wide smile often during the interview session, Bridgewater credited his "amazing DNA" for the fortitude to work his way back from a dislocated knee and multiple ligament tears. His mother, Rose Murphy, is a breast cancer survivor. PACMAN OWNS UP: Cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones has accepted his one-game suspension for an off-season misdemeanour convic- tion, and teared up on Thursday over the unwavering support he’s received from Bengals owner Mike Brown.
Jones is suspended by the NFL for the season opener as a result of his confrontation with hotel security personal and an obscenity-filled tirade against arresting police officers.
In his first public comments since the suspension, Jones accepted responsibility for his actions and said he’s ready to move on. He began to tear up when asked about Brown’s support, saying he can’t put his gratitude into words.
Bengals players reported on Thursday for the start of training camp. Their first practice is Friday.
LAST CONVERSATION: Miami Dolphins centre Mike Pouncey says Aaron Hernandez was in great spirits when they talked on the phone the day before the former New England Patriots tight end hanged himself in his cell in a maximum-security prison in Massachusetts.
Pouncey and his twin, Pittsburgh Steelers centre Maurkice Pouncey, were teammates with Hernandez at the University of Florida. The three remained close friends even after Hernandez received a life sentence for a 2013 murder.
Following the Dolphins’ first training camp practice Thursday, Mike Pouncey spoke publicly for the first time about the final conversation they had before Hernandez killed himself April 19.
Pouncey said Hernandez was excited about plans to fight his conviction.