Manning All-Pro for seventh time
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning was the only unanimous choice for the 2013 Associated Press NFL All-Pro team. It was his seventh time as a first-teamer, tying Hall of Famer Otto Graham for the most by a quarterback.
Manning set NFL records this season with 55 touchdown passes and 5,477 yards through the air.
He was chosen on all 50 ballots from media members who regularly cover the NFL. Manning also was an All-Pro for Indianapolis in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008 and 2009 and in 2012 made it with the Broncos. He has been on the AllPro team in both seasons since missing 2011 after several neck surgeries.
Manning still has a ways to go to set the record for most AllPro appearances at any position. Among the players ahead of him is Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice with 10.
New Orleans tight end Jimmy Graham and Indianapolis outside linebacker Robert Mathis each drew 49 votes. Philadelphia running back LeSean McCoy of Pitt and Seattle cornerback Richard Sherman had 48.
Minnesota kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson was the only rookie on the squad. For entire first and second teams, see Page C-7.
Redskins
Dallas Cowboys special teams coach Rich Bisaccia is the latest candidate to interview for Washington’s coaching vacancy. Bisaccia met with general manager Bruce Allen at Redskins Park. The two worked together for several years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Browns
Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops is the latest college coach to be linked to Cleveland’s coaching vacancy. Just hours after his Sooners stunned Alabama in the Sugar Bowl, Stoops, a Youngstown, Ohio native, didn’t rule out the possibility of jumping to the NFL. On Dan Patrick’s national radio show, Stoops said he’s not looking to pursue a pro job but “you never know down the road.”
Ravens
Running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery won’t be back in 2014. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Montgomery “has decided to pursue other coaching and life opportunities.”
Vikings
Minnesota retained a former chief justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court and a former federal trial attorney to conduct an investigation into Chris Kluwe’s allegations that he was released from the team in May due to his support of gay marriage and other views.
Titans
President and CEO Tommy Smith said he has not made any decisions after reviewing every part of the team with coach Mike Munchak and his general manager Ruston Webster.
Elsewhere
Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray was fined $21,000 by the NFL for using the crown of his helmet to hit Eagles defensive end Damion Square Sunday night. Murray was not penalized. Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk and Ravens safety James Ihedigbo were each docked $15,750 for hitting defenseless offensive players with the crowns of their helmets. Saints wide receivers Lance Moore and Kenny Stills were fined $7,875 for an illegal end zone celebration and Browns cornerback Jordan Poyer was docked $7,875 for grabbing a facemask. … There will be no local television blackouts in the NFL wild-card round this weekend. The Colts, Bengals and Packers said that their games are sellouts. Usually, teams must sell out 72 hours before kickoff to have a game broadcast in their local market.