Washington coach Rivera wins the 2022 Halas Award
Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera, who had cancer and made a full recovery, has been selected as the 2022 George Halas Award recipient by the Professional Football Writers of America.
The Halas Award is given to an NFL player, coach or staff member who overcomes adversity to succeed. The award is named for Halas, a charter member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, who was associated with the Chicago Bears and NFL from their inception in 1920 until his death in 1983 as an owner, manager, player and promoter.
Rivera, who has battled squamous cell carcinoma, is the fourth member of the Washington franchise to receive the honor from the PFWA and the second in as many years, joining Billy Kilmer (1976), Pat Fischer (1978) and Alex Smith (2021).
Other 2022 nominees were Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, Philadelphia Eagles tackle Lane Johnson and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
Rivera, a finalist for the Halas Award for the second time in as many years, was diagnosed with cancer in his neck in August 2020. Over seven weeks during the 2020 season, he received 35 proton therapy treatments and three chemotherapy cycles. Rivera lost more than 30 pounds and had to receive IV treatments at halftime of games.
But he never missed a game while leading his team to the playoffs in his first year as head coach in Washington. Rivera made a full recovery, and he announced in January 2021 he was cancer free.
Giants release veteran cornerback Bradberry
The New York Giants released veteran cornerback James Bradberry.
A starter for the team the past two seasons, including making the Pro Bowl in 2020, Bradberry is a salary cap casualty. He would have been a $21.9 million cap hit, so cutting him Monday will save about $10 million. The team can designate him a post-June 1 release and save another $1.5 million on the cap for 2022.
Bradberry was signed as a free agent two years ago after a solid four seasons in Carolina. He started 31 games the past two seasons and was particularly dependable in 2020 with his pass coverage. He had three interceptions that season.
The Giants attempted to trade the 28-year-old Bradberry, but his salary was an obstacle they couldn't overcome.
Colts owner Irsay to auction Cobain guitar
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay spent years putting together his expansive guitar collection.
On Monday, he announced one of his prized possessions — the Fender Mustang electric guitar used by the late Kurt Cobain — will be auctioned off to help support the team's Kicking The Stigma mental health awareness campaign.
Bidding will take place May 20-22 at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City's Times Square and a portion of the proceeds will go to Irsay's initiative.
During the announcement, Irsay, and his daughter, Kalen Jackson, said Cobain's family supported the move and would put other items from Cobain on the auction block during that weekend.