Versatile NFL star and famed broadcaster Frank Gifford dies at age 84.
SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — Just as NFL training camps are designed to get teams up to speed for the season, the league this week will begin preparing its club owners for what could be a monumental decision.
Those owners will convene Tuesday in a suburb of Chicago — one conveniently located close to O’Hare Airport — for a special one-day meeting on the Los Angeles situation. They will get detailed updates on the Inglewood stadium proposal of St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke, and on the competing bid for a Carson stadium jointly backed by the San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders.
Unlike most league meetings, this one will be limited to one representative per club, which typically means the principal owner, plus one family member if desired. So, for instance, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones will be there, along with his son, Stephen, the team’s top executive. Owners usually think they can get more done, and speak more freely, in a smaller setting.
On Monday, while many of the owners will be en route to Chicago, representatives from the city of San Diego are expected to update the NFL’s Committee on Los Angeles Opportunities on a potential new stadium in that city.
In a memo to teams last week, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said, “No votes will be taken,” and underlined that for emphasis. Most likely, there will be no major developments or decisions coming out of this meeting, and owners almost certainly will emerge saying it’s good that the league has two viable stadium options in L.A.
It’s an important gathering, nonetheless, because the majority of owners don’t spend much time keeping up on the incremental details of the L.A. process, and the mere fact the league is bringing them together at this, a busy time of preparation, underscores the growing urgency surrounding a potential return to the nation’s second-largest market.
There will be reports on a potential relocation fee if a team or teams were to move, as well as a general membership discussion during which the L.A.interested teams will be excused from the room.
Vikings, Kafka top Steelers
Backup quarterback Mike Kafka threw a touchdown pass and running back Joe Banyard ran for another score to help Minnesota beat Pittsburgh 14-3 in the Hall of Fame game at Canton, Ohio.
Most of the regulars watched from the sidelines in the exhibition opener, including Adrian Peterson and Ben Roethlisberger.
Minnesota quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was 5-of-6 passing for 44 yards in his one series of work. The reigning Rookie of the Year’s night ended when the Steelers stopped the Vikings on fourth down midway through the first quarter.
Bucs’ David gets 5-year extension
Lavonte David and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed to a five-year, $50.25 million contract extension that will make him one of the highest-paid linebackers in the NFL.
More than $25 million of the deal is guaranteed.
David, entering his fourth season, was an AllPro in 2013.
Cowboys’ Hardy has banner day
A banner supporting the Dallas Cowboys flew over Eagles practice during the national anthem on military appreciation day Sunday.
The banner read: “WE STILL DEM BOYZ! #SACKSCOMIN!” The Dallas Morning News reported Greg Hardy paid $300 to help fund the project.
Hardy is suspended for the first four games of the season for a domestic violence incident. Hardy, 26, a defensive end, is new to the Cowboys-Eagles rivalry after playing his first five seasons for Carolina.
Fans at Lincoln Financial Field booed the plane.
Odds and ends
The Buffalo Bills signed third-year cornerback Nickell Robey to a contract extension. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. … Philadelphia Eagles rookie cornerback JaCorey Shepherd will have an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of a right leg injury suffered in Sunday’s open practice.