Truth & Rumors > NFL

07:32 PM ET 06.17 | NBC Sports has hired the former Chiefs general manager for its Football Night In America studio program. [Scott] Pioli will appear weekly on either the FNIA studio set in New York City or at the game site of Sunday Night Football. He'll also appear every Monday on the NBC Sports Network's Pro Football Talk in segments with FNIA analyst Rodney Harrison. Pioli said NBC Sports executives have told him they want him to be an "informationalist." He described that position as "being able to talk about experiences, tie them into what is happening currently, and attempt to educate fans and viewers about how things really work behind the scenes." Pioli's segments will be a work in progress. On some weeks, he'll appear in-studio with analysts Tony Dungy and Harrison or with Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio and reporter Peter King. NBC Sports executive producer Sam Flood said he also might send Pioli to the Sunday Night Football game site, where he'd appear with host Bob Costas and analyst Hines Ward. (Pioli, whose wife, Dallas, is the daughter of Bill Parcells, will remain based in Kansas City).

Sports Illustrated

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07:28 PM ET 06.17 | As the Broncos wrapped up their minicamp at Dove Valley, a funny thing happened with the running backs. A swarm of media swamped Montee Ball, the rookie, beneath an octopus of digital recorders and TV cameras. Meanwhile, the running back who would be the starter right now, Ronnie Hillman, barely drew a crowd. Same for veteran Knowshon Moreno. Confusing? I thought so, too. So let's try to clarify any confusion with the Broncos running back situation - starting with the sudden release of Willis McGahee, the former starter. Why was McGahee cut loose? Foremost, he's not healthy. I have it on good authority that's what the Broncos believe. It's why McGahee was afforded only limited carries in the mandatory minicamp. It's the No. 1 reason he's on the job market for a new gig.

Sacramento Bee

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07:24 PM ET 06.17 | Desmond Bishop admits himself he saw "the writing on the wall." On Monday, it became official. The Green Bay Packers released the inside linebacker who two seasons ago was one of their best defensive players. When the Packers decided to re-sign Brad Jones and restructure A.J. Hawk???s contract, Bishop's future with the Packers was in question. On Monday, the Packers released Bishop, whose salary was $3.464 million this year. Bishop said he doesn't necessarily blame the Packers. He was the one coming off a torn hamstring tendon. So in March, Green Bay covered its bases by re-signing Jones to a three-year, $11.75 million deal and also keeping Hawk at a reduced salary. Hawk is set to make $10.6 million the next three years. ???It???s a smart thing to do," Bishop said. "It???s understandable.???

Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

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03:06 PM ET 06.17 | This weekend DeSean Jackson's life story of sorts will be released in the form of a documentary called "The Making of a Father's Dream." Jackson was coached up at a young age by his father to be an elite football player. Jackson's father lived to see him make it to the NFL, but died during Jackson's sophomore season in the NFL from cancer. As much as we have gotten on Jackson recently for his lack of production over the past two seasons, this documentary figures to be a touching story of determination, and a father helping to will his son to the NFL.

Section 215

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07:18 PM ET 06.17 | A year has made a big difference for Ravens offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie, dramatically improving his standing with the Super Bowl champions. Last year, McKinnie was taking up residency in coach John Harbaugh's doghouse. The former Pro Bowl blocker wasn't in good enough shape to participate in a series of offseason practices and was instructed to focus on his conditioning. When McKinnie reported late to training camp after informing the team that he had injured his back during a slip-and-fall at his South Florida home, he didn't initially pass the conditioning test. After the Ravens restructured his contract before the regular season, McKinnie was replaced at left tackle by Michael Oher before regaining his starting job in the playoffs. Now it's a much different story for McKinnie after the Ravens re-signed him to a two-year contract worth up to $7 million that includes a $2 million signing bonus, annual $200,000 workout bonuses, a $200,000 reporting bonus each year and a $500,000 roster bonus next year.

Baltimore Sun

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