NFL can ill afford to lose Rooney family as owners. By Hub Arkush July 28, 2008

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1 NFL can ill afford to lose Rooney family as owners By Hub Arkush July 28, 2008 Here is a very simple fact. Since the National Football League and the American Football League merged in 1966, no franchise has been more stable or more successful than the Pittsburgh Steelers. Only the Cowboys and 49ers can match Pittsburgh s five Super Bowl championships; no team has developed anywhere near as many Hall of Fame players; and the organization has had only four head coaches since the merger Bill Austin, Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin, with Noll and Cowher coaching the team from 1969 through Among clubs competing since 1966, the Broncos, Dolphins and Cowboys are tied for secondleast coaching turnover, each having employed seven head coaches. During the tenures of Noll and Cowher, Miami had five, and Dallas and Denver six. It should surprise no one, then, that the Steelers have also had only one owner and one boss since Dan Rooney, the oldest of Art Rooney Sr. s five sons, has been the boss, and he and his brothers have been the principal owners, with each owning 16 percent of the team. The other 20 percent is owned by the McGinley family, whose patriarch Barney was a friend and confidant of Rooney Sr. That is just one of the reasons that the recent revelations of the struggles going on within the Rooney family, and for majority control of the Steelers, trouble me and should trouble not just Steelers fans but all NFL fans so deeply. Along with the McCaskey/Halas family, the Maras and the Bidwills, the Rooneys are all that s left of the pioneering families that founded and nurtured the NFL in the 20s and 30s and are still represented in the game today. And of those groups it was Art Rooney Sr. who most often had the adjective beloved attached to his name. The man couldn t build a winner to save his soul, but as a patron saint, he was exactly what the game needed. The old man s failures as an NFL executive prompted him to put oldest son Dan in charge at the time of the merger, and the rest, as they say, is history. But history is about yesterday, whereas today s world of big-time sports in particular, the NFL is about what have you done for me lately. There is an NFL rule, targeted mainly at avoiding corporate ownership, that requires the principal owner of a club to own at least 30 percent of the team. Dan Rooney, along with his brothers Art Jr., Timothy, Patrick and John, each owns 16 percent. Another NFL rule prohibits any NFL ownership group from being connected to gambling in any way, and the Rooney family fortune comes from the horse racing industry, including several successful tracks the younger brothers continue to operate, which now also include slot machines and video poker. The Rooneys have been protected from these rules until now, having been grandfathered in, but the addition of the non-horse-related gambling activities has made the other owners uncomfortable.

2 But that is not the main reason for the Rooneys troubles. All five brothers are now in their 70s, and each of their 16 percent interests in the Steelers is valued at approximately $160 million. They have 30 living children among them and dozens more grandchildren. Should one or more of the Rooney brothers die, the inheritance tax on their interest in the team could be as high as 45 percent, a tab their heirs will be hard-pressed to meet. While Dan Rooney wants very much to retain majority control of the team and acquire at least the additional 14 percent he needs to do so under today s league rules, it s time for the other brothers to get out. While Rooney and his son, Art II, work feverishly to find an answer that meets everyone s requirements, the putt just keeps getting longer and trickier because the club is not allowed to carry more than $150 million in debt due to another league rule, and that s hardly enough cash to satisfy all four of his brothers needs. And now, to the part of this saga that disturbs me the most, other than the fact that Dan Rooney is one of the kindest, most respectful and brilliant NFL executives I ve ever met and I absolutely hate the fact he may not be able to keep control of the Steelers in the end. As the National Football League approaches by far the greatest challenge it has faced in its long and storied history the need to put a new Collective Bargaining Agreement in place prior to allowing 2010 to become an uncapped season there is no single NFL owner more accomplished or respected on league issues, and in particular on labor issues, on either side of the table than Dan Rooney. While it is unlikely that any new owner would be foolish enough to force Dan Rooney out (multibillionaire Stanley Druckenmiller, who is rumored to be the favorite to acquire the team, has already said he d want Rooney to continue to run it), when you re not the boss anymore, the simple truth is you no longer swing the weight you once did. In many respects Dan Rooney is our last link to the sacrifice for the greater good mentality that he, Halas, Paul Brown, Lamar Hunt, the Maras, Pete Rozelle and others used to make the NFL what it is today. Keep an eye on this story, folks, because not only do Steelers fans desperately hope Dan Rooney will maintain ownership of their favorite club, the rest of us NFL fans need him even more.

3 Steelers not focusing on ownership struggle - USATODAY.com Page 1 of 2 7/28/2008 Powered by Steelers not focusing on ownership struggle By Alan Robinson, AP Sports Writer Advertisement LATROBE, Pa. Pittsburgh Steelers chairman Dan Rooney walked the sidelines for the running tests that opened training camp Sunday - business as usual for a Hall of Fame executive who rarely misses a practice or a team activity. Except that it's anything but normal these days for the family-run business. Not with control of the team currently being negotiated by Rooney and his four brothers during a struggle in which a majority share of one of the NFL's legacy franchises may switch to someone not named Rooney. No Steelers team in the club's 76-season history has gone to training camp with ownership in such turmoil, and coach Mike Tomlin said it's his job to prevent a "potential" distraction from affecting what occurs on the field. Several of his most experienced players are certain it won't, including one who grew up in Pittsburgh watching the Steelers play and admiring how their owners conduct business. "We've got to go out and focus on what we came here to do: play ball," said backup quarterback Charlie Batch, a former Pittsburgh-area high school star. "All the other stuff, I think it's going to play itself out. We really can't speak about it from a players' standpoint." To Batch, the chance that the Rooneys might lose control of the Steelers is an all-too-visible reminder that the NFL is a very, very big business in which many owners now must have billions, not just millions, to buy a team. "It's really hard (to know what's going on)," Batch said. "It's all speculation and I'd rather not speculate now on that." Wide receiver Hines Ward, one of the Steelers' most tenured players, was among those who shared the Super Bowl trophy with Rooney and team president Art Rooney II, Dan's son, in Detroit 2 1/2 years ago. Ward understands the potential for distraction but, like Batch, doesn't see it occurring with one of the league's most experienced teams. The Steelers have won 10 or more games and reached the playoffs in all but two seasons since "As a player, we're worrying about trying to win a Super Bowl. You can talk to Mr. Rooney (about ownership)," Ward said. Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton also isn't concerned about any possible ownership change, saying, "It will work itself out. You can't worry about nothing you have no control over." It had nothing to do with the ongoing ownership negotiations, but media members weren't allowed to join the Rooneys on the practice field for Sunday's camp-opening running test for the first time. Tomlin considers the test to be part of each player's camp "registration" and not a regular practice. As Year 2 of Tomlin's tenure as only the third Steelers coach since 1969 began, several players revealed that there were a few more bumps in the transition from the Bill Cowher to the Tomlin era than surfaced last season. Seven-time Pro Bowl left guard Alan Faneca, whose departure was unusually messy following failed contract extension talks, fought some changes that new offensive line coach Larry Zierlein attempted to make, the players said.

4 Steelers not focusing on ownership struggle - USATODAY.com Page 2 of 2 7/28/2008 If Faneca was unhappy with any attempted adjustments, it wasn't visible in his play as he made the All-Pro team. Still, that reluctance to change carried over to some other veteran linemen, several players said. "You can't teach an old dog new tricks," right tackle Willie Colon said. Ward said there was a reluctance to embrace change at other positions, including his own. The Steelers went 10-6 and won the AFC Central last season, but lost four of their final five, including a wild-card playoff game at home to Jacksonville. The Jaguars also beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh during a December regular season game. "You've done something so many ways for so many years and it helped you win a Super Bowl," Ward said. "So when somebody comes in and tweaks it, the trust is hard to (gain) because you've done it before. "And we won a Super Bowl without that coaching staff.... For the younger guys who are breaking in, it's like, who do you listen to? Do you go with the veteran guy who's been doing it for so many years? Or do you go out and really try to do what the coach is trying to tell you to do?" The Associated Press Find this article at: Check the box to include the list of links referenced in the article. Copyright 2008 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

5 Steelers Training Camp: Misery remains Polamalu's company Page 1 of 2 SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL Steelers Training Camp: Misery remains Polamalu's company All-Pro safety starts camp hurt after a 2007 season riddled with injuries Tuesday, July 29, 2008 By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Peter Diana / Post-Gazette Safety Troy Polamalu watches from the sideline with his leg wrapped yesterday. Troy Polamalu lines up and plays all over the field for the Steelers, yet he found it difficult to open his sixth training camp at a new position yesterday -- on the sideline. That came courtesy of an injury to his left hamstring that developed a week ago today while he was running to stay in shape. "It's always miserable being injured," Polamalu said. He became all-too familiar with that misery a year ago when he missed five full games and played in many others with injuries that varied from broken/bruised ribs, a partially torn PCL in a knee and an abdominal injury. His latest setback, which prompted coach Mike Tomlin to place him on the physically unable to perform list and thus unable to practice, does not appear to be serious. Polamalu could have avoided the conditioning test Sunday in which he completed all eight 100-yard runs, but he opted to go through it. Afterward, he wrapped his hamstring and that night the coach placed him on the PUP. "There's no hidden story there," Tomlin said. "He has a mild hamstring [injury]; he did it late in the summer training for camp. "He was well enough to run the conditioning test but that didn't include changes of direction and some of the short bursts that we all know he's capable of. We're going to deal with a little short-term misery and allow him to be well." Polamalu could return to full active status in a matter of days, but then, it's not important to have him on the field in the first week or two of training camp as it is a healthy Polamalu for all of the 2008 season. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger may be the most important player on the team, but the Steelers' defense revolves around Polamalu. It is why he's their highest-paid defensive player in history. "You know on any play he can make a great, spectacular play," 11th-year cornerback Deshea Townsend said. "He's one of those players who's truly a playmaker. Any time you have him out there, you know some plays are going to be made. That's one thing that you miss when he's hurt is having a tremendous playmaker out there."

6 Steelers Training Camp: Misery remains Polamalu's company Page 2 of 2 For the first time since his arrival in 2003, Polamalu had neither sacks nor interceptions last season. His 74 tackles were his fewest since his rookie season, when he did not start. It was to his credit that he maintained his pass defense with 11 passes broken up -- just one fewer than his personal high -- and a career-high three forced fumbles. He did not look like the same player, though, because of the rib and knee injuries. It's one reason he returned to California this spring to work with his personal trainer, Marv Marinovich, rather than with his teammates in Pittsburgh. Polamalu, a California native, said he accomplished everything he wanted to this spring and reported to camp in great shape -- other than the hamstring problem -- and at a new weight. "Physically I feel better, I feel more rejuvenated that I was able to get the proper training and rehabilitation for my knee," he said. "Also, being around my [extended] family for a long period of time is always nice as well." Polamalu played at 215 pounds his first few years, then dropped back to between to help him cover receivers man to man. He's back to 215 today because he believes he needs a little more to take on the linemen he often faces because he often plays closer to the line of scrimmage than most safeties in the game. "I felt more of a toll taken on my body, that I needed to be bigger," Polamalu said. The Steelers had the No. 1 defense overall in yards allowed last season but their big plays sunk -- to just 36 sacks (down three from 2006 and 11 from 2005) and only 11 interceptions (down nine from 2006). The dip in big plays and interceptions might have contributed to the Steelers' defense not being able to hold some leads last season. "Yeah, we got off the field the hard way -- we worked, we worked," Polamalu said. "It'd feel great if we make some big plays and turnovers; that right there would make us one of the top teams in the NFL." For them to be that, they need a full-time, healthy Polamalu on the field. "It's really exciting to be back. I'm like a thoroughbred when you put him in the gates." It's just not yet post time for Polamalu. Ed Bouchette can be reached at ebouchette@post-gazette.com. First published on July 29, 2008 at 12:00 am

7 Roethlisberger will drive Steelers' success Page 1 of 2 SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL Roethlisberger will drive Steelers' success Tuesday, July 29, 2008 By Ron Cook, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Peter Diana / Post-Gazette Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger looks down field as he drops back to pass. After one day of training camp, it seems obvious the Steelers have a lot going against them. Casey Hampton is too fat. Troy Polamalu and Chris Kemoeatu are too lame. The offensive line could be too weak. The defensive line could be too old. The schedule is too tough. The Cleveland Browns could be too strong. But the Steelers also have one very important thing going for them. Big Ben. "It almost scares me how good he is, how into it he is and how good he's going to be," offensive coordinator Bruce Arians was saying between camp practices yesterday. Probably scares a few NFL defensive coordinators, too. The Steelers are lucky to have an elite player at football's most crucial position, the best quarterback in the league not named Tom Brady. You might argue for Peyton Manning. The Steelers and I will take Ben Roethlisberger at this stage of their careers. That's why the Steelers gave him a $102 million contract in March, including a $25.2 million signing bonus. That's why I'm here to tell you this morning he is the one reason to like the Steelers' chances of holding off the Browns in the AFC North Division. I'm thankful I have the easy part, not the money part. Roethlisberger has done so much so quickly that it's easy to forget he's 26, starting his fifth season. He became the first quarterback in NFL history to go 13-0 in the regular season as a rookie in He led the Steelers to the Super Bowl in '05. Forget '06 because of his motorcycle accident, emergency appendectomy and concussion. He set franchise records last season with 32 touchdown passes and a passer rating and made his first Pro Bowl. "He's going to continue to grow as a quarterback," Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward said. "He'll keep getting better and better." Arians already has seen it on the practice fields at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. "It's the way he carries himself," he said. "It's a night-and-day difference now from where he was two years ago. Then, he was like, 'I've got to take care of myself. This stuff is hard.' Now, he's like, 'I've got most of it down. I can help the other guys.' " In the team run test Sunday, Roethlisberger was the first to Hampton when Hampton clearly was struggling. (Unfortunately, he didn't kick The Big Snack in his fat behind for letting his coaches and teammates down). After the morning practice yesterday, he walked off the field with wide receiver Willie Reid, who had a couple of minor dust-ups with defensive players during drills. "You have to be smart," Roethlisberger could be heard telling Reid. I'm thinking the Steelers bought a little leadership for that $102 million.

8 Roethlisberger will drive Steelers' success Page 2 of 2 But let's be real here. The Rooneys paid the big money for big plays, touchdown passes and wins. There are reasons to think Roethlisberger will deliver on all fronts. There are the new rookie additions -- running back Rashard Mendenhall and wide receiver Limas Sweed, the big target Roethlisberger coveted -- to an offense that includes the ultimate possession receiver in Ward, a budding big-play man in Santonio Holmes, a terrific tight end in Heath Miller and a healthy Willie Parker at running back. "I think we have an explosive offense that's ready to take off," Roethlisberger said. There is an underappreciated offensive line that's better than the 47 sacks the Steelers gave up last season, at least according to the poor fellow who was on the receiving end of all 47 and was lucky to walk away from the last game. "I'm excited for those guys so they can silence the critics who are talking bad about them," Roethlisberger said. "I have all the faith in the world that they'll protect me." There is an apparent willingness on Arians' part to use a bit more of the no-huddle offense, much to Roethlisberger's delight. "It's just always been that when things go faster and get crazy and I'm calling my own plays, things seem to work better for me," Roethlisberger said. But mostly, there is Big Ben. It's fair to think Roethlisberger's greatest improvement will show in the interceptions he doesn't throw and the sacks he doesn't take. Arians said that's nothing more than maturity. "Ben has great confidence in his ability to make a play when it looks like it might not be there," he said. "I never want to take that away from him. But, at the same time, he'll get better knowing when it's OK to throw the darn thing away. Why take a hit that you don't have to? Why force something and throw that interception?" Roethlisberger threw three picks in the first half of the playoff loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars last season, a big reason the Steelers trailed by 18 points going into the fourth quarter. It didn't matter that he played the position as well as you can play it in the second half, completing 17 of 23 passes for 188 yards, leading four consecutive scoring drives and putting the Steelers ahead late. They ended up losing, "I'm ashamed of the way I played," Roethlisberger said afterward. The man didn't back off those words much this week. "It's one of those things that you're disappointed because you let a lot of guys down. But you can't dwell on it because, if you do, you're not going to get better. You let it go. It's over. I'm moving on." And taking the Steelers with him. Make no mistake about this: Big Ben is their best chance of going a long way. Ron Cook can be reached at rcook@post-gazette.com. First published on July 29, 2008 at 12:00 am

9 Steelers Training Camp Notebook: Backup Essex in front again Page 1 of 2 SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL Steelers Training Camp Notebook: Backup Essex in front again Tuesday, July 29, 2008 By Ed Bouchette, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Peter Diana / Post-Gazette Rookie receiver Limas Sweed, left, jokes with Santonio Holmes during workouts yesterday at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. The Steelers replaced their injured starting left guard on the first day of training camp practices with a tackle. Trai Essex, who has filled in at left and right tackle in games for injured players the past three years with the Steelers, got a chance to run with the first team at left guard in both practices yesterday. Chris Kemoeatu, who is replacing departed Alan Faneca at the position, opened camp on the physically unable to perform list because of a slight weakness in a triceps. "Trai stepped up," coach Mike Tomlin said. "He came in in excellent shape. He's a veteran player, came in great shape, ran well, an opportunity presented itself to give him some reps with the first unit at left guard. I thought he took advantage of it.... I threw a bone to a man who came in in great shape and ran well." Essex is trying to hold onto a roster spot with the addition of fourth-round pick Tony Hills. Quick injuries Three players could not finish practice because of injuries. Safety Anthony Smith and cornerback Bryant McFadden have groin injuries from the afternoon drill. Tomlin described their status as "day to day." Rookie wide receiver Kevin Marion, injured in the morning, has a sprained knee that requires further evaluation. Ownership issues on sideline The continuing saga of what is to become of Steelers ownership might be gripping for some fans and the media. Players, for the most part, don't give a hoot. Here are typical reactions from a few questions tossed out about whether Tomlin was correct and that the issue could "possibly" become a distraction for the team. "No, I don't have nothing to do with that," offensive tackle Willie Colon said. "Just pay me, that's all I care about." And this from wide receiver Santonio Holmes: "I doubt if that's any worry on anybody's mind right now. We came in to play football; whatever happens inside the organization, happens." Reid starts hot The morning practice featured some feistiness on the part of Willie Reid, who enters his third season fighting for a roster spot as a return man/wide receiver. Literally fighting, it turned out.

10 Steelers Training Camp Notebook: Backup Essex in front again Page 2 of 2 Reid caught a pass over the middle and then was popped by Smith. Reid did not take kindly to the hit and threw the ball at Smith. The two had to be separated by teammates. Later, Reid and linebacker Andre Frazier got into it and again had to be separated by teammates. Sometimes, it takes several practices for a couple of fights to break out in training camp, but Reid was involved in two in the first drill at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe. "Those guys didn't like the way Willie was blocking them and Willie didn't like the way he got hit," veteran receiver Hines Ward said. "But it's training camp, it's all fun. You just have to be smart about it. 'Willie, you can't do that in the game so don't do it out there, don't throw the ball at other players.' That's the lesson for the day, you can't throw the ball at people. You just have to find a way to get him back, retaliate and do it in an orderly fashion where you're not hindering your team with a penalty. It's a learning process... I talked to Willie about it." Greene returns Kevin Greene has returned to help work with the Steelers' linebackers for the first week of training camp. Greene was here two summers ago for about 10 days in Bill Cowher's final camp. Greene, who turns 46 Thursday, played three of his 15 NFL seasons with the Steelers ( ). He retired after the 1999 season and his 160 sacks are the most by any linebacker since the sack became an official statistic in the NFL in '82. His total is behind only defensive ends Bruce Smith and Reggie White. Harrison makes noise Linebacker James Harrison, voted the team's MVP last season, put a thunderous hit on 6-foot-7 tight end Matt Spaeth in the afternoon. "When James doesn't want to be blocked," Tomlin said, "it's very difficult to block him. He's a Pro Bowl player for a reason. He's a great player and had a good day." Ward on Hampton Ward, trying to say how valuable overweight nose tackle Casey Hampton is to the team: "At the end of the day, we know what Casey will bring to the table." First published on July 29, 2008 at 12:00 am

11 NFL Notebook: Rodgers takes his place as new Packers starter Page 1 of 2 SPORTS / STEELERS & NFL NFL Notebook: Rodgers takes his place as new Packers starter Tuesday, July 29, 2008 From wire dispatches Cory Dellenbach/Shawano Leader via AP Packers quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers, right, Brian Brohm (11), and Matt Flynn work out during football training camp in Green Bay, Wis. Packers running back Ryan Grant skipped the first Green Bay practice over a contract dispute. With the Brett Favre standoff still simmering, Aaron Rodgers took his place yesterday as the Green Bay Packers' new starting quarterback. Rodgers is trying to ignore what has become a daily soap opera involving the three-time MVP. Favre is considering filing for reinstatement with the NFL and reporting to camp this week, a move likely intended to pressure Green Bay to grant him his release -- something the Packers refuse to do -- or trade him. The NFL had not received reinstatement paperwork from Favre as of last night. "I feel like this is really between Brett and the organization, and I'm just trying to stay focused on the things I can control," Rodgers said after the team's first practice at camp. General manager Ted Thompson spoke twice with Favre Saturday, for about 45 minutes each time. They decided it would be best for Favre to stay away from Green Bay for now. "We still have not gotten to the point where we agree on what the best option is," Thompson said yesterday. "We have sort of agreed to disagree, and at that time he suggested he would probably delay coming to training camp for at least a couple of days to see how things worked out." The Packers aren't going to allow Favre to play for an NFC North Division rival and aren't going to trade him without getting value in return. And Favre might not want to play for any of the teams showing interest, a group that includes Tampa Bay and the New York Jets. Thompson acknowledged talking to other teams. More Packers If it wasn't for the daily twists and turns of the Favre unretirement saga, this would be considered a really big deal: Running back Ryan Grant does not have a contract in place and skipped the first practice. Grant, an exclusive rights free agent, is seeking a long-term deal. Titans All-Pro place-kicker Rob Bironas strained a groin muscle during a special teams drill. Defensive end Ulrich Winkler of Germany hurt his left knee and had to be helped off the field, as well. Bironas said he felt a little pull as he was kicking off, and trainers chose to be cautious and check out the injury. Backup punter Josh Miller also pulled a groin muscle, forcing the Titans to use third-string quarterback Ingle Martin to kick a few punts during the morning session. Rams

12 NFL Notebook: Rodgers takes his place as new Packers starter Page 2 of 2 Defensive end Victor Adeyanju will be out two to four weeks after his right middle finger was broken in practice Sunday. His right forearm was broken his rookie season in Also, talk radio host Rush Limbaugh said if St. Louis came up for sale, he might be interested in buying the team. Colts Flooding in Lucas Oil Stadium is expected to add more than $5 million to the cost of Indianapolis' new home. Three of four internal downspouts that carry rain water away from the stadium's roof failed during a July 8 storm, dumping water 3 feet deep into a basement telecommunications center. First published on July 29, 2008 at 12:00 am

13 Polamalu sits with hamstring injury - Tribune-Review Page 1 of 2 Polamalu sits with hamstring injury By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Tuesday, July 29, 2008 Banished to an empty field, Casey Hampton spent the first practice of training camp alternating between walking and running. Steelers conditioning assistant Marcel Pastoor and special assistant Joe Greene kept pace with the veteran nose tackle as he did laps around the field. Funny thing is Hampton, who showed up at training camp overweight, did more than Troy Polamalu on Monday. Polamalu, who reported to camp in good enough shape to earn praise from coach Mike Tomlin, watched both practices the Steelers held at St. Vincent. Polamalu sustained a mild hamstring pull while working out last week in California, and the Steelers placed the strong safety on the physically unable to perform list Sunday. The good news for the Steelers? Polamalu's injury is not considered serious, and he could start practicing with his teammates later this week. "If there is an injury, it's always best to take the safe route," Polamalu said. "It's a very long season, and if you continue to re-injure something, there's no telling how bad it can really get, and if there's any downtime during a season this is it." Polamalu completed the conditioning run the Steelers held late Sunday afternoon, and it came as a bit of a surprise when the Steelers placed him on the PUP list less than two hours later. "There's no hidden story there," Tomlin said. "(The run) didn't include changes in directions and some of the short bursts he's capable of. We're going to deal with a little short-term misery and allow him to be well." Polamalu was rarely well, at least physically, last season. Healthy statistics Steelers strong safety Troy Polamalu had a breakout season in He has made the Pro Bowl every season since then, though injuries limited him in 2006 and Here is a look at how his seasons compare statistically since Polamalu became a starter. Passes

14 Polamalu sits with hamstring injury - Tribune-Review Page 2 of 2 Year GP Tackles Sacks INT defensed He missed a game in early October because of a rib problem, and a sprained knee that eventually required surgery sidelined him for four of the Steelers' final six regular-season games. With the Steelers' blessing, Polamalu skipped the offseason practices that were voluntary so he could work out in California with trainer Marv Marinovich, a former NFL lineman. Polamalu said he strengthened his injured knee to the point that neither backpedaling nor sprinting proved to be a problem for him. He also focused more on lifting weights than he had in previous years. As a result, the 5-foot-10 Polamalu said he reported to camp weighing 215 pounds. That is 10 to 15 pounds more than what he had played at the last two years, Polalamu said. The four-time Pro Bowler is both a disruptive force and a study in kinesiology when he is healthy. But Polamalu has missed eight games the last two seasons and been hampered in others because of injuries. That raises the question of how much of a toll Polamalu's relentless playing style has taken on his body, particularly since he did not miss a game in his first three NFL seasons. "You let him do what he does and if he misses a few games, I guess he misses a few games," defensive backs coach Ray Horton said. "What you're hoping is maybe he can pick and choose and maybe miss a play here or a play there or take a couple days off of practice and be ready to play. "I guarantee you I lose no sleep when he's not in there, I'm like, 'Well, T.C.'s (Tyrone Carter) going to do the job, or Ryan (Clark) or the next guy.' Do I want him on the field? Yeah, you want your best 11." The soft-spoken Polamalu said he is eager to return to the playing field but added he will defer to Tomlin on the matter of when he can practice. When asked if the injuries he has experienced the past two seasons has dampened his enthusiasm for playing, Polamalu said, "That hasn't crossed my mind. I'm a football player, you know?" Scott Brown can be reached at sbrown@tribweb.com or Images and text copyright 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

15 Prisuta: Timmons could click in new role - Tribune-Review Page 1 of 2 Timmons could click in new role By Mike Prisuta TRIBUNE-REVIEW Tuesday, July 29, 2008 The word from Mike Tomlin last week was that his pre-training camp depth chart was written in pencil. As it turns out, the Steelers' coach doesn't have a depth chart -- at least not one that's been released for public consumption. The 2008 media guide, for the first time in recent memory, contains no such ranking of would-be Steelers and would-be Steelers starters. Despite the lack of printed confirmation, there apparently is a pecking order in place from which the Steelers are working at St. Vincent College. Calls from assistant coaches rang out across campus during practice Monday morning for the first-team offense, the first-team "quarter defense" and the firstteam punt team, and in each instance players dutifully responded by either entering or removing themselves from the action. You gotta start somewhere. Where the Steelers started revealed a glimpse as to where they might be headed. Trai Essex, for example, started at left guard in place of Chris Kemoeatu, who, along with Troy Polamalu and Casey Hampton, is physically unable to perform. Essex figured to be an odd-man out this summer, but perhaps not. Sean Mahan, ineffective last season as the starting center, figured to fall into the interior guard-center swing-man role. But there was Mahan still starting at center yesterday morning, which was either a ceremonial acknowledgement of his incumbent status or a challenge to newcomer Justin Hartwig. At linebacker, Larry Foote remained ahead of Lawrence Timmons in the base defense, but it was Timmons who lined up next to James Farrior in the fivedefensive backs, two-linebackers "quarter" defense the Steelers would like to feature in obvious passing situations. Much of the pre-training camp buzz had been generated by an anticipated showdown between Foote and Timmons for the starting inside linebacker's spot

16 Prisuta: Timmons could click in new role - Tribune-Review Page 2 of 2 next to Farrior. But it might be that the Steelers are preparing both to play -- Foote on running downs, and Timmons when the Steelers are expecting the pass but still don't want to leave themselves vulnerable against the run. Timmons' potential in space makes him a perfect candidate to contribute in such situations. The amount of playing time Timmons would get in the "quarter" would be more than enough to constitute an appropriate progression from rookie to second season for 2007's No. 1 pick. Timmons was injured at the outset of last year and mostly either overwhelmed or uninvolved thereafter. The Steelers often experimented with where to play him, but he rarely contributed on anything but special teams. That's changed in the early going at St. Vincent. "They keyed him into his job," Farrior said. "He has one position. Once he gets that down and learns what the other guys are doing, he's really going to be on the road." It's all still a work in pencil. That doesn't mean the handwriting isn't already on the wall. Mike Prisuta can be reached at mprisuta@tribweb.com or Images and text copyright 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

17 Hampton works solo - Tribune-Review Page 1 of 1 Hampton begins process of shedding weight By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Tuesday, July 29, 2008 After working out while his teammates practiced without him Monday morning, Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton reiterated that he will be ready for the start of the regular season. The Steelers placed Hampton on the physically unable to perform list Sunday after he showed up for training camp overweight and then failed a conditioning test. "I'll gradually work my way into it," Hampton said after walking and running around an idle field at St. Vincent. "You're all making such a big deal about it. This ain't the end of the world." Hampton is listed at 6-foot-1, 325 pounds, but he appears to be much heavier. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said there is no timetable for how long Hampton will stay on the PUP list. A player that is on the PUP list at the start of the regular season, however, has to spend at least six weeks on it. "We have a plan that we believe that's conducive to him getting right, provided he commits to it," Tomlin said, "and that's what we're in the process of doing." Hampton's teammates have been supportive of him. Strong safety Troy Polamalu said, "(Even if) Casey's in the best shape of his life I don't expect him to pass that test because I doubt he'll ever run that far. That's more for guys like defensive backs and stuff like that." The players had to run the length of the field eight times Sunday, jog halfway back and then walk the rest of the way. Hampton made it five times before bowing out. He said he had no problem with Tomlin putting him on the PUP list. "I respect it, he's the coach, whatever he wants me to do, I'll do it," Hampton said. "But come game time, when the season is ready to roll, I'll be ready to play." Scott Brown can be reached at sbrown@tribweb.com or Images and text copyright 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

18 Steelers 'D' dominates early - Tribune-Review Page 1 of 1 Steelers defense dominates early By Scott Brown TRIBUNE-REVIEW Tuesday, July 29, 2008 The defense appeared to get the better of the offense on the Steelers' first day of practice, and not even quarterback Ben Roethlisberger argued otherwise. "It's the first day," Roethlisberger said after the second of two practices the Steelers held Monday, "so we'll be all right. It's nothing that anybody's panicking about." Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he was pleased with the hustle and communication the players demonstrated. He added that issues such as timing, particularly when it comes to the offense, are common at this time of year. Cornerback Bryant McFadden and safety Anthony Smith each suffered minor groin injuries yesterday and are considered day-to-day. Rookie wide receiver Kevin Marion suffered a sprained knee. Guard Chris Kemoeatu is still experiencing weakness in his left tricep, but the injury isn't considered serious. "When he shows he's got some strength and he's ready to go, then we're going to let him go," Tomlin said. Kemoeatu, who was placed on the physically unable to perform list Sunday, is first on the depth chart at left guard. Left tackle Trai Essex filled in for Kemoeatu with the first unit. "The more you can, do the better," Essex said of playing left guard. "For me to be able to switch positions whenever they need me to I'm sure helps me out a lot." Digits 1 -- Santonio Holmes' NFL rank last season in yards per reception Yards per catch that Holmes averaged in Catches Holmes had last season. Scott Brown can be reached at sbrown@tribweb.com or Images and text copyright 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

19 Inside the ropes - Tribune-Review Page 1 of 2 Steelers camp: Inside the ropes By Mike Prisuta TRIBUNE-REVIEW Tuesday, July 29, 2008 An inside look at Steelers training camp... What's my line?: With LG Chris Kemoeatu officially on the physically unable to perform list, the question of who might replace him -- coach Mike Tomlin declined to speculate on that Sunday -- was answered Monday morning at St. Vincent College. The Steelers went with a starting offensive line of LT Marvel Smith, LG Trai Essex, C Sean Mahan, RG Kendall Simmons and RT Willie Colon in the first practice of training camp. The second line was comprised of LT Tony Hills, LG Matt Lentz, C Justin Hartwig, RG Darnell Stapleton and RT Max Starks. Hartwig also took reps at center with the first unit, but only after Mahan had opened periods in that position. Familiar face, familiar place: LB James Harrison was a special teams demon prior to having his kicking game duties curtailed after becoming a starter at OLB last season. But when the Steelers lined up their No. 1 punt team yesterday morning, Harrison was included. 11-on-11 notables: WR Hines Ward maintained possession on a reception despite taking a hammering blow from CB Deshea Townsend.... C Justin Hartwig and QB Ben Roethlisberger failed to execute a snap, resulting in a fumble and a blown-dead play.... WR Santonio Holmes worked briefly on catching punts, along with CB Travis Williams and WR Jeremy Bloom in the morning. RB Mewelde Moore, the presumptive replacement for Allen Rossum at PR, joined the group fielding punts in the afternoon, along with WR Willie Reid.... WR Dallas Baker made a diving catch.... TE Heath Miller dropped a pass.... Roethlisberger and Holmes hooked up on a long completion over the middle.... S Grant Mason made the breakup of the day, preventing a long completion down the sideline from CB Charlie Batch to WR Limas Sweed with a leaping deflection. At it again: S Anthony Smith delivered a vicious lick on Reid, who was seemingly targeted by Smith in camp last season. Reid responded by throwing the football at Smith. Defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau responded with some one-on-one counsel for Smith.

20 Inside the ropes - Tribune-Review Page 2 of 2 Dee-fense, dee-fense: Roethlisberger and Townsend were in agreement that the defense got the better of the offense on Day 1, a rare call-'em-as-they-see- 'em agreement between players from the offensive and defensive platoons. Welcome back: Jeff Hartings, a Steelers C from , watched practice from the sideline. Kevin Greene, a Steelers LB from , is in camp as a coaching intern. Mike Prisuta can be reached at mprisuta@tribweb.com or Images and text copyright 2008 by The Tribune-Review Publishing Co. Reproduction or reuse prohibited without written consent from PghTrib.com

21 .: Print Version :. Page 1 of 2 Print Page TUESDAY JULY 29, 2008 :: Last modified: Tuesday, July 29, :09 AM EDT Bires: Time for Big Snack to go on big diet By Mike Bires Times Sports Staff LATROBE When the man called Big Snack reported for duty at 9 a.m. sharp Monday morning, he had a football field all to himself. With 78 healthy Pittsburgh Steelers going through drills on three of the four training camp fields at St Vincent College, Casey Hampton spent the day exiled. By reporting to camp fat and out of condition, the star nose tackle was punished with a spot the physically unable to perform list. So for the time being, he s not allowed to put on shoulder pads and helmet and practice with his teammates. When Mike Tomlin made that announcement after Hampton failed Sunday s run test, most media types thought the coach was joking. After all, this guy might have the biggest butt and belly on the team, but he s played in four of the last five Pro Bowls. His athletic ability belies his physique. He s one of the league s premier run stuffers. Still, Tomlin decided to make a stand. At the start of Year 2 of his regime, Tomlin wants to show his team that he expects every player to be ready for the rigors of training camp. So while the Steelers went through their first two camp practices Monday, Hampton worked out on his own, trying to shed some pounds off a 6-foot-1 frame that s much heavier than the 325 pounds he s listed at. Under the careful watch of assistant conditioning coach Marcel Pastoor, Hampton jogged around that fourth practice field. Slowly, he zigzagged his way through agility drills. He walked several laps around the field. He pedaled up a sweat on a stationary biked. For the time being, he s almost like an outcast. But for those who ve been around the Steelers long enough, they expect Hampton to be ready once the games start for real. No, I m not surprised they put Casey on the PUP, said backup nose tackle Chris Hoke, who ll run with the first-team defense until Hampton s return. I had been talking to Casey on the phone the last few days (before camp), so I kind of had an idea he was out of shape. I didn t know if he was pulling my leg or what. I didn t believe it until I saw it.

22 .: Print Version :. Page 2 of 2 But he s a heck of a leader and a heck of a player. He s not going to be out too long. It might be a big story to you guys in the media, but we re not worried. It s a bump in the road during training camp. We know Casey will be there once the bullets start flying. Today, it will be more of the same for Hampton. He s in solitary confinement, trying to shed pounds and improve his physical condition. Run, run, run. Walk, walk, walk. Pedal, pedal, pedal. It s monotonous. It s boring. But it s the only way Hampton will get out of his coach s doghouse.

23 .: Print Version :. Page 1 of 2 Print Page TUESDAY JULY 29, 2008 :: Last modified: Monday, July 28, :46 PM EDT Camp notes: Day One goes as well as expected By Mike Bires, Times Sports Staff LATROBE From an execution standpoint, the first day of training camp wasn t perfect. But coach Mike Tomlin still gave his team a thumb s up. We had a very productive start today, he said after the second of two Monday practices at St. Vincent College. The excellent condition of the football team showed up. I liked the way the guys ran on both sides of the ball. I liked the way they finished. That s always a great start. It s far from perfection, but that is what day one is about. There was great enthusiasm, great communication. Guys were verbal today. Overall there was good hustle. Assignment-wise and execution-wise we are miles away, but so is everybody that we are competing against at this time of year. Two Steelers who particularly looked good were rookie running back Rashard Mendenhall and outside linebacker James Harrison, the team s Most Valuable Player last year. He did give a good representation of himself, Tomlin said of Mendenhall, the Steelers No. l draft pick. We are expecting great things from him. In regards to Harrison, who led the Steelers with 8.5 sacks last year, Tomlin said When James doesn t want to be blocked, it is very difficult to block him. He is a Pro Bowl player for a reason. Only two players weren t able to finish both practices due to health reasons. Cornerback Bryant McFadden and free safety Anthony Smith left with minor groin pulls. Tomlin isn t sure if they ll practice today. ESSEX AT LEFT GUARD With Chris Kemoeatu on the physically unable to perform list with a triceps injury, backup tackle Trai Essex demonstrated what Tomlin called position flexibility. On Monday, Essex practiced with the first-team offense at left guard. I m glad they have enough faith in me to play me at guard, Essex said. But I planned on getting some snaps even before Chris got hurt. A fourth-year pro, Essex has five career starts, all at left tackle when Marvel Smith sat out with injuries. He s confident he could hold his own if he had to play at guard in the event Kemoeatu is out for a lengthy period of time. It s not like I m being thrown under the bus, Essex said. I m comfortable there. I know my assignments (at guard). The more reps I get, the easier the transition will be.

24 .: Print Version :. Page 2 of 2 Trai came (to camp) in excellent shape, Tomlin said. He is a veteran player, and an opportunity presented itself to give him some reps with the first unit at left guard. I thought that he took advantage of it and did well in the one-on-one drills. TIDBITS -- Even though Tomlin feared that the Steelers' tenuous ownership situation might become a camp distraction, none of the players believe it will. "As a player, we're worrying about trying to win a Super Bowl. You can talk to Mr. (Dan) Rooney (about ownership)," WR Hines Ward said. "I don't want anything to do with that," added OT Willie Colon. "Just pay me. That's all I care about." -- For the most part, the first-team offensive line Monday consisted of Sean Mahan at center, Kendall Simmons at right guard, Trai Essex at left guard, Colon at right tackle and Marvel Smith at left tackle. Justin Hartwig, acquired during the off-season during free agency, did get some snaps at center with the first-team offense. -- Former Steelers linebacker Kevin Greene is in camp this week, serving as a volunteer coach. He's obviously working with linebackers, particularly on their pass-rushing technique. -- Visiting camp Monday was former center Jeff Hartings, who retired after the 2006 season. -- The Steelers practice twice today, first at 10 a.m. and then again at 3 p.m.

25 Harrison not slowing down after Pro Bowl season Page 1 of 2 Harrison not slowing down after Pro Bowl season By F. Dale Lolley, Staff writer dlolley@observer-reporter.com LATROBE - Linebacker James Harrison made his first Pro Bowl last year in his first season as a starter for the Steelers. He showed a couple of the team's draft picks why Monday. In a backs-on-backers blocking drill, Harrison punished No. 1 pick Rashard Mendenhall on his way to the quarterback, running through the rookie running back. Later, in individual pass rushing/protection drills, he took fourth-round pick Tony Hills to school with head coach Mike Tomlin looking on. On the first play, the 6-0, 242-pound Harrison lowered his shoulder on the snap and beat the 6-5, 305- pound Hills around the corner to the quarterback, prompting for Tomlin to yell for the two to go again. This time, Harrison went to a bull rush, shoving the larger man right back into the quarterback. Tomlin again called for the two to go and the results were much the same, though this time Harrison faked an inside move and left Hills in his wake, getting to the quarterback untouched. "When James doesn't want to be blocked, it's very difficult to block him," said Tomlin. "He's a Pro Bowl player for a reason." Tomlin comfortable Now in his second training camp with the Steelers, Tomlin seems to have taken a more vocal and handson role in practices, something he was perhaps a little apprehensive about doing in his first season. "A year ago, executing this plan, it was only a plan in my mind," Tomlin said. "As I stand here today, I have tangible evidence on the approaches to the way I want to do things." Testy morning Wide receiver Willie Reid had a busy morning practice, getting into a pair of scraps with defensive players. First, Reid was decked by safety Anthony Smith in a non-contact team drill and hopped back up and fired the ball at Smith. The two had to be separated by coaches and teammates. Later, Reid blocked down on linebacker Andre Frazier during a running play and Frazier apparently didn't like Reid's block. Once again, teammates had to come in and break things up.

26 Harrison not slowing down after Pro Bowl season Page 2 of 2 Is Reid, a third-round draft pick in 2006, taking fighting for a job to a new level? "First day of training camp and everybody is going at it trying to be tough and aggressive," said Reid. "It's football, we're all just out here trying to get better." This wasn't the first time Smith and Reid had tangled. Smith took some hard shots at Reid during training camp last season as well. "We're just going at it," Reid said. "He's a competitor, I'm a competitor. We're just trying to make plays and stuff like that happens." Odds and end zones Cornerback Bryant McFadden and Smith suffered slight groin injuries during the afternoon practice and sat out the remainder of the day.... Wide receiver Kevin Marion suffered a slight knee sprain Monday morning and missed the afternoon session.... The Steelers will practice twice today. The second session (3 p.m.) is open to the public. Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

27 Coincidence, not training, reason for Polamalu's leg injury Page 1 of 2 Coincidence, not training, reason for Polamalu's leg injury By F. Dale Lolley, Staff writer dlolley@observer-reporter.com LATROBE - Some would look at Troy Polamalu's sore hamstring and point to the fact that he did not work out with the Steelers this offseason as the reason for the injury. Polamalu, the Steelers' Pro Bowl strong safety, feels that couldn't be farther from the truth. "It was very awesome," said Polamalu of his workouts with Marv Marinovich at his Sports Lab in Orange County, Calif. "My training went very well. Unfortunately this had to happen right before camp." "This," is a sore hamstring suffered while running sprints last week while in preparations for the opening of the Steelers training camp at St. Vincent College. Polamalu was able to complete the team's run test Sunday after reporting, but was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list - along with nose tackle Casey Hampton (conditioning) and guard Chris Kemoeatu (triceps) and will not be eligible to practice until he is removed from that list. For Polamalu, who had knee surgery after a 2007 marred by three separate injuries - missing five games because knee, ribs and oblique muscle problems - it's a tough pill to swallow. "I'm a football player, not a coach, not an assistant coach," he said. "That's what the sidelines are for. Of course I wish I could be out there practicing." When he returns to practice will be up to head coach Mike Tomlin. "He was well enough to run the conditioning test, but that didn't include some of the bursts and changes in direction that he's capable of," said Tomlin. "We're going to deal with it and allow him to be well." Polamalu has always prided himself in being in excellent shape, at least in part, because of his training at Marinovich's clinic. But he skipped those workouts the previous two years to remain in Pittsburgh and work out entirely with the Steelers. Perhaps not by coincidence, Polamalu has missed eight games in the past two seasons because of injury problems. So this year, he wanted to get back to the basics, which at Marinovich's gym include more repetitions with less weight and working on flexibility. "I've been training there for maybe a five or six week period after coaching sessions," Polamalu said. "With my injury, I wanted to make sure I was able to get the most out of my training there. I was able to get the full amount of rehabilitation, the maximum amount of training that I was able to get. I'm happy with the product of that training.

28 Coincidence, not training, reason for Polamalu's leg injury Page 2 of 2 To help counter that, he has increased his weight back to 215 pounds, the weight he played at in college and in his first three NFL seasons. "I don't make too much of a conscious decision to come in at that weight. It's just part of what I added by weight training," he said. "I feel good. I've played most of my career at this weight." And after failing to record a sack or interception last season for the first time in his career - even though he still made the Pro Bowl - Polamalu is ready for a big The Steelers defense, which ranked last in the NFL in 2007 with just 11 interceptions, could use all of the big plays from Polamalu that it can get. "There's injuries that you can cover up, definitely, with some Advil or Tylenol. Unfortunately, knee injuries are not that way," Polamalu said. "You feel it. You know you're injured. Your knees are loose, whatever it is. Some shoulder injuries you can't cover up. You hate to say that I would have had 30 picks last year and 15 sacks, but I don't know." Copyright Observer Publishing Co.

29 Steelers working to reduce number of sacks Page 1 of 2 Steelers working to reduce number of sacks By JIM WEXELL For The Tribune-Democrat LATROBE July 29, :05 am On the first walk-through of the first practice of the first work day of training camp, the Pittsburgh Steelers running backs went into a corner of the field and worked on picking up blitzes. That s something we re really going to emphasize this training camp: Picking up on all the blitzes and getting our hot reads down, said Hines Ward. The Steelers must protect their quarterback, and for reasons beyond the $102 million investment they made in Ben Roethlisberger this offseason. There s a lot of hidden yardage in a sack, Ward said. Multiply that hidden yardage by 53 and that s what the Steelers lost in 17 games last season. It s little wonder offensive coordinator Bruce Arians had his backs in one corner, his line on the far field, and his quarterback and receivers working on their hot reads in the middle. The all-around whole package, said Arians. Every individual has to get better as a pass protector. The unit has to get better at recognizing, because it s becoming very modern for defenses to run around on defense. They don t just line up and tell you we re going to kick your (butt). It s confusion, so it s very difficult in that sense. Luckily, we re one of the teams that do it, so we get to see it a lot. The Steelers have an incredible cache of offensive talent, but it won t mean anything unless they can block the other team. Arians estimated that the offensive line was responsible for about 30 of those sacks last season. He put four or five on the running backs and the same amount on the tight ends. Arians said 15 sacks were caused by the quarterback trying to create plays. But Arians said he wouldn t attempt to change anything there, because Roethlisberger has the scrambling ability and arm strength to escape and heave a pass downfield. Last year it helped him set a team record with 32 touchdown passes. Still, Roethlisberger was asked if he could improve upon that sack-to-touchdown pass ratio. I know it s only Day 1, he said, but I tried in minicamp to get better at it. You d see a couple times a day I threw it away instead of trying to make a play, but it isn t a game, so you never know. I like to make plays; I like to be competitive. I ll try and be smart out there, but not at the sacrifice of big plays because we ve had a lot of them in my career. So the running backs picked up blitzers, and the receivers worked on reading defenses. Arians liked what he saw. Our entire third-down period was blitz pickup, he said. The first play was a great read by Ben and Hines and we got a first down on, really, a complicated blitz, so they obviously have been doing their homework. Arians won t add more three-step drops by his quarterback. He doesn t like the risk involved. Most of that stuff is an audible anyway, he said. Because if you call a three-step drop and you catch Cover 2, you really don t have anywhere to throw the ball. So what you normally do is a couple plays. Say you call a running play. If they re overloaded on the run, and the receivers are single-covered, you can throw the ball quick. Just don t get it picked. As for Roethlisberger, Arians said his quarterback is growing every day. He just keeps working, Arians said. We probably threw more interceptions in the spring than we had in the previous two years because we were experimenting. It was like, Ok, see if you can fit the ball in this hole, because you ll never know if you don t try, and if you get a pick, heck with it. We don t like interceptions, but we have to evolve that way, too.

30 Steelers working to reduce number of sacks Page 2 of 2 Copyright cnhi, inc. Photos The Tribune-Democrat

31 ESPN.com - Steelers safety Polamalu sits out practice with pulled hamstring Page 1 of 2 ESPN.com: NFL Training Camp 2008 images] [Print without Monday, July 28, 2008 Steelers safety Polamalu sits out practice with pulled hamstring Associated Press LATROBE, Pa. -- Every extended workout, every running session, every climb up a hillside in weighted shoes was designed for Troy Polamalu to get back to being Troy Polamalu. Most of all, that meant getting back to being a healthy Polamalu -- not the patched-up, oft-injured, can'tseem-to-get-well Polamalu who appeared in 12 Pittsburgh Steelers games last season but played up to his expected level in few of them. So, after an offseason back in Los Angeles working out the way he did as one of college football's top defensive players at Southern Cal, what happened to Polamalu mere days before training camp began? The four-time Pro Bowl safety pulled his left hamstring while running and couldn't take part in the first two camp practices Monday. After a season in which knee, rib and abdominal injuries visibly affected Polamalu's play -- he hasn't had an interception since midway through the 2006 season -- Polamalu was certain all these injuries were behind him. Polamalu sailed through the eight 100-yard sprints that were required Sunday by coach Mike Tomlin, but the Steelers didn't want to take a chance with one of their most valuable players so early in camp. "I want to practice," Polamalu said Monday. "But I'll do whatever coach tells me to do. He's been around a long time. So has [trainer] John Norwig, so I'll defer to them on this. But I want to practice." Tomlin said Polamalu "is in great shape," but he is understandably wary about any injury given Polamalu's run of problems last season. On the first day of camp a year ago, Polamalu signed a $30.19 million, four-year contract that made him the highest paid player in team history -- at least until quarterback Ben Roethlisberger agreed earlier this year to a deal that could pay him as much as $102 million. Living up to that contract isn't what motivates Polamalu. Rather, it's playing up to the standards set by a multidimensional, motivated player who creates matchup problems for offenses because of his ability to line up at so many positions. That's why after having offseason knee surgery Polamalu decided to return to training the way he has most of his career. So he skipped all the Steelers' offseason practices and the traditional training and weightlifting, and went back to working with his former trainer. "I talked with coach [Tomlin] because I don't want to do anything against the team," Polamalu said.

32 ESPN.com - Steelers safety Polamalu sits out practice with pulled hamstring Page 2 of 2 "They're very supportive of me and the training I wanted to do. I'd trained like that for seven years but, coming off the injury, it gave me an opportunity to take more time to rehab and just train." An interesting twist: Marv Marinovich, the former Southern Cal and Oakland Raiders player and conditioning coach with whom Polamalu has long trained, promises on his Web site that his workouts mean "you'll avoid the injury bug. No more pulls or strains." Marinovich's workouts are designed to boost speed, jumping ability and football-required strength but are nontraditional, with an emphasis on reducing the stress and strain that can be caused by heavy weightlifting. Rather than bench pressing 350 pounds, for example, Polamalu will run in weighted shoes or lift a minimal amount of weight in short bursts. Polamalu did slightly more weight training than he once did, but only to add weight. He is back to his preferred weight of 215 pounds after playing at 205 the last two seasons. Polamalu called Marinovich's program "very awesome" and doesn't believe training away from the Steelers had anything to do with his latest injury. He can only hope he is getting his injuries out of the way early this season. "When there's an injury like this, it's always best to take the safe route because it's a very long season," he said. "If you continue to re-injure it this early, there's no telling how bad it could really get. So, if there's any down time that's good, it's right now." ESPN.com: Help PR Media Kit Sales Media Kit Report a Bug Contact Us News Archive Site Map ESPN Shop Jobs at ESPN Supplier Information 2008 ESPN Internet Ventures. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and Safety Information/Your California Privacy Rights are applicable to you. All rights reserved.

33 The Herald Standard - Sports Arians emphasizes improtance of blitz control Page 1 of 2 0 Arians emphasizes improtance of blitz control By Jim Wexell, For the Herald-Standard Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger takes to the morning practice field for the team s first practice of training camp Monday. Associated Press PITTSBURGH - On the first walk-through of the first practice of the first work day of training camp, the Steelers' running backs went into a corner of the field and worked on picking up blitzes. "That's something we're really going to emphasize this training camp: picking up on all the blitzes and getting our hot reads down," said Hines Ward. The Steelers must protect their quarterback, and for reasons beyond the $102 million investment they made in Ben Roethlisberger this offseason. "There's a lot of hidden yardage in a sack," Ward said. Multiply that hidden yardage by 53 and that's what the Steelers lost in 17 games last season. It's little wonder offensive coordinator Bruce Arians had his backs in one corner, his line on the far field, and his quarterback and receivers working on their hot reads in the middle. "The all-around whole package," said Arians. "Every individual has to get better as a pass protector. The unit has to get better at recognizing, because it's becoming very modern for defenses to run around on defense. They don't just line up and tell you we're going to kick your (butt). It's confusion, so it's very difficult in that sense. Luckily, we're one of the teams that do it, so we get to see it a lot." The Steelers have an incredible cache of offensive talent, but it won't mean anything unless they can block the other team. Arians estimated that the offensive line was responsible for about 30 of those sacks last season. He put "four or five" on the running backs and the same amount on the tight ends. Arians said 15 sacks were caused by "the quarterback trying to create plays." But Arians said he wouldn't attempt to change anything there, because Ben Roethlisberger has the scrambling ability and arm strength to escape and heave. Last year it helped him set a team record with 32 touchdown passes. Still, Roethlisberger was asked if he could improve upon that sack-to-touchdown pass ratio. "I know it's only Day One," he said, "but I tried in minicamp to get better at it. You'd see a couple times a day I threw it away instead of trying to make a play, but it isn't a game so you never know. "I like to make plays; I like to be competitive. I'll try and be smart out there, but not at the sacrifice of big plays because we've had a lot of them in my career." So the running backs picked up blitzers, and the receivers worked on reading defenses. Arians liked what he saw. "Our entire third-down period was blitz pickup," he said. "The first play was a great read by Ben and Hines and we got a first down on, really, a complicated blitz, so they obviously have been doing their homework." Arians won't add more three-step drops by his quarterback. He doesn't like the risk involved. "Most of that stuff is an audible anyway," he said. "Because if you call a three-step drop and you catch cover-2, you really don't have anywhere to throw the ball. So what you normally do is couple plays. Say you call a running play. If they're overloaded on the run, and the receivers are single-covered, you can throw the ball quick. Just don't get it picked." As for Roethlisberger, Arians said his quarterback is growing every day. "He just keeps working," Arians said. "We probably threw more interceptions in the spring than we had in the previous two years because we were experimenting. It was like, 'Ok, see if you can fit the ball in this hole,' because you'll never know if you don't try, and if you get a pick, heck with it. We don't like interceptions, but we have to evolve that way, too."

34 The Herald Standard - Sports Arians emphasizes improtance of blitz control Page 2 of 2 The Herald Standard 2008

35 The Herald Standard - Sports Steeler camp notes Page 1 of 2 0 Steeler camp notes By Jim Wexell, For the Herald-Standard Woodley shows off his power, explosiveness PITTSBURGH - LaMarr Woodley showed off his rare combination of power and explosiveness during drills Monday, but that wasn't enough for Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin. "Reload it!" Tomlin bellowed after Woodley blew past right tackle Willie Colon during one-on-one pass-blocking drills. "Give me another one!" When Colon blocked Woodley on the second rep, Tomlin walked away shaking his head. The four other linemen took their turns blocking their respective defender, one rep per pair, but when it came time for Woodley to rush against Max Starks, Tomlin stepped up again. "I like this matchup here!" he said. "I like this matchup!" And Woodley beat Starks easily with an inside rush. "Reload it!" Tomlin yelled. And this time, to repeat the pattern, Starks blocked Woodley. "Come on, Wood!" Tomlin hollered. "You can't stand prosperity. I want two in a row!" Woodley and Starks went at it for a rare third consecutive rep, and Woodley whipped him. The session ended shortly thereafter. "I was expecting that because all last year, when I was doing the pass-rush drill, I'm always the guy going two or three times," Woodley said after practice. "So when I went over there, I knew I'd be doing the same thing today." Woodley put the correct and positive spin on his coach's intensity. "You've got to be able to take coaching and I can," Woodley said. "As long as he's talking to me, that's a good thing. When people stop talking to you, that's when you need to start worrying about stuff." Blitz pickups Rookie No. 1 draft pick Rashard Mendenhall caught and ran as well as expected, but just as importantly he showed off solid blocking skills. In the blitz pickup drill, Mendenhall stuffed Larry Foote. He also fought Lawrence Timmons to a draw. "I'm not going to pat him on the back just yet," said Tomlin. "The guys are probably being a little nice to him on Day One since he's new to the drill, but he did give a good representation of himself. He's a competitor. We expect big things from him." Free-agent acquisition Mewelde Moore also fared well, which is critical since Moore's expected to be the team's third-down back this season. Moore stuffed Foote and rookie Bruce Davis. The defensive stars were Woodley and James Harrison, with Timmons also showing a phantom slip move or two. But the linebackers were quick to point out that cut blocking wasn't allowed. Therefore they didn't have to slow down before impact. Big Hamp update Casey Hampton spent the morning practice running laps and riding the stationary bike on the sideline. He also endured a few taunts from drunks on the hillside after reporting to camp 25 pounds overweight and being placed on the PUP list. Said Tomlin: "We have a plan that we believe is conducive to him getting right, provided he commits to it, and that's what we're in the process of doing." Injuries Cornerback Bryant McFadden and safety Anthony Smith couldn't finish practice because of groin problems. They're day to day. Rookie receiver Kevin Marion had a knee sprain. With Chris Kemoeatu (triceps) on the PUP list, veteran Trai Essex was the first-team left guard and drew praise from Tomlin. "Trai stepped up," he said. "He came in in excellent shape and ran well. The opportunity presented himself at left guard and I thought he

36 The Herald Standard - Sports Steeler camp notes Page 2 of 2 took advantage of it. I thought he did well in the one-on-one pass pro." Quotable "I thought we had a very productive start today," said Tomlin. "I think the excellent condition of the football team showed up. I like the way the guys ran on both sides of the ball. I like the way they finished, and that's always a good start. Far from perfection, but that's what Day One's all about. Great enthusiasm. Heard great communication. Guys were verbal today, very good for the first day. Overall, good hustle." The Herald Standard 2008

37 Army Decides Caleb Campbell Must Give Up N.F.L. - NYTimes.com Page 1 of 2 July 29, 2008 Army Decides an N.F.L. Hopeful Cannot Have It All By WILL BARDENWERPER WASHINGTON Caleb Campbell, a member of West Point s class of 2008 and a seventh-round draft pick of the Detroit Lions, woke up one day last week expecting to sign a $295,000 contract that afternoon. He was anticipating the team s season opener in September against the Atlanta Falcons. Campbell still expects to be on the sideline this September, but it will not be as an N.F.L. player. Instead, he has been ordered to return to West Point as a second lieutenant assigned to assistant coaching duties for Army. On Wednesday, while he was getting ready in his hotel room near the Lions training facility in Allen Park, Mich., he was summoned to the office of Matt Millen, the team s president and chief executive. Mr. Millen had a look on his face like, what s going on? Campbell said in a telephone interview. Millen told him the Army had suddenly withdrawn his permission to play and that he would have to leave camp and commence full-time military duties. The decision was explained in a letter to Millen, whose son Marcus was a teammate of Campbell s at West Point. Campbell, 23, was supposed to be free to play under a policy established in 2005 that allowed individuals with exceptional skills to pursue professional careers while remaining on active duty. The Army s hope was that talented people, like elite athletes or musicians, could use their high-profile status to help promote the service and give a boost to recruiting. But the Department of Defense, apparently responding to objections about the policy, overruled the Army. Now, Campbell must serve two years before he can ask to be released from his active-duty obligations. Few, least of all Campbell himself, mistake his disappointment for the kind of sacrifice experienced by some of his West Point contemporaries serving multiple combat deployments. Yet even among his Army peers, many said his value as an active-duty recruiter while in the N.F.L. could have helped the Army meet recruiting challenges in the face of six years of sustained combat operations. The Army publicly used Caleb for publicity during the N.F.L. draft and promised him that he could pursue a dream, said Kevin Lynch, a former co-captain of the Army rugby team. Now the Army has gone back on its word. Strange, since all through Caleb s years at the academy, the academy stressed that honor and keeping your word are paramount to a successful career as an officer. Another West Point graduate and combat veteran, Matt Miller, said he was astounded when he learned Campbell would not be allowed to play. I would rather be able to turn on the TV in some disagreeable corner of the world and see a brother or sister

38 Army Decides Caleb Campbell Must Give Up N.F.L. - NYTimes.com Page 2 of 2 in arms positively representing me and my profession than to have him or her sitting next to me talking about what could have been, Miller said. There was a time when Campbell did not envision an N.F.L. career. On his recruiting visit to West Point, he said, he fell in love with the academy because it embodied the values he had learned while growing up in Perryton, Tex. He played safety for Army, for whom he developed quickly and turned in an exceptional sophomore season. By then, he was conflicted: should he stay with the service, where he faced an active-duty commitment if he were to begin his junior year, or should he transfer to a big-time program and pursue a career in football? Campbell said he met with Army s coach at the time, Bobby Ross, who told him about a new alternate service policy in which he would be allowed to play professionally if he was good enough. He decided to stay and have a shot at the best of both worlds. I didn t go looking for the policy, he said. It came to me. Two senior Army officers with knowledge of the policy dispute suggested that objections from the Navy prompted the Pentagon to consider the reversal. The Navy apparently feared an unfair recruiting advantage for the Army if West Point graduates could play professionally immediately, while those from the Navy would have to serve two years first, according to the officers, who were not authorized to speak publicly about the matter. In April, Laura Stegherr, a Navy spokeswoman, said the service had suspended its program governing early release after two years of active duty. The nation is at war, she said at the time. The Navy doesn t intend to change the policy. Campbell acknowledged having felt guilty at the prospect of playing in the N.F.L. while his classmates were facing deployments. But he said his feeling dissipated after the draft because he received hundreds of encouraging messages from soldiers who were excited by his opportunity. In one message, he said, a former Army football player recounted how his platoon in Iraq had endured a terrible week, including the death of a soldier. But when they watched Campbell s selection in the draft to chants of U.S.A.! U.S.A.! it brought smiles to their faces. Despite his disappointment, Campbell said he was inspired by Lions Coach Rod Marinelli, who spoke with him when he was struggling with the Army s decision. Marinelli, a Vietnam veteran, reminded him: You re a soldier, and soldiers drive on. You ll tackle the next mission with 110 percent effort, and you ll make me proud. So for now, Campbell will make West Point home again. And for a reminder of how close he was, he can visit the Lions team Web site, where his profile remains on the roster. Copyright 2008 The New York Times Company Privacy Policy Search Corrections RSS First Look Help Contact Us Work for Us Site Map

39 Tailback Grant a no-show at Packers training camp - USATODAY.com Page 1 of 1 Powered by Tailback Grant a no-show at Packers training camp By Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY Advertisement GREEN BAY, Wis. Brett Favre isn't the only prominent no-show for the Green Bay Packers. Ryan Grant isn't in camp. The second-year tailback is mired in a contract dispute. Grant refused to sign a one-year tender as an exclusive-rights free agent. Agent Alan Herman told The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel the team's six-year offer, featuring a $1.75 million bonus, was "insulting." "We're working through it," general manager Ted Thompson said. Grant rushed for 956 yards in seven starts last season and set a franchise playoff record with 201 yards against the Seattle Seahawks. Grant is a major key to a unit preparing to play with a new quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. "It's important for Ryan to be here," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "These practices are important. My understanding is both sides are working diligently to make this work. I appreciate the way Ryan kept on top of everything we did here. I'm just looking forward to getting Ryan back here." Find this article at: Check the box to include the list of links referenced in the article. Copyright 2008 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

40 Bad ankle, not contract issues, keep Burress from practice - USATODAY.com Page 1 of 2 Powered by Bad ankle, not contract issues, keep Burress from practice By Larry Weisman, USA TODAY Advertisement ALBANY, N.Y. New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress hasn't practiced since the team opened camp last week, and he didn't seem inclined to agree with coach Tom Coughlin's assessment Monday that he might be back on the field by the middle of this week. Bothered by an ankle injury but not the same one that hampered him through most of the 2007 season Burress said a regimen of rehab and a dose of patience were in order in his first public comments since the team reported Thursday. "My No. 1 thing is to try to be healthy," he said. "I'm trying to prevent what I went through last year." Burress played but did not practice through most of last season and caught the winning touchdown pass with 35 seconds left in the Super Bowl. He said he reinjured his ankle while working out in the offseason. Coughlin said the club's medical people thought the causes of the pain were "structural" and Burress would have to wear orthotics (shoe inserts). Burress said he was not wearing orthotics but might have his shoes modified. Burress also said staying out of practice was not connected with his desire for a new contract. "If it was about my contract, I'd be home relaxing," he said. "When I get healed up and 100%, everything will be OK. I'm going to try to take my game to the next level, but you can't do it if you're not healthy." No punishment for Lynch: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell personally informed Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch on Monday that he won't be disciplined by the league for a hit-and-run accident that left a woman injured. "I think the facts are clear on the case at this point in time, and I don't plan any discipline," Goodell said during a visit to the Bills training camp. He based his decision on the fact that Lynch eventually agreed to plead guilty to a traffic violation, which is not a violation of the NFL's personal-conduct policy. Ocho-sito: Pro Bowl receiver Chad Johnson didn't participate in the Cincinnati Bengals' first practice of training camp because his right ankle hasn't fully recovered from surgery. Johnson spent time Monday rehabilitating the ankle, which was surgically cleaned last month. He's expected to be ready for the start of the regular season. Defensive end Antwan Odom, a free agent acquisition, hurt his left foot and was carted off the field. The severity of the injury was undetermined. Briefly: Recently signed Giants offensive tackle Shane Olivea said Monday that he was addicted to painkillers while playing for the San Diego Chargers last season. He lost his starting job at right tackle in midseason and was eventually released in February. "It's a second chance in my life and football, and I'm just happy to have that opportunity," Olivea said. The foreclosure sale of Dallas Cowboys cornerback Adam Jones' Tennessee home has been postponed for a second time. Originally set for June 27, it will be Aug. 22. Jacksonville Jaguars center Brad Meester could miss the start of the season because of a strained right biceps sustained Sunday. Patrick Kerney, coming off shoulder surgery, injured his calf, and the Pro Bowl defensive end will be out indefinitely, Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said Monday. St.