Football | featured news

Tim Tebow got his first New York close-up Monday. Speaking at news conference in the Jets field house, because the media crush was so great the session couldn't be held in the team's normal press room, the headline-grabbing New York backup QB went out of his way to play down any conflict between himself and starter Mark Sanchez.

The Jets traded for the popular but polarizing quarterback Tim Tebow, who became expendable when Denver signed Peyton Manning as a free agent.

New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton was suspended for his role in the team’s bounty program, which promised money to players if they knocked opponents out of games.

There was no glitch. No last-minute curveball. No monkey wrench in the gears. The Broncos and quarterback Peyton Manning have agreed to terms on a five-year, $96 million contract, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Peyton Manning, a free agent quarterback, has chosen to play for Denver next season, and the two sides are negotiating a contract, a person briefed on the decision said.

Before the Broncos solidify their final contract proposal to Peyton Manning, they wanted to see the free-agent quarterback throw and medically check him out. A large Broncos contingent that includes front office boss John Elway, coach John Fox and trainer Steve Antonopulos landed in Durham, N.C. at 11:07 a.m., where they watched Manning throw and work out today.

Calvin Johnson is getting paid. The Lions are giving him a seven-year, $132 million extension, with $60 million guaranteed.

On another glorious weekend in Colorado, the sun shone, the air warmed and the mountains majestically revealed their beauty. Oh, and Tim Tebow remains the Broncos' quarterback.

The Washington Redskins like Robert Griffin III so much that they gave up far more for the right to draft him than teams have typically had to trade away to secure franchise quarterbacks in the NFL draft.

The Peyton Manning era in Indianapolis will end Wednesday. USA TODAY's Jim Corbett confirmed ESPN's report that the quarterback will be released by the Colts after speaking with Manning's brother, Cooper.