- Practices now are open for many high school football programs in Texas. But with the start of workouts comes high temperatures in many parts of the country. To combat the potential for heat-related illness and injury the coaches at Krum High School have come up with an innovative idea -- midnight practices. MyFoxDFW.com reported on the new concept.
- The Washington Post reported on parents of football players at Loudoun Valley (Va.) High School who have voiced their concern about potential unsafe playing conditions. Once one of the largest schools in the area, Loudoun Valley now is one of the smaller programs, facing much larger schools. Parents and boosters fear that their players being on the field for far more plays has led to an increase in injuries -- and could only get worse.
- Boston Globe columnist Christopher L. Gasper wrote about former NFL executive Terry O'Neil, who is aiming to bring the NFL's contact-limiting practice techniques to high school football programs. The program, called Practice Like Pros, is making its way around New England. That includes a stop in Worcester this weekend, according to the Telegram.
- Panthers.com saluted honorary coach Jack Bolton, an 8-year-old suffering from spinal muscular atrophy, who brings out the best in the team.
- The Indianapolis Star profiled 93-year-old Amelia Rudolf, who was welcomed to Colts camp after being assaulted in her home.
- Several former Colts players were on hand for the team's walkthrough after having participated in a Heads Up Football clinic, according to The Herald Bulletin.
- Jose Carlos Maltos took the long route to New Orleans Saints training camp, The Advocate says.
- The Monterey Herald wrote about retired referee Jim Tunney, who will be one of the NFL's nine "observers" assigned to attend games and evaluate officiating crews every week.
- The Birdville, Texas, Independent School District purchased 20 Guardian Caps for its three high schools to try out, CBSDFW.com says.
- Cleveland.com detailsChris Owens' journey from the mean streets of Los Angeles to the Browns.
- The New Zealand Herald reported on a brain injury specialist who has determined a link between early onset dementia and high-injury sports like rugby.
