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So Manti Te'o goes in the first round, but USC's Matt Barkley doesn't?

The best sports stories aren't about sports. The best stories are about overcoming real-life drama - not something relatively trivial like an athlete coming back from an injury or missing a tackle, or maybe getting suspended for selling his bowl jersey or eating a plate of magic brownies.

One day after Jason Hanson retired, the Lions found his replacement. David Akers agreed to terms with the Lions on Friday to replace Hanson, who announced he was stepping away from the game Thursday after 21 seasons.

Brian Banks was inside a New York television studio, waiting to tape an episode of "The View," when he got a long-awaited call from a friend.

As Chance Warmack stood in front of reporters last month at the NFL Scouting Combine, the group interview seemed to morph into stand-up comedy at times.

The Seahawks' search for a backup quarterback isn't going to stop with the addition of Josh Portis earlier this week.

Right tackle Anthony Davis, who's become a sturdy bookend on the 49ers' touted offensive line, has received a five-year, $37.295million contract extension through 2019, a league source confirmed.

Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo says up to four NFL players may soon come out as gay, according to a published report.

Orioles fans stood and applauded Friday as an image of Joe Flacco hoisting the Lombardi Trophy flashed on the video board at Camden Yards, part of an Opening Day tribute to the Super Bowl champion Ravens.

Just one day after Jason Hanson retired, the Detroit Lions quickly filled his shoes by reportedly signing David Akers on Friday.

During an hour-long interview with The Baltimore Sun early Friday morning, former Ravens linebacker and special-teams ace Brendon Ayanbadejo emphasized that he doesn't believe he was cut from the Super Bowl champions' roster because of his strong advocacy for same-sex marriage and gay rights.

The Jacksonville Jaguars have brought in Mohamed Massaquoi, agreeing to terms with the former Browns wideout on Friday.

There is a chance Texas A&M left tackle Luke Joeckel isn't the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft but don't kid yourself, the Kansas City Chiefs want him to anchor their offensive line for the next decade.

The San Francisco 49ers and offensive tackle Anthony Davis have reportedly agreed to a contract extension.

In New York, where he was to be honored at Thursday night's Straight for Equality Gala, Brendon Ayanbadejo suggested to a local newspaper reporter that one of the reasons that he was cut by the Ravens was his outspoken advocacy for same-sex marriage - a suggestion he later distanced himself from on Twitter.

The Ravens 2013 preseason schedule is highlighted by a prime-time home game against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday, Aug. 22, at M&T Bank Stadium, the NFL announced Thursday.

One year ago, when the Eagles acquired DeMeco Ryans, the narrative from the first day was that Ryans fit better in the Eagles' 4-3 defensive scheme than the 3-4 defense the linebacker played in with the Houston Texans.

In New York where he was to be honored at Thursday night's Straight for Equality Gala, Brendon Ayanbadejo told a local newspaper reporter that he thinks one of the reasons that he was cut by the Ravens was because of his outspoken advocacy for same-sex marriage.

The Super Bowl XVII champion Baltimore Ravens will be involved in one of 11 games televised nationally during the NFL's 2013 preseason schedule, which was announced Thursday.

After 21 remarkable seasons with the Detroit Lions, kicker Jason Hanson has decided to call it a career.

The Baltimore Ravens released linebacker and special teams player Brendon Ayanbadejo, general manager Ozzie Newsome announced on Thursday.

The Arizona Cardinals have signed cornerback Bryan McCann and safety Curtis Taylor to one-year contracts.

Hey, NFL fans, here's a new view for you at the stadium: the locker rooms.

The Atlanta Falcons have released offensive tackle Tyson Clabo.

The Washington Redskins have re-signed cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who was released before the start of free agency last month.

The Kansas City Chiefs have signed linebacker Frank Zombo.

CHICAGO - The Chicago Bears and former linebacker Brian Urlacher denied any involvement Wednesday with the Ruth Institute - an affiliate of the National Organization For Marriage, which opposes same-sex marriage - after an online promotion for the institute stated a clear involvement of the team and player.

The Indianapolis Colts announced punter Pat McAfee has signed his franchise tender.

Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha knows he's the target of much criticism, be it for his age or his disappointing play the past two seasons. But the San Francisco 49ers' newest acquisition has a ready answer for the critics.

The New York Giants have signed veteran defensive linemen Mike Patterson.

It may be time to envision the possibility that Nick Foles will win the Eagles starting quarterback job.

PHILADELPHIA - Nick Foles insisted Wednesday that he fits Eagles coach Chip Kelly's offense, a belief that has been challenged by those who say Kelly's system at Oregon was at its best with a mobile quarterback. Foles said he knows the offense the Eagles expect to run, and he can play in that offense.

No one should be surprised if the Cleveland Browns trade down from the sixth overall pick in this year's draft.

Arizona Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington has been suspended for the first four games of the 2013 regular season for violating the NFL Policy and Program for Substances of Abuse.

The Cincinnati Bengals claimed quarterback John Skelton off waivers on Wednesday, two days after the onetime Arizona Cardinals starter was cut loose by his former team.

The Washington Redskins have reportedly re- signed quarterback Rex Grossman.

The Detroit Lions signed defensive tackle C.J. Mosley on Wednesday.

The Seattle Seahawks signed defensive tackles Tony McDaniel and Clinton McDonald on Wednesday.

Perspective is a funny thing.

The Pittsburgh Steelers signed linebacker Stevenson Sylvester to a one-year contract on Wednesday.

The Atlanta Falcons are giving linebacker Brian Banks a chance.

The Oakland Raiders signed cornerback Tracy Porter on Wednesday.

The reality of Brian Urlacher no longer being a Bear hit home Tuesday, the first day players were allowed at Halas Hall for offseason conditioning work.

The Carson Palmer era drew to a costly close Tuesday, with the Raiders trading their starting quarterback to the Arizona Cardinals on the same day likely successor Matt Flynn was introduced to the local media.

Brandon Graham did not confirm the widespread belief that he will play outside linebacker for the Eagles this season. But it sounds as if he's preparing for a switch from defensive end to a stand-up pass rusher.

The Oakland Raiders on Tuesday unveiled their new quarterback, Matt Flynn, who sounded eager and earnest, stating his desire to be the starter but not claiming the role as his own.

Santa Clara, CA (Sports Network) - The San Francisco 49ers signed cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha to a one-year contract on Tuesday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

Former Browns quarterback Colt McCoy faced questions about whether he received a fair shake in Cleveland, the infamous concussion he suffered two years ago and the trade that sent him to the San Francisco 49ers earlier this week.

Despite rupturing his right Achilles tendon twice within a month last spring, Jason Peters said on Tuesday that he could have played late last season and that he anticipated playing near his all-pro form from 2011 for the Eagles this coming season.