NFL notes: Daughter of Junior Seau to speak at induction
The Pro Football Hall of Fame will allow Junior Seau’s daughter to speak in an interview after his bust is unveiled next weekend in Canton, Ohio.
“Sydney will be given a chance to share thoughts about her father immediately following the unveiling of his bronzed bust,” the Hall of Fame said Saturday night in a statement. “The unveiling, which typically features just the presenter and enshrinee, will include Sydney and Junior’s three sons. Her remarks will be live and onstage in a fashion similar to interviews of returning Hall of Famers.”
Seau killed himself in 2012.
The Hall of Fame also said Sydney will represent her father and be interviewed during the Thursday night Enshrinees’ Gold Jacket Dinner, broadcast by the NFL Network.
“Our goal is to maintain our policy regarding enshrinement speeches, but also show compassion and understanding,” Hall of Fame President David Baker said.
Hall policy does not allow live speeches during a posthumous induction.
Jets promote woman to director of administration
The New York Jets promoted longtime executive Jacqueline Davidson to director of football administration, making her one of the highest-ranking women in an NFL front office.
Davidson is in her ninth season with the Jets and has been a chief negotiator of player contracts for the team, including the signing of cornerback Darrelle Revis during the offseason.
She was previously the team’s manager of football administration, and replaces Rod Graves, who was hired last month as the NFL’s senior vice president of football administration and club services.
She joins a list that includes Katie Blackburn, Cincinnati’s executive vice president; Dawn Aponte, Miami’s executive vice president of football administration; Jeanne Bonk, San Diego’s executive vice president and chief financial officer; and Hannah Gordon, San Francisco’s vice president of legal and government affairs, as high-ranking women in NFL franchises.
Around the league
Jets rookie wide receiver Devin Smith has a partially punctured lung, as well as broken ribs, and is expected to be sidelined 4-6 weeks. Smith was injured at practice Friday while making a catch. … Washington Redskins cornerback Bashaud Breeland is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with an MCL problem in his right knee. … Denver returner Kyle Williams tore his left Achilles during a punt return drill at training camp and will miss all of the regular season.