Brees, Tomlinson win awards
San Diego running back LaDainian Tomlinson and New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees were honored Wednesday as the NFL’s players of the year, while the Saints’ Sean Payton picked up another coach of the year award.
Tomlinson, who won The Associated Press’ MVP award by a wide margin over Brees, rushed for 1,815 yards and a league-record 28 touchdowns this season, plus he set another NFL record by finishing with 186 points and 31 overall touchdowns.
Brees threw for a league-best 4,418 yards in the regular season, earning him All-Pro recognition in his first year with the Saints. He helped lead New Orleans to the NFC title game, where the Saints lost to the Chicago Bears.
Payton, in his first year as a head coach and the AP’s coach of the year winner, led the Saints to a 10-6 record, the NFC South title, and a berth in the conference championship game. He was also hailed for helping to revitalize New Orleans as it recovers from Hurricane Katrina.
Cowboys will wait on hiring
The Dallas Cowboys won’t name Bill Parcells’ replacement until after the Super Bowl.
In his first public comments since Parcells retired Jan. 22, owner and general manager Jerry Jones said he wouldn’t have a decision on a new coach until next week. Jones has already interviewed eight candidates, and might add to that list.
“We’ve got a good football team, and I’ve got to get this right,” Jones said. “We’ve got to make a good decision when we select the next coach. We’re going to have the opportunity and a plan in place that will allow us to do that.”
Palmer expresses frustration
Carson Palmer is tired of seeing the Cincinnati Bengals pile up more arrests than wins.
The quarterback’s frustration level with his teammates has grown steadily over the last nine months, and for reasons that have nothing to do with on-field play.
“Enough is enough,” Palmer said at the Super Bowl media center. “It’s something we’re definitely not proud of.”
When cornerback Johnathan Joseph was arrested last week and charged with possession of marijuana, he became the ninth Bengals player arrested in a nine-month span.
McNabb squelches rumors
Donovan McNabb doesn’t want to leave Philadelphia, isn’t jealous over the success Jeff Garcia had replacing him as Eagles quarterback, and wasn’t muzzled by coach Andy Reid.
“The so-called rumors that have started, they’re false,” McNabb said. “I’m a Philadelphia Eagle and will continue to be a Philadelphia Eagle, hopefully, for more years to come, and hopefully will retire as an Eagle.”
Around the league
Hall of Famer Fred Biletnikoff retired as Oakland Raiders wide receivers coach after spending more than three decades as a player and coach for the franchise. … Brothers will officiate in the Super Bowl for the first time Sunday, with umpire Carl Paganelli and back judge Perry Paganelli working the game between Chicago and Indianapolis. … Cornerback Nick Harper missed Indianapolis’ first Super Bowl practice in South Florida while rehabbing his sprained ankle. … San Diego linebacker Steve Foley has sued the city of Coronado, Calif., and the off-duty police officer who shot him three times outside his home last September, accusing the rookie officer of negligence and excessive force.