NFL: Tomlinson MVP
Spell this year’s NFL MVP: L.T.
Record-setting LaDainian Tomlinson of the San Diego Chargers ran away with The Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player award Thursday the way he eluded defenders in leading his team to the AFC’s best record (14-2) and a favorite’s role for the Super Bowl.
“When you’re MVP of the league, it’s a great accomplishment,” Tomlinson said, adding the honor means “that I’ve had a great year, that’s all, on a great team.”
Tomlinson, who broke Shaun Alexander’s league record for touchdowns by scoring 31 (28 rushing) and also threw for two scores, had one of the greatest seasons in NFL history. He rushed for a league-high 1,815 yards on 348 carries, had 56 receptions for 508 yards and was 2 for 3 as a passer, both completions for scores, giving the Chargers running back six in his six-year career, tying him for second among non-quarterbacks.
He received 44 of the 50 votes from a nationwide panel of sports writers and broadcasters who cover the NFL. Former teammate Drew Brees, now starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, got four votes, and Indianapolis QB Peyton Manning got two.
Cowher said to be retiring
The Pittsburgh Steelers will begin a coaching search today to replace the departing Bill Cowher, a person familiar with Cowher’s status said. Cowher called owner Dan Rooney to tell him of his decision, and the team announced a news conference today not long after that. Cowher is expected to attend.
Cowher, 49, one of the NFL’s most recognizable faces and most successful coaches for 15 seasons, has weighed resigning since shortly after the Steelers finally won the Super Bowl in February following numerous near misses.
Shell done with Raiders
Art Shell’s second stint as coach of the Raiders ended after just one season, the franchise’s worst in more than four decades.
Shell met with owner Al Davis on Thursday to discuss the future of the team following a 2-14 season that was the worst for Oakland since 1962. The team issued a statement after the meeting saying Shell would not return as coach for the final season of his contract
Pennington honored
New York Jets quarterback Chad Pennington overcame a second torn rotator cuff in as many years – and incredible odds – to win The AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.
The seven-year veteran has led the Jets to a surprising 10-6 record and a wild-card berth one season after they went 4-12 – most of it with him sidelined.
Police scour SUV
Investigators in Denver scoured a spray-painted 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe impounded early Thursday for clues that might lead them to Darrent Williams’ killer. Police said they believe the SUV might have been used in a New Year’s Day drive-by shooting that killed the Denver Broncos cornerback and wounded two other people.
Around the league
For the fourth consecutive year, the NFL set a regular-season attendance record in 2006, averaging more than 67,000 fans per game. Total paid attendance for games averaged 67,738, and increased to a season total of 17,340,879. … Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green went through a full practice and said he would be ready for Saturday’s playoff game at Indianapolis. Green injured his left ankle in last Sunday’s game. … The Miami Dolphins received permission to interview San Diego offensive coordinator Cam Cameron for their head coaching vacancy. … … Running back Ricky Williams is taking and passing all his tests in the NFL’s drug testing program and intends to apply for re-admission to the league in April, his agent said