PRO FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE NFL : Taylor Mulls Playing Again
New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor, who had announced a decision to retire at the end of the season, says he is reconsidering in the wake of a recent Achilles’ tendon injury that ended what was to be his final season prematurely.
“I had visions of walking out to the stadium on that last day and hearing the cheers, knowing that I had put in 12 years of good hard football, knowing that I have been able to get out of it injury-free,” said Taylor, 33. “That can’t happen now.”
The choice will be influenced by how well his injury, which was surgically repaired last week, heals. He might need as long as five months to rehabilitate.
Taylor said that he would not feel cheated if the injury does end his career or he decides he does not want to play again.
“I feel I owe nothing,” he said. “I have had a good career. I owe the game nothing and it owes me nothing. We have done well together.”
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Cincinnati Bengal offensive tackle Anthony Munoz said a torn knee ligament won’t be the only factor in his decision whether to play another season.
Munoz’s 13th NFL season effectively ended in the final minute of a 17-14 loss to the Jets when he suffered the injury while pass blocking.
Munoz, 34, has been hampered by injuries the last three seasons and is in the last season of his contract.
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Denver and the Broncos agree that the club owes $723,253.98 in rent on Mile High Stadium, but the Broncos say they want to renegotiate a deal to include a share of concessions, parking and advertising.
Denver Mayor Wellington Webb urged the Broncos to pay the arrears before any modification of the rent agreement is discussed. The Broncos’ contract for the stadium expires on Dec. 31, 2018, and involves rent based on 6.5% of gross revenue for each game. The Broncos get no money from concessions, parking and stadium advertising.
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Pittsburgh Steeler cornerback Rod Woodson’s trial on misdemeanor charges of assaulting a police officer was continued from today to March 22 in Ft. Wayne, Ind. . . . The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, trying to expand their fan base, will play an exhibition in Orlando, Fla., next year. . . . Pittsburgh Steeler Coach Bill Cowher said that Neil O’Donnell will sit out Sunday’s game against Indianapolis because of a pulled hamstring in his right leg and Bubby Brister will start at quarterback. . . . Dallas Cowboy Coach Jimmy Johnson promoted rookie Kevin Smith, the team’s top draft pick, to starting left cornerback over Issiac Holt. . . . Cody Carlson will start at quarterback for the Houston Oilers on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, replacing Warren Moon, who has a broken left arm.
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