Saturday, December 7, 2002
Vick's shoes fit in Hall's coffers
NFL notebook
The Associated Press
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. - Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick's shoes are headed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Hall called to request the shoes Vick wore in Sunday's 30-24 overtime victory at Minnesota, Falcons spokesman Aaron Salkin said Friday.
"Mike was fired up," Salkin said. "We'll send them up overnight."
Vick's 173 yards rushing set a single-game record for NFL quarterbacks. Green Bay's Tobin Rote set the previous mark of 150 yards in a loss to the Chicago Bears on Nov. 18, 1951.
Vick, who won the game with a 46-yard TD run, leads the Falcons with 648 yards rushing. His 8.1 yards-per-carry average tops the NFL.
Atlanta (8-3-1) visits Tampa Bay (9-3) in an NFC South showdown Sunday.
Dallas running back Emmitt Smith sent his shoes to the Hall after becoming the NFL's leading career rusher Oct. 27.
BRONCOS: Denver right guard Dan Neil returned to practice, four days after undergoing surgery to remove particles from his left knee. Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said whether Neil plays Sunday against the New York Jets will be a game-time decision.
BUCS: Tampa Bay receiver Keyshawn Johnson returned to practice after being excused for one day to handle personal business. Johnson filed for divorce from his wife of four years this week; he said he will play Sunday against the Falcons.
COLTS: All week, talk has centered on how much better Indianapolis' defense has performed this season. The greatest impact actually might be on offense.
Colts tight end Marcus Pollard acknowledged that the defense's improvement has been a "pleasant surprise" and said it has helped the offense.
"When you get a short field, you get turnovers, stuff like that, it helps," Pollard said. "I'd rather go 40 yards than 80 yards."
Wide receiver Marvin Harrison's next reception will give him the franchise record. He is tied with Hall of Famer Raymond Berry at 631 catches.
DOLPHINS: Miami quarterback Ray Lucas will back up Jay Fiedler in Monday night's game against the Bears. Lucas injured his shoulder in Sunday's loss to the Buffalo Bills and missed the last two days of practice.
GIANTS: Wide receiver Ron Dixon aggravated a knee injury, and his status for Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins is uncertain. Linebackers Mike Barrow (concussion) and Dhani Jones (ankle), and cornerback Will Peterson (concussion) aren't expected to play.
PACKERS: Green Bay could be without four starters Sunday night against the Vikings. Running back Ahman Green, wide receiver Terry Glenn, defensive tackle Gilbert Brown and cornerback Tyrone Williams didn't practice the entire week, and Packers coach Mike Sherman said he didn't know if they would be ready for the game.
RAMS: All-Pro running back Marshall Faulk could make his first start in a month Sunday. Faulk has been hampered by a sprained right ankle and played as a reserve in last week's 10-3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
RAVENS: The NFL denied Baltimore receiver Javin Hunter's appeal of a four-game suspension for using the banned substance ephedrine. Hunter will miss the final four regular-season games, but he will be eligible for any playoff games.
TITANS: Tennessee defensive end Jevon Kearse practiced, but whether he plays Sunday against the Colts will be a game-time decision. Since Kearse broke his left foot in the season opener, his work on the practice field had been limited to running on the side or with the scout team.
ETC: Former Vikings running back David Palmer was arrested in Fultondale, Ala., on a misdemeanor charge of marijuana possession. Palmer, 30, was charged and released from jail after he posted $500 bond.
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Security on high alert for unruly fans
Enquirer Tipoff page
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UC-Xavier Q&A
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Miami six from 500th MAC win
Roberson, No. 8 Florida slide past Florida State
UC FOOTBALL
Guidugli leads UC to C-USA title
OTHER COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Title game awaits if 'Canes are able
Bulldogs' eyes turn to Hurricanes
REDS / BASEBALL
Reds willing to part with Griffey
Reds re-sign starter Haynes
Fans tabbed to name team's new mascot
Indians ship Diaz, Drese for Thome's replacement
KENTUCKY FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS
Mayfield 14, Beechwood 7
Beechwood notebook
Haddix, Breathitt County set records in lopsided win
OTHER PREP SPORTS
Moeller 55, Kettering Alter 42
Lakota West 52, Hamilton 43
Prep basketball roundup
High school results, schedules
BENGALS / NFL
For Peete, Panthers' ups, downs all positive
Steelers WR Ward finally getting recognition
Vick's shoes fit in Hall's coffers
SPORTS ON TV
Sports today on TV
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