Enquirer news services

Eric Crouch has quit the NFL for the second time in 11 months.

The 2001 Heisman Trophy winner from Nebraska left the Green Bay Packers on the eve of full-squad workouts, which began Tuesday. He had hoped to win a job as one of Brett Favre's backups, but coach Mike Sherman said Crouch had little chance at beating out the three QBs ahead of him in that race, including former Bengals first-round draft choice Akili Smith.

Crouch sat out last season after the St. Louis Rams drafted him in the third round and tried to convert him into a wide receiver.

He was set to play quarterback in the Canadian Football League, which he thought could be a springboard to the NFL, when the Packers claimed him off waivers this spring.

He left camp Monday night after speaking with Sherman, and the Packers placed him on the reserve/retired list.

TEXANS: Andre Johnson, the first-round draft pick of Houston, honored a promise that he would be at training camp on time when he signed a six-year contract worth almost $39 million.

The wide receiver from the Miami Hurricanes was the third player chosen in the NFL draft in April. He will get a $13.51 million signing bonus and will report to camp at the Texans' home facility Friday.

STEELERS: Dan Rooney has passed leadership of the Pittsburgh franchise to his son the same way he became head of the franchise - quietly. With little to note the change - except for barely noticeable changes in the team media guide - Dan Rooney, 71, named son Art Rooney II, 50, as his replacement as president of the Steelers.

BROWNS: Cleveland opened rookie camp Tuesday in Berea, Ohio, without their seven draft choices. The team had not come to contract terms with any of the players, including first-round pick Jeff Faine, a center from Notre Dame.

RAMS: St. Louis released third-string quarterback Scott Covington, a former Bengal, and Joe Cooper, a free agent linebacker from Ohio State signed in January.

NINERS: Quarterback Jeff Garcia might not be ready for the start of camp this week after injuring his back during an offseason workout. The three-time Pro Bowl selection , who has started 53 consecutive games, has a protruding disc.

BRONCOS: Defensive tackle Daryl Gardener will have surgery after tearing wrist ligaments during a fight last week and is expected to miss the first two weeks of the season.

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