A poet, philanthropist, artist, and environmentalist, Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Dhani Jones stars in what can only be described as a global sports odyssey — a Travel Channel new original series — Dhani Tackles the Globe (Monday nights, 9 p.m. ET).
Photo courtesy Travel Channel
By actively participating in some of the most beloved national pastimes from around the world, Dhani discovers that sports have the universal ability to open a window into a culture, define a destination, and unlock a common passion in people that is as different as it is familiar. Tapping into his athletic abilities, Dhani experiences the thrills …read more

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Buffalo Bills receiver Terrell Owens will continue to wear the only number he has ever worn in his NFL career — number 81 — even though prior to his arrival in Buffalo, that number belonged to receiver James Hardy. Apparently, the Bills went to James and asked him if he cared. And even though I don’t think it really mattered if he cared or not, there didn’t seem to be any resistance about giving the number to T.O. Some media are trying to make a big deal out of this because T.O. didn’t actually ask …read more

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In one of the more surprising moves this offseason, the Buffalo Bills signed enigmatic receiver Terrell Owens to a one-year, $6.5 million contract today. On one hand, this acquisition makes sense for Buffalo. They need the offensive weaponry. The Bills’ offense the past two seasons has been anemic. They were 30th in total offense two years ago and only improved to 25th in total offense last season. And quarterback Trent Edwards’ first two seasons — while showing flashes of brilliance — were nothing that would make me think he’s on the same path as, let’s …read more

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After suffering through a miserable 1-15 rookie season, Miami Dolphins center Samson Satele and his teammates are enjoying the fruits of their labor as the Dolphins accomplished the biggest single season turnaround in National Football League history. Personally, Samson continued to a current 32-game start streak, the longest in team history for an offensive lineman starting a career. The simple recap — the Dolphins went from being the worst team in the NFL to AFC East champs with a home field Wild Card game this weekend against the Baltimore Ravens. I talked with Samson …read more

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You’ve heard the phrase “defense wins championships.” Think that’s an antiquated notion? The Pittsburgh Steelers certainly don’t. In the Steel City — where defense has been and always will be king — bloodying opposing offenses is what matters most. The modern day “Steel Curtain” is currently ranked first in pass defense (163.3 ypg) and total defense (239.1 ypg). And they’re second in run defense (75.8 ypg). Head coach Mike Tomlin brought his defensive mind to Pittsburgh last year and continues in a longstanding tradition that heralds defensive dominance. I caught-up with Steelers 2007 first …read more

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Baltimore Ravens safety Jim Leonhard is a perfect fit in the team’s complicated defensive scheme. And his natural athletic ability and competitive nature more than make up for his lack of prototypical physical dimensions. Originally signed by the Buffalo Bills as a rookie free agent in 2005, Jim joined the Ravens this year and he now finds himself not only starting at strong safety opposite perennial All-Pro and future Hall-of-Famer Ed Reed, but also returning kickoffs and punts. For a defense that has been hit hard by several season-ending injuries, the Ravens haven’t missed …read more

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With key offseason acquisitions like defensive end Jared Allen and receiver Bernard Berrian, the Minnesota Vikings had the kind of 2008 expectations worthy of a Super Bowl contender. As it turns out, the first half of this season didn’t quite go as planned. But coming off one of their most complete games of the season, a 28-21 win over the Houston Texans, the Vikings are back to .500 and close to playing the kind of football they expected of themselves in training camp. I interviewed Vikings cornerback (and 2nd leading tackler) Cedric Griffin from …read more

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After barely missing the playoffs last season, the Cleveland Browns and their high-octane offense (the NFL’s 8th best overall) were poised with high expectations for a playoff-bound 2008. After a struggling start this season, the Browns have won three of four. With their confidence growing, they face rival Baltimore in a crucial Week 9 AFC North battle — and then conference foe Denver to open NFL Network’s Thursday Night schedule — all in the span of five short days. I spoke with Browns tight end Darnell Dinkins after practice to get the lowdown on …read more

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After a disappointing end to an up-and-down four-year career with the N.Y. Jets, offensive lineman Adrian Jones just wanted another opportunity. Kansas City Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards (who drafted Adrian when he was coaching in New York) gave him that chance. Adrian has resurrected his career in KCMO and reunited with coach Edwards, where he’s the starting right guard on an offensive line that blazes a trail for superstar running back (and this week’s FedEx Ground Player of the Week) Larry Johnson. I caught up with AJ after practice today to talk about …read more

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N.Y. Jets defensive back Darrelle Revis is destined to be one of the NFL’s best. After a successful rookie campaign that saw him start all 16 games and earn a spot on the Pro Football Weekly All-Rookie team, Darrelle began this 2008 season on the right foot with a memorable first interception — an acrobatic, game-clinching INT in the endzone to ice Sunday’s 20-14 Kickoff Weekend victory over the Miami Dolphins. I spoke with Darrelle on the phone from the Jets locker room during the team’s afternoon media availability today.

0:10 – Game-clinching INT beats …read more