Justin Smith among NFL's most indispensable defenders

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Justin Smith is lifting weights again and reportedly on track to be ready for work on Day 1 of the 49ers' summer training camp. That's good news for the Niners. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/With-Strength-Back-Justin-Smith-Will-be-Impact-Player-Again-209667341.html

Winter Vinecki, a multipurpose athlete driven to fight cancer because of the early death of her father, hopes to become the youngest runner to complete seven marathons on seven continents

At just 14 years of age, Winter Vinecki is an amazing young athlete and person, a high achiever in school and athletics. She's an aerial skier with hopes of competing in the 2018 Winter Games, a top age-group triathlete and a marathoner who hopes this year to complete seven marathons on seven continents. Much of what she does is fueled by the drive to raise money and attention to fight cancer, which took her father at a very early age. My story on Winter for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/9323262/endurance-sports-vinecki-runs-memory-late-father

Jason Hunter is a low-risk, high-reward pickup for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive Jason Hunter missed all of last season to a torn triceps muscle in Denver, but now is a low-cost pickup for the Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Hoping-for-Hunters-Return-to-Form-209509421.html

49ers' Kyle Williams is up and running again

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wideout Kyle Williams, whose season was cut short by a knee injury in 2012, is almost done with rehab and will be ready for training camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Kyle-Williams-is-on-Track-for-Training-Camp-209514031.html

Snyder, back with 49ers, will be valuable backup

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Adam Snyder will be an important backup for the 49ers this coming season, capable of filling in at guard, center or tackle. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Snyder-Happy-to-be-Back-with-49ers-in-Valuable-Backup-Role-209350341.html

Bergstrom gets chance to be Raiders' left guard

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tony Bergstrom, in his second season, gets a chance to impress new offensive line coach Tony Sparano and win Raiders' left guard job. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Door-of-Opportunity-is-Open-to-Raiders-Bergstrom-209343571.html

Asomugha looks good in early 49ers workouts

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers didn't pay much to bring in cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. But the rewards could be high. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Early-Returns-are-Positive-for-49ers-Asomugha-209177821.html

Woodson eager to show he's still 'best player on the field'

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Charles Woodson may be 36, but the Raiders' new safety says he's not ready to be just a mentor to his teammates ... he wants to be an impact player. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders--Woodson-Still-Wants-to-be-Best-Player-on-the-Field-209170041.html

In any ranking of innovative NFL coaches who had a major impact on the game, Don Coryell must be a part of the conversation

The critics will say that Don Coryell never won a Super Bowl, and they'd be right. Yet Coryell, the only coach to win 100 games both at the NFL and college level, had an impact on the NFL game that is still seen decades after his coaching career ended. He opened up the passing game, created mismatches through shifts and breakthrough formations, was a pioneer of the I formation, brought the best out in his players and saw talent in young assistant coaches that he nurtured, sending them off to do great things. While Coryell never won a Super Bowl, he had more of an impact on modern football than many coaches who did. My story for ESPN.com's NFL section, as part of its series on great coaches. http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/page/coachingtreecoryell130524/greatest-nfl-coaches-don-coryell-branch-sid-gillman-coaching-tree?src=mobile

Where's Vernon Davis? 49ers need to find him in 2013

Daily 49ers blog on NBC Bay Area website: With the absence of Michael Crabtree looming in 2013, the Niners may have to turn to an almost-forgotten receiver, tight end Vernon Davis.http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Kaepernick-Davis-Will-Need-to-Work-on-Chemistry-209060841.html

Reid's education as a 49ers safety is beginning

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After his first week of organized team activities with rookies and veterans, 49ers' No. 1 pick Eric Reid says he feels out-of-step at the safety position... so far. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Reid-Soaking-it-all-in-at-Safety-208818591.html

For one game, Braves owner Ted Turner stepped in to manage his team ... until baseball's management czars stepped in to give him the thumb

Ted Turner was a brash, outspoken owner of the Atlanta Braves in 1977 who saw his team lose 16 games in a row. He decided to do something about it, stepping into the dugout and putting on a uniform to manage the team and give himself an up-close-and-personal look at what was going on. After one game in the dugout, however, NL president Chub Feeney and baseball commissioner Bowie Kuhn told Turner to get back in the owner's box. My story for ESPN.com's Playbook section: http://espn.go.com/blog/playbook/fandom/post/_/id/22066/the-night-ted-turner-managed-the-braves

Without Crabtree, 49ers' Kaepernick will have to grow

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The loss of Michael Crabtree to an Achilles' tendon tear means Colin Kaepernick will be without his favorite receiver. The young QB will have to grow to make up for the loss. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Loss-of-Crabtree-Will-Force-Kaepernick-to-Grow-208661401.html

Raiders' Taiwan Jones faces long odds at cornerback

Daily Raiders' blog for NBC Bay Area website: Taiwan Jones agreed to switch from running back to cornerback, but his chances of making the Raiders team for 2013 look small. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/New-Cornerback-Jones-Faces-Long-Odds-With-Raiders-208655111.html

Who's got it better than San Francisco 49ers?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Over the past two-plus seasons, the 49ers have had the Midas touch, from hiring GM Trent Baalke to landing the Super Bowl for their new stadium. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Keep-Finding-Gold-Nuggets-208497241.html

With Woodson, Raiders' secondary now has full makeover

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The addition of safety Charles Woodson concludes a full-scale makeover of the Oakland secondary. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Remaking-of-Raiders-Secondary-is-Now-Complete-208491441.html

B.J. Daniels faces long odds to make 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former South Florida QB B.J. Daniels is versatile and talented and will get a chance to make the 49ers as a QB, running back, receiver and kick/punt returner. But with a talented roster already in place, he may be facing a losing numbers game. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Daniels-is-Intriguing-but-Faces-Long-Odds-to-Make-49ers-208336041.html

Matt Flynn starts work to win No. 1 QB job with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Matt Flynn, acquired from Seattle this offseason, began  team OTAs this week as No. 1 on the quarterback depth chart. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Flynn-Begins-Quest-to-Win-Raiders-QB-Job-208329421.html

Is No. 81 cursed for the 49ers? Since Terrell Owens left the team almost a decade ago, the number has brought no luck to its wearers

Anquan Boldin has worn No. 81 proudly and effectively for both the Cardinals and Ravens. Now he'll wear it in San Francisco for the 49ers. Is that a mistake? Since Terrell Owens left in a huff, no receivers wearing the number have had any good luck with it in a Niners uniform. My story for ESPN.com's Playbook section: http://espn.go.com/blog/playbook/fandom/post/_/id/21982/will-boldin-break-the-49ers-curse-of-no-81

Kaepernick's leadership role with 49ers is evident

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Colin Kaepernick has demonstrated leadership skills this offseason with his team. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Kaepernick-Growing-into-Leadership-Role-208133501.html

A.J. Jenkins beefs up for sophomore season with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Last year's No. 1 pick A.J. Jenkins has made a heavyweight commitment to get stronger this offseason so he can get on the field. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Jenkins-Appears-Ready-to-Fight-For-Receiver-Spot-207868271.html

Langford's ironman pitching streak in 1980 -- 22 consecutive complete games -- is something from a bygone era of baseball

Back in 1980, Oakland A's pitcher had a streak of 22 consecutive complete games. In every start from May through mid-September, he went the distance. In all, he threw 28 complete games that season as part of Billy Martin's "Billy Ball"-era rotation of "Five Aces," when the Oakland manager went against the grain and didn't lean on a bullpen. In this era of six-inning quality starts, Langford's streak seems like something from a long, bygone time. My story for ESPN.com's Playbook section: http://espn.go.com/blog/playbook/fandom/post/_/id/21805/discover-one-of-baseballs-forgotten-streaks

Manningham may not be ready for start of 49ers camp

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Receiver Mario Manningham says his rehab from a torn knee ligament is going well and he anticipates being ready for the season ahead, but also says he may not be ready to go by the start of summer camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Manningham-May-Not-be-Ready-for-Start-of-Training-Camp-207720941.html

Ex-Vikings punter Kluwe signs with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Vikings punter Chris Kluwe, released by the Vikings in early May, has announced he is signing with the Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Kluwe-Announces-Hes-Signed-With-Raiders-207709801.html

Does 49ers' Eric Reid have NFL-ready coverage skills?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Nobody questions Eric Reid's athletic ability, toughness or intelligence. Some wonder, however, if the team's No. 1 pick from LSU can improve the 49ers' pass coverage. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Some-Question-Safety-Eric-Reids-Coverage-Skills-207540711.html

Now that Frank Gore is 30, how much does he have left?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: With Frank Gore's 30th birthday today, many wonder how much longer he can continue to be productive. For most NFL running backs, 30 is the 'invisible barrier' that many can't break through. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Gore-Hits-Age-30-the-Invisible-Barrier-for-NFL-Running-Backs-207382161.html

Raiders' sixth-round pick Latavius Murray could be McFadden's backup

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: At Central Florida, running back Latavius Murray not only had a nose for the end zone, but he showed his skills as a fine receiver. He could be just the No. 2 back Oakland is seeking. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Sixth-round-Pick-Murray-May-Play-HIs-Way-Into-Backfield-207373671.html

Former Staff Sgt. Rico Roman, who lost a leg in Iraq, is now skating toward Sochi as part of U.S. Paralympic sled hockey team

Rico Roman played football, basketball and wrestled in high school in Portland, Ore. Hockey was something he didn't know or care about. But after losing a leg to an improved explosive device on his third deployment to Iraq, Roman was seeking new ways to stoke his competitive fire. He found it in sled hockey, a fast, physical sport in which he can bang opponents the same way he used to in football. My story on Roman for the U.S. Olympic website's Go For The Gold series on TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2013/January/01/Go-For-The-Gold-Home/Go-For-The-Gold-Rico-Roman.aspx

New 49er MarQueis Gray making transition from QB to TE

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: At the University of Minnesota, MarQueis Gray was an option QB and wide receiver. Now he's trying to make the 49ers roster as an "athlete," by earning a job as a versatile tight end, halfback and special teams contributor. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Former-College-QB-Gray-Hoping-to-Make-49ers-in-New-Role-207216261.html

Tyler Wilson is darkhorse candidate to be Raiders QB

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tyler Wilson, a fourth-round draft choice, looks good in first minicamp. Some believe he might challenge Matt Flynn and Terrelle Pryor for Raiders quarterback job. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Tyler-Wilson-Looks-Good-in-Raiders-Rookie-Minicamp-207209021.html

Niners' new Tank eager to get rolling

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive end Cornelius "Tank" Carradine, a second-round pick, will be the team's rookie camp this weekend, though he won't be able to go through drills. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Eager-to-Get-Their--Tank-Rolling-206926011.html

Raiders may bring in punter to challenge Marquette King

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Marquette King, signed last year as an undrafted free agent, may be the No. 1 punting candidate to replace Shane Lechler, but Raiders are likely to bring in a veteran to challenge him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Seek-Veteran-Punter-to-Push-King-206921591.html

After 31 years, firefighter made the leap into a new career: now he's teaching people to skydive

Rich Grimm runs Tsunami Skydivers out of the Oceanside airport, taking both veterans and first-timers high into the sky above the Pacific and North County for drops. Grimm, a firefighter for 31 years, has himself made thousands of skydives and still makes the leap as often as he can. My profile of Grimm for the "On the Job" series in U-T San Diego's North County edition: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2013/may/10/tp-taking-the-plunge-proves-to-be-a-good-business/

49ers' Haralson is healthy again. But will he have a job?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Outside linebacker Parys Haralson missed all of 2012 with a torn triceps. Now he's fit again but faces stiff competition for a roster spot. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Haralsons-Healthy-Again-But-Will-Have-to-Fight-for-a-Job-206771131.html

Lockette may have a shot to make 49ers receiving corps

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Ricardo Lockette has been working out with Colin Kaepernick this offseason, and the 49ers think the ex-Seahawk and college track standout might have a place on this year's receiving corps. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Lockette-Eager-to-Fight-For-a-Spot-on-49ers-Receiving-Corps-206601241.html

A healthy Jacoby Ford would be big for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders really haven't had a healthy Jacoby Ford since his rookie year in 2010. His return would be a big lift in 2013. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Fords-Healthy-Return-Would-Give-Raiders-a-Jolt-206593751.html

Colt McCoy is happy in new role with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Colt McCoy knows he won't the the starter for the 49ers this season, but he's absolutely fine with that. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Colt-McCoy-is-Happy-in-New-Role-Eager-to-Soak-up-Playbook-206435121.html

How good is Raiders' Matt Flynn? There are skeptics

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Matt Flynn is the presumed starter for the Oakland Raiders at quarterback this season. But how good is he? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Many-Still-Question-How-Good-Flynn-Can-be-for-Raiders-206427531.html

To some collectors, beat-up baseball cards are things of beauty; cards are treasured for their character, nostalgia value

If they're folded, spindled and mutilated in any way, old baseball cards are treasures to card collector Anthony Tarantino. He, like a small minority of baseball card collectors, doesn't care about mint-condition cards or collecting cards for their investment value. He loves cards for their nostalgia and character and stories, such as: "Why did someone draw a mustache on Phil Rizzuto?" My story for ESPN.com's Playbook section: http://espn.go.com/blog/playbook/fandom/post/_/id/21560/the-value-of-beat-up-baseball-cards

Trade for Boldin ranks as one of NFL's best deals

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers acquired receiver Anquan Boldin for just a sixth-round pick. That deal is possibly the most lopsided trade this offseason in the NFL, considering that Boldin, at 32, may be as strong a leader as he is a receiver. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Trade-for-Boldin-Ranks-Among-Top-Offseason-Deals-206270381.html

Young football players are flocking to long-snapping camps with hopes of perfecting the skill and earning college scholarships

In an age of football specialization, young football players are flocking to long-snapping camps in order to perfect the skill and earn college scholarships. And, it's working. More and more college coaches are looking for almost made-to-order long snappers to plug into their programs and ensure stability at a key position for four years. My story for ESPN.com's Playbook section: http://espn.go.com/blog/playbook/fandom/post/_/id/21533/lines-growing-long-at-long-snapping-camps

Apparently, Niners' eyes were always on McDonald as TE

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Many thought the 49ers would target Zach Ertz of Stanford as a tight end on draft day, but it turns out Rice's Vance McDonald was the guy they wanted. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/New-Tight-End-McDonald-Could-be-Perfect-Fit-for-49ers-205974951.html

Former Duke receiver Vernon could be a catch for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Duke wideout Conner Vernon was bypassed in the draft, but some believe his great hands and precise routes could make him a top-flight NFL receiver. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Crop-of-Undrafted-Free-Agents-Looks-Good-205966531.html

Harbaugh may play quarterback B.J. Daniels all over field

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: When the 49ers took South Florida quarterback B.J. Daniels in the seventh round, they were excited to get a versatile player who might also contribute as a kick returner, running back and receiver. Coach Jim Harbaugh calls him a "Swiss Army knife" of versatility. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Excited-About-Quarterbacks-Versatility-205793541.html

South Africa wins world hockey championship (in Div. III) with help from American coach

Bob Mancini has been shuttling back and forth between the U.S. and South Africa the past couple of years, as USA Hockey has committed to help grow that nation's hockey program. When the South African coach had to suddenly step aside because of health issues, Mancini led South Africa to an IIHF world championship. My story for USA Hockey: http://usahockey.com/Players/Youth/Features/ManciniSouthAfrica.aspx

Raiders didn't want to 'force' a pick for defensive line

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland needed defensive line help going into the draft, but decided to go another direction with its top picks because it didn't like the value that was there. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Didnt-Want-to-Force-a-Pick-for-Defensive-Lineman-205608621.html

49ers see Auburn's Corey Lemonier as outside linebacker

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: At Auburn, Corey Lemonier was a defensive end. Now the recent San Francisco draft pick will be making the transition to outside linebacker, a la Aldon Smith, who made the same transition in 2011. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hope-Lemonier-Can-Flourish-Like-Aldon-Smith-205618321.html

For Mr. Irrelevant, the NFL's last shall be first during Irrelevant Week in Newport Beach

Not every player has embraced the title of Mr. Irrelevant for being selected last in the annual NFL Draft. But each has loved the gifts, the cheers and the outpouring of love during Irrelevant Week in Newport Beach, Calif. My story for ESPN.com's Playbook section: http://espn.go.com/blog/playbook/fandom/post/_/id/21474/irrelevant-week-is-pretty-well-relevant