Comeback stories could help 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The comebacks of three players in 2015 would go a long way toward helping team. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-May-Get-Boost-from-Comeback-Candidates-310952541.html

DT duo, plus Lofton, should anchor Oakland defense

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive tackles Dan Williams and Justin Ellis, plus MLB Curtis Lofton should make Oakland's run defense better. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Strength-Up-the-Middle-on-Defense-Should-Help-310946321.html

49ers corners could be a mix-and-match group under Mangini

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Roles may be fluid for cornerbacks on the 49ers in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Manginis-Cornerback-Corps-Will-be-Flexible-and-Versatile-310686831.html

Can tall receiver Kris Durham be a Raiders' special weapon?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: 6-foot-6 Kris Durham, a former Lions starter, is trying to make the Oakland wide receiver corps. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Long-Tall-Durham-Could-be-a-Red-Zone-Threat-310677041.html

Linebacker Lemonier hoping to rebound in 2015

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Going into his third season, Corey Lemonier has made some changes he hopes will lead to better play. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Lemonier-Hoping-to-Bounce-Back-for-49ers-310093181.html

Undrafted WR Austin Willis hopes to catch on with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: He's small and comes from a Div. II program, but Austin Willis has lightning speed. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Speedy-Undrafted-Willis-Hopes-to-Beat-Long-Odds-With-Raiders-310084811.html

49ers' offensive line entering a new zone

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Zone blocking will be added to 49ers' scheme in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Changes-Coming-to-49ers-Offensive-Line-309829771.html

Can Rivera hold off Walford at tight end?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Mychal Rivera, entering his third year, may have a hard time keeping his starting job at tight end. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Rivera-Will-Try-to-Hold-Off-Walford-309821791.html

Longtime Raider Reece sees Del Rio as the right man for job

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Marcel Reece says head coach Jack Del Rio is the right man to turn the team around. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Reece-Sees-Del-Rio-as-the-Right-Leader-at-the-Right-Time-309551561.html

Lynch could make bigger impact in Year 2

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Even if Aaron Lynch doesn't start at outside linebacker, he's sure to make plays. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Lynch-in-Position-to-Make-Bigger-Impact-in-Year-2-309557661.html

Retired teacher Newton Baker long dreamed of running across the United States, but recently thought it would never happen; but at 73, he finally achieved his goal

Newton Baker is 73 and twice has had cancer. But he's a passionate ultra runner. Nothing keeps him from running. He achieved a lifetime goal by running from the coast of California to Washington, D.C., as a fund-raiser for organizations that help children stay fit, active and healthy. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/13082541/endurance-sports-cancer-survivor-newton-baker-helps-kids-run-usa

Larry Forman keeps walking his way to fitness, fun ... and interesting places. He founded the Walkabout International club almost 40 years ago

Larry Forman has always been a walker, since his days growing up in Rhode Island. In 1977, he founded the San Diego-based walking club, Walkabout International, and has been trekking his way to fitness, fun and an active life. My story on Forman for the Active San Diego feature in the Health section of the San Diego Union-Tribune. http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/jun/23/instilling-a-passion-for-walking/

49ers' Mangini inspired by time spent coaching offense

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive coordinator Eric Mangini says he learned a lot in two years coaching on the other side of the football. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Time-on-Offense-Gave-49ers-Mangini-Some-New-Ideas-309316601.html

Veteran lineman J'Marcus Webb rebounding with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: J'Marcus Webb, who was released by two teams in a year, may be competing for a starting job in Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Webb-Giving-Raiders-Some-Depth-on-Offensive-Line-309309441.html

NFL Films' Cosell: 49ers have plenty of talent for 2015

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Longtime NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell acknowledges the 49ers have lost a lot, but says after watching recent practices that the team remains full of talent. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Plenty-of-Talent-Still-Remains-on-49ers-Roster-309034901.html

Pro Football Focus not impressed by Raiders roster

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: According to analytic website Pro Football Focus, the Raiders have just one outstanding player: Khalil Mack. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Despite-Changes-Raiders-Roster-Doesnt-Impress-Some-308435441.html

49ers receivers coach believes in Patton

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Ronald Curry sees a lot of upside to receiver Quinton Patton. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Receivers-Coach-Eager-for-Patton-to-Get-Opportunity-308442801.html

Dorsey figures as versatile defender for 49ers in 2015

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Glenn Dorsey, previously a nose tackle for 49ers, will likely play at defensive end in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Dorsey-Could-Have-Key-Versatile-Role-for-49ers-in-2015-308181411.html

So far, Amari Cooper is wowing the Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wideout Amari Cooper has been everything (and more) so far for Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/So-Far-Cooper-is-Exceeding-Expectations-308172191.html

Word from 49ers camp: Kaepernick thriving in new environment

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: After regressing in 2014, Colin Kaepernick is showing signs that he'll be a much better QB in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Some-Believe-Kaepernick-is-Ready-for-a-Big-Turnaround-307894761.html

Raiders' Ponder says he's grown in past two seasons

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland backup QB Christian Ponder says the adversity he's faced in recent seasons has made him better. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Ponder-Believes-Hes-Learned-Improved-Through-Adversity-307903781.html

Undrafted WR DeAndre White is surprising 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Alabama wideout DeAndre White has looked terrific in offseason workouts with 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Undrafted-Receiver-DeAndre-White-Flashing-Potential-With-49ers-307607311.html

Analysts may be underrating Raiders backfield

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders' backfield recently was ranked 30th among 32 NFL teams, but what Latavius Murray and Co. do in 2015 could be surprising. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Running-Back-Corps-May-be-Underrated-307599101.html

49ers' Ward hopes to be ready for training camp

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers' No. 1 pick of 2014, Jimmie Ward, has been unable to practice in the team's offseason workouts but hopes to be fit by training camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49er-Ward-Hopes-to-be-Ready-for-Training-Camp-307379771.html

Raiders figure to be a player for free-agent guard Evan Mathis

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Is ex-Eagles Pro Bowl guard Evan Mathis, now a free agent, a good fit with Raiders? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Certainly-Could-Use-Pro-Bowl-Guard-Mathis-307372151.html

Faster tempo seems to suit Kaepernick

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: New offensive coordinator Geep Chryst predicts Colin Kaepernick will take well to offense's faster tempo in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Kaepernick-Enjoying-Quicker-Tempo-New-Offensive-Approach-307129291.html

Del Rio and coordinators getting thumbs up from Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders players like the new atmosphere and direction under Jack Del Rio and his coordinators. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Appear-Energized-by-Del-Rio-and-Co-307125441.html

49ers excited by the speed they're seeing from newcomers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners have lost a lot this offseason, but what they've gained is speed. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Young-Raiders-Cornerbacks-Ready-to-Prove-Themselves-306967491.html

Young cornerbacks eager for starring roles with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders let their two veteran starting corners go in free agency at the end of 2014 and now three young CBs are eager for their shots. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Young-Raiders-Cornerbacks-Ready-to-Prove-Themselves-306967491.html

On 20th anniversary of the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, athletes, administrators talk about its positive overall impact on the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic programs

The Olympic Training Center was supposed to have a pool and gym when it opened in 1995. Twenty years later, it still has neither. But it has beach volleyball courts and three BMX tracks and other new facilities added over the years. My story for TeamUSA.org on the OTC's place in the Olympic and Paralympic programs 20 years in. http://www.teamusa.org/News/2015/June/10/Chula-Vista-Olympic-Training-Center-Grows-Adapts-Over-Its-Two-Decades

Did Eric Reid also consider retiring because of concussions?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers safety Eric Reid may have thought about retiring because of three concussions in his two seasons ... or maybe not. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Reid-Disputes-Report-He-Considered-Retiring-306781071.html

Norton hopes Raiders defense takes on his personality

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive coordinator Ken Norton is energetic and intense, and says that's the way he wants his defense to be, too. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Enthusiastic-Norton-Believes-Raiders-Defense-Can-be-Strong-306784801.html

Who will fill the void at right tackle for 49ers?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: With the retirement of Anthony Davis, Alex Boone, rookie Trent Brown and veteran Erik Pears all appear to be candidates to play right tackle. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/A-Battle-Looms-for-49ers-at-Right-Tackle-306645831.html

Can former Nevada QB Cody Fajardo make Raiders roster?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Undrafted free agent Cody Fajardo is fourth on the Raiders depth chart at QB and faces long odds. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Odds-Stacked-Against-Fajardo-to-Make-Raiders-Roster-306640051.html

With changed diet and embrace of exercise, Pam and Dennis Mudd are enjoying being fitter and healthier than ever in their 50s

Pamela and Dennis Mudd, both 53, believe in being active every day and eating a healthy diet -- absent of processed foods. A profile of the couple for the Active San Diego series in the Health section of the San Diego Union-Tribune. http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/jun/09/couple-mediterranean-diet-exercise/

Hudson might be underrated pickup for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The signing of center Rodney Hudson might pale in comparison to other Raiders pickups this offseason -- but that would be a mistake. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Hudson-an-Underrated-Acquisition-306494991.html

Would 49ers trade Kaepernick in a rebuilding effort?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: John Clayton of ESPN suggests that 49ers might consider trading Colin Kaepernick now that so many key players have been lost. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Would-49ers-Mass-Exodus-Prompt-Trade-of-Kaepernick-306499371.html

49ers will give Philip Wheeler a chance at inside linebacker

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Veteran linebacker Philip Wheeler is auditioning to help the 49ers at inside linebacker. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Believe-Veteran-Wheeler-Can-Help-at-Inside-Linebacker-306278171.html

Little Trindon Holliday can make a big difference on special teams

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: He's only 5-foot-5, but Trindon Holliday could give Raiders some big returns on their investment in him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Hoping-Holliday-Can-Spark-Return-Game-306273321.html

Shareece Wright confident he can start for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The competition will be stiff to start at cornerback, but veteran Shareece Wright believes he has the skill and experience to win a job. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Wright-Confident-He-Can-Win-a-Cornerback-Job-With-49ers-306144801.html

Curtis Lofton already showing leadership with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: New middle linebacker Curtis Lofton is leading by example -- and a strong voice -- for Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Durable-Lofton-Becoming-a-Leader-for-Raiders-306141521.html

Reggie Bush wants to return punts for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Reggie Bush could make an impact as a ballcarrier, receiver and punt returner in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Bush-Eager-to-Make-Impact-With-49ers-305994281.html

Mack seeks greatness in his second year with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker Khalil Mack was outstanding as a rookie, but he wants much more. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Mack-Wants-to-be-Much-Better-in-Second-Year-305998321.html

New book, "Target Tokyo," reveals new angles to Jimmy Doolittle's 1942 raid on Japan that answered the attack on Pearl Harbor

The story of the U.S. raid on Japan, led by Jimmy Doolittle, has been told often since 1942. But a new book by historian James M. Scott -- using documents uncovered in Japan, China and the U.S. -- tells a far more extensive story of the 80 men (and the price many paid) who bombed Japan in B-25s to avenge the attack on Pearl Harbor four months earlier. My review of "Target Tokyo" for the San Diego Union-Tribune books section: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2015/may/29/doolittle-raid-retold-target-tokyo/

Raiders coaches saying "yay yay" for linebacker Ray-Ray

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker Ray-Ray Armstrong, who played most of 2014 with Oakland, is opening eyes of new coaching staff. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Armstrong-Working-Hard-to-Make-Raiders-305688991.html

Jerome Simpson a talented veteran in 49ers' WR mix

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Ex-Viking and Bengal Jerome Simpson is fast and acrobatic and stands a good chance of making the 49ers' 2015 roster.http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Simpson-is-Shining-in-49ers-Practices-305694961.html

49ers will be traveling men in 2015 season

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers will travel more miles than any other NFL team in the 2015 regular season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Face-Big-Miles-as-Well-as-Big-Challenges-in-2015-305382821.html