49ers' Thomas, after waiting a year, finally gets to play

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Guard Brandon Thomas was a gamble pick by the 49ers in 2014 and now the team is eager for him to pay off. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Brandon-Thomas-Ready-to-Play-320282861.html

Cooper quietly confident on eve of first Raiders camp

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Amari Cooper says he's ready for his first pro season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Amari-Cooper-Quietly-Confident-Heading-Into-Raiders-Training-Camp-320276591.html

Training camp will be bigger test for 49ers' Simpson and White

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Receivers Jerome Simpson and DeAndre White shined in spring workouts, when contact wasn't allowed. What will happen to them in training camp? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Jerome-Simpson-DeAndrew-White-Training-Camp-Will-Test-Speedy-Receivers-320043611.html

Will Nate Allen pay off for Raiders in 2015?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Yes, Oakland likely paid way too much to get safety Nate Allen. But will he help the team? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Nate-Allen-Raiders-Hope-to-Get-Their-Moneys-Worth-320023941.html

Fueled by junk food and a competitive personality, 52-year-old Kurt Searvogel is cycling toward a world record

Kurt Searvogel admits he might be the most competitive person he knows. The software entrepreneur is more than halfway through his year-long attempt to break the 76-year-old world record for miles pedaled in a year, which is 75,000. He daily consumes Pop-Tarts, fast-food burgers, Little Debbie snacks and whole pizzas while also recovering from crashes, bee stings and broken bikes. My story on Searvogel for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/13336817/endurance-sports-kurt-searvogel-attempting-cycle-more-75000-miles-year

Vernon Davis no longer seems to be a "cut" candidate in camp

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: One national writer this week listed tight end Vernon Davis among his potential surprise candidates to be cut in training camp, but it now appears that's unlikely. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Vernon-Davis-Future-Again-Seems-Bright-With-49ers-319465921.html

Long shot Seth Roberts hoping to make Raiders as a wide receiver

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Seth Roberts, who spent 2014 on Oakland's practice squad, gets another shot this summer at making the team. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Roberts-Among-the-Long-Shots-Aiming-at-Raiders-Roster-319451861.html

Bethea is a pillar of 49ers' revamped defense

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Veteran safety Antoine Bethea is an often overlooked yet vital key to 49ers defense for 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Bethea-Should-Again-be-Smart-Solid-Element-of-49ers-Defense-318878101.html

Gabe Jackson in Pro Bowl? It could happen this season

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: As soon as this season, Raiders guard Gabe Jackson could transform into a Pro Bowler. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Jackson-Could-be-Destined-for-Pro-Bowl-318865191.html

Can Kaepernick regain his winning touch in the fourth quarter?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Colin Kaepernick worked to fix his mechanics and approach this offseason. Will that help his performance late in games?http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Kaepernick-Will-Need-to-be-Effective-in-the-Fourth-Quarter-318658381.html

Del Rio makes bold prediction about 2015 Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland has been an also-ran for more than a decade, yet new head coach Jack Del Rio says he sees no reason the Raiders can't win the AFC West title. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Del-Rio-Not-Shy-About-Optimism-318651361.html

Britney Henry has gone to great lengths -- and through many jobs -- to pursue her dream to make an Olympic team as a hammer thrower

Britney Henry is a former All-America hammer thrower at Oregon who ranks among the best in her sport in the United States. Like many female athletes, she has to juggle work and training while trying to be an elite performer. My story on her for ESPNW, the first in a series of stories for the website on working women athletes: http://espn.go.com/espnw/athletes-life/article/13308570/why-britney-henry-willing-go-debt-dream

Professional caddie at Pebble Beach carries bags for a living while also bagging top finishes at some of the toughest ultra marathon races

Michael Jimenez had gotten away from his love of running as a boy. But after rediscovering running through his daughter, the professional caddie at Pebble Beach can't get enough of it. The winner of a rugged, 100-mile ultra marathon around Big Bear in California will now tackle the ultra-tough Badwater 135-mile race in Death Valley next week. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/13307728/endurance-sports-pebble-beach-caddie-michael-jimenez-taking-badwater-135

49ers' Staley is no ordinary Joe

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Offensive tackle Joe Staley remains one of the NFL's most fierce and skilled run blockers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Joe-Staley-Still-Packs-Punch-For-Solid-Running-Attack-318435001.html

Six key position battles for Raiders in training camp

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: A new coaching staff and plenty of new players on the roster should lead to increased competition in Oakland's Napa training camp this summer. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Competition-Should-be-Fierce-at-Six-Key-Positions-318429111.html

Workout regimen should lead to more "explosiveness" for Murray

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Latavius Murray, after going through extensive workout program with a friend, promises to be more explosive in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Latavius-Murray-Up-for-The-Challenge-318290261.html

Marcus Martin says he'll take a big step up in 2015

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Second-year offensive lineman Marcus Martin says he's ready to dominate in 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Marcus-Martin-Worked-Hard-is-Eager-to-Dominate-in-2015-318294591.html

49ers' owner says Tomsula can do what Kerr did with Warriors

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers CEO Jed York says criticism of new head coach Jim Tomsula is off base, and Tomsula will change culture and produce a winner, just as Steve Kerr did with NBA's Warriors. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Jed-York-Compares-Tomsula-to-Warriors-Kerr-318133621.html

NFL panelists believe Carr will shine with a better cast

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: A panel of NFL coaches, scouts and execs believe Raiders QB Derek Carr did well as a rookie, despite an "awful" supporting cast. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/NFL-Coaches-Execs-Believe-Derek-Carr-Will-Make-Big-Leap-in-2015-With-Better-Cast-318138641.html

Bank of America executive Erwin Castillo discovered running as a route to better health and happiness

Erwin Castillo was going through a divorce and handling mountains of stress when he discovered running. Since then, his life is still hectic, but he's much happier. My story on Castillo for the Active San Diego series in the Union-Tribune Health section: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/jul/21/castillo-banker-goal-races/

Nickademus Hollon is powering through the world's toughest endurance races ... while also creating a few of his own, too

At 25, Nickademus Hollon is excelling in ultra-endurance events, an arena usually dominated by athletes in their 30s and 40s. He's the youngest ever to complete two of the world's hardest ultras, the Badwater and Barkleys ultramarathons. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/13295306/endurance-sports-nickademus-hollon-building-impressive-endurance-portfolio

Several Raiders face do-or-die seasons

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: What do DJ Hayden, Menelik Watson, Trent Richardson and Michael Crabtree all have in common? They need to come up big in 2015 for their careers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Several-Raiders-Face-Make-or-Break-Seasons-317808131.html

49ers' Wilhoite is working hard to get even better as a starter

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Michael Wilhoite, throughout his career, has been overlooked and undervalued, and that may be the case again going into 2015. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Michael-Wilhoite-Starting-317557881.html

McGloin says he's eager to compete for a job in training camp

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Matt McGloin says he welcomes the competition in training camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-McGloin-Eager-to-Prove-Himself-All-Over-Again-317551621.html

You've cut water use outside and inside for the past two years, and now you're being asked to cut more ... so what can you do?

With state and local agencies asking residents to cut water use even further -- following a couple of years in which most residents already have been cutting -- what's left to do? Experts say there still are several ways to save even more, with simple measures. My story for the Homes section of the Union-Tribune: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/jul/17/capturing-every-drop-of-water/#comments-module

Young talent will get a chance to shine on U.S. track team at Pan Am Games

The U.S. men's and women's track teams in Toronto for the 2015 Pan Am Games will be composed of Olympic veterans and young, up-and-coming talent we'll be hearing from at the next Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2015/July/17/Next-Generation-Of-US-Track-Stars-Pairs-With-Seasoned-Vets-At-Pan-Am-Games

Many believe Carlos Hyde will have a breakout year in 2015

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners plan to alternate three running backs in 2015, but it's possible that Carlos Hyde could be so effective that he becomes the team's primary back. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hyde-Could-be-Poised-for-a-Big-Season-316141531.html

Carr already connecting well with Cooper

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders QB Derek Carr already is the No. 1 fan of rookie receiver Amari Cooper.http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carr-Already-Has-Great-Chemistry-With-Cooper-316138311.html

Former Air Force standout Blane Morgan, now SDSU quarterbacks coach, promises to raise level of play of Aztecs QBs in 2015 season

Once, Blane Morgan was a classically successful option quarterback at Air Force, a skilled two-threat runner and passer. But after coaching several years at his alma mater, he's now quarterbacks coach at San Diego State. His bosses believe Morgan's drive, attention to detail and competitive nature will lift the overall level of play at the position. My story for San Diego State's alumni publication, 360 Magazine: http://newscenter.sdsu.edu/sdsu_newscenter/news_story.aspx?sid=75662

Ex-Eagle Pro Bowler Mathis could be nice pickup for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Will the 49ers go after Pro Bowl guard Evan Mathis, now a free agent? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Considering-Offer-to-Pro-Bowl-Guard-Evan-Mathis-315835231.html

Can receiver Brice Butler maintain his place on the roster?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Receiver Brice Butler has shown flashes that he could be a very effective receiver, but will have to hold off challengers this summer. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Butler-Faces-Challenge-to-Stick-on-Roster-315849981.html

U.S. basketball teams hoping to break long gold-medal droughts at Pan Am Games

U.S. basketball continues to rule in Olympics and World Championships, but both men and women haven't won gold for a while at the Pan Am Games. My story for TeamUSA.org. http://www.teamusa.org/News/2015/July/15/US-Basketball-Teams-Eager-To-Make-Up-For-Past-Shortcomings-At-Pan-Ams

Warner spells out how Kaepernick will be better in 2015

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former NFL QB Kurt Warner, who tutored Colin Kaepernick this offseason, says Kaepernick will be better in several key areas http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Warner-Confident-That-Kaepernick-Will-be-Successful-315352821.html

49ers talent level may be underrated

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: For the first time in several years, the NFL Network's list of Top 100 Players doesn't include a single 49er. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Talent-Level-May-be-Higher-Than-Recent-Evaluations-314955381.html

Raiders punter Marquette King keeps getting better

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders don't have many elite players, but punter Marquette King may soon be in that class. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/King-Ranks-Among-Raiders-Highest-Impact-Players-314966541.html

49ers' Armstead has some catching up to do

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Arik Armstead missed all of spring workouts, which leaves him a bit behind. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Armstead-Ready-to-Play-Catch-up-in-Training-Camp-314595481.html

Raiders' 2014 draft may have been turnaround point for franchise

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In the future, people may look at the 2014 draft as the Raiders' rebound point. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Draft-of-2014-May-be-Raiders-Turnaround-Moment-314570241.html

Aldon Smith is saying he'll have a big season again in 2015

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Aldon Smith, whom the 49ers missed in 2014 as an impact pass rusher, says he's determined to have a big comeback season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Aldon-Smith-Determined-to-Have-Big-Season-313259111.html

Raiders' Stabler deserves Hall of Fame induction

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Raiders QB Kenny Stabler, who died Thursday, should be voted into Hall of Fame. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Stabler-Should-Have-Been-in-Hall-of-Fame-Long-Ago-313272141.html

Army Sgt. John Joss has a clear shoot at making the 2016 Paralympic team

Marksman John Joss, who lost a leg in combat in Iraq, has quickly climbed the international shooting ranks and looks like a strong bet for the U.S. at the Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2015/July/09/From-Texas-hunts-to-world-cups-John-Joss-is-one-heck-of-a-shot

Former Olympic archer Denise Parker, now CEO of USA Archery, is eager to see how young talent performs at upcoming Pan Am Games

Denise Parker was just 13 when she won a gold medal at the Pan Am Games in 1987, and couldn't imagine the career she would have in the sport, which now includes leading USA Archery and helping set a foundation for future young archers. My story for TeamUSA.org, the U.S. Olympic website: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2015/July/08/Pan-Am-Games-Keep-Special-Meaning-For-USA-Archery-CEO-Denise-Parker

After injury and rehab, Raiders' Sio Moore eager to rebound

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Outside linebacker Sio Moore will be excited to be back on the field in training camp after 2014 injury. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Moore-Eager-to-Learn-Improve-in-2015-312903501.html

Veteran safety Dahl may be on 49ers' roster bubble

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Veteran safety Craig Dahl may have a fight on his hands to retain his spot on 49ers roster. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Veteran-Safety-Dahl-May-Have-Trouble-Making-Roster-312892811.html

Nick Bellore signing should help 49ers' special teams

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Ex-Jet Nick Bellore, now a 49er, has been a top tackler on special teams for New York. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Nick-Bellore-Brings-Special-Attitude-to-49ers-312528451.html

Tuck still playing a large role with Raiders, even at 32

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Defensive end Justin Tuck's leadership role may be as important as his pass-rushing skills. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Tuck-Still-Playing-a-Big-Role-for-Raiders-312518631.html

Marcus Cromartie is in the mix for secondary spot with 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cornerback Marcus Cromartie may finally get his chance to land a job during 49ers training camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Cromartie-Getting-His-Chance-With-49ers-312110771.html

Retired judge Milton Milkes, 83, has become an enthusiastic pickleball player, a passion that keeps him moving and happy

Former judge Milton Milkes is happy and active in retirement, with much of his focus on pickleball, a sport he didn't know existed until a few years ago. My story on Milkes for the Active San Diego series of the Union-Tribune Health section: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/jul/07/retired-judge-pickleball/

Some believe 49ers' Smelter will be worth the wait

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: DeAndre Smelter won't play for the 49ers in 2015 because of a torn ACL, but team's patience may be rewarded in a big way. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Patience-With-Smelter-Could-Pay-Huge-Dividends-311759411.html

Will less be more for Raiders' RB Trent Richardson?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Trent Richardson is looking a bit quicker after losing some weight. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Less-Could-be-More-for-Raiders-Richardson-311754641.html

Tomsula will continue to have skeptics until he wins

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Head coach Jim Tomsula was ranked 32nd among 32 NFL head coaches this week, a position he'll maintain until he can prove skeptics wrong in September. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Tomsula-Facing-More-Skeptics-Than-Believers-311571121.html