49ers preach constant competition

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: New team leadership wants to foster a culture of constant competition. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/New-49ers-Leadership-Culture-Embraces-Competition-425504804.html

Raiders need red-zone re-boot

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Newcomers may make Raiders more productive in the red zone in 2017. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Additions-May-Improve-Red-Zone-Offense-425498514.html

Paralympian Lex Gillette is far from finished

Long jumper Lex Gillette has been to four Paralympic Games, won World Championship golds and set a world record, yet he still has a long list of goals. http://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2017/May/31/Los-Angeles-Hosted-Nationals-Next-Up-On-Lex-Gillettes-Almost-Complete-List-Of-Goals

Niners looking at veteran safety in tryout

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jairus Byrd is a 30-year-old free safety who's been a Pro Bowler three times. He's getting a workout with the 49ers. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Still-Looking-for-Help-at-Safety-425332234.html

"Relentless" rookie may spark 49ers pass rush

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Utah standout Pita Taumoepenu could be a pass-rush weapon as a defensive end or outside linebacker. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Relentless-Rookie-From-Utah-Could-Boost-49ers-Pass-Rush-425114024.html

From "Hump Day" to a bacon logo, Lindsey Knupp gets creative as director of marketing for minor-league IronPigs

Former All-America field hockey player Lindsey Knupp never thought she'd make a career out of minor league baseball, but she's been a hit, using her creativity and energy to boost the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. My story for ESPNW.com's Cool Jobs series: http://www.espn.com/espnw/voices/article/19463863/lindsey-knupp-cool-sports-job-lehigh-valley-ironpigs-vp-marketing-entertainment

Lynch's first class needs to play large role

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area: After getting disappointing returns from its recent drafts, the 49ers need big results from GM John Lynch's draft class of 2017. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Lynchs-First-Draft-Class-Will-Set-Tone-for-Rebound-424611694.html

Newhouse excited to challenge for RT job

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Ex-Giant Marshall Newhouse will compete with Austin Howard and rookie David Sharpe at right tackle. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Newhouse-Eager-to-Battle-for-Job-at-Right-Tackle-424618624.html

New 49ers QB feeling at home with Shanahan

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Brian Hoyer says his reunion with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan feels like a homecoming. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Brian-Hoyer-Feels-at-Home-in-49ers-Offense-424343353.html

Raiders' Cooper acknowledges he can get better

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Receiver Amari Cooper has been terrific, but he knows he can be better in his third NFL season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Cooper-Has-Been-Great-But-He-Wants-to-Get-Even-Better-424351283.html

Coco Vandeweghe is leading U.S. resurgence in Fed Cup under new captain Kathy Rinaldi

The U.S. hasn't won the Fed Cup since 2000, yet it's made the finals and could win its 18th championship to extend its record dominance. Coco Vandeweghe is leading the charge, as the world's 20th-ranked player won all three points in a semifinal victory over the Czech Republic. My story for the U.S. Olympic website, TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/May/23/Ultimate-Team-Effort-Pushed-US-Womens-Tennis-Team-To-First-Fed-Cup-Final-In-7-Years

For Raiders' Calhoun, it's weight ... and see

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Second-year linebacker Shilique Calhoun has packed on 20 pounds of muscle this offseason to make him more effective. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Calhoun-Making-Push-to-be-Better-424083144.html

Taylor quickly shows 49ers what he can do

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Fifth-round pick Trent Taylor, a 5-foot-8 wideout from Louisiana Tech, impressed Kyle Shanahan in this week's OTAs that he can separate from defensive backs. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Little-Rookie-Taylor-Makes-Big-First-Impression-424076224.html

Pagano says he adds fresh eyes to Raiders defense

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: New defensive assistant John Pagano says he's learning as much as he's teaching now that he's joined Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Pagano-Says-He-Gives-Raiders-Another-Set-of-Eyes-423874014.html

Is Raiders' offense among NFL's top five?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With offseason additions, Raiders good offense may have gotten much stronger and deeper. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Deeper-Raiders-Offense-May-be-in-NFLs-Top-Five-423641054.html

Raiders' Edwards is fit and focused

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Mario Edwards Jr. has lost weight and regained fitness since his injury-plagued 2016 season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Edwards-Looks-Fit-and-Focused-423165484.html

There's not-so-guarded optimism about 49ers' Garnett

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Guard Josh Garnett could be poised for taking big, positive steps in second season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Garnett-Ready-to-Take-Big-Step-Forward-in-Year-2-423170344.html

Future is in Keon Hatcher's hands

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Undrafted wide receiver from Arkansas, who signed with Oakland, never dropped a pass last season for Arkansas. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Wide-Receiver-Keon-Hatchers-Future-is-in-His-Hands-422975714.html

D.J. Jones will provide heft, strength for 49ers' DL

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Sixth-round draft pick D.J. Jones of Mississippi is a freakishly strong defensive tackle. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Late-Round-Pick-Jones-Could-be-Disruptive-Force-for-49ers-422981124.html

49ers' Thomas is Mr. Outside (and Mr. Inside)

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Top pick Solomon Thomas has rare versatility, able to rush the passer from defensive tackle as well as defensive end. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Thomas-Should-Give-49ers-Rare-Versatility-422788104.html

Carr frustrated with negotiations

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Quarterback Derek Carr isn't happy with the way negotiations have stalled on a new deal with the Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Report-Carr-is-Unhappy-With-Contract-Negotiations-422779274.html

Forget about it: Aldon Smith is never coming back

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: It's time to stop thinking Aldon Smith will ever return to the Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Its-Time-to-Tune-Out-Aldon-Smith-422547454.html

CB Witherspoon has rare combo of height, speed

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Colorado corner Ahkello Witherspoon is 6-foot-3 and very fast, making him a contender to start for the 49ers as a rookie. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Tall-Fast-Cornerback-Witherspoon-Could-be-a-Playmaker-422318803.html

Despite reports, 49ers deny Bowman will be dealt

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco denies it's trying to trade middle linebacker NaVorro Bowman. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Deny-Theyre-Trying-to-Trade-NaVorro-Bowman-422099853.html

Former Toledo defender eager for shot with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Seventh-round pick Treyvon Hester of Toledo hopes to be a run-clogging defensive tackle. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Hoping-to-Get-Boost-From-Rocket-Man-422104833.html

"Beast Mode" appears ready to start rolling

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Those close to running back Marshawn Lynch say he's excited and energized as he's never been before to play for his hometown Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Reports-Indicate-Marshawn-Lynch-is-Energized-422002224.html

Could tight end Hikutini be a gem for 49ers?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Cole Hikutini went undrafted, despite his productive time at Louisville. Yet some regard Hikutini, a tight end, as one of this year's best undrafted college free agents. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Undrafted-Tight-End-Hikutini-Could-be-Nice-Pickup-for-49ers-422006784.html

Niners eager to get Lynch into special role

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: New defensive coordinator Robert Saleh has a special assignment for Aaron Lynch this season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/A-Fit-Lynch-Could-be-Key-Piece-of-49ers-Defense-421878133.html

Raiders are seeing a more fit Eddie Vanderdoes

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In his final two years at UCLA, defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes suffered numerous injuries and gained too much weight. Now's he's lighter and more fit as he begins his time with the Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Vanderdoes-is-Motivated-to-Throw-His-Weight-Around-421881903.html

Raiders aren't worried about Sharpe's prospects

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland believes rookie tackle David Sharpe has more potential than his fourth-round status would suggest. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Believe-in-Sharpes-Athleticism-at-Tackle-421756904.html

Saban calls new 49er Foster "relentless"

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: New 49ers linebacker Reuben Foster may be one of the most gifted rookies in the NFL, according to his college coach. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Fosters-Coach-at-Alabama-Says-49ers-Linebacker-is-Relentless-421749894.html

As Joe Williams enters, Mike Davis departs

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The running back shuffle for the 49ers continues. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Backfield-Shuffle-Continues-421631203.html

Raiders believe Melifonwu has "highway speed"

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders believe second-round pick, Obi Melifonwu of Connecticut, has rare and dynamic speed for a safety. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Excited-to-Watch-Melifonwu-Make-His-Mark-421625593.html

Perry Riley Jr. might still be on Raiders' radar

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Last season's middle linebacker, Perry Riley Jr., who's still a free agent, could still be a solution for Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Del-Rio-Not-Sure-Raiders-Have-Their-Middle-Linebacker-421452093.html

Thomas to make debut at rookie minicamp

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Niners will get first look at rookies this weekend, but No. 1 pick Solomon Thomas won't be around for the next few weeks. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Ready-to-Get-First-Look-at-Rookies-421455873.html

McKenzie believes Lynch hasn't lost a step

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Marshawn Lynch will be as good as he ever was in 2017, says Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/McKenzie-Believes-Lynch-Will-be-Highly-Productive-421319453.html

Is 49ers' Foster just a hit away from an injury?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Just-drafted linebacker Reuben Foster may need another surgery, sources tell one reporter. Yet the 49ers are confident he's totally fit for play. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Confident-Fosters-Injury-is-Behind-Him-421314223.html

Niners' release Rogers, who never got his shot

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Receiver Eric Rogers is released by the 49ers having never played a snap for them. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Eric-Rogers-Never-Got-His-Shot-With-49ers-421166844.html

Raiders' Osemele makes NFL's Top 100 list

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: For the first time in his NFL career, guard Kelechi Osemele selected to Top 100 list in the NFL. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Osemele-Among-NFLs-Top-100-for-First-Time-421162184.html

Alexandra Noboa found her perfect niche as the Spanish translator for the St. Louis Cardinals

Alexandra Noboa's dad is Dominican, her mom is from Colombia and her second cousin is a former big leaguer. After getting her master's degree in multimedia journalism, she parlayed all those talents and connections to become the Spanish-language translator for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. My story for ESPNW's Cool Jobs series: http://www.espn.com/espnw/voices/article/19258459/alexandra-noboa-cool-sports-job-st-louis-cardinals-translator

Kittle brings versatility to 49ers' TE competition

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Fifth-round pick George Kittle of Iowa could be nice fit for Shanahan's offense. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-New-Tight-End-Was-Versatile-at-Iowa-421020813.html

Fifth-round pick Lee will get shot at Raiders MLB

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Marquel Lee, a fifth-round pick from Wake Forest, is eager to compete for middle-linebacker job. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Fifth-Rounder-Will-Get-Shot-at-Middle-Linebacker-421028313.html

At 64, Andra Jaunzeme stays fit by swimming

Andra Jaunzeme used to swim for the Soviet Union. Now at 64 she swims for her health and the enjoyment it brings her. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-active-jaunzeme-20170501-story.html

Ex-Tar Heel gives Raiders a bruising ballcarrier

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Big North Carolina back Elijah Hood, a 232-pounder, could contribute as short-yardage runner and blocker in Oakland. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Hood-Gives-Raiders-Some-Power-Potential-420902093.html

49ers hope for big things from little Taylor

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: New 49ers WR Trent Taylor made a big impact at Louisiana Tech as a little receiver. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Hoping-LIttle-Receiver-Has-Big-Impact-420898553.html

Niners ecstatic about getting Foster

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: John Lynch acted swiftly to select Reuben Foster late in Round 1. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Ecstatic-They-Were-Able-to-Draft-Foster-420731524.html

Will McKenzie make bold moves on Day 2?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After taking cornerback Gareon Conley in Round 1, will McKenzie move up in Rounds 2 or 3 to get what he wants? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Could-Be-Bold-in-Second-and-Third-Rounds-420728754.html

49ers pull off trade, draft Foster in first round

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: On Day 1, 49ers move back into first round to select Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Bold-49ers-Move-Up-to-Select-LInebacker-420687454.html

49ers move down, get Thomas & extra picks

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: John Lynch moves down on draft day to pick up extra choices, then selects Solomon Thomas. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Lynch-Plays-it-Smart-Gets-Thomas-and-Extra-Picks-420677514.html