Niners' Thomas getting tips from the best

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie defensive end Solomon Thomas has been working with DeMarcus Ware, Von Miller and Warren Sapp to learn techniques. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Thomas-Getting-Great-Guidance-431781153.html

Raiders give Jackson a five-year extension

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders' commitment to excellence extends to guard Gabe Jackson. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Award-Jackson-New-Five-Year-Deal-431770583.html

Undrafted Jerome showing good signs at free safety

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Lorenzo Jerome went undrafted, yet had four interceptions in two college all-star games to go with 18 career picks at St. Francis. Now the small-school player is making a strong impression at free safety. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Undrafted-Rookie-Jerome-is-Impressing-49ers-431544083.html

Mack gets a High Five in NFL's Top 100 rankings

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Khalil Mack came in at No. 5 in the recent annual ranking of the NFL's Top 100 players. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Mack-Gets-a-High-Five-in-Rank-of-NFLs-Top-100-431555843.html

Kostelnick is back on track, ready to defend at Badwater, after record run across the U.S. in 2016

After setting a speed record for running across the U.S. last year, Pete Kostelnick's legs were toast. It took about six months to recover. Now, however, Kostelnick is ready to run the 24-Hour World Championship and defend his consecutive titles at the 135-mile Badwater ultra marathon. My story for Competitor.com: http://running.competitor.com/2017/06/news/ultrarunner-pete-kostelnick-returns-racing-run-across-u-s-record_165765

49ers' Lynch: Robinson looks like a "No. 1 corner"

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In a wide-open secondary, Rashard Robinson is starting to emerge. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Competition-is-Wide-Open-at-Cornerback-431318133.html

Janikowski excited about Raiders' future

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Sebastian Janikowski hoping for one more Super season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Janikowski-Wants-to-Have-a-Super-Season-431327513.html

Raiders see Marshawn Lynch as a "football junkie"

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland coaches are overjoyed that Marshawn Lynch is so dedicated to the game. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Lynch-is-Showing-Raiders-hes-a-Football-Junkie-431090493.html

Trent Taylor's college coaches predict stardom

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Will Trent Taylor be the next Wes Welker? Who knows? But his college coaches see a bright future in the NFL. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Former-Coaches-Predict-Stardom-for-Trent-Taylor-431099523.html

Alaska certified athletic trainer Lynne Young's dream summer vacation? Working in the Alaska Baseball League

For nine months of the year, Lynne Young takes care of student-athletes in high schools across the Anchorage area of Alaska. When summer comes, she enjoys being on the staff of the Anchorage Bucs, along with some of college baseball's best pro prospects. My story for ESPNW.com's Cool Jobs series: http://www.espn.com/espnw/voices/article/19712104/lynne-young-cool-sports-job-alaska-baseball-league-high-school-trainer

Multi-faceted Hudson leads Raiders offensive line

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: In some ways, center Rodney Hudson is the Raiders' second quarterback. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Hudsons-Value-to-Raiders-is-Multi-Dimensional-430864343.html

Gabe Jackson is next up for Raiders payday

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Now that Derek Carr's deal is done and Kahlil Mack's is on hold, guard Gabe Jackson is on deck for a contract extension with Raiders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Next-Up-A-Richer-Deal-for-Raiders-Jackson-430359843.html

Kids will get a chance to try out various sports at Los Angeles' annual Olympic Day celebration

As a kid, Janet Evans was inspired by the 1984 Olympics. Now the former Olympic swimmer is excited to help a younger generation find inspiration at the annual Olympic Day event in Los Angeles. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2017/June/22/LA-2024-Invites-Kids-To-Follow-The-Sun-Try-Olympic-Sports-With-Exciting-Olympic-Day-Celebration

Niners' Goodwin among fastest players in NFL

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Olympian Marquis Goodwin will give 49ers unmatched speed at wide receiver. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hope-to-Tap-Into-Goodwins-Rare-Speed-430145813.html

Carr gets five-year, $125 million extension

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Derek Carr and the Raiders agree to a contract extension of five years and $125 million that will make Carr the NFL's top-paid quarterback. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carr-Raiders-Reach-Long-Term-Deal-430138903.html

Raiders are contenders, yet may not get 12 wins again

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Can the Raiders replicate their 12-4 record in 2016? It may be tough, and yet they still rank among AFC title contenders. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Getting-12-Wins-May-be-Tough-for-Raiders-429903743.html

49ers' Reid goes into final year of his contract

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Eric Reid goes into the final year of his deal believing he can have a major impact in his new role. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Reid-is-Getting-a-Chance-to-Excel-429916653.html

Hoyer showing 49ers some leadership

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Quarterback Brian Hoyer is setting up a players-only passing camp to keep everyone sharp between minicamp and training camp. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-Hoyer-Wants-to-Keep-Momentum-Going-429672493.html

Carr jumps from No. 100 to No. 11 in NFL player rankings

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Derek Carr climbed higher in the annual NFL player rankings than any other player after 2016. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Carr-Rockets-up-the-Rankings-of-NFLs-Top-100-Players-429667233.html

Hyde knows he needs to fight off competition

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Top back Carlos Hyde is feeling the heat from other running backs. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/More-Competition-for-49ers-Carlos-Hyde-429403013.html

Raiders duo among NFL's best elusive, breakaway backs

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington may not play starting roles for Oakland, but they have explosive impacts, as stats from 2016 show. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Richard-Washington-Give-Raiders-Plenty-of-Punch-429413593.html

It's a year of promise for safety Karl Joseph

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: A year has made a big difference to 2016's No. 1 pick, Karl Joseph. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Joseph-Eager-to-Play-Bigger-Role-428863323.html

49ers coaches and QB Hoyer praising rookie tight end

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Rookie tight end George Kittle has already earned praise from quarterbacks and coaches. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Rookie-Kittle-Shines-in-Crowded-Tight-End-Competition-428867513.html

Raiders' coaches looking for ways to use Patterson

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland coaching staff is eager to get the most out of Cordarrelle Patterson. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Eager-to-Plug-in-to-Pattersons-Electric-Talent-428651803.html

Staley: Shanahan giving 49ers new life

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Veteran Pro Bowl tackle Joe Staley says Kyle Shanahan is making football fun and interesting again. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Staley-Niners-are-Energized-Excited-by-Shanahan-428658443.html

Dumervil determind to prove that 33 is prime time

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Is Elvis Dumervill over the hill? Newest 49ers pass rusher says no way. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Dumervil-Wants-to-Prove-Hes-Still-an-Impact-Player-428435663.html

Carr is grateful to be back on the field

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Derek Carr is back behind center with the full-team workouts this week for the first time since December. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Carr-is-Back-Where-he-Belongs-428427173.html

The "Pixie Ninja," Kaci Lickteig, is gearing up to defend her victory in the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, which she dominated in 2016

At 5-foot-3 and 95 pounds, Kaci Lickteig isn't physically imposing. Yet when she gets on mountain trails, she's hard to beat. The 2016 Ultra Runner of the Year finally won her favorite event, the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run, last year and seven of the eight ultras she entered. My story on her for Competitor.com: http://running.competitor.com/2017/06/news/kaci-lickteig-aims-second-consecutive-win-western-states_165163

Turner's pupils love what he's teaching

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Veteran running backs coach Bobby Turner gets enormous respect from 49ers ball http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Backs-Eager-to-Work-with-Experienced-Turner-428186623.html

carriers.

Marquel Lee impressing coaches at middle linebacker

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Wake Forest standout is showing well in audition for middle linebacker. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Lee-Working-to-Become-Raiders-Middle-Man-428187683.html

Smelter will get his first real shot at catching on

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wide receiver DeAndre Smelter, drafted in 2015, will get his first true opportunity to stick with the 49ers this summer. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/DeAndre-Smelter-Still-Waiting-for-His-Big-Opportunity-427975053.html

Walford still has improvements to make

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: While Clive Walford's blocking has been solid, he hasn't yet made the impact expected of him as a pass-catching tight end. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Still-Looking-for-Walfords-Breakout-Season-427475423.html

Can 49ers receiving corps make the grade in 2017?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In 2016, San Francisco's wideout group was the worst in the NFL. After multiple changes, can it take a big step forward in 2017?http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Questions-Linger-Over-49ers-Revamped-Receiving-Corps-427468593.html

Irvin could be on track for a Pro Bowl season

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Bruce Irvin never has had 10 sacks in a season or been selected for the Pro Bowl. Both those streaks may end in 2017. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Irvin-May-be-Poised-for-First-Pro-Bowl-427240513.html

Less may be more for DeForest Buckner

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco defensive lineman may benefit from playing fewer snaps than he did as a rookie. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Buckner-May-Flourish-in-Second-Season-427254523.html

From Merion to Oakmont to Torrey Pines to Pebble Beach, these 18 holes provide the toughest test for U.S. Open golfers

Every year, the U.S. Open provides the most challenging conditions on the hardest golf courses in the nation. But which 18 holes rank as the toughest of the tough? With the help of Tom Watson, Rees Jones and a couple of golf historians -- and armed with USGA stats -- I compiled the Agonizing 18. My story for ESPN.com's golf section in advance of this year's Open. http://www.espn.com/golf/story/_/id/19553043/imagining-course-18-most-merciless-holes-us-open-history

Most patients don't seek second medical opinions, yet research shows a second opinion can make a huge difference in treatment

In many cases, getting a second medical opinion can be life-saving yet most patients don't seek one. Medical experts say, however, that second opinions offer a patient more information and more options for treatment and can make enormous differences in outcomes. My story for the Union-Tribune Health section: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-second-opinions-20170522-story.html

Conley, Melifonwu looking good for Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Top picks Gareon Conley and Obi Melifonwu are showing 49ers they may play key roles in secondary as rookies. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Secondary-Picks-to-Play-Primary-Roles-427022393.html

49ers' Saleh: No loafing allowed

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: San Francisco's defensive coordinator, Robert Saleh, has ways to keep his players motivated and focused. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Detail-Oriented-Saleh-is-Making-an-Impact-on-49ers--427032763.html

Nelson won't step aside for younger safeties

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Safety Reggie Nelson saw the Raiders draft two safeties, but he's determined to hold on to his job. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Nelson-Promises-to-Keep-Competing-at-Safety-426771131.html

49ers sign veteran pass rusher Elvis Dumervil

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former NFL sack leader Elvis Dumervil, 33, has been signed by the 49ers as a free agent. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Add-Elvis-Dumervil-to-Pass-Rush-426765701.html

Former hyperactive kid Mary Duffy, now 63, continues to move, hiking trails and leading nature talks

Mary Duffy studied biology and natural sciences in college, then became an avid outdoorswoman in Alaska and Colorado. Today she leads interpretive hikes throughout San Diego County's backcountry. My story for the Union-Tribune's Active San Diego series in the Health section: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-active-duffy-20170605-story.html

Whether it's on ice or a hard surface, Joy Gavey has excelled in skating, scoring and passing the puck

Joy Garvey is perhaps the best women's roller hockey player in America, but her path to the sport included soccer, ice hockey and coaching a Division I NCAA program. My story for ESPNW.com: http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/19515014/joy-garvey-long-lasting-career-ice-roller-hockey

Once-thin Raiders roster is now among best

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: One analyst says Oakland's talent is surpassed by only three NFL teams. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/After-Years-of-Struggle-Raiders-Now-Among-NFLs-Most-Talented-Teams-426523111.html

Saleh: 49ers defense will be in attack mode

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Robert Saleh's defensive scheme will promote more freedom to play within a team concept. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Saleh-Wants-49ers-Defense-to-be-in-Attack-Mode-426514461.html

Beast Mode has millions of reasons to run

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The incentive-laden deal for Marshawn Lynch gives him plenty of motivation to have a big year in 2017. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Lynch-Has-Millions-of-Reasons-to-be-Excited-425936983.html

49ers' Robinson is exceeding expectations

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In 2016, the 49ers drafted three cornerbacks. Rashard Robinson appears to be the best of the bunch, by far. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Second-Year-Cornerback-Robinson-Making-Big-Strides-425719944.html

Good isn't good enough for Raiders' Carr

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Yeah, Derek Carr was excellent in 2016, finishing third in the MVP voting. Yet he says he sees flaws that must be corrected. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Good-Isnt-Good-Enough-for-Raiders-Derek-Carr-425726184.html