Penn: Raiders have chips on their shoulders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Tackle Donald Penn hated the way the Raiders disappointed in 2017 and says players are eager to prove they're much better in 2018. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Penn-Eager-for-Raiders-Turnaround-478398303.html

York says Foster's future with 49ers is in his own hands

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: CEO Jed York says Reuben Foster's future will depend on how he conducts himself. You have Raiders blog for Friday. hed -- Donald Penn Eager for Raiders' Turnaround

Gruden wants Edwards at defensive tackle

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jon Gruden wants more pass-rush push from the inside, so he's moving Mario Edwards Jr. to defensive tackle. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Gruden-Says-Raiders-Need-More-From-Mario-Edwards-Jr-478192423.html

49ers GM says fans will love Richard Sherman

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Once the despised enemy for 49ers fans, cornerback Richard Sherman now plays for San Francisco. GM John Lynch says fans will love him. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Niners-GM-Says-Sherman-Will-Become-a-Fan-Favorite-478188853.html

If you earn vacation time, take it say experts; time off is beneficial for health, peace of mind and attitude

These days, many employees who earn vacation time, don't use it. They cite a fear of losing their job, falling behind or appearing not dedicated enough. Health experts, however, say it's important to use it for a number of reasons. My story for the Health section of the Union-Tribune: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-vanishing-vacation-20180326-story.html

McKenzie all in on 'Beast Mode' for 2018

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Some wondered if running back Marshawn Lynch would return to the Raiders in 2018. Now that he's locked in, GM Reggie McKenzie couldn't be happier. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-McKenzie-Excited-to-Have-Marshawn-Lynch-Back-478069193.html

Garnett, Tomlinson, Cooper to battle at guard

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers need to improve guard play in 2018, and believe newcomer Jonathan Cooper, along with Josh Garnett and Laken Tomlinson, can be the answer. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Have-Guarded-Optimism-478066193.html

49ers' Ward may go back to cornerback

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: First he was a safety, then a corner, then a safety. What will Jimmie Ward play in 2018? https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Once-Again-49ers-Ward-May-Play-Cornerback-477945043.html

Davis: Gruden outranks McKenzie

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders owner Mark Davis says GM Reggie McKenzie is in a new complementary role with head coach Jon Gruden. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Davis-Makes-it-Clear-Gruden-Outranks-McKenzie-477941533.html

Raiders bring back EJ Manuel

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Backup QB EJ Manuel has re-signed with the Raiders. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Backup-QB-EJ-Manuel-Re-Signs-With-Raiders-477752293.html

Cousins, not Garoppolo, was Shanahan's pick

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Lynch, Shanahan admit plan was to go after Kirk Cousins at QB, but once Garoppolo came aboard, he was their guy. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Shanahan-Wanted-Cousins-Not-Garoppolo-477748343.html

Former college track standout is back in stride in her 40s after discovering masters track and field

Erika Pierce figured that the 1996 Olympic Trials were her swan song in track. But 17 years later she discovered masters track and field. Now she loves having the sport back in her busy life. My story for ESPNW.com. http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/22872380/after-17-years-erika-pierce-found-track-field-again-now-won-12-national-titles

Kendrick Bourne showed he belongs

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kendrick Bourne showed late in 2017 he could be a fine receiver in 2018. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Shanahan-Believes-Bourne-Will-Continue-to-Develop-477638373.html

Does the 'Muscle Hamster' still have what it takes?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Bucs running back Doug Martin, aka the Muscle Hamster, is coming off two bad seasons to join the Raiders. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/How-Effective-Will-Doug-Martin-be-for-Raiders-477645263.html

After signing Keith Smith, Raiders trade Olawale

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Recently signed fullback Keith Smith made Jamize Olawale expendable, so he was traded to the Cowboys. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/After-Adding-Keith-Smith-Raiders-Trade-Olawale-477517743.html

49ers hope ex-top prospect Cooper grows

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Once the seventh overall pick in the NFL draft, Jonathan Cooper is getting a chance to start for the 49ers at guard. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Former-Top-Prospect-Cooper-Gets-Chance-With-49ers-477525323.html

Shanahan excited by McKinnon's talent, traits

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kyle Shanahan wanted running back Jerick McKinnon for his on-field talent, but also for his smarts and work ethic. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Shanahan-Loves-Jerick-McKinnons-Work-Ethic-477398103.html

Oakland native Johnson signs with Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Former Oakland Tech High standout Josh Johnson finally gets to wear the silver and black after the QB signs a free-agent deal with the Raiders. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Josh-Johnson-Finally-Gets-to-Wear-Silver-and-Black-477402243.html

New center Richburg fits Shanahan's system

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan says new center Weston Richburg will elevate O-line play. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Richburg-is-now-Centerpiece-of-49ers-Offensive-Line-477274213.html

Can Rashaan Melvin be a top corner for Raiders?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Free-agent signee Rashaan Melvin was terrific for the Colts in 2017. Can he replicate his play in Oakland?https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/New-Raiders-Cornerback-Melvin-Had-Best-Season-in-2017-477278583.html

Raiders betting Jordy Nelson still in his prime

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wide receiver Jordy Nelson, soon to be 33, joins the Raiders, prompting the release of Michael Crabtree. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Betting-Jordy-Nelson-Hasnt-Lost-a-Step-477099323.html

Often-injured Attaochu joins the 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: In four years with the Chargers, defensive end/linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu showed an ability to get to the quarterback ... and get on the injured list. Now he's got a new chance with San Francisco. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Add-Former-Charger-Attaochu-to-Pass-Rush-477094433.html

Tight end Lee Smith will stay with Oakland

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: It was thought tight end Lee Smith would leave in free agency, but he's received a three-year extension. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Will-Retain-Tight-End-Lee-Smith-476971313.html

49ers re-sign linebacker Brock Coyle

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Linebacker and special teams standout Brock Coyle gets a three-year deal to stay with the Niners. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Sign-Linebacker-Coyle-to-Three-Year-Extension-476965993.html

49ers lose Carlos Hyde, add Jerrick McKinnon

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Carlos Hyde departs to Cleveland as a free agent and is quickly replaced by former Viking Jerrick McKinnon. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Lose-Hyde-But-Sign-McKinnon-476822053.html

Raiders sign tight end Derek Carrier

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland has agreed to a deal with free-agent tight end Derek Carrier, who will fill the role of the departing Lee Smith. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Get-a-Blocking-Tight-End-to-Replace-Smith-476827413.html

49ers get Giants veteran center Richburg

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Ex-Giants center Weston Richburg gets five-year deal to join 49ers. What does that mean for Daniel Kilgore?https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Agree-to-Deal-With-Former-Giants-Center-Richburg-476686033.html

Raiders cut Smith, Newhouse to clear cap space

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders gained salary-cap space by releasing two starters, cornerback Sean Smith and right tackle Marshall Newhouse. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Cut-Smith-Newhouse-to-Create-Salary-Cap-Space-476679033.html

49ers give Goodwin 3-year extension

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin, after a breakout year, gets a new deal with 49ers. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Reward-Goodwin-With-Contract-Extension-476387203.html

When Condo did his job, nobody noticed

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders will part with long snapper Jon Condo, who gave them 11 years of consistency.https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/When-Jon-Condo-Did-His-Job-Nobody-Noticed-476383963.html

What are the Paralympics? Five Paralympians explain what they want the public to know about the upcoming Winter Games

Five Paralympians -- long jumper Lex Gillette, snowboarders Brenna Huckaby and Amy Purdy, biathlete Aaron Pike and alpine skier Stephanie Jallen -- say these are the things they wish the public knew about the Paralympics. My story for TeamUSA.org: https://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2018/March/07/What-You-Need-To-Know-About-Paralympians-In-The-Words-Of-The-Athletes-Themselves

Raiders need to re-boot playbook

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: One analyst says Raiders passing game needs more play-action and more variety. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Passing-Scheme-Needs-a-Re-Boot-in-2018-476264943.html

Dion Lewis could be a 49ers' free-agent target

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Could running back Dion Lewis sign with the 49ers? Some see a link. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Patriots-Dion-Lewis-Could-be-a-Good-Fit-With-49ers-476270013.html

Gruden likely to use Irvin more as a pass rusher

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jon Gruden wants maximum impact from Bruce Irvin in the pass rush, so will use him in a new role in 2018. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Gruden-May-Use-Irvin-More-in-the-Pass-Rush-476132373.html

If 49ers want WRs, there will be plenty of free agents

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: There will be a deep group of wide receivers available for the 49ers to choose from when free agency begins. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Could-Benefit-From-Deep-Crop-of-Free-Agent-Receivers-476126233.html

49ers, Raiders will be rivals in pursuit of cornerback

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: 49ers, Raiders expected to go head-to-head in bid for Trumaine Johnson. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Raiders-May-Both-Pursue-Rams-Cornerback-476009073.html

After moving to San Diego, Philicia Harris discovered football and a healthy diet

Philicia Harris was a college, multisport athlete, but after graduation, she had no outlet for her competitive spirit. She gained weight and didn't feel good. But once she discovered flag football and learned from her fiancee about eating a healthy, clean diet, she's back to being a dynamo. http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/lifestyle/sd-he-active-harris-20180305-story.html

NIners see Trent Brown continue to grow

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers aren't making it a priority to sign tackle Trent Brown to an extension this offseason, but they believe he's on track to be terrific. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Want-to-See-Tackle-Trent-Brown-Continue-to-Improve-475833243.html

Raiders GM goes Beast Mode at Combine

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Will the Raiders keep Marshawn Lynch? It seems more likely after GM Reggie McKenzie wears a Beast Mode T-shirt to the NFL Combine. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/McKenzie-Goes-Beast-Mode-at-the-Combine-475841963.html

Amy Purdy, many other Paralympians, getting more mainstream media attention for themselves and the Paralympics

Amy Purdy recalls thinking she must be the only amputee snowboarder in the world when she first began. Now, Paralympic athletes such as Purdy are on TV, in commercials and on more televised events than ever before. My story for TeamUSA.org: https://www.teamusa.org/US-Paralympics/Features/2018/March/02/Increased-Interest-In-Paralympic-Games-Shines-A-Light-On-Athletes

McKenzie, Gruden have no worries about Conley

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Gareon Conley's first year was a mess, but the Raiders have no doubts the cornerback will be excellent. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/McKenzie-Gruden-Have-High-Hopes-for-Conley-475662183.html

Shanahan: Quest for a tall receiver isn't necessary

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Kyle Shanahan had a great tall receiver in Atlanta in Julio Jones, but he says 49ers shouldn't break the bank or ignore other needs just to land a bigger wideout. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Shanahan-Isnt-Looking-for-Next-Julio-Jones-475666033.html

Grace Talusan is a talented musician who can also hit the high notes on the mat as a two-time national judo champion

As a kid, Grace Talusan wanted to try martial arts, but her father wouldn't allow it, so she focused on music. Now Talusan is a black belt in judo with a pair of national championships. My story on her for ESPNW.com: http://www.espn.com/espnw/life-style/article/22618094/grace-talusan-39-two-time-national-champion-judo-master-music-business

Crabtree now likely to stay a Raider

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Michael Crabtree was rumored to be on his way out, but now the Raiders say they plan to keep him. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/After-Further-Review-Crabtree-Likely-to-Remain-a-Raider-475548463.html

Lynch says some pass-rush help already is on roster

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: GM John Lynch says moving Eli Harold and Pita Taumoepena to new positions can help the pass rush. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Lynch-Says-Harold-Taumoepenu-Can-Help-Pass-Rush-475552553.html