Five U.S. Olympians will be Athlete Role Models at this summer's Youth Olympic Games in China

Five American Olympians, including rower Erin Cafaro and fencer Miles Chamley-Watson, will be Athlete Role Models at the Youth Olympic Games in China this summer, able to mingle with young athletes from across the globe and answer questions and talk about their own experiences on the international stage. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2014/March/31/Helping-Hands

Despite physical impacts of brain tumor, Eric Galvez has become a warrior in the fight against cancer and tumors and continues to enjoy his very full life

Eric Galvez was a high school running back and standout wrestler, a leader in the physical therapy program at the University of Michigan and a budding surfer and triathlete in San Diego when he first started feeling the effects of a brain tumor. Though the tumor, now removed, has limited him physicially, it has done nothing to cast a shadow over his bright personality. As one friend says, Galvez is already for the next big thing in his life, every single day. My profile on him for U-T San Diego's series, "Courage Through Cancer." http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/mar/31/galvez-brain-tumor-tremors/

Is Watkins within 49ers' reach. or is he too pricey?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: If Sammy Watkins were to drop a few slots on draft day, some analysts project that the 49ers might be willing to move up to get him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/A-Move-Up-to-Get-Watkins-Seems-Too-Pricey-for-49ers-253209961.html

Raiders may be frontrunners for DeSean Jackson

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Free-agent WR DeSean Jackson contacted the Raiders even before he was released by the Eagles, and Oakland may have equal interest in him. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Appear-in-Thick-of-Race-to-Sign-DeSean-Jackson-253204201.html

Extra third-round pick for 49ers is golden ticket

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The third-round compensation pick the 49ers received this week for this year's draft is no small matter. With six of the top 100 choices, San Francisco is in perfect position to capitalize. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Baalke-Could-Turn-Compensation-Pick-into-Gold-252910191.html

Maurice Jones-Drew adds exciting element to Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Running back Maurice Jones-Drew, if he's fit again, will add some excitement to Raiders offense in 2014.http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/A-Healthy-Jones-Drew-Would-Spice-Up-Raiders-Offense-252905351.html

Former Marine Steve Walker has lost his vision, but not his iron will to become an Ironman triathlete

Steve Walker always wanted to be a Marine. But after becoming one, he noticed his sight began to deteriorate, little by little. By the time he left the Corps he was legally blind. Now 31, Walker has just 5 percent of his sight left, and that could soon be lost. What hasn't been lost is his drive to feel alive and accomplish goals. This Saturday he'll do a half-Ironman triathlon in Oceanside, and in the fall he'll do a full Ironman in Cozumel, Mexico. Someday, he wants to do the granddaddy of them all in Kona, Hawaii. My story for ESPN.com's Endurance Sports section: http://espn.go.com/sports/endurance/story/_/id/10683105/endurance-sports-blindness-stopping-former-marine-steve-walker

Niners may open up passing offense in 2014

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The addition of a young, playmaking wide receiver will not only give the team more depth and options, but allow the 49ers offense to play with more three-receiver sets. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/New-Wide-Receiver-Would-Help-49ers-Open-Passing-Attack-252661321.html

'Pryor Era' with Raiders will soon end

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: QB Terrelle Pryor will soon be released or traded, according to various reports, bringing to an end a brief up-and-down experiment. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Pryor-Era-Brief-as-it-Was-About-to-End-for-Raiders-252651971.html

Yes, it is possible for Harbaugh, Baalke to work together

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Frictions exist, but Jim Harbaugh and Trent Baalke can make a terrific team, says 49ers CEO Jed York. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49ers-Baalke-Harbaugh-Can-Work-Together-252462281.html

With Schaub trade, Raiders say future is now

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The trade for QB Matt Schaub is a future-is-now move by GM Reggie McKenzie. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Schaub-Trade-Shows-Future-is-Now-252453351.html

Keeping Osgood: Small cost, big payoff for 49ers

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Special teams star Kassim Osgood will return to the 49ers for another year. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Keeping-Osgood-a-Good-Move-for-49ers-252255061.html

Raiders may get creative with offensive line

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: It appears the Raiders will move former Jets right tackle Austin Howard to guard to create a better running game, while also giving second-year player Menelik Watson to win the right-tackle job. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Getting-Creative-with-Offensive-Line-252248811.html

Raiders marching against history with Schaub signing

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website:  Matt Schaub just seems like a desperate acquisition, along the lines of Carson Palmer, Matt Flynn, etc. Or will this work? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Tilting-at-History-With-Matt-Schaub-251949561.html

John Feinstein's latest book, "Where Nobody Knows Your Name," is an enlightening tale of life, dreams and struggles in minor league baseball

Names appear in baseball's transactions list every day, but they are just that: names. In John Feinstein's latest book, "Where Nobody Knows Your Name," he brings those names to life, telling the stories of older former major leaguers and veteran minor leaguers as they struggle to get to "The Show." My review of his book for U-T San Diego: http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2014/mar/21/feinstein-pens-winning-look-at-life-in-minors/

Niners' interest in DeSean Jackson may not be serious

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: WR DeSean Jackson is an electric talent, but the Eagles standout may be too expensive for 49ers' salary cap situation. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Eagles-Jackson-Likely-Too-Expensive-for-49ers-251440741.html

So the Raiders answer at QB is ... Matt Schaub?

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie whiffed on a trade for Matt Flynn last season. Now his trade for Matt Schaub has the same feel. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Matt-Schaub-Say-it-Aint-So-Reggie-251433531.html

Gold medal-winning freeskier David Wise has mingled with stars, appeared on 'Ellen,' been given the 'ski to the city' in Reno and basked in warm wishes since return from Sochi

Freeskier David Wise doesn't like the party life or to be the focus of attention. He'd rather spend time with his wife and daughter. But after winning a gold medal in the half pipe in Sochi, he's been amazed by all the things he's been able to see and do. My story on Wise for TeamUSA.org, the Olympic website: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2014/March/20/Sochis-Hometown-Heroes-David-Wise

Raiders spending, but being frugal with long-term money

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Raiders have brought in eight veteran free agents so far, and will bring in more. But they are being cautious with the contracts they've given so they won't be tied up in expensive, long-term deals. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Raiders-Spending-Without-Hurting-Long-Term-Salary-Picture-251211291.html

U.S. speedskater Brian Hansen regains momentum on World Cup circuit after disappointment at Sochi Olympics

Brian Hansen had waited a long time for his first World Cup victory in the 1,500 meters, so it was something for him to savor after beating all three Olympic medalists from Sochi in the event at the World Cup event in Germany following the Winter Games. My story about Hansen and his strong World Cup season for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2014/March/19/Brian-Hansen-Forward-Momentum