The wide receiver and former player of the Green Bay Packers Bill Schroeder has informed the Packers of his decision to retire from the game as a Packer. Schroeder had his longest NFL spell with the Packers from 1997-2001 and made 20 touchdowns and 225 catches for 3,435 yards in his 74 game stint with the Packers. Bill Schroeder said that he was really pleased that the Packers have allowed him to end his career as a Packer and said that he will support the team and the community in all possible ways. The Packers General Manager Ted Thompson said that they were privileged to welcome Bill as a member of Packers alumni.

Who killed Thomas McHale? That is the question on everyone’s mind as police are searching for clues about the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ player’s death. The 45 year old player was discovered dead at a friend’s home as told by the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office in the wee hours of Sunday morning in the vicinity of Tampa. Although no foul play has been recorded, an autopsy will be done to gain insight about his death. McHale has played numerous seasons for the Buccaneers from the years 1987 to 1992. He later went to further his football career with the Miami Dolphins and the Philadelphia Eagles.

The New Orleans Saints linebacker Dan Morgan, who was drafted into the side two moths ago, took one of the harsh decisions in his life. He will not be seen playing in the NFL anymore as he has decided to retire from it due to the frequent injuries he sustains while playing. Dan Morgan has had a total of five concussions during his football career and had to miss the last 13 games of the 2007 season for the Carolina Panthers due to Achilles’ tendon. The rehabilitation for the leg injury he sustained did not work as planned and hence he had to take the decision of quitting the game.

Some NFL investigators visited the convicted dealer of steroids who claimed to have supplied anabolic steroids as well as human growth hormone to many NFL players and offensive line man Matt Lehr. David Jacobs was sentenced to probation for possessing steroids with the intention of distributing it on May 1^st.  According to a press report, the investigators met the dealer on 2^nd May and asked for documentary evidences and other information regarding the NFL players he was dealing with. Greg Aiello, a NFL spokesman confirmed the news. The attorney of Matt Lehr denied the allegation about his client and said that Lehr has passed the necessary NFL drug tests.         

Jonathan Mapu, the undrafted defensive tackle and a rookie player, has been signed by the Washington Redskins football team at the expense of wide receiver Jerome Mathis. The decision was taken after the Redskins took a good look at the native Hawaiian player during his brief stint at the minicamp from May 2-4. Mapu, at 6-4 and 290 pounds, has played for the Tennessee University for four seasons and has a record of 32 solo tackles out of a total of 65, three sacks, two fumble recoveries and two forced fumbles to his credit. The Redskins fans are expecting that this rookie player will deliver the goods when his time comes to represent the Redskins team.

Jerricho Cotchery was honored as hometown hero of Jets by United Way along with New York Jets and Giants on April 22nd at the 15th annual United Way Gridiron Gala. This year’s Gala was held at Waldorf Astoria and the amount collected will be used to help the vulnerable children in New York City. This award was given to Cotchery considering his outstanding help to the community. Jeff Feagles of New York Giants was honored as Giants home town hero in the same Gala. Several football players from both the teams as well as community leaders attended this major function in New York.

Tatum Bell has been working hard in the OTA sessions with his teammates and is very keen to be playing more games for the Detroit Lions this season than the seven he played in 2007. Detroit has freed running back Kevin Jones from its grasp and has signed in Kevin Smith from Florida and hence Bell is of the opinion that many more chances will come his way this year. The change in the zone scheme this year is similar to the one that Bell has experienced during his Denver days.

Bell said that the team is fully aware of each other’s positions and are pretty aware of what each one is doing. Bell has been very impressive in the zone running scheme all through his career and it is due to his agility, dodging ability and clear sight. The avid footballer is working on his ball catching and open field running skills expecting to buy more playing time this fall season.

Police found a total of six bullet shells in the vicinity of Marvin Harrison’s garage-cum-car-wash when they sniffed around for evidence in the shooting incident that happened last week in April 29. The Indiapolis Colts’ wide receiver denied that he was involved and was glad that he was not arrested for the shooting. The Philadelphia police are still investigating this matter thoroughly to clear his name. Harrison’s lawyer did not comment further, but he did say that his client’s gun was not involved in the crime.

Authorities have visited the crime scene to uncover two bullet holes found on two separate houses on Monday after receiving insider information about a third victim being involved in the shooting.

The San Francisco 49ers will be very strong in their defense in this upcoming new football season as their first round pick Kentwan Balmer has landed in San Francisco. Balmer said that his eyes were filled with tears of joy when he came to know that he will be playing for the 49ers as this has been the team that his family members have been supporting for quite sometime now.

Balmer said that he was very excited to be in the 49ers facility and has got his batteries charged up on seeing the five Super Bowls. Balmer said that he will do all that he can to see his team get their hands on the Super Bowl once again. Balmer was very much happy to see his 49er locker for the first time and said that he will establish a good rapport with the new defensive line coach of the 49ers Jim Tomsula.