Cowher Returning to NFL

Bill Cowher is returning to the NFL . . . as an analyst on CBS' Sunday The NFL Today studio show. Click here to read the article at NFL.com.

AFC 31, NFC 28

The AFC won the 2007 Pro Bowl, defeating the NFC 31-28 on the strength of a last-second 21-yard field goal by San Diego Chargers' kicker Nate Kaeding. None of the Steelers who played in the game--Casey Hampton, Troy Polamalu, Willie Parker and Alan Faneca--distinguished themselves in any particular way. Parker rushed for 19 yards on eight carries. Polamalu and Hampton registered four tackles and one tackle, respectively.

New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees suffered a dislocated left elbow during the game.

Hampton finishes 2nd in NFL's Strongest Man contest

Steelers' nose tackle Casey Hampton finished 2nd in this year's NFL Strongest Man competition at the Pro Bowl with 39 repetitions (225 lbs.). Larry Allen (40 reps) won the contest for the second year in a row.

Hampton looked huge, even in his slimming black jersey. Let's hope Hampton can keep his weight under control this offseason. Casey turns thirty this September, and keeping the weight off isn't going to get any easier as he gets older.

In other news, the Steelers have signed second-year QB Bryan Randall (Virginia Tech) to be the fourth quarterback. Expect the team to spend a second-day pick in the upcoming draft to fill the #3 QB slot.

Steelers to play in 2007 Hall of Fame game

The Steelers will kick off the 2007 preseason schedule in the annual AFC-NFC Hall of Fame game in Canton, OH, on Sunday August 5. Pittsburgh's opponent will be the New Orleans Saints. The game will be televised on the NFL Network.

Changing of the Guard, er, Center

Word is that Steelers' veteran center (and former guard) Jeff Hartings, 34, is set to retire due to the debilitating effects of injuries to his knees. That leaves the door open for longtime backup Chukky Okobi -- or perhaps last year's sixth-round draft choice, Marvin Philip -- to emerge as the starter. Of course, there's always the possibility that RG Kendall Simmons might be moved to center, if the team feels comfortable with Chris Kemoeatu starting at right guard.