Roethlisberger unfazed by concussions

Jan 29, 2009 - 12:19 AM TAMPA, Florida (Ticker) -- Although Boston University researchers say there are at least six former NFL players that have died due to brain abnormalities caused by concussions during their playing days, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger won't change the way he plays.

Roethlisberger last suffered a concussion in the regular-season finale against the Cleveland Browns on December 28.

Reportedly, that was the third documented concussion of Roethlisberger's five-year career after suffering two in 2006.

"I don't go out there ever worried about getting hurt, being hurt in the past," Roethlisberger said. "Because I'm playing this game, I'm living this life to the fullest.

"I've had that question asked of me a couple of times because of what I've been through, and honestly, I don't go out there and worry about it. When the Lord decides to take me, he'll take me."

Information from Boston University's Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy concerning progressive brain damage and concussions related to NFL players found that six died between the ages of 38-50.

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive lineman Tom McHale died last May in Tampa from a reported overdose involving substance abuse, while former Philadelphia Eagles safety Andre Waters committed suicide in Tampa in 2006.

SHOW HIM THE MONEY? Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin has been at odds with team officials since the preseason, claiming management reneged on a promise to sign him to a new contract.

On Wednesday, teammate Larry Fitzgerald offered to help resolve the situation, saying he would consider restructuring his contract to keep his fellow All-Pro wideout in the desert.

"Someone asked me a question if I would be willing to do something to help the team, and I said, 'No problem,'" Fitzgerald said. "This opportunity right here to be playing deep in the postseason, this is an amazing feeling. I'll do whatever it takes to get back to this point going forward in my career."

Boldin certainly appreciated the gesture by Fitzgerald, who signed a four-year, $40 million contract in the offseason.

"It feels good. Fitz and I have been together for five years, and we've been through a lot together," Boldin said. "I think the relationship that we have, neither of us want to see it broken up. There's a mutual respect, not only as receivers but as friends, and we realize that we make each other's jobs easier."

Fitzgerald and Boldin form the most lethal receiving duo in the league. They each made the Pro Bowl after combining for 185 receptions for 2,469 yards and 23 touchdowns in the regular season.

"If it was to keep my brother Q here, or anybody else here, I would definitely help out," Fitzgerald said. "Being in the cellar of the NFL for so long, this right here is such an honor. To be playing in such a great game, anything I can do to help."

BREES, PETERSON HONORED: New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees and Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson were honored as the respective FedEx Air and Ground NFL Players of the Year on Wednesday.

Brees threw for a league-high 34 touchdown passes and 5,069 yards, becoming just the second quarterback in league history to surpass 5,000. He came within 15 yards of tying Dan Marino's all-time mark.

With 10 300-yard games, Brees became the first player in franchise history to throw for more than 4,000 yards for three straight seasons.

Peterson, in his second year, won the league's rushing title with 1,760 yards. He became just the fifth player in NFL history to eclipse 3,000 rushing yards in his first two seasons.

The first Vikings back to lead the league in rushing, Peterson ripped off 10 100-yard games and averaged 110 yards per contest.

Cardinals quarterback Kurt Warner and Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts were finalists, as were running backs Michael Turner of the Atlanta Falcons and DeAngelo Williams of the Carolina Panthers.

OVERSEAS SUPPORT: Interest in the NFL is showing no signs of slowing down abroad.

The NFL on Wednesday announced that 70,000 tickets have been sold for next season's game between the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at London's Wembley Stadium.

It will be the third straight season the league has held a regular-season game at Wembley, and tickets went at a rapid pace, with the first 20,000 going in just seven minutes.

Because of the demand, a limited number of additional tickets have been made available to the general public from Ticketmaster in the United Kingdom through Sunday's Super Bowl.

"We have been delighted with the way fans have gotten behind the game, especially considering today's challenging economic climate," said Alistair Kirkwood, the managing director of NFL UK. "The response is indicative of the must-see nature of our game and the place it has cemented in the UK sports calendar. Now that people who signed up for our registry of interest have had an opportunity to buy, we are releasing some tickets for general sale."

Last season, the New Orleans Saints won a 37-32 slugfest over the San Diego Chargers.

In 2007, the New York Giants squeaked out a 13-10 victory over Miami Dolphins en route to a Super Bowl championship.

"For this game to have sold even more quickly than the previous two NFL regular-season games in the UK is a testament to the support and loyalty of fans here in the UK and proof of a growing audience for the sport," Kirkwood said.

Next season's matchup pits two franchises that have combined to win four of the last seven Super Bowl titles.

New England won Super Bowls following the 2001, 2003 and 2004 seasons. The Buccaneers broke up that string with a victory following the 2002 campaign.

In addition, the Bucs are run by the Glazer family, which owns soccer giant Manchester United of the English Premiership.

INJURY REPORT: Four Arizona players - running back J.J. Arrington (knee), punter Ben Graham (left groin) and defensive ends Travis LaBoy (biceps) and Antonio Smith (knee) - practiced on a limited basis Wednesday.

The only player not to practice for the Steelers was wide receiver Hines Ward, who has been nursing a sprained knee.

Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin said there is no doubt that Ward, the MVP of Super Bowl XL, will play.