After starting his 14-year career with Indianapolis as an undrafted free agent, Saturday went on to play in two Super Bowls, winning one with the Colts, and teamed with Peyton Manning to set an NFL record for games played between a quarterback and a center. The two played 170 games together.
He may be best known in the league as one of the key forces in helping settle the NFL’s lockout in 2011.
Colts owner Jim Irsay and Saturday opened the news conference by signing a one-day contract that didn’t cost the Colts a dime. Irsay said Saturday will now work in the team’s marketing and community relations department.
FALCONS GET FINANCED
Atlanta’s mayor and Falcons owner Arthur Blank have agreed to financing terms for a new $1 billion, retractable-roof stadium to replace the 20-year-old Georgia Dome and keep the team’s home games in the city’s downtown, the two men said Thursday.
Mayor Kasim Reed said the city would provide $200 million of construction costs through bonds backed by the city’s hotel-motel tax. Backed by Blank, co-founder of Home Depot, the Falcons franchise would provide $800 million and be responsible for construction cost overruns.
The Falcons would pay up to $50 million in infrastructure costs not included in the construction budget and help retire the last few years of debt on the Georgia Dome.
HEARING ON ‘REDSKINS’
A trademark hearing regarding the Redskins name began in front of the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board in Alexandria, Va.
The group of five Native American petitioners has to show that the name “Washington Redskins” was disparaging to a significant population of American Indians back when the team was granted the trademarks from 1967 to 1990.
EXTRA POINTS
The Bengals have agreed to a two-year deal with running back Cedric Peerman, a special teams standout who could have become a free agent next week. … Bills tight end Mike Caussin remains under contract for next season and linebacker Bryan Scott has re-signed with the club. … The Broncos are asking defensive end Elvis Dumervil to take a pay cut so they can create more salary cap room for free agency. Dumervil signed a six-year, $61.5 million contract in 2010 when Josh McDaniels was coaching the team and before John Elway joined the Denver front office. … The Chargers released 36-year-old linebacker Takeo Spikes, who played in the NFL for 15 season, including the past two with San Diego. … Giants cornerback Corey Webster and center David Baas have re-worked their contracts for the upcoming season with the team, a person familiar with the situation said. … The 49ers have tendered a one-year contract to restricted free agent cornerback Tramaine Brock and signed wide receiver Joe Hastings to a one-year deal. … The Titans agreed to a two-year deal with kicker Rob Bironas and one-year deal with defensive end Keyunta Dawson.
