Soon after arriving in New Orleans for the Super Bowl late Monday afternoon, the Baltimore Ravens found out exactly why this football game is different from all the rest. Coach John Harbaugh and several players were surrounded by hundreds of members of the media at the team hotel, and there were still plenty of questions to be asked before Harbaugh, then the players, were whisked away by Ravens officials. Read More

Sack-happy defensive end J.J. Watt went out for a couple of passes as a wide receiver, retiring center Jeff Saturday snapped to two Mannings on opposite teams and the NFC blew past the AFC 62-35 in a Pro Bowl that could be the league’s last. Whether the NFL’s all-star game will return or not is a question league officials will ponder the next few months. And the players gave plenty to consider on both sides of the argument Sunday. Read More

Jack and Jackie Harbaugh would do well to practice their impassive faces in front of a mirror before the Super Bowl. The parents of Baltimore Ravens coach John and the 49ers’ Jim Harbaugh will be watched closely during Sunday’s Super Bowl — if anybody finds them — for any visual evidence that mommy and daddy really do love one boy or the other best. Read More

Ravens safety Ed Reed isn’t planning on joining teammate Ray Lewis in retirement after the Super Bowl. “I’ll be playing next year,” Reed said Thursday before Baltimore hit the practice field in preparation for their Feb. 3 Super Bowl matchup against the 49ers. There was speculation that the 34-year-old Reed might retire after this season. Earlier this month, in announcing his intention to step down after the playoffs, Lewis spoke of taking a “last ride.” To which Reed said Thursday: “No, it’s not my last ride. I just bought a bike.” Read More