The Sam Bradford era began with promise. Then Larry Fitzgerald went and spoiled it.

It's a balancing act: intense competitor and devoted family man. Tom Brady seems to be pulling it off, even as some critics say that, in his 11th season and with more responsibility than just winning games, his intensity and dedication to football has waned.

Sam Bradford will finish the preseason as the St. Louis Rams' starting quarterback, at least partly because veteran A.J. Feeley might not be ready to play.

This is it, folks, the last time around for the Big 12 as we have known it. Nebraska is headed for the Big Ten next season. Colorado is going to the Pac-10, probably in 2011 as well. The remaining 10 schools are going to stick it out together, going "back to the future," as the commissioner describes it, with no championship game - but perhaps a new name.

Jim Irsay won't let Peyton Manning walk away from the Colts next season - no matter the cost.

The most prominent St. Louis Rams newcomer missed the first day of rookie workouts. Teammates expected to see quarterback Sam Bradford soon enough.

Sam Bradford was so nervous about his first NFL practice, he woke up before an alarm clock set for 6 a.m.

St. Louis Rams general manager Billy Devaney would love to keep 'em guessing until the draft day clock forces the team to reveal its No. 1 pick.

Former Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen tried to show NFL teams Friday he is worth a first-round draft pick, though he's still not 100 percent healthy three months after surgery to repair torn tendons in his right foot.

The St. Louis Rams released quarterback Marc Bulger on Monday, perhaps clearing the way for them to take Sam Bradford with the first pick of the draft.

Short passes, deep passes and everything in between. Colt McCoy hit them all.

After a record-setting college career that landed him a Heisman Trophy, one giant question loomed over Sam Bradford's prospects of becoming the No. 1 overall pick in next month's NFL draft.