National Football League roundup

[May 24, 2017]  May 23 (The Sports Xchange) - Pro Football Hall of Famer Cortez Kennedy passed away at the age of 48, the Orlando Police Department said Tuesday.

The cause of death remains unknown. ESPN reported that police said Kennedy's death wasn't suspicious but they are investigating.

Kennedy, an eight-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle, spent his entire 11-year career with the Seattle Seahawks from 1990 to 2000. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.

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NFL owners voted to approve several rule changes at the spring league meeting, including shortening overtime periods to 10 minutes after the idea was proposed at the annual league meeting in March.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, in a letter to fan, echoed what he shared earlier in the day with owners regarding celebrations after touchdowns -- using the ball as a prop, going to the ground and creating snow angels -- are permitted.

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Dallas Cowboys defensive end David Irving is facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL performance-enhancing drug policy.

According to multiple reports, Irving informed the league he would appeal and believes there is "evidence" that will clear him.

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Super Bowl LV is relocating from L.A. Los Angeles was awarded the 2021 Super Bowl -- Super Bowl LV -- but with construction delayed by record rainfall and the Rams and Chargers unable to become full-time tenants of the new venue until 2020, NFL owners voted unanimously to delay the site as Super Bowl host for an additional season. Instead, Tampa, Fla., was named site of the 55th Super Bowl.

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The New England Patriots and Rob Gronkowski agreed to a restructured deal that could pay the tight end as much as $10.75 million this season, according to multiple reports.

Gronkowski's contract runs through 2019 but no changes were made to the final two years of the deal.

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Cornerback Adoree' Jackson, one of the Tennessee Titans' two first-round draft picks this year, has agreed to a four-year deal with a team option for a fifth season, the Titans announced.

Jackson was the 18th overall pick. Wide receiver Corey Davis, who was taken by the Titans with the fifth overall pick, is one of three draft picks that have not yet signed with the team.

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Brandon Marshall is no longer a member of the New York Jets, but the well-traveled wide receiver remained a talking point for former teammates after organized team activities.

Defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson told a horde of media that team chemistry was decidedly improved. Richardson then bowed, smiled and said, "Let's just say we've got 15 reasons why it's better," a reference to Marshall's former uniform number.

The Giants signed Marshall to a two-year deal.

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