Morning Sports Update: Broncos cornerback Chris Harris names Rob Gronkowski among toughest NFL covers
Harris also listed Antonio Brown, T.Y. Hilton, DeAndre Hopkins and A.J. Green.
In addition, the NHL season kicked off in historic fashion and Paul Pierce announced he will retire a Celtic.
The 5 toughest receivers I’ve ever covered: Writing in the first-person, Broncos cornerback Chris Harris said Rob Gronkowski is the first name that comes to mind when asked about his hardest assignments. “His signature route is the vertical seam route right down the middle of the field,” he said. “The thing about the seam route is, the receiver knows he’s probably gonna get popped… Gronk is able to take the punishment and hold on to the ball.” (The Players Tribune)
Paul Pierce says he’ll retire as a Celtic after the season: After being traded away in a blockbuster that netted the Celtics draft picks to fuel their rebuild, Paul Pierce said yesterday that after the season he’ll sign a one-day contract with the team that drafted him to retire in Boston. The Truth is currently situated in L.A. with former coach Doc Rivers and the Clippers, where he hopes to make one last title push, while his former team hopes draft pick Jaylen Brown can be its new star. (Boston.com)
Julian Edelman, Malcolm Mitchell among 12 players limited at practice: The Patriots practiced on Wednesday, but Tom Brady’s top targets were limited participants. Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Martellus Bennett, LeGarrette Blount and Malcolm Mitchell were all dealing with injuries. Mitchell and Bennett are new injuries after the team’s win over the Browns on Sunday, while Gronkowski and Edelman continue dealing with previously suffered injuries. (WEEI.com)
David Ortiz writes farewell note to Red Sox Nation: While Paul Pierce’s farewell is still to come, Boston sports fans watched another long time favorite hang up his hat this weekend as David Ortiz made his tearful departure from the field at Fenway Park. Yesterday, Ortiz added one more message addressed directly to fans: “Well, wasn’t the way we planned it, but I wouldn’t give up this team or this season for the world… To my family, teammates, friends, and fans, thank [you] for making it all worth it.” (Boston.com)
Maple Leafs Auston Matthews makes history with four-goal debut: Number one overall pick Auston Matthews made his Toronto debut against Ottawa last night as the NHL season got underway. Matthews notched a hattrick on the first three shots of his career, before adding another goal later in the game. Matthews became the first player ever to score four goals in his first game, but despite his historic night, the Senators took down the Maple Leafs in overtime. (Sports Illustrated)
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