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A14 sports
Saturday 15 January 2022
5 players are unanimous choices for AP's NFL All-Pro Team

By BARRY WILNER but never got the All-Pro
AP Pro Football Writer nod.
NEW YORK (AP) — Five play- "I do feel more comfortable
ers, including dynamic pass than I've ever felt," he said.
catchers Cooper Kupp "I do feel like I'm as strong
and Davante Adams, are as I've ever been. I do feel
unanimous choices for The my football IQ is probably
Associated Press 2021 NFL better than it's ever been.
All-Pro Team. As a football player, as a
Joining the Rams' Kupp competitor every year you
and the Packers' Adams in want to be better than the
receiving votes Friday from last year. That's my goal
all 50 members of a nation- and always has been my
wide panel of media mem- goal. So if this year is bet-
bers who regularly cover ter than last year, I hope so.
the league are Colts run- That's the plan."
ning back Jonathan Tay- Almost as unusual as
lor, Steelers edge rusher T.J. sweeping the votes is hav-
Watt, and Rams defensive ing a rookie on the team.
tackle Aaron Donald. Parsons has been so out-
While Donald is a perennial standing he's also consid-
pick — the three-time De- ered a strong contender
fensive Player of the Year for the Defensive Player of
makes the team for the Associated Press the Year award.
seventh time in his eight "I think it's an extraordinary
pro seasons — Watt is on it Watt, whose Steelers play end Travis. One better than Bitonio, and 49ers wide re- honor," he said of being
for a third time. He tied the at Kansas City on Sunday. them: Dallas right guard ceiver Deebo Samuel. On an All-Pro. "It speaks to the
NFL record for sacks with "It's competing with and for Zack Martin and Baltimore defense, it's linebackers Mi- work and the position the
22 1/2. Adams makes it for them, this franchise, and placekicker Justin Tucker cah Parsons of Dallas, the Cowboys put me in. I think
the second time, and the this city, that drives me. My at five. Three-time All-Pros only rookie on the squad, it's just a true blessing. It
other two are newcom- coaches and teammates are Colts linebacker Darius and De'Vondre Campbell just makes you want to go
ers as All-Pros. Kupp led are the people that put me Leonard, Rams cornerback of Green Bay; Cowboys harder.
the NFL in receptions (145), in a position to make splash, Jalen Ramsey, and Steelers cornerback Trevon Diggs; "I think when you achieve
yards receiving (1,947) and help us win, and this rec- defensive tackle Cam Hey- Bills safety Jordan Poyer; things early, you've got
TD catches (16). Taylor was ognition honestly doesn't ward. Double All-Pros are and five special teamers: to learn how to sustain it.
the top rusher by a land- come without them." Browns edge rusher Myles Las Vegas punter A.J. Cole, People always say when
slide with 1,811 yards and Like Donald, although not Garrett and Titans safety Jets kick returner Braxton you get there it gets easier.
scored 18 touchdowns on nearly as often as the of- Kevin Byard. Berrios, Ravens punt return- But I think when you get
the ground, two as a re- fense-wrecking DT, several The other 14 2021 All-Pros er Devin Duvernay, Saints there, it gets harder. Once
ceiver. players are making another are making their debuts. special teams ace J.T Gray, you get it, you've got it. But
"Obviously, it's an honor appearance on the All-Pro On offense, 49ers left tack- and Colts long snapper it's hard to sustain it than it
to be recognized, and it Team. Green Bay quar- le Trent Williams is a new- Luke Rhodes. is just to get there. I've got
wouldn't be possible with- terback Aaron Rodgers is comer in his 11th NFL sea- Perhaps the most thrilled to just keep working and
out my coaches and in- on for the fourth time, as is son, joined by Ravens tight player is Williams, whose keep getting better and
credible teammates, but Philadelphia center Jason end Mark Andrews, Buc- been a stellar blocker for a find a way to beat this sea-
the awards and accolades Kelce — one more than his caneers right tackle Tristan decade with Washington son next year, which is the
aren't what drives me," said brother, Chiefs' star tight Wirfs, Browns left guard Joel and now San Francisco, harder part."q

WNBA stars could be on the move as

free agency set to begin

the franchise's first WNBA Chicago. Former MVP A'ja choices to make to try and
championship. Wilson is the top restricted keep their roster together
The combination of new free agent, meaning the to repeat as WNBA cham-
coaches in Phoenix, Las Ve- Aces could match any of- pions.
gas, New York and Atlanta, fer from other teams. She's Chicago already has des-
along with the amount of not expected to leave Las ignated WNBA Finals MVP
available talent, could re- Vegas. Kahleah Copper with the
sult in a lot of movement The most likely players to franchise tag. League MVP
Associated Press over the next few weeks. move include Cambage Jonquel Jones was also giv-
Some of the top unrestrict- and Williams. Atlanta has en the core designation by
By DOUG FEINBERG day. Deals can't be official- ed free agents include already said it won't bring the Connecticut Sun. Cop-
AP Basketball Writer ly announced until Feb. 1. Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart Williams back after she and per, Jones and anyone else
Some of the biggest stars in Everyone in the league and Jewell Loyd of Seattle; teammate Crystal Bradford who is cored will be given
the WNBA could be on the would like to add that play- Liz Cambage of Las Ve- were seen on video throw- a 1-year super max deal of
move with free agency set er who could lead them to gas; Sylvia Fowles of Min- ing punches in a confronta- $228,094.
to begin this weekend. the title like Chicago found nesota; Courtney Williams tion with a number of wom- Teams have until 5 p.m. ET
Teams can start talking to last season when Candace of Atlanta and Courtney en in late May near a food Friday to inform the league
their own restricted and un- Parker decided to return Vandersloot, Allie Quig- truck in the Atlanta area. of who they are giving the
restricted free agents Satur- home and help the Sky win ley and Stefanie Dolson of The Sky will have tough franchise tag to.q