While many Americans marked Independence Day with cookouts and fireworks, New England Patriots linebacker Don'ta Hightower had a different type of celebration for the Fourth of July. The former Alabama standout was in his hometown of Lewisburg, Tenn., for a ceremony, during which a section of 1st Avenue North just off the town square was renamed Dont'a Hightower Parkway.
How good does defensive tackle Marcell Dareus think the Buffalo Bills' defense can be in the 2015 season?
The NFL's rookie class includes 56 players with Alabama roots - 24 draft picks and 32 free agents who played high school and/or college football in the state. Most will be primarily concerned with making the team when training camps open in about a month. But a few will be in the running for starting spots in the first game of their first pro season.