NFL rookie who donated bone marrow meets man whose life he saved

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- New Orleans Saints rookie wide receiver Austin Carr was still playing college football at Northwestern in 2015 when he learned that his decision to be a bone marrow donor was going to help save someone's life.It was an easy decision for Carr to be a donor, because that's "just a swab of your cheek," he says.

Pres. Trump's Super Bowl message: Service members make Super Bowl Sunday possible

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — President Donald Trump expressed appreciation for U.S. service members on Super Bowl Sunday, saying their bravery and sacrifice help make occasions like the year's most-watched football game possible and renewing his criticism of NFL players who kneel during the national anthem."Though many of our Nation's service members are unable to be home with family and friends to enjoy this evening's American tradition, they are always in our thoughts and prayers," President Trump said in a statement about the game shortly before the matchup between the defending New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles got underway."We owe these heroes the greatest respect for defending our liberty and our American way of life.

Arrests made as Black Lives Matter protesters blocked light-rail line ahead of Super Bowl

MINNEAPOLIS  — Police on Sunday arrested a group of activists who locked themselves along a light-rail line carrying Super Bowl ticketholders to U.S. Bank Stadium, shutting down trains for more than two hours.Live footage from the scene showed officers unlocking or cutting through locks the protesters had used to chain themselves to each other and to fencing at the West Bank Station on Metro Transit's Green Line.

Justin Timberlake Super Bowl bash outrages some Prince fans

NEW YORK — At least one Prince superfan hopes the late superstar's Paisley Park jacked up the price to rent out his former home and studio outside Minneapolis for a Justin Timberlake party ahead of the Super Bowl."That's probably what Prince would have done with Justin being there," laughed Jeremiah Freed, known as Dr.

Super Bowl brings massive security resources to Minneapolis

MINNEAPOLIS — Concrete barriers and chain-link fencing are going up around the site of the Super Bowl in downtown Minneapolis, where a contingent of local, state and national agencies is working to ensure that the game and dozens of related events are safe.The downtown location of the Feb. 4 title game has presented challenges for authorities, who have had to get creative as they carved a secure perimeter around businesses and a major hospital near U.S. Bank Stadium.

Carrie Underwood, Ludacris write song for Super Bowl

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Country star Carrie Underwood teamed up with Ludacris to co-write a new song, "The Champion," which will open the Super Bowl on Feb. 4 airing on NBC.The song and the accompanying video was released Friday. "The Champion," also written by country songwriters Brett James and Chris DeStefano, will be incorporated into NBC Sports coverage of the 2018 Winter Games as well.Underwood said in a statement that "our main focus was to celebrate athletes at the top of their game, but we also wanted the song to resonate with people in their everyday lives."Underwood has been performing the opening song for Sunday Night Football on NBC for the last five seasons.

Pink to sing national anthem at Super Bowl

Pink is heading to the Super Bowl to sing the national anthem.The NFL announced Monday that the pop star will perform "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the game on Feb. 4 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.Justin Timberlake is set to headline the halftime show.

Super Bowl Live concert series to include Prince tribute; feature Sheila E., Morris Day & the Time

MINNEAPOLIS — A series of free, outdoor concerts during the 10-days leading up to the Super Bowl will include a Prince tribute and plenty of Minnesota flavor.Producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis announced their concert lineup for Super Bowl Live on Friday.The festival will include a "Prince night," during which Sheila E., the Revolution and Morris Day & the Time will pay tribute to the Purple One.The New Power Generation will also perform during the festival, as well as other Twin Cities favorites, including Soul Asylum, the Suburbs, Bob Mould, Mint Condition, and more.

Lady Gaga responds to Super Bowl body shaming: "I'm proud of my body"

Lady Gaga is aware that some less than kind comments were made about her physique during her Super Bowl halftime performance.But the "Born This Way" singer is not sweating it."I heard my body is a topic of conversation so I wanted to say, I'm proud of my body and you should be proud of yours too," she wrote on Instagram in the caption of a photo of her performing. "No matter who you are or what you do."Gaga was trolled and called "fat" among other things after she donned multiple outfits during the halftime show, including one which exposed her midriff.

NFL's biggest betting mismatches: Super Bowl edition

With the big game nearing, Super Bowl bettors are trying to find an advantage buried in the odds, some inside edge to help them confidently place a wager.Each week, Monty Andrews breaks down some of the underlying mismatches in the NFL for Covers.com, a Tribune sister site, and the Super Bowl no different.Here are the biggest betting mismatches for Super Bowl LI:Atlanta Falcons vs.