Long-time Lions owner Ford dies

DETROIT (AP) — Lions owner William Clay Ford, the last surviving grandchild of automotive pioneer Henry Ford, died at 88.

Ford Motor Co. said in a statement Sunday that Ford died of pneumonia at his home in Grosse Pointe, Mich. Ford helped steer the family business for more than five decades. He bought one of his own, the NFL franchise in the Motor City, a half-century ago.

He served as an employee and board member of the automaker for more than half of its 100-year history.

Ford was regarded as a dignified man by the select few who seemed to know him well. To the masses in Detroit, he was simply the owner of the Lions who struggled to achieve success on the field despite showing his passion for winning by spending money on free agents, coaches, executives and facilities.

Mendenhall retiring from NFL

PHOENIX (AP) — Running back Rashard Mendenhall is retiring from the NFL at the age of 26.

Agent Mike McCartney confirmed via Twitter on Sunday that Mendenhall had decided to end his playing career after six NFL seasons, all but one of them with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Jets cut ties with Cromartie

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Jets cut ties with Antonio Cromartie, their top cornerback, on Sunday and saved millions of dollars under their salary cap.

Cromartie was entering the final season of his four-year deal and was scheduled to cost the Jets’ cap $14.98 million this season, including a $5 million roster bonus that would have kicked in later this month.

Vikes agree to deals with Griffen, Brinkley

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings took another of their priority free agents off the market before it opens, agreeing to terms on a five-year contract with defensive end Everson Griffen that features $20 million guaranteed and a maximum value of $42.5 million.

A person with direct knowledge of the deal confirmed the details to The Associated Press on Sunday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the Vikings haven’t announced the deal. The NFL free-agent signing period starts Tuesday.

The Vikings also agreed to terms on a one-year contract with middle linebacker Jasper Brinkley, according to another person with direct knowledge of that deal who spoke to the AP on Sunday on condition of anonymity because the Vikings haven’t confirmed the agreement. Brinkley played for the Arizona Cardinals last season.

Two days ago, the Vikings reached a two-year deal with quarterback Matt Cassel worth as much as $10 million.

Shields re-signs with Packers

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Sam Shields agreed to re-sign with the Packers, keeping one of the top free-agent cornerbacks off the market this offseason.

Shields’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed the four-year NFL veteran agreed to a four-year, $39 million deal with a $12.5 million signing bonus. Shields on his Twitter account Saturday posted that “he was happy to be back with my family.”

Skier Shiffrin retains World Cup title

ARE, Sweden (AP) — American Mikaela Shiffrin retained her World Cup slalom title on Saturday, adding to her Sochi Olympics gold medal in the discipline just five days before her 19th birthday.

Shiffrin led from start to finish, as she did at the Sochi Games two weeks ago. Shiffrin now has Olympic and world championship gold medals and two World Cup titles in her specialty event.